Buckhorn Exchange - Denver

Buckhorn Exchange 

1000 Osage Street 

Denver, Colorado 

The Buckhorn Exchange has been written about by countless people, and has been on T.V. so much that it might as well have it’s own show. The place dates to 1893, and is decorated inside with all kinds of “wild west” items including Colorado’s liquor license number 1. 

Our party was seated quickly about half way back in the restaurant. We started with an appetizer of Fried Alligator Tail ($10.75). Having never eaten alligator before, I had nothing to compare it to except that it seemed a bit chewy and had a fishy smell to it. 

Most of our party opted for hamburgers due to the prices of other items. All burgers are $9.50 and are one half pound of your choice of beef or buffalo or a double chicken breast. All agreed that the burgers were adequate but nothing to write home about. Other items on the menu include Beef T-Bone steak ($49.00 – 24 ounce), Buffalo Tenderloin steak ($46.00 – 12 ounce), Elk ($37.00), 2 Quail ($22.00), 2 Lamb Chops ($31.00) and Baby Back Ribs ($22.00 half rack). They also serve a New York Strip Steak for 2, 3, 4, or 5 people ($87.00 to $178.00). Dinners include soup or salad and a side dish of potatoes, beans, or a rice blend. Add a side of Shrooms or Onions for $5.00. 

Dessert’s include Hot Apple Pie ($6.25), Cheesecake ($6.25), and a Rocky Road Brownie ($6.25). 

I did not get the impression that the place was particularly spotless, and in fact, had to ask for different silverware because 2 of us had been given dirty utensils. 

Overall, this was a disappointing experience. I was truly looking forward to some great food, but we seem to have gotten a tour of a museum and eaten in the museum’s snack shop posing as a special restaurant. 

I give this 2 stars for uniqueness.

Don & Charlies

Don & Charlies - CLOSED

7501 E Camelback Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

This is an old restaurant to Phoenix people that has survived simply because it’s good. You don’t stay in business for more than 20 years unless your doing something right.

The restaurant is decorated with tons of sport memorabilia; signed baseball bats and balls all over the place. I’m not sure that one would say that the restaurant has a lot of ambiance, and it’s not the place to go for a romantic dinner, but it is interesting. Reservations are a must here.

Our wait for our table with reservations was about 10 minutes, which was spent in the
comfortable bar. In fairness, the place was packed with people.

We were seated at our table, and were promptly served complimentary chopped liver, onions, chopped egg, and a basket of wonderful bread. I could have made a meal just out of this.

Companion and I both had the house salad ($2.50) to start and shared the Baked Spinach and Artichoke dip ($7.95). The salad was crisp and not watery, and the dip had good flavor and was nicely done. I ordered the House Anchovy dressing and companion had the Creamy Garlic. Both dressings were better than ordinary.

Next came the main course. The menu covers a lot of territory, ranging from chicken to fish to shrimp, and of course, meats. They like to trumpet their ribs, and they are very good, but I come here for the beef. They have the cooking of steaks down to a science, and they always are served exactly as you order it. Their Rib Steak ($30.95) and Bone-In Rib Steak ($44.95 – 22 oz) are always winners as is their Prime Rib ($25.95 - $31.95).

This evening I ordered the Skirt Steak. This particular cut of meat is extremely flavorful and when cooked right beautifully tender. The steak comes with burnt onions, but I ordered mine with sautéed onions instead. I prefer the taste of the sweet caramelized onions as opposed to the burnt ones. I ordered a baked potato with mine and companion and I shared a dish of Creamed Spinach. My steak came exactly as I ordered it, and was hanging over the sides of the plate it was so big. It was tender and juicy.

Companion ordered the Prime Rib large cut. Though companion could not possibly finish the large cut, the extra that was taken home made fine sandwiches the next day! The Prime Rib arrived medium rare with both horseradish sauce and au jus to go with it. Companion also ordered Sautéed Mushrooms ($4.95) which were pronounced excellent.

Neither of us had room for desert after this meal.

Interestingly, they have a gluten free menu which is a bit unusual to find these days.

Sanitation was as it should be for a restaurant of this caliber, and it is nicely handicapped available.

I give Don & Charlies 4 stars for quality of food and cleanliness.

Mekong Palace

Mekong Palace
66 S. Dobson Road
Mesa, 85202

Just when I thought I had found one of the best Chinese restaurants in the Phoenix area, I find another one. This is located all the way in the back on the north side of the Mekong Shopping Center, and is worth looking for.

Whether you want an inexpensive meal of Dim Sum, or a full banquet, they can accommodate your needs. Most of the Dim Sum are only $2.99, and the variety and quality is wonderful, but the real shining star is the main menu.

They have quite a variety of seafood, and fresh is the key word. A lot of it is still swimming in tanks in the main dining room including live sturgeon and spotted prawns.

Their menu covers the usual Hong Kong style of cooking but it’s the unusual dishes where they really shine. Items like Spicey and Salty Dungeness Crab (market price ) – so good that you cannot stop eating it until every little morsel has been devoured.

Mussels in a pepper and garlic butter sauce brought bubbling in the shell to your table. Bet you can’t eat just one.

Companion had the seafood noodle soup ($7.95), and pronounced it fabulous. It was loaded with everything from big, succulent shrimp to pieces of fish and tender squid, all served over tender noodles in a beautiful broth with tender greens.

Even the tea is special, with a wonderful flavor that was not typical of black tea’s.

Other wonderful items on the menu include Crab and Sharks Fin Soup ($16.00 and a bargain at that), Cold Jelly Fish ($8.95), Black Mushrooms & Duck Feet ($8.95) and Szechuan Scallops ($11.95).

For the vegetarians, try the Spinach with Garlic ($7.50 and wonderful), Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce ($8.50), or the Braised Tofu ($8.95).

I have yet to have a bad dish or even a slightly bad dish at this restaurant. Restrooms are a short walk away, but are beautifully appointed and sparkling clean.

I give them 4 stars for quality of food and cleanliness.