Grit 2C

Downtown Caldwell almost imperceptibly emerged as a happening place. This past winter skaters joyfully looped around Indian Creek Plaza Skating Ribbon and Rink; nearby the Reel Theatre opened and, facing the plaza, the Flying M coffee shop does brisk business. Next door to it on Kimball Street veteran chef Paul Faucher showcases his culinary talents at the recently opened Grit 2C.

Faucher studied his craft at the famed Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and plied his trade in New York City, New Orleans and San Francisco with the goal “to learn about American regional cooking.” He’s lived in Idaho for more than a dozen years, working in numerous restaurants in Boise, including a stint as executive chef at 10-Barrel. He chose Caldwell because of its sense of community and the pitch—that Indian Creek Plaza was about undergo transformation.

His concept harkens back to his interest in regional cooking. “We took some fine-dining principles and just made it into comfort food with a casual style. Almost everyone can afford this. It’s a fun atmosphere.”

The ever-changing menu adjusts to the microclimates and the season. “My vision is to support the community as much as possible.” The menu displays a fine variety of Sunny Slope wines, and the plan includes sourcing from local farmers. He works with Peaceful Belly and a dozen other local purveyors are listed on the bottom of the menu.

Originally a hotel, the 1912 red brick building gave the restaurant its theme. Designed by local Jennifer Ives, the brick is preserved and the plan is open, and the food, innovative and tasty. Every sauce and dip I tried was complex and complimentary. I sampled the tangy pot stickers with a nicely zingy peanut dip, and tasty crispy cauliflower and asparagus heightened by the cilantro–cashew dipping sauce as starters, then shared salmon (jalapeños added a little heat) and steak tacos (deliciously flavored with cotija cheese, avocado and cilantro) and washed it down with a dry rosé from Cinder. The burgers, which folks swear by, have bacon mixed into the meat.

Grit 2C offers a welcoming atmosphere, a full bar and decided tilt towards comfort food.

Flying M
Grit 2C
Culinary Institute of America
10-Barrel
Peaceful Belly
Cinder