STEPH DEROSA: MERENDE SHOOTING FOR SEPT. 15 OPENING >>>

Ian Lombardi and his mother, Julia Martin-Lombardi, hope to see Merende’s doors open to the public Sept. 15.  That is, “if everything goes OK”, says Lombardi.  “Goes Ok”?  What’s he talking about?

Lombardi and his colorful cast of friends have been doing every job themselves.  From roto-hammering the wall’s plaster for three days straight in order to expose beautiful brick, to tiling all 1,100 square feet of floor themselves â€" they’ve done it all.  A stunning handcrafted bar reflects hours of friend Anthony Iverson’s passionate labor as bright lights and fans hover over in order to dry it’s shiny finish.  As for the “everything going OK” bit Lombardi was speaking of, he means the gas lines and equipment being installed properly.  Yes, they’re doing those themselves as well.

Lombardi shows me the piled up handmade four tops made from reclaimed spalted wood.  They’re amazing, and they’re gorgeous.  Guess what?  Lombardi’s friend Jordan Mosher made them himself.  I hope by now you’re not surprised that this entire Merende entity is self- sufficient and independently developed. Just the way we like it in Tacoma.

The highlight of my grand personal tour came when Lombardi showed me the bathrooms.  Yes, they were very nice indeed, but it wasn’t the handcrafted miniature tile laid upon the sink’s table.  It was the fact that he was so proud, and seemed to get just as excited as I did about restrooms.  This guy is a man after my heart.  He’s a handyman, a chef, AND loves restrooms.  What more could you ask for?

I recognized an old wall unit that once housed bottles of wine in Vin Grotto, Merende’s predecessor. “Yes we’re re-using the wine cabinets”, Lombardi stated.  This immediately made me want to know what types of wine I could look forward to, once they were open, that is.  Lombardi satisfied my curiosity be letting me know that Italian wines (40 of them) will be the restaurant’s main focus. 

Merende’s menu focal point are the $6, $7, and $8 small plates, but there will be a few entrees available for the heartier appetite. Lombardi’s vision for Merende reveals that of an upscale family dining experience.  He wants those who visit to have a nice, yet non-snobby place to fill their bellies and create warm, friendly conversation.  “I want people to feel free to wear jeans,” he says as he re-iterates the non-snobby-ness of Merende. I wondered if this place was non-snobby enough to forgive me if I unbuttoned the top button of said jeans in case I got too full.

“So, are you ready for Tacoma?  Are you ready for it all?” I asked Lombardi.  “About as ready as one man can be”, he replied,  “I’m definitely excited!”

So are we, Mr. Lombardi, so are we.

Merende will be open for lunch Monday through Friday, and dinner Tuesday Through Sunday.  Take out will eventually be available.

[Merende, 813 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma]

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide
LINK: Weekly Volcano’s dining section