Home to zero Korean barbecue restaurants four years ago, Boise suddenly flickered with heat.
Magnificent Garden introduced the all-you-can-eat, grill-it-yourself dining concept near Boise Towne Square. It remains open.
But sizzle turned to fizzle for a second hopeful. Utah-based chain Ombu Grill — expecting to appear at Idaho Asian Plaza around the same time — never came.
But don’t cool your burners just yet.
Not only is Ombu far from dead meat, it’s also being joined by friends.
BBQ, hot pot, sushi
Within the next 10 months, three restaurants are slated to open side by side by side, said Utah-based co-owner Steve Lin.
He hopes to launch Peking Tokyo & Sushi Bar, 3027 N. Cole Road, three months from now. It will serve Asian food and sushi.
He’s targeting an end-of-year launch for Ombu Korean BBQ, 3023 N. Cole Road.
Hot Pot, 3035 N. Cole Road, is looking at March 2024, Lin said in a phone interview.
Renovations are ongoing at the adjacent buildings that house the planned eateries.
Ombu regional chain
Founded in 2017, Ombu Grill has Utah locations in Salt Lake City, Midvale and Orem. It describes itself as “a unique and interactive dining experience that combines premium quality Korean meats and high-tech smokeless grills.”
At Korean barbecue restaurants, grills with ventilation are built into tables. “You simply choose your meats, fish or vegetables, then cook them at your personal table grill,” Ombu explains on its website. “Paired with authentic sides such as yakisoba, kimchi fried rice and miso soup, Ombu Grill provides a fine dining sensory atmosphere unlike any other.”
The do-it-yourself concept can be