Treasure Valley Food Coalition

26 Friday Aug 2011

Posted by Bob and Robin in Party Time, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Red Feather/Bittercreek, Special Events, Special Information

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It was great to be part of the Treasure Valley Food Coalition program last night, Dinner and a Movie. (The movie never arrived!) It was a great discussion night and hearing what others are doing in regards to their own sustainability. I.E., raising backyard chickens and writing a book about chickens. Creating hydroponic gardens so as to have fresh vegetables all winter. Backyard, frontyard, alley and raised bed gardens. Look in the sidebar for the link to the Treasure Valley Food Coalition.

And once again, it was great to have the Red Feather Lounge in Boise providing a fantastic, locally produced dinner for us. Look at the photos below for the wonderful entrees we had.

Broccoli Soup

Buffalo and Vegetable Pasta

Mixed Local Fruit with Whipped Cream

And to slightly change the subject, we read in the August 24 – 30, 2011 issue of the Boise Weekly an article named Bye Bye Mystery Meat – Farm to School program brings local produce to cafeterias. The article, written by Tara Morgan starts off by stating that:

If you grab a plastic tray and shuffle through an Idaho school lunch line this fall, things will look a bit different than you might remember. In addition to whole grain pasta and brown rice, you’re also likely to find a Healthy Choices salad bar and bright posters advertising “incredible edible Idaho” grapes or honey.

“More than 70 percent of our schools in Idaho are serving locally grown food, but nobody knows about it,” said Heidi Martin, Idaho State Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs coordinator.

Read the entire article so that you are not one of the people that do not know about the schools in Idaho using locally produced products. That’s what the Treasure Valley Food Coalition and the Sustainable Community Connections (Links in the sidebar) is all about – to use locally produced agricultural products at home, in the school systems and in locally run restaurants. The Red Feather Lounge is but one of the restaurants in town that really advertise the use of local products. See their link in the sidebar or above. Cheers and Think Local please, whether you are in Boise, Twin Falls, Moscow, San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta or wherever.

20 X 20 Affair at Red Feather Lounge in Boise

22 Monday Aug 2011

Posted by Bob and Robin in Local Harvests, Locavore, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Red Feather/Bittercreek, Things To Do

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20% of your food purchased and consumed from local farmers and restaurants by 2020! That should really be possible. I know Robin and I really do try to adhere to this. As an example, I can 13 items each year of which 8 are produce totally from the products of the local farming community or from our garden or friends gardens. That’s 62! We get our freezer packed full of local lamb each year from a local 4-H farmer. And we use buffalo raised at the Brown’s Buffalo Ranch in Nyssa, Idaho.

This past weekend, we had the delightful experience to attend the 20X20, 20 course dinner for $20.00 at the Red Feather Lounge in Boise. (The photo on the right shows part of their wine cellar. Pretty photo, but not necessarily part of this program. ) The idea was to raise funds for the Sustainable Community Connections. Furthermore, the Treasure Valley food Coalition states on their web site that, “The Treasure Valley Food Coalition, a program of Sustainable Community Connections, is a network of community members working together to create a sustainable local food system.

Statement of Purpose
Supporting sustainable agriculture, our local food system and community food security in the Treasure Valley. All Treasure Valley citizens deserve access to affordable, fresh, local, sustainably produced food.” With all of this in mind, please do visit these two web sites and enjoy the photos of the meal that we were served. Many, many thanks to the Red Feather Lounge and their staff for closing the restaurant to the public and allowing us to have this program. Thanks too, to the Service Staff! Enjoy the photos! Left-Click any photo to see full screen.

Friends of ours, who we have not seen in several years, Robert and Annie Malcolm Moore.

Check this menu out. And yes, the drinks were included. The drinks I likes best? Number 1, Fuzzy Leopard (vodka, basil, lemon/lime) and Number 7, Arancita Bebida (gin, orange and olive oil)

Chicken Salad Tea Sandwich

Tomato Apricot Crostini

Soft Boiled Egg and Anchovy Aioli

Summer Squash Fritters and Pesto

Cucumber and Lox

Grilled Halloumi with Cherries
(I liked this one as one of the best)

Papas Bravas with Garlic Aioli

German Meatballs (Pork and Beef)

Pastry Cream and Fresh Market Berries
(I liked this one as one of the best)

Raspberry Red Velvet Cake

I planted this Quince bush in our Alley Garden last year. This is the first of the quinces that the bush produced. It has nothing to do with this dinner except to let the readers know that you can plant a productive garden any place!!

