An Old Favorite Returns Kolache Are Back

The day starts at 2:30 in the morning when Steve Boles, owner of the recently re-opened Kolache Factory, starts prep work with his culinary team. The restaurant was a Lakewood favorite for years before Boles and his wife Raza brought back the closed shop. It’s the only concept restaurant of its kind and area residents are thrilled that the small European pastries are back. The light dough is somewhat sweet and includes myriad different fillings from egg and cheese or bacon for breakfast to Philly steak, Barbecue beef and pizza flavors for lunch. There are also sweet kolaches with fillings like strawberry, lemon and chocolate cream cheese. If you remember the old Kolache Factory on Wadsworth in Lakewood, here’s your chance to enjoy it once again. The new Kolache Factory is located at 9998 West Colfax Avenue. www.kolachefactory.com

Several of the best of Boulder’s restaurants braved the spring snow at the seventh annual Taste of Pearl, which was held on Pearl Street on April 17. The event brought together 15 pairings of Boulder restaurants with 15 local Colorado wineries and attendees enjoyed hopping from one stop to the next exploring the very best that Boulder and Colorado have to offer. Some of the most exciting dishes included The Flagstaff House’s braised Colorado lamb shank, which was served over white truffle-infused polenta, for a salty and tender take on traditional lamb. The Hotel Boulderado’s Spruce Farm and Fish also made quite a splash at the annual event. Attendees fell for the tender braised wild boar with blackberry and roasted garlic chutney, all topped off with a cherry limeade and Arnold Palmer cake pop. It was another perfect showing for the culinary excellence of Boulder County Chefs. www.flagstaffhouse.com or www.spruceboulderado.com

Looking for a new take on spring cuisine? Visit Arugula Restaurant on May 17 for a very special chef creation. Chefs Alex Schuler and Sven Hedenas have created a feast using mostly local ingredients to serve up a five course dinner along with five different and specially selected wines. The flavors of the season will spring to life with tasty delicacies like butter-poached king crab leg, Rocky Mountain elk Carpaccio, braised Longmont-raised Red Wattle pork sirloin or Colorado lamb t-bone. The cost for all five courses and wine pairings is $89. www.arugularistorante.com

Get inspired to create your own dream kitchen at the 2016 Dream Kitchens Tour in Boulder. 11 different homes from Louisville to Longmont and Boulder will be open for you to tour. Check out the latest trends in home kitchens, drool over beautiful countertops and marvel at the upgraded appliances in these elegant homes. The event runs Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1 and tickets are $20. www.ihadboulder.org

Sources: Boulder Daily Camera, Boulder Weekley and Dining Out Denver and Boulder