Stairway to heaven…The Kitchen is moving on up November 15. From 7 to 10 that evening, The Kitchen [Upstairs] pops the top on its new urban wine lounge, located directly above the Boulder hotspot. The party ($45 at the door) benefits Our Love of Children Foundation, an organization delivering healthy, sustainable-living programs to Boulder’s children. Nibble on passed hors d’oeuvres and sip on house Prosecco, red, and white wines while ogling the 3,000-bottle wine cellar. 1039 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-544-5973, www.thekitchencafe.com.

Happy meals…With Strings‘ new fall/winter menu, Executive Chef Ed Kent is giving the Golden Arches a run for its money. First item on the bar menu: Chicken McNoel Nuggets with honey-mustard dipping sauce. Look for tempura-fried chicken breast jazzed up with garlic, chile flakes, parsley, salt, and pepper. The nuggets were originally dreamed up as kiddie fare but it seems they’re just as popular with the young at heart. Pair those beauties with the Parmesan-and-sea salt French fries and we’re lovin’ it. 1700 Humboldt St., 303-831-7310, www.stringsrestaurant.com.

Locals’ secret…Vail’s Restaurant Kelly Liken is just a car ride away—and if you dine now you’ll be treated like a local. Visit once before November 23 and receive 20 percent off, visit twice for 30 percent off, and so on and so forth. Kelly Liken’s seasonal American cuisine is creatively on par with the late Adega, and we can promise that after just one evening wrapped in the restaurant’s autumnal hues, you’ll be back for more. 12 Vail Road, Suite 100, Vail, 970-479-0175, www.kellyliken.com.

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.