0 Shares

It’s time for smiles all around. Put one on your face, feel one in your stomach, and even your wallet will breathe easier. Miso means smile in Korean, and Thurston County new comers Ryan and Leena Rommann are building their business on healthful joy.

Hometown logoTheir new Asian bistro, aptly named MiSo, is a welcome addition for those of us who like wholesome food (fresh and good tasting) when we are away from home. The added benefit for particular eaters (like myself) is that I can order everything exactly the way I like it.

Creative Menu, Your Way

miso asian bistro
Have a colorful bowl your way with plenty of choices at MiSo Asian Bistro. Photo credit: Ryan Rommann.

The new style for eating out emphasizes speed of service with individually created dishes. This is exactly the way MiSo has been designed. You’ll enter their cheery Lacey location and then begin to make your choices. First there’s the foundation for your meal: a nori (seaweed) wrap, a bowl of bright Romaine or a serving of rice. Then you add the meat: seasoned chicken, pulled pork, bulgogi steak, shrimp or tuna. I chose tofu instead. There are bins of vegetables to add to the top. You’d expect carrots and olives but you’ll also find corn slaw, edamame and kimchi (well-seasoned, fermented vegetables). Finally, you get to decide what type of dressing. Choices range from the familiar teriyaki to Thai sweet chili to bibimbap (a spicy Korean specialty), with many in between. You can sit at a table and enjoy the many windows or take your order to go. Yes, that’s a lot of options, but you’ll have your meal in no time at all.

MiSo opened in October 2015 after the couple spent six months refurbishing the space and creating their menu. Prior to that they were on an exploring expedition across the western United States to check out restaurant locations in Albuquerque, Denver, Seattle, Portland and Bellingham. They ultimately chose Thurston County where healthy cuisine is popular, and people are looking for new options.

miso asian bistro
MiSo’s sweet sentiment and wall decor translates as this: You are the greatest gift to me.

They wanted authentic Korean food in a casual, friendly atmosphere. “No pretense,” as Ryan said. Leena, who is Korean, had family recipes to use, and both wanted a place where customers could have their meals exactly they way they wanted them. “We wanted food we’d eat ourselves,” explained Ryan.

Landing in Lacey

Before their trek across the West, the Rommanns were working in Singapore. Ryan was using his master’s in international affairs from Syracuse University by working in the business sector and Leena, a CPA, was also working long hours for GE. They had been living there for six years, but Ryan was tiring of the heat and humidity. Leena said their workdays usually started at 8:00 a.m. and ended at 1:00 a.m. This was not the lifestyle they wanted to maintain.

The Rommanns decided to move to the United States to get out of the corporate whirlwind, find a place to settle down, open their own business and raise a family. I’m not sure their workdays have become much shorter, but they see each other a lot more.

miso asian bistro
Ryan and Leena Rommann, MiSo Asian Bistro owners, are smiling examples of healthy living.

The husband-wife team runs the entire operation. Ryan chops vegetables, while Leena seasons the meats and both serve customers. Leena is also in charge of the kimchi. She assured me that MiSo’s version is flavorful but not as spicy as the kimchi she ate in Korea. You can add a dab or a lot.

Many of their choices are gluten-free. They keep sodium levels as low as possible, which is achieved by preparing the food in house and adding their own levels of flavoring.

Miso Soup Too

With a name like MiSo, you might expect to find miso soup on the menu – even though it’s considered a traditional Japanese soup. MiSo’s version is full-flavored and made by Leena. Ryan said they cut no corners to make their delicious version. Soup is a healthful way to start any meal. It warms the spirit and makes your stomach happy without piling in the calories.

miso asian bistro
It’s a full meal with miso soup and a drink. Photo credit: Ryan Rommann.

“Our goal is to have customers smile,” said both Rommanns. “Asian food can be extremely healthy,” Ryan added. They are on hand to help you build your personally designed meal. Ryan and Leena are a hard-working team and provide another reason why it’s great to live in Thurston County. Get your smiles on.

MiSo Asian Bistro
4514 Lacey Blvd SE in Lacey
360-628-8416
Learn more by following MiSo Asian Bistro on Facebook.

Eat Well – Be Well

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
0 Shares