B.C. (Before Cancer), I ate processed deli meat, quite possibly the worst form of meat, daily. Turkey sandwiches were my jam. I’d top it off with a bag of chips if I was going to Jimmy John’s, Heidi’s or Erberts & Gerberts. I quit soda several years prior, so I had water going for me.
After meeting with Dr. Carriere, who truly opened my eyes to how diet affects my health, I was at a loss for lunch options. Honestly, of all the meals, it’s still the one I struggle with the most. Now that I’m gluten free (GF), sandwiches in general, even if I’m just adding veggies, are no longer an option. There are some half decent GF breads out there, but if I’m trying to stick to whole foods, that shouldn’t be the go-to.
Salads never quite seemed to satisfy me. But I’ve learned, if I add quinoa or lentil beans and lots of veggies, they can actually be filling.
But where do I go when I’m unprepared? When I didn’t have time to pack my lunch the night before?
Let me tell you about a little place called Bubu. Bubu is the brainchild of Troy Guard, a local chef legend responsible for TAG, TAG Burger Bar, HashTAG, Los Chingones, Mister Tuna and the amazing Guard & Grace. If you’ve never tried his restaurants, put them all on your list. They never disappoint. Bubu has two locations downtown – one in Larimer Square and the other in the Republic Plaza building.
The difference between Bubu and Mr. Guard’s other restaurants is that Bubu is in the fast category. You order at the counter and your food is often delivered before you find a seat. That is why Bubu is the new Jimmy John’s for this girl.
Here’s how it works:
Choose from the options in #1 below or build your own bowl. I started with the OG Colorado and can say the dozens of times I’ve eaten it with or without Sushi-Grade Tuna, it has never disappointed. The only issue is it’s so good that I’ve never tried anything else. But colleagues have raved about the others. Bubu uses locally-sourced, seasonal vegetables. And their pricing will not break the bank.
- Pick a Bowl: Choose from OG Colorado, Thai, Mexican, Southern California, Indian, Paleo (Caveman), Aloha Poke, Chinese, Zen
- Pick a Base: Brown Rice, White Rice, Chilled Rice Noodles, Bubu Salad Mix
- Pick a Protein: Sushi-Grade Tuna, Sushi-Grade Salmon, Tiger Shrimp, Grilled Steak, Grilled Chicken, Organic Tofu
- Pick a Dressing: Carrot Mustard, House, Thai, Chia Seed Lime, Mexican, Yellow Curry Yogurt, Chinese, Soy Onion, Green Apple Wasabi
I’ve even attempted to replicate the OG Colorado at home.
Ingredients:
- Brown Rice
- Quinoa
- Diced Green Chiles (I buy canned)
- Roasted Carrots
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Avocados
- House Dressing
- Bubu special seasoning, which you buy at Bubu
Prep the rice, quinoa, roasted carrots and dressing. Please in a bowl to serve (based on desired serving size), mix equal portions of rice and quinoa. Add green chiles (a couple tablespoons), carrots (handful), pumpkin seeds (1/4 cup +/-), and 1/2 avocado. Add house dressing, sprinkle seasoning and eat. Also great with chicken, shrimp or raw tuna.
But if you want the real deal, please take my advice and add this to your list of spots to try time and time again. If you’re looking to be the office hero, order this next time you need to cater. As they say at Bubu, when you start with better ingredients, you end up with a better lunch.
LARIMER SQUARE
At the Historic Larimer Square District Downstairs Walkway
1423 Larimer Street
Denver, CO, 80202
(303) 996-2685
REPUBLIC PLAZA
Located in the Concourse Level of the Republic Plaza Building
303 16th Street, Ste. 3
Denver, CO, 80202
(303) 573-4919
Monday – Friday
11am – 5pm
Saturday & Sunday
Closed