Alyonka Russian Cuisine

08 Saturday Feb 2020

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, Alyonka Russian Cuisine, Beer and Food, Beets, Blinz, Buy Local, Comfort Food, Cultural Differences, Dessert, Dinner at Alyonka Russian Cuisine, Dinner with Marnie, What's For Dinner?

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borscht, Russian cuisine

A very good and exciting visit to Alyonka Russian Cuisine at 2870 W State St., Boise. (208) 344-8996, and it’s a good idea to call ahead for reservations.

From their website, “Born and raised in the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan, Elena DeYoung is the event coordinator for Boise’s popular Russian Food Festival. She’s organized the fundraiser at St. Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Church since its humble beginnings 14 years ago. Back then, church volunteers baked in her Meridian home. Nowadays, the annual event serves between 3,500 and 4,000 people over two days, and she keeps hearing the same request: “Where is the place we can eat food like this?” As owner and chef, Elena created a familiar menu at Alyonka Russian Cuisine now open at 2870 West State Street in Boise, Idaho.”

As for their menu – you can view it on their website linked above – “We offer all the comfort foods that make the Russian Food Festival a hit: shish kebab, beef stroganoff, Russian crepes, piroshki, lots of desserts …”.
Their food that we had, was delicious. And the service was delightful. The restaurant is small and cozy, and can be somewhat noisy. Seating is open and all seats are near a window. There is a large area in the back for groups. Overall, a 4 Star restaurant, bordering o0n 5 Stars. Here are some photos I took. Enjoy!

The exterior from the parking lot.

A variety of beers are available along with teas and lemonade.

Vegetarian Borscht

Stuffed Pepper, which I love.

Blini with Caviar

Blini with Vegetables

Royal Poppy Seed Ganache

Thanks Marnie. It was super! We’ll go back.

Hook and Reel Visit

17 Thursday Oct 2019

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, Blue Crab, Cajun Food, Catfish, Dinner at Hook & Reel, Hard To Find Foods, Hook & Reel, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Po-Boy, What's For Dinner?

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Really a good visit to Hook & Reel – Cajun Seafood and Bar, 1510 N Eagle Rd, Meridian, Idaho 83642. Mon – Thu 11AM – 10PM, Fri – Sat 11AM – 11PM, Sun 11AM – 10PM. (208) 288-4488. They do not take reservations. Robin had a Hook Punch, (Coconut Rum, Blueberry Liqueur, Pineapple Juice, Sweet & Sour Mix) and I had a Lynchburg Arnold Palmer (Bourbon, Honey Bourbon, Iced Tea, Lemonade, Lemon Slices). Both were delicious! Happy Hour Monday – Friday from 2pm – 5pm with special drinks a food bites. The ambiance is good. Not loud music, but I can see where it could get loud. Open space and ample seating. Overall an easy 4+-Star restaurant. We will go back. The variety and choices of seafood is very large. Servings a ample. Good place to go.

Front Entrance faces Fairview Ave.

Robin and the dining area. That’s a Hook Punch by Robin.

Crab Salad that was good. It could have had a little more crab, though. We shared this.

Catfish and Sweet Potato Fries. Catfish was really good.

Oyster Po-Boy that had a super oyster flavor. I did like this!

Our Wait Person, Zabrielle, was very good. Polite and knowledgeable. This was a good visit and I am glad we went. I would call it a moderately priced establishment, but some items are spendy. Blue Crab – yes they have Blue Crab – (in season) are about $6.00 each. Full lobster $25.00. Fried Flounder Basket $12.00, Fried Catfish Basket $12.00. These are appropriate prices.

