Winner

The Kitchen
www.thekitchencafe.com
1039 Pearl St., Boulder
303.544.5973


Just what exactly is American cuisine, and what’s cooking in our melting pot these days? “Our focus is on locally produced, seasonal ingredients, prepared simply so that the expression of the food comes through,” explains Kate Kaufman, manager at community bistro The Kitchen. “Our produce and our meat come from local farmers and ranchers, who are our friends as well.” Chefs Hugo Matheson and Kimbal Musk have created a menu that skillfully moves from starter plates of Poached Salmon Salad or Pork Terrine to enticing entrees like Roasted Pork Loin or Pan Seared Lamb Sirloin. Weekend brunch (you can even order a Full English Breakfast!) is served until 2 p.m. – the perfect way to slow-start your day. Not a morning person? If the nighttime is the right time for your socializing, join friends for dinner under the chandeliers in the dining room. Or cozy up to the counter with a special friend and share a couple of yummy desserts and a tawny port. The vibe is tastefully mellow, a happy mashup of visual palette and “flavor” palate that makes The Kitchen your choice for Best American and Best Late-Night Restaurant.

Runner Up

Boulder ChopHouse & Tavern
www.chophouse.com
921 Walnut St., Boulder
303.443.1188

Winner

Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant
www.leafvegetarianrestaurant.com
2010 16th St., Boulder
303.442.1485

Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant

When Lenny Martinelli was a vegetarian about 20 years ago, the standard restaurant offering for non-meat eaters was roasted vegetables and potatoes. He opened Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant a couple years ago to do something more distinctive and interesting. “It’s our fifth restaurant,” he notes, “and they all have a vegetarian component.” His other eateries are well known to locals: Aji, the Boulder Dushanbe Tea House, the Huckleberry Restaurant in Louisville, and the Naropa Café. “We are the only vegetarian restaurant in Boulder. I think enough people know about us, know that the food is really good, and different. Fifty percent of our customers are not vegetarians; they come because our food is good. Omnivores come in and eat our food and walk out saying ‘Wow.’” Some favorites are stuffed poblano pepper with chocolate mole, jerk tempeh with coconut plaintain sauce, and for dessert, vegan carrot cake and green tea creme brulee. “We always have homemade pie with a vegan crust, and we offer a flourless chocolate cake for the non-wheat eaters. We provide for people with allergies. We really try to please.” Besides chef Steven Dustin and managing partner Gerry Manning, who puts together the list of organic, biodynamic and sustainably grown wines, wife Sara Martinelli is “the tea queen” for the restaurants. You can enjoy organic beer and smoothies, too, and a good selection of vegan food. “We are introducing at least one course that’s raw,” Martinelli says. Leaf and its four sister restaurants share in the ownership of a local organic farm. “At the 63rd Street Farm, our produce is grown organically and biodynamically, and we are able to be involved in the agricultural process every step of the way. We can ensure the quality of our produce by working hand-in-hand with our farmers to determine which crops to plant, and we carefully craft our menus to coincide with the natural harvest periods.”

Runner Up

Sunflower Organic Dining
www.sunflowerboulder.com
1701 Pearl St., Boulder
303.440.0220

Winner

Mediterranean Restaurant (The Med)
www.themedboulder.com
1002 Walnut St., Boulder
303.444.5335

Mediterranean Restaurant (The Med)

Hats off to The Mediterranean Restaurant for achieving the hat trick of three “Bests” this year! Locals just call it “The Med” but the short moniker is deceptive for a restaurant that delivers so much. The Med is a longtime favorite destination for Happy Hour aficionados who enjoy the extensive menu of tasty appetizers, tapas and pizzas. Order up a frosty microbrew, a sangria or handmade Martini so your other hand has something to do. Unwind, chat up a new friend. There’s no need to hurry; this “hour” lasts from 3 to 6:30 p.m., seven days a week. The cheery patio, festooned with flowers, a fountain and colorful tiles, is a special getaway retreat with a hint of the Côte d’Azur, just steps from the bustle of downtown. “We’ve spent a lot of effort on the aesthetics of our outdoor dining,” says manager Mike Gleason. “It’s a comfortable space; people are willing to wait a bit longer to enjoy the ambiance of our patio.” Eating light, or just want to experiment with some new dishes? The Med’s appetizer menu awaits! Taste the sunny influences of Italian, Spanish, French and Greek cuisine, brought together in the form of crisp Calamari, Gambas (Catalan-style shrimp), Polenta Fritti, Prosciutto and Melon or Caprese salad. Order a selection, share, compare – and order again!

