Best of the West 2014 – Food

CHINESE:

SPICE CHINA

Blink twice. Look around. You’re still in Colorado, although Spice China’s authenticity  may lead you to believe otherwise. From the visual aesthetics to the shanghai menu, tradition and artistry are evident in every aspect. 269 McCaslin Blvd, Louisville

CHINA GOURMET

The menu is inexhaustible, with rows and rows of tiny font, as if David Foster Wallace had once written a dictionary of Chinese food selections. Don’t be overwhelmed—the variety is a nice break from the tired General Tso-type classics. Many locations

COFFEESHOP:

PROPER GROUNDS COFFEE
The mechanical whirs of the espresso machine and  rhythmic grinding of raw Rwandan beans are the perfect invite to this coffee shop. Oh, and of course the aromatic dark, flavorful coffee. 990 S Public Rd, Lafayette

OZO’S

Even in a coffee town Ozo stands out. “Busy” doesn’t describe it adequately. Think it a bustling office of entrepreneurs on laptops, job interviews conducted over espresso and spontaneous reunions of old friends. Many locations

GLUTEN FREE & PIZZA:

MARTINO’S

Affordable and delicious, the original, thin-crust Midwestern style specialty pizzas and gluten-free options entice customers to come back again-and-again. Jump out of the box and try the gyro pizza, taco pizza, or bacon-cheeseburger pizza. 1389 Forest Park Cir, Lafayette

GLUTEN FREE:

SHINE RESTAURANT

If there’s one thing that could out-Shine the beer brewed at this “Gathering Place,” it’s the gluten-free dishes. Most restaurants have a gluten-free section, or mention modification options. At Shine, it’s their entire menu. 2027 13th St, Boulder

CHAIN:

CHIPOTLE

Chipotle has grown to become a staple for carnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike. Stand in line and take your pick to create the burrito of your dreams. Multiple locations

INDIAN:

FLAVOR OF INDIA

Here’s one caveat to nearly every Indian restaurant: the buffet. And no one does it better than the man from Punjab, Mr. Singh. 516 Main St, Longmont

TAJ MAHAL

Louisville’s Main Street gets all the accolades but Taj Mahal stands out despite being off the main drag. The kicker? A lunch buffet every day of the week. 1075 E South Boulder Rd, Louisville

ITALIAN:

ZUCCA ITALIAN RISTORANTE

A mini-Italy with romantic lights dancing on beige fresco-like walls, Zucca taunts your senses with full-bodied wines and scrumptious antipasti. 808 Main St, Louisville

CARELLI’S RESTAURANT

Seldom do stateside Italian spots integrate seafood so well. Massive mollusks, squid and salmon are all common, and are enjoyed by a fireplace in an ambiance described as “romantic.” 645 30th St, Boulder