Search South Aurora June 2024

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No one remembers you for standing in the crowd.

But they do remember you for standing out from it.

71% of readers confirm purchasing products or services seen in Search South Aurora

Join our community and let Search South Aurora connect you with our 50,000 monthly readers. bret@tuellers.com • 303-805-9455

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6

GRILL MASTER Local meat shops and grilling experts share advice for us aspiring grill masters.

BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF

10 CAR LOVER

We talk keeping our cars on the road to what it’s like behind the wheel racing.

BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF

13 THE GUIDE

The most comprehensive reference of our favorite places to dine in Douglas County

BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF

8

ON THE C OV E R The Nugent family from Parker

C E L E B R AT I N G FAT H E R S

T parker

co

lorad o

tueller

Fathers in our communities make a big difference. We highlight some local fathers.

BY AMBER TUELLER

p u b l i s h i n g

SEARCH SOUTH

AURORA Search South Aurora is published

by Tueller Publishing, LLC

IDEAS & SUBMISSIONS contribute@tuellers.com

NO. 197 | JUNE 2024 Search South Aurora ©2024 is published by Tueller Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Search South Aurora is mailed monthly to households and businesses in the greater South Aurora area free of charge.

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GRILLMASTER

C O O K M E AT L I K E A P R O Grilling and smoking meat in the great outdoors requires technique and skill that every carnivore should master.

We researched local meat shops and spoke with grilling experts to share some advice for aspiring grill masters.

Mark Rosenthal Meat Smoking Enthusiast

SELECTING A SOURCE

When it comes to meat, there is no such thing as a good deal.

You get exactly what you pay for. If the price is low, so is the quality. Lower quality meats often come from animals that have been given growth hormones. Low quality chicken, for example, is often "pumped," tumbled en masse in a saltwater solution to tenderize and add flavor. Understanding this, and knowing how to read a label, will tell you before the spongy texture does if you chose well.

Meat is graded by the USDA, and while it has to be inspected before being sold, it doesn't have to be graded. The best cuts of beef are prime, followed by choice, select, commercial and then utility. Commercial, what you'll find in most chain stores, indicates that the meat has been inspected but not graded.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TONY'S MEATS & MARKET 6 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

A higher quality of meat is more expensive, but more forgiving. If the product is high quality, it will have more flavor and a better texture, taking some of the pressure off of you at the grill. Remember that success at the grill starts with choosing the right cut of meat.

GRILLING

Season your cut of meat lightly with salt and pepper, your favorite marinade, or seasoning. Sear it on a hot grill before lowering the heat to cook it throughout. It's easy to overcook meat, especially pork. Meat is actually safe to eat at medium.

Whether it's steak, pork, chicken, or salmon, the best way to tell if your meat is done is to use a thermometer. Every cut of meat is different; every grill is different. Meat thermometers don't change. A steak reaches medium-rare at around 130oF.

SMOKING

Nothing compares to brisket that falls apart at the touch of a fork. Smoking meat takes a tougher cut, like brisket or even shank, and applies indirect heat at a low temperature for a very long time. This breaks down muscle tissue, resulting in a tender, flavorful meat. For a mouthwatering flavor, try experimenting with different smoking woods. Alder, sweet maple, cedar, oak, apple, cherry, hickory, mesquite and many more. So much of the fun of outdoor cooking comes from experimentation. Rely on trial and error. Have you tried Cheez-it crackers on the smoker? You should.

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JUNE 2024 7

C E L E B R AT I N G FAT H E R S

BY AMBER TUELLER

T

he influence of a good man in a child’s life is invaluable. In recent generations, our society has shifted its focus to include dads more consciously. These changes range from Dads 'n' doughnuts in the elementary schools to a huge increase in companies granting paternity leave, something that was fairly unheard of even 15 years ago.

This shift has occurred partially to allow for a wide variety of families – with dads often being the primary parent in a home. I believe another reason for this push is a greater recognition of the need for fathers to be involved. They have such an impact on their families in helping to shape values, self-esteem, work ethic, and fun.

