New Lava Pit Erupts in Lafayette

Tapping five years of experience at their flagship location at Theatre Square in Orinda, Lava Pit co-owners Sam Lim and Eddie Chan cut the ceremonial ribbon Thursday at the grand opening of their second store, next to Trader Joe's on Mount Diablo Boulevard in Lafayette.

Supplying the ribbon and welcoming them as Lafayette's newest merchants were Chamber of Commerce president Jay Lifson and other staff members.

Complimentary samples selected from their ambitious menu were offered to guests, who by 5 p.m. had started to queue for the festivities and the freebies.

Lim, a 2005 economics graduate from U.C. Berkeley, said one of the things setting Lava Pit apart is that the fare is uniformly healthful. "The food here is fire-grilled, never greasy or oily."

Menus at the two locations are essentially identical, he said, although Orinda offers Hawaiian items. Beer and wine are available in Lafayette. Happy hour, 3 to 6 daily, features $1 discounts on beer, minibowls and appetizers.

Hours at the new store are 11 to 9, seven days a week. Orinda is closed on Sundays.

Both locations offer customers choice of eat-in or takeout fare. In addition, catering is available. Lim said that recently they catered a private party for Adonal Foyle, a former Warriors player who lives in Orinda.