Every time I walk in through the small glass door and the bright-colored walls, I am greeted by the kind and smiling employees. Even though I promise myself each time that I will order something different, I always end up getting the exact same thing at Las Tortas. Las Tortas is a small Mexican restaurant in Denver that specializes in Tortas (Mexican Sandwiches). I have gone to many Mexican restaurants in Colorado, but I can honestly say that Las Tortas restaurant serves the best and most authentic ‘comida Mexicana.’
Although there is not a lot of information about where and how the Tortas evolved in Mexico, it’s believed that the french might have had something to do with it. According to Bolillotortas website, when the French empire intervened in Mexico during the 1860’s, Mexican bakers were greatly inspired by the french baguette. The Mexicans then created their own bread that was similar to the baguette, and which is now called Bolillo and telera. Bolillo bread is a savory bread that is much shorter in length than the baguette. The bolillo usually has a crispy exterior and soft interior, while the telera is faintly larger. Both the bolillo and telera are an essential part of the torta because it is this bread that has to be able to hold up all of the meat and never-ending ingredients that a torta is made up of.
A Mexican torta in the United States is often times called the ‘Mexican Sandwich.’ Tortas are served on a bolillo and/or telera and they are composed of endless ingredients. Most tortas are made up of meat like chicken, pork, steak, ham, and chorizo, but there are also more simple ones like the scrambled eggs one. Tortas are usually garnished with beans on the bottom and avocado, tomato, onion, jalapeños,salsa and even pineapple. The delicious tortas can be eaten hot and grilled, or cold. It’s important to remember that despite the difficulty of eating a torta, these sandwiches are to be ALWAYS eaten with both hands and never with a fork.
Tortas are a very popular dish in Mexico, and now becoming more prevalent in the United States due to the high number of Mexican immigrants. Even though most Tortas are composed of similar ingredients, they may vary in flavors depending on the Mexican region where they are made in. For example, the ‘torta ahogada’ loosely translates to the drowned torta originates from Guadalajara. The drowned torta is filled just like any other torta, the only difference is that it is smothered in a red sauce. The red sauce is usually made up of chile de arbol, and it can be spicy or mild.
Guillermo Campillo and Tymen Schreuder first opened Las Tortas in June 2008. According to their website, Campillo is originally from Guadalajara, Mexico and he introduced his friend Tymen to the torta. Tymen was immediately very mesmerized by this dish, and this when both friends decided to open Las Tortas. Campillo and Tymen have worked hard to achieve their goal; to bring authentic Mexican tortas to Denver. Both owners went through drastic measures just to achieve this. Campillo’s aunt who lives in Mexico came to Denver to show both friends how to make the famous red ahogada sauce.
It’s not at all very surprising that ever since they first opened their doors, Las Tortas has captured the hearts and palettes of many customers. Las Tortas has received nothing but praise from both customers and magazine food critics. Prestigious local magazines such as 5280 and Westword have said very good things about this place. In 200, Jason Streehan who is a writer for Westword magazine wrote an article stating that Las Tortas is the king of Tortas in Denver. In his article, Streehan offers readers advice on what tortas customers should order. In March of 2014, Westword named Las Tortas “Best Sandwich Shop in Denver.”
Sometimes good reviews even from magazines isn’t enough to convince people that a restaurant is worth their time and money. Occasionally, it takes fellow regular people to convince others to go there. Yelp is a great place to find reviews about restaurants from regular people. On Yelp I found that people also praised the small restaurant with most people giving it 5 out of 5 stars.
So next time you are looking for a new place to eat, consider going to Las Tortas restaurant. I assure anyone that they will not be disappointed at all. Whether you are a chicken, beef or pork lover, this place offers a wide variety of choices for everyone. If you arrive at Las Tortas for your first time and you become overwhelmed by the menu, I recommend trying “La Jalisco Torta” which is composed of grilled chicken, steak, cheese, onion, tomato and homemade chipotle sauce. I order this torta every time that I go there, and trust me it’s one of the most delicious things I have ever tried in my lifetime. The warm and lightly seasoned chicken and steak along with the melted cheese make my taste buds tremble with happiness every single time. The crunch of the raw onion adds a delicious flavor to it as well. La Torta Jalisco is simply and undeniably perfect and delicious.
Natalie Torres 
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