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A great find…We think Z Cuisine, the new French bistro and crêperie located at 30th Avenue and Wyandot Street, is just what the East Highland neighborhood needed. The small, Parisian-esque space with a whimsical chandelier and huge abstract works of art is just the environment for du jour specials such as fluffy quiche Lorraine, gourmet salads with microgreens, proscuitto, and cantaloupe, and a flaky Colorado peach tart. Majority of Z Cuisine’s produce is organic and purchased at local farmers’ markets. 2239 W. 30th Ave., 303-477-1111, www.zcuisineonline.com.
Head to the hills… Top off that leaf-peeping hike with the blind tasting menu at Wildflower restaurant in Vail. The only decision you need to make is whether you want a four, five, or six course meal…the rest is up to chef Steven Topple. The best part? You won’t find these creative dishes on the menu so every course is a new surprise. Per person: four courses ($65, $100 with wine), five ($80, $130 with wine), and six ($95, $145 wine wine). Located in the Lodge at Vail, 174 Gore Creek Drive, Vail, 970-476-5011, www.rockresorts.com.
Good karma…We may be half way across the country but we can still offer a hand to hurricane victims. On Oct. 5, do you part and Dine Out to Help Out at metro area restaurants such as Highland’s Garden Café, Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza, Ras Kassa’s Ethiopian Restaurant, Emma’s, and others. Participating restaurants will donate a minimum of 10 percent to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. And why not make a night of it and partake in the evening’s Get Out to Help Out (sponsored by Colorado taverns, bars, and nightclubs) and Sleep Out to Help Out (put on by Colorado Hotel Lodging Association). For a complete list of participating restaurants, bars, and hotels, check the Colorado Restaurant Association’s website, www.coloradorestaurant.com.
