Som Dee Thai Kitchen
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Visit Denver launched Denver Restaurant Week in 2005 as a way to boost the city’s dining reputation; ever since, the annual celebration of the local food scene has helped diners discover new favorites and enjoy deals at beloved standbys. Now, menus have been released for the 22nd edition of the event, which runs March 6-15.
In its first year — back when all the DRW specials were priced at $52.80 per couple — 83 restaurants participated. In the two decades since, the deal has changed and the dining scene has grown. This year, there are over 270 participating restaurants to choose from, including some from our list of the Top 50 Restaurants in Denver right now. Each is offering multi-course menus at one of four price points: $25, $35, $45 or $55 per person.
To explore the full list of menus, visit denverresataurantweek.com, where you can search by price point, neighborhood, amenities and dietary restrictions, including vegan and vegetarian options.
Now is the time to start digesting all the details and booking reservations before they’re gone. Not sure where to start? Here are our recommendations at each price point:
Molly Martin
$25 menu: Cuba Cuba Cafe & Bar (not to be confused with its fast casual, sandwich-centric offshoots) has been a staple in the Golden Triangle neighborhood since 2001, when Cuban-American Kristy Socarras Bigelow opened the eatery in a pair of historic homes near the Denver Art Museum. Soak in the friendly, tropical vibes at this classic with its budget-friendly DRW offering: a salad with butter leaf lettuce, chopped mango, avocado, cucumber and red onion with honey vinaigrette to start; chicken vaca frita (shredded chicken crisped with onions, garlic and citrus) for the entree; and classic Cuban flan to end the meal.
$35 menu: Mama Kim Malaysian Fusion has only been open for five months in Greenwood Village, and its DRW deal is a great way to give it a try at a solid price point for three courses. Options include spicy ginger calamari or tauhu sumbat (Malaysian fried tofu stuffed with carrot and cucumber) to start; ayam kapitan (red coconut curry) or vegan Singapore noodles for the main; and ube cheesecake or banh da Lon (pandan and mung bean steamed rice cake) for dessert.
$45 menu: Coperta has been a favorite in North Capitol Hill for a decade and is owned by brother-and-sister duo Paul and Aileen Reilly. Its one of a limited number of places offering a four-course menu for DRW. The lineup includes Cerignola olive polenta fritters or broccoli Caesar to begin the meal; orecchiette with roasted garlic, chili braised kale, and garlic pangrattato or pappardelle with chicken ragu for the primi course; winter squash parmigiana with capers and fresh mozzarella or braised pork shoulder, with cannellini beans, spinach and prosciutto vinaigrette for the main; and a sweet ending of vanilla budino with butterscotch.
$55 menu: Som Dee Thai Kitchen on East 17th Avenue is one of our favorite upscale spots in town. It’s offering three courses, starting with a choice of Heatwave Shrimp, vegan-friendly veggie egg roll or chicken satay to start followed by spaghetti kee mow shrimp, panang beef curry or crispy chicken khao soi, and two dessert choices: Thai coconut ice cream served with a mix of fresh Southeast Asian fruits or mango mousse.
