Copper River Salmon is Here!

08 Monday Jun 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in Basque Bread, Basque Foods, Beet Greens, Captain's Shack, Comfort Food, Dinner For Robin, Dinner With Robin, Idaho Greens, Idaho's Bounty, Local Farmers Markets, Local Harvests, Photos By: Bob Young, Red Chard, Salmon, Seafood, Spinach, Spring Greens, What's For Dinner?

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copper river, copper river salmon, wild salmon season

Here comes the salmon! Copper River salmon notes the start of the wild salmon season. “Barb Knivila – Copper River signals the start of the fresh wild salmon season. Keep your eyes peeled for wild king and wild sockeye out of Bristol Bay and other west coast fisheries!” Copper River salmon is just such a succulent type of salmon. Sweet. Not at all “fishy”. Very red meat. Great for steaming …. especially packet steaming. Add a little lime, lemon, French tarragon, sea salt and fresh Tellicherry pepper and you’ve got an awesome dinner. Better yet, let the fish marinate in this citrus over night in the refrigerator. Then add a little riesling wine for the fish to steam in. Yummers!

The packet emerges from the oven. It smelled so very good! Let it cool slightly before serving.

Copper River salmon plated with Steamed Beet, Spinach and Red Chard Greens. Add some toasted Basque bread and you’ve got a Heavenly dinner.

Soft Shell Blue Crab Sandwiches

08 Monday Jun 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in Blue Crab, Captain's Shack, Comfort Food, Crab, Dinner For Robin, Dinner With Robin, Hard To Find Foods, Meadowlark Farms, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Recipe by: Robin and Bob Young, Seafood, Shell Fish, Snake River AVA, Soft Shell Crabs, Special Dinners, What's For Dinner?, Wines - Idaho

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Blue crabs, Cold Springs Winery, riesling, soft shelled crabs

Oh! Such a treat! Our daughter Marnie and her husband Mac were in Virginia for several days and she texted me, “Do you want some soft shelled crabs?” Silly girl! Of course! Was there ever a question? Nope! So when they arrived back in Boise at 12 midnight, she brought the crabs to us. Still 98% frozen in dry ice. Straight to the refrigerator to hold for 24 hours. And were they ever yummy! Add to the sandwiches a glass of 2009 Cold Springs phren/ology Riesling and we had an awesomely good meal!! A super good wine and a super good sandwich! Just look at what we did.

Soft Shell Blue Crabs – ready for cleaning.

Frying the crabs for 4 minutes on each side in 350 degree vegetable oil, Crisco.

Dredge before cooking in 2 Meadowlark Farms eggs with a splash of milk. Beat the eggs.
Flour – 1/2 c All Purpose Flour, 1/2 c Corn meal, 1 1/2 T Old Bay Seasoning and Salt and fresh ground Tellicherry Black Pepper. Stir to mix.
Dredge crabs in eggs, then in flour mixture. Shake to remove excess flour. Fry.

Serve on a Brioche roll or on Croissants. Serve with slaw, I used chopped Savoy cabbage with our special Slaw Dressing – the recipe is in the Boise Foodie Blog Recipe file above.

Genki Takoyaki Food Cart

19 Sunday Apr 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, Asian Food, Boise Adventures, Classic Cuisines, Ethnic Foods, Food Carts or Trucks, Local Farmers Markets, Octopus, Photos By: Bob Young, Seafood, Traditional Food, Vegetables, What's For Dinner?

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Boise City Market, food cart, Genki Takoyaki, Japanese cuisine, Japanese food

A novel idea – especially in Boise. Japanese food from a food cart. Rhett Atagi and Christy Beavers keep the food moving and the crowd happy as they prepare the dumplings and pass them out to the patrons at the Boise City Market. You can also find them at other events in the Boise area. Give them a call and see where they are located and at what event. Might be an idea to have them at a neighborhood gathering or family gathering. You will have to check with them. Good, classic Japanese dumplings. Give them a try.

Rhett Atagi and Christy Beavers.

The dumplings being made. The octopus ones seem to be the standard for this food cart. Other types are also available. They usually have two different types being prepared.

