Asian Restaurant Sunda Coming to the Gulch

Hot on the heels of Cantina Laredo’s abrupt weekend closing, we now know what will be taking its place later this fall, as Asian restaurant and bar Sunda has signed a lease for the space.

The popular New Asian concept first opened in Chicago in early 2009, serving up a wide-ranging menu of modern interpretations of traditional dishes from Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. Part of the Chicago-based Rockit Ranch Productions hospitality group founded by restaurateur and actor Billy Dec, it’s one of over half a dozen restaurants and bars under the group’s umbrella, which also includes high profile spots such as The Duck Inn and Bottlefork.

And no surprise that Rockit Ranch has partnered with Nashville-based restaurant juggernaut Fresh Hospitality to bring Sunda to town, as Dec has been seen around Nashville with various Fresh partners during his visits over the past several years.

Current Sunda chef de cuisine and partner Michael Morales will relocate to Nashville to serve as executive chef and partner at the new location. Few menu details are known, but a release promises ‘classic favorites from the original menu, as well as new surprises.’ The Chicago location is open seven days a week, serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, along with a full bar.

A redesign of the 8,000-square-foot, approximately 250 seat space will be handled by design firm Strada, LLC. Expect a large bar along with a dedicated sushi bar and a private dining room.

• Sunda [Official Site]
• All Sunda Coverage [ECHI]