For those who last indulged in fried baby artichokes at Somethin’ Else (which is now Fruition Restaurant, home to one of Food & Wine‘s Best New Chefs, Alex Seidel), you’ll love Fuel Cafe‘s take on the appetizer.

Chef-owner Bob Blair crisps up the tender, earthy leaves and sends the starter to the table with lemony aïoli. Best of all, he recommends pairing the springy dish with Estrella Damm Inedit beer. The food-friendly, lightly effervescent brew was developed in part by Ferran Adrià of the famed elBulli in Spain. We were so taken with the $24 bottle (750 milliliters), we plan to stock it at home.

3455 Ringsby Court, 303-296-4642

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.