Seafood Potpie For Dinner

28 Saturday Mar 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in Boise Farmers Market, Buy Idaho, Captain's Shack, Comfort Food, Dinner For Robin, Dinner With Robin, Green Peas, Housemade Pie Crust, Idaho Wine, Lobster, Onion, Photos By: Bob Young, Potpie, Reel Foods, Sea Scallops, Seafood, Shell Fish, Shrimp, What's For Dinner?, Williamson Vineyards and Orchards, Wine and Food, Wines - Italian

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fish stock, lobster, lobster meat, lobster shells, Reel Foods Fish Market, Sea Scallops, shrimp

This was an awesome recipe from Ina Garten for Seafood Potpie. Although I did alter it slightly. I could not find lobster meat – my seafood shop, Reel Foods Fish Market here in Boise was out of it – I used three small lobster tails. (We are really lucky here in Boise to have such an outstanding seafood market that brings in some really fresh product.) I removed the lobster meat from the shell and then stewed down the lobster shells and shrimp shells to make my own seafood stock. It made a fine rich stock. I also used a small jar of clam juice with the stock. Add to this dinner a wonderful glass of 2012 Williamson Vineyards Blossom, 100% Sangiovese Rosè, and we had a great dinner. Try the recipe. Let us know how you liked it and/or if you altered it at any step. Enjoy these photos. Cheers!

Seafood Potpie

This was really very good and we did like the housemade seafood stock.

Break open that luscious crust and one exposes peas, pearl onions, shrimp, scallops and lobster.

Happy 1 Year Birthday Cloud 9 Nano Brewery!!

17 Tuesday Mar 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in Beer and Ale, Beer and Food, Birthdays, Boise Adventures, Brew Pubs, Buy Idaho, Cloud 9 nano Brewery, Cod, Comfort Food, Dessert, Dinner With Robin, Fish and Chips, Idaho Breweries, Local Farmers Markets, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Potatoes, Restaurant Reviews, Seafood, Shepards Pie, Special Events, What's For Dinner?

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fish and chips, potato soup, scottish ale, shepards pie

And it was a rousing St Patrick’s Day celebration and birthday party!! The turn out was superb. The food was awesome as usual and the beer/ale was outstanding! Glad they are so close to us – about 1 1/2 blocks. A nono brewery produces less than 5oo cases per year. They are small but they are sure delicious! Here are some photos from the evening. They had to put a tent up outside in addition to the patio seating. It must be a Rite of Spring, because it sure did feel like it. Happy Birthday Cloud 9! Here’s to many more! You are definitely a 4+-Star Pub (Out of 5-Stars). Love it!

The inside. About 8 tables and bar seating. Children are allowed but not at the bar. Full and delicious menu of Idaho and local products.

The beer/ale menu.

(L) Stout and (R)Scottish Heather Ale

Shepard’s Pie and Potato Soup. Both were delicious!

Fish and Chips are awesome. These are always on the menu.

Happy Birthday cake!

“Edible Idaho” Spring Brunch Party

14 Saturday Mar 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, Acme Bake Shop, Acme Bake Shop Rye, Black Beans, Boise Adventures, Boise Restaurants, Boise Weekly, Breakfast, Breakfast With Robin, Brunch, Buy Idaho, Chevre, Crème fraîche, Eggs, Eggs Poached, Hopi Blue Corn Polenta, Idaho Chefs, Idaho Dairy, Local Harvests, Locavore, Lox, Meadowlark Farms, Moroccan Food, Organic Foods, Party Time, Peaceful Belly Farms, Photos By: Bob Young, Photos By: Robin Young, Purple Sage Farms, Restaurants, Seafood, Special Events, What's For Dinner?, Whats For Breakfast?

