A Visit To Le Coq d’Or

25 Friday Jan 2019

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Acme Bake Shop Baguette, Boise Restaurants, Chardonnay, Chicken, Classic Cuisines, Cooking Styles, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Dinner at Le Coq d’Or, Dinner With Robin, Duck, Ethnic Foods, Food Photos, French Foods, Galaxy 9 Photos, Idaho Lamb, Idaho Potatoes, Idaho Wine, Idaho's Bounty, Main Dish, Mediterrean Foods, Mushrooms, Photos By: Bob Young, What's For Dinner?

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Le Coq d’Or

What a great way to celebrate the birthday of Scottish Poet Robert Burns! An extremely good 5-Star restaurant in Eagle – Le Coq d’Or! 208-947-2840, 176 S. Rosebud Lane, Eagle, Idaho 83616. Tuesday-Thursday: 5:00pm-9:00pm; Friday and Saturday: 5:00pm-10:00pm.

The Restaurant at the Chateau draws upon flavor profiles from around the world: focusing on old-world traditional French and European cuisine, with subtle Eastern and Persian influences. All food served in our restaurant is made from scratch in our kitchen using locally sourced Idaho produce whenever possible. Fresh dining and artful ambiance makes the Restaurant at the Chateau a truly one-of-a-kind, well-rounded dining experience that will continue to enthrall you long after the last bite. Enjoy our house wine Roghani Vineyards or allow Christian Lamotte, our Maitre D’, to suggest one of our 100+ hand-selected wines from around the world.

And a great Truffle and Wine Dinner coming up Saturday, February 23, 2019. Call to make reservations and we will see you there! You will not be disappointed. In the meantime, here is what we had today. (Some of the photos are not the best – first time using the Samsung phone camera. Can only get better.) Left-Click any of these photos to see them enlarged.

Miss Fisher watches over the dining hall!

Robin in the dinning room.

Always a good wine from their winery. In this case, Shiraz

Green Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette

I had this awesome Creamy Mushroom Soup. Delicious!

Robin had French Onion Soup

Duck and Truffle Potatoes

Chicken with Mediterrean Sauce and Polenta

I would have any of these items again.Super good!

Great Shellfish Boil

09 Sunday Sep 2018

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Braising, Brunch with Robin, BSU, Captain's Shack, Clams, Comfort Food, Cooking Styles, Corn, Dinner For Robin, Dinner With Robin, Food Photos, Food Prep, Gameday, Garlic, Herbs and Spices, Idaho Potatoes, Kitchen Adventures, Lobster, Made From Scratch, Main Dish, Mussels, Pasta, Photos By: Bob Young, Potatoes, Recipe By: Bob Young, Recipe By: Captain's Shack, Recipe by: Robin and Bob Young, Recipes - Dinner, Recipes - Pasta, Recipes - Seafood, Scallops, Sea Scallops, Seafood, Shell Fish, Special Dinners, What's For Dinner?

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Since Boise State was playing the University of Connecticut, (BSU 62, UConn 7) we thought it would be fitting to have a shell-fish boil. Just did not have any sea water to boil the packs in nor any sea weed. Nonetheless, it was good. No! It was fantastic!
Per package, we used 1 lobster tail, 9 clams, 6 mussels, 1/2 ear corn and 8 small potatoes that we left whole. That was plenty per person. Wrapped the articles in cheese cloth, tied it into a package and placed it in sea salted boiling water for 20 minutes. Made some brown butter for dipping and some good wine and had a feast. Here are some photos. Left Click them to see enlarged. Enjoy!

Making the cheese cloth packages.

After cooking and plated.

Earlier this week, we had an awesome Scallops and Peas with Garlic Pasta. Here it is. Easy to do – Sear the sea scallops (the large ones), 4 per person, in butter with a little minced garlic. In the meantime, make about 1/4 pound angel hair pasta until adente. Add frozen peas and cook until peas are soft, if using frozen ones. Add to the seared scallops and mix well. Plate and top with chopped Italian parsley. Eat slowly and enjoy!

Scallops and Peas with Garlic Pasta

And then tonight, we had an awesome Baked Salmon with Green Beans, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Israeli Melon. Simply delicious and quick and simple.

