In early July, the Galvan family opened Por Favor Tacos & Tragos, 4657 Centennial Blvd. And from the many social media postings raving about this new street-food Mexican spot, they are getting a resounding, “Welcome to the neighborhood!”

The menu has tacos covered with many superb executions. You won’t go wrong with any choice you make. But do yourself a favor by starting your Hispanic flavor tour with the elotes, the popular, steamed corn on the cob sold from food carts in the streets in Mexico.

Our host and waiter recommended the starter, saying, “It’s corn on the cob but we cream it up with cheese and lime seasoning and we cut it into small pieces so it’s easier to eat.”

The presentation was a feast for the eyes: six small rounds of corn stacked artistically and draped with the creamy sauce, crumbles of queso fresco, a generous sprinkle of Tajin-lime seasoning and shredded cilantro. Every new bite was better than the last.

We had our eyes on the birria tacos, and our waiter sealed the deal as he described the method his mother (an owner and the chef) uses, ending the chat about the slow-braised beef stew with a slew of spices by saying lovingly, “After everything is combined in the pot, say good night and blow a kiss.”

The next day the unctuous silky beef is shredded for the day’s birria dishes. The consume (broth) the meat has cooked in overnight is served on the side as a dipping sauce — the state of Jalisco, Mexico’s, version of a French dip if you will.

Torta Ahogada is another specialty you won’t often find on Mexican food menus. The one Por Favor serves is massive and, again, expertly prepared. The Mexican sandwich is a hoagie-like roll, stuffed with beans and pork carnitas drenched in scrumptious red sauce. A side of spicy chile de árbol sauce is offered, which comes with a warning from the waiter, “Have a little taste and then you’re on your own as to how spicy you like your food.”

The eatery is small and elegantly decorated. The hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Details: 719-698-0945, tinyurl.com/45u63rjn.

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Flavors of Japan

The Spirit of Japan food and spirits festival comes to Denver’s Sakura Square, 1255 19th St., Friday through Sunday. This inaugural celebration is presented by Denver’s Sakura Foundation, in partnership with Los Angeles-based Japan Taste Marketing. Together the organizations will be showcasing Japan’s rich cultural heritage through authentic food and traditional drinks.

“We have held the Cherry Blossom festival for 50 years,” said Stacey Shigaya, executive director of Sakura Foundation. “We wanted to add another event that would emphasis Japanese food specialties. There will even be a vendor bringing Kuramoto ice, which is delicate, fluffy shaved ice made from crystal-clear ice blocks imported directly from Japan.”

Hours for the festival are 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-4 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $55 per person for 10 food tickets and $80 per person for 10 food tickets and unlimited sake and spirit tasting. Kids 10 and younger will be admitted for free. Visit spirit-jpn.com/denver.

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Eat out to help out

Southern Colorado Care and Share Food Bank Distribution Center, 2605 Preamble Point, will be the location for a celebration of 50 years of helping Colorado families in need, 5-8 p.m. Sept. 20. The evening will be filled with fun activities, delicious food courtesy of Picnic Basket Catering and WhataBurger, and drinks courtesy of VooDoo Brewing Co., Trinity Brewing Co. and Keg1 Colorado. There will be distribution center tours and music from local favorite Ryan Flores. Tickets are $28.52 at tinyurl.com/zjrtdm9m.

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Pork chop special

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grill, 8433 Park Meadows Center Drive, is the place to go to celebrate National Pork Chop Day on Tuesday, Aug. 27. For $44 on that day only you get a four-course meal starring the Houston-based chain’s best-known entry, a seven-finger-high pork chop. In addition to the 18-ounce hunk of pork, you get a starter, soup or salad and dessert. There’s also select cocktails and wine offered at a discounted cost. Details: 303-792-2571, tinyurl.com/3hc2xzva.

Dry bar party

Homeward Pikes Peak’s Sober Soiree will be at The Meanwhile Block Barrel Building, 114 W. Cimarron St., from 6-9:30 p.m. Sept. 13. The featured chef is Brother Luck, owner of Four by Brother Luck and Eleven18 Latin Tapas Bar, who will be there along with other local chefs and mixologists, and a concert by the SofaKillers. The event benefits Homeward Pikes Peak, which works with homeless individuals, veterans and families who have addiction and/or mental health issues. General admission is $100 or $450 for a Sober Six Pack ($75 each). Visit tinyurl.com/3w8xpz9s.