These are some of my favorite restaurants in Colorado, with most being in the Denver/Boulder area (Updated Jan. 2009). My top few favorites in each the Boulder area and in Denver are marked with red stars **. And, it's not always about the food only, it's the whole experience.

For seven years, I went on restaurant reviews with the dining critic from the Rocky Mountain News, so I'm very lucky to have tried many wonderful restaurants (along with a few losers - which were fun to review too). Eat a lot of food for free and talk...it's a tough job, but someone's got to do it. So, I added his grades to the restaurant when I have them. [Note:  As of Jan. 2009, the Rocky might be shutting down...so sad! So, at some point these links may not work.]

BOULDER
Aji - This South American restaurant has wonderful tapas as well as main dishes and specialty infused rum drinks. It's a lively crowd. (1601 Pearl Street - 303-442-3464 - ajirestaurant.com) review. B+
Boulder Cork - This is a surprising gem. It's been around forever and everyone just thinks of it as a steakhouse. But, my friend Jim, the chef, uses lots of local, fresh, farmer's ingredients and has an amazing knowledge of food (he teaches me stuff and told me where to pick wild asparagus). He's an avid mushroom hunter too. There are a variety of lovely dishes - in particular, the specials. Check out his herb garden hidden out back - some of the stuff was probably in your dinner. (3295 30th St. - 303-443-9505 - bouldercork.com)
Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse - I'm not very fond of their execution of international food, but the building is amazing. It's a gorgeous, ornate traditional tea house sent to Boulder by our sister city in Tajukistan. Go for the great variety of teas, not the food. (1770 13th St. - 303-442-4993 - boulderteahouse.com)
Cafe Food - Just a sandwich, soup and salad shop, but the only place that I'll eat roast beef in town since they roast their own - medium rare. Subs are great; get "the works" on them. Delicious clam chowder too - and I'm a New Englander so I'm picky. And, the owner is super friendly and knows everyone. (2079 30th St. - 303-443-9239, www.cafefood.qwestoffice.net)
Chautauqua Dining Hall - The new American food's not quite as exceptional as it used to be, although the atmosphere and the views of Boulder and Chautaqua park are absolutely lovely and can't be beat. Especially in the summer, but prepare for lines and make reservations and go for brunch on the weekend. (900 Baseline Road - in Chautauqua Park - 303-440-3776 - chautauquadininghall.com)
Chez Thuy - Nothing fancy, just good Vietnamese food. Inexpensive, lots of variety, good for groups, easy to find, get seats etc. One of my favorite non-fancy places to go. The Pho is excellent! (2655 28th St. - 303-442-1700 - chezthuy.com)
Flagstaff House - Long thought of as THE special occasion restaurant in Boulder. On the mountain side with views of Boulder that can't be beat, this expensive restaurant has one of the 10 best wine lists in the world (according to Wine Spectator) at 160 pages. The new American food is great too and my friend Mark, the chef/owner, is a lovely person too. He makes the BEST polenta (truffled with cream) so if you see something with it on the menu, get it. If you can't afford a whole meal, go later for for desert and coffee or go for drinks and appetizers and sit on the patio in the summer is a good option to enjoy the experience. (1138 Flagstaff Road - 303-442-4640 - flagstaffhouse.com)
**Frasca - The hottest reservation in Boulder, opened by three people from the famed French Laundry restaurant in Napa Valley. Fresh local ingredients make this northern Italian food amazing. Although the wait can be a month for reservations, the community atmosphere, gracious host Bobby Stuckey, and wonderful wines add to the experience to make it all worth it. The service is amazing and I always see someone I know when I go in there. Secret - go at 5pm and stand in line for some of the few tables and bar stools saved for "walk ins". (1738 Pearl St. - 303-442-6966 - frascafoodandwine.com) Review. A.