Menu Sample

Good Visit to Deja Brew in Meridian, ID

24 Saturday Mar 2018

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, Bistro, Bistro - Deja Brew, Boise Area Food Adventures, Breakfast, Breakfast With Robin, Cobb Salad, Coffee, Eggs Benedict, Hollandaise Sauce, Housemade Hollandaise Sauce, Lunch With Robin, Photos By: Bob Young, Pubs, Restaurant Reviews, Restaurants To Try, Salads, Special Beers, What's For Dinner?, Whats For Breakfast?, Wine and Food

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Cobb Salad, Deja Brew

We did have a good visit to Deja Brew – Laugh A Latte in Meridian on March 23, 2018 at 112 East Idaho Avenue, Meridian, ID 83642. Phone – (208) 957-6442. Hours – Mon: 6:30AM-8:00PM, Tue: 6:30AM-8:00PM, Wed: 6:30AM-8:00PM, Thu: 6:30AM-9:00PM, Fri: 6:30AM-9:00PM, Sat: 6:30AM-9:00PM, Sun: 6:30AM-3:00PM. Good ambiance with plenty of open seating. It can be a little noisy, though; They need to turn the music back somewhat. You must order your food at the counter, but they will generally bring it to your table. They do have a good Breakfast/Lunch Menu with many varieties of coffee and tea. Their Dinner/Wine/Beer Menu, with a good selection of beer and wine. We will return to this bistro in Meridian. It is definitely a 4-Star restaurant/bistro. Here are some photos. Enjoy!

Their logo on the street side windows.

Robin checking the menu. The interior is very open, but can be noisy.

Virginia Dare Pinot Noir. A really good wine that goes well with my breakfast of Eggs Benedict and Robin’s Cobb Salad. Surprising. And yes, it is made in Virginia with Russian River (CA) grapes.

Robin had a Cobb Salad.

I had Eggs Benedict. The potatoes were good. Different. Just a little salty.

Paddles Up Boise

10 Thursday Aug 2017

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, Cucumber, Ethnic Foods, Food of Hawaii, Paddles Up Poke, Photos By: Bob Young, What's For Dinner?

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We had a good lunch today. Different, but good. Look at Paddles Up Poke for a very sufficient Hawaiian bowl. They’re open HOURS: Monday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm, Sunday: Closed LOCATIONS: WE DELIVER IN DT BOISE! and they are located at Downtown Boise: 237 N. 9th St. Boise, ID 83702

Paddles Up Poké is Idaho’s first and only specialty poké restaurant, located in the heart of Downtown Boise. Paddles Up provides Idahoans with a quick meal to support their active lifestyles. Whether you’re in need of some fuel between meetings, or just grabbing a bite to eat before you hit the river, Paddles Up has got you covered!

Robin had a Paddles Up Bowl – Tuna, Avocado, Onion, Cucumber, Green Onion, Ginger, Sesame Seeds which, she said was pretty good. I had a Lucky Peak Shellfish – Shrimp, Scallops, Crab, Sweet Onion, Cucumber, Sweet Korean, Carrots, Green Onion, Sesame Seeds, which was good, I will get a small bowl next time. I just wish the shrimp were something larger than the micro salad shrimp and bay scallops – the small ones. hey were 1 oz servings. I will rate this at a 31/2-Star restaurant. Left-Click any of these photos to see them enlarged.

Inside. Order at the counter. It moves pretty quickly.

Lucky Peak Shellfish Bowl

Here is a little more about them from their webpage.

ABOUT POKÉ
Poké (pronounced POH-KAY) means “to section, slice, or to cut.” This Hawaiian classic is a very casual meal, that families in Hawaii have been packing on the go for years. Poké has now evolved into trendy rice bowls that are customized per order. This tasty lunch is simple: chunks of raw fish marinated in our special house Piranha Sauce, packed with all the tasty toppings that you can find on your classic sushi rolls, and served on top of a bed of brown rice, white rice, zoodles, or fresh mixed greens.

WHY PADDLES UP
Paddles Up was founded in August, 2016 by Dan Landucci. When you heard the name you may have said, “Why Paddles Up?” Well, to answer your question, when you’re rafting, putting your paddles up signifies to get into attack mode when approaching rapids. The term stuck and putting your paddles up has become a life motto for the Landucci family. In August, Dan decided to put his paddles up and attack his life long dream of owning a restaurant. Dan partnered up with his long time friend, Jordan Tapangco, and together they have built a spot where Idahoans can go to refuel for their next adventure in life.

Great Visit at Juniper in Boise

19 Sunday Mar 2017

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, Boise Food Adventures, Boise Restaurants, Breakfast, Breakfast With Robin, Brunch, Brunch at Juniper, Eggs, Eggs Benedict, Ethnic Foods, Food Photos, Hollandaise Sauce, Idaho Bacon, Idaho Chefs, Idaho Eggs, Idaho Greens, Idaho Vegetables, Local Markets, Photos By: Bob Young, What's For Dinner?

