Lotus Vegetarian will take over the shuttered Vietnam Grill

Back in May, when I stopped by Vietnam Grill for an education in Vietnamese cooking as part of my Federal Boulevard restaurant tour, I wrote that I was looking forward to "many more surprises and culinary lessons," including a bowl of rice porridge with the simple yet intriguing modifier of...

By Mark Antonation

September 17, 2013

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Back in May, when I stopped by Vietnam Grill for an education in Vietnamese cooking as part of my Federal Boulevard restaurant tour, I wrote that I was looking forward to "many more surprises and culinary lessons," including a bowl of rice porridge with the simple yet intriguing modifier of "pig organs" and creamy banh khot (shrimp cupcakes) that should be a staple on every menu.

But my education will have to continue elsewhere, because the owners of this intimate grotto of traditional Vietnamese dishes have closed the doors. The details are posted on the restaurant's Facebook page:

Dear Vietnam Grill loyal customers. It was a tough decision but the right decision. It is time for our mother to take a break from her great cooking skills to recover her strength from 5 years of hard work in the kitchen. We have sold our family business to this great couple who have a passion for cooking. We thank you so much for supporting and loving us over the last 5 years. We will miss you dearly.

Vietnam Grill, our Best Vietnamese Restaurant in the Best of Denver 2013, will be sorely missed by all of us, too. And while it's too late for a last meal, the Facebook page is still functioning, so fans can post favorite memories and best wishes to the family.

Signage announcing a new restaurant -- Lotus Vegetarian (Nha Hang Chay Hoa Sen) -- along with a grand opening date of September 19 already adorn the humble exterior.

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Mark Antonation is the former Westword Food & Drink Editor. In 2018, he was named Outstanding Media Professional by the Colorado Restaurant Association; he's now with the Colorado Restaurant Foundation.

Contact: Mark Antonation

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