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Robin and I are so proud of our friendship with Joe Levich, former owner of Flying Pie Pizza in Boise, owner of Levco Remodeling and retired Ada County (Idaho) Paramedic. Robin (RN Ret) first met Joe in San Francisco at Alta Bates Hospital, as he was a paramedic there also. Then he moved to Boise where he was continued as a paramedic. Levco remodeled our kitchen and bathroom. A fantastic job!
Robin has been very sick young lady (she’ll always be young) since September of last year and Joes’ duties have kept him from visiting her. He made arrangements to come visit her and said he would bring dinner and asked “What should he bring, Grilled Cheese or pizza?” He being the Pizza King, the answer was easy – Pizza!
Joe the Pizza King, flipping the dough
Pizza and ingredients ready to go in the oven
Cooked and ready to be devoured!
Pieces cut out of the pizza
Robin at RN Graduation several years ago – 45 years ago
It was a great time and we thank Joe for bringing AA of the ingredients and prepping and cooking supplies. All of the photos are natural and some are AI altered. Hope you enjoy this Fun Post. The pizza was great and Joe Levitch your friendship IS great!
I love a good Shepard’s (Shepherd’s) Pie! Much better than a Cottage Pie. Maybe that’s because I do like good lamb. And as a side point, lamb is one year old or younger, while mutton is older than a year, just in case you were wondering. But also, it intrigues me as to the origin of these dishes. I always thought it originated in the Basque country of Spain. But after researching for this article, I am wrong!
Shepherd’s Pie: This dish is believed to have originated in Scotland or northern England (Ireland) during the late 1700s to early 1800s. It was initially made with leftover roasted lamb or mutton, and the term “shepherd” in its name reflects the traditional use of lamb meat.
Cottage Pie is thought to have originated in England, particularly in the Midlands or northern regions, around the same time period as shepherd’s pie. It traditionally uses minced beef, and the term “cottage” likely refers to the modest dwellings of the rural working class, who would have commonly prepared this dish. The cottage pie was the precursor to shepherd’s pie, which was coined in the middle of the 19th century. For a while it was used interchangeably with cottage pie. However, as time went on, a distinction was made: shepherd’s pie referred to a dish made with lamb (because sheep are tended to by shepherds!), and cottage pie referred to a dish made with beef.
This is a Shepherd’s Pie that I made this past week. And I think it was really good. Good robust herb and vegetable flavors. And the ground lamb was awesome with no “wild” taste that you can get with mutton. And it was from a very local farmer. Meadowlark Farms in Nampa, Idaho to be exact. The crust was a combination of Russet (Idaho) potato and Red Potato. I did not have and Harvest Gold potatoes so I made my own! The browning on the top was from a combination of the potatoes and Parmesan cheese. So, if you are interested, here is the recipe I came up with. Feel free to try it. Just let me know how it came out and how much you loved it! https://www.rockinrs.com/CS-Shepards-Pie.pdf
There are times when one feels really challenged in the kitchen, whether it is perfecting a dish, Creamed Spinach for example, where something just does not come out as you had planned or pictured. And at other times you want to create something kind of different with pan drippings. Or you want to create a dish that can be daunting or challenging. Well here are 3 that did just that. Let’s take a look. (Click on the images to see them enlarged)
This one was, I thought, just a basic baked chicken and rice dish. But then I thought, plain Jasmin rice with a good baked chicken can be sort of mundane, so why not add some green onion – a very Oriental twist – and fresh spinach? That spinach was a surprise to some who ate it. And the pan drippings of the rosemary and sage can create a differently good gravy. It did! Even added a little to the rice, which gave it a whole new twist. I think, and use it quite often, that it is sinful to “dump the pan drippings” in the trash, so I used it. Not many in the household would do such a thing. Use those drippings!
Potatoes. They are good, but if it were up to some other cooks that need potatoes at every meal – you know who you are – at least change them up from peeled, water logged piles of something that resembles pablum, to maybe some good, crispy hash browns that don’t need to be only served at breakfast. And to, add something green, like the creamed spinach pictured here. Add some mushrooms to the pan dripping gravy from the seared pork chop. Don’t be afraid to be creative and adventuresome in preparing a meal. If nothing else, it’s fun!
Here is another adventure. Steak with Mushroom and Onion Pan Gravy, Asparagus with Lardons and Green Onion and Smashed Potatoes and Gravy. (I used an hand masher and left the potatoes a little lumpy and as always, left the peels on.)
I guess I like to “mix things up” in the kitchen and try different variations of a given dish. Have fun when preparing and use your imagination. And, I might add, most of the products here came from the Boise Farmers Market.
