Each year for our birthdays or anniversary we try to go out to a nice dinner. We’ve been to some great spots around Denver like Fruition (now closed), Borolo Grill, Venice (a great Italian place), and some interesting vegan places. But this year, for my birthday, a craving hit me that I just couldn’t ignore: the butternut squash enchiladas from My Neighbor Felix. I let Justin know that I made a reservation easily through Google/OpenTable, not giving him time to ask about other restaurants.
Justin and I went on a Monday night, and we had the place practically to ourselves, which was a nice change of pace, the other two times we’ve gone it was busy and loud. We were seated in a cozy corner booth in the bar area that had a lovely fake flower wall behind us, and started the evening with some refreshing drinks. Justin went with a classic Cadillac margarita, and I enjoyed the vibrant and sweet, La Diosa.
We kicked off our meal with the salsa trio and guacamole. Both were excellent, served with chips, though we probably could have used a few more. (the waiter did offer us a the chance for more, but it was at the end of our meal and we were too full). The guacamole was smooth and flavorful. The salsa trio included an addictively good but spicy salsa roja, a calm and slightly sweet salsa verde, and a fresh and crisp watermelon-pina salsa (this one was Justin’s least favorite, but I liked the texture).
For our main courses, Justin raved about his Braised Short Rib Enchiladas. I, of course, was all in for the main event: the Butternut Squash Enchiladas. They were as incredible as I remembered, with a rich mole sauce and another sauce—maybe a ranchero?—that perfectly complemented the sweet squash. Both sauces were so good, I am not sure which one I preferred. The butternut squash was cooked perfectly. The dish had some baby spinach, cheese, and a finishing touch of chipotle guajillo crema and pickled red onion. My plate was loaded, and while I may have gotten a bigger portion, I know the flavor was worth every bite.
Knowing the dishes didn’t come with any sides, we ordered the beans and rice to share (two separate sides). The beans were incredibly flavorful but the rice seemed bland and dry. I ate more of the rice since I used my sauce to make it better, and I allowed Justin to finish off the beans. I filled up on the appetizers and rice, and I couldn’t quite finish my dinner, so I brought a little bit home for later.
The service was outstanding. Our waiter must have heard it was my birthday because at the end of the meal, he brought out a complimentary plate of warm churros and a few donut holes. The donut holes were hot, sugary, and absolutely divine. They both came with a simple white glaze for dipping, which was the perfect finishing touch.
The food was excellent, the service was great, and the free dessert was a wonderful surprise. My Neighbor Felix is a place you go when you want to leave completely satisfied. You eat this butternut squash enchilada dish and say, this is so amazing — why can’t other restaurants do an awesome vegetarian option? They certainly set a bar. The taste of those butternut squash enchiladas has become a new craving for me, and I can’t wait to go back. I have to remember to visit here more often for any occasion, not just birthdays!