Rice Contemporary Asian Cuisine

Bartender extraordinaire Major Ludwig, voted Best Bartender for the past two years by Boise Weekly, can be found tending to customer drink needs. He helped Rice win Best Martini of the Year with his Lemon Basil Martini two years running. Even the lemons are hand squeezed!

Rice Contemporary Asian Cuisine serves up the popular dishes of the Orient all under one roof. Opened just 18 months ago, this unique restaurant has already earned awards and attention from customers and the media alike. Managed by savvy, seasoned restaurateur Toffee Dullaphan, everything on the menu is fresh, from the seafood to the veggies, and prepared on the spot each day.

“What makes us different from the usual Asian or Chinese restaurant is our concept of a fusion menu; that’s a combination of flavors from Thailand, India, Korea, Vietnam, Japan and China,” explained Toffee. “Also, we have a full sushi bar. We have a very small sushi freezer because we order fresh more often than most restaurants.” That’s important because many of her customers moved here from California, so they know their sushi.

Featuring appetizers, lunch, dinner, sushi, desserts and a full bar, Rice Contemporary Asian Cuisine offers delectable meals to please your palate, such as Thai Basil, Tokyo Teriyaki, Ginger Ninja and Indian Chicken Tandoori. Entrees and lunch choices can be customized to your spice level. Most of the dishes can be made for gluten-free or vegan diets, too. Appetizers include tantalizing flavors from Toffee’s native Thailand, such as Bangkok Shrimp, and Vietnam’s Hanoi Fresh Roll with shrimp or vegetarian style.

“Every month we have specials, often requested by our patrons; that way our customers can try our new dishes,” she said. “We already have a group of regulars who eat here, as our prices are reasonable and our portion size is good.” Toffee’s passion for food and its presentation is evident when she speaks about the restaurant and trying new recipes.

The restaurant’s Thirsty Thursday features buy one, get one free alcoholic drinks off the regular bar menu. Come and unwind every Thursday from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. to the tunes of live jazz and blues. Bartender extraordinaire Major Ludwig, voted Best Bartender for the past two years by Boise Weekly, can be found tending to customer drink needs. He helped Rice win Best Martini of the Year with his Lemon Basil Martini two years running. Even the lemons are hand squeezed!

Much like the famed bar of television show Cheers, many of Rice’s patrons make and keep friends while enjoying a refreshing libation. You might come alone, but you’re never alone here. It’s little wonder that the restaurant took third place for its happy hour, which is daily from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Other accolades include second place for Best Patio and Best Bloody Mary by Boise Weekly.

Celebrating a special occasion or hosting a lunch meeting? Rice also provides catering, whether buffet style, served or lunchboxes. Toffee’s future plans for the eatery include expanding this aspect of the business. “Big or small, we do it all,” she chuckled. “We work with our customer’s budget.” All four of the chefs hail from the Southeast Asia region and are experienced in catering both overseas and in major hotel restaurants in Asia.

Unlike other restaurant managers who only talk to customers when there’s a problem, Toffee is highly visible, chatting with customers, asking for feedback, and inquiring if they need anything else to enjoy their meal. After more than ten years in this industry, that’s what she relishes most about her job. “I want to make sure the customer leaves full and happy,” she said. “It takes teamwork to make that happen. Around here we work hard and play hard. We work together as a team and love each other and help one another like a family,” Toffee elaborated. In addition, Rice plans to donate meals to non-profit organizations this holiday season to help out with our communities.

Rice Asian Contemporary Restaurant is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Dinner hours are Monday through Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday, 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Saturday, noon to10:00 p.m. The eatery is closed on Sundays. Stop by for a delicious meal or libation!

Rice is located at 228 E. Plaza Drive in Eagle. For more information or to make a reservation, call 208-939-2595 or visit the website at riceeagle.com; join them on Facebook for special coupons and upcoming events at facebook.com/riceeagle.