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

Wonderful 40th Birthday Party for Ravenswood Winery

21 Tuesday Jun 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Anniversary, Avocado, BBQ Chicken, BBQ Pork, BBQ Veggies, Birthdays, Breakfast, Celebrations, Ceviche, Chicken, Classic Herb Blends, Comfort Food, Corn Bread, Dinner Reviews with Robin, Dinner With Family, Eggs Omelets, Ethnic Foods, Green Salad, Greens, Grilled Pork, Grilled Vegetables, Herbs, Herbs and Spices, Photos By: Bob Young, Pinot Noir, Ravenswood Winery Zinfandel, Salads, Special Dinners, Special Events, Vegetables, What's For Dessert?, What's For Dinner?, Whats For Breakfast?, Whats For Lunch?, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners, Wines - California

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And such a great party it was! 80 people plus attended and we felt quite honored to be included. Robin did help start the winery back in the early to mid 1970’s. From their web page, “On a fall day in 1976, as ravens taunted from tree branches above, Joel Peterson worked doggedly to bring in four tons of grapes before a looming thunderstorm hit. The fruit he crushed that night was used for one of two single-vineyard Sonoma County Zins – the first wines to bear Ravenswood’s signature ring of ravens. The fledgling winery got off to a great start when those wines came in #1 and #2 at a prestigious San Francisco tasting in 1979. With the critical thumbs-up, Joel was able to gather a few wine-loving investors to help get his winery off the ground. He still didn’t have enough money to buy property, so he looked around for more grapes.” Ravenswood Winery, web page.
But before we get there, we had to travel. Here are some of the places we stopped. Donner Summit is the high pass before we hit the Sacramento Valley.

Here we are. See the snow?

And in case it snows too deep, one can always find the fire hydrant.

Robin enjoys some fried chicken.

And so does a chipmunk.

Such a great market to re-stock your supplies. Corti Brothers web page. If in Sacramento well worth the stop. But you can order online, also.

How about some really wonderful prosciutto?

Lunch. and Corti Brothers Red Potato Salad, melon and Verner's Ginger Ale.

Lunch. Prosciutto and Corti Brothers Red Potato Salad, melon and Verner’s Ginger Ale.

Mango ice cream and fresh mango. Slightly spicy.

How about a pork tamale?

Our motel in Sonoma.

Beautiful flowers.

Love the gardens in the motel atrium.

And the gargoyle.

Cat fountain.

And the night before the super Ravenswood birthday, we must eat dinner. Here’s what we had at the Sonoma Grille. Super patio eating, if you wish. Awesome meal!!

Patio area.

This dip was delicious. Garlic-Pesto-Butter. The two wines wwere piniot noirs. (L)

This dip was delicious. Garlic-Pesto-Butter. The two wines were pinot noirs. (L) 2013 Cline Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast and (R) 2013 Trecini Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley. I liked the Trecini best. Bigger, fuller. Wonderful.

Fresh oysters. They were delicious!

Robin had these

Lamb Chops in Curry Sauce
with
Crispy Polenta and Fresh Vegetables

I had

NY Steak
with
Pinot Noir Reduction
Potato Fingerlings and Fresh Vegetables

And to go with chocolate, (L) Riesates and (R) Sauterne

And to go with chocolate, (L) Rivessaltes, historic sweet wines of eastern Roussillon and (R) Sauterne

Awesome Chocolate Torte

Chocolate Mousse

And now to Ravenswood Winery. Happy 40th Birthday!!

The menu for the party and 80+ guests.

Library wines for dinner.

Light wines with the appetizers.

The special birthday wine. Very limited. At least were able to get 1 case.

Ceviche for an appetizer. A little spicy but good.

Some barrel storage.

A small barrel. That’s Chris standing there. He is 6′ tall.

Robin, Chris, Marnie and Joel Peterson, winemaker and known as the “God Father of Zinfandel”.

Winemaker Joel Peterson

Some of the crowd.

Winemaker in training Gary Sitton and Chris.

Also sitting at our table.

BBQ Pork. Yum.

BBQ Chicken

Grilled Cauliflower

Dinner plated

breakfast the next morning before departing at the Sunflower Caffe in Sonoma.

Joel was gracious enough to join us.

The patio.

California Breakfast Sandwich.

California Omelet

And now ………….. Back to Boise!!

Thank You “Travel and Leisure Magazine”!

16 Monday May 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Boise Restaurants, Buy Idaho, Dinner Reviews with Robin, Idaho Chefs, Idaho's Bounty, Interesting Information, Juniper, Local Markets, Photos By: Bob Young, Published, What's For Dinner?

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farm-to-table, Travel and Leisure

Wow! Travel and Leisure Magazine has us listed in an article in their latest issue! Here is a link to The Article. This article also makes for a good reference when you are traveling. Scroll through the information to see the different states and the superb restaurants.

The Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant in Every State

Idaho: Juniper
A perfect day in Boise isn’t complete without a bike ride on the Ridge to Rivers Trail System, a turn through the Boise Art Museum, and a meal at newcomer Juniper, which has quickly become a favorite for locals like Boise Food Guild blogger Bob Young. Chef Aaron puts Idaho on a pedestal, working closely with local farmers, growers, winemakers, and brewers throughout the Gem State, but it’s the restaurant’s funky personality that continues to dazzle diners. As a locally spirited gastropub, speakeasy, live music hall, and gin joint, Juniper is like one great love story about Idaho that never gets tired of being told. Pop in on any Wednesday to Saturday to try the $48 five-course dinner at the Chef’s Table.

Birthday Dinner at Alavita in Boise

18 Friday Sep 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, Alavita, Arugula, Birthdays, Boise Adventures, Boise Restaurants, Buy Idaho, Chevre, Classic Cuisines, Cocktails, Comfort Food, Cooking Styles, Cream Sauces, Dessert, Dinner At Alavita, Dinner For Robin, Dinner Reviews with Robin, Dinner With Robin, Fennel, Feta Cheese, Food Photos, Green Salad, Homemade Pasta, Idaho's Bounty, Lobster, Locavore, Main Dish, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Restaurant Reviews, Restaurants To Try, Salads, Seafood, Shell Fish, Special Dinners, Things To Do, Vegetables, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wines - Italian

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Alavita. Italian food, feta cheese, Heirloom Beets, Italian restaurant

September 17th will always be a special day – It is Robin’s Birthday. This year we celebrated the 43rd anniversary of her 29th birthday at Alavita, a good Italian restaurant. Actually a solid 4-Star Italian restaurant. On their webpage, they say, “ALAVITA is all about fresh pasta and local ingredients—from Agnolotti to Tortellini to Garganelli, Linguini to Pappardelle—created freshly every day. A restaurant whose name means “to life,” (Well actually two words– ‘alla’ ‘vita’ –that we put together to create one) ÀLAVITA is a great place for celebrating life with good friends and family alike.
What we believe: great food need not be too convoluted or overwrought, but rather fresh, uncomplicated, relatable and well executed in order to get out of the way of the local ingredients and find the pleasure in their innate flavors and qualities. In the vein of a traditional Italian osteria as a casual, local gathering place (An Italian Joint) to discover food, friends, wine, and creative libations, our menu reflects a new twist on Italian fare that is inspired by local, regional ingredients. As we do at Fork (Our big brother concept located next door by same creators), we firmly subscribe to our mantra of being ‘Loyal To Local.’” And they adhere to these words, rigorously. Enjoy these photos of our visit. We will return.

Robin enjoys her Birthday Dinner!

We have known Kerry, the Floor Manager, for many years – we go back to the Andrae days – and it is good to “find” her again.

The open kitchen area.

How about a

Barrel Aged ÀLAVITA
Crater Lake gin + St. Germain + sweet vermouth + bitters (aged for six weeks in charred oak bourbon barrels). Salute To Life!

Yummers, but drink it slow!

A good white wine goes with seafood.

Alois Lageder Riff Pinot Grigio (12.5%)… Veneto, Italy

Potato, Leek and Fennel Soup

Robin had this really very good soup as an appetizer.

I had a very good –

Heirloom Beet Salad
rainbow beets, shavel fennel, arugula, Rolling Stone goat cheese feta, toasted pistachios and champagne vinaigrette

Tuxedo’ Linguine {gf}... squid ink & orange zest infused linguine, ÀLAVITA clam sauce, chili flake & Manila clams

Tuxedo Linguine
squid ink and orange zest infused linguine, ÀLAVITA clam sauce, chili flake and Manila clams

Robin had this and the clams were so very fresh – gout la mer!

Black Ravioli... stuffed with West coast lobster & fontina, butter poached shrimp & lemon-fennel-thyme infused local Cloverleaf cream sauce

Black Ravioli
stuffed with West coast lobster and fontina, butter poached shrimp and lemon-fennel-thyme infused local Cloverleaf cream sauce

I had this and basically, I would get it agin. But I did not get much lobster flavor.

Robin’s Birthday Cake. Kerry had this done for her.

ÀLAVITA Tiramisu
espresso lady fingers, Grand Marnier and orange zest

I finished with a

Dark Chocolate Mousse
hazelnut cream + crushed vanilla-maple spiced hazelnuts

Sinful!

