Uncle Rico satisfies again.

I love a great slice of pizza or really any sort of Italian style bread with meats and cheese covered in sauce. So this is why Rico's in Englewood, CO is worth the drive. Rico's Pizzeria(http://ricos-pizzeria.com/) has been a main stay in Englewood for 27 years. Located just a few blocks from the Gothic Theater, this family run Italian joint pleases the pallate every time.

With their 'cash or check' only policy, the small restraurant, which holds roughly 30 diners, has a high traffice to-go business. My first visit was one to remember. Before heading to a show at the Gothic, we stopped in for a quick bite. The service is by far the fastest in Denver and the pleasent wait staff is at the ready for any request. After a round of apps and bread, the piping hot calzone, smothered with sauce and cheese, came to the table. One bite in and I thought that I might cry it was so good. Then I tried the cheesecake, truly the perfect end to the meal.

Since that first visit I have been back 3 more times. This last time we called in a to-go order and then had it deliverd by a dear friend (thank you JoJo). This was the perfect mid-week lunch break. Even after the drive the food was hot and delicious.

Thank you Rico for keeping your doors open to serve the masses the town's best calzones and tasty pizza at a crazy reasonable price.

Tip: If you hav emore than 6 people in your party, you will be split amongst the open tables at the restaurant. Bring your cash to pay!

Best meal: Fried mushrooms w/ ranch, garlic bread, Meatball Calzone - smothered, and a slice of cheescake.

Keaton Simons, Tyrone Wells - Stargazers Theatre, Colorado Springs, CO - 2-13-09

All be it a short set, Keaton Simons show in Colorado Springs, CO on Friday, February 13th, was a precise and effective set.

The show, which included Simons as the opener, Trevor Hall, and Tyrone Wells, was held at the Stargazers theatre. Quite a funny venue, almost like a big bubble with all levels of seating. The sound in the space was amazing.

Simons played about 25 acoustic minutes of original tunes, including Masterpiece which was co-written with Josh Kelly. Keaton never fails to thank the crowd and always has a solid stage presence.

Trevor Hall's set was comprised of originals as well. He has a very reggae tone to his songs. But truly after the 45 minute set was finished, I could only remember one great thing about it, the drummer. Chris Steele was quite a motivator for the set.

It was my first time seeing Tyrone Wells. He has a generous amount of talent and creativity that he lends to the stage. His wealth of love songs woo'd the crowd.The first time Simons joined Wells on stage was for a great song with some really beautiful sounding electric guitar riffs. And the electric guitar being played, which was custom-made for Wells, had an amazing sound and look.

Near the end of Wells 1.5 hour set, all three acts joined together in a smashing rendition of The Beatles 'With a little help from my friends'.

Overall the show was bountiful, with Keaton's licks, Wells' love songs, and the abundant sound. However, as far as traveling to the Springs again, not sure I will be needing to do that ever again.

MMMMM....M&D's Bbq - Never Disappoints

A few day's ago, we celebrated a birthday for a friend of mine. Our intention was to eat at M&D's BBQ, in Denver. It happens to be the best BBQ joint in the city. However they have some really funny hours, so we had to order take out.

Nonetheless, the food was delish. We ordered enough food for 12 folks and they had it ready in about 20 minutes, so that was pretty amazing. I am never let down with the quality of food that M&D's sends out of their kitchen. From the pulled pork to the mac&cheese, the quality and quantity never disappoints. You can choose any level of heat as far as the sauce that accompanies the entree. The Hot (habanero) sauce is one for the record books. Really great flavor and a heat that continues to warm with every bite.

Before you drive to M&D's (28th & Race) call first to make sure that they are open. As far as what to order, everything is great.

My ideal meal: Fried Green Tomatoes to start, the pulled pork platter with Mac & Cheese, beans, cornbread, the peach cobbler for desert and lemonade to wash it all down.

Make sure to check them out: http://www.mdbbqfish.com/

New Album - The Fray

The Fray, a local Denver band has made it big and I can appreciate that to the fullest. It is great to see their music used on top rated TV networks (HBO, ABC). It is also fantastic that The Fray has been featured on MTV & VH1 throughout the years. For as little music as those networks play, being featured is sort of a big deal.

As I sit here listening to the new self-titled album by The Fray, I can't help but be thankful that they finally released a new piece of work. Their follow-up to 'How to Save a Life' comes a few years after their debut. And overall, the second pass is quite delightful. The compilation of 10 songs really blends nicely together. A true ballad here and there, but mostly the sound is more upbeat and bountiful compared to 'How to Save a Life'.

Songs, Where the Story Ends and Absolute, embody the true Fray sound; climactic, harmonic, and concise. The ballad, Ungodly Hour, is sung by Joe King. King's voice is always clear and poignant.

This sophomore treat is worth the download or CD cost.

Key Tracks: You Found Me, Happiness, & Where the Story Ends