Absolute Hidden Gem!

I happened upon this place today while at work in Highlands Ranch. I was scouring through Uber eats for something tasty and for something that the rest of the office could agree on. Mi Cocina popped up closest to me and I was instantly intrigued by the thumbnails of gorgeous food. After a few thumb flicks to the left, through a sea of mouthwatering Images, I decided to look them up on maps and discovered they were less than two miles from me. I decided to drive over and place an order in hopes of finding a cool little lunch spot to visit and chill at in the future. FYI this place is more tucked away than an IUD. Zoom in on maps to get your bearings before you visit. I walked in and was promptly greeted by John. John was extremely exuberant and had a fulgent cadence to his voice. John was exceptionally polite and hospitable. Sensing an extreme amount of pride, I asked him if he was the owner. John replied that he was just an employee. This impressed me even more. After talking with him, I learned that Mi Cocina has been around for over 15 years. John then showed me the breakfast burrito holding area where an assortment of hot and mild burritos are ready for, “Express” pickup. Everything was very clean and orderly. Two patrons visited in the short time I was there and were out the door in less than 60 seconds with piping hot breakfast burritos. I ordered the carnitas plate with corn tortillas and an a la carte crispy chili relleno. My college’s ordered Mexican hamburgers and crispy rellenos. Let me just say that the carnitas were some of the most authentic I have had in a long time that weren't produced in my own kitchen. It was tender and perfectly seasoned with a kiss of cinnamon and bay leaves. The only thing I would have changed would have been to throw it on the cook top or under the broiler for a minute or two to get some crispy edges and caramelization. The broth was very tasty, and the bounty of cooked onions was a great consistency and contrast to the rest of the dish as I continued plunging my corn tortilla in over and over again removing these heavenly meat nuggets one by one. My beans and rice were also rock solid and paired nicely with the star of the show that was the unctuous carnitas. Let me not forget about the Sancho Panza to my main meal, the crispy relleno. My crispy, Rotund friend was juicy and oozing with gooey cheese. I was so full by the time I began my attack on him, but I couldn’t stop myself from removing him from existence post haste. I am looking forward to my next visit to Mi Cocina Express as well as my next encounter with John. If you are near Broadway and 470 in Highlands Ranch, take some time and treat yourself to a solid Mexican meal. If you need a bite in the AM, do yourself a favor and swing by. Support local especially when these institutions have made it through covid.