Baked Salmon with Green Beans, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Israeli Melon

Valentines Dinner at Parma Ridge Winery Bistro

12 Monday Feb 2018

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Appetizers, Beef, Bistro, Bistro - Parma Ridge Winery, Buy Idaho, Classic Cuisines, Cream Sauces, Dinner At Parma Ridge Restaurant, Dinner With Robin, Food Photos, Housemade Sauces, Idaho Wine, Idaho's Bounty, Lobster, Mushrooms, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Pork Belly, Risotto, Seafood, Special Dinners, Special Events, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wine Dinner at Parma Ridge, Wine Dinners, Wines - Idaho

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Chef Storm Hodge, pork belly, Sous Chef Megan Hartman

We have been to several 5-Star restaurants in Boise – Richard’s, Chandler’s, Cottonwood Grill, Andrae’s (when it was open) and Bern’s Steak House in Tampa, FL – and the dinner that Chef and Winemaker Storm Hodge and Sous Chef Megan Hartman prepared for us, and 50+ others, last night at the winery, gives any of these restaurants a very serious challenge. This dinner was every bit a 5-Star dinner. It was amazingly delicious. Kudo’s to the Chefs, their kitchen staff and the wait staff! I sincerely urge any of you who are in the area, to visit the Bistro on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday Brunch and have superb meal. (Here is more info at Parma Ridge Winery – Snake River AVA Happenings) Look at what they prepared and we enjoyed! (Left-Click any of the photos to see them enlarged.)

Let’s start with the way the butter, for bread, was presented. Beautiful.

Saffron Risotto
with
Butter Poached Lobster and Chive Oil
Parma Ridge Quattra
(super wine paring)

Fried Gnocchi with Char-Grilled Smoked Pork-Belly
and
Kalamata Gouda Cream
2016 Parma Ridge Issac Storm
(The gnocchi was made in-house and the pork belly was smoked 8 hours in-house! Good wine paring.))

Fillet Au Poivre with Crispy Caramelized Onion Polenta
Cognac Tarragon Mushroom Sauce
and
Lemon Grilled Asparagus
2016 Parma Ridge Big Red
(Chef Storm came up with the sauce. Delicious! Robin had some steak this morning for breakfast with an over easy egg! And yes, the asparagus went with the wine! Superb paring with the wine.)

Tiramisu Trifle with Espresso Rum Caramel
2017 Parma Ridge LaRea Dolce
(Super wine paring – almost a TBA! The tiramisu Chef Storm made from scratch without egg yolks. Amazing!)

Awesome 34th Anniversary

15 Saturday Jul 2017

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Avocado, Beef, Bistro - Parma Ridge Winery, Boise Farmers Market, Breakfast With Robin, Captain's Shack, Celebrations, Chef Storm Hodge, Dinner At Parma Ridge Restaurant, Dinner With Robin, Eggs, Idaho Wine, Local Markets, Parma Ridge Specials, Parma Ridge Winery, Parma Ridge Winery Bistro, Party Time, Shackmade Salsa, What's For Dinner?

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Parma Ridge Bistro, Parma Ridge Winery

Oh my! Such a great weekend. And such a great 34 years with the Apple of My Eye! Thank you Robin for those years. Here is a little bit of how we spent – ate – our way through the anniversary days.

On Friday, July 14th, we went to Parma Ridge Winery and Bistro. And once again, we were not disappointed! This is still a 5-Star bistro! This is their new sign along Hiway 95.

The Love of My Life and 34 wonderful years!

And for dinner, we both had a superb

Prime Rib
Garlic Potatoes
Grilled Asparagus
Storm’s Grilled Bread

And a full flight of wonderful wine. Robin and I both agree that Chef Storm’s Prime Rib is the best in the Boise area. Even better than Chandler’s in Boise. And that is not an easy task to accomplish.

And then, Saturday morning, after coming home from the Boise Farmers Market at 10th and Grove, we were watching Chef Rick Baylis on PBS and he made what looked like a fantastic Huevos con Salsa de Mango y Aquacate. I thought that I could duplicate that. I did. Here it is and all from scratch!

Shackmade Salsa de Mango

Huevos con Salsa de Mango
Aguacate y Carne de Res Rebanada

This is what I made for Robin. Had to use some of her left-over Prime Rib!

Huevos con Salsa de Mango y Aguacate

This is what I made for myself. Really yummy and very easy to do. One could very easily make this for a breakfast party.

So there you have it. Eating our way through our anniversary weekend. And it’s only Saturday!

