Milk was a bad idea...

Holy mackerel, it's hot out! Actually, I wouldn't really know because I'm imprisoned in a cubicle all day with no windows, but that's what I hear anyway. In any case, I still like to make lists so I am making one with all the best, coolest, summer treats downtown--just for you!

1. If you haven't had a mojito at Centro, you must be crazy. There is nothing more refreshing than chilled rum and fresh mint and they make the best in town--hands down. They're pretty much famous for 'em.

2. If you're not into the booze, check out Atlas Purveyors for their assortment of chilled beverages. There is a tea slush, frozen house chai and boba, which is fun because it has a giant straw. Also, I hear there is some mysterious drink called the Kitzel Special...

And I can't leave out The Cup because they combine two wonderful things: coffee and milkshakes. And milkshakes and other flavors, if you must.

And last but not least, go for Ma Ma's Oolong Tea at Zoe Ma Ma's...Mama always does make it best!

3. Fro-yo for sho. Cefiore is all natural and all delicious. I would recommend the tart original with your choice of toppings. (or mochi, Eli swears by the mochi...)

Also, Two Spoons has housemade gelato in different flavors everyday...drool. The last time I was in there I had Mango Chile--sounds nuts, but it's not. It's fruit.

4. If you need something a little more substantial, how 'bout ceviche from Aji? Fish, flash-cooked in citrus juice makes a great summer night dinner after a long hot day...

5. For something a little different, try the mango lassi at Sherpa's -- it's basically a fruit smoothie with yogurt, but it goes perfectly with spicy Indian dishes like tandoori chicken.

Or take your craving over to Bombay Bistro where they mix it with SoCo.

6. And last but not least, a Boulder standby is a giant marg at the Rio on the rooftop deck with a bowl of chips and salsa (one of my favorite salsas in town). Good news: they have a mini marg for $2.50 around lunch time for those really long days. No, I'm not endorsing drinking at work, just during your lunch break.

Or take this recipe to the Boulder Farmers' Market to pick up the ingredients and give cool summer foods your own twist!

--Stacy

The Republic of Big Ideas and Little Egos

Ever since I moved to Boulder I haven't been able to escape commentary about "living in the bubble," and "the Republic of Boulder." Sometimes it's said with a smirk, like it's supposed to be an insult--talking smack about how Boulder is too small, or on its own planet. But I happen to like living in the bubble. In fact, I LOVE IT and fine, maybe I will marry it. Because here's the thing: I actually like running into people I know around every corner.

First of all, I like having friends. Weird, right? I mean, who likes to be surrounded by people who care about them and smile often and engage them in warm conversation? I can go have a cappuccino at The Cup and say hi to Thai, and then have some delicious gelato at Two Spoons and watch for people I know walking by at lunch. I can sit by the creek and pick up some extra motivation to go running before I decline and catch an impromptu happy hour at The Westend instead. Not a bad life, eh?

Second, there is more of a close-knit camaraderie that can be established in a smaller community. It's easier to get things done, make big things happen, and share knowledge and experience for the good of the people. People are far more likely to help out their neighborhood so-and-so who remembers their name than Joe Schmoe harassing them on the street. And big things do happen in Boulder--awards for culinary success, tech studs (and studettes), amazing road races, free conferences, killer film festivals, examples in eco-sustainability, to name a few.

The Flatirons are not the reason our little bubble ends up on the top of so many Best Of lists, the people are. We are the Republic of Easy-Going Eccentricity, of Microbrews and Macro Views, of the Greener Side of the Fence. It's easy getting into the bubble; it's the leaving that's the hard part.

--Stacy

So a Girl Goes Into a Coffee Shop, and the Barista Says...

I love coffee. I need coffee. I also love attention, and being spoiled, and that's why I go to The Cup. There are plenty of great coffee places, but The Cup has got it right in so many ways. And since they just celebrated an anniversary, I'd like to give a little testimonial and shout-out to the prettiest cappuccinos I've ever had.

I remember it like yesterday...I wandered into The Cup almost three years ago for the first time. It was freezing and I was broke from a job I was pouring my heart, soul, and wallet into. I just wanted a little pick-me-up and a place to read some Capote, so I didn't have high expectations. But that's what you get from years of Starbucks coffee, I guess. Anyway, what I found was a warm crew of baristas, a friendly atmosphere, and a heart made of milk foam atop a perfect little cappuccino. I settled into my book and felt comfortable enough to stay there for over two hours. Refreshing, rejuvenating...it was what I needed to snap out of my funk.

Then, what started as a weekly tradition turned into an almost daily occurrence, during which the staff at The Cup began to introduce themselves and remember my order for next time. Pretty soon I found myself finishing one book and starting a new one in one sitting, ordering a drink or a turkey bagel sandwich with jalapeno habanero cream cheese (yum) just to prolong my time spent there. Now I take my crocheting or a crossword along too, or stop by on my way back from the Farmers Market to sit in the sun and people watch. Always relaxing and never taxing.

To The Cup: Thank you for providing an awesome venue to just be a Boulderite! And of course, for chocolate-covered espresso beans...

--Stacy

Another Sunny Beautiful Day on the Pearl Street Mall!