Centro isn’t a big place, with small tables fitted into a long, narrow dining room and a very cool bar, the back side of which opens onto the patio when the weather is nice. Unfortunately for us, it was stormy out, leaving the bar closed off and the room loud and stuffy.

We were intrigued by the menu, a stimulating play on Latin favorites with unusual ingredients. Our attentive server brought our drinks and appetizers: a salsa sampler that came with a sweet and spicy habanero salsa, a smoky chipotle and a fairly watery chile verde as well as an order of ceviche. The salsas were bright, fresh and flavorful. We had fun trying them in different combinations as our server suggested, but I was a little put off by the price tag (it worked out to about a dollar a tablespoon). The ceviche seemed a much better bargain with large chunks of expertly marinated fish coated in something akin to a cilantro pesto and partnered with green olives. The olives at first gave me pause, but they worked, and I resolved to trust chef Ian Clark.

A good thing, too. My friend snickered that we were lucky we aren’t picky eaters as she pointed out a line on the menu explaining that all the ingredients were essential to each dish and insinuating that special orders would be frowned upon. She ordered the chicken and goat cheese enchiladas and I decided on the duck carnitas tacos.

The enchiladas were a little dry; having spent a few formative food years in New Mexico, I expect my enchiladas to be swimming in sauce barely contained by the confines of the plate. But the spices, chicken and cheese were a great combination, and we loved the black beans that accompanied the dish. The duck tacos were brilliant, reminding me happily of Mexico City-style street tacos I enjoyed while living in LA. Two perfect corn tortillas topped with a pile of shredded duck carnitas, lightly dressed shredded cabbage that gave it a dose of crunch, a few crumbles of smooth cheese and some luridly pink pickled onion. The sweet and sour and spicy flavors melded beautifully until I was wishing I hadn’t eaten quite so much ceviche and saved myself for the main course.

My trust in Centro’s chef was not misplaced; the food was excellent, creative and fresh.

And while our service was attentive and friendly, I found the atmosphere left a lot to be desired. My friend and I ended up at a coffee shop down the street to finish our evening because we were tired of shouting over the din of the loud music and noisy crowd. Maybe if it had been a different kind of evening we might have enjoyed some drinks and small plates at the bar before heading out to go dancing or to our next step on the pub crawl, but as it was, it was a challenge even holding a conversation without shouting.

Good thing we had great food to occupy our mouths.

Centro Latin Kitchen & Refreshment Palace
Three Stars
950 Pearl Street, Boulder
303.442.7771
centrolatinkitchen.com
Bottom line: Exciting food; overexcited atmosphere.

And the Winner is…

While some make resolutions, mine has more of a deadline than most. I am getting married on Labor Day and my fiancée and I really want to change our lifestyles before we start our lives together. We have terrible habits. Neither one of us really knows how to cook, so we constantly are eating out or frozen foods. And while clothes aren’t a big problem, I really have no style. I wear jeans and a comfy fleece to work pretty much every day of the week while everyone else comes to work looking stylish and cute.

And our fitness leaves a lot to be desired. We are both skiers, but we are hardly “in shape.” But mostly we want to look good for our wedding and beyond! And finally, stress is probably the single biggest issue in our lives. Stefan (my fiancee) is in business school at DU and is constantly worrying about that. And my job demands constant attention, so I stress about that. And wedding stress is getting to both of us (okay, me!), as we are about to make the biggest commitment of our lives!

That’s why we want a makeover.

—Sincerely
Morgan Ralph, Louisville

I believe I deserve these services because I just had abdominal surgery and feel like my belly is a cross between a sponge (albeit colorful) and a zipper right now! I’m on weight-lifting restrictions so I’m limited as to how much exercising I can do to get the belly back in shape, but I’m ready to tackle the challenge full-on once my doctor gives me the green light.

I thought getting surgery (not cosmetic, for medical reasons) would leave my belly nice and flat, but was I disillusioned. I may have to WORK at getting those early-20s abs back, not to mention getting my thighs back in shape for skiing. At least I can work on that part while my belly scar is healing. Getting a little help from your generous professionals would sure be appreciated!

—Regards,
Lorrie , Longmont

When I read your article I thought how wonderful these professionals are to donate their time for motivationally challenged people, of which I am queen of this sad group.

