August At “The Buzz”

09 Saturday Aug 2014

Posted by Bob and Robin in Appetizers, Beer and Food, Dinner With Robin, Healthy Eating, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Special Dinners, Special Events, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine Dinners

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Buzz Coffee & Wine Events, the Buzz, The Buzz Coffee and Wine, Wine Dinners

I just received this from Cristi at The Buzz in Boise. It looks like an exciting month. Hope to see you there. We have our beer mugs there, do you have yours? For when you come in to have a nice mug after work? Tommy will keep yours on display if you bring him one. These monthly wine dinners are one of the best wine dinner buys in Boise. 5 course meal and at least 5 wines, and sometimes more. If you are missing these, you really should try to make one. Just call for reservations. Hope to see you there, Joe Dewey! Cheers!

August at The Buzz

Hope that everyone is enjoying the last little bit of summer, we will be glad when it does cool down a little bit. We have some fun events coming up. Our music schedule is 15th Larry Clark, 22 Nancy Kelly. On August 16th we will be hosting our Classical Jam night starting around 5 PM, Come listen or join in and play with members of the chamber orchestra.

Our Wine Dinners this month are August 12th and 13th at 6:30PM, cost is $20 per person for a 5 course meal and wine with each course. We will be enjoying courses from all over the world. To make reservations please call (208) 344-4321 or email at buzzwine@cableone.net. Watch for information about our monopoly game coming in September.

Don’t forget we have opened our growler fill station and now have kombucha growlers as well. Come and check them out.

Enjoy the last few days of summer and we hope to see you soon,

Cristi and Tom Takeda

Cafe Vicino – Italian Night

31 Thursday Jul 2014

Posted by Bob and Robin in Antipasto, Appetizers, Dinner With Friends, Idaho Chefs, Italian Food, Local Farmers Markets, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Restaurant Reviews, Salad, Seafood, What's For Dinner?, Wild Game, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners, Wines - Italian, Wines - Tuscan

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cafe vicino, Chef Richard Langston, Italian food, italian wine, wild boar

Wow! Such a great evening having some outstanding wines and an outstanding dinner prepared by Chef Richard Langston, a James Beard Award Nominee! A total of 7 courses and 7 wines. This superb restaurant is located at 808 W Fort St, Boise, ID 83702, (208) 472-1463. It might be a good idea to call for reservations. We had a Dover Sole dish that was absolutely wonderful. So I asked the question, “What is the difference between Dover Sole and Flounder?” The answer is here from Chef Richard and from E-How.

Sole and flounder are both types of flatfish, and because the texture is similar, they are considered interchangeable in recipes. However, they are two separate species with slightly different looks and tastes.
Species
Sole is a type of flatfish. Dover sole, the most common type, is a member of the Soleidae family. Flounder is also a type of flatfish categorized under Heterosomata.
Features
Both fish are flat, with both eyes on one side of their face so they can hide on the ocean floor and watch for prey. While both are oval in shape, flounder is more rounded.

Here is what we had and the wines that went with each course. Thanks to Cafe Vicino for such a great evening and to Chef Richard and his Staff for great service. It was good to see “old” friends again. Enjoy these photos! Left-Click any of the photos to see them enlarged.

This is what we had to eat and drink over the next 4 1/2 hours!

Robin getting ready to sample some superb wines from Italy.

James Beard Award Nominee and super Chef, Chef Richard Langston, our Host.

Chris Zimmerman, the Wine Host and great Commentator.

The opener –

Frico
(parmesan crisps)
served with
Bisol Jeip Prosecco

Salumi e Focaccia sliced prosciutto, mortadella, spec, soppressata, rosemary-sea slat focaccia

Salumi e Focaccia
sliced prosciutto, mortadella, spec, soppressata, rosemary-sea salt focaccia

Pederzana Lambrusco
served with the plate above.

Fruity and bone dry. Goes great and calls out for salami.

