Denver's seventh Thai Basil goes into the old Garbanzo space on University

Since it first hit Denver in 2003, Thai Basil has grown into a mini fusion empire, expanding into a handful of locations around town and down into Colorado Springs. And there's no sign of Thai Basil slowing down, either: After Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill shuttered a location by the University of...

By Laura Shunk

September 13, 2011

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Since it first hit Denver in 2003, Thai Basil has grown into a mini fusion empire, expanding into a handful of locations around town and down into Colorado Springs.

And there's no sign of Thai Basil slowing down, either: After Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill shuttered a location by the University of Denver a couple of months ago, Thai Basil, apparently undaunted by reported problems with the location, jumped on the address and opened its seventh Denver store last week.

Like the rest of the eateries in this chain, the new outpost is serving a menu of Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese and other Southeast Asian dishes, all Americanized for approachability. Lion Lam, the spot's manager, says there are also a few specialties unique to this one restaurant -- though he couldn't specify what they were.

This location has applied for a liquor license, and if it's approached, it will offer beer and wine, as well as daily happy-hour deals. The restaurant will go before the Denver Department of Excise and License on September 22.

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Laura Shunk was Westword's restaurant critic from 2010 to 2012; she's also been food editor at the Village Voice and a dining columnist in Beijing. Her toughest assignment had her drinking ten martinis and eating ten Caesar salads over the course of 48 hours. She still drinks martinis, but remains lukewarm on Caesar salads.

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