A couple weeks ago, I drove to Boulder for cheese and coffee. Of course, I can find both of these items right here in Denver. But at Cured, Coral and Will Frischkorn's specialty cheese and charcuterie shop (which doubles as Boxcar Coffee Roasters' home base), the selection, the presentation, and the general excitement around all things fine and good is contagious. In short: Sixty miles roundtrip is nothing for a wedge of cheese and a pound of coffee.

While shopping that day, I also discovered the most extraordinary bread: the crown boule (pictured). This loaf, which resembles the squashed ball for which its named, is made exclusively for Cured by the baker at the Mediterranean. The crust—bathed in olive oil, herbs, and salt flakes—gives way to a chewy crumb that begs to be paired with cheese. Cured receives just six to eight of the slow-rise boules a day and they sell out quickly. Call ahead to reserve one.

1825B Pearl St., Boulder, 720-389-8096