In 2005-2006 I lost about 60 pounds and was feeling pretty good about myself.  I had been a certified nurses assistant for three years, caring for the elderly and the terminally ill. But one day, while moving a gentleman, I injured my back terribly. My career came to an abrupt end and I have been out of work for over a year now. Despite numerous visits to doctors, chiropractors and a pain specialist, I have gotten no relief.

I gained back the 60 pounds I lost due to eating poorly and my inability to exercise.  But as horrible as this has been, the worst came in June when my 30-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a serious mental illness and was placed in a state facility.  With psychiatric therapy and medication she is on the road to a better life and now lives under constant supervision.

Without the help, support and knowledge of my sister has from working the mentally ill, my daughter and I would never have made it through this nightmare.

As much as I would love to win this makeover for myself, I am reminded of all the things my sister has done for my daughter and me. Therefore, I wish you would choose my sister, Gayle, for this makeover.  She is the most amazing person, and I love her.

—Thank you,
Brenda , Westminster

My name is Betty and I would like to look as good as I now feel, but I need a makeover. I have been working hard this last year changing my overall health. After graduating from high school I began training as a dental assistant and have worked in the dental industry for the last 35 years.

I spent six years caring for my mother, who was diagnosed with Lou Geherig’s Disease (ALS). Shortly after she passed, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. At first I thought, “Why me? I’m a good person, why did I get breast cancer?”  Then I realized, why not!  I’m no different than the thousands of other people diagnosed with cancer every day.

Surviving cancer is one of the hardest things anyone can do.  It makes doing anything else easy by comparison.  I knew that somehow I had to get healthy and I had a million excuses not to, but it was time to take care of myself or I may not be around later for the ones I love.

I never thought I was neglecting myself, but I had to admit I was overweight. I was on high blood pressure medicine, lacked energy and had no idea how to proceed.

Taking the advice of my daughter, I joined a gym, hired a trainer and with his guidance I have taken personal responsibility for my health and I have a plan that will keep me healthy for the rest of my life.

In the past 6 months I have lost more than 38 pounds, my blood pressure has fallen from 152/85 to 115/67, and I no longer have to take medicine to regulate it.  I also dropped my body fat from 42 percent to 22 percent. I feel fantastic and have more energy than I’ve had in years!

But it’s not enough! I am proud of the way my body looks, but the eight chemo and 34 radiation treatments (not to mention age and menopause) has taken its toll on my skin and 57-year-old face. I want to look as young as I feel.

Can you help me find a whole new me?

—Floss on,
Betty, Denver

My name is Tara and I’m a working single mom in Lafayette. After a trying 2008 in which I had to rebuild my life after an unexpected divorce and start over in a new town with my two young daughters, I am looking forward to a 2009 full of new beginnings.

There is not a lot of time for me, and money is always tight, so doing things to pamper myself is not high on my list of “needs”. I recently started trying to fit me into my own schedule, but it has been a struggle. I haven’t had a haircut in months, could stand to lose 10 pounds, desperately need to tone up this aching body, find some style and, most importantly, manage my stress and get my life back in balance.  I’d love it if you would consider me for your makeover.

—Tara , Lafayette

After almost 10 years of marriage to a wonderful man with whom I have raised a beautiful daughter (now in the third grade), I have found myself in a rut. I’ve gained weight and I haven’t changed my hairstyle since high school; that’s almost 15 YEARS!!!  I used to turn heads; now I don’t even get a second glance. I want to be the best I can be, and I need help getting there. Please help me!

—Stephanie , Louisville

I was so excited when I read about this contest! I am a 43-year-old single mom to two beautiful, healthy girls.  I have struggled with my weight my entire life. My mom had me on some kind of fad diet or another since I was about 10, so I have no desire to go down that road.

I know that good nutrition and regular exercise is the ONLY way to lose weight and keep it off, but that’s easier said than done.  My health has been relatively good, but I have been struggling with staying in shape. I bought my first home this past year, which was a good thing, but I have much less discretionary income available for “extras” like a gym membership.

Also, I sprained my ankle pretty bad a couple of times last year. As a result, I have gained a few pounds and just don’t feel very good about myself.  I haven’t had a new haircut in a while, can’t seem to find my “personal style”, and would love to learn about eating better (on a tight budget) and how to establish and maintain a good exercise routine.

Thanks so much for considering me!
—Sharon , Longmont

Correction:
Doh! We slipped up on the cover of our Dec 08/Jan 09 issue. The new pARTicular Art Gallery is, indeed, in Lafayette, not Louisville. YS regrets the error.

