A: Well, if you don't want to take them to a certain cheesy chain restaurant that has moved onto the Pearl Street Mall, killing business for some of the mom-and-pops in town, there aren't a whole lot of choices. But my top pick for lunch or dinner would be Q's at the Hotel Boulderado (2115 13th Street, 303-442-4881). It recently won a Mobil four-star award, and with good reason: The kitchen puts out stunningly flavorful fare at a reasonable price, in a very comfortable and classy setting that's only romantic if you want it to be. Dandelion (1011 Walnut Street; 303-443-6700) -- ostensibly a Kevin Taylor joint, even though he probably hasn't stepped foot in the place for a year -- is another good lunch or dinner option.
It's dinner only at the elegant 15 Degrees (1965 15th Street 303-442-4222), which does a variety of cuisines well; also dinner-only is the Full Moon Grill (2525 Arapahoe; 303-938-8800). Both have great pasta and tasteful, inviting atmospheres in which you can make some money.