The debut of Theo Adley's New American restaurant, The Pinyon, is another notch in the belt of Boulder's thriving dining scene. Adley (a veteran of Frasca Food and Wine, the Little Nell, Flagstaff House Restaurant, Radda Trattoria, and Pizzeria Basta) is committed to seasonal food that reflects the flavors of the region—and his dishes sparkle with both innovation and rustic comfort.

Think buttermilk-soaked, crispy-skinned fried chicken served with an earthy cornmeal griddle cake and drizzled with a touch of sweet house-made syrup. Or, slice into one of the best dry-aged rib-eyes in town, so perfectly seasoned and juicy you don't need the accompanying spicy ketchup. Another best bet: Butternut squash and pumpkin dumplings in bourbon brown butter that shows off Adley's use of locally sourced and foraged ingredients, including roasted wild mushrooms, frisée, and fresh sage.

1710 Pearl St., Boulder, 720-306-8248