Small menu, no kids: New Boise restaurant has ‘nonfussy’ upscale food, but know the rules
When the team behind now-defunct Petite 4 announced a fresh concept coming in the same cozy building, a secondary mission emerged — to have fun. “To continue to be creative and do what we love without burning out,” as its Instagram account explained.
Game on. White Rabbit, 4 N. Latah St., just opened. A “fine-casual dining” establishment, White Rabbit’s menu offers “a nonfussy and approachable selection of some of our past and present favorites,” the restaurant wrote.
Fans of Petite 4, which said goodbye to dinner service in 2022, should be intrigued. Just be aware. This isn’t a traditional, entree-driven restaurant. And there are some rules. Wander over to eatwhiterabbit.com, and you’ll be greeted by a prominent message.
“We are OPEN for business! First time dining? We are no reservations, first come, first served. Your entire party must be present to dine. Enjoy a beverage on our patio while you wait. Our outside patio is open seating and beverage service only. Our small rotating menu features share plates and a la carte fare. 21+ only. We look forward to seeing you.”
That all sounds reasonable, right? (Still, somewhere, Yev Kassem is smiling.)
White Rabbit also is unusual in that it operates only three nights a week — from 4 p.m. to close Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Exceptions include coffee and doughnuts the first Saturday of the month, plus Sunday brunch “sometimes” and occasional pop-ups.
There’s no liquor license, but the menu offers a solid array of drinks — ranging from a bottle of Mexican Coke ($5) to a draft beer ($7) or an Aperol spritz ($14). Bottles of wine get more intense: Plenty are in the $50 to $60 range, but a couple reach $125.
The food selection? Limited, but diverse and enticing. Arrive between 4 and 5 p.m., and you can grab a happy-hour-style Early Bird Chef Snack Plate ($19). Otherwise, you have a dozen options. Smaller picks include Housemade Seasonal Chips ($5), Brioche + Fancy French Butter ($12) and Roasted Broccoli + Romesco + Aged Provolone ($16). Meatier choices include Beef + Pork + Veal Meatballs + Dill Sauce ($21) or XL Pork Cutlet + Gardeneria + Tonatto ($36).
Craving dessert? There are two, each $12: Strawberry Rhubarb Parfait and Black + White Cake Slice.
Interested in seeing more? Diners can peruse the current White Rabbit menu at the website.