Yes! It certainly was a great 2 hours spent in the Barrel Room eating with friends and family. Our neighbor Craig and his Mom and Dad, Craig’s girlfriend Jessica and her son and Mom, Marnie and Eric and Robin. Such a good group who all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Definitely a 5-Star Bistro! We highly recommend them – they are open Wednesday thru Sunday and reservations are highly suggested. (24509 Rudd Road Parma ID 83660, 208.946.5187 and info@parmaridge.wine) Here is their Bistro Menu. Here is what we had! Enjoy! Left-Click any of the photos to see them enlarged.
Oh yes. And some awesome new wines! Chef Storm and his friend Chef John Mercer (see This Post) did a super, awesome job preparing these goodies. This was a special dinner put on by these two very talented Chefs. It will not be available at all times. Their Prime Rib, though, is just as good. Look at what we enjoyed today. (Left Click any of these photos to see them enlarged!)
Chef John and Chef Storm
2016 Reserve Merlot was awesome and went very well with the pork and brisket.
Omelet with Local Mushrooms was terrific!
Double Cut Pork Chop Mostarda $24.95
A Smoked and Seared Double Cut Pork Chop with House made Green Grape Mostarda
(a savory Italian Jelly made with fruit, sugar and horseradish),
Sweet Potato with Gnochetti in a Brown Butter Sauce and Sautéed Carrots and Fennel
Even the leftover pork chop was great!
Wine Braised Brisket alla Giudia $24.95 8-oz Cut of Brisket Slow Braised in Sweet Red Wine with a Crown of Fried Artichoke, Sweet Roasted Garlic and Sautéed Carrots and Fennel
This was such a delightful meal to make for friends Krista and Jess – Krista helps weed the flower beds. And she even gave us a beautiful White Daisy plant for the front bed. – A couple of weeks ago, we made breakfast for Donna who also helps us in the garden. The breakfast was Eggs Benedict! – The buffalo was local from Brown’s Buffalo Ranch in Nyssa, Oregon. Phone: 1-(541)-372-5588 or 208-741-5449, 720 Stephens Blvd., Nyssa, OR 97913. Hump roasts can be tough. But this one cooked for 6 hours on low in the crockpot 1/2 cup bone stock and 1 cup sherry and it was awesome! Spring vegetables – baby carrots, baby turnips, spring onions and rutabaga – were placed in the broth at different times. Here are some photos. Enjoy!
Eggs Benedict
Fresh Beet Salad
Buffalo Hump Roast and Fresh Garden Vegetables. Served with Acme Bakeshop Garlic Scapes and Rosemary Bread.
Skillet Apple Pie with Cinnamon Fresh Whipped Cream (Recipe – Skillet Apple Pie)
Thank you so much Artist Stephanie and Chef Storm Hodge for another delightful brunch! These brunches are superb! 5-Star! (Bistro Weekend Menu – subject to change – or Parma Ridge Winery and Bistro) And many thanks to Garry and Donna for meeting us at the bistro for lunch, despite the highway detours! Here is what we had along with our 2016 Parma Ridge Winery Tre Bianchi and a 2015 Parma Ridge Winery Carmenere. Cheers! Left-Click any of these photos to see them enlarged.
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Coconut Breaded Deep-Fried Shrimp over Coconut Lime Rice with Korean Barbeque and Sweet Chili Dipping Sauces
They were that good! Started out with 6 shrimp.
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Korean Barbeque Chicken Skewers with Coconut Lime Rice and a Korean Barbeque Sauce
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Grilled Flat-Bread with Italian Sausage, Pepperoni and Mushroom with Homemade Red Sauce
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Parma Ridge Pear Salad Mixed greens with apple cider vinaigrette, Bleu Cheese and Poached Pear with Grilled Bread
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Parma Ridge Cream of Mushroom Soup
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Brunch Burger – Quarter-Pound Black Angus Burger with Melted Double Cream Brie, Apple-wood Smoked Bacon, and Sunny-side up Egg with Lemon-Tarragon Aioli and Rosemary Garlic Truffle Fries
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Best Ever Biscuits and Gravy
Sausage Gravy over Fresh Bacon Cheddar Biscuit topped with a Sunny Side Up Egg
And to follow-up from the Parma Ridge Winery web page,
Savor the Flavor
Offering both an in-house menu in the Tasting Room and custom menus for your scheduled event, Storm is looking forward to making your day special. From appetizers to full course meals, Parma Ridge offers both the taste and the view. Come by during tasting room hours to enjoy one of his delicious menu items, or contact us today to plan your special event!
I did mention to Stephanie that Robin and I have probably had close to all of the items offered on the menu. We have never had a bad selection, but there are some we prefer! The Parma Ridge Bistro is definitely a 5-Star winery bistro in the Snake River AVA.
