From the start, Coquette has acted as a fun bastion of cool on the main strip of Manitou Springs. Its recently expanded menu is equally enticing, with bits that originate in-house - sauces, dips and even smoked meats - popping up all over.

Almost hidden among the new items, which include seared duck breast (photo below) and chicken piccata, is Coquette's humble burger ($10). And it's a near masterpiece of beef and bread. The meat comes from Ranch Foods Direct, and though ours was cooked a little too hard - considering the gluten-free bun is more like a thin, dense biscuit - it sang with smoky flavor. The garlic-basil aioli is a sweet refrain, while the slices of Brie balance with ineffable creamy off-notes. Dessert should bring the stylish Lavender Love ($9) crêpe - its thick chocolate mousse is irresistible. - Bryce Crawford