First off, let me admit I’m a little confused by the whole concept of Firebirds Rocky Mountain Grill. A chain of a dozen Colorado-inspired restaurants, headquartered in North Carolina, with its only three locations in the West located in Arizona?

Although I have lived in Colorado, I have little to no recollection of any particular type of cuisine that would be considered representative of the state. Then again, most of my “dining out” experiences took place in the late-night cafeteria of the hospital across the street from the newspaper.

So it was with a sense of curiosity — and a bit of nostalgic anticipation — that a friend and I stopped at the East Valley’s Firebirds in front of Chandler Fashion Center for lunch.

Firebirds’ decor, much like its menu, is a mix of Rocky Mountain and Southwest desert elements. A large stone fireplace (complete with roaring blaze on this 112-degree day) dominates the bar area.

The exposed beams of the vaulted ceiling tower over the large, dark-oak-paneled dining area, which is bordered by an open-air exhibition kitchen. Mesquite and hickory logs, for use on the grill, are stacked in tall piles.

Wood-fired meats — steaks, chicken and fish — reign on the menu, although Firebirds also serves a variety of salads, burgers and sandwiches.

We start with an appetizer of Ranch Rings ($6.95), a plate of onion rings buttermilk-battered with pepper panko bread crumbs. The accompanying roasted garlic ranch dressing is a little too powerful for our taste, but the rings themselves are delectable.

My friend gets the buffalo meatloaf ($9.95). Given the price, we’re not surprised to learn it contains only a little actual buffalo mixed with the ground beef. And we’re not complaining: The meat and portobello mushroom gravy are quite tasty — strongly seasoned but not salty.

The meatloaf comes with Parmesan mashed potatoes and spiced pecan green beans, both of which are very good.

I go with a cilantro grilled chicken breast ($9.25). It’s good on its own, but tastes even better with a smoky, tomato-jack cheese sauce. Like the meatloaf, it comes with Parmesan mashed potatoes.

For dessert, we are tempted by the Rocky Mountain peanut butter pie, but opt for something a little lighter: the summer-special Key lime pie ($6.55). It has a mellow, fresh flavor and is the perfect conclusion to our lunch.

As we head to the parking lot, I decide our excursion hasn’t resurrected any dormant memories of my tenure in the Rocky Mountain state. But it has brought one realization: If the food had been this good, I might never have moved to Arizona.

Firebirds Rocky Mountain Grill
Where: 3435 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler (Chandler Fashion Center)
Prices: Appetizers $4.95-$9.95, salads $5.95-$12.95, burgers/sandwiches $8.95-$12.95, lunch entrees $8.95-$25.95, dinner entrees $14.95-$35.95, desserts $6.95.
Info: (480) 814-8003 or firebirdsrestaurants.com