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This was our first visit to Juniper Restaurant in Boise at 211 N 8th St, (208) 342-1142. Really very good food. It can get very noisy so go prepared. It was also great to have Kelsey join us there for brunch. It was great seeing her and talking to her. She has had some fantastic journeys. Come back soon, Kelsey.
The food is prepared fresh and from reading the menu, mostly from local or Idaho products. Everything was hot and had very good presentation. Look at their lunch and dinner Menu or their Brunch and Lunch Menus. Here is what we had. Enjoy! We did.

Restaurant Front on 8th Street

The interior. It can get noisy.

Great to have Kelsey with us and to see her again.

Bob, Robin and Kelsey at Juniper Restaurant.

Let’s have a drink! It is a Juni and the Jets. We each had one.

And we all shared this Cinnamon Roll!

Kelsey had this Mexican Breakfast!

Robin had the Eggs Benedict!

And I had the Pork Belly Benedict.

Good Meal at the Sandbar, Cafe with a Cause in Marsing, Idaho

19 Sunday Mar 2017

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, BBQ Pork, Brunch with Robin, Eggs, What's For Dinner?

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Sandbar Riverhouse

A really good, substantial, down home meal at the Sandbar, Cafe with a Cause in Marsing, Idaho on the Snake River. Definitely worth the trip from Boise or Nampa or Caldwell. Here is the link to their website and menus – Sandbar, Cafe with a Cause located at 18 Sandbar Ave, Marsing, ID. (208) 896-4124. Here is what we had for brunch. They serve breakfast all day and if you have something special, you may get the Chef to make it for you. Just ask. Left-Click any of these photos to see them enlarged. We will be back to the Sandbar! Everything is cooked fresh and they use local products as much as possible.

Main dining room

The Snake River from our table.

Over Easy Eggs

Texas Omelet with Pulled Pork

Wild Root Cafe and Market at the JUMP in Boise

22 Sunday Jan 2017

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, Beans, Beef, Beets, Boise Adventures, Buffalo, Buy Idaho, Cheese, Cooking Programs, Dessert, Dinner With Robin, Green Salad, Idaho Buffalo, Idaho Greens, Idaho Vegetables, Malbec, Photos By: Bob Young, What's For Dinner?

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JUMP, Wild Root Cafe

A good evening. Thanks to the JUMP Staff (Jack’s Urban Meeting Place – named for Jack Simplot) for their assistance in having a wheel chair available for Robin and handicap parking available for the car. Security was extremely helpful as was the Staff. Here is a link to their site: JUMP Boise.
I believe that this was the first time that Wild Root Cafe and Market was at the JUMP. They are located at 276 N 8th Street, Boise, ID 83702, Call. (208) 856-8956 Their hours are: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Monday – Wednesday; 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM – Thursday-Saturday; Brunch served until 3:00 PM on Saturday; Closed Sunday. Kitchen closes 15 minutes prior to closing. Here is what was on the program tonight.

The menu was really interesting. Mignardises are: Small sweet tid-bits served at the end of the meal (after dessert), usually with coffee. It’s derived from the old French word, “Mignard” which means either small child, or graceful, pretty and delicate.

Salad –
Endive, citrus, shallots, pistachio cracker, cheese cake, pomegranate vinaigrette

Main Course - Coffee bison short rib, beet gnocchi, celery root, fava, winter vgreens, dmi and micros

Main Course –
Coffee bison short rib, beet gnocchi, celery root, fava, winter greens, demi and micros

Dessert –
Orange hazelnut mignardises, passionfruit puree, goat caramel, meringue, chocolate and citrus oil

2013 Tikal Malbec and Bonarda

2015 Moscado d’Asti

Preparing dessert

Three rows of tables were setup. This was our table.

Two rows of tables were setup. This was our table.

All in all, a good night. The food was good, although Robin and I both thought a little salty. We really watch our salt intake and use very little at home. The room tended to be a little noisy and could use some sound baffles – tapestry on walls, etc. Wild Root Cafe uses as many local products as possible. Not much grows around here in the winter – especially this winter.

