Fine Dining in Boulder

On my recent trip to Boulder, Colorado, Phil and I had lunch one day at a beautiful French restaurant, L'atelier. When we walked in wearing sweatshirts and jeans I told him I thought we were underdressed, as the restaurant had white tablecloths and napkins and fresh flowers on the table. He told me there is no dress code in Boulder, and as I looked around the restaurant we were definitely NOT underdressed. The restaurant is located on Pearl Street, a few blocks past the Pearl Street Mall. So what's a fancy restaurant like L'atelier doing in student oriented Boulder? Apparently there are enough people who enjoy fine dining to keep the restaurant in business.

The chef and owner is Czech born Radek Cerny, whose love of bluegrass music led him to Nashville, then found his way to Vail and finally Boulder. He has owned numerous restaurants in the Denver. L'atelier is considered one of the best restaurants in Boulder today.

The lunch menu is so reasonable you'll wonder why you'd eat anywhere else when you can get fantastic gourmet food at such a reasonable price. Our lunch was $25 before the tip. (we had no drinks). Phil had a perfectly prepared steak with a brown reduction on top, homemade french fries, and steamed spinach. At $15 it was a bargain. I had a salmon BLT on delicious thin, toasted bread with a wonderful mayonnaise sauce. It was served with a salad of fresh greens and veggies. My entree was $10. Other lunch items that looked delicious were a fettuccine dish with sauteed veggies on top. Salad entrees, like the salade nicoise were beautifully presented and very plentiful.

Prices for dinner are quite a bit more. Dinner for two runs around $60, depending on what you get. They have many typical French items, like escargot and coq au vin on the menu, but many creative contemporary items are also there. Everything is fresh and prepared to order. You won't be disappointed.

So next time you're in Boulder and you want to go fancy, I mean fancy food, try L'atelier. Be sure to make a reservation for dinner, as the restaurant only seats 50 people. A great meal in an elegant setting, but you can still dress any way you want. Now that's what I like.