I know, we need Smellivision to get the full effect of these photos. Just believe me: It was delicious! Cheers! And remember: Think Local! We do.

Memorial For Debbie Haydon

16 Tuesday Aug 2011

Posted by Bob and Robin in Party Time, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young

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On the afternoon of August 14, the Buzz and Tommy and Cristie Takeda opened their doors to memorialize Debbie Haydon who passed away July 29, 2011. Here are some photos from that gathering of friends.

Forget the
former things,
do not dwell on
the past.
See, I am doing
a new thing.

Tommy

Chistie looks at photos.

Jan

Bailey and friends. Great photo of you, Bailey.

Some of the crowd that was there.

And where there is a gathering of friends, there is always food. Look at some of the “Pot Luck” offerings that were presented. Debbie would be proud and very happy! Thanks to everyone who brought a dish. This is just a sampling of what was served. And from what I understand, Cristie is moving ahead with plans for the cookbook that Debbie was putting together. Now that should be one great cookbook!

Fruit tray

Shrimp, Cucumber Salad and Corn Salsa.

Guacamole

Tortilla Casserole

Cakes, many cakes! And great brownies, Bailey!

Some people brought wines from their “stashes”. And I know that The Buzz had their offerings, too. Look at some of these.

Like the food photos, this is only a sampling of the wines that were there. I did not have enough film with me to photograph all of the food and wines.

So that was the evening. A really sad way to gather for food and wine, but Debbie would have wanted it this way. Yes, we will miss her and her skillful and delightful kitchen abilities.

It broke our hearts to
lose you But you
didn’t go alone For
part of us went with
you that day god
called you home.

Grilled Moroccan Pork Chops With Salad

12 Friday Aug 2011

Posted by Bob and Robin in Party Time, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Pork, Recipe: Bob and Robin Young, Vegetables

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Since Robin and I watch pretty close our red meat intake – that’s not to say that we don’t eat red meat, we just watch the amounts we eat – pork is the “other white meat” and does not affect us as does beef. (I do love a good rib-eye steak!) But look at what we had tonight, and it was really good. Enjoy the recipe and try this pork. Here is a Printable Recipe for the pork and here is a Printable Recipe for the Broccoli Salad. Both of these recipes can also be found in the blog’s Master Recipe List. The link is in the Sidebar. Enjoy!

Grilled Moroccan Center-Cut Pork Chops

Time: 3:20
Yield: 2 servings
Yield: about 1/2 cup of the spice mixture
Adapted From: http://www.nytimes.com/1998/11/11/dining/the-minimalist-gravlax-without-fear-a-stunning-dish-just-looks-hard.html?pagewanted=4&src=pm

Ingredients:
2 Center-Cut Pork Chops, about 1 inch thick
1 T Fennel seeds
1 T Anise seeds
1 T Caraway seeds
1 T Coriander powder
1 T Celery Seeds
2 t Cumin seeds
3 Whole Cloves
4 Cardamom pods, seeds removed
1 t Ground Cinnamon
3 T Sugar
1 T Sea Salt
2 T fresh cracked black pepper

Directions:
1. Place the fennel, anise, caraway, coriander, cumin, celery, clove and cardamom in a dry skillet, and toast over medium heat, shaking the pan frequently, until the mixture is aromatic, 1 to 2 minutes. Grind all the spices together, then mix with the cinnamon, sugar, salt and pepper. Rub about 1 Tablespoon of the spice mixture on each side of two center-cut pork chops. Use the rest of the spice mixture to make gravlox. (See below) Place in a zip lock bag and refrigerate for about 3 hours.

2. Bring up to room temperature before grilling.

3. Over medium grill heat, about 300 degrees F, cook these pork chops for about 5 minutes on each side – “middle finger to thumb” doneness. The center should be light pink to whitish when done. The outside will be slightly blackened. The trick is to cook these chops slowly!

Broccoli Salad

Ingredients:
1 small head of broccoli, florets removed
2 strips bacon, diced and fried crispy
4 cloves Garlic, sliced and sauteed until caramelized
Juice of 1/2 Lemon
3/4 T dried Lemon peel

Directions:
1. Steam the broccoli florets until a bright green.

2. Place the bacon into a large bowl. Add the cooked broccoli, caramelized garlic and the pan liquid, lemon juice and lemon peel. Toss gently and serve either warm or chilled.

——————————

So there you have an easy and delightful summer dinner. Our dinner also included a 1993 Rose Creek (ID) Johannesburg Riesling, Woodridge Vineyards. This winery was owned by Jamie Martin, a relative of Robin’s. Jamie is now the winemaker at Cold Springs Winery in Hammett, Idaho. If you can not find this particular wine, almost any good Johannesburg Riesling should work well.

