Sweet Java Cafe: Don’t be fooled by the name. Although this place serves a perfectly good cup of joe and a nice freshly baked cinnamon roll, the real gems here are the handmade chocolates. Rich in flavor and lovely in shape, these artisanal bonbons are a sure-fire hit when it’s your turn to bring treats to the office. | 6140 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge, 303-421-1024 | Tucker Shaw
Elevation is one of those Aspen restaurants that goes about the business of providing fab food and superb service without tooting its horn. It quietly (but busily) sits on the block of East Hopkins Avenue that has come to be known as “Restaurant Row,” serving a knockout chicken paté with preserved pears and its signature wasabi Caesar, lime-rubbed wild boar and caramelized black cod with ginger risotto. Try to save room for the green tea and peppermint panna cotta. | 304 E. Hopkins Ave., 970-544-5166; elevationaspen.com | Ellen Sweets
Wahoo’s Fish Taco: This friendly chain serves way more than just fish tacos. We recently tried soft tacos filled with carnitas (slow-cooked shredded pork), carne asada (grilled marinated steak), spicy Cajun mushrooms, and blackened fish. We loved each distinct flavor and texture, but the mushrooms, coated in Wahoo’s complex new spice blend, drew the most raves. | Ten metro locations and two in Colorado Springs; | Kristen Browning-Blas