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Acme Bake Shop, Crème fraîche, Earthly Delights Farm, Homestead Natural Foods, hotel, lox, Meadowlark Farm, Rollingstone Chevre

This morning, it was great to join Guy Hand, Edible Idaho Managing Editor, and friends at the The Modern Hotel for an awesome breakfast and the Spring Brunch Party. And from the menu for the brunch, The Modern states that “… thanks EDIBLE IDAHO, Earthly Delights Farm, Loganics, Rollingstone Chevre, Meadowlark Farm, Coiled Wines, Idaho Kombucha Co, Acme Bake Shop, Peaceful Belly, Homestead Natural Foods, Waterwheel Gardens, Next Generation Organics, Sweet Valley Organics, Gaston’s Bakery, and Miss Mona’s Chicken Ranch for their local products.” It’s just great to Eat Local and to support your local agriculture! Robin and I try very hard stay local! Enjoy these photos from this morning. And if you are in the area, The Modern serves some great meals. Try them and check out their website as listed above. They are definitely a solid 4-Star out of 5-Star restaurant.

Guy Hand and friends.

Guy Hand

Tara Morgan, Edible Idaho Editor and food writer for the Boise Weekly.

Guy Hand and Tara Morgan

A. Minskoff and Angie Shaltry from Coiled Winery

Sandy and Rich Ostrogorski and Meagan

Scone with Riesling Jelly

"Rizza" Cured Steelhead Lox Loganics Farm baby greens salad, Acme Bake Shop German rye toast, creme fraiche

“Rizza” Cured Steelhead Lox
Loganics Farm baby greens salad, Acme Bake Shop German rye toast, crème fraîche

Moroccan Black Beans and Poached Eggs
Organic Idaho black beans, Earthly Delights Farm heirloom Hopi blue corn polenta, preserved Meyer lemon crème fraîche, Meadowlark Farm poached eggs

It was a great breakfast!!

Scones and Mimosas

The Orchard House and Williamson Vienyards

07 Saturday Mar 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in Appetizers, Brocolli, Classic Cuisines, Cooking Styles, Dinner With Friends, Dinner With Robin, Idaho Trout, Idaho Wine, Local Markets, Locavore, Meatloaf, Orchard House, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Potatoes, Restaurants, Restaurants To Try, Salmon, Seafood, Special Dinners, Special Events, The Orchard House, What's For Dinner?, Williamson Vineyards and Orchards, Wine and Food, Wines - Idaho

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Idaho Trout, idaho wineries, The Orchard House, trout, Williamson Vineyards, Williamson wines

What a great time last night at The Orchard House for dinner and Williamson Vineyard and Orchards serving their wines. The Orchard House is a favorite of ours when we are in the Snake River wine area. And Williamson Vineyards have some fantastic wines and their fruit in season is awesome! We highly recommend these two businesses. Here are some photos from the evening. Truly a Homestyle meal! Enjoy.

Patrick Williamson, Orchardist, explains to the Orchard House customer about the Williamson wines.

Patrick Williamson, Orchardist, explains to the Orchard House customers about the Williamson wines.

(L-R) 201o Williamson Viognier and a 2012 Williamson Blossom. Both are delightful wines.

(L-R) 2010 Williamson Viognier and a 2012 Williamson Blossom, a rosé of Sangiovese. Both are delightful wines.

More wine offerings.

A flight of Williamson wines.

Chicken Nugget Appetizer. Breading was a little heavy and they are spicy.

Some really good Onion Rings.

Some of the best Idaho Trout in the state!

I know. No one makes a Meatloaf like your Mother. And you can not find a good meatloaf when traveling. Until now. Outside of my kitchen, and my Mother’s kitchen, this has got to be the best anywhere. And if you are here for lunch, try the Meatloaf Sandwich!

What else can I say? The meal was a Plus 4-Star dinner (out of 5-Stars) and the wines went extremely well with the dinner. If you are in the area, stop in at both places. You may need reservations at The Orchard House – they get very busy for dinner. And try their breakfast or lunch. And don’t forget the appropriate wine with dinner. Say Hi to Kris for us! Cheers!