And after you finish this delightful dinner, think about using the remaining rub on a 2 pound, skin on and boneless salmon fillet. Wrap and refrigerate for 48 hours. Before slicing very thin, gently wash the rub off. You have just made a Moroccan Refrigerator Gravlox. Cheers!

In Memory of Debbie Haydon

10 Wednesday Aug 2011

Posted by Bob and Robin in Photos By: Bob Young, Thought For The Day

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The Buzz Coffee and Wine in Boise, lost a dear friend this month, Debbie Haydon. We offer this short entry in her memory. Rest in Peace, Debbie and thanks for the many, many wonderful meals. We saluted her with a glass of light pink Rose wine last night and the following words were offered about her.

Pink roses carry a connotation of grace and elegance, as well as sweetness and poetic romance. Pink roses are symbolic of gratitude and appreciation and are a traditional way to send a message of thanks. Light pink roses are associated with gentleness and admiration and can also be used as an expression of sympathy. How fitting that tonight we should toast to our dear friend Debbie with a wine of pink hue to express our gratitude and appreciation of her life, say thanks for all she brought to all of us, and say this with a sadness for ourselves in our hearts and a gentleness and admiration for her joining her beloved Don in a land not too far away. Salute and God bless.

There will be a memorial gathering for Debbie at the Buzz on State Street, Boise, Sunday August 14 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Please bring finger foods to share.

Grilled Lamb Chops

05 Friday Aug 2011

Posted by Bob and Robin in Lamb, Main Dish, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Things To Do, Vegetables, What's For Dinner?

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Can’t say there is a much better dinner than what we had last night. Check this out and look at the photo as the menu is presented!

Mediterranean Grilled Lamb Chops
grilled center cut lamb chops marinated in olive oil, salt and pepper, fresh chopped rosemary, fresh chopped mint, fresh chopped oregano, diced garlic

Carrots in Brown Butter
steamed carrots in a rich brown butter sauce

Fresh Garden Artichoke Salad
fresh picked Romaine lettuce, marinated artichokes, fine diced celery in olive oil and fresh squeezed lemon dressing

2008 Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon
42% Mendocino County, 40% Lake County, 18% Napa County

Now that was an awesome dinner!

Barley Brothers Travelling Beer Show

05 Friday Aug 2011

Posted by Bob and Robin in Barley Brothers, Boise Adventures, Things To Do

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Yup! It’s back!! And this year the Barley Brothers Traveling Beer Show is bringing 10 Barrel Brewery from Bend, Oregon. This is the same beerfest that last year was called the Boise Beerfest. The program folks wanted a more general descriptor for the event so they can take it on the road. It will also be in Phoenix. The following information came from the Idaho Statesman. “Who are the Barley Brothers? The Barley Brothers are just two guys who love beer. They love beer so much that they want to share that love with all of you, so they founded the world’s only Traveling Beer Show. The Barley Bros. Traveling Beer Show is like no other show on Earth. Hundreds of craft beers, live music, games, awesome food, and did I mention hundreds of beers? They’re bringing all this to Boise, so grab your pretzel necklace, slap on a goofy hat and hit the road with the Barley Bros.”

Read more: Barley Brothers Travelling Show

Follow the link above for more information. $25 per person for unlimited samples and food. August 6th and 7th at Ann Morrison Park in Boise starting at 11:00am each day. This was really a great time last year. See you there.

Ling and Louie’s Restaurant

04 Thursday Aug 2011

Posted by Bob and Robin in Chinese Food, Ling and Louies, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, What's For Dinner?

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On August 3, 2011, we went to a new restaurant in town. Actually in Meridian at the St Luke’s complex on Eagle Road. It is called Ling and Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill. You can view a complete menu and get more information on their web site at Ling and Louie’s. We had a good experience, but I am sorry that they are not local, but rather a chain. With that being said, I will still rate them as a 4-Star – out of 5 – restaurant. The food that we had, pictured below, was really good. We went for the meatloaf. It was good, but it was not Mom’s. We shared both that and a Wango Mango Shrimp dish that was awesome. Full of not overly done shrimp over brown rice – you have a choice between Brown or Jasmine rice. I would definitely have that again. But look at these photos. Then try them out. Cheers! Left-Click any of these photos to see full screen.

Water feature in the Main Dinning room.