Fathers not only affect the lives of their own children, but so many around them. They can

8 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

influence their children’s friends; youth in their church community; kids in the neighborhood; teenagers they work with; and students at school who benefit from their volunteering and teaching. Coaches get very close to their teams and have a positive impact on the youth they work with. Fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and cousins have an impact on those in their extended families. Younger fathers look up to older fathers and the positive cycle continues.

There is certainly a greater ripple from each man than at first seems obvious. Remember the reach you can have in your own homes and in the community.

As part of our men’s issue, we want to say Happy Father’s Day and thank you for lifting those around you!

JUNE 2024 9

CARLOVER

MA I N T E N A N C E A ND B OY H O O D D R E A M S Guys love cars. The love affair with muscle cars, sports cars, and luxury rides evolved from the first autos that rolled off Ford's assembly line. We talked with Derek and John, our resident experts, about how to keep our vehicles on the road, and what it's like to live out our boyhood (and adulthood) fantasies of being behind the wheel of a racecar!

MAINTENANCE

Maintaining your vehicle's systems is key to long life and reliability. Every new car comes with a Maintenance Schedule; it can also be accessed by neighborhood shops, dealerships, and specialty shops. While following that schedule can be costly for some cars, it is there for a reason.

With newer cars, if the maintenance is not done on time, it may void a warranty. With older cars, that lack of maintenance can cause major system breakdowns. What makes it tricky is when the schedule is NOT followed. This leaves the interpretation to the guys in the shop.

TIRES

Tires can now last as long as 80,0000, and have technology too. Remember, tires are your only contact with the road and choosing the wrong tire can ruin your ski trip quickly. Research a little; read reviews from consumers. Look for full depth sipes and circumferential grooves. Don't buy mud tires thinking you will get excellent winter traction. Do buy tires that meet the demands you put on your vehicle. Understand what is and is not included in a road hazard warranty. Lastly, ROTATE those tires often (see your maintenance schedule). Better too often than not often enough.

FILTERS

Derek Spohn

ASE Master Tech / G1, C1 and L1

Be a YouTube hero and replace your cabin filter. This little guy often lives behind your glove box and is forgotten. If you live in a dusty area, check it often. If you let this become restricted, your heat and A/C will not work as well. Your engine air filter is under the hood and some are easy to replace; some require basic tools and some cars have two.

TRUST AND RESPECT

Not every mechanic, technician, and repair shop employee is perfect. Find a dealer or local shop that you trust, then trust them. Look at online reviews, ask friends and family to find the best fit for you and your car's needs. Most employees in the auto repair industry are trying their best, but do not often get the respect they deserve. If you walk into a shop to be disappointed, you will be. If you walk into a shop and try to first understand the process, you may walk away with a new respect for the techs that own $100,000 in tools, have worked 15+ years to become a wiz at their profession, and often work long hours in the heat and bitter cold. Give them a chance.

NEED FOR SPEED

Car racing is perhaps the most extreme speed competition - it’s certainly among the fastest. Watching a race is an adrenaline rush for the spectators, as cars bump and jostle for position, all going about twice the speed most of us can claim to ever have topped out at - but what is it like to be behind the wheel?

That’s what separates the race driver from the rest of us. They’re going at that speed, inches from the other cars around them, and then they have to make a 180-degree left-hand turn. That’s when it gets exciting.

The trick during the turns is to play chicken with yourself. How brave can you be? How hard are you willing to hang on? Because it’s all about tire friction. You’re trying to balance the car’s speed with the limits of the tire’s grip on the track. The tires are sliding as you turn, and if you’re too conservative you’re not going to max out, but if you’re going too hard you’re going to crash. In car racing, it’s that little dance between you and the tire that’s the difference between winning and losing.

John Seely Seely Racing

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For John, there is no thrill quite like it. "It is very exhilirating to jump out of an airplane, but driving a race car is ten times more thrilling". It is an andreline rush that is difficult to duplicate, or even explain. For those that want to understand the addiction, John suggests heading up to the track at Colorado National Speedway. Take advantage of the Ride-Along options or a Driving Experience. You won't know exactly what it's like to be a driver, but you will get a new perspective for the sport.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY VEHICLE VAULT

If you love cars, the Vehicle Vault in Parker is a dream come true. It is a stylish & modern museum housing rare & unique automobiles from around the world. You won't find a collection like this anywhere else.

