) painted on the walls makes you feel like spring even in the midst of winter. The lunch special is reasonable (about 9,-EUR), and is a great starting (or ending) point for the Rastro. Depending on the night, you can also check out some live jazz or tablaos (flamenco) on Thursdays.

My favorite part is not the actual sandwich, but the name, paying tribute to the area, with monikers like the Colfax Club, the Marion, the Ogden. It's been a while since I've visited, so I think a trip is in order.

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.

That said, I would almost always get the "Marilyn Monroe," a panini with sundried tomatoes, cucumbers, pesto spread, and goat cheese, and about the only sandwich that can be made vegetarian, if you ask to leave out the turkey. With the paninis, you have the option of getting 1/2 or the whole thing. As far as salads go, you can either choose from their selection, or "build your own." Again, I've never tried this more leafy part of the menu, but the paninis are nothing to write home about; I much prefer Wholly Tomato.

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!)

There are two components to this place, which is the coffeeshop at the entrace, and then the deli, as you move further back. For me, mornings are best with a coffee or a hot chocolate, or for those sickly moments, a steaming cup of Republic of Tea honey ginseng. The baristas are friendly enough. As an undergraduate, I passed this place on the way to and from classes, but given its LoDo Larimer St. (read: SUPER. BOUGIE.) environs, it's not the kind of place I would normally frequent, even though their croissants are oh-so-scrumptious. Plus: outdoor seating, but other than that, I wouldn't go out of my way, even for the croissants.

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...)