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?

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

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

Happy Hour at Parma Ridge Winery and Restaurant

23 Saturday Jul 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Beef, Bistro - Parma Ridge Winery, Boise Adventures, Boise Area Food Adventures, Buy Idaho, Chardonnay, Chef Storm Hodge, Chicken, Comfort Food, Dinner At Parma Ridge Restaurant, Dinner With Friends, Dinner With Robin, Dinner With The Winemaker, Green Salad, Idaho Chefs, Idaho Chicken, Idaho Greens, Idaho Wine, Locavore, Parma Ridge Specials, Parma Ridge Winery Bistro, Photos By: Bob Young, Restaurants, Restaurants To Try, Rib-Eye, Salmon, Snake River AVA, Special Dinners, Special Information, What's For Dinner?

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Parma Ridge Restaurant, Parma Ridge Winery

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 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?

≈ 1 Comment

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

Clearwater Canyon Cellars Wine Dinner at Richard’s Vicino’s

10 Friday Jun 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in Boise Farmers Market, Boise Food Adventures, Boise Restaurants, Brocolli, Caviar, Chef Richard Langston, Clearwater Canyon Cellars, Dinner With Friends, Dinner With Robin, Idaho Chefs, Idaho Greens, Idaho Lamb, Idaho Polenta Floriani, Idaho Pork, Idaho Sturgeon, Idaho Vegetables, Idaho Wine, Local Farmers Markets, Local Markets, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, What's For Dinner?

≈ 1 Comment

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

Smoked Idaho Sturgeon
lemon gastrique, Idaho caviar cream

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 Brocolli 2014 Petit Sirahm Columbia Valley

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.

Washington state AVA’s

Breakfast at St Lukes!

27 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Dinner With Friends, Dinner With Robin, Eggs, Photos By: Bob Young, Photos By: Robin Young, St Lukes, What's For Dinner?

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

hospital, St Lukes

Well, I could have said, “Breakfast At Tiffanies”,but this is more fun; or so they say. The photo here is from my room at St Lukes Regional Medical Center here in Boise, while I had my OHS. The RN’s all called it the Taj Mahal – the original is in Agra, India – of Boise – one of the better rooms. And while I’m on the subject, let me say this about that. (I’ve heard that before!) My surgical team was superb – there were at least 4 of them. It was awesome. Everyone helped me through the rough spots; the psychological anxiety. I would not hesitate to recommend the surgical staff to anyone who might need heart surgery.
But there is another side of this “coin”. I am very happily married to an RN. So I pretty much know how they react to a given medical situation. The 15 or so RN’s that attended me while I was hospitalized, were outstanding! They were/are the personification for Florence Nightingale. They are Angels of Mercy. And if a stay of this type can be fun, these folks made it so. I just have so much admiration and respect for what they do and how they carry their duties out. Are these the most perfect and awesome Registered Nurses in Boise? I only know these RN’s so my answer is Yes. A heartfelt thanks to all of you!

Sir Koffs-A-Lot

Hold the bear close to your chest if you must cough. It helps to alleviate the pain. (I didn’t call it a Teddy Bear, Barbara RN)

Ready to check out and go home.

Fresh Fruit
Turkey Meatloaf
Carrots and Corn

And it was not bad. Rather good. Not Vincinos, but good! For breakfast I usually had a Sausage and Onion Omelet with fresh fruit and OJ.

Richards Cafe Vicino Brunch

Oh yes. I had surgery on the 19th, went home on Jan 23 and had a birthday brunch to go to on Jan 24. It was delicious! Yes. That’s lox!

Other goodies for brunch!

Brunch plated.

Indian Creek Winery Owners Bill and Mui Stowe

Roast Pork
Spinach and Tomato Salad
Oven Baked Escalloped Potatoes

Marnie and Mac made this for us. Robin had dental surgery.

Brandy Poached Pears on Custard Pie

Marnie and Mac made this, too! I want the recipe for this and the pork above!

Robin making Blueberry Crepes!

