Lindsay Van Allen recently came on board as City Cast Boise’s new podcast host to talk about things that many of her 157,000+ TikTok followers often weren’t interested in: good political news, little daily wins, and occasionally food. So she told me — between jokes about the Idaho Legislature attempting to ban mRNA, which she notes is essential for life — about some of her favorite places to eat around the valley.
Meridian Eatery Recommendations
As the first Meridianite to join the City Cast Boise team, Lindsay is helping us dig into her local eateries that often get neglected in favor of options in nearby Boise.
Her “all-time favorite comfort restaurant” is Red Fort Cuisine of India. The regional chain’s Meridian location is by the Cinemark on Overland, between Eagle and Locust Grove Roads. Her picks: the paneer masala, and for dessert or a sweet side, the Peshwari naan.
If she isn’t at Red Fort, she’s probably eating breakfast for any meal. Luckily, Meridian has plenty of options for her in that endeavor, including her favorites Joe Momma’s and The Griddle.
Her last Meridian recommendation is 127 Saloon in the growing heart of downtown Meridian, which offers fries and fry sauce she calls “a revelation.”
What Meridian Needs
- A Flying M location.
- A Shake Shack instead of In-N-Out, which she says “tastes good for three bites before it gets soggy and falls apart.”
- Food from a more diverse array of cultures.
- More exciting and unique foods that will make people say “I need to go to Meridian for this.”
She mentioned Boise favorites Kibrom’s Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant and Alyonka Russian Cuisine, which her whole family loves, but she wishes could have a home in Meridian.
