Bistro Vendome

DOWNTOWN. Aspiring to the friendly bustle of a Parisian neighborhood bistro, this establishment in hip Larimer Square is quickly becoming a local favorite. For brunch, try citrus honey-drizzled French toast or a croque-monsieur (ham and cheese sandwich) with pomme frites along with a petit press of coffee; then, return for a dinner of bucatini pasta with seafood in saffron cream sauce, or a crispy pan-roasted chicken breast. A healthy selection of French wines, a pleasant patio for warm summer evenings, and a chocolate-heavy dessert menu increase the restaurant's cachet.