Visit to Das Alpenhaus Deli

29 Thursday Dec 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, Acme Bake Shop, Acme Bake Shop Rye, Beef, Boise Area Food Adventures, Comfort Food, Cooking Styles, Das Alpenhaus Deli, Ethnic Foods, Food Photos, German Food, Housemade Sauces, Housemade Soup, Lunch With Robin, Photos By: Bob Young, Potato Salad, Potatoes, Sauerkraut, What's For Dinner?

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Das Alpednhaus, reuben sandwich

Das Alpenhaus Deli in Boise was a treat. Robin and I both had a Reuben, German Potato Salad and some Split Pea and Ham Soup (It’s 23 degrees outside!) The sauerkraut on the Reuben was superb – liked the Allspice. And both of us rated the deli 4-Stars out of 5-Stars. You can find more on the Reuben Sandwich at the following posts on this blog: History of the Reuben Sandwich, The Reuben Sandwich Challenge and Rachel Sandwiches for Lunch (Yes, there is a difference between a Rachel and Reuben sandwich!)
They are located at 1340 S Vista Ave, Boise, ID. They are open Monday-Friday: 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. and Saturday: 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Seating is limited, but their take-out service is good. They do not, however, “… *not* take reservations or phone-in orders.”
Their menu changes weekly and the menu can be found on their website, listed above. For this week, here is a Weekly Menu Sample.
“Das Alpenhaus Deli is a luncheonette. This means that we serve a single daily hot special for lunch, served until it’s gone. If we have either run out, or you aren’t a fan of that day’s special then we also have daily soups and make custom sandwiches. It is a rotating menu and every week will differ from the previous week’s menu so be sure to check this page for the current menu. You can also find the menu on our facebook page, where it will be posted every weekend. Guten Appetit!

Das Alpenhaus Delikatessen is the Treasure Valley’s one and only German deli and market! From Beer and Wine to Europe’s finest assortment of chocolates, we pride ourselves in having the widest variety of German, Austrian and Swiss products that Boise has to offer. Our rotating lunch incorporates some of the area’s most popular dishes. Ranging from Käsespätzle to Wiener Schnitzel, there is sure to be something to satisfy your hunger.
Owners Jamie Webster and Greg Hanson opened the doors to Das Alpenhaus Delikatessen in October of 2016 and fulfilled their life-long dream of bringing a piece of the beloved Alps to the Boise area. Having been raised in a German family, the germanic culture has played a tremendous role in Jamie’s life. His love for the area was solidified when he spent an extended period of time living Thüringen, where he mastered the German language and gained an abiding love for the culture.
Many years later, Jamie and Greg are happy to share their love of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with you. Whether you grew up in beautiful Germany, Austria or Switzerland *or* are simply looking for some great chocolate, it is their hope that Das Alpenhaus Delikatessen will have you feeling right at home. [Their Website]

Some available groceries

Wine and Beer selections.

Wine and beer.

Ordering area. Seating is to the left and just out of view. They were very busy.

We did a take-out.

Reuben Sandwich
Potato Salad
Split Pea and Ham Soup

We did like the Reuben – great horseradish in the Russian Dressing. Soup was good; Hearty. The potato salad was good. I missed the dill pickle slice with the Reuben and I think that the Acme Bakeshop here in Boise has much better rye bread – Old Wolrd Rye, as Acme calls it. Portions are very adequate.

Visiting The Melting Pot

04 Thursday Aug 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, Atlantic Salmon, Boise Adventures, Brocolli, Buy Idaho, Cheese, Cooking Styles, Dinner at The Melting Pot, Dinner With Robin, Eggs, Fondue, Green Salad, Idaho Greens, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Ravenswood Winery Zinfandel, Restaurant Reviews, Restaurants, Salads, Salmon, Seafood, Special Dinners, What's For Dinner?