“State and Lemp” – Awesome

17 Friday Jul 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Acme Bake Shop, Anniversary, Appetizers, Apricots, Beets, Boise Adventures, Boise Restaurants, Bread, Buy Idaho, Carrots, Celebrations, Chardonnay, Classic Cuisines, Dinner Reviews with Robin, Dinner With Robin, Food Photos, Friends, Heirloom Carrots, Heirloom Squash, Idaho Greens, Idaho Potatoes, Local Harvests, Local Markets, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Restaurant Reviews, Restaurants, Restaurants To Try, Salads, Special Dinners, Special Events, Special Information, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners

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State and Lemp

I could, and probably should, fill up this page with the word awesome, but that would be boring! If you are in Boise and have been here for awhile, do you remember Andrae’s? That definitely was a 5-Star restaurant. And so is State and Lemp. It is every bit as good as Andrea’s was; If not better. But I can only give 5-Stars and State and Lemp earned every one of those stars. From the local art on the wall, as pictured here, to the outstanding service. Also outstanding was the plating of the different food offerings. We eat with our eyes first, and as you will see, the presentations were super good! The seating is limited to about 28 people, so call for a reservation. We did like the way they have the tables set, it gave us time to chat with our table “neighbors”. Here are some photos from the evening. Enjoy! We will return for another special celebration, whatever that may be!

Robin at our seating.

The seating arrangements.

The menu and our place card. Yes, it is that formal!

It is great to see that they use as much local products as possible. Here is Acme Bake Shop Sourdough Bread. For a complete list of their farmer suppliers, check their web site.

It is great to see that they use as much local products as possible. Here is Acme Bake Shop Sourdough Bread. For a complete list of their local farmer suppliers, check their web site.

Sardine
with
Micro Greens and Flowers

Strawberry & Cucumber Scallop. Cilantro. Shiso Patrick Bottex – “La Cueille” Gamay / Poulsard

Strawberry and Cucumber
Scallop. Cilantro. Shiso
Patrick Bottex – “La Cueille” Gamay / Poulsard

Summer Squash & Fava Beans Black Cod. Sea Beans Nasturtium Taft Street – Chardonnay

Summer Squash and Fava Beans
Black Cod. Sea Beans. Nasturtium
Taft Street Chardonnay

Carrot & Apricot Goat. Sesame. Fried Rice Maxime Magnon – “La Démarrante” Carignan / Cinsault

Carrot and Apricot
Goat. Sesame. Fried Rice
Maxime Magnon – “La Démarrante” Carignan/Cinsault

Intermezzo – Huckleberry Sorbet

Beets & New Potato
Pork. Gooseberry. Sorrel
Domaine Gayda – “Flying Solo” Grenache/Syrah

Currants & Cherry Ginger Ale. Vanilla Cream. Mochi Taylor Fladgate – “LBV” Port

Currants and Cherry
Ginger Ale. Vanilla Cream. Mochi
Taylor Fladgate – “LBV” Port

Those little ginger ale “balloons” just “popped” flavor in your mouth. I intentionally did not pick a “favorite” dish – they were all superior. The wines also were paired perfectly. Here is a little more about State and Lemp from their web site.

In our effort to showcase local and regional farmers, ranchers, and artisans we have utilized the following…
Purple Sage Farms /purplesagefarms.com – Waterwheel Gardens /waterwheelgardens.com – Rice Family Farms / ricefamilyfarms.com – Sweet Valley Organics / sweetvalleyorganics.com – Peaceful Belly / peacefulbelly.com – Dawson Taylor Coffee Roasters / dawsontaylor.com – Malheur River Meats / malheurrivermeats.com – Ohana Farm Inc. Frostenson Farms – Acme Bread Co. – Double R Honey Farm – Cloverleaf Creamery …. Ownership and management will maintain a constant presence on the floor as we interact with guests to ensure an unforgettable experience. We provide continuing education and training for all team members in order to better enable them as they assist guests with decisions. Additionally, we seek to advance all team members and enable their growth as hospitality professionals.

Good Visit to Pho Nouveau in Boise

17 Wednesday Jun 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Asian Food, Beef, Beer and Food, Bistro, Boise Adventures, Chicken, Classic Cuisines, Classic Sauces, Coconut Milk, Comfort Food, Cooking Styles, Dinner Reviews with Robin, Dinner With Friends, Food Photos, Grilling, Hard To Find Foods, Herbs and Spices, Main Dish, Oriental Food, Party Time, Pho Nouveau, Photos By: Bob Young, Pork, Restaurant Reviews, Salads, Salmon, Seafood, Shell Fish, Shrimp, Vegetables, Vietnamese Food, What's For Dinner?

