Eat Dessert First

Max Hopewell-Arizmendi, co-owner of Cafe Max, a European-style cafe on Colfax Avenue, views French toast differently than most. Take one bite of the cinnamony decadence with crusty, caramelized edges and a slightly doughy inside, and you’ll realize why. “We make it like a bread pudding,” Hopewell-Arizmendi says. “[Then] we panini-press it.” You’d be forgiven for thinking the treat was a dessert, but the cloud of maple butter and the sliced bananas signal the dish is indeed a breakfast food. Whenever you indulge, pair the treat with a strong cup of Novo coffee—something Hopewell-Arizmendi will happily deliver. 2412 E. Colfax Ave., 303-333-0003, cafemax.net