La Vie En Rose, Boise ID

Over the years the Historic IdanHa Hotel has had numerous restaurants occupy space at the street level of the building. It’s been a chop house, Brazilian steakhouse and many more. I think now that it has found a tenant that could rightfully occupy that space for years to come.

My only experience came yesterday for a work lunch but this will be short lived. I am looking forward to the next visit already and will most likely make a breakfast stop (highly recommended from trusted source).
It’s been quite a while since a menu has stumped me on choosing what to order. Everything on the lunch menu looks wonderful and makes you wish you could try one of everything. I decided to start with the seared Ahi and back this up with the Bacon Melt and Potato Salad. My dining partner selected the French Onion soup and Tuscany Crostinis.

Seared Ahi is a funny thing. No matter were you go it’s prepared a different way each time. This day, not a big fan. They describe it as, “Lavender crusted Ahi Loin on a bed of spring greens, served with sweet soy and wasabi spread”. I describe it as, “Tasteless crusted Ahi on a pinch of spring green, served with molasses soy and green tasteless spread no one in their right mind would call wasabi”. It was eatable but this is honestly the only time I have ever left Ahi uneaten.
The only other disappointment was the French onion soup. Actually disappointment would not be fare to say. It all got eaten but was reported to “not be the best in town”. Don’t be discouraged though. This is a place everyone should try at least twice. Once for breakfast and once for lunch or dinner.

If for some reason nothing on the menu is jumping out at you, try the Tuscany Crostinis or the Bacon Melt. Both are very satisfying and priced accordingly. Something about the combination of fresh tomatoes, sweet basil, fresh buffalo mozzarella and a balsamic drizzle that really gets my taste buds going. Add apple wood smoked bacon, ripe avocados and green onion to a couple slices or grilled whole wheat bread and it’s better than……nah not that…. but it’s really good.

So stay away from the Ahi, or not, but dive into the rest of this fabulous looking menu. http://www.lavieenrosebakery.com/

I will try to remember to do a follow up blog after I try breakfast. If I don’t get it done prior to your visit to La Vie En Rose please post your comments.

Alehouse Mothers Day

Weeks in advance!!! That’s when I started calling restaurants to attend Mothers Day brunch. I tried the two most famous brunch establishments in Eagle (Eagle Hills Golf Course and Banbury Golf Course) to find out they had been booked for some time. One just had a message for callers stating they are booked. When I called the other I detected a hint of laughter when I asked to make a reservation. Ok, lesson learned.

So it comes down to a last minute decision and I have no problem making reservations at the River Rock Ale House in Eagle. I have eaten there several times in the past for lunch, dinner and a Sunday brunch. Not overly impressed with most of their menu but do a recall a pleasant visit the last time we did brunch. So, of course I feel like a super hero that has just saved Mothers Day by finding a place to dine other than McDonald’s. Yeh, not the case when it’s all said and done.

On previous visits they have had an actual brunch menu. This day they have a buffet with and omelet bar. That’s ok right? No, not ok for $16.99 per adult, $9.99 per child. All pastries came from a box that most likely originated at Costco. I also expect that when fruit is served it is ripe and ready to eat. Not the case with the cantaloupe and other assorted fruits (Strawberries were good, tis the season). The rest of the buffet was the typical scrambled eggs, bacon, ham, etc. all of which was eatable. If my youngest daughter could talk she would tell you the bacon is to die for. Never seen a one year old eat a slab of bacon before. Glad the wife got that diaper!!! Happy Mothers Day!!!

Also included in the buffet were a nice omelet bar and your choice of coffee, juice or mimosa. Yep, that’s how you get your monies worth. Load mom up with liquor. I could swear I saw someone taking a cab home after breakfast.

All kidding aside we had a pleasant time but still felt this to be overpriced and will dine elsewhere next year. I plan to call Eagle Hills tomorrow for a reservation.