Cheesy Mexican Poblano Pepper Casserole

This Mexican poblano pepper casserole is proof that simple ingredients in the right combination, can easily become more than the sum of its parts. This savory, cheesy gratin is home made Mexican goodness!

It goes without saying that Mr. Manservant travels a lot.

It also goes without saying that the first item of business when he arrives home is eating breakfast at the pancake house and getting his fill of Mexican food.

Finding good Mexican food when travelling the world is not an easy thing to do.

In addition to devouring chips and salsa, chile rellenos, and refried beans, rice and green chile; Manservant really loves his tequila.

He drinks tequila in its most primal form which means he likes it shaken well with ice, a touch of Rose’s or lime juice, and then strained into a chilled martini glass.

Tequila is also another item not easily found when circling the globe.

Denver has its share of Mexican restaurants, but not many good ones.

Often we find ourselves craving Mexican food and then having to figure out where to go. Even the not so good ones are packed.

Recently I found myself invited to a grand Reopening of a long time favorite of ours; though one we found hard to visit. Its new location is more accessible which makes me very happy!

La Loma has been a staple in Denver’s restaurant scene for 40 years and features all my favorites.

Their green chile is outstanding; they make their own flour tortillas and the rellenos are just like mine.

Yeah, that means the crispy, egg roll variety oozing with lots of cheese. Carnitas tacos could be my new fave as I loved the pickled onions, cheese and avocado that  accompanied them. 

La Loma also has chimichangas on the menu which are hard to find in the Mile High.

Additionally the free valet parking after 5PM, means within minutes we have spicy red salsa and crispy corn chips awaiting us, as we don’t have to waste time finding a place to park.

Arta Tequila, a 100% blue Weber agave, small batch craft tequila, will be the new premier bourbon barrel aged tequila featured at La Loma.

Aged in American white oak, the tequila is in contact with the charred golden oak and holds about 30 gallons of Reposado. It is aged 11 months and will continue to age at LaLoma.

Manservant can’t wait to try it!  Hints of pumpkin and vanilla make this tequila smooth and oaky and very sippable.

What great margaritas these make and I can assure you that LaLoma’s sweet and sour mix  (which is available for purchase) means that you too can make your margaritas the hit of the party!  Take note margarita lovers!

With this new move LaLoma will soon have three locations.The new, not yet opened, flagship location will be across from the Aquarium and during Broncos season will even offer a shuttle.

A third La Loma will open in Castle Rock. Additionally a new concept restaurant called Sierra Grill is coming to Ridge Gate next summer and will feature a wood fired grill and pizza oven.

Though LaLoma has moved locations it will continue to have the same great, tasty food with its roots in traditional recipes.

It has also managed to retain the feel of the original La Loma, which means a warm cozy atmosphere awaits you. Exposed brick, a fire place, stained glass, great art work and friendly servers are part of its charm.

When Manservant sufficiently recovered from jet lag my plan was to drive downtown and feed him, but due to my lack of planning ahead, we found ourselves not being able to score a seat on a Sunday night. This place is la popular!

La Loma may have a new location, but its historic origins are still felt.

Check out the new digs, don’t forget to order churros with chocolate sauce for dessert, and please call to make a reservation.

This place has a loyal following which ensures that old traditions don’t die-they just get better!

LaLoma
1801 Broadway
Denver, CO 80202
11AM-10PM Daily and Open until 11PM on weekends
Free Parking after 5
303-433-8300

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Mexican Poblano Pepper Casserole

Soon I will share the new LaLoma with Manservant, but in the meantime I made him this savory poblano cheese casserole.

Poblanos are a favorite of mine. Rich and meaty these chilies may or may not pack a punch.

After roasting them, they do need to be peeled and it is in this step that one can often tell if you got a spicy one!

The aroma of the chile can often be the deciding factor in determining the heat of the chile.

In that case, if you seed and devein the chile, it lessens the heat. That is if you want to lessen the heat!

This casserole gratin is a case of simple ingredients combining to make something greater than its parts.

Cheesy and full of flavor we gorged on this for lunch and dinner. I highly recommend baking your own tortilla chips.

Unlike chilaquiles where you want the chips to kind of melt into the mixture, this gratin thrives on the chips lending crispness and bite.

The poblanos add heat and flavor, the tomatoes help carry the flavor forward and the cheese sauce…well we all know the rich, smooth flavor that cheese adds.  

This is one casserole that may become part of your regular line up. It is that good.

Perfect to serve as a side dish or on its own, you could even add a fried egg on the side to this poblano pepper casserole.

Then again it would also be a great dip eaten with more chips. Hot and bubbly, straight out of the oven, eat this one immediately; though I promise that won’t be hard!

Still Hungry?

Almost Chili Rellanos Casserole (Spaghetti Squash)

Stuffed Poblanos

Best Chile Con Queso

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