1. McGuckin Hardware, Inc.
We’ve love to shop, but going to the hardware store always seemed like a chore. At McGukin’s, home repair has never been so fun. Here you’ll find model trains, toys, art supplies and cast iron stoves, all amidst a funky decor.  303.443.1822

2. Sunflower Farmer’s Market
Their motto is “Better-than-supermarket quality at better-than-supermarket prices,” but the important thing is they have a great selection of organic and locally produced cheeses and produce. Great for the health conscious, the environmenally conscious, or the plain hungry. 303.449.0777

3. Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe
This is more than just a toy store, it’s a Boulder institution. “People who shopped here 30 years ago bring their kids in here,” says assistant manager Cindy Russo. Because they focus on independent toy makers, you won’t find these items at Target.   303.443.0780

4. Great Harvest Bread Company
Freeloaders and college students in Boulder sing this owner’s praises. Here, you don’t just get samples, but a big, hearty slice of homemade bread, and all the butter you want. It’s a smart marketing strategy. Once you taste their bread, just try to leave without buying a loaf. 303.442.3062

5. Ellie’s Eco Home Store
Having trouble finding an organic baby crib set? What started as a company selling green office supplies has since expanded to include enviro-friendly cleaning supplies, no-VOC paint and even an entire environmentally efficient house. 303.952.1004

6. Brewing Market
This is not your ordinary coffee shop.With every option you can think of to top off or spice up a cup of Joe, they also have an extensive collection of percolators, grinders and mugs for the home brewer. Yet, it’s the empressive array of desserts and snacks that puts other shops to shame. 303.444.4858

[Farming]
The Wrath of Cow
It should have been a milkbath, but instead, one gutsy pet cow held her own and lived to boast about chasing off a big, bad, wild black bear. The interspecies cockfight went down in Hygiene when Jack McDonald saw his pet cow, Apple, going “face-to-face” and “nose-to-nose” with a bear. The two adversaries made nice for a few seconds before Apple tapped into her bovine brain and turned tough. Before you could say “milking time,” Apple went from friendly pet to Mike Tyson on hooves. “Apple is protective of her apple tree,” McDonald said. “I don’t think she wanted that bear eating any more of her apples.” No word on whether the bear was ridiculed by his peers.

[Impersonation]
Hard Up For Porn
A Longmont sword and blade maker reportedly fashioned a fake badge and played the role of a cop to obtain X-rated DVDs from an adult novelty store. Instead of getting off (no pun intended, scout’s honor), the suspect, Drew Libby, received a trip to the pokey. Longmont cops arrested Libby outside his home on charges of impersonating an officer, possession of an illegal weapon and possession of pot. A search of Libby’s pad turned up a steel badge emblazoned with the words “private security.” “Turns out badges like it can be bought on the Internet. Authorities contend Libby flashed the fake badge and claimed to be a Longmont police officer when he entered an adult store in search of porn. The fake cop told a clerk that he needed an X-rated DVD to verify the age of the porn stars in the production. Surveillance videos from the store were distributed. Tips quickly led to Libby’s arrest.

[Oprah]
Impressive High Road
We may never hear the end of the JonBenet Ramsey saga—you know, the story of the six-year-old beauty queen’s murder a decade ago that has thrown us through more twists than a world-class roller coaster. At least papa Ramsey has forgiven us (us, meaning the rabid media) for assuming that he (or wife Patsy) were the ones who did it. John Ramsey appeared on Oprah last month—his first national TV appearance since prosecutors exonerated his family over the summer—telling the world that it’s water under the bridge. That’s certainly taking the high road, since a majority of us convicted him in the prestigious court of public opinion years ago. “You can’t hold anger,” he said on the show. Ramsey did have some harsh words for the tabloids, however. “It was a rush to judgment, almost a cyberspace lynching,” Ramsey said, taking particular offense to the media labeling his daughter a beauty queen because she won a child beauty pageant. We still think it’s pretty creepy to flaunt a six-year-old on stage. Hasn’t Little Miss Sunshine taught us anything?.

