I have finally found a place in Idaho that serves my favorite southern sandwich, the Muffeletta. Seasons Wine Bar and Deli is located in the newly constructed area of Eagle on the north side of Old State Street. If you haven’t been there yet I would classify it as a must visit type of place. Nice selection of wines, beer and gourmet* dips, dressings and goodies all for individual sale as well as a sit down restaurant. Good size section of out door seating as well.
There menu is just large enough to provide the options needed for a nice lunch or dinner. Mostly made up of salads and sandwiches, they also have a couple of deserts and display case of Moonstruck chocolates to choose from.
On this day I am meeting a good friend of mine for lunch and neither of us is disappointed with our choice. He has the club that is packed with meat and served on what appears to be a homemade wheat bread. I of course get the Muffeletta, actually half of a Ham Muffeletta. Although this is not the traditional New Orleans fare it’s close enough to give that authentic taste of the south. Seasons serves two versions, ham and turkey, leaving out the fatty Italian meats of the original jazz city delight. A full sandwich is $18 and large enough for 4 people to eat along with a side dish a piece. The half of sandwich costs $9.50 and was large enough to eat for lunch for two days. I could be giving this place to much credit but when your buddy buys you lunch it might all just look and tastes better. Thanks for lunch Harold!!!!
* Gourmet – I hate to use this word. I think it’s over used in today’s society but struggle to find another word to describe the syrups, dressings, dips and marinades on the shelves in there homemade jars and bottles. Check them out for yourselves. http://seasonsdelicatering.com/
Friday, June 27, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Alaska Trip
I have been trying to write for a couple of weeks and just haven’t found the time until now. As of late I have been to Idaho Falls, Montrose CO and just got back yesterday from Alaska. So let’s star there since it’s still fresh in my mind.
Fairbanks, AK
This is one confusing place. Look at all of the simple things you do in a normal day and over complicate them by 50%. This is life in Fairbanks. Nothing comes easy and what you do get is “EXPENSIVE”. Actually, now that I think about it, it’s just like most every part of California I’ve been to.
Big Al’s Pizza is a good place for pizza in Fairbanks. The Big Al’s special is a loaded combo that was actually very good. I was a little confused that the bar was separate from the rest but yet still attached and…………….well, like I said, confusing. Great choice of local beer though. We had the Pick Axe Porter from Silver Gulch Brewing in Fairbanks. Not near as heavy as a regular porter and very refreshing when served icy cold.
Pikes Peak is one of the most famous places in Fairbanks. Ask anyone in town were to get a great meal and you will most likely be directed here. I would like to sample everything on the menu. From fish to crab to steak to burgers this place has it all and it all looks and smells great. Not overly impressed with the selections of beer but found an Alaskan Oatmeal Stout that surprisingly paired nicely with the grilled halibut. They also have a full bar that includes a nice selection of whiskey and scotch.
Anchorage, AK
I had a very short trip to Anchorage this time around but found myself at the usual hang out. The Peanut Farm has been a happening local establishment for many years. By Alaska standards they have a huge beer selection and the menu is comparable to every large sports bar you’ve ever been to. Nothing on the menu really jumps out as being the best in its class but if you find yourself here, try the Halibut fingers on the appetizer menu. You wont’ be disappointed and still have room for beer. Also, the location is great if you’re in Alaska to fish with your buddies and want to experience the world renowned “Great Alaska Bush Co.” It’s within staggering distance but make sure to catch a cab back to the hotel and keep one hand on your wallet.
If your looking for a nice place to eat and unwind after your fishing trip (or the Bush Co.), make sure to visit Sullivan’s Steakhouse in downtown Anchorage. Expensive but worth every penny. Great wine list and nice selection of cigars to boot.
Fairbanks, AK
This is one confusing place. Look at all of the simple things you do in a normal day and over complicate them by 50%. This is life in Fairbanks. Nothing comes easy and what you do get is “EXPENSIVE”. Actually, now that I think about it, it’s just like most every part of California I’ve been to.
Big Al’s Pizza is a good place for pizza in Fairbanks. The Big Al’s special is a loaded combo that was actually very good. I was a little confused that the bar was separate from the rest but yet still attached and…………….well, like I said, confusing. Great choice of local beer though. We had the Pick Axe Porter from Silver Gulch Brewing in Fairbanks. Not near as heavy as a regular porter and very refreshing when served icy cold.
Pikes Peak is one of the most famous places in Fairbanks. Ask anyone in town were to get a great meal and you will most likely be directed here. I would like to sample everything on the menu. From fish to crab to steak to burgers this place has it all and it all looks and smells great. Not overly impressed with the selections of beer but found an Alaskan Oatmeal Stout that surprisingly paired nicely with the grilled halibut. They also have a full bar that includes a nice selection of whiskey and scotch.
