It's a classic case of supply and demand--of space, at least, clocking with three (and a half) tables. As there's nothing too spectacular on offer (vegetarian salad, shrimp ravioli, and of course, spring rolls), you surely don't have to trek all the way out here. However, I must say that this is hands down one of the--nay, THE--friendliest Vietnamese eatery I've been to, and I'm not just talking about the proprietors, either. At 3,- to 6,-EUR/portion, you'd probably want to save room for a little of everything, though you might want to pass if you really want to fill yourself up.

The ingredients always seem super fresh and the one girl that I always saw there was always seems friendly. I can vouch for the Toscana (on a Parmesan-oregano bagel) and Veggie bagels, but they have eight other sandwiches, too. This is what I wish Einstein's could be. Then again, I'm glad there's only one of these shops.

"Juice lovers unite!" ought to be the tubularly cheesy yet utterly accurate motto of this miniscule juice bar near the Canal Saint-Martin. Along with a drink (between 3,- to 5,-EUR alone, made from seasonal ingredients), the 7,-EUR formule will get you soup, salad, and ever fresh, ever delicious muffin. (Try apple cinnamon!) And let's not forget the 1,-EUR coffee, pretty much unheard of...everywhere in Western Europe (and certainly not around these boho parts)! Did I mention the pancakes on Saturdays?! Jamba quoi?
Closed on Sundays, unfortunately.

I'll always have a soft spot for Common Grounds, the coffeeshop of my adolescence, back when the immediate area was yet to be baptized "Highland Square," and deemed the Park Slope of Denver, back when nobody brought their Macbooks anywhere! And as with similarly low-paying jobs, there seems to be a constant turnover of baristas, and one can note a significant change in attitude. Oh, right, I was supposed to review the positive aspects of the coffeeshop, right? They've still got the comfortable chairs and ample board games for those who arrive technically challenged. I'm sure the cakes taste just as good, too, but last time I was there, I noticed that the was no IBC Rootbeer in stock.

This is the one of my adolescence, so I have very fond memories of it. Local art, local musicians--shoo, even the Hills (Clinton) stopped by many moons ago. I went by recently and while they still have the same cozy seats and the same tasty drinks, it had a very different vibe, lots of upper middle-class folks at their laptops. Well, the change is in both me and the neighborhood, so I shouldn't complain, and Common Grounds has seen a lot over the years.

Being a vegetarian, I have no desire to try the meaty selections, but others have attested to their scrumptious factor. Forget Chipotle/Qdoba/etc, this is the place to be, especially if you just want to bathe in their delicious green chili. Be forewarned: as this place is SUPER popular, there might be queue for a table (or the counter), but the wait will be WELL WORTH it.

Gourmet or not though, it's still my favorite place to get a cheese and onion treat. The spinach and bechamel empanada is not too shabby, either. At 1,80-EUR each, you can't go wrong, though you'll surely want to eat a couple more after each delicious bite. If you're really hungry (or are having a party), consider a dozen and get it delivered to your door. Ugh, just looking at their new glossy menu makes my mouth water! (Note: There's also a branch at Pza Cuzco on Calle del Pensamiento and also one in Alcobendas.)

" Quite the opposite actually; the Grill is a bastion of sleek, modern interior design and prompt service is highly valued, as evidence by their 15-minute (yes, I've ordered in so frequently) turn around from order to house delivery. Staples: spinach cheese wontons, vegetable spring rolls, egg drop soup, vegetable gyoza, and seaweed salad.

At roughly two years old, the House of Commons is indeed an "oasis of calm," dare I say, even a HAVEN OF SERENITY. Usually I am the kind of person who's too nervous to step into places with which I'm not familiar, it didn't take me long to feel comfortable and enjoy my pot of imperial gunpowder and a good book. (However, I'm giving it only three stars, because my scone was stale, the last time I went there...)

I've only been once so far, but my experience was so rewarding that the Leaf deserves all the stars I'm giving it and more, probably. The server was friendly but not intrusive, the hibiscus cooler ($3) was the exact remedy I needed for a sweltering day, and the Mediterranean Plate ($7), while on the smallish side for a hungry mouse like me, was so delish that I even ate the olives, which I usually can't tolerate. I've heard lots of good things about their salads, especially the seaweed version, so I'll be sure to try that out next time. What's really cool, too, is that the Leaf hosts happy hour from 3-6pm every night which means not only half-priced drinks but half-price on selected menu items. If only I had shown up during this interval, then I would've just stuffed myself silly.

