An elevated Thai dive bar, Merai, will open in Brookline

Eating places

The spot comes from the identical crew behind Mahaniyom.

A inventive Thai restaurant and bar for adventurous diners will debut in Brookline Village within the new 12 months.

Merai, a vacation spot for re-imagined world delicacies with Thai-inspired flavors and Asian cocktails, will open on Harvard Avenue in February 2024. The spot comes from the identical crew behind Mahaniyom, the Thai tapas restaurant that opened in 2020 and was named Eater Boston’s Greatest New Restaurant in 2021. Co-owner Chompon Boonnak, who leads Merai with Smuch Saikamthorn, stated that the restaurant will likely be influenced by “ran lao,” informal Thai bars, the place guests can deliver their household and mates.

“The idea known as a ‘excessive dive,’” Boonnak stated. “It’s like a dive bar, however elevated, an upscale dive bar. It’s not formal. Our idea is tremendous informal and can serve the neighborhood, welcoming individuals who benefit from the meals and drinks. The situation goes to be very near Mahaniyom, [but] we’ll do a unique idea.”

Whereas Mahaniyom’s menu focuses on genuine Thai meals, Merai’s kitchen will draw from cultures around the globe, placing a Thai twist on dishes. The menu was created by Mahaniyom’s Tune Thanaphon Authaiphan and Information Thanarat Kasikitthamrong. Authaiphan will lead the kitchen at Merai as head chef. Friends will have the ability to order plates just like the Hung Lay Bao, pork stomach braised in Thai Northern-style curry, in bao buns. They will additionally attempt the Khao Soi Fettuccini, which Boonnak described as “a crash between [the] well-known noodles everybody loves and Italian pasta.” The cocktail program will likely be overseen by Panupong Viriyapongsukij, though drink names haven’t been launched but.

Like Mahaniyom, Merai can have an intimate house, seating 40 individuals. The inside is darkish and can function a mural designed by the identical artist who created the black-light piece within the Mahaniyom toilet, Ponnapa Prakkamakul. The bar is supposed to look plain and easy, illuminated by some LED lighting. All through the eating space, pendant lamps will dangle from the ceiling.

Boonnak stated that he admires the Brookline neighborhood. Mahaniyom has attracted each native residents and “foodies” who’re keen on a playful, adventurous eating expertise, and Boonnak hopes to achieve an analogous buyer base with Merai. He added that following the success of the crew’s first restaurant, opening Merai felt like a powerful subsequent step.

Thai identification and tradition is essential to Boonnak, who emigrated from Thailand 15 years in the past. Initially from the province of Phetchabun, he hopes to deliver flavors from his house nation to Better Boston.

“We wish to let the meals communicate, but in addition the hospitality,” Boonnak stated. “… I wish to [help] individuals perceive Thai tradition extra. I wish to have a house for Thai individuals, as nicely. Should you miss house, you may come and hang around right here.”