I've been in Boulder a little over a year and a half now. Anyone who follows me on The Twitter knows that it's a place I like to share bits of as often as possible. It occurred to me I have never shared my top ten places to snack, sip and be happy in an easily digestible list. So here it is. These are places that stand the test - I take friends who come in from out of town, I have made friends with the owners or staff, I love not only what they are dishing up but dig the panache with which they're dishing.

Whether you live here or you're just passing through, check out:

1. Urban Fusion: Happy Noodle House

A new establishment (they opened in early 2009) the Happy Noodle House serves up what I'd call urban-fusion Asian. They recently hosted a happening tweetup (where Twitter friends get together in real life), their drinks are sparkly and fun, the staff is sincere. Visit for: group seating, to meet a few new locals, the extensive mixed drinks menu and their pickle platter.

2. Lingery Breakfast: Luciles Creole Cafe

If you're looking for a place where you almost always have to wait on the weekend, try Luciles. The wait is worth it. Start with the chicory coffee, move on to the Hanks eggs if you've got a big hunger (whenever I get it, I get the half portion). Love a lighter breakfast? Try their handmade granola. Love mornings at Luciles - if you can get a spot on the front porch, do so. Warm fuzzies.

3. Savory Indian: Bombay Bistro

After testing numerous curry joints, I always end up back at Bombay Bistro. It's the last place I think about, but the one I most enjoy. The korma is to die for. The naan is melt-in-your-mouth. The staff always aims to please you. And maybe it's just me, but I find the lush pink decor and kitschy euro-pop music mixed in with Bollywood tunes delectable when paired with a filling curry. (I hear they also have sold-out cooking classes.)

4. Cafe Atmosphere: The Cup

I think I have tried every cafe in Boulder. I like The Cup best. There are a number of reasons why, but above all, The Cup is the most wired of any cafe I've tried. If the internet does happen to go down you can ask the staff to toggle it and they will. I love when it's warm enough to roll open the front garage door. During the school year it is usually packed with laptop nomads. I love: Bhakti Chai with a shot of espresso (dirty chai).

5. Gourmet Happy Hour: Mateo

Everyone and their mother does Happy Hour in Boulder. And I have tried most of them. If you're looking for a classy, quiet place to spend a happy hour, visit Mateo. It's a bit further down Pearl, making it a quieter place to enjoy a glass of white on the patio. They have house-made fries that will make your mouth water. And their small helping of home-made gnocchi? Trust me on this one.

6. Quick Asian: Moongate

Another favorite, Moongate, has an extensive Asian menu. It is directly across from The Cup (#4) and I often run over for a quick bite between meetings. If you're vegetarian, try the peanut sauce tofu dish. Comes with uber fresh broccoli. I love that they can get you in and out in under ten minutes if you're taking it to go. Less than thirty if you're staying. Great place for lunch meetings on Pearl St.

7. Weekend Coffee: Vics

I am a sucker for an Americano. Vics does them better than anyone else in town. I've tried other things off the menu and they don't compare. I'm not sure why. I don't drink anything else from Vics, but I dig their Americano.

8. Pub Eats: Mountain Sun

A Boulder stand-by. Hand-crafted beers, more than edible pub food, a friendly environment. This place is packed during the winter months. Lots of vegetarian options (the veg burgers will turn a meat-eater's head), loaded chili and super fresh salads. Out-of-towners, be sure to check it out to get a sense of the local Boulder flavor. (People, not food.)

9. Tea Silence: Pekoe Sip House

I'm writing this from Pekoe right now. The tea here is unreal. Try the Organic Honeydew Melon for something summery, light and endlessly drinkable. If you're more into decaf, I love the Evening in Missoula.

10. Truly Boulder: Dushanbe Teahouse

Every trip to the Teahouse is thrilling. The menu changes with the season and I'm so in love with their chai (you get one refill when you drink in-house). Their apps hit the spot every time. When there isn't a wedding happening you can sit outside and relax to the sound of the creek rushing by. Yes, pretty much the best thing ever.

Now, what's your Best of Boulder (or Portland or wherever you are)? Let me know - I'm always looking for a reason to try a new place or, for that matter, new city.