This new Meridian restaurant calls its menu ‘the best combination ever’
Sometimes, it feels like Idaho diners are on a perpetual quest for what they consider to be top-notch Asian food.
Chinese. Thai. Sushi. You name it.
A newly opened Meridian restaurant hopes to be the answer.
Four Seasons Sushi and Asian Bistro has taken over the former Chicken Shanty space at 3110 W. Quintale Drive, near the intersection of Ten Mile and McMillan roads.
“Have you ever tried authentic North Eastern Chinese cuisine and Japanese fusion?” the restaurant asked on social media. “Best combination ever!”
That’s setting a pretty high bar.
Sushi is the main Japanese aspect of the Four Seasons equation, obviously. The menu offers lots of rolls — along with sashimi and nigiri.
What really sets Four Seasons apart from many of its competitors in the Boise area is a focus on dishes from Northern China. Southern Chinese food is much more prevalent in America.
At the risk of oversimplifying, Southern Chinese food often is served with rice; Northern more likely involves noodles. As OpenTable explains, “Broadly speaking, the climate north of the Yangtze River is colder and the south warmer, resulting in different choices of carbs (wheat in the North and rice in the South), ingredient options (the South has more seafood and river fish, while the North has more red meat), and palates (Northern food is stronger and heavier, many Southern foods are subtler and more complex, and Southwestern food is spicier partially due to the humidity).”
In Northeastern Chinese food, pickling is a common theme. You won’t find General Tso’s chicken on the Four Seasons menu. But there’s North East Pickle Noodle ($15.99, pork, pickled cabbage, glass noodle). Dumplings also are a favorite. Takoyaki Octopus dumplings, deep fried for $7, are an option.
More familiar menu choices include Kung Pao or Orange chicken ($14.99 for either) or spicy Mala Chicken ($17.99). Craving the tried-and-true comfort of rice? Opt for North East Squid Fried Rice ($13.99).
Four Seasons quickly racked up five Google reviews and has a perfect five-star rating.
“Finally,” the most recent review says, “a good spot near Star! Ordered the pineapple chicken, chow mein, and potstickers — all were tasty and fresh.”
Is Four Seasons the Chinese restaurant the Treasure Valley has been looking for? And Japanese?
Only your taste buds can decide.