East Idaho Eats: The Republic – small dishes, big flavor
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IDAHO FALLS – Visitors to the Republic American Grill often take note of its modern decor and local artwork, but the thing that sets this eatery apart are its small plate — or tapas — dishes.
“I know some people kinda of have a stigma about (the small plate dishes), but the point of it is to try multiple, different things, maybe things that you wouldn’t try before,” Chef Joel Henry said.
The Republic features full entrees, but also has a full tapas menu. The word tapas originates from Spain meaning appetizer, or small dish, typically served with a drink.
“Maybe instead of spending $20 – $25 on an entree I’m going to spend that $20 – $25 on six different things, try it, my friends over here are going to do the same thing,” Henry said, “We’re gonna get the whole entire tappas menu, and we’re all just gonna trade back and forth.”
Henry purchased what used to be a Japanese grill and changed it into an eatery of his own.
“We look at what’s going on all over the world what people are doing with food,” he said.
One of the most popular dishes is seared peppered steak with an garnish called gremolata. Before making the steak, Henry starts with a gremolata side to accompany the dish. It consists of fresh garlic, fresh parsley, a little bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, lemon juice and lemon skins.
For the seared beef, Henry seasons the outside with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. He puts the seasoned side down first to cook. The outside is cooked to a crisp, de-glazed with red wine and put in the oven to cook. After about 4 minutes the steak is cooked and ready to eat with a side gremolata and a garlic oil finish.
At the Republic it’s not unusual to see familiar faces. Arthur Kull and his group of friends come weekly.
“It’s good service, it’s good food, and obviously the company is top-notch,” Kull said.
Other favorites are the Tuna Tartare made with raw tuna, chopped green onion, sesame seeds, pepper, sriracha sauce, and lemon.
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For more on The Republic American Grill and Tapas Bar go to their check out their site, or Facebook page.
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