Spring and al fresco dining go hand in hand, which means it’s time to grab a table on Strings‘ sunny patio. Order a glass of Clean Slate Riesling and Noel’s Pâté (named for chef-owner Noel Cunningham) for the perfect springtime pairing.

The velvety pâté quenelle arrives with a cipollini onion tarte Tatin, a drizzle of cider gastrique, and a tangle of lightly dressed frisée and parsley. Create the perfect bite with a bit of each element: the deep caramel of the tart, the sweet apple in the gastrique, the subtle pâté, and the fresh salad.

Bonus: After dinner, pop into D Bar Desserts next door for one of the Livestrong cupcakes, a festive finale of vanilla cake with a lemon-curd center, topped with buttercream, piped meringue, and a miniature fondant Livestrong bracelet. Ten percent of the cupcake sales goes directly to Lance Armstrong’s Livestrong Foundation. Starting this Sunday, D Bar will be open seven days a week.

Strings, 1700 Humboldt St., 303-831-7310

D Bar Desserts, 1475 E. 17th Ave., 303-861-4710