Sky C.

I could post a review of Natural Grocers weekly. . .LOL. We've been shopping there for 20+ years and it is ALWAYS the place for groceries before going to Whole Foods. Sometimes their regular prices are cheaper than on-sale pricing at Whole Foods. Main thing - they are way committed to organic - they don't sell any non-organic produce, unlike the big boys. Also, they will never take in chemically treated (think Apeel/Bill Gates) produce. They sometimes have new local brands that are super innovative and organic and clean. Boulder store is at Pearl and 28th, where we usually shop.

Wild Pastures is a burger place - but clean, organic, pasture-raised beef. They have seating inside but it is also a take-out place and that's the usual mode for us. They also have a variety of different kinds of fries, and of course the usual fountain drinks. I'm giving them 4 stars for being organic and clean, but I would say there is a bit too much salt in these burgers. Salt brings out the flavor but in this case too much. That said, still good!

Via Toscana wasn't on our list, however, a good friend invited us to his birthday dinner party there, and what a delight! When you enter, the immediate feeling is. . .warmth and old world. Nice decor, I felt at home right off the bat. The staff - super friendly, we were seated at a table for 11 so it was cozy. I had the linguini pesto, it was great; my wife had the filet with veggies and also terrific. Several in our party commented on how delicious their dish was. Oh yeah, I ordered a glass of white wine, they had a SavBlanc - Italian. I usually don't like Italian wines. This one was exceptional, and it was the recommendation of the waitress, who was fantastic dealing with a large group - gracious, fun, got everything right. Really, what a surprise overall - if you're anywhere in the area, a great dinner spot!

There are a million places for coffee and matcha lattes, etc in Boulder as anyone in this town knows. However, for some reason, The Brewing Market is exceptional at all these drinks. They have a nice selection of eats - in this case it was the frittata - also good. There are always lots of people there and when the weather is nice the outdoor seating is great. This is a regular for us.

This place is a gem. The setting is rural - in Hygiene, Colorado (next to Longmont and considered part of Longmont). Go on a Saturday and there are a gazillion bikers that stop for food, water and to pee. . .LOL. But here's the thing: The bakery goods at Mountain Fountain are fantastic. We get ALL of our pies from them now because they use organic ingredients, not too much sugar, often gluten-free if that's important to you, and on a 1-10 scale of taste. . .a 10! Plus their quiche is yummy - that's what we got this time, and they do a great job with coffee drinks - love the mocha with coconut milk. You can't go wrong, and it is like stepping back into Mayberry to visit and go into Mountain Fountain. Go there - you'll love it.

Boulder has a lot of bakeries. Shamane's is without question one of the best. They are small, tucked away at the end of Wilderness Court - so they are not a place you would pass by on the way to anything. Yet, they have a loyal following and their bakery goods - both savory and sweet - are the best. We just got three savory items to go (they have a tiny seating area inside and more outside). My wife said, "This is the best chicken pot pie I've ever had." Their sweet goods are equally terrific. You can't go wrong with anything at Shamane's.

The real deal here is they make the best matcha lattes and mocha's. You can get these anywhere and on the 1-10 scale Brewing Market is easily in the 8-10 zone for how good they are. They also have various eats - all good, and of course if you want to buy coffee and tea, as well as coffee and tea-making gear, it's all there. Highly recommend, and you'll know they are good because there is ALWAYS a lot of customers both inside and sitting out under the umbrellas outside.

We both ordered the Valley of the Sun Omelette. It comes with toast and potatoes and very tasty hollandaise sauce. The Buff is a staple in Boulder - we were just there at 1 pm (they close at 2 pm) and got seated immediately but on the weekends, prepare for a wait. The staff is ALWAYS friendly and engaging - a plus, and the food - fantastic. I think it is the best breakfast place in Boulder, although you can get lunch as well. We've taken friends there a number of times, they always love it.