Chicken Oveb Roasted Escalloped Potatoes Green Beans and Carrots

Chicken
Oven Roasted Escalloped Potatoes
Green Beans and Carrots

Happy 2016 Everyone!

01 Friday Jan 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in Bearnaise Sauce, Boise Farmers Market, Captain's Shack, Classic Cuisines, Classic Sauces, Dinner With Robin, Green Salad, Herbs, Idaho Eggs, Idaho Greens, Idaho Lamb, Idaho Wine, Idaho's Bounty, Lamb, Local Farmers Markets, Local Harvests, Meadowlark Farms, Photos By: Bob Young, Pinot Noir, Salads, Snake River AVA, Special Dinners, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wines - Idaho

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Grand Marnier, lamb, New Year Dinner

And to say Good-Bye to 2015 and Hello 2016, how about a nice dinner consisting of Felzien Lamb Chops with Bearnaise Sauce, Poached Green Beans and a Spinach Salad with Micro Greens, Carrots and Tomatoes that was topped with a wonderful Champagne Pear Vinaigrette. And the perfect – and it was perfect – match of wine with dinner – 1997 Indian Creek Winery Pinot Noir. It paired better than some new 2013 Ravenswood Winery Old Vine Zinfandel. Now that’s saying something! And it has been said that Idaho can not make a good wine. Think again! Then for dessert, wonderful sliced Fresh Strawberries with Grand Marnier Whipped Cream (Sorry for the poor photo of the dessert). And the very perfect dinner partner, the love of my life, Robin! Love to make these dinners for her. Here’s to another great year, Honey! Cheers!

Braised Felzien Lamb Chops Poached Green Beans SApinach Salad with tomatoes, micro greens and carrots Champagne Pear Dressing

Braised Felzien Lamb Chops
Poached Green Beans
Spinach Salad
with
tomatoes, micro greens and carrots
Champagne Pear Dressing
1997 Indian Creek Winery Pinot Noir

1997 Indian Creek Winery Pinot Noir

Fresh Strawberries
with
Grand Marnier Whipped Cream

Happy New Year Everyone!
and
Thanks to the 86067 people Who We Reach Through Our Blog!

Fine Steaks at Ruth’s Chris in Boise

20 Friday Nov 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Boise Adventures, Caesar Salad, Chicken, Creamed Spinach, Dinner at Ruth's Chris, Dinner With Robin, Food Photos, Greens, Idaho Chicken, Idaho Potatoes, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Potatoes, Restaurant Reviews, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Salad, Spinach, What's For Dinner?, Wines - French

≈ Leave a comment

#RuthsChris
Ah yes! Once again a really good steak dinner at Ruth’s Chris. Good chicken also. Good service. Polite service. Great food. One of the better restaurants in Boise that ranks a definite 5-Star rating. Kids are welcome, but you also need deep pockets. Happy Hour from 4 – 6 with specials at that time only. Here are some photos of our visit and hopefully you will get an idea of the superb food. Cheers. Here is a link to Ruth’s Chris Steak House, their Menu and their Happy Hour Menu.

Robin is checking the extensive wine selection.

The wine we had with our dinner. Went very well with everything we had.

Caesar Salad
fresh crisp romaine tossed with romano cheese and a creamy Caesar dressing. shaved parmesan cheese and black pepper

Ruth's Chris is known for their steaks and here is why. Robin had this. Too big. Brought some home.

Filet
the most tender cut of corn-fed Midwestern beef

Ruth’s Chris is known for their steaks and here is why. Robin had this. Large servings. Brought some home.

Stuffed Chicken Breast
oven roasted free-range double chicken breast stuffed with garlic herb cheese and served with lemon butter

I had the chicken. Again, large serving. Brought some home.

Creamed Spinach

Good side dish served family style. Delicious.

Au Gratin Potatoes

was really good, too.

Chocolate Sin Cake

There’s a reason they call this Chocolate Sin Cake!

A Good Night at the Boise Fry Company

18 Wednesday Nov 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, Beef, Beer and Ale, Beer and Food, Boise Adventures, Boise Restaurants, Burger and Brew, Comfort Food, Cooking Styles, Dinner With Robin, Idaho Beef, Idaho Breweries, Idaho Buffalo, Idaho Potatoes, Idaho Wine, Idaho's Bounty, Photos By: Bob Young, Potatoes, Restaurant Reviews, What's For Dinner?

