Grilled Skewer
The east side of Denver has been in need of a good Vietnamese restaurant for a long time. Grilled Skewer fills the bill with good food, albeit nothing fancy. Choose at the counter, and they will make your food fresh to order, including the spring rolls. Mix and match noodle or rice bowls of chicken, beef, pork, tofu and shrimp topped with sauces of traditional, peanut (outstanding) or sesame. It also serves traditional Vietnamese BBQ pork, chicken, beef or grilled pork sandwiches, lettuce wraps or springs rolls by themselves. Try a delicious fruit smoothie to complete your meal. 890 S. Monaco Parkway, No. 8, 303-320-1935. Pete Names
Daphne’s Deli
They still haven’t invented a more perfect sandwich than a good old-fashioned BLT. Get yours at Daphne’s, crispy strips of bacon on fresh ciabatta with plenty of mayonnaise. Potato salad on the side. If it’s nice out, walk a few blocks west to Alamo Placita Park at East Third Avenue and Emerson Street for a wintertime picnic. 393 Corona St., 303-733-1212. Tucker Shaw
L’Asie Fusion Bistro
Sixth Avenue is full of fancy-schmancy restaurants with month-long waiting lists, which means there’s plenty of room on the strip for a come-as-you are eatery with interesting, but not challenging, food. L’Asie Fusion Bistro, with its pan-Asian menu (Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese) also serves refreshing, innovative cocktails. 603 E. Sixth Ave., 303-318-0102. Tucker Shaw
