Minturn’s Thai Kitchen is big on flavors, bright on colors

Thai Kitchen is a small, authentic restaurant in Minturn that serves dishes full of flavor. The creation of husband-and-wife team Patty and Webster Lee, Thai Kitchen has a staff that loves to cook, and make customers happy.

“We want to represent Thai food in our own adventurous ways,” said Patty, who was born in Thailand before coming to the East Coast, studying hotel and restaurant management. “We truly believe that food is a form or art — and wildest creativity is the most fun way to cook, eat and enjoy life in general.”

The food is so good at Thai Kitchen that the small-but-mighty family-run establishment frequently wins the local Readers’ Choice poll for Best Asian Restaurant in the valley. The restaurant is small and lively, so they’re quick and efficient with their service, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For some, that means ordering to-go is the best option. You can order directly from the website. And while they primarily serve dinner Wednesday through Sunday, they get into the spirit of the Minturn Farmers’ Market and open for lunch on Saturdays only.

For those who are dining in, there’s no better way to start off  a summertime meal than with the Passion Margarita, a blend of passionfruit, tequila, Cointreau and fresh lime juice. Order just one, or commit to a whole pitcher for the table.

Thai Kitchen has several curries that swing from mild to spicy, meaty to veggie — lobster choo chee red curry,  chicken panang curry, beef red curry. The specialty half a crispy duck in a red curry is a menu highlight. The flavorful duck is perfect for the assertive flavors of the tamarind-infused curry, which is enriched with Chinese broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, bell peppers, grape tomatoes and basil.

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Another great dish for the summer is the pork larb salad. Ground pork, red onion, mint and scallion are dressed with Thai spice, fish sauce and lime juice. The zippy concoction is served with cool and crispy lettuce and cucumber, which makes for a refreshing dish with an undercurrent of meatiness. It is immensely satisfying. And of course, the braised Colorado lamb with massaman curry is a beautiful marriage of Thai curry and Colorado lamb. Thai Kitchen also has a catering option, for larger groups and parties. Their “party trays” range from $80 – $120 per tray, and need three days advanced notice. Check their website or email them at thaikitchenminturn@gmail.com.