Mausam, 3167 W. Colorado Ave., is the hot new spot for Indian food. The restaurant had a soft opening April 3 and quickly became the must-try destination recommended on foodie social media posts.

Co-owners Raymond Sandhu and Kanwal Jhand have hired Michelin-awarded chef Dharam Singh to head up the training of the kitchen crew. The multiple appetizers, entrees and desserts we enjoyed were exceptional. The exotic seasonings were balanced with the spice level. There was heat in most of the dishes but not over-the-top mouth scorching.

Based on food alone, it’s easy to see what all the fuss about getting in for a meal is about. On a recent Sunday evening visit, the restaurant in a former IHOP was packed. While the former breakfast place has been transformed into an elegant space with touches of bright tamarind-colored furnishings, the feeling of its former life lingers.

The ambiance gave more of the feeling of a Sunday brunch than a refined evening dinner. Noise from the crowd ricocheting off the hard floors and high, open ceiling was amplified by the tightly spaced tables, super-bright light and bustling servers.

Aside from acoustics, the food arriving at the table was something to behold and savor. Every dish was unique and authentic.

A full bar has been added to the lineup recently with what looked like, from across the room, some very upscale wines. A wine list had yet to be printed, so our selection was done using the electronic order machine our waitress offered. There are some details yet to be figured out, but the food is what counts, and Singh has that nailed.

Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Details: 719-362-3300, mausamrestaurant.com.

Sweet destination

Gretchen Harrison opened Alice + Kate Boutique Bakery at 572 E. Castle Pines Parkway, Castle Pines, April 27. The cozy little shop showcases Harrison’s assortment of small-batch, hand-made caramels, chocolates and macarons, as well as a curated selection of gifts. Most of the party supplies and collection of pantry items are sourced from female-owned businesses.

“The name Alice + Kate is deeply personal, inspired by the women in my family who introduced me to the joys of baking,” Harrison said in a press release. “So many happy memories came with the treats my grandmother Kate and aunt Alice would lovingly make, which is why family recipes now form the backbone of my bakery’s menu.”

The beautifully crafted candies and macarons are worthy of a stop to or from travels north for a sweet pick-me-up, or plan ahead and order a box full of goodies.

Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Details: 303-873-4433, aliceandkatebakery.com.

Weekend of art and food

The inaugural Garden of the Gods Art Festival is at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, 3105 Gateway Road, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. There will be more than 125 artists and craftsmen from across the nation, live music, a beer and wine garden, food trucks and activities for kids.

Adults $10, seniors and military $8, kids under 12 and Rock Ledge Ranch members get in free. Tickets at tinyurl.com/5n75rrr9.

Start your engines

The second 719 Battle of the Food Trucks takes place at Meanwhile Block, 425 S. Sierra Madre St., 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 2. For $39.99 (plus $4.52 processing fee) general admission in advance, you get 11 sampling tickets to try foods from more than 50 of southern Colorado food trucks, three voting tickets, live music, games, kid zone, Octane & Iron Car Show, face painting and petting zoo. Bristol Brewing Co. will have a beer garden with cold beer for sale. General-admission tickets are $45 day of event. Additional tasting tickets available for purchase.

Live large with a VIP ticket $59.99 (plus $5.87 processing fee), which includes all the general-admission perks, a discounted parking code, private VIP area with entertainment, one free beer per ticket and a special event gift.

Visit tinyurl.com/4fue66xp for ticket booklets, which will be available at will — call on the day of the event. No tickets will be sent in advance. Must show ticket barcode or proof of purchase to gain entry to the event.

The event is sponsored by McDivitt Law Firm and supports Angels of America’s Fallen. Cash prizes and bragging rights will be determined by a panel of food professional judges for bronze, silver and gold award plaques. People’s Choice award will be selected by number of votes given to the most popular food truck.

Burger specials

In honor of May, National Hamburger Month, and National Hamburger Day, which is Saturday, here are some specials to jump on:

• Wayback Burgers, 751 S. Gold Hill Place, Woodland Park, and 5098 S. Federal Blvd., Englewood, will offer guests a free Double Bacon Burger or Cheeeesy Burger when they visit Wayback Burgers three times this month to earn 120 points on Way Back reward card holders. Additionally, all guests can cash in on BOGO Classic Burgers to celebrate National Hamburger Day.

• Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, 1765 Briargate Parkway. Enjoy the chain’s limited-time Birria Burger and get a Modelo pint for $3 on May 28.