Sfogl in Saor sole in sweet and sour sauce

Sfogli in Saor
sole in sweet and sour sauce

Suavia Soave Classico
The wine served with the sole.

In Italy, no wine is served without food. These vines are located 1000 feet above sea level in volcanic soils; oyster shell. We asked for a little parmesan and this seemed to help the wine. This will go great with asparagus.

Insalata Mista
local greens, tomatoes, carrots in a vinaigrette Raisins and onions
Very good salad.

Bruni Plinio Vermentino
A good Tuscan from the west central coast. Went very well with vinegar in the salad.

Quaglia e Risotto all’Amarone
stuffed quail, Amarone riotto
This was superb! The risotto was cooked in red wine.

Le Salette Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
Went superbly with the quail and risotto. From Verona, “Valley of many Cellars”. Superb, full bodied red wine at 15% alcohol.

Cinghiale Arrosto Con Rosmarino e Ginepro
wild boar with rosemary and juniper, currant sauce, zucchini
Great pairing with the Montalcino wine.

Fossacolle Rosso di Montalcino
Great paring with the boar. Great Tuscan wine. Produced on 6 acres and 1000 bottles a year. We bought a bottle. (We’ll worry about our meds next month!)

Bonet alla Piemontese
chocolate-coffee Amaretti terrine, fresh local strawberries
The best I can say about this is, “Is there any more? I want more!”

Marenco Scrapona Moscato d’Asti
From the Piedmont region. This is described as “A rainbow in your mouth.” Yes, it is well worth getting some. We did.

Such a grand night! Such a grand meal and wines. If you are in Boise, be sure to try this superb restaurant. One of the better ones in Boise and deserves the 5-Star rating I gave it. Superb! It would give the now defunct Andrae’s a run for their money. Cheers!

Zucchini Pancakes and Eggplant Pizza For Dinner

28 Monday Jul 2014

Posted by Bob and Robin in Basil, Boise Farmers Market, Buy Idaho, Captain's Shack, Dinner With Robin, Eggplant, Italian Food, Local Farmers Markets, Local Markets, Main Dish, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Pizza, Purple Sage Farms, Recipe By: Robin Young, Recipes, Rice Family Farms, Special Dinners, Vegetables, Vegetarian Foods, What's For Dinner?, Zebra Tomatoes, Zucchini

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Burrata, eggplant, Eggplant Pizza, feta, limoncello, Roma tomatoes, Zucchini Pancakes

Wow! This was really a great change and it was Good! Take a look.

Eggplant Pizza
Zucchini Pancakes
Sliced Garden Fresh Green Zebra Tomatoes
Housemade Limoncello

Here is the recipe for the Zucchini Pancakes. Another tasty way to use up all of those zucchini you either have now or will shortly. They could make a great party appetizer/finger food treat if you eat them cold with a dipping sauce. Then there is the Eggplant Pizza. Here is a recipe that is close, Eggplant Pizza, but we altered it. Instead of using a tomato sauce, we used fresh sliced Roma tomatoes. And for the cheese we used Burrata and some Feta. I sauteed the eggplant on one side, turned it and placed the tomato slice(s) on the eggplant, then the cheese and fresh basil. When the eggplant was browned, I placed a lid on the pan and let the cheese melt. These were really yummy!

The zucchini, eggplant, onions and Roma tomatoes all came from the Boise Farmers Market. The basil and the green Zebra tomato came from our garden. Cheers!

