I spent only one night in Boulder, Colorado before returning home to L.A. a week ago. And I didn’t waste my evening there at some rag-tag, take-out joint. I dined, people. At Oak at fourteenth, in downtown Boulder. And guess what? I remembered to take pictures!
Open since March of 2010, Oak at fourteenth is one of those places that feels local. It’s a neighborhood restaurant, to be sure. (I overheard someone at a nearby table saying she’d eaten there twice in the last week.) But this neighborhood business is also functioning at a level of beautiful output, so that those who only dine there once in a while are more than happy to be there. As I fall into this category, I can honestly say I’m quite pleased to have spent my one evening in Boulder at Oak.
Here’s what I sampled…
Yellowfin Tuna, Fried Green Tomatoes, Yuzu Guacamole & Sambal Aioli. I didn’t even know what half of that description meant, but I didn’t need to know. I only had to taste it to discover it was an amazing dish. The tuna’s ocean freshness, paired with the crunch of the fried green tomatoes was a lovely combination. Mix in the bite of the celery and the cool smoothness of the guacamole and y’all, I was one happy gal.
Wood Oven Fired Calamari & Braised Shortribs, Fingerling Potatoes. This one sounded crazy, like it wouldn’t make sense. And yet it did make sense! It was creative and yummy. Oh, and it was delicious to boot.
Grilled Isabelle Farm Eggplant, Feta Cheese, Romesco. This one was my favorite of the appetizers. Deceptively simple, the smokiness of the grilled eggplant perfectly complimented the brightness of the tomato sauce. And the feta was so fresh and creamy. I would eat this every week for the rest of my life if I could. That’s how much I loved it.
Wood Grilled Ancho Chili Spiced Beef Short Rib. Sometimes when I can’t decide which entree I want, I defer to the sides. “Carr Valley Aged Cheddar Grits” completely persuaded me. This was comfort food at the highest levels and I was happy, happy, happy with my choice. The peanuts sprinkled on top? Not really my bag, but I understood the intent, to add some texture.
Grilled Peking Duck Breast. This was some awesome duck, yo. The forbidden rice, preserved plum and roasted turnips on the side were all super yummy. And you just can’t go wrong with duck leg confit. Heaven on a plate, I tell you.
Pumpkin Cheesecake. Now, I’m not a gal with a big sweet tooth. But I do eat dessert from time to time. And when I do, I prefer cheesecake. At this time of year? Pumpkin cheesecake is swoon-worthy. I was not disappointed by this dessert. And by the evening’s end, I felt like the Blueberry Girl In “Willy Wonka” – I needed to be rolled to the juicing room! Really, I was so happy to have been told about the place.
Though I try to be discreet when taking food photos (I may be a food dork, but I’m also mannered), the activity does beg the question: why? At some point, one of the owners stopped by our table and inquired about my camera. I explained my motivation and we chatted for a bit. Bryan Dayton is as attentive and charming a proprietor you could ever hope for. He and chef Steven Redzikowski have quite a cool restaurant to their credit and I highly recommend it.
So if you find yourself in Boulder, give Oak at fourteenth a try. But do make a reservation. This neighborhood restaurant is pretty popular – even outside the neighborhood.