Wango Mango Shrimp
sweet and tangy wok’d shrimp with diced mango, fresh chopped spinach and Thai basil

Ling’s Meatloaf
homemade meatloaf with a savory Asian brown gravy, wasabi mashed potatoes, Szechuan green beans

Chocolate Volcano
flourless chocolate cake served warm and topped with fresh strawberries, vanilla bean ice cream and raspberry sauce

Banana Caramel Spring Roll
spring roll filled with banana cheesecake and dusted with cinnamon and sugar with fresh strawberries, caramel sauce and vanilla bean ice cream

The remains of the banana spring roll. It was that good! But then so was the chocolate volcano, but there was nothing left to photograph of that one!

This was a good experience for us and we recommend it to you for you to try. The address is 1210 E Louise Drive, Meridian, Idaho 83642. They do serve Idaho wines and a fantastic and very refreshing Ginger Lime Margarita. It was good to meet Andy, the Manager and the Assistant Manager Noah. Our waite person, was Vince.

So there you have our opinion. Do try them out. We think you will like Ling and Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill. Cheers!

August At The Buzz!

31 Sunday Jul 2011

Posted by Bob and Robin in Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food Festivals, Wine Dinners

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Here we are again in another month. Did you go to the last Wine Club Wine Dinner at the Buzz? $15.00 per person – 5 course meal and 6 – 8 wines. Here is the latest information about the events at the Buzz for August. Don’t miss these and call now for reservations. Robin and I usually go on Tuesday nights – suits us best. Cheers and see you there! From Cristi and Tommy and the Buzz:

“Hope that the warm weather and midsummer excitement is finding everyone well. This weekend July 29 and 30 we, at Buzz, will be hosting music both Friday and Saturday Nights. On Friday we welcome Pat Faulkner and her musical talents on the guitar. And on Saturday, we will enjoy the musical talents of Tomorrow Never Knows. This is a local duo who focuses on the sounds and songs of the Beatles. Both nights music will begin at 7 PM. As usual we will host a wine tasting beginning at 6 PM on both nights and will feature a dinner special both nights. Also enjoy a dessert special both nights.

Wine Club
Wine club for August will be the nights of August 9 and 10 at 6:30 each night. We will continue to feature family owned wineries with a visit from Trio out of Washington state. I am waiting to hear if Karen the winemaker/owner will be able to attend the dinner with us. We will keep you posted. But either way get a group together and enjoy the best bargain in Boise wine dinners. $15.00 per person for dinner and wine. Make reservations soon (208) 344-4321 or buzzwine@cableone.net.

News from the Buzz
Watch for coming information on our new home delivery meal system. We look forward to seeing you this weekend or at the wine club in August help us make Trio Winery feel welcome in Boise. Be safe and have fun. Remember Buzz is your place for everyday wines everyday.

Sincerely,
Cristi and Tommy Takeda
Buzz Coffee and Wine “

Discounts For Seniors

26 Tuesday Jul 2011

Posted by Bob and Robin in Special Information, Thought For The Day

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I received this in my email the other day and thought some of you may like this. Have fun with it, and no, we have not tried all of these. Cheers!

Discounts for Seniors:
Applebee’s: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby’s: 10% off (55+)
Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan’s: discount varies by location
Bob’s Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Captain D’s Seafood: discount varies on location (62+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+)
Chili’s: 10% off (55+)
CiCi’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Culver’s: 10% off (60+)
Denny’s: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members (55+)
Dunkin’ Donuts: 10% off or free coffee (55+)
Einstein’s Bagels: 10% off baker’s dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddrucker’s: 10% off any senior platter (55+)
Gatti’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardee’s: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off (55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off (55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal (55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off (50+)
Long John Silver’s: various discounts at participating locations (55+)
McDonald’s: discounts on coffee everyday (55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney’s: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak ‘n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell: 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off (55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off (50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy’s: 10% off (55+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+)

Grocery
Albertson’s: 10% off first Wednesday of each month (55+)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (50+)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
Food Lion: 6% off every Monday (60+)
Fry’s Supermarket: free Fry’s VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday (55+)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday (50+)
Publix: 5% off every Wednesday (55+)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe’s Marketplace: 5% off (62+)

Cell Phone Discounts
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $29.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service (50+)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+)
*Check out our Secret Cell Phone Discounts to view all cell phone discounts available to you!

Miscellaneous
Great Clips: $3 off hair cuts (60+)
Super Cuts: $2 off haircuts (60+)

Since many senior discounts are not advertised to the public, our advice to men and women over 55 is to ALWAYS ask a sales associate if that store provides a senior discount