The “Buzz” Remodel and Italian Wine Night

09 Wednesday Jul 2014

Posted by Bob and Robin in Dinner With Friends, Herbs and Spices, Italian foods, Party Time, Pasta, Photos By: Bob Young, Remodel, Special Beers, Special Dinners, Special Events, Special Information, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine Dinners, Wines - Italian

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Buzz remodel, growler, Italian food

Yes! Yea! Hallelujah! (Cristi looks like she is ready for the completion!) The remodel at The Buzz is complete and it looks awesome! New floors! New seating arrangement! New wine area! And a brand new Growler station! Bring your growler ….. Fill it up! Bring in your favorite stein or mug and Tommy will keep it for you on a display shelf for your use when you come in. Novel idea for this area.
But before we look at the new Buzz through the camera lens, lets look at the July Wine Club, Italian Wines. These wine dinners are a full 5 course dinner and 5 or 6 wines. All for $20 a plate! Look at what you get for that, not counting of course, the awesome friends and company. Left-Click any of these photos to see them enlarged. Cheers!

The announcement!

Mushroom Parmesan Risotto Cakes ( I really enjoyed these, but a light sauce may have been a great addition.) 2010 Mandarossa Fiano 13.5% alc. good match with the cakes, but not my favorite for the evening. $12 [14]

Mushroom Parmesan Risotto Cakes
(I really enjoyed these, but a light sauce may have been a great addition.
2010 Mandrarossa Fiano
13.5% alc. good match with the cakes, but not my favorite for the evening. $12 [14]

Piedmont Autumn Soup (Super good!) 2011 Piemonte Barera 13.5% alc. general appeal was good. a strong Barbera. $15 [15]

Piedmont Autumn Soup
(Super good! A little dab of fresh pesto in the soup would be good.)
2011 Piemonte Barbera
13.5% alc. general appeal was good. a strong Barbera. $15 [15]

Abruzzo Salad
2011 Niro Pecorino
13% alc. good match with is delightful and refreshing salad. $19 [17]

Agnolotti Piemontesi Allo Stufato 2011 Badiola Toscana 13% alc. a wonderful paring with this entree. $18 [19]

Agnolotti Piemontesi Allo Stufato
2011 Badiola Toscana
13% alc. a wonderful paring with this entree. a super Cab and Sangiovese blend $18 [19]

Pistachio Chocolate Cannoli
2012 Mandrarossa Nero D’avola
13.5% alc. super good Tuscan wine. loved it. can’t get a better score. $12 [20]

Ed and Mary enjoying the new look at The Buzz.

Now look at the New Buzz! Great atmosphere. Love the new look.

The new sign on the building by the entrance. There is also a very bright red and green sign on State Street.

The beer steins we have on “The Shelf”.

One of the beers on tap and ready for your growler or steim.

One of the beers on tap and ready for your growler or stein.

The new Growler Fill Station and location of the wines. Just inside the State Street door and to the right.

The new look just inside the State Street door. Wide open spaces! Great shiny floor. Bright and colorful. You did a great job, Cristi and Tommy. And I know Austin and Bailey helped.

Boise AirBNB

16 Monday Jun 2014

Posted by Bob and Robin in Dinner With Family, Marnie BNB, Party Time, Photo By: MJ Shaner, Special Events, Special Information, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Whats For Breakfast?, Whats For Lunch?

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AirBnb, bnb, Boise, boise area, Boise bnb

Are we proud? Yes you bet! Our Daughter Marnie and her husband Mac have turned their downtown home into a BNB. Well kind-of. Yes, you can expect everything that you get in a BNB, but not a prepared meal. You make your own meals in this BNB. The AIRBNB, and many more nationwide, have a new trend – You rent the entire home for a short period of time and you have all the conveniences of being at home. You can make your own meals. Do laundry. Have a quiet evening “at home”.
Enjoy beautiful Boise. Generally cheaper than a hotel, where you must purchase every meal. Check the link for more detailed information Marnie and Mac’s AirBNB. And after looking at the photos, make a reservation. The house has been completely remodeled inside and out. Completely fenced in yard. Enjoy!

Recently remodelled interior. (They jut got it done on June 14, 2014.

Recently remodelled interior. (They just got it done on June 14, 2014.

Close to downtown Boise; The Greenbelt where you can ride your bikes or just walk; Awesome restaurants or all cuisines. Boise Farmers Market for fresh local produce. Close to brew pubs and local breweries. Close to Idaho wineries.

