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RADDA TRATTORIA 1265 Alpine Ave., Boulder. 303-442-6100 or www.raddatrattoria.com. When chef Matthew Jansen opened Radda Trattoria in north Boulder's Ideal Market plaza in 2007, the bistro emerged as a trendy, hip place to get your farm-fresh melody of Tuscan-inspired, la carte cuisine at moderate prices. The sophisticated bar started the evening on a good tone, and the open, casual dining room encouraged patrons to relax, slow down, and enjoy the food. Drawn by the $4 appetizers and $9 pizzas, I made a habit of frequenting Radda, using the restaurant for business lunches, girls' night outs and romantic dates, all the while savoring the festival of flavors and textures.
MURPHY'S 657 S. Broadway, Boulder 303-494-7626, www.murphysboulder.com. When the owners of the restaurant formerly known as SOBO closed the doors of their posh, high-end, south Boulder eatery this spring, and then reopened it a few weeks later as Murphy's (a spin off from the existing Murphy's in north Boulder), they embarked on a savvy second act. Gone are the $40 entrees, the white tablecloths, the empty dining room. Now the space in the Table Mesa Shopping center caters to a range of diners, serves good food at affordable prices and boasts one of the best bars in town.
MAGNOLIA 1381 Forest Park Circle, Lafayette. 303-665-3080 or www.magnolia-restaurant.com. Lafayette's Magnolia serves upscale American cuisine in a luxurious atmosphere. New owners Chris and Emily Deutschman have overhauled the restaurant, which now offers seasonal menus that change four times a year. Standouts on the winter menu include the duck paté appetizer and the duck entrée with cranberry-walnut bread pudding. Wednesdays the restaurant gives you half off all bottles of wine that it also sells by the glass.
