At least, this is what my friend and I tried. Between the two of us, we split about 7 blintzes as well as the aforementioned spreads; although our selections were nothing to write home about, we were soon stuffed. The hot chocolate, hand-ground (?) with love, was on the other hand quite delicious, as was the pineapple financier (it's similar to a madeleine). If I were rating it just on service, I'd give the place five stars; perhaps we caught the place on a slow day, but the lady (proprietor?) was more than welcoming and didn't seem to mind going up and down the narrow spiral staircase to take care of us. I'd return just because of the friendliness and the relaxed atmosphere.

Since many of the pieces do run on the smaller side, I'm mainly just there for inspiration, and one can be "inspired" for hours! However, I sometimes do find that one-of-a-kind item that fits me well and I must therefore snap up before some Joanna Newsom or Parker Posey fan does. Great sunglasses and other miscellaneous accessories as well.

Nice ambience and chill music; there seemed to be djs spinning electronica every time I went, but I don't know if that's a regular thing. Next time, I think I'll take a friend so we can get some of the delicious crepes.

Although we made the staff wait for the rest of our huge party to trickle in, without reservations, on a Saturday night, service was still with a smile. That said, there's not much on the menu for vegetarians (let alone vegans), and although the two cheese (cantal and I forget what other cheese) sandwich was quite filling, I could've bought it elsewhere for much less or made it myself. There's also an appetizing-looking "Basque-style" soup and the very hearty Boyarde.

The diminutive shop on the lovely Plaza Citlaltépetl provides a relaxed ambiance in which you can peruse design magazines, check out street duds or have a listen to any available album at one of four retro-fitted listening stations. From time to time, Discoteca also hosts intimate concerts with local bands; check online or stop by for more info.

El Azul is easily a contender, with helpful staff and hands down the best, most scrumptious slice of carrot cake I've ever had in my entire life. (A slice can be shared by two people.) Apparently quite intimate on weekday nights, we'll have to see what the vibes are like for breakfast and lunch (two menus: vegetarian and not). It doesn't hurt that the place is tastefully appointed either, with hazy sky blue and creamy tones and comfortable furnishings.

In any case, it's another place I like to take friends to, with two floors of plain good vibes (first is more conducive to chatting) and excellent music (lots of dj nights).

One time I tried to order a pot of tea but didn't have enough money--she just let me give her what I had (not even half). They also have very good muffins and gelato.

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...)

Buzzing at dusk til dawn, I prefer coming here early in the morning, when there is practically no one save for a few early risers (or insomniacs, depending on how you see it). Very good hot chocolate and friendly (if at times, slow) service. Poetry slams on Mondays and weekend shows.

There's currently only one official server, but the service isn't at all slow; relaxed is the preferred term at this neighborhood spot. The salads also look interesting; I'll have to come back for either that, or the language exchange that the owners organize, among other things.

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.

After seeing that DJ's Berkeley Cafe was crammed, my friend and I wandered down the street and popped into this cute retro place, one of the many fine independent businesses on Tennyson Street. We received a very warm welcome from the barista, who prepared our order while we withdrew money from a nearby ATM, since they don't (yet?) accept cards. She also waited for us to select our seating in their retro-fitted dining room, filled with midcentury lighting and furniture, before serving us our drinks and pastries (try the orange pineapple muffin!). As the place was empty, we felt free to linger and relax; the server popped by once or twice to check if things were to our satisfaction, and indeed, they were! So, if you're a fan of wonderful service, a relaxed atmosphere, tasty baked goods AND design, this is the place for you. I sure know where I'll be every Saturday morning.

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.

The first thing you see upon entering the seemingly barren parking lot is the Viet Hoa supermarket at the south end. Pho 99 is actually one of a string of smaller shops located on the eastern end of the lot, between a nail salon, and fish market, if I remember correctly.

Unlike other pho joints I've been to, there's actually something (besides boba) for veggies, though nothing too substantial. That is, unless you want to fill up on their delicious spring rolls (and specify vegetarian WITH TOFU). I did this last time, and also asked for a side of steamed white rice. Not too shabby at less than $4.

Nice staff, good blended drinks (try the Black Forest mocha), and free wifi. Very convenient to public transport either on your way to or from downtown.

You almost step into a time warp and forget the neighboring tower blocks, as your olfactory senses are awakened by lavender, cayenne, and...Rocky Mountain Heat, a mix of wasabi and jalapeño. The pace here is slow and helpful, and the usually lone salesperson will go to great lengths to assist you in whatever you may need. Sweet finds for your foodie friend or the foodie in you.

When I don't want to moisturize with miso, I enjoy the tofu bowl or veggie tempura. (Three stars just because I'm not too big on Japanese cuisine, except for inari sushi, which they never seem to have!)

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.

5h+) for delivery. Some folks might rip this place because it's not "authentic" enough, i.e. sans ubiquituous pictures of Buddha or the "real" Thai taste. For the price, however, I wouldn't give up on the drunken noodles!

My hands-down fave is the Dona Lee, a pita pocket filled with seitan, veggies and ranch dressing. On the side I get the quinoa salad and fries--one can never go wrong! Good thing they moved into bigger digs (with outside seating!) on 17th Ave, cos there's usually a queue to fill up on their fantastic grub. (The service isn't bad, either...)

Zoe Cafe (ZKF) is one of those labyrinthine Madrid eateries that seems never-ending as you wind your way to your assigned table. Apparently inspired by Hamburg and Berlin cafes, Zoe offers a very chic "gastrocultural" experience; you can eat your healthy menu del dia while browsing the rotating exhibit, or the video installations projected onto the walls, or admire the stones set in various parts of the floor. And oh, yeah, the servers are ever so attentive, even when crushed by the lunch crowd. Recommended food: spring rolls and baba ganoush as appetizers and stuffed ravioli. Well, what the hay, I just want to eat everything (vegetarian) that I possibly can; everything is fresh and lip-smackingly delicious!