JUNE 2024 11

JUNE 13-16, 2024

FREE ADMISSION

PARKER’S FAVORITE WEEKEND!

Shopping H FOOD H EXHIBITS H MUSIC H RIDES H FAMILY FUN THURSDAY, JUNE 13 1 pm – 10:30 pm: Carnival Only FRIDAY, JUNE 14 Fri 1 pm – 10:30 pm: Carnival Fri 4 pm – 10:30 pm: Festival SATURDAY, JUNE 15 Sat 10 am – 10:30 pm SUNDAY, JUNE 16 Sun 10 am – 8:30 pm

FUN THINGS TO DO:

MAIN STAGE – Live Music ALL Day

• • • • • • • •

HEADLINERS:

Enjoy your Favorite Festival Food Shopping Marketplace Music on Four Stages Carnival Rides for the Whole Family Free Kids Crafts Silent Disco – Dance, Dance, Dance!

Bungy Jumping Jump and Slide on the Inflatables

AIR ACADEMY CREDIT UNION EAST MUSIC Stage

Friday, June 14 presented by 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm: Kory Brunson Band Saturday, June 15 presented by 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm: Wash Park Band Sunday, June 16 presented by 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm: That Eighties Band

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Live Music ALL Day Friday

8 pm – 10 pm Sisters of Rock Saturday 8 pm – 10 pm Shelvis and the Roustabouts Sunday 6:30 pm – 8 pm Ryan Chrys & the Rough Cuts

presented by BUY DISCOUNTED UNLIMITED CARNIVAL RIDE WRISTBANDS ONLINE Single-Day Unlimited Carnival Rides: $35 each Good any one day during the festival Sold online through 12 noon Wed. June 12 4-Day MEGA Unlimited Carnival Rides: $89 each Good all 4 days of the festival PURCHASE DURING THE FESTIVAL Single-Day Unlimited Carnival Rides: $40 each TICKETS FOR INDIVIDUAL RIDES Food, Beverage & Ride Tickets may be purchased at Festival Ticket Booths.

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$159/Night* *plus taxes and fees

CORE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE Community Stage Entertainment ALL Day supported by Allegro Music

CARNIVAL RIDES & GAMES:

parkerdaysfestival.com

Book your stay with PARKER DAYS FESTIVAL attendee rate!

Call Hampton Inn & Suites Denver South Ridgegate Hotel at (303) 790-4100!

Parker Days Festival is brought to you by the Parker Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation 12 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

THE GUIDE

THE BEST PLACES TO DINE IN DOUGLAS COUNTY

In the interest of providing the 50 best dining options in Douglas County, we must be able to personally recommend each listing.

The guide is subject to change. If you have a suggestion for inclusion on the list, email us at contribute@tuellers.com.

KEY

Based on a typical dinner for one person, excluding drinks, tax or tip.

$ ............................. Under $15 $$ ............................... $15-$25 $$$ ......................... Over $25 (EC) Editors Choice (N) New

JUNZ

Asian fusion

More than just great sushi! Junz has been a local staple for years and remains one of the premier destinations for a casual night out or fine dining experience. If you are seeking a great restaurant to get acquainted with Japanese cuisine, look no further than Junz.

CHERRY VILLAGE ASIAN GRILL

JUNZ

Offering a Chinese and Vietnamese-centric menu in a relaxed atmosphere.

17001 Lincoln Ave, #A, Parker 303-840-7338 $$

DANCING NOODLE

A small, family owned, dinein and take-out restaurant that serves authentic homestyle Thai food.

10841 S. Crossroads Dr., Suite 10, Parker 303-805-3880 $$

INDOCHINE

A local go-to for quality home-style cuisine. This Parker fixture is known for a fresh, creative menu.

19751 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-851-8559 $$

JOHN HOLLY’S

Chinese and Thai dishes that are nothing less than the culinary equivalent of an exotic adventure.

