Back in 2010, local restaurant heavy-hitters Shira Astra of The Acorn and Meeru Dhalwala of Vij’s officially met in-person for the first time—at, as it happens, a Straight photo shoot. 

“Having had the good fortune to dine at Vij’s many times, I was awestruck in Meeru’s presence, secretly fanning out over how she was so generous with her time, while she handed us all copper pans and utensils to use as prop ‘instruments’ for the shoot,” Astra writes in an Instagram post. “Meeru would frequent The Acorn, often with her kids in tow. I always admired her casual and honest parenting style, and made notes to one day have kids of my own that were as cultured and grounded as hers.”

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Throughout the years, the women went from being industry colleagues to becoming friends and collaborators. Serendipity struck them again when The Arbor (also co-owned by Astra) was nearing the end of its lease and Dhalwala was exiting from Vij’s.

So, the two women decided to team up for a new restaurant venture they’ve dubbed Lila.

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Sanskrit for “playful and divine drama,” Lila promises a modern Indian concept paired with drinks and a hidden garden patio. It will be open in the coming months, located in the former Arbor space at 3941 Main Street.