619987 Thu May 14 19:31:04 -0700 2009 4 6 Southwest 0 4685351 HI Southwest Hounds -- every year around this time I spend a week in this area, teaching in Louisville, and this year, staying at the Westin in Westminster. Previous years I stayed at hotels in Broomfield. I have tried Empire (great and will be going again), Village Tavern, and a few other not so stellar spots in the Flatiron Mall. I am anxious and curious to find out what is in Westminster -- I will have a rental car but will probably only get into Boulder once, if at all, since my days are very long with teaching and I'm kind of wiped out and need to prep for the next day in the evening. I like all kinds of Asian food, as well as anything new-ish (enjoyed The Kitchen in Boulder 2 years ago, and as I mentioned, was very happy with Empire). Anything that is gay-friendly is also welcome. Thanks!! Thu May 14 19:31:04 -0700 2009 11896 NAspy 1 4685651 There are a number of pho joints around - I'd recommend Pho Duy at 120th and Main next to Pacific Ocean Mart, or Pho 88 at Federal and 104th (southeast corner). Heaven Star (in the same shopping center as Pho Duy) is Chinese and has a full dinner menu and dim sum in the morning - don't order the dim sum appetizers at dinner time though. Inside Pacific Ocean Mart (again, same shopping center at 120th and Main), you can order banh mi at a small counter next to the roast chicken/pig display. Jewel of India at 104th and Federal (southwest corner) is also ok. Thu May 14 22:02:51 -0700 2009 4685351 165833 lotuseedpaste 2 4710081 I appreciate your recommendations. I ended up at Jewel of India one evening and had the combination platter for one which had a very good selection of their dishes --tandoori chicken, lamb curry, a couple of chicken dishes (saag paneer and one other), along with a very excellent Indian beer and rice pudding for dessert. I also had dinner one evening at Med in Boulder which was excellent, and the Empire in Louisville still serves wonderful food. I know it's a chain, but I really enjoy heading to Noodles and Company also and Tokyo Joe's isn't bad either. O's in the hotel was "fine," certainly not the gourmet spread I expected, but the staff are lovely and service good. Sat May 23 21:48:59 -0700 2009 4685651 11896 NAspy 1 4714414 One of Colorado's most cutting-edge dining experiences is the molecular gastronomy prepared by O's exec chef Ian Kleinman right in the Westin Westminster -- but only certain nights of the week. His blog is at http://food102.blogspot.com/, showing meals he has prepared and plans he is making. You might want to give the restaurant another try. Mon May 25 22:12:58 -0700 2009 4685351 54833 ClaireWalter 2 4728234 I would have done that tasting menu; though it's only offered Thursday through Sunday and neither Thursday nor Friday were free for that extensive a meal. I will probably be back in the area in a year and will keep it in mind. Sat May 30 13:33:59 -0700 2009 4714414 11896 NAspy