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Pho, Pho Nouveau, Vietnamese food, Vietnamese restaurant, Vietnamese spring rolls

We had a great experience and meal last night at the Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Nouveau, 780 W Idaho Street, Boise; (208) 367-1111 and they do take reservations. Really a superb meal. Good to meet our friend, Patty Dorr there and to have a meal with her. Good ambiance in the restaurant; good service without being “pushy”. Here is their website. Just Click This Link. There are downloadable menus on their website for you to printout or just look at. You will get a good idea of what they offer. Weather permitting, they do have a patio for your use. The parking garage is right across the street. Here is what we had and it was all good. Cheers! We will return to Pho Nouveau! On TripAdvisor I rated this restaurant 5-Stars. Which was the best appetizer or entree? Actually, they were all good – I would have any of them again!

A very good Vietnamese beer. Light and refreshing on a hot summer day. Goes great with the meal. They also carry Ravenswood wine.

Crispy Spring Rolls These are the classic, deep fried Vietnamese spring roll filled with ground pork, carrots, onions, cellophane noodles.

Crispy Spring Rolls
These are the classic, deep fried Vietnamese spring rolls filled with ground pork, carrots, onions, cellophane noodles. Wrap in a lettuce leaf and herbs and dip in the non-spicy Vietnamese dipping sauce that is served with it.

Fresh Summer Roll
Soft rice paper wrapped with your choice of pork and shrimp, grilled salmon, grilled pork or shrimp, onion and bean sprouts. Wrap in a lettuce leaf, bean sprouts and herbs. Served with a peanut dipping sauce that is very good.

Sizzling Saigon Crepe Oversized crisxpy crepe made with coconut milk, tumeric and rice flour, filled with chicken, shrimp, onion and bean sprouts. Wrap in lettuce and herbs. A non-spicy Vietnamese dipping sauce is available.

Sizzling Saigon Crepe
Oversized crispy crepe made with coconut milk, tumeric and rice flour, filled with chicken, shrimp, onion and bean sprouts. Wrap in lettuce and herbs. A non-spicy Vietnamese dipping sauce is served with it.

Beef Pho
The traditional Vietnamese beef soup. This soup was not salty and the beef was done perfectly. The herbs and spices were served separately so you can add as much as you like. This is a huge serving and probably could serve two or more.

Grilled Chicken and Shripm Boneless chicken breasts and shrimps marinated in lemongrass, white wine and hoisin sauce. Served with steamed jasmine rice and cucumber salad.

Grilled Chicken and Shrimp
Boneless chicken breasts and shrimps marinated in lemongrass, white wine and hoisin sauce. Served with steamed jasmine rice and cucumber salad. A sweet/sour sauce is served with it.

Grilled Pork and Crispy Spring Roll on Rice Noodles Spft rice vermicelli noodles, skewered grilled pork and crispy spring rolls. Served with shredded lettuce, beansprouts and cilantro. A sweet/sour dipping sauce is served with it.

Grilled Pork and Crispy Spring Roll on Rice Noodles
Soft rice vermicelli noodles, skewered grilled pork and crispy spring rolls. Served with shredded lettuce, beansprouts and cilantro. A sweet/sour dipping sauce is served with it.

Our Visit to “Twin Dragon Restaurant” in Boise

20 Friday Feb 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in 3-Stars, Brocolli, Chicken, Chinese Food, Dinner Reviews with Robin, Dinner With Robin, Ethnic Foods, Local Markets, Photos By: Bob Young, Restaurant Reviews, Restaurants, Seafood, Spicy Food, Vegetables, What's For Dinner?

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Chinese food, Twin Dragon

Our recent visit – we have been there before – was OK. Nothing more. Just OK. 3-Stars out of 5-Stars. Twin Dragon, Boise, 2200 W Fairview Ave, Boise, ID 83702, (208) 344-2141 for take-out or reservations. One reviewer has stated that, “Twin Dragon is a local staple in Boise for classic Americanized Chinese food.” and I completely agree. The food has been Americanized. Another reviewer, from TripAdvisor, says that, “Like the sort of place you see in movies & TV from the 1950’s Old world classic American Chinese Nothing special, yet still nothing wrong in Boise….” Yup! That pretty much says it. But there are reviews that rave about Twin Dragon. Try it yourself and make up your mind. Here are some photos from our visit. Enjoy!

They do serve beer if you want some.

Pot Stickers

Pork and Seeds

Seafood Soup for 2

Disappointed in this. Hard to find the seafood. Taste was OK, but lacks some seafood. Robin and I got the Family Dinner #5. $11.00 per person. This photo, and the following ones, are what is included in this selection.

Fried Shrimp

Pork Fried Rice

I think this was warmed over from earlier in the day. It had the consistency and flavor of “left overs”.

Broccoli Chicken

Not bad, but lacked some intense, Oriental flavor.

Lemon Chicken

Probably the best dish of the evening.

We still believe that Sushi Joy and Yen Ching far out shine the Twin Dragon Restaurant. The Chinese Buffet on Fairview at Five Mile is better, too.