9232 Park Meadows Dr, Lone Tree 303-768-9088 $$

A favorite sushi place in town with a unique blend of Japanese and French at its very best.

11211 S. Dransfeldt Rd., Parker 720-851-1005 $$

BAKERY/DESSERTs LA PETITE CREPERIE

The locals favorite spot to grab made-to-order crepes.

Sweet or savory, you can’t go wrong. Proudly serving farm to table fresh.

19751 Mainstreet, Parker 720-638-9722 $ (EC)

PARIS BAGUETTE

Popular Korean chain that brings expertly crafted baked goods through a warm and welcoming bakery cafe' experience that delivers joy to everyone.

18374 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 720-500-5555 $ (N)

POULETTE BAKESHOP

New artisan bakers taking Parker by storm. Order early, they sell out every day!

19585 Hess Road, Parker 303-955-5647 $ (N)

BARBEQUE BIG JIMS

Don’t be fooled by this being a food truck; if you like southern BBQ, this is your place. Corner of Parker Rd and Longs Way, Parker $$$

GQUE BBQ

Award-winning food. Try the wood-smoked ribs, brisket, pork, or garlic potatoes.

8433 Park Meadows Center Dr., Suite 143B, Lone Tree 303-729-2506 $$

HICKORY HOUSE

The Parker tradition. Known for their baby back ribs, but don’t miss the pulled pork and barbeque chicken.

10335 S Parker Rd, Parker 303-805-9742 $$

OLD WEST BBQ

A hidden gem with familyfriendly pricing. Don’t miss out on their breakfast burritos. 107 Wolfensberger Rd., Castle Rock 303-660-6340 $

BREW PUB 20 MILE TAP HOUSE

Best known for their burgers and wings. Make sure to catch Trivia Tuesdays.

12543 N Hwy 83, Parker 303-841-6782 $$

GREAT DIVIDE BREWERY & ROADHOUSE Destination locale with an informal ambiance offering hearty comfort classics 215 Wilcox St Suite G, Castle Rock 303-955-5788 $$ - $$$ (N)

ROCKYARD BREWING CO. Douglas County’s longest running brew pub. Steaks, burgers, pizza and soup!

880 Castleton Rd, Castle Rock 303-814-9273 $$

JUNE 2024 13

TAILGATE TAVERN & GRILL

Your neighborhood tavern for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Sports bar with live music not to miss on the weekends.

19552 E. Mainstreet, Parker 303-841-7179 $$

THE LIBRARY CO. BAR & KITCHEN

Offering great food & amazing drinks in a relaxed and warm atmosphere. Clear and simple menu options.

3911 Ambrosia St., Suite 101, Castle Rock 720-389-5986 $$

ITalian CRANELLI’S

Comfort Italian food in a rustic, cozy, casual familyoriented format.

10047 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree 303-799-3661 $$

DANIELLE’S SCRATCH KITCHEN

Stylish, energetic eatery offering elevated Italian fare with an emphasis on great customer service.

872 Happy Canyon Rd. Suite 100, Castle Rock 303-524-9788 $$$

PORTOFINO

Authentic Italian eatery featuring pizza, pasta, calzones and heros. The local “go-to” for fresh Italian.

10920 S Parker Rd, Parker 303-841-9900 $$

SCILEPPI’S

A modern Italian restaurant focused on family recipes and premium ingredients.

210 Third St., Castle Rock 303-688-9000 $$

VIA BACI

Neapolitan pizzas join modern Italian fare at this casual eatery featuring a full bar & patio. 10005 Commons St, Lone Tree 303-790-0828 $$

MEXICAN ADRIANNA’S

Intimate Mexican eatery for authentic cuisine in a relaxed ambiance. Great for parties.

7272 E Hwy 86, Franktown 303-663-7800 $$ 14 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

CASA MARIACHI

Unassuming local joint serving up straight-forward Mexican plates.

9771 S Parker Rd, Parker 720-842-5105 $$

LA CASITA

Vibrant, cantina-style eatery offering Mexican cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere.

