Crazy Tuna Poke
Sushi Aji, 489 US 287, Unit 100, Lafayette, sushiajilafayette.com
Options abound at Lafayette’s Sushi Aji, from sushi and sashimi to bento boxes, noodle dishes, poke and more. We chose the Crazy Tuna, one of Sushi Aji’s poke bowls (also available as a sushi burrito), filled with chunks of fresh tuna in a spicy sauce, tempura-fried asparagus, sweet potato, onion, avocado, cucumber and seaweed salad. The texture from the tempura vegetables is addictive, and each bite bursts with flavor. We were particularly prone to getting the tempura onion, seaweed salad and tuna on one fork. And how remarkable it is for Sushi Aji to whip it up so beautifully in almost no time. $14.
Mid-East Sampler
Arabesque, 1634 Walnut St., arabesqueboulder.com
Arabesque is a hidden downtown Boulder gem, situated just far enough away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a quiet midday meal on the patio. The small café serves up fresh, home-made Middle Eastern fare for breakfast and lunch. The best way to try all that it has to offer is to order a sampler plate. We chose chicken, but beef and vegetarian options are offered as well. The meat was accompanied by hand-rolled grape leaves, hummus adorned with olive oil, pickles and whole chickpeas, and tangy baba ghanoush garnished with crispy bell pepper. Tabbouleh salad with large doses of parsley brightened the whole dish, which was served with hot, fresh, whole wheat pita bread. Check out the ice tea as well: black unsweetened tea flavored with cinnamon and fresh fruit, making it incredibly refreshing on a hot summer day. $14.
Pork Pupusa
La Pupusa Loca, E. South Boulder Road and Courtesy Road, Louisville, 720-296-7000
Pull into the parking lot behind Union Jack Liqour in Louisville and you’ll find a food truck parked that dishes out incredible pupusas. Choose from a wide variety of fillings and you’ll get whatever your craving filled in a tender, slightly chewy, charred pupusa. We opted for the pork, which became decadent with the heaping injection of cheese. Eat them piping hot and dipped in the accompanying red salsa. Two for $6.50.
Beach Bowl
Rush Bowls, 1207 13th St.(the Hill) and 5400 Spine Road (Gunbarrel), Boulder. rushbowls.com
Hot, sticky summer days call for lighter, refreshing and easy meals. That’s what Rush Bowls is all about: providing nutritious, filling and fresh acai and smoothie bowls for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We went with the Beach Bowl, the establishment’s signature recipe. Acai berries are blended with fresh bananas and mangoes, as well as some guava juice, to make the smoothie base. Then the whole thing is topped with organic granola and drizzled with honey that makes each bite the perfect amount of sweet. With dozens of other options, Rush Bowls has your summer meal. $8.25.
