When I was in high school, I participated in a summertime drama workshop that met in a studio above a San Francisco deli. We met in the afternoons, and one day I had gone to class without eating anything. Partway through the session, I became ravenously hungry while our teacher was peppering us with questions about staging our production.

There’s something inherently enigmatic about a restaurant calling itself Pickled Lemon, as this moniker raises more questions than answers. Is this a venue for citrus-based cocktails? Does the menu focus on fruit? Is this a cryptic reference to a Tina Fey character? Dessert Diva Danette Randall and I decided to investigate by checking out this newly opened fast-casual establishment on The Hill.

Three things distinguish The Kitchen [Next Door] from its namesake neighbor, namely a focus on swift service for time-constrained diners, menu offerings all less than $9, and a family-friendly emphasis. Open since June, this eatery succeeds on all these counts, although one suspects the current customer base consists more of hip foodies than literal small fry.

Broomfield`s Wildflowers Restaurant is located off the beaten path in the Hilltop Inn, a guest house situated a stone’s throw from the airport. Inside, you’ll feel you’ve been transported to a homey British inn. Sure, the traditional antique furnishings and old school fare may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but for expats or home-cooked meal aficionados, this venue delivers.

Cuba Cuba has a new Boulder outpost, the affordably priced Cuba Cuba Sandwicheria. One suspects this quick-serve venture has franchising ambitions, as the first impression of the general setup is that it’s like Chipotle with a better color scheme. But this eatery also distinguishes itself with a lively Cuban soundtrack and surprisingly pleasant shaded outside tables.

I´m often wracked with guilt when my vegan friend Amy joins me for a meal out. I’ll typically enjoy something like a filet mignon stuffed with oysters and a side of beluga while my hapless pal is forced to gnaw on a sprig of parsley. Happily, this culinary disparity didn’t rear its ugly head at Tangerine, a new North Boulder breakfast and lunch spot that features an astonishingly comprehensive brunch menu.

Throughout the warm weather season, the Niwot Market dishes up a Friday night supper that’s as much a community happening as it is an enjoyably casual dining experience. Menus vary from week to week, so it’s best to call ahead to find out what’s cooking. On some evenings the entrée might be fried chicken or steak, on another night clam pasta. The evening that friend Cynthia and I went, the menu was an $18 All-American barbecue heavily influenced by Southern home cooking.

Nothing screams summertime more than cuisine from warm-weather climes, cool drinks and al fresco dining, all of which are available at Boulder’s Centro Latin Kitchen and Refreshment Palace. Drawing from Central and South American traditions, Centro serves up ceviche, tacos, tortas and platters featuring such specialties as huevos rancheros and enchiladas. Paul, a Chicago transplant, joined me for a weekday lunch on the sun-drenched patio there while things were hopping, although the amiable servers satisfied the crowd’s needs with aplomb.

The most enjoyable meals aren’t just about the food — they’re also about the company, and in some instances, a sense of common purpose. Such is the case with Boulder’s Bácaro Venetian Taverna’s combination Sunday bike ride, lunch and fundraiser. The ride is a monthly event that pulls together an amiable collection of cyclists of differing ages and abilities.

As someone with too much time on my hands, I've recently been preoccupied with seeking out classic, if not downright iconic, meals. These repasts don't necessarily have to be pricey or complex, and can be as simple as a grilled cheese accompanied by tomato soup.