I've only eaten at two--Meskerem and Zed's, both in DC--so those previous experiences will be my guide in reviewing their Lyonnais counterpart. I'm also totally ignorant of the Ethiopian population in Lyon itself, though I figure it must be substantial to warrant a public celebration of their national food. That said, friends and I ordered a large platter and for about 15,-EUR, contented our stomachs with injera with vegetarian messabi: samplings of lentils, carrots, and spinach. The service was welcoming, the atmosphere relaxed, but if you yourself are a connoisseur, it's probably best to hold out unless you're wanting a "different" experience or you're really craving alicha watt and honey wine.

Stepping into the place makes you feel like you've stepped into a concept shop more than a restaurant as a somber palette of grays, blacks, and whites hovers in the background, gently reminding you what that ultimately matters is your palatal experience. Soups have either a soy or miso base, on top of which you can add noodles, vegetables, and meat. You can also order one of the six combos, but at approximately $10 per bowl, your wallet would probably better off with a half portion starting at $4. This is what I did, adding leeks and spinach for an additional buck each. Soups not your thing? There are also other nikkei staples like sushi and edamame and my favorite, green tea ice cream! Deceptively simple, yes, but ever so pleasing to the eye and to the stomach.

Given its location in the suburb of Arvada, the outside seating is not especially beautiful (unless, that is, you have an intense appreciation of parking lots). Four stars, though, for the excellent mochas (iced or not), though I can't remember if they offer any soy, and also four stars for the extreme hospitality. Probably the best place to peruse your purchase after hitting up the nearby Black & Read.

Rose Bakery brings the best of British, er, cuisine and curates it for continental palates, resulting in some of the best brunches to be had on this side of the Channel. The scrambled eggs and asparagus plate was divine, although at over 10,-EUR, makes me wish I had gone for one of the lunch specials, definitely more bang for the dwindling buck. On the sweet side, I heartily recommend the banana pancakes; perhaps you can make this at home, but these are well worth the trip, just the right texture. Also worth your airplane fare is the slab of Poujaran that accompanies your meal, bread I would easily pay an arm and a leg for were it available at the fancier grocers in the US. I haven't yet tried the quiches nor the cakes, but with the looks of everything else, they must also be divine. Best to plan ahead for a trip here, though, as it's quite the popular spot, especially for weekend brunches.

While the Inn, reconceptualized as the VI beats Sam's in the 50s throwback diner decor, you can find a healthier cross-section of the local population trying to decide between huevos rancheros (available in vegetarian chili), classic burgers, or burritos. Comfort food for the rushed downtown set (weekdays lunchtime usually sees a crowd) and easy on the pocketbook, too.

This relative also happens to be a good cook. You relax in one of the wooden booths, gazing at various photographic anecdotes of Mexican history, grabbing some fresh, homemade chips here and there. Even when the restaurant is busy, your enchiladas rojas or tacos albanil come out almost as soon as you ordered, sometimes served by the super friendly owner himself, or one of the other equally welcoming family members. So cozy, you just might end up eating all your meals here.

Much like County Life or Viva la Vida, you grab as you like and pay by weight, where eating in-house versus taking away will cost you slightly more (per 100g). I twice made the mistake of going to lunch there, but fortunately, I was able to take my drinks (mango lassi the first time, rooibos iced tea the second) and sandwiches out to the bustling Barfüsserplatz. A third visit was made on the second day, in the afternoon, where I downed two mochas, perfectly frothed to my delight (soy milk available). All in all, a wonderful, self-service experience and merits multiple stops while in town.

Additionally, Mr. Chen (I'm assuming he's the owner) speaks English and is quite nice about helping you out. Extremely generous portions for the price: I was full just on the spring roll and was able to eat my tofu and veggies for lunch AND dinner. Some folks might not appreciate the plastic dishware or the distance from the center, though I'd say that it's totally worth the venture.

It has that boho college vibe. I've seen a lot of headbands and blazers in this place. Nothing wrong with that, and if you're into that sort of thing, there are sometimes worthwhile opportunities for avoiding eye contact. What you're really after is a steaming cup of coffee and besides the perpetually smoke-filled interior, that is what the Red Angel specializes in. On warm, summer days, though, the terrace is quite inviting. Too bad the 30 other patrons are thinking the same thing.