Cottonwood Grille Revisited

04 Wednesday Mar 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in Bearnaise Sauce, Beef, Boise Restaurants, Buy Idaho, Chocolate, Chocolate and Food, Classic Sauces, Colter's Creek Winery, Cottonwood Grille, Dinner With Robin, Herbs, Idaho Wine, Idaho's Bounty, Kobe Beef, Locavore, Oysters, Photos By: Bob Young, Potatoes, Restaurant Reviews, Salads, Seafood, Shrimp, Snake River AVA, Special Dinners, Syrah, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food

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Béarnaise sauce, Colters Creek winery, cottonwood grille, Crème Brûlée, garlic mashed potatoes, London Broil

It was a good meal. And to get the negative out of the way, I thought the peas we had were a little salty for us – we eat very little salt – so the saltiness may not be entirely true for everyone. We would have liked a little more garlic in the potatoes. So will this keep us from going back? Probably not. The Kobe beef that Robin had was so very tender and delicious. My London Broil was good and the Béarnaise sauce on it was wonderful! Robin had an awesome Chocolate Mousse served in a White Chocolate Cup and I had a delicious Crème Brûlée. Here. Look at these photos and enjoy! If you want a more detailed review of the Cottonwood Grille, look at Our Restaurant Guide.

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail

Wonderfully fresh seafood!

Oysters On The Half Shell

How fresh were these? You could taste the ocean and smell the ocean and hear the waves crashing on shore. That’s how fresh they were!

Caesar Salad

Love how this is presented.

Fresh Green House Salad

Kobe Beef with garlic mashed potatoes steamed peas

Kobe Beef
with
garlic mashed potatoes and steamed peas

London Broil with Bear garlic mashed potatoes and steamed peas

London Broil and Béarnaise sauce
with
garlic mashed potatoes and steamed peas

Chocolate Mousse in a White Chocolate Cup

Crème Brûlée

And with our dinner, we asked for a Fraser Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon but they were out of it. So we got a good 2011 Colter’s Creek Syrah, both are Idaho wines are very good and went quite well with our dinners.
But beforer we went for dinner here at the Cottonwood Grille, we went to the Arid Club, which is designed “To establish a club of business and professional men and women whose members are uniformly congenial with one another as nearly as may be, to provide them with an attractive and convenient meeting place, and to exclude there from bigots, propagandists, boosters, go-getters, uplifters, reformers, and snobs. [Arid Club Preamble]” for the release of the documentary film on the Idaho Wine Regions called “Idaho Wines: From Bud to Taste Bud”. It is on its way to be presented at the Sun Valley Film Festival.

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.

Salmon En Croûte

07 Saturday Feb 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in Alaskan Salmon, Captain's Shack, Classic Sauces, Classics, Dinner With Robin, Ethnic Foods, French Foods, Green Peas, Hollandaise Sauce, Pastries, Photos By: Bob Young, Recipe: Bob and Robin Young, Recipes, Recipes - Sauces, Salmon, Seafood, What's For Dinner?

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Boeuf en Croûte, Copper River Salmon fillets, en croûte, puff pastry, Salmon En Croûte

Table ambiance.

We saw this reccipe on a competition on the Foodnetwork. Decided we needed to make it. Think of it like a Beef Wellington, only made with salmon. We adjusted the recipe for the two of us. That is, I used 2-4 ounce Copper River Salmon fillets instead of a 2 pound side of salmon. Here is the basic recipe. Adjust it as necessary. Salmon En Croûte. Here are some photos of the cooking and prep process. Take your time and all will come out just right. Have fun with the recipe. The recipe for the Hollandaise sauce is in the recipe file on this blog. Here it is, too: Hollandaise Sauce. Cheers!

In the culinary arts, the term en croute (pronounced “on KROOT”) indicates a food that has been wrapped in pastry dough and then baked in the oven. Salmon en Croûte is a popular recipe. Pâté and brie cheese are also frequently prepared en croute.
One of the classic en croute recipes is Beef Wellington, or in French, Boeuf en Croûte.
Traditionally, the type of pastry used for making Pâté en Croûte is a simple straight pastry dough called pâte à pâté, or pâté pastry. But today, puff pastry is frequently used for most en croute recipes.[http://culinaryarts.about.com/od/glossary/g/En-Croute.htm]