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By: Amanda M. Faison

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Posted: July 23, 2010 11:36 AM

Go Now: Chickee's Lil Kitchen

Within seconds of ringing the bell at Chickee's Lil Kitchen take-out window, which is next to a barber shop on 44th Avenue and Zuni Street, owner Harriett Sanchez slides open the window. She hands you a laminated menu and waits patiently as you scan the offerings: a collection of Mexican eats (tamales, burritos, tacos) and Louisiana-style cuisine (gumbo, red beans and rice). Order what you fancy, and then ask about the unusual intersection of cuisines. Sanchez will explain she's from Louisiana, while her husband has Latin roots. But make no mistake: There's no fusion food here, just hot, spicy dishes from two different worlds. Case in point: The tamale lunch (two smothered pork tamales, Spanish rice, and refried beans) is spot on for flavor and texture---and fire. Sanchez makes her green chile using dynamite chiles from Brighton, and they've got enough kick to make you thankful for the fresh, homemade tortilla and the refried beans that help dull the flames. I can hardly wait to go back for the breakfast burritos (Chickee's opens at 6 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. on Sunday) and the gumbo. Bonus: Harriett learned to cook Mexican food, including gorditas (small, fat, home-style tortillas) from her husband's family. Order one with your meal, or take home a dozen (call 24 hours ahead) for $3. 4340 Zuni St., 720-329-3980
Comments

Chickee's Lil Kitchen not only has wonderful food, the woman who owns it is cheerful and friendly. I highly recommend the breakfast tacos. Go and enjoy!!

Bringing Cajun food and Mexican food to Denver is a great idea! It's like taking a mini vacation to visit the Deep South and Mexico for breakfast on your way to work. Chickee, the owner, is not only a great cook--she's also funny and nice too.

CHICKEE DID IT!!!

I have not had the joy of sampling Chickee's cooking for many years. But I still remember it as the absolute best homemade green chili and tortillas ever! Congratulations on the success of your Lil' Kitchen Chickee!

have had the breakfast burritos @ chickees and i have to say they are the bomb.happy to live in north denver.blocks away.

i consider louisiana a home away from home after living there for several years and cajun/creole is my favorite style of food. the last thing i expected after moving to sunnyside was finding some of the best gumbo on the planet only blocks from my house. any lover of good gumbo knows the foundation is the rue, and its obvious chickee's rue is spot on. geaux chickee's gumbo! but i also have to give props for her breakfast burriots. i've no idea how she keeps her eggs so fluffy inside the burrito and for someone who considers bacon the body of christ, chickee uses bacon that tastes heavenly. top it all off with a killer green chili and it's like the second coming with each bite. in chickee's i trust! yum!!!

i love chickee's food so much i was inspired to start a community page on facebook. love chickee's too? then check it out; http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chickees-Lil-Kitchen-Lovers/117530224963245?created#!/pages/Chickees-Lil-Kitchen-Lovers/117530224963245?ref=ts

I am proud to say that I know Chickee personally and I concur that her food is amazing! We especially love her gumbo, but the breakfast burritos smothered in green chili are most delicious! Every once in awhile my husband stops by Chickee's to get breakfast for himself and his office mate, it's quick, it's tasty, it's home cooking, and she's open early! Hooray for Chickee's!!

[...] here: » Go Now: Chickee's Lil Kitchen | 5280 Magazine » Go Now: Chickee's Lil Kitchen | 5280 Magazine» Go Now: Chickee's Lil Kitchen | 5280 [...]

Congratulations on making the magazine. Wish we were close enough to try those tamalas. Sounds so yum!!!

Chickee's is a neighborhood spot that's a little quirky - Mexican and Cajun. But, it works and, like the neighborhood, it's a little of this and a little of that. The red beans and rice are spot on with a little kick! Definitely the best RB&R in the Denver area.

If you only try the tamales and green chili, you're missing out on the best part. This is authentic Cajun cooking at it's best - try the gumbo!

So glad to see all the great responses to Chickee's! When I stumbled upon this tiny place, I was afraid no one would see it. Everyone in Denver should stop by for some real gumbo! And the breakfast burritos are delicious and cheap. Perfect combo.

Chickee is a fabulous cook. If I were within 50 miles, I would be there for lunch!! Congratulations Chickee.

[...] from: » Go Now: Chickee's Lil Kitchen | 5280 Magazine » Go Now: Chickee's Lil Kitchen | 5280 Magazine» Go Now: Chickee's Lil Kitchen | 5280 [...]
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