When we got a Facebook message from Luis Pagan about a new eatery he’d spotted, we pivoted. Plans changed.

Pagan isn’t only an enthusiastic diner, he’s a longtime culinary instructor at Pikes Peak State College and a former restaurateur himself. When someone with that kind of credibility sends a rave, it carries weight.

That’s what happened when he messaged about Moctezuma Mexican Grill – Tacos, Tequila and More, 1015 N. Academy Blvd., in the former Boston Market building at Galley Road.

“I am at the soft opening of Moctezuma Tacos,” Pagan wrote. “The food was simply incredible. Great balance of flavors with a great atmosphere to chill with your friends. Highly recommended!!!”

Three exclamation points? We were sold.

As it turns out, the visit was a reacquaintance. The new brick-and-mortar site is the expansion of the Moctezuma Mexican Grill food truck, launched in 2022 at the southwest corner of Union Boulevard and Vickers Drive by Jose Santos Colmenares Jr., along with his brother and father.

In an earlier interview, Colmenares said, “With the help of my family, we are fulfilling our dream of owning a restaurant.”

That dream has evolved. During a recent visit to the new sit-down space, Colmenares reflected on the journey.

“Eventually, within the first two years, my family and I parted ways in running the business,” he said of the original partnership. “They were great support, and even though we had our ups and downs, they gave me the flexibility I needed to get the business off the ground. And if it wasn’t for my now wife stepping in when she did, I don’t think Moctezuma would’ve survived.”

Colmenares said the food truck “will continue to operate, and we will eventually catch up to some of the menu changes we’ve made at the restaurant.”

The menu includes many of the truck’s favorites: tacos, burritos, bowls, tortas and taco plates with rice and beans. For lunch takeout, we tried a quesabirria ($5.59) and an order of Moctezuma Fries ($13.99). The quesabirria delivered tender, braised birria folded into a crisp tortilla with grilled onions and cilantro, served with a deeply flavorful consommé for dipping. The fries — topped with grilled carne asada, melted cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream and pickled onions — were generous enough to share, though you may not want to.

The restaurant offers beers on tap and several flavors of frozen margaritas. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Details: 719-820-4011, facebook.com/mexicangrill719.

IN THE KITCHEN WITH BROTHER LUCK

Brother Luck, owner of Four by Brother Luck, is Colorado Springs’ resident celebrity chef — and he’s generous with his culinary skills, kitchen stories and food philosophy.

Recent cooking demonstrations, held on Saturdays at his flagship restaurant, 321 N. Tejon St., sold out quickly. Themes have ranged from a steak-and-lobster dinner to mastering the five French mother sauces and pairing them with finished dishes. The format includes a relaxed lunch.

His smaller, hands-on classes offer a more immersive experience. In past sessions, students have learned to make fresh pasta and fold Asian dumplings, working side by side with Luck in an intimate setting that allows time for instruction and questions. At the end, everyone gathers to share the meal they’ve prepared.

Luck also hosts monthly private classes at the Eden Oaks kitchen design showroom, 122 E. Kiowa Ave., with attendance capped at 12. He’s available for in-home classes as well. Details and class information are available at fourbybrotherluck.com and on his social media channels.

LOVE STILL IN THE AIR

With just days left in February, there’s still time to celebrate the month of love at Stellina Pizza Café, 749 E. Willamette Ave.

The neighborhood pizzeria is offering a Date Night special for $65 per couple. The dine-in-only menu includes a salad for each guest, an appetizer to share, two pizzas of your choice and a shared dessert — a relaxed, no-reservations-required way to mark the occasion before the calendar turns to March.