When, a year ago, Iva Paleckova opened Blooming Beets Kitchen, the first Paleo-centric restaurant in Boulder, the excitement was almost palpable. With a menu that also featured a wide array of local and seasonal ingredients, the restaurant seemed like a win-win. But the eatery struggled to find its culinary voice with dishes loaded with too many ingredients and muddled presentations. As a result, diners were often left—me included—feeling the experience didn’t justify the price tag.

Recently Paleckova’s team reworked and refreshed the majority of the menu. Although there are still some misses, one of brightest spots is the starter of cashew butter–stuffed dates. The presentation is lovely with colors and textures nicely distributed across the plate. Two chewy dates are filled with creamy cashew-avocado “cheese” and swaddled in strips of salty, smoky, pastured bacon. A crisp handful of local greens and a swipe of beet purée add welcome contrasts of color and texture. Although the price tag still feel a bit stiff ($8 for two dates), I do believe Blooming Beets is moving in the right direction, and that its food is definitely worth another look.

3303 30th St., Boulder, 303-443-3479