When Spice Indian Cuisine recently announced its closure after a decade, customers were rocked.
“I am devastated by this news,” one confessed on social media.
Cheer up, Meridian. Another promising local concept is already set to take over the space.
Blending culinary influences, Lanna Grills and Bowls is coming to 3223 E. Louise Drive, suite 106. A sign in the window says the restaurant will open in September. But that remains to be seen as final inspections and approvals occur, according to business partner Pinpaka McCready.
“We are hoping to open very soon,” she said, “but we do not have an exact opening date yet.”
“Lanna” refers to northern Thailand. The new eatery is a transition for the former operators of a Kuna food truck, Tasty Thai, which was sold, McCready said.
But the restaurant won’t limit its focus to a single region.
“Lanna Grills and Bowls will feature a combination of healthy-inspired dishes and Mediterranean flavors,” she said, “with a little bit of an Asian twist.” The emphasis will be “fresh ingredients, grilled meats, flavorful sauces, pita bread, rice, soup dishes and fresh bowls. We want to offer both familiar favorites and dishes that give Meridian customers something a little different.”
Lanna Grills and Bowls will open near Buffalo Wild Wings in Meridian. Michael Deeds mdeeds@idahostatesman.com
Lanna will serve lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and dinner from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Dinner options will include salads and a variety of Thai and Mediterranean dishes. There also will be “Lanna signatures” such as Red in Forest Soup ($15.95), described on the menu as “bold red broth with broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, peas, carrots, Thai basil and aromatic spices,” available with chicken, pork or tofu, or beef (add $2) or shrimp (add $3).
Or treat yourself to one of the “Chef’s Specials” such as Char-Grilled Salmon with Golden Emulsion ($25.95), “with seasonal vegetables, golden spice emulsion and fresh dill.”
Like its predecessor in the space, Lanna will be a full-service restaurant, a place to unwind and savor each bite. But efficient takeout also will be available.
“There are many businesses and workplaces nearby, and we know that many people have only about 30 minutes for their lunch break,” McCready explained. “We wanted to create a restaurant where they can enjoy fresh, flavorful, high-quality food without spending most of their break waiting for it. Our goal is to provide a lunch experience that is quick and convenient, but still feels like a good, freshly prepared meal.”
Lanna Grills and Bowls will announce its launch date a soon as it’s available, McCready said. In the meantime, the restaurant has created an Instagram page.
“We are very excited to become part of the Meridian community,” she said. “Our goal is to create a welcoming restaurant where families, friends, and coworkers can enjoy fresh, flavorful food in a comfortable atmosphere.”
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Michael Deeds is a long-serving entertainment reporter and opinion columnist at the Idaho Statesman, where he chronicles the Boise good life: restaurants, concerts, culture, cool stuff. He started as a summer intern after graduating from the University of Nebraska with a news-editorial journalism degree. Deeds’ prior Statesman roles have included sportswriter, music critic and features editor. His other writing has ranged from freelancing album reviews for The Washington Post to bragging about Boise in that inflight magazine you left on the plane.
