CEDAR RAPIDS -- Signs are pointing in a new direction for a space that closed abruptly in August.
Cedar Rapids foodies started noticing new signage last week for Boiling Pot at 5070 Lindale Dr. NE, next to Great Harvest Bread Co. The space was previously home to Mezcal Tequila Cocina, a Spanish fusion restaurant which was closed abruptly in August along with its sister restaurant, Chophouse Downtown.
With all-you-can-eat offerings, Boiling Pot is poised to become Cedar Rapids' first restaurant for Chinese hot pot. The opening follows MIX's move to Uptown Marion, where it started offering the Corridor's first hot pot experience with electric burners built into each table.
A representative for the restaurant said Boiling Pot tentatively plans to open by Jan. 20, though that date may change depending on inspections.
Hot pot, a cuisine with Chinese roots, offers a uniquely social experience in group dining. Using a pair of tongs, diners cook their own meat and vegetables at the table by dropping them into a boiling broth. After a few minutes, diners ladle their soup and cooked toppings into a bowl.
Boiling Pot is owner Randy Lee's first venture in restaurant ownership.