January At “The Buzz”

04 Friday Jan 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Bistro, Boise, Food, Friends, Main Dish, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Special Dinners, Special Events, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Buzz Bistro, food, restaurants, Wine Dinners

Yes, it’s that time again. The start of a New Year. And the events at The Buzz in Boise are off to a fantastic start. Here are the latest words from Cristi! Hope to see you at these events! Cheers!

Events at the Buzz
January 2013

We, at Buzz, hope that everyone had a safe and fun filled holiday season. We look forward to getting together with all of you in the new year. Some fun events planned to kick off 2013 in style. Music on January 4 is Tomorrow Never Knows, Wine Club Jan 8 and 9, and Blaze and Kelly January 11. Carter Freeman will be joining us January 18 and we will Celebrate our 6th Anniversary that night. Saturday nights will be game nights at the Buzz with a new game featured every week (always a big choice of games to play), bring some friends down enjoy wine tasting and learn a new game. Bountiful Baskets starts again on January 12 (orders to be placed on the 7th and 8th), and Grab Your Groceries is now open for business.

Don’t forget we have a large selection of catering ideas for any size gathering drop us a line or an email and lets talk about how we can help take the stress out of entertaining for you.

Hope to see everyone soon.
Sincerely,
Cristi and Tommy Takeda
Buzz Coffee and Wine

Wine Club
As many of you know, we do not just send you a shipment of two bottles of wine which you know nothing about. We all get together on the Second Tuesday or Wednesday of the month at 6:30, and learn about the wine and food. This is a dinner and wine tasting, with an educational component with all the wines being on sale after dinner. The cost is only $15.00 per person and Reservations Are Required. It is a plated meal so please let us know of dietary issues when placing reservations. This year we are going to focus on the wine regions of the world. Starting with Argentina. Reservations can be made at buzzwine@cableone.net or (208) 344-4321.

About Us
Thank you for your continued support of the years and we look forward to an exciting and event filled 2013.

Buzz Coffee and Wine
2999 N Lakeharbor Lane
Boise, Idaho 83703

Happy 2013 Everyone!

01 Tuesday Jan 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Appetizers, Captain's Shack, Celebrations, Crab, Crockpot, Finger Foods, German Recipes, Holiday Gatherings, Holiday Menu, Main Dish, Party Time, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Sauerkraut, Seafood, Shell Fish, Shrimp, Special Dinners, Special Events, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

byrd cookie company, finger foods, food, new years eve, red cabbage

We do hope that everyone has a great 2013! And that you also had an exciting New Years Eve party. Robin and I did. Very quiet. But very delicious. Started out, somewhat, with this Red Cabbage and Sausage over a Baked Potato. It was yummy. Then we went to more of a party mode with the finger foods we made pictured below. Left-Click the photos to seed enlarged. Enjoy!!

A table full of Finger Foods.
Various Crackers and Chips
Steamed Shrimp
Crab Dip
Various Byrd Cookie Company Delights
Fresh Grapes
Shrimp Sauce
Stella Artois Goblets
Moscato d’Asti

A plateful of Yum!

Marnie’s Roasted Root Vegetable Soup

27 Thursday Dec 2012

Posted by Bob and Robin in Captain's Shack, Food, Food Prep, Holiday Menu, Photos By: Bob Young, Recipe By: Marnie, Recipes, Soup, Special Dinners, Vegetables, What's For Dinner?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

c coconut milk, c vegetable stock, dinner, food, root vegetable soup, vegetarian

For Christmas Dinner, Marnie made this great Roasted Root Vegetable Soup, pictured here. We just had to get the recipe. Try it. You’ll like it.

Marnie’s Roasted Root Vegetable Soup

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:
1 lg Sweet Potatos, peeled and chopped into 1″ dice
1 Parsnip, peeled and diced
1 Rutabaga, peeled and chopped into 1″ dice
2 Carrots, peeled and diced [one carrot]
1 Poblano chili, seeded and chopped into 1″ strips or 1 Onion, chopped into 1” dice
1 c Coconut Milk [13 oz can]
3 c Vegetable Stock [Better Than Broth concentrate]
1/8 t Cayenne pepper
1 T pure Maple Syrup
1 t fresh minced Thyme
1 T fresh minced Rosemary

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Place a piece of tin foil on two cookie sheets and generously spray each with cooking spray.
3. On one cookie sheet, place the diced carrots, parsnips and poblano chile. On the other cookie sheet, place the sweet potato and rutabaga.
4. Place both cookie sheets in the oven and roast veggies until tender — about 35 – 50 minutes. The sheet with the carrots may be done first; be sure to check periodically.
5. When all veggies have finished roasting, remove from oven and reserve some chunks for serving, very carefully transfer to a high-speed blender. Add the coconut milk, stock, thyme, rosemary, maple syrup and cayenne pepper.
6. Place the top tight on the blender and process soup until very, very smooth and velvety. If you don’t have a good blender, try either an immersion blender or a food processor. If you have a Vita-Mix, use it for this recipe! When the soup is smooth, serve immediately or pour into a large pot with reserved chunks and re-heat on the stove briefly.