Grilled Foods and Wine

11 Wednesday Jun 2014

Posted by Bob and Robin in Beef, Chicken, Dinner With Friends, Dinner With Robin, Grilled Vegetables, Grillin' and Chillin', Grilling, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Restaurants, Salad, Sliders, Special Dinners, Vegetables, What's For Dinner?, Wine Dinners

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grilling, the Buzz, The Buzz Coffee and Wine, wine dinner

Another interesting night and wine dinner at the Buzz in Boise. And just in time for the summer season – Grilled foods and selecting the right wine to go with the food. Cristi also let everyone know that they are putting a a beer tap system for local beers and she wants our suggestions. My suggestion is (1) Cloud 9 Nano Brewery in the Albertson’s Shopping Center on State Street and (2) 10 Barrel Brewery in downtown Boise. Here are some photos from tonight’s dinner and my wine ratings. A perfect score is [20]. Enjoy and Cheers!

Peggy is grilling skewers for dinner.

Wines prior to dinner. I did not particularly like the white one [11] and the red was just a little better [12]. I have had much better wines from both these wineries.

The best wine of the night was this one. I scored it a perfect [20]. Full bodied and went extremely well with the beef and chicken skewers and the corn on the cob. 2011 If You See Kay

Pulled Pork Sliders 2010 Renwood Clarion a blend of Syrah and Zin [17]

Pulled Pork Sliders
2010 Renwood Clarion
a blend of Syrah and Zin [19]

Peggy made the sauce for these and it was good. Almost a Carolina style with a hint of vinegar.

Grilled Romaine Salad
2012 Basal Cellars Estate Semillion [17]

Roasted Vegetable Soup
2009 MontGras Antu Ninquen Syrah [18]

This wine went very well with the soup. A good paring.

Chicken and Beef Skewers with Corn On-The-Cob 2011 If You See Kay [20]

Chicken and Beef Skewers with Corn On-The-Cob
2011 If You See Kay Blend [20]

A superb wine offering tonight and a great paring with the skewers and corn.

S’mores Cake
NV Fratelli Casa Rosa [18]

June at the Buzz

06 Friday Jun 2014

Posted by Bob and Robin in Bistro, Comfort Food, Dinner With Friends, Party Time, Special Dinners, Special Events, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine Dinners

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the Buzz, The Buzz Coffee and Wine, Wine, Wine Dinners

This month at the Buzz really sounds interesting.This is probably the best and most affordable complete 5 course dinner and 5 or 6 wines that you will find in Boise. Just a mere $20 per person! But do make reservations – (208) 344-4321. Here is the latest from Cristi.

Just a quick reminder of some of the fun at the Buzz this June. We continue with live music and wine tasting on Friday Nights. This month featured artists will be:

6/6 Pat Foulkner
6/13 Carter Freeman
6/20 Wayne White
6/27 Johnny Shoes

Starting 6/13 we will have some wines to go along with the world cup events.
Our wine club this month is 6/10 and 6/11. We will be talking about cooking outside. Make your reservations, buzzwine@cableone.net or (208) 344-4321. It will be a fun event. The cost is only $20 a person including food and wine.

Keep on the lookout for updates about some new things coming to the Buzz. Hope to see everyone soon.

Sincerely,
Cristi and Tom Takeda
Buzz Coffee and Wine

Really ….. I do think you will enjoy this. Bring your friends and have a relaxing, fun and educational evening. Learn about wine. Learn about the paring of wine and food. And this month, learn about what wine to serve over the hot summer months. Cheers and hope to see you there. Here is a little information about the Buzz from their website.