18951 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-842-5181 $$

LAS DELICIAS

MANNA

WEST MAIN TAPROOM

PARKER GARAGE

PIZZA

A casual sit-down destination with a menu that reflects Colorado’s growing season.

2350 Meadows Blvd., Castle Rock 720-455-3664 $

The Parker landmark located right downtown offers a locally-sourced menu. Great service and large portions.

19420 Mainstreet, Parker 720-389-8105 $$ (EC)

Bare-bones, family-owned local Tex-Mex eats for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

19553 E Mainstreet, Parker 303-840-0325 $$

PEGASUS

LOS DOS POTRILLOS

RORY’S

Elegant family-owned eatery.

There’s a combo dish to please everyone.

19340 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-840-6574 $$

LOS VOLCANES

Don’t miss the Carnitas! And bring your appetite for the large portions.

10471 S. Parker Rd., Parker 303-841-0160 $$

A local favorite for breakfast or lunch. American, Greek or Mexican dishes.

313 Jerry St., Castle Rock 303-688-6746 $$ Comfort food and baked goods at their finest. Don’t see it on the menu? Ask for it! Downtown gem.

11020 S Pikes Peak Dr., Parker 720-708-2889 $$

SIERRA

new american

High-end, wood-fired kitchen with a warm ambiance, preparing select American dishes.

10680 Cabela Dr., Lone Tree 303-662-8800 $$

CASTLE CAFE

TRIBE AT RIVERWALK

Set in a former 1890s hotel.

Plating hearty American fare like pan-fried chicken & burgers.

403 Wilcox St, Castle Rock 303-814-2233 $$

VALERIE'S BREWHOUSE Uniquely fun sports bar with a creative menu of brats and dogs.

971 Park St., Castle Rock 303-660-2399 $

CRAVE

A favorite gourmet burger joint. Imaginative menu with amazing handcrafted shakes.

3982 Limelight Ave, Castle Rock 303-814-2829 $$

DOUG'S DAY DINER

American breakfast cafe where everything is made from scratch.

18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-476-7162 $$

Upscale, yet casual dining experience with a one-of-akind menu. Don't miss the brunch.

115 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock 303-362-0904 $$$ (N)

A modern and open venue that boasts thoughtful and honest cuisine. A haven for the gluten-free crowd.

18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-826-3689 $$

ANTONIO’S

A traditional family-style Italian pizza restaurant with a Brooklyn flair.

12947 S Parker Rd., Parker 720-851-5300 $

ARTISAN

Delicious Neapolitan-style pizza that makes each dish an individual work of art! And don’t forget dessert.

12311 Pine Bluffs Way, Parker 303-840-0518 $

COLORADOUGH

A refreshing take on madefrom-scratch pizza. So fresh they don’t even have a freezer! 17860 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-386-3333 $$

LIL’ RICCI’S

New York pizzas & other red sauce staples in a low-key setting. Can’t miss the garlic knots. 16526 Keystone Blvd, Parker 303-220-7422 $$

PARRY’S

NY-style pizza, wings, & casual Italian eats, in kidfriendly quarters.

5650 Allen Way, Castle Rock 303-814-8686 $$

Meet me at

RORY’S Fresh, homemade food in a family friendly environment.

Even the biggest goals start with simple steps COUNTRY Financial® helps you take simple steps today with personalized insurance and financial services that can have a big impact on your family’s future. When you’re ready to start, we’re ready to help.

Marshall Ekhoff Financial Representative Parker, CO 80134-8201

(303)841-3018

720-708-2889 • therorysdiner.com 11020 S. Pikes Peak Drive, Ste 140

#TakeSimpleSteps 0817-501HC-07460-1/13/2021

BLACK BEAR COUNTRY CLUB PARKER, COLORADO

Join your fellow Mustangs for our 40th class reunion!

Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and live 80's music you won’t want to miss. Register now. Ticket prices increase July 10th!

Know someone who graduated from PHS in 1984? Send them this way!

For details and more info, email Ponderosa1984reunion@gmail.com CMM Ad2.indd 1

5/24/24 7:45 PM

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