Southeast Colorado

I spent much of last week in southeast Colorado in the towns of LaJunta and Springfield. This part of Colorado is rich in history and places to visit such as Bent’s Fort and the controversial Sand Creek Massacre site. But, I had no time to see them. I was in windowless meeting rooms most of the time.

I did learn the pickle factory in LaJunta would be shutting down. This factory was started in the late 1920’s or early 1930’s, no one was exactly sure when. It was locally owned and survived through good times and bad. Two years ago, a national corporation bought it. A business that was locally ran and operated for over 70 years will shut down on Monday. A 140 people will wake up on Monday with nowhere to work because a national corporation bought it. Doesn’t seem right does it?

During the day, I was in meetings but in the evenings, the people I was with took me to some interesting restaurants. One was El Rincon, a unique Mexican restaurant. I looked at the menu and there was a dish I had never hear of – anywhere. It was called the ‘Mexican Slopper’. I had to try it. It was a flour tortilla, with a layer of meat, a layer of beans, a layer of guacamole, smothered in green chili. It was good but when I make it, it will be topped with tomatoes and have a side of sour cream.

The next night we ate at a restaurant called the Hog’s Breath. No kidding. Why anyone would name a restaurant that is beyond me but they did. The menu looked good. They had hamburgers, steaks, many fish dishes, a few Italian dishes, and several salads. The conversation with the local people went something like this:

Me: They have a lot fish here. How’s the salmon?
Them: I’d recommend a hamburger or steak.
Me: Those salads look interesting.
Them: I’d get a hamburger or a steak.
Me: That pasta dish sounds good.
Them: Get a hamburger or steak.

I got a hamburger.

Now at least I know where and what to eat. Maybe next time I'll see some of the sights.