We’ve not been out to Parma Ridge Winery and Restaurant for their Friday Happy Hour until last night. Glad we went. They are very busy, so if you have a crowd of more than four, it’s best to call ahead. The patio is open and a large part of it is covered.The menu may also be somewhat different than the Saturday or Sunday Brunch menus. Check the link above for the available menus or look at This Weekend at Parma Ridge to see the menu varieties for at least one of the weekends. Whenever you go, and I highly suggest this 5-Star winery and restaurant, you will be treated to some awesome wines and definitely some awesome food as prepared by Chef Storm and Sous Chef Megan. The Staff in the restaurant has grown! They have added Sous Chef Megan and service Staff. Our server Tammy was excellent. Thank-You! Here is some of the Happy Hour food that was at our table. We did not eat all of this as Fred and Dottie Christensen joined us. Good to see friends there. Enjoy! We did.
Chicken Pesto Sandwich – $9.95 Grilled Chicken and Homemade Pesto with Prosciutto and melted Swiss Cheese on a Toasted Ciabatta Bun with Fresh Cut Truffle Fries
Fred had this.
Parma Ridge Pear Salad – $8.95, with Grilled Chicken $11.95 Mixed greens with apple cider vinaigrette, Bleu Cheese and Poached Pear with Grilled Bread
Dottie had this. The salad is huge!
One-Inch Cut Char-Grilled Ribeye Steak – $16.95 Topped with Bleu Cheese Butter and accompanied by Rosemary Truffle Mashed Potatoes with Cabernet Beef Demi-Glace, Grilled Asparagus and Storm’s Homemade Grilled Bread
Robin had this and took half of it home! It is a large portion.
Storm’s Famous Salmon – $16.95 Brined, Lightly Smoked and Pan Fried with Rosemary Truffle Butter and Rosemary Truffle Mashed Potatoes accompanied by Grilled Asparagus Storm’s Homemade Grilled Bread
This is what I had. Delicious and moist!
We did have wine. A wonderful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that paired wonderfully with asparagus. (Robin tried the newest rage of vanilla ice cream in red wine. She tried it with this blend. Wasn’t bad! If you like Guinness and Ice Cream you will probably like this.) And then we had some –
2015 Chardonnay, $16.50
Fargo Farms – Snake River Valley Everything you would expect from the terroir of the area, this dry Chardonnay is made with Chardonnay grapes from Fargo Farms and a touch of Gewürztraminer from Parma Ridge Vineyards. This wine has been created to preserve the intense flavors and aromas without any manipulation. Hints of grapefruit and rosemary compliment the tart finish to be enjoyed any time of the year.
2015 Dry Riesling, $16.50
Fargo Farms – Snake River Valley Made with 100% Riesling, this dry wine features melon with citrus notes and touches of honey crisp apple. This smooth wine is a perfect complement creamy pasta and sharp cheeses. This also pared very well with asparagus. Hard to find a wine that pares well with asparagus or artichoke and maybe avocado.
Such a great evening at the winery and restaurant. Definitely 5-Stars!!!
A really great wine dinner at Richard’s Vicino’s with Winemaker Coco Umiker from Clearwater Canyon Cellars. Superb wines and an awesome dinner that was perfectly paired with the wines. These dinners always create a fantastic dinner atmosphere and we got to meet new friends, too! Below are some photos of the evening and also the menu that Chef Richard Langston created for our enjoyment. And as a note: Chef Richard uses local produce and products whenever possible. Tonight’s dinner is an example of that philosophy.
The Menu for the evening and the wines that were paired with dinner.
Chef Richard Langston
Coco Umiker, Winemaker at Clearwater Canyon Cellars
2015 “Lochsa”, Umiker Vineyard, Lewis-Clark Valley
Local Greens
La Quercia coppa
Local Cherries with Goat Cheese Dressing
2014 Merlot, Lewis-Clark Valley
Coriander Spiced Lamb Meatballs
Local Heirloom Polenta
Salsa Verde
2014 Carmenere, Phinny Hill Vineyaqrd, Horse Heaven Hills
Soy and Brown Sugar-Glazed Pork Belly
Roasted Sesame Broccoli
Broccoli-Carrot Slaw
2014 Columbia Valley Petit Syrah
Prosecco Zabaglione
Fresh Berries
2014 Verhey Vineyard, Rattlessnake Hills Merlot
The wines tonight were all made in Idaho by Clearwater Canyon Cellars, even though some of the grapes are from the state of Washington. For that reason, I am including an AVA map of Washington. You will be able to locate these different grape producing areas. Because the wine was produced in Idaho and in the Lewis-Clark AVA (Idaho’s newest AVA), the wines are considered Idaho wine.
Boise Foodie Guild 