A nice suprise

by mike

Sometimes people and places surprise you in a wonderful and sincere way. This is exactly what happened when I made a recent trip to Rosa Linda’s Mexican Cafe in the Highlands on 33rd near Tejon.

It had been a particularly long day and it was approaching almost 9:00 before we finally got around to even thinking about dinner. This was a couple days ago and it was a mid week night with cold weather and perfect hibernating weather. It was one of those times where the weather just calls for cozy warm food as a cure. In the course of several lunch time orders we had enjoyed Rosa Linda’s several times, but I had never actually gone in. We pulled up their website and ordered their famous “Best of Denver” which included a shredded beef or chicken burrito, one award winning chili relleno smothered in green chili, and rice and beans plus some chips and guac.

Our order was carry out so I quickly headed over there and walked in. Rosa Linda’s is a quaint little spot on 33rd with warm light flowing out of their windows to the street.

I had arrived a little bit early and our meals were not yet ready. I looked around and the wonderful little tables and booths, the years of decorations on the walls, and the different lamplights and decided to have a seat at the bar. Rosa Linda’s just gives off such a warm vibe. It was impossible to resist sitting down for a second and after watching a couple of margaritas heading to a nearby table I decided to sample one myself. The margarita was awesome. But the real story is about Eric Aguirre who was managing the restaurant and his lovely family that started and own Rosa Linda’s.

As I sat there on my stool enjoying my the salt on my Margarita I got the opportunity to chat with Eric. I had never heard the history of Rosa Linda’s and I was quite simply… touched.

There are so few true family businesses. Rosa Linda’s, however, is one of them. Eric shared the details and it is a great story that goes a little like this.

Eric’s parents, more than 22 years ago, opened up Rosa Linda’s in a part of Denver now know as the Highlands but previously just “North”. At that time, you may recall, the neighborhood had a little different feel than it does today. Apparently, many folks advised against the idea of opening this restaurant, but the dream would become reality. They started with a family approach, four children and expecting the fifth. That family approach has carried on since with great rewards.
Since 1985 they have fed the folks in their neighborhood, and their great reputation has spread. One promise they made when they started has also continued. That promise was that if the restaurant made it, they would give back by feeding the homeless every Thanksgiving. That continues today and now includes Christmas as well.

They have a wall of fame that includes years of best of Westword and many other rewards. And last week they won their newest award, best cactus. I tried a cactus taco and it was awesome, and the award is well deserved.

And continuing in the family tradition, they are going to be starting something new. One of the sons is a chef and will be offering a special night once or twice a month where the restaurant will be closed for regular dinner and they will be hosting special chefs dinner with tequila tasting. These new special nights are planned to start in the next month or two.Â Registration is from the web site, so make sure to visit.

Great food, great people, check it out.

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