Mango Shrimp Tacos
Jefe’s Tacos & Tequila, 246 Main St., Longmont, jefeslongmont.com
There is no lack of variety at Jefe’s Tacos & Tequila on Longmont’s Main Street. Brought to you by the same folks as The Roost, Jefe’s was created in the style of an authentic Mexican food truck with a California flare, combining rich flavors with seafood, gluten-free and vegetarian options. The mango shrimp tacos are decadent. Crispy tempura shrimp is lightly fried in rice flour and tossed in a sweet honey glaze along with fresh diced mango and basil. Sweet red pepper serves as a garnish. Each bite is both sweet and savory, all with a tropical flare that gives off a beach-side feel. $4 each.
The Natural
Nick-N-Willy’s Pizza, 801 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-444-9898
Nick-N-Willy’s is a Pearl Street staple. Although the by-the-slice pizza and take-away pies are the main attraction, the shop has a sneaky good sandwich menu, including The Natural. Nick-N-Willy’s takes chicken right out of the rotisserie, slices it up and piles it onto white or wheat bread. That’s topped with spinach, sprouts, roma tomatoes, fresh mozzarella slices, sunflower seeds and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. You don’t have to get the chicken, by the way, but it’s smoky, tender and satisfying. $6.25-$8.75.
Mama’s Deluxe Pizza
Mama Mead’s Pizzeria, 900 Coffman St., Longmont, mamameadspizza.com
Longmont’s Mama Mead’s is a no-frills pizzeria that serves up gigantic, well-made pies. In the spirit of excess, we got the Mama’s Deluxe on a recent visit. It’s loaded with pepperoni, sausage, green pepper, onion, mushroom and cheese. The crust is impressive — it crackles and chews just right, and doesn’t bend to the massive amount of toppings. $19.50-$27.50.
Hazelnut Espresso Shortbread
Piece, Love & Chocolate, 805 Pearl St., Boulder, pieceloveandchocolate.com
Walk into Piece, Love & Chocolate on the West End of Pearl Street and you’ll have a hard time picking just one thing to eat. There’s the display case of dozens of chocolate bonbons, the menu of chocolate and coffee drinks, the case of cakes and the pastry display. We opted to order a pastry, and from delicious-looking tortes, cookies and more, selected a powerfully flavored hazelnut espresso shortbread. The slice crumbles, but is still plenty moist, and the hazelnut is robust. Chocolate at the crust of the slice brings out the best in the espresso and hazelnut. $3.
