Food notes: Tacabi closes in Boise; Chronic Taco opens in Meridian

Tacabi Asian Grill, the upscale sushi bar and restaurant at 800 W. Idaho St., will make Sunday its last night of business, says co-owner and manager Carlos Tijerina.

The restaurant is part of the Mai Thai Group, a local chain that owns Mai Thai Restaurant in Boise and Eagle, and Tacabi in Eagle. The Boise Tacabi opened in 2006 under the name Koi. It changed its name in October 2007 after a trademark dispute with an international chain called Koi.

The Mai Thai Group will continue to operate both Mai Thais, serving the sushi that is on its menu, and the Eagle Tacabi.

Tijerina said the last year has been a struggle.

"I'm just tired of fighting the economy," Tijerina said. "It doesn't look to turn around for a while and they say it's never too late to make a good decision."

Patrons can redeem Tacabi gift certificates at any Mai Thai Group restaurant.

ONE MORE TACO PLACE

Just when you thought there were enough California-based, fresh-style Mexican franchise restaurants in area, one more will join the scene: Chronic Taco, based in Newport Beach, Calif., will celebrate the grand opening of its first Idaho store at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at the Portico Shopping Center, 3240 E. Louise Drive, near Eagle and Franklin roads.

The restaurant boasts generous portions of menu items such as monster burritos and tacos that are filled with chicken, beef, carnitas, spicy pork and grilled or breaded mahi mahi and shrimp.

The grand opening will be attended by Meridian Mayor Tammy De Weerd, plus there will be giveaways and coupons.

The Good Thyme Grille and Catering, 750 S. Progress St., Suite 170, Meridian, has been serving up its gourmet sandwiches, homemade soups and fresh salads for about a month now.

You'll often find owner Stan Perez behind the counter slicing it up for you. The restaurant also does a variety of catering, from box lunches to deli and vegetable platters and tri-tip or roasted chicken dinner.

The restaurant is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

It also serves beer and wine and offers free Wi-Fi and a 53-inch flatscreen for sports and news.

BERRYHILL EXPANDS SERVICE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Berryhill & Co., 121 N. 9th St., Boise, is keeping it festive for the holidays. It will add Monday dinner from 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday lunch from noon to 3 p.m. during December, owner John Berryhill says.

Both will feature a performance by an area pianist as will happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The restaurant also will extend its late-night music schedule from 9 to 11 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.

For more information, call 387-3553.

CHEF JOE RETURNS

Chef Joe Crespi is back cooking at Cottonwood Grille, 913 N. River St., 333-9800. Crespi returns as sous chef, the position he held in the restaurant's early days. He left to open his own catering company and restaurant, Guissepe's Cafe in Meridian.

Dana Oland: 377-6442