We stumbled upon Lorenzo’s French Fry Palace, 1755 S. Eighth St., while searching for the new location of another restaurant. And we discovered owner Lucas Lorenzo Hunt and his manager, Taneesha Anderson, who recently opened the eatery in the former La Cava Fine Mexican Cuisine space.
A North Carolina native, Hunt draws on Southern cooking traditions while incorporating Cajun and Creole influences. His Louisiana-style gumbo starts with one of the best dark roux we’ve tasted — deep, rich and chocolate brown, reflecting the patience and care required to achieve that level of flavor.
“I’ve never worked in a restaurant, but I learned to cook at an early age from my grandmother and other family members,” Hunt said.
The hearty stew is loaded with shredded chicken and chunks of sausage. The menu warns it’s spicy, and it delivers just enough heat to warm you from the inside out. We enjoyed it by the cup, but it’s also served over the restaurant’s signature French fries.
Four signature smothered fry plates ($17.50 each) include Green Colorado Chili (hot), Banging Beef Chili, Southern Smothered and the standout Gumbo. Diners also can build their own with a choice of proteins, sauces and toppings.
While Hunt heads the kitchen, Anderson oversees the front of the house.
Lorenzo’s French Fry Palace is open 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon-8:30 p.m. Sundays. Details: 719-203-5761, tinyurl.com/7jhbn42c.
Jim Little and Peggy McKinlay, owners of Coaltrain Fine Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits, are celebrating 45 years in business. (Teresa Farney, The Gazette)
Cheers to 45 years
Jim Little and Peggy McKinlay, owners of Coaltrain Fine Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits, 330 W. Uintah St., are celebrating 45 years of serving customers exceptional wines, craft beers and spirits while giving back to the Colorado Springs community.
What began as a modest 2,000-square-foot shop has grown through four remodels into an 8,500-square-foot destination for international wines, craft beers, gourmet foods and unique gifts. The couple also are perennial winners in The Gazette’s Best of the Springs.
“When we first opened, we had folding chairs outside the store where we met with sales representatives and customers,” McKinlay said with a laugh. “We had an adding machine and handled everything ourselves.”
Coaltrain has long supported local nonprofits, including the Children’s Literacy Center, but perhaps its greatest community contribution is helping build the Wine Festival of Colorado Springs. What began as a small fundraiser in 1992 has evolved into a multi-day celebration featuring tastings, educational seminars, wine-paired dinners and a gala benefiting local nonprofits.
“What’s special about the festival is the generosity of the winery owners and winemakers,” Little said. “They travel here at their own expense and donate wines for the events and dinners.”
Little and McKinlay also credit their longtime employees for the store’s success.
“We have such good employees,” McKinlay said. “Our store manager, Austin Sherwood, has been with us for 23 years.”
Coaltrain is open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Details: 719-475-9700, coaltrainwine.com.
Dining and Cooking