CRAVE REAL BURGERS

3.75 stars

7465 N. Academy Blvd., 80920; 264-7919, craverealburgers.com

Crave Real Burgers serves up burgers for adventure-seekers. They’re built so high, with toppings so creative, that all you can do is roll up your sleeves, grab an extra napkin (or three) and dive in. The basic patties are hand-formed ground chuck, with a good char from the grill. The buns, where they use regular buns, are toasted and sturdy enough to hold up to the overload piled on them. The fries on the side are good, but overshadowed by the burgers.

DISHES NOT TO MISS: Fatty Melt ($11), Popper ($10), Thai Peanut ($10)

PARAVICINI’S ITALIAN BISTRO

4.8 stars

2802 W. Colorado Ave., 80904; 471-8200, paravicinis.com

Bright and warm, the high-ceilinged room beckons you in, with painted, exposed brick on one side and an open kitchen on the other. The fare is bright, fresh and prepared with great attention to detail, ensuring a fantastic meal in a welcoming setting.

DISHES NOT TO MISS: Steak Paravicini ($23.94), Veal Giuseppe ($19.95)

PHO-NOMENAL VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

2.75 stars

5825 Stetson Hills Blvd., Suite. 100, 80923; 597-0277, phonomenal restaurant.com

Two visits netted two very different experiences. While the food was decent, the service varied from warm and friendly to cold and aloof. The restaurant focuses on two of my favorite foods, pho soup and bun noodle bowls, but neither one is a shining example of what Vietnamese food can be.

DISHES NOT TO MISS:Vegetarian pho ($6.50 small), vegetarian pan-fried egg noodles ($10)

MB.PARTLOW@GAZETTE.COM