**The Kitchen - Another spot loved by the local community co-owned by a great chef I like to support, Hugo Matheson. They are serious about locally grown fresh ingredients and natural meats. They even run the place on wind-powered electricity and save the oil for biofuel. The food is French and New American and some of the best in town. They also have an upstairs wine and tapas bar that is a hot spot. If you go late, there are lines. Go early for a seat. (1039 Pearl St. - 303-544-5973 - thekitchencafe.com) review. B+
** L'Atelier - Although the chef can be a bit challenging (and loves to serve mashed potatoes on every plate), the food and presentation is amazing - and he certainly is an artist with Contemporary French food. I've had some of my favorite dishes in Boulder right here. Small and cozy, this is a place for exquisite food. (1739 Pearl St. - 303-442-7233 - latelierboulder.com) review. A-
Leaf - This is part of, and annexed to Aji, although you'd never know it. It's serene and the food is amazingly creative for a vegetarian restaurant. Think saffron risotto with strawberries, English pea and ricotta ravioli, and organic infused vodkas. (2010 16th St., - 303-442-1485 - leafvegetarianrestaurant.com) review. B
Luciles Creole Cafe - My absolute favorite breakfasts...and the lines at brunch attest to that. Super fattening creole specialties, but wonderfully flavorful and unique for breakfast. Along with the yummy main dishes, you can get beignets and chicory coffee. Breakfast and lunch only. Long lines on weekends, get there early. (2124 14th St. - 303-442-4743 - luciles.com) A-
Radda Trattoria - This new Tuscan-insired spot was listed as one of the "summer's top 10 hotspost" and new foodie destinations around the country by Bon Appetit in June 2007 and it is indeed very good. A real neighborhood spot. (1265 Alpine Ave - 303-442-6100, www.raddatrattoria.com)
Q's - I've had some really lovely New American food here, but always seem to forget about it as it's in the Boulderado Hotel. (They also cook for the Corner Bar in the hotel so the bar food is really good including my favorite nachos, which I'm usually not to fond of...order the beef version. and try their Port sampler (not on the menu anymore, but they'll still serve it) with a chocolate dessert! (2115 13th St. in the hotel - 303-442-4880 - qsboulder.com)

CLOSE TO BOULDER
Alice's Restaurant - This log, rustic mountain lodge is part of Gold Lake Resort. Try a package deal with lunch or dinner and the hot springs. They use fresh, natural ingredients in creative dishes and the atmosphere is really special and so "Colorado". (3371 Gold Lake Rd., Ward - 303-459-3544; goldlake.com)
Bloom - A great restaurant in a mall. Who'd've thunk it? (1 W. Flatiron Circle, Flatiron Crossing Mall, Broomfield - 720-887-2800 - tasteofbloom.com) review. A-
Spice China - My favorite Chinese restaurant in the area (although not as authentic as some in Denver like JJ's Chinese). There's a large menu including authentic Shanghai specialties in the back section. The tofu hot pot is the best tofu I've had (even better with the shrimp!). They have the only tripe dish I've ever liked. (269 McCaslin Blvd., Louisville - 720-890-0999 - spicechina.com) review. A-
Sushi Yoshi - This hidden gem is hard to find, but easy to love. It's my favorite sushi bar in the Boulder area and is small, unpretentious and calm, unlike many Boulder sushi bars that cater to students. The presentations are beautiful, the fish impeccable, and the menu creative...think ostrich tenderloin carpaccio, edible wild plant salad, and Osaka-style sushi, which you don't usually see. I hope it survives in such a weird location. (406 Center Drive, Superior, in the Superior Market Place next to the driveway turnabout going into Costco - 720-304-0300; superiorsushi.com) review. A-
** Tortugas - One of my favorite local restaurants that always pops in mind if I'm not trying to go fancy. Low key and comfortable, in a small house with a delightful holiday-light lit patio. Lots of fresh fish with either Cajun or Caribbean treatments. Good portions, good prices and good food. (218 S. Coffman St., Longmont - 303-772-6954)

DENVER
Note: The lovely 32nd Street "Highlands" neighborhood has a number of wonderful restaurants (Bang, Highland's Garden Cafe, Julia Blackbird's, Trattoria Stella, Coral Room). Head there for a good choice and some fun window shopping - it's a cute part of town.
