On of the great things about living in Denver is it is home to the corporate headquarters of so many great restaurants.

Restaurants that use our great city as test markets for their tasty products.

So, here’s the scoop. Whether you have an office party, graduation or summer bash, the Qdoba Fajita Bar is being tested in Denver metro and Boulder locations through June.

The Qdoba Fajita Bar is approximately $10 per person for fire-grilled, Adobo-marinated chicken with dessert ($9.50 without dessert) or $13.50 per person ($13 without dessert) for fire-grilled, Adobo-marinated steak — or you can order a combo or both for $12.50 ($12 without dessert). The Fajita Bar also includes, sauteed fajita veggies (red onions and bell peppers seasoned with oregano) and Qdoba’s signature Ranchera sauce (a hearty recipe of tomatoes, red onions, garlic, herbs, lemon juice and poblano peppers), flour tortillas, salsas, cheese, sour cream and guacamole.

You can also order additional fixings for salad options such as lettuce, pico de gallo, corn and black bean salsa and picante ranch dressing for an additional cost.

I had the opportunity to check out Qdoba’s new Fajita Bar for a family gathering. As soon as we walked into the house with (count ‘em) two huge bags chock full of fajitas, all the fixins, chips and salsa, aluminum buffet chafing dishes, sterno and even serving ladles, our guests oohed and awed before delving in. Healthy and delicious, the Fajita Bar was unique and a definite hit.

Here’s for hoping Denver is a successful test market and they keep it around for a good long while.

Something else I think is pretty darn cool: nationally Qdoba rolled out new whole wheat tortillas at all Qdoba locations–just think: fewer calories, less fat and even more fiber. I tried them out last year when they were being tested at my local Qdoba in Wheat Ridge and they received my two thumbs up. My advice for them is to get them in the kid’s meals as well.

And in case you haven’t heard Qdoba’s radio ads, my favorite salad is back: the Mango Chicken Salad. A couple of years ago, I attended an event at a local Qdoba and the chef gave us a similar recipe for the mango salsa. The recipe has minor deviations from Qdoba’s due to franchisee commitments but rest assured, it is delicious and very similar.

Qdoba’s Mango Salsa

2 c Mangos
3/4 c Red pepper, diced
1 cucumber, peeled, deseeded and diced
1/2 c red onion, diced
1 1/4 T jalapeno, minced
1/4 cilantro, chopped
2 T lime juice
1 T sugar
pinch sugar

1) Dice mangos
2) Cut off ends of cucumber and peel, cut in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scrape out seeds. Sick into 1/4 – 1/2″ pieces and add to bowl.
3) Dice red onion & red pepper and add to bowl.
4) Mince jalapeno and add to bowl (if you like heat/spice leave ribs in. If you don’t, cut out ribs and seeds). If sensitive to the heat, wear gloves or coat hands with small quantity of salad oil (this fills pores and makes it much easier to rinse the pepper from your hands).
5) Chop cilantro and add to bowl.
6) Squeeze juice from one line (should be approx 2 T)
7) Add sugar, salt and stir. Refrigerate until needed.

Enjoy!