Buzz Coffee and Cafe has been owned and operated by Cristi and Tom Takeda since 2007 and is one the finest coffee houses and wine bars in the Treasure Valley. Buzz prides itself on presenting a “family friendly” atmosphere for all it’s patrons and is always happy to adjust to the needs of whoever walks thru the door. Our menu features great breakfast items to start your day along with the finest coffee and beverage choices. Lunch or dinner is always available, or a quick snack after visiting the Idaho Athletic Club right next door. Almost all our food is made to order when you order it, so changes are not a problem. Great sandwiches and wraps as well as very tasty healthy salads are all on the menu, and if you don’t see something just ask and we can try and make something to your liking.

Buzz uses Full Circle Exchange coffee roasted locally in Eagle.

In the mood for a glass of fine wine or a beer after work or workout? Cristi holds her level I Sommelier certification and is always on the lookout for new and exciting wines to stock the shelves with. She has personally selected all the wines on our shelves and is always ready and willing to answer any questions one may have about wines. Need to find a great wine to go with your dinner or just to drink? Cristi can help you pair a great wine to whatever you may be fixing for dinner, or help you find the perfect wine to just relax and enjoy with friends. Her schedule can be a bit varied and you may not always catch her here at Buzz, but Tom can always help out as well. Be assured that no matter who is here to help you, Cristi has tasted all of the wines we stock and as she likes to say, “All the wines we carry are wines I would share with friends.”

Here at Buzz we want everyone to feel as comfortable and relaxed as they would in their own living room. Music is always kept to a comfortable level so you almost don’t even notice that its playing. Our big screen TV is most often set to a 24 hour news channel, but for special events such as BSU football game we always try to watch our Broncos as they march up and down the gridiron. If asked, we will always turn the TV off to make your stay more enjoyable.

Memorial Day/Graduation Celebration

27 Tuesday May 2014

Posted by Bob and Robin in Beef, Beer and Food, Blueberries, Bradley Smoker, Cakes, Captain's Shack, Celebrations, Comfort Food, Cookies, Corn, Dessert, Dinner At Marnies, Dinner With Family, Fruit, Grillin' and Chillin', Holiday Gatherings, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Pork, Recipe by: Robin and Bob Young, Recipes, Slow Cooking, Smoking and Grilling, Special Dinners, Special Events, What's For Dinner?

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Bradley smoker, grilling, recipes, smoker

Such a great party to celebrate Memorial Day and Sophia graduating from Boise High School. Congratulations Sophia!!And absolutely great food from everyone – Mac for the hamburgers, Marnie for the strawberry cake, Chris and Madison brought the cookie pictured here and Robin’s awesome Tuscan Orange Cake and Blueberry Pie. Super great eats, everyone. And it was good that Mac’s Mom and Dad, Linda and Jim, drove all the way from Virginia to be at the party. Enjoy these photos! Cheers.

Sophia graduates! Congratulations and hugs Sophia.

Cricket is thinking, “Which way do I go?”

Eat dessert first, life is too short!!

Chris and Madison look at that awesome cookie!

Robin made this Tuscan Orange Cake and made these decorations. Great job, Honey!

Robin made this Tuscan Orange Cake and the decorations, too. Great job, Honey! Here is the recipe for the Tuscan Orange Cake (Schiacciata Alla Florentina).

Robin also made this Blueberry Pie. I do like blueberries!

Marnie made the Strawberry Cake. This was really good.

Now that dessert is over, we can eat the main meal. Yummers!

Robin and I made these Baked Beans totally from scratch. The Lyle’s Black Treacle is a Scottish addition.

Great corn, Marnie, for this early in the season. Did not need and salt, pepper or butter.

And the ribs just coming out of the smoker. Top Two Shelves - Memphis Rub. Middle Shelf - Casey's Hot Sop and the bottom shelf, Regular rub or garlic, onion and salt and pepper.

And the pork ribs just coming out of the smoker. Top Two Shelves – Memphis Rub. Middle Shelf – Casey’s Hot Sop and the Bottom Two Shelves, Regular rub – garlic, onion and salt and pepper.

