Olive Street Bakery
The palmiers at this Fort Collins bakery have a bewitching combination of flakiness, gooeyness and an almost savory sweetness. They’re big, about 4 inches across, but so good, you’ll eat the whole thing. So if you’re planning to share one, just spring for two. Belgian baker Olivier Campe’s croissants are some of the crispest we’ve found, and the scones have a richness often lacking in the cakey wedges. Why so good? “My husband has been baking since he’s 15 and it’s good products like butter, sugar and flour,” says owner Lut Campe. 120 W. Olive St., Fort Collins, 970-482-9875. Kristen Browning-Blas
Parisi
Talk about one-stop shopping. Come to Parisi for an excellent lunchtime insalata Cristina, with romaine, tuna, chickpeas and hard-boiled egg. Linger over your cappuccino, then pick up supper and some Italian gelato from the gourmet prepared-food counter up front. 4401 Tennyson St.,
303- 561-0234. Tucker Shaw
Cuba Cuba
Who says summer’s over? Protest cooler temperatures with a trip to the bar at Cuba Cuba for a refreshing summertime mojito and a plate of lobster fritters. These buttery, savory little croquettes, served over crunchy, refreshing jicama, are a perfect antidote to shorter days and colder breezes. 1173 Delaware St., 303-605-2822. Tucker Shaw
