Top Dentists 2000 Top Lawyers 1999 Hot and Spicy Regional influences meld to make Lava By Erin Tilley T hough not bubbling with consistency and focus, Lava Grill is an interesting addition to the growing myriad of restaurants found in the Shoppes at Innsbrook. The strip-mall location is home to Mexico, the Grass Hut, and most recently, Hondo's, a steakhouse formerly located in Centerville. The menu, a fusion explosion of various regional influences, includes dishes using favored ingredients and methods from Asia, Mexico, Italy and New Orleans.
Some dishes even combine regions.
One starter is called the angus beef chili burrito egg roll, which was actually far more appetizing than it sounds. A cavernous, foreboding entryway leads Lava-goers past a sleek, curved bar to a large, open dining area seating around 80. Tables and booths are many but well-spaced in the upscale yet casual setting, making the restaurant a good selection for a meeting or an outing for a large group. Some hot and spicy dishes also underscore the theme. Two good-sized, firm cakes were filled with black beans, peppers and onions and served with a fresh, vivacious gingered tomato salsa and avocado sour cream.