May Events at The Buzz

07 Wednesday May 2014

Posted by Bob and Robin in Appetizers, Herbs, Herbs and Spices, Miner's Lettuce, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Special Dinners, Special Events, Spices, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners, Wine Tasting

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Buzz Coffee, Buzz Coffee & Wine Events, The Buzz Coffee and Wine, wine dinner, Wine Dinner Buzz Bistro

I just received this from Cristi and Tommy at The Buzz here in Boise. We will be at the monthly dinners – they are fantastic and loads of fun! – and I hope we see you there, too! Remember, to participate in some of these events (Monthly dinner and Quarterly Dinners), you will need to make reservations!
(208) 344-4321

Buzz Coffee & Wine Events

Hello. Hope everyone is enjoying the rollercoaster weather that we call Spring here in Boise. We have some fun events coming up and would love to see you at any or all of them.

Thanks to everyone’s support during our families loss last month. We appreciate the prayers and well wishes, and are terriby sorry for having to cancel the wine dinner with such short notice. Again thanks for understanding.

Cristi and Tom Takeda
Buzz Coffee and Wine

Wine Club Dinner: We will be discussing Herbs and Spices.
Join us at 6:30 on May 13 or 14 for a Five Course Dinner, Wine – pared with the food and included in the dinner price -, and a discussion of herbs and spices. Only $20 a person. Reservations required buzzwine@cableone.net or 344-4321.

Music in May

May 9th Carter Freeman
May 16th Jean Cardena
May 23rd Blaze and Kelly
May 30th Pat Foulkner

Music from 7-9 with free wine tasting, dinner and dessert specials. Come join us. No reservations needed

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Ridge Winery Lamb Meatloaf

13 Sunday Apr 2014

Posted by Bob and Robin in Acme Bake Shop, Acme Bake Shop Sourdough, Apricots, Boise Artisan Bakery's, Boise Farmers Market, Bread, Breakfast, Buy Idaho, Captain's Shack, Comfort Food, Dinner At The Captains Shack, Fruits, Herbs and Spices, Ice Cream, Lamb, Local Farmers Markets, Local Harvests, Local Markets, Mahi Mahi, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Recipe: Bob and Robin Young, Ridge Winery, Shrimp, Sourdough Bread, Sriracha Chili Sauce, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food

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lamb, Lamb Meatloaf, Ridge Winery, Ridge Winery Lamb Meatloaf, Ridge Winery Lytton East Zinfandel, sriracha

The other evening when we were at a Ridge Winery tasting, they suggested to go with their Estate Cabernet Sauvignon to have a Ridge Winery Lamb Meatloaf. We did not have any of the cab, but we do have some 2003 Ridge Winery Lytton East Zinfandel and it is an awesome wine! We still have 5 bottles in our storage. We made the meatloaf and it too is awesome. Look at these photos I took of the dinner and the the Sunday morning breakfast consisting of a Shrimp and Fresh Asparagus Omelet. Yummers!

2003 Ridge Winery Lytton East Zinfandel
AP – $164.00! Yes, a very special wine.

Ridge Winery Lamb Meatloaf cooling.

Ridge Winery Lamb Meatloaf

Baked Idaho Potato
with
Crème Fraîche and Chives

Fresh Green Salad
with
Carrot Strings and Tomatoes

Fresh Idaho Asparagus
with
Idaho Wild Garlic

Vanilla Ice Cream
with
Apricot Purée

And then for breakfast Sunday morning, something simple and easy and non-complicated. A change of pace!

Shrimp and Fresh Asparagus Omelet
Acme Bake Shop Toasted Sourdough

And just as a note: The lamb is from the Felzien Family Farm where we get all of our fresh lamb. The eggs are from Meadowlark Farms, where we get all of our eggs. The asparagus and garlic are from the River View Gardens. The sourdough bread is from our favorite bakery Acme Bake Shop. The carrots were from Rice Family Farms. We really do try to keep our food supply local and we do Buy Idaho! Cheers.