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Atlantic Salmon, Fondue, salmon

Visit The Melting Pot in Boise for a fun dinner or Happy Hour. Good food with a fun presentation. And yes, the kids are welcome! 4-Star restaurant in Boise. And here is a link to their extensive Fondue Menu. Check it out! More importantly, I think, is “just what is a fondue?”
According to the Cambridge dictionary, “a hot dish prepared by keeping a container of either hot oil or melted cheese over a flame at the table and putting pieces of meat in the oil to be cooked or pieces of bread into the cheese.”
And from Justhungry.com, “In Switzerland, ‘la fondue’ means a cheese fondue and nothing else. Other types of dip-bits-of-food-in-a-communal-pot dishes are specifically called fondue-something, e.g. fondue bourgignonne (bits of beef filet fried in a pot of oil), fondue chinoise (thin slices of beef or other things cooked in a pot of broth), and so on.”
The cheese fondue at The Melting Pot consists of, “CLASSIC ALPINE – rich, sweet-yet-earthy
Featured Cheeses: Gruyère, Raclette, Fontina. Melted with: White wine, garlic, fresh nutmeg. Gluten Free $8.95” Delcicous. Here is what we had to complete this 4-Star evening. Enjoy!

Window sign at 6th and Main Streets in Boise.

Main bar. A large variety of beer and wine.

Main bar. A large varity of beer and wine.

I you wish in season, a nice patio.

A 2013 Ravenswood Zen of Zin for us!

APPLE BACON SPINACH
Fresh spinach, crimini mushrooms, sliced egg, spicy pecans, Granny Smith apples and apple bacon vinaigrette
Gluten Free 5.75

And yes, a salad at the Melting Pot. They have 3 selections, although since the Caesar Salad has minimal, and barely noticeable anchovies, I don’t really call it a Caesar Salad. (Those were the Waiters words.) The above salad was delicious!

CLASSIC ALPINE - rich, sweet-yet-earthy Featured Cheeses: Gruyère, Raclette, Fontina. Melted with: White wine, garlic, fresh nutmeg. Gluten Free $8.95

CLASSIC ALPINE FONDUE
rich, sweet-yet-earthy
Featured Cheeses: Gruyère, Raclette, Fontina
Melted with: White wine, garlic, fresh nutmeg
Gluten Free $8.95

Stirring the Classic Alpine Fondue

Classic Alpine Fondue

Hmmm. It was good!

ATLANTIC SALMON FILET
potato, mushroom and brioccoli

21.50

A Delightful Visit to Juniper

28 Tuesday Jun 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, Alaskan Salmon, Appetizers, Beer and Food, Boise Area Food Adventures, Boise Food Adventures, Boise Restaurants, Buy Idaho, Cheese, Chicken, Comfort Food, Dinner at Juniper, Dinner Reviews with Robin, Dinner With Robin, Food Photos, Herbs, Idaho Chicken, Idaho Vegetables, Juniper, Local Farmers Markets, Photos By: Bob Young, What's For Dinner?

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On Tuesday, June 28, we visited Juniper, on 8th Street and we were delightfully surprised. It reminded me a lot of the Cloud 9 Nano Brewery and Pub Review. Essentially the same type of floor plan but an extended menu from Cloud 9. Both are very deserving of our 4-Star rating. We will most likely to return to Juniper, as the staff was delightful and the food awesome. There are some other items on the menu that we want to try. Here are some photos from today’s visit. They had a special soup today, Ginger Carrot Soup, and they gave us a sample. Spicy. Candied ginger. It reminded me of a tomato soup. That texture and “after taste”. Good. Cheers!

Seating is around the edge of the pub, with some at the bar.

A delightful array of local beer and wines. Here we hav a Dutch Quad beer - very dark but very good - and a special drink called a Juni and the Jets -

A delightful array of local beer and wines. Here we have a Dutch Quad beer – very dark but very good – and a special drink called a Juni and the Jets – Gin, St Germaine, Grapefruit, Juniper Simple Syrup and Sparkles.

Pear and Fig Chutney Grilled Cheese - Ballard White Cheddar, Gruyer and Pear and Fig Chutney.

Pear and Fig Chutney Grilled Cheese – Ballard White Cheddar, Gruyère and Pear and Fig Chutney.

Wonderful salmon. The Dutch Quad went very well with this. The beer actually counteracted the sweetness of the honey, yet enhanced the salmon. Wonderful! Gin and Honey Glazed Salmon – Fried Sage and Seasonal Vegetable