[Education]
Boulder Teens Are Easy
No word yet if Bristol Palin, the unwed and knocked up teen daughter to GOP veep candidate Sarah plans a move to Boulder. But if the 17-year-old soon-to-be mom does, she’ll be in good company. Seems a growing number of Boulder Valley School District kids say they know a thing or two about sex, drugs and booze. A recent survey indicated that 16.7 percent of Boulder Valley freshman have binged on booze. About 18 percent had engaged in sex, an increase of 50 percent since 2005. “Whether we’re talking about sexual intercourse or substance use, one thing is clear, the earlier youths engage in the behavior, the better the chance they have of experiencing long-term negative impacts in their lives,” one school official said in an area news source. Of course that rule does not apply to the offspring of gun-toting, moose-killing hockey moms.

Edward Schmidt loves his new job as the head chef at Bimbamboo. After having toiled in the kitchen of the posh Range in Aspen for the past few years, he tired of serving entrées that cost upwards of $70. Bimbamboo, a playful, newish Asian fusion bistro in downtown Boulder, gives him the chance to be creative while serving dishes that cost less than $10.

His vibrant and cheap menu is a delight, offering complex flavors and plating on par with a fine-dining establishment.

Creativity is key to pulling this off, which is why he eagerly took on the strawberry challenge despite admittedly cursing us for five minutes after learning the ingredient he’d be working with.

We couldn’t resist. Strawberries are in season, and we love seeing them in a creative dish. And frankly, we were hoping to prod our victim into making us dessert—a course that no previous chef had attempted since we began Challenging Elements in March.

Thankfully Schmidt bit; the day we swung by for a tasting was a sweltering June afternoon, and we were treated to Coconut Rice Pudding with a Chili Spiked Strawberry Compote.

When creating a dish—for this challenge or in general—Schmidt follows a simple formula. He uses a neutral ingredient serving as a base for one or two forward components. Then he adds a surprise.

With this creation, the rice pudding acts neutral, and compote and cocao nibs (the base of a chocolate bar and his new favorite ingredient) act as the dominating flavors. Yet it’s his clever surprise that is the true highlight.

He spikes his compote with chili flakes that have been stewed in agave syrup.

As you are enjoying the tangy sweetness of the strawberry, you can feel your tongue burn just a little. It takes a moment to realize your taste buds are moving from strawberry to chili.

His rice pudding offers a unique flavor that accentuates Schmidt’s style and serves as a stellar ending to any meal at Bimbamboo. It’ll only set you back six bucks, too.

Taste the Coconut Rice Pudding with Chili Spiked Strawberry Compote at Bimbamboo, 1710 Pearl St., Boulder, through Aug. 7. For info, call 303.442.4575.

This is just part of life at the CU Cycling Short Track Series, a set of 10 races for both beginner and experienced riders that has quickly become Boulder’s largest race series. In a sport that measures success on how many laps you finish, survival and high-speeds are the ultimate goals of each competitor. Not only do participants have to battle through the elements, they also have to fight through narrow dirt paths, which are not conducive to passing. This sport and its participants clearly deserve more credit in the sporting world for what they go through each and every week.

All this makes for good watching. Grab a camping chair and park yourself at any vantage point on the track at CU’s Research Park, and watch the action fly by, over and over again.

The CU Cycling Short Track Series, 4:45 p.m, Wednesdays through Aug. 6, Research Park, near Foothills Parkway and Colorado Avenue, Boulder.

Mind Control is a perfect blend of modern sounds and classic roots vibes, all the sounds and styles that Marley loves. Snoop Dogg even makes an appearance on the outing. Meshing reggae and rock and nyabinghi rhythms, the album is full of meaning. He doesn’t sound like his legendary dad all that much, but there is a reason Stephen has more Grammys than any other reggae musician—see why this weekend.

Stephen Marley, 9 p.m., June 7 at the Fox Theater in Boulder, and 7 p.m. June 8 at the Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Bellvue.

Word on the street indicates Sun wowed the judges with his one-piece seaweed swimsuit. Sun is so cute, I can’t decide if I should hug him or club him like a baby seal. Sun beat out 1,700 dudes in a competition designed to raise awareness about vegetarianism among teens and young adults. The judges selected cute kids who don’t eat animals.

The top chick award went to Kelly Anderson, 18, of San Antonio. Sun, a 19-year-old film major, gave up meat three years ago. He turned away from burgers after viewing a PETA video that explained the joys of food production. “It is sad to see what animals go through just so we can eat them,” Sun told the media. Check out PETA’s website for details on the contest and the meat-hating hotties.