Anchorage, AK
I had a very short trip to Anchorage this time around but found myself at the usual hang out. The Peanut Farm has been a happening local establishment for many years. By Alaska standards they have a huge beer selection and the menu is comparable to every large sports bar you’ve ever been to. Nothing on the menu really jumps out as being the best in its class but if you find yourself here, try the Halibut fingers on the appetizer menu. You wont’ be disappointed and still have room for beer. Also, the location is great if you’re in Alaska to fish with your buddies and want to experience the world renowned “Great Alaska Bush Co.” It’s within staggering distance but make sure to catch a cab back to the hotel and keep one hand on your wallet.
If your looking for a nice place to eat and unwind after your fishing trip (or the Bush Co.), make sure to visit Sullivan’s Steakhouse in downtown Anchorage. Expensive but worth every penny. Great wine list and nice selection of cigars to boot.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Flatbread Community Oven
Flatbread is located in the Bown Crossing community and a little out of the way if you’re not already on the East side of Boise. With gas prices the way they are I wouldn’t recommend that you should spend the extra $$$ or fuel to get there. The one thing this place does have the not many do is the nod from the Verace Pizza Napoletana Americas (VPN). What does this mean? I’m not a 100% sure but I do know you can taste the freshness of the food when you dine.(check out the web sites). I have eaten at another certified establishment in Vegas and was equally impressed with the fresh taste. The pizza sauce in particular.
On this day the company I’m with (my lovely wife and two beautiful daughters) means more than the food itself but it also gives me the opportunity to try multiple things in one visit.
Flatbread has a nice array of items on the menu from Pizza to Salad to Pasta, etc. We tried a bunch of them but all in all I thought it was a little over priced for a lunch. Most items will run around $9. I was impressed with the lunch option that allows you to mix two of most anything (half size) on the menu for $8.50. You have to stay away from anything but water to drink to keep it under $10 but they do give you more than a portion size of each item. I was also impressed that the kids menu includes the option for them to assemble their own pizza prior to cooking. This was a nice touch scoring high marks with the little ones.
My wife had the lasagna that was good…just…..kind of……, lacking flavor. Again, the sauce has a great fresh flavor but I would add more fresh herbs, cheeses and some spice to the sausage. My lunch was also good (sauce less pizza and Italian salad) but would order differently if dinning here again.
Now…..for the highlight of the afternoon…(drum roll)…………..the pepperoni that my wife and I picked from the pizza of the defenseless children. You can tell from the miss shaped pieces this is cut from a log of gastronomical delight. Extremely full of flavor but not to spicy and not to fatty. When cooked on the pizza it crisps and curls toward the sky at the edges secreting its delightful oils through out the rest of the pie. Obviously this is the type of thing that warms my heart. No, not the depriving my children of their meal. I now know that I need to order nothing fancy from this establishment. I’ll take a pepperoni pizza with more pepperoni and extra pepperoni!!! I wonder if I can get that with a side of Tums, a gas mask and a gym membership.
http://www.flatbreadpizza.com/
http://www.verapizzanapoletana.org/vpn/vpn_frames-index.htm
On this day the company I’m with (my lovely wife and two beautiful daughters) means more than the food itself but it also gives me the opportunity to try multiple things in one visit.
Flatbread has a nice array of items on the menu from Pizza to Salad to Pasta, etc. We tried a bunch of them but all in all I thought it was a little over priced for a lunch. Most items will run around $9. I was impressed with the lunch option that allows you to mix two of most anything (half size) on the menu for $8.50. You have to stay away from anything but water to drink to keep it under $10 but they do give you more than a portion size of each item. I was also impressed that the kids menu includes the option for them to assemble their own pizza prior to cooking. This was a nice touch scoring high marks with the little ones.
My wife had the lasagna that was good…just…..kind of……, lacking flavor. Again, the sauce has a great fresh flavor but I would add more fresh herbs, cheeses and some spice to the sausage. My lunch was also good (sauce less pizza and Italian salad) but would order differently if dinning here again.
Now…..for the highlight of the afternoon…(drum roll)…………..the pepperoni that my wife and I picked from the pizza of the defenseless children. You can tell from the miss shaped pieces this is cut from a log of gastronomical delight. Extremely full of flavor but not to spicy and not to fatty. When cooked on the pizza it crisps and curls toward the sky at the edges secreting its delightful oils through out the rest of the pie. Obviously this is the type of thing that warms my heart. No, not the depriving my children of their meal. I now know that I need to order nothing fancy from this establishment. I’ll take a pepperoni pizza with more pepperoni and extra pepperoni!!! I wonder if I can get that with a side of Tums, a gas mask and a gym membership.
http://www.flatbreadpizza.com/
http://www.verapizzanapoletana.org/vpn/vpn_frames-index.htm
Thursday, May 22, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Star Café
Living out side of town several miles has its disadvantages when you’re in need of altering your dinner plans at home. Typically I have always thought of the Star Café as a place for a hearty breakfast or maybe one that could make your heart stop.
Saturday night is probably the first time to the Star Café in a good six months and the first time ever in memory for dinner. I used to see that they had a prime rib special on Saturday nights and often thought of stopping in. This night the special is Fish and Chips; I’m guessing it’s not flown in fresh.
