There’s almost as much food as there is blown glass at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. You won’t have a hard time finding a decent snack. But here are three places to wander into if you want to slide away from crowds.
Nordstrom’s Cafe Bistro 2810 E. First Ave. (at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center), 720-746-2424
Dart across East First Avenue (at the light, please!) and pop into Nordstrom’s cafe for a civilized break from the street food. Salads, sandwiches and serious entrees served on real dishes. Nordstrom’s keeps it simple but swank; a meal worthy of that great hat you are wearing.
Whole Foods 2375 E. First Ave., Denver, 720-941-4100
You don’t just need food. You need air conditioning. Whole Foods will feed you and cool you off: salads, sandwiches, pizza and more from its takeout counters. And you can eat it in the expanded dining section. It’s souped-up supermarket fare, better than most, and, yes, pricier too.
Tambien 250 Steele St., Denver, 303-333-1763
Tambien is the perfect place to duck in for a quick bite between booths at the fair. You can get above-average Mexican fare at prices below average for the neighborhood. Sit on the shady patio and sip one of the famous margaritas.
Ray Mark Rinaldi
Vita
It is prime outdoor-dining season, which means you should make a plan for dinner on the roof at Vita, where you’ll sip on a caipirinha (made with cachaça and lime) and nibble on beef short ribs with gremolata. 1575 Boulder St., Denver, 303-477-4600. Tucker Shaw