Bang!- This fun, bright, small, artsy spot has a short but wonderful menu of new American comfort food. The entrance is hidden through an alleyway, so look hard. (3472 W. 32nd. - 303-455-1117) review. B+
Barolo Grill - An institution for the Cherry Creek neighborhood. Fantastic northern Italian food. The best creme brulle in Denver! (3030 E. 6th Ave. - 303-393-1040, www.barologrilldenver.com) review. B+
Bistro Vendome - This lovely French bistro has already won many awards and has now been taken over by Jennifer Jasinsky (of Rioja), so I can only imagine is even better! (1424-H Larimer St., Denver - 303-825-3232) John's review. B- http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/dining/article/0,2792,DRMN_24_3604425,00.html
Buckhorn Exchange - Actually, I think the food is pretty poor. But, it's a must-see spot. Go in for a game appetizer and a drink. There are guns and stuffed animal heads everywhere. They serve buffalo, elk, Rocky Mountain oysters, yak and more. They are Denver's oldest restaurant and have the first liquor licence (#1). review. B+
Bump and Grind Cafe - Go on a weekend for brunch. It's hosted by men in drag. It's a riot. You can even wear one of their hats. And, the food is very good too. (439 E. 17th Ave. - 303-861-4841) B
Café Star- A wonderful neighborhood new American bistro. Not chi chi or too expensive, but really lovely. (3201 E Colfax Ave, - 303-320-8635, www.cafestardenver.com) review. B+
Deluxe- Wonderful neighborhood Bistro.   New American cuisine with a twist. like Café Star, not chi chi or too expensive, but really nice food. (30 S. Broadway, Denver, 303-722-1550, www.deluxedenver.com) review. B+
Domo Restaurant - Step right into Japan when you step into this restaurant specializing in Japanese Country Food. This is not your average sushi bar. An amazing decor and beautiful outdoor Japanese garden are the setting for some unique foods (some you'll have no idea what they are). There's also a museum and dojo on the premises. But beware! The customer service can be awful and they have "rules" that can't be broken. They believe the customer is always wrong and will likely say "no!" if you think something isn't good and ask for a remedy. (1365 Osage St. - 303-595-3666 - domorestaurant.com) review. A-
El Mercadito - This Mexican market also has a restaurant inside with very authentic food and a taco bar including things you may not want to eat unless you're very adventurous. Very little English spoken here. Try the assortment of meats, chilies and cheese baked in a molcajete (back of menu) or the shrimp stuffed with cheese and wrapped with bacon and deep fried. (3125 Feveral Blvd. - 303-561-0714)
**Fruition - One of Denver's new best restaurants (opened 2007). The chef of this New American Bistro is Alex Seidel, formerly of Sweet Basil in Vail and Mizuna in Denver, one of my all-time favorites. Such attention to detail and flavors! Every dish is exquisite. The place is small but worth every inch. (1313 East 6th Ave. in Denver. 303-831-1962 - fruitionrestaurant.com) review. A
** Highlands Garden Cafe - This remains one of my all-time favorites. I love the atmosphere. It's in a cozy house, with trompe loeil paintings on the brick walls, amazing New American food, and a beautiful garden during the summer. It's hard to because it's a house. (3927 W. 32nd Ave. - 303-458-5920 - highlahdsgardencafe.com) review. A-
Joseph's Southern Food - The best fried chicken in Denver. This tiny little takeout joint has amazing chicken! But, you have to wait because he cooks it to order. It's worth it. Good sides too. No tables, except a few benches outside, so take the food to City Park and picnic, but eat it fast while it's still hot. (2868 Fairfax St. - 303-333-5332, josephssouthernfood.com) review. B
Restaurant Kevin Taylor - My favorite desserts in Denver - so good, I asked if the pastry chef was married (he was.) The food is fantastic too. He has a few wonderful restaurants, but this is my favorite. (1106 14th St. (in the Hotel Teatro) - 303-820-2600 - restaurantkevintaylor.com) review. A-
Lao Wang Noodle House - A tiny strip-mall space with the best potstickers we've ever had! Inventive, and cravable noodle dishes prepared and served by an older couple as if you're in their home. A delicious, inexpensive, hearly meal in a casual cultural atmosphere. Don't mind the slow service and respect your elders. review. A-
Luca d'Italia - Impeccable regional Italian dishes - no spaghetti in red sauce. It's comfy and classic and absolutely delicious. The sister restaurant to Mizuna below. House-made meats and cheeses and other goodies courtesy of the talented Frank Bonanno - two-time Food Network Challenge winning chef! (711 Grant St. - 303-832-6600, www.lucadenver.com) review. A-
