Restaurant Review

New Orient, Vietnamese and Seafood Restaurant, 10203 E. Iliff Ave., Denver (Iliff Pointe Shopping Center at Iliff and Parker Road)  Telephone (303) 751-1288.  Open Tues.-Sun. 11:00-2:30 for lunch; Tues.-Thurs. & Sun. 5:00-9:30 for dinner; Fri. & Sat. 5:00-10:30 for dinner.  Takeout available.

Soft, pastel colors reminded me it's spring. Cream-colored tablecloths with turquoise seat cushions on dark hardwood chairs reminded me of New York.  Fresh tulips, pretty watercolors on cream walls and soft music put me in just the right mood for a glass of wine.  The bar at the back is very stylish, yet unobtrusive.  There were plenty of tables, but I chose an eggplant-colored booth. The lighting, low over the table,  finished off the mood of the modern orient.  The couple sitting in the next booth spoke softly in alternating languages--English and Vietnamese.  My eyes found the framed awards the restaurant had earned, including Cherry Creek Arts Festival, 3^rd Place Best Food 1998; Westword -- Best of Denver 1998; Best of Colorful Colorado -- Best Vietnamese Restaurant 1997; and many others.
This was the second time I'd been to the New Orient in a week.  The first time I enjoyed the "Tofu Vegetables & Noodles" ($7.00) so much I decided to go back.  This time I had "Vegetables & Crispy Noodles" ($7.00) Both these dishes are heavenly good. The other entrée on the "Vegetable" list is "Vegetables & Cashews (Hot)."  The flavors go beyond what I have experienced in other Vietnamese restaurants.  I found myself making funny noises as I ate.
The manager, Ann, came out and graciously talked to me of the restaurant.  She said the menu changes every day.  Sometimes there is a special called "Vegetable Chinoir" with artichokes, eggplant, bell peppers, zucchini and onion.  Or "Stir Fried Vegetables"  served in a crispy noodle basket.  Every day there is a special.  Sometimes it is vegetable.  Ann said they use natural ingredients and vegetable oil.  The chef, who has been there a long time, was trained by Sue, the owner. The New Orient has been at this location for 20 years, although they moved from 3 doors down about 9-10 years ago.  Sue also owns the neighboring Italian restaurant.
Ann said the appetizers can be made without meat and another winner on the long menu is the "Vegetable Bowl with Tofu" ($5.95)   She also suggested the curry and noted that sometimes the soup is vegetarian.  The lunch menu features lower priced selections. Keep in mind that the chef will make up dishes on request.  So let your imagination soar. 
This is an ideal place to dine with your non-vegetarian friends.  They will love the choices and hopefully will taste your meatless dish and convert on the spot!  Ovo-lacto vegetarians will enjoy the "Flan Au Caramel" ($3.00) or "Fried Banana for 2" ($4.00) for dessert. 

Happy Springtime in the Veggies  -                     
Milly Jones