FOR A QUICK LUNCH: Dolce Sicilia
A decade before Francesco Spatola opened his eponymous Highland restaurant, he opened Dolce Sicilia Bakery in Wheat Ridge. The thing to order here is a slice of thick Sicilian pizza or a calzone to enjoy before buying a box of Italian pastries to take home. Pro tip: The Sfogliatelle is a mouthful to say but completely worth it.
FOR DRINKS: Tavernetta
From the creators of the award-winning Frasca comes Tavernetta, with its elegant Union Station lounge and killer happy hour. On the menu are $6 wines by the glass and negronis, plus Northern Italian bites for the table, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. every night of the week.
FOR DINNER: Cebiche
Peruvian food draws its flavors from around the globe, from indigenous cultures to Japanese immigrants and Spanish conquistadors. Diners at Cebiche in Highland can armchair travel with their dinners. The ceviche is a musty-try, but papa a la huanciana (potatoes with aji pepper sauce), lomo saltado (steak), and papa rellena (stuffed potato fritters) are also worth an order.
FOR BRUNCH: Low Country Kitchen
LoHi is home to this popular Steamboat restaurant’s sister spot, which serves Southern favorites for brunch. Shrimp and grits, deviled eggs, biscuit sandwiches, fried chicken, and a bucket of champagne? With so many options on the menu, Low is worth bringing into the regular weekend rotation.
ALL DAY: Ginger Pig Food Truck
Natascha Hess lived and studied in Asia, which is the inspiration behind the street food she makes at The Ginger Pig. It doesn’t hurt that Top Chef contestant Carrie Baird was Hess’s cooking mentor, encouraging her to create mouthwatering dishes like the Bangkok Balls, Sesame Ginger Tofu Banh Mi Bowl, and Chinese BBQ Char Siu. The truck is parked at Boulder’s Rayback Collective all day this Sunday.