There’s not always a ton of food news happening down the Peninsula, but a new fast-casual Thai-Vietnamese concept called Asian Box is springing up in Palo Alto (855 El Camino Real) next Friday, and it may be the model for a nationwide chain to compete with Chipotle’s Shophouse Kitchen. As we reported earlier, it’s the idea of former Slanted Door chef Grace Nguyen and partner Frank Klein, and Klein has said they want to “bridge the gap between neighborhood restaurants and fast casual” with this concept. We’d note it’s kind of similar to Hawker Fare in Oakland, only perhaps more Vietnamese, and featuring rice boxes, rather than bowls, using all sustainably grown and raised ingredients.
Also, it’s caught the attention of the gluten-free, like this Peninsula mom whose son has Celiac disease, because all the dishes will be free of wheat gluten.
We don’t yet have a menu, but you can see some hints of the food on their Facebook page. If you’re down that way, expect to see Asian Box opening on Friday, March 2.
Also coming is a related concept called American Box, from Nguyen’s husband Chad Newton and Klein, as well as a separate restaurant project from Newton tentatively called Provisions. Stay tuned.
Asian Box - 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto - Opening March 2
Earlier: A quick bite [SF Biz Times - subscription required]
Chad Newton Hints About Provisions, Brings New Food Menu to the Showroom
