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April 11, 2007

City's first Nepalese restaurant opens

Jonathan L'Ecuyer

Pramod Rimal came to the United States from Nepal hoping to transform his version of the American Dream | opening his own restaurant | into a reality.

In February, after 15 years in America and thousands of hours managing restaurants in the Boston area, Rimal realized that dream when he opened The Hot Nepali at 42 Merrimack St.

The exotic eatery, which seats about 48, is the first to offer Nepalese food in Haverhill, a cuisine similar to Indian food, but noticeably milder and lighter.

Chicken and curry are popular for lunch, as is the chick pea and curry plate. Dinner offerings include chicken and lamb dishes with zucchini and potato or cauliflower and curry sides. Steamed vegetable or meat dumplings known as momos are a staple in Nepal, and they have become popular at The Hot Nepali. Rimal also offers vegetarian plates and will accommodate vegans as much as possible.

"This is my passion. I love to cook," said Rimal, 39. "This is my life. I pick out the food myself and cook everything fresh every day."

Tina Rimal, Pramod's wife and mother of their 4-year-old son, went to culinary school and at first wanted to open a bed and breakfast with her husband, but plans changed when the food they prepared for dinner gatherings got rave reviews.

"We've been in Haverhill for over three years. There's nothing in the city like this," said Tina Rimal, who is originally from Seattle. She works full-time at a Boston research institute and part-time as the finance manager for the restaurant, which had to overcome several challenges, like bringing the dilapidated interior up to code and finding creative ways to make the interior attractive.

Rimal, who has a degree from Nepal, can speak five languages. He enjoys talking to his guests and was thrilled to chat with the mayor, who has visited the restaurant twice: once with a friend and the second time with his chief of staff.

"I really enjoy the restaurant. I don't really care for Indian food because it is too spicy, but I would describe (The Hot Nepali) as less spicy Indian food," said Fiorentini. "I love to have restaurants downtown. My whole family has been in the restaurant business. Restaurants have always been upward mobility paths for immigrants."

The restaurant's facade is mostly glass. Its tall windows are complemented by orange drapes kept closed to maintain a dim candlelt dining atmosphere. The walls are accented by images of Nepal's most well known icon | Mt. Everest, and local artists' photographs, which are for sale to the public. Black bench seats accompany tables.

The lunch buffet, served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday, costs $10. The dinner buffet, served between 5 and 9:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, costs about $13.

Herman Ocasio, owner of Ocasio's True Martial Arts, recommends the new eatery to his customers and particularly appreciates the healthy food.

"It's fantastic. It is unique, not over-filling, much healthier for you and offers plenty of variety," said Ocasio. "Pramod is very pleasant to have around. Health is very important to me, so I highly recommend it to my customers."

The restaurant has just one other employee, a waitress who helps clear plates and deliver drinks during dinner. Rimal plans to host a grand opening ceremony later this month and expand his menu soon. Other plans include a delivery service to accommodate downtown businesses. For more information, call 978-372-2052.

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