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Boise Fry Co, buffalo burgers, vegan burgers

The really are a lot – many, many, many – places to get some burgers and fries – didn’t Charlie Pride sing a song about that? – in Boise, but the Boise Fry Company – Burgers On The Side is by far one of the better places. Fries from russets, golds, lauras, yams, sweet, purple, Okinawa potatoes and Brussels sprouts. And the side burgers from beef, bison (the best ones!) and vegan. Craft beer, local wines and house made sodas are also in the offering. And the kids are welcome, too! The one we went to is on 204 North Capitol Blvd (where Cafe de Paris used to be). (208) 949-7523. Easily a 4-Star eatery. Here are some photos from our visit.

A spacious dining area. Tables and chair or couches.

A spacious dining area. Tables and chairs or couches.

The ordering area and more seating.

Artwork on the wall.

A wide variety of fry dips and salts are available. Help yourself.

Buffalo Burger with Classic Topping (garlic aioli, spring mix, red onion, pickles, tomato) Russet Fries for Two

Bison Burger with Classic Topping
bacon plus garlic aioli, spring mix, red onion, pickles, tomato
Russet Fries for Two
IPA for Two

Pictured are three fry toppings: Blueberry, House Made Fry Sauce and Garlic Sauce. We liked the Blueberry the best but all were good.

It was a good night!

It is interesting to see that they use all “… natural, local and whenever possible, organic products.” The prep work for making their fries takes up to 5 steps and they are then fried in GMO free sunflower oil, which is then recycled to be used in cars. The bison is “… local, natural, grass-fed … We use free-range, grass-fed beef.” Depending on what you are looking for, this might just be the burger and fry place for you. We’ll go back.

Sunday Dinner

15 Sunday Nov 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in Beef, Brocolli, Butternut Squash, Buy Idaho, Captain's Shack, Dinner For Robin, Dinner With Robin, Idaho Beef, Idaho Polenta Floriani, Local Markets, Photos By: Bob Young, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wines - French

≈ 1 Comment

And a good Sunday dinner! Not the standard chicken, mashed potatoes and peas. This time beef, corn and vegetables. And a good 2012 Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal. It was a good one. The polenta was an Idaho product and so was the beef.

Idaho Polenta Spinach and Butternut Squash Casserole T-Bone Steak with Sauteed Mushrooms and Red Wine Reduction with Shallots

Idaho Creamy Polenta

Spinach and Butternut Squash Casserole

T-Bone Steak
with
sauteed mushrooms, red wine reduction with shallots

2012 Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal Pauillac

Great Night at Richard’s Cafe Vicino in Boise

04 Wednesday Nov 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Appetizers, Boise Farmers Market, Boise Food Adventures, Boise Restaurants, Buffalo, Buy Idaho, Chef Richard Langston, Cinder Wines, Classic Cuisines, Dinner With Robin, Dinner With The Winemaker, Duck, Gumbo, Healthy Eating, Idaho Chefs, Idaho Greens, Idaho Wine, Idaho's Bounty, Local Farmers Markets, Local Harvests, Local Markets, New Orleans Food, Oysters, Photos By: Bob Young, Restaurant Reviews, Restaurants To Try, Seafood, Shrimp, Special Dinners, Special Events, Squash, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners, Wines - Idaho

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

buffalo, Chef Richard Langston

Actually, this restaurant used to be Cafe Vicino’s. Now it is known as Richard’s Cafe Vicino, owned and operated by Chef Richard Langston. It is a superb place to go. Every bit a 5-Star restaurant. Great date night or special occasion restaurant. The food and the service is superb. We were there for the South by Southwest Wine Dinner, featuring wines from Cinder Winery. Winemaker Melanie Krause and Joe Schnerr were both there to describe and talk about the wines. Here is what we had. Enjoy! We did. Left-Click any of these photos to see them enlarged.