** Mizuna - Owned by the same chef as Luca (above) and right next door, this is also amazing. His New American comfort food includes a sinful mac & cheese with lobster. The place has a pretty simple atmsophere though, but that's OK. I think I spent the most I've ever spent on myself in a restaurant at this place (much of the $ in fine wine) and it was worth it. (225 E. 7th Ave. - 303-832-4778 - www.mizunadenver.com) review. A
New Saigon - The most popular Vietnamese restaurants in Denver, and well-deserved. There's an immense menu. Try the Cua Lot Chien Bo (fried soft shell crab appetizer with fried onions and garlic butter wrapped in lettuce) and don't forget to order an avocado shake! (630 South Federal Blvd. - 303-936-4954 - newsaigon.com) John's review. B
Panzano - I thought this was one of the best hotel restaurants when it was run by chef Jennifer Jasinski, and I still like the Regional Italian food, but she opened her own place, Rioja. (909 17th St. (in the Hotel Monaco) - 303-296-3525 - panzano-denver.com) review. A
Potager - A very quaint, French bistro atmosphere with fantastic contemporary new American food focusing on seasonal and fresh.. ( 1109 Ogden St. - 303-832-5788) review. A-
Racine's - Inexpensive, open late, always a seat, great for large parties and a versatile menu. This comfortable neighborhood eatery is my old standby to satisfy everyone and for a late night bite. I always seem to order their great coconut shrimp, or their Monte Christo sandwich - because it's hard to find most places. (650 Sherman - 303-595-0418 - racinesrestaurant.com) review. (No grade listed)
Rioja - Jennifer Jasinski's new place after Panzano's (and after working for Wolfgang Puck). The Mediterranean menu is pulled off beautifully by the all-female staff. (1431 Larimer St. - 303-820-2282 - riojadenver.com)
Sushi Den - Had always been my favorite Denver sushi bar until Sushi Sasa came along. I still love it, but the crowded, noisy and sometimes pretentious atmosphere drops it to 2nd place in my book. With extremely fresh and unique fish - flown in directly from Japan - it's always delicious...but hard on the pocketbook. Make sure to spring for the fresh wasabi. (1487 S. Pearl St. - 303-777-0826 - sushiden.net) review. A-
Sushi Sasa - My new favorite Denver sushi bar. Small, more serene than Sushi Den (although lately they've been turning up the music a bit too high for those over 20-something). Beautiful presentation of impeccably fresh fish. In addition to sushi they have other small plates and I love the way they do their light, non-greasy tempura. You order the fish/meat/vegi you want and get two sticks of each so you can mix and match your favorites - including lobster and oyster. Try the zensai, a chef's choice selection of dishes (2401 15th St. - 303-433-7272, sushisasadenver.com). review.
Vesta Dipping Grill - It's fun! You order your meat, fish etc. and choose your dipping sauce(s) and go for it. The food is delicious and the experience is unique. Loud though. (1822 Blake St. - 303-296-1970 - vestagrill.com) Review. A-

MOUNTAINS AND OTHER
Fawnbrook Inn - This cozy, rustic mountain lodge serves some amazing food. I have to admit, I haven't been since the 1980's, but I remember it very fondly, and remember the deer walking through the snowy parking lot when we got there. (Highway 7 Business Loop, Allenspark - 303-747-2556, www.fawnbrookinn.com) review.
The Fort - I don't think their Southwestern food's anything to write home about, but they have a good variety of game meats and a very fun atmosphere - great for a celebratory dinner. It's fashioned after an old fort and the wait staff is costumed accordingly. (19192 Hwy 8, Morrison - 303-697-4771 - thefort.com)
Grand Lake Lodge - [I believe this is currently closed] Although not amazing, the food here is probably the best you can find in Grand Lake. As much as I love the area, the restaurants are awful. But, this place has an amazing view and reasonably good food. Sit on the porch, overlooking the lake and have a drink. (15500 US Hwy 34, Grand Lake - 970-627-3967 - grandlakelodge.com)
Hog Heaven Pit Barbecue - My favorite barbeque in the Denver area. It used to be in an old caboose, and I miss that, but they expanded and built a new building. Great sides too. (63658 Hwy 285, Bialey, at the top of Crow Hill) - 303-838-8814 - hogheavenbar-b-que.com) B+
Devil's Thumb Ranch - There are very few restaurants I like in the ski/tourist towns - but this is a gem. They use fresh, local, natural ingredients when possible and prepare them beautifully. The location is gorgeous too! (Tabernash (near Winter Park) 970-756-5632 or 800-933-4339 - devilsthumbranch.com)