Christmas 2012: Food, Wine and Family!

26 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by Bob and Robin in Breakfast, Buddy, Captain's Shack, Celebrations, Christmas, Cod, Comfort Food, Dried Corn, Food, Food Prep, Holiday Gatherings, Holiday Menu, Lamb, Main Dish, Party Time, Photos, Photos By: Robin Young, Recipes, Salad, Salads, Seafood, Side Dishes, Sole, Soup, Special Dinners, Special Events, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wine and Food Festivals

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

cheese danish, food, huckleberry jam, morning pastry, wine cork

Oh, my! What a great two day Christmas celebration!! Great food! Great wines! Great family! I just love it when the extended family – at least the Idaho portion – all get together and have a good meal together. Thank- You Mac and Marnie for the Christmas dinner. And Thank-You everyone for all of the great gifts! And Mac, for making the Italian Wine Cork Retriever!!! And Buddy got his Piglet! I think he thinks he is being replaced. Not a chance!! (Left-Click any of these photos for a larger view.)
But let’s start with Christmas Eve food. Robin and I spent a nice quiet evening at home. To start with, we made a salad of Caprese Scallop Stacks and then for the entree we made Cod with Tomato Cream Sauce. I used both Cod and Sole in this recipe. These were really delicious. The photos are posted below.

Caprese Scallop Stacks

Cod with Tomato Cream Sauce

Then for Christmas morning – I remember my Mom running downtown in Newark, DE., to Bing’s Bakery and picking up a Christmas Morning Pastry Wreath – Robin made these wonderful cheese Danishes. I was still asleep when I smelled this wonderful aroma, drifting through the house. It was these pastries. Yum-O!

Cream Cheese Danish with Wild Idaho Huckleberry Jam and Sliced Pear

Then in the afternoon, we packed up the car and went to Marnie and Macs for an awesome dinner. And a yummy dinner it was. Marnie made a root vegetable, slightly curried, creamy soup that was delicious. We want the recipe, Marn. (Sorry I didn’t get a photo of it.) And Mac did a great job with the lamb. But look at what they made.

Green Bean Casserole
Roasted Lamb with Mint Jelly
Roasted Potatoes
Dried Corn with Poblano Peppers

And for dessert –

Noel Log

And to go with the dinner and the chocolate dessert, some wines we pulled. Enlarge the photos and read the labels. Especially the vintages. These were awesome!

Then we all gathered around the beautiful Christmas tree that Marnie and Mac had decorated.

Madison and Chris

Madison, Coco and Sophia

Maggie and Sophia

Mac and Ray

So there was our fantastic Christmas! And like I said before: Great Food! Great Wine! Great Family! Who could ever ask for anything more? Not me.

Feast of the Seven Fishes

21 Friday Dec 2012

Posted by Bob and Robin in Celebrations, Christmas, Ethnic Foods, Food Trivia, Holiday Gatherings, Holiday Menu, Italian foods, Main Dish, Party Time, Seafood, Side Dishes, Special Dinners, Special Events, Things To Do, Traditional Food, What's For Dinner?

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

christmas eve celebration, feast of the seven fishes, food, mario batali, vigilia di natale

OK. We have posted about Hanukkah and a while back about Kwanza and several other culturally diverse holidays. And it seems that this year, I have been hearing a lot about the Italian Christmas Eve celebration of the Feast of the Seven Fishes. As it turns out, there is quite a bit written about the feast, usually held on Christmas Eve. “The Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Italian Christmas celebration. Today, it is a feast that typically consists of seven different seafood dishes. However, some Italian-American families have been known to celebrate with nine, eleven or thirteen different seafood dishes. This celebration commemorates the wait, the Vigilia di Natale, for the midnight birth of the baby Jesus. It is unclear when the term “Feast of the Seven Fishes” was popularized.” (Wikipedia) And according to Mario Batali on Epicurious.com, “”It’s what Italians do when they say they’re fasting.” More precisely, the Feast is a meal served in Italian households on La Vigilia (Christmas Eve). In many parts of Italy, the night is traditionally a partial fast, during which no meat should be served. But in true Italian style, this proscription has morphed into something very unfastlike indeed: course after course of luxurious seafood dishes, often as many as 7, 10, or even 13. “No one’s quite sure of the significance of the number,” says Batali. “Some families do seven for the sacraments. Some do ten for the stations of the cross. And some even do 13 for the 12 apostles plus Jesus.” (You can read more at of this article, and get some recipes, at Batali Seven Fishes.)
And here is just one of many dishes that you can easily prepare for the feast. I may try it this year. It is called Cod with Tomato Cream Sauce and comes from Eating Well.
And finally, if you would like a little more information and maybe some recipes, look at the Seven Fishes Blog. Enjoy the recipes and the feast!

11 Dec 2012 – Buzz Wine Dinner

12 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by Bob and Robin in Holiday Gatherings, Main Dish, Party Time, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Restaurants, Special Dinners, Special Events, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

holidays

December 11th found us at another fabulous Wine Dinner at The Buzz here in Boise. I think I enjoyed this monthly dinner as much as any that I have