Wonderful Brunch at Parma Ridge Winery Bistro

22 Monday May 2017

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Asian - Spices, Asian Food, BBQ Chicken, BBQ Sauce, Biscuits and Gravy, Bistro, Bistro - Parma Ridge Winery, Brunch, Brunch at Parma Ridge Winery, Brunch with Friends, Brunch with Robin, Chef Storm Hodge, Coconut Rice, Comfort Food, Dinner At Parma Ridge Restaurant, Dinner With Friends, Dinner With Robin, Dinner With The Winemaker, Green Salad, Korean BBQ, Photos By: Bob Young, Photos By: Parma Ridge Winery, Pizza, Sausage, Shrimp, Snake River AVA, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wines - Idaho

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BBQ, bistro, Parma Ridge

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.

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.

Korean Barbeque Chicken Skewers
with
Coconut Lime Rice and a Korean Barbeque Sauce

Grilled Flat-Bread
with
Italian Sausage, Pepperoni and Mushroom with Homemade Red Sauce

Parma Ridge Pear Salad
Mixed greens with apple cider vinaigrette, Bleu Cheese and Poached Pear with Grilled Bread

Parma Ridge Cream of Mushroom Soup

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

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.

Love this photo by Stephanie Hodge! So dramatic!

3 Restaurant Visits

03 Friday Mar 2017

Posted by Bob and Robin in 3-Stars, 5-Stars, Alejandra's Mexican Restaurant, Appetizers, Asian - Sakana Sushi and Sashimi, Asian Food, Boise Restaurants, Classic Sauces, Cooking Styles, Dinner at Sakana Sushi, Dinner With Robin, Enchiladas, Food Photos, Hollandaise Sauce, Omelet, Photos By: Bob Young, What's For Dinner?

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Sakana Sushi and Sashimi

Well, 2 out of 3 isn’t bad. Le Peep in Meridian, ID, at 3036 North Eagle Road, Meridian, ID, 208-629-0155, is a 3-Star restaurant out of 5-Stars. On the other hand, Alejandro’s Mexican Restaurant in Marsing, ID at 208 Main St, (208) 896-5339 and Sakana Sushi, 7107 W. State St., Garden City, ID 83714, (208)-853-4993, Mon.-Thur.: 11:00am – 10:00pm, Fri.-Sat.: 11:00am-11:00pm and Sun.: 12:00pm – 9:00pm are both 5-Star restaurants. I urge you to look at these links and visit the restaurants and make up your own mind.

Le Peep reception desk.

Le Peeps dining area. Very open and may be loud and noisy if full.

Le Peep dining area. Very open and may be loud and noisy if full.

Lobster Omelet. It’s the sauce that cuts this dish down.

Spinach Crepes. There’s that “sauce” again. Plus the potatoes were cold.

Le Peeps problem is in their Hollandaise Sauce. It is advertised as Hollandaise, but it is far from it. Not bad flavors, just not Hollandaise and an unexpected taste. Plus, the potatoes were cold as noted in the caption above. Just can not give Le Peep a higher rating. Two of the better restaurants we went to were –

Alejandro’s Mexican Restaurant menu. #23 is superb!! (See the link above)

#23 Camerones al Estilo Provincia were superb. Great flavor. Sorry I didn’t get a photo of Robin’s 1 Chile Relleno and 1 enchilada

#23 Camerones al Estilo Provincia

Sakana sign on W State Street, Boise.

Cucumber and Calamari Appetizer

House Green Salad and Miso Soup

Robin had a Sashimi Delux

I had a Sushi and Sashimi Plate.

We watched as they made a Pink Lady for someone.

We also watched them make a Candy Cane. Someone had some beautiful and great food.

3 Horse Ranch Vineyards Wine Dinner at Bella Aquila

01 Wednesday Feb 2017

Posted by Bob and Robin in 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards, 5-Stars, Appetizers, Arugula, Asparagus, BBQ Beef, Bella Aquila, Carrots, Chocolate, Dinner With Robin, Dinner With The Winemaker, Eagle Hills AVA, Food Photos, Green Salad, Local Harvests, Photos By: Bob Young, Salmon, Special Dinners, What's For Dinner?, Wine Dinners, Wines - Idaho

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Bella Aquila Restaurante in Eagle, ID sponsored the 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards wine dinner. A full 6 course dinner was served with as many 3 Horse Vineyards wines. The participation was superb and the crowd enjoyed themselves. It was good to see the Cunninghams again – it has been a while. They are the owners of the winery. Also they have added Brandon St-Martin to their staff as the winery manager. Just look at this menu. (You can Left-Click any of these photos to see them enlarged.)

