As the leaves turn red, the air becomes crisp, and the politicians go in for that final pre-election teeth whitening, the bears aren’t the only ones concentrating on fattening up before winter hits. Moms all over the country are pulling out the ingredients for beef stew, meat loaf, mashed potatoes and the classic American comfort food: grilled cheese.

An array of brightly colored stilettos are arranged on the floor, there are booty shorts hanging on a rack with a sign reading “For Sale,” feather boas are strung over a shuttered changing screen in the corner, mirrors cover the walls, and eight shiny metal poles reach from floor to ceiling on one side of the large room.

The voids in Boulderites’ stomachs from a lack of one kind of food or another are slowly shrinking, as seasoned restaurateurs continue to seek out new food frontiers and open new locations — often next door.

Though the general rule is not to play in the street for fear of cars, the pedestrians of Boulder will have the opportunity to take over a vehicular domain and do just that this coming weekend.

Aaron Kirschner’s current dessert on the Black Cat menu is a beautifully plated dish of rose-scented peaches, peach granita, thyme syrup, peach powder and vanilla mascarpone mousse. Aaron is 14 years old. He began his foray into the world of food two years ago when he discovered the Food Channel.

Dining services at the University of Colorado Boulder is attempting to increase the percentage of local food served in on-campus dining halls. However, the rules and regulations involved in the process are hindering localization efforts.

Today, Aug. 24, is one of the more delicious national holidays — National Peach Pie Day. In celebration of this fuzzy, flaky and fruity day, make a peach pie for friends, family or just you! Stop by the Boulder Farmers’ Market this evening and pick up some fresh, ripe peaches straight from the farm to get you started. Then try this quick and easy recipe for a great dessert tonight.

Boulder's craving for a cheese shop will finally be satisfied on Saturday, Aug. 20, with the opening of Cured at 19th and Pearl streets.