They did have good menu selection including the favorites you grew up with; meatloaf, fried chicken, pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, etc. NOT like mom used to make. My mom used to make these types of meals almost daily when I was growing up. Clinging to those memories and looking at the meals being delivered to the other patrons I decided to get a burger and tots. My oldest daughter followed my lead with a corn dog (it actually looked green in color!!!) but the wife went for the fried chicken, mashed taters w/ gravy and canned corn. Not that the corn came in the can but this is defiantly the type of place that doesn’t serve fresh veggies. The burger wasn’t too bad, corn dog got eaten (she didn’t even get sick) and the wife split the chicken with the little one. The girls did strip the chicken of its oil abundant skin and found it to be eatable. Gravy was said to be floury, taters underneath were ok and the corn went untouched. Needles to say I would not rate this as a pleasant culinary experience but under the circumstances, it did in a pinch.
Once they start serving breakfast past 3pm; I may go back for dinner. Until then, I will visit for breakfast when feeling the need to raise my heart rate and cholesterol.
Saturday night is probably the first time to the Star Café in a good six months and the first time ever in memory for dinner. I used to see that they had a prime rib special on Saturday nights and often thought of stopping in. This night the special is Fish and Chips; I’m guessing it’s not flown in fresh.
They did have good menu selection including the favorites you grew up with; meatloaf, fried chicken, pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, etc. NOT like mom used to make. My mom used to make these types of meals almost daily when I was growing up. Clinging to those memories and looking at the meals being delivered to the other patrons I decided to get a burger and tots. My oldest daughter followed my lead with a corn dog (it actually looked green in color!!!) but the wife went for the fried chicken, mashed taters w/ gravy and canned corn. Not that the corn came in the can but this is defiantly the type of place that doesn’t serve fresh veggies. The burger wasn’t too bad, corn dog got eaten (she didn’t even get sick) and the wife split the chicken with the little one. The girls did strip the chicken of its oil abundant skin and found it to be eatable. Gravy was said to be floury, taters underneath were ok and the corn went untouched. Needles to say I would not rate this as a pleasant culinary experience but under the circumstances, it did in a pinch.
Once they start serving breakfast past 3pm; I may go back for dinner. Until then, I will visit for breakfast when feeling the need to raise my heart rate and cholesterol.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Chapala, Chapala, Chapala………….
Yeah you’ve seen them, been there done that but are they all the same? I think not.
The first Chapala restaurant I visited was in Hailey, ID close to 18 years ago. I assume it’s still there and remains number one. When I say number one I don’t mean it’s the best but I believe it to be the first in their existence. As you have or will notice on the marquis at the Chapala’s around the valley, they are all numbered in the order they opened their doors.
I can’t say that I have been to every location in the Chapala family but I bet I’ve been to most in Boise, Star, Nampa, Hailey and Garden City. They may all look the same, have the same menu and be owned by the same people but the food quality and presentation is quite different. I’m not referring to the common items such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, etc. but the Arroz Con Pollo and the Carnitas just to name a couple. The differences are subtle in most of these items but the biggest and most noticeable is in the Salsa.
It’s obvious this delicious condiment is home made by each of the locations and not hard to understand why it’s so different. If I made a batch of salsa using the exact same recipe as you, I would bet they would taste different as well. My jalapeno may be hotter than yours and your onions may be sweeter than mine. But what really sets these places apart is consistency.
The most consistent and most visited by yours truly (close to my office) is the Garden City Location on Chinden. Good quality Mexican food served up fast and friendly. Best salsa in town, huh Jess? Make sure to try them for lunch and take advantage of the lunch menu pricing. Oh, and speak clearly when they ask you if you would like flour or corn tortillas. Nine times out of ten when ordering corn tortillas I get flour. I think it’s a game for the wait staff.
The first Chapala restaurant I visited was in Hailey, ID close to 18 years ago. I assume it’s still there and remains number one. When I say number one I don’t mean it’s the best but I believe it to be the first in their existence. As you have or will notice on the marquis at the Chapala’s around the valley, they are all numbered in the order they opened their doors.
I can’t say that I have been to every location in the Chapala family but I bet I’ve been to most in Boise, Star, Nampa, Hailey and Garden City. They may all look the same, have the same menu and be owned by the same people but the food quality and presentation is quite different. I’m not referring to the common items such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, etc. but the Arroz Con Pollo and the Carnitas just to name a couple. The differences are subtle in most of these items but the biggest and most noticeable is in the Salsa.
It’s obvious this delicious condiment is home made by each of the locations and not hard to understand why it’s so different. If I made a batch of salsa using the exact same recipe as you, I would bet they would taste different as well. My jalapeno may be hotter than yours and your onions may be sweeter than mine. But what really sets these places apart is consistency.
The most consistent and most visited by yours truly (close to my office) is the Garden City Location on Chinden. Good quality Mexican food served up fast and friendly. Best salsa in town, huh Jess? Make sure to try them for lunch and take advantage of the lunch menu pricing. Oh, and speak clearly when they ask you if you would like flour or corn tortillas. Nine times out of ten when ordering corn tortillas I get flour. I think it’s a game for the wait staff.
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