Gary Cunningham, owner of 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards, talks to the crowd.

Brandon St-Martin, Manager

The menu. Look what you missed!

Passed Appetizers.

Arugula Leaf Salad tossed with White Pear Vinaigrette, Fresh Pear, Polenta Croutons and Truffle Cheddar Cheese

Baked Idaho Trout with a Strawberry Beurre Rouge, Roasted Almond Rice Pilaf and Asparagus

Braised Leg of Lamb servedx over Creamy Risotto

Braised Leg of Lamb served over Creamy Risotto

Pepper Crusted Smoked Flat Iron Steak, Bourbon Glaze, Twice Baked Fingerling Potato and Baby Carrot

Chocolate Lava Cake with Raspberry Coulis

The Chefs are congratulated on a meal well done! Bella Aquila Manager is in the background.

Very good 2014 Vivacious™ wine.

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.

Congratulations on 35 Years of Bliss

23 Tuesday Aug 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Anniversary, Appetizers, Boise Area Food Adventures, Buy Idaho, Capitol Cellars, Celebrations, Classic Cuisines, Dinner at Capitol Cellars, Dinner With Robin, Fennel, Feta Cheese, Food Photos, Heirloom Beets, Idaho Lamb, Idaho Vegetables, Lamb, Photos By: Bob Young, Ravenswood Cabernet Sauvignon, Scallops, Sea Scallops, Seafood, Shell Fish, Shrimp, Special Dinners, Special Events, What's For Dinner?

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Yes, congratulations to Skip and Melinda Smyser for 35 years of marital bliss! A great party at their restaurant in Boise, Capitol Cellars – a 5-Star establishment! (There is a permanent link to their restaurant in the sidebar.) Great party with some 30 year old wines that have aged well, just like the marriage. An interesting point – Skip Smyser was an Idaho State Senator for several years and many of the dishes served are of political slant. Check their menu on the site for some names. “Featuring Prime Rib six nights a week, our dinner menu is all about Idaho cuisine. You’ll be sure to find that almost every product is sourced locally.”

The Smyser Family

Beautiful celeebration cake! And delicious.

Beautiful celebration cake! And delicious.

35 year old Beringer!

Decanting a 35 year old Beringer.

A good 30 year old Ravenswood that we shared.

A good 36 year old Ravenswood that we shared.

Superb Champagne, and I don’t like Champagne, but this was awesome.

Cantaloupe
with
Raspberry Balsamic Reduction and Lime Oil

Bethane's Beet Salad with Blood Orange vinaigrette and Feta Cheese

Bethine’s Beet Salad
with
roasted beets, shaved fennel, arugula, candied walnuts, blood orange vinaigrette and local feta

Bethine’s Heirloom Beet Salad

Named after the wife of Idaho Senator Frank Church.

Rack of Lamb

Seafood Risotto

Sakana Boise Revisited

06 Saturday Aug 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Ahi Tuna, Alaskan Salmon, Avocado, Classic Cuisines, Cooking Styles, Dicon Radish, Dinner at Sakana Sushi, Dinner With Family, Dinner With Robin, Food Prep, Fruit, Photos By: Bob Young, Pickled Ginger, Salad, Salmon, Seafood, Special Dinners, Sushi, Things To Do, Tuna, Vegetables, Wasabi, What's For Dinner?

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Sakana Sushi Boise, sashimi, sushi

Second time we have been here, not counting take-out, and we are still very happy with the food, the Sushi Chefs and the Waite Staff. Definitely 5-Stars for Boise. Superb.They are located at 7107 W State Street (at Glenwood). (208) 853-4993. Look for their webpage at Sakana Sushi Boise. They also have an Extensive Menu, which might be wise to look at before going, to see what they have to offer. Thanks Marnie for joining us!
From their website, “In far Eastern countries, such as China, Japan and Korea, fish have always been used to symbolize for harmony, wealth and the freedom to live as one wishes.
Over here, it is known that healthy eating and the art of the oriental cuisine have been extended to the fullest. Our restaurant, Sakana, is using the finest raw material, as well as an exquisite way of cooking. Please experience the essence of a mysterious world of oriental food while you are enjoying your time here at Sakana. It will bring you a great amount of surprise and happiness.” Here is what we had. Enjoy!