Runner Up

Brasserie Ten Ten
www.brasserietenten.com
1011 Walnut St., Boulder
303.998.1010

Winner

Mediterranean Restaurant (The Med)
www.themedboulder.com
1002 Walnut St., Boulder
303.444.5335

Mediterranean Restaurant (The Med)

Hats off to The Mediterranean Restaurant for achieving the hat trick of three “Bests” this year! Locals just call it “The Med” but the short moniker is deceptive for a restaurant that delivers so much. The Med is a longtime favorite destination for Happy Hour aficionados who enjoy the extensive menu of tasty appetizers, tapas and pizzas. Order up a frosty microbrew, a sangria or handmade Martini so your other hand has something to do. Unwind, chat up a new friend. There’s no need to hurry; this “hour” lasts from 3 to 6:30 p.m., seven days a week. The cheery patio, festooned with flowers, a fountain and colorful tiles, is a special getaway retreat with a hint of the Côte d’Azur, just steps from the bustle of downtown. “We’ve spent a lot of effort on the aesthetics of our outdoor dining,” says manager Mike Gleason. “It’s a comfortable space; people are willing to wait a bit longer to enjoy the ambiance of our patio.” Eating light, or just want to experiment with some new dishes? The Med’s appetizer menu awaits! Taste the sunny influences of Italian, Spanish, French and Greek cuisine, brought together in the form of crisp Calamari, Gambas (Catalan-style shrimp), Polenta Fritti, Prosciutto and Melon or Caprese salad. Order a selection, share, compare – and order again!

Runner Up

Brasserie Ten Ten
www.brasserietenten.com
1011 Walnut St., Boulder
303.998.1010

Winner

A Spice of Life
5541 Central Ave.
Boulder, CO
303.443.4049

5706 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder
303.444.3452
www.aspiceoflife.com

What’s the secret ingredient behind an unforgettable event? A Spice of Life! Since 1987, co-owners David Rubin and Dan Bruckner have wowed us with their special approach to catering, bringing together exquisite culinary treats, spectacular presentation and a dedicated staff that exceed your expectations, every time. “We bring passion and enthusiasm to every event,” Rubin says, from intimate get-togethers for 30 to the ultimate street party of 3,000 people celebrating the grand opening of the Twenty Ninth Street Mall. Three certified chefs do a lot of their magic on site, so the food is served at its best. Budgets are a little tighter this year, Rubin explains, but Spice of Life’s team can work with you to put on a party people won’t forget. We like their community spirit and commitment to “Zero Waste” practices, too. Is there anything they don’t do well? “We’re not very good at cutting back on our quality,” Rubin says with a laugh.

Runner Up

Dish Gourmet
1918 Pearl St., Boulder
720.565.5933
www.dishgourmet.com

Winner

Chey Thuy
2655 28th St., Boulder
303.442.1700
www.chezthuy.com

Chez Thuy

Since 1993, perennial favorite Chez Thuy has brought the lively flavors of Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai and Indonesian cooking to hungry Boulder diners. Chez Thuy’s chefs use fresh cilantro, basil, lemongrass, tamarind, ginger, coconut, pineapple and mango to create an exciting menu that is perfect for sharing in a group. Order up a hot, spicy soup and some crunchy spring rolls to get started. Many appetizers are served traditional-style with rice papers to wrap your own ingredients at your table and enjoy with nuoc mam, the house dipping sauce. Vegetarians like the great selection of entrees, from the spicy Buddha Delight (Malai Chay) to more mellow Lo Mein with tofu and vegetables. Order a Thai Iced Tea or Coffee, or go crazy and order Fried Bananas Flambee for the perfect finish to your evening. Thank you to “Twee” and her staff for bringing us the best in Asian cooking, seven days a week (holidays, too!).

Runner Up

Golden Lotus
1964 28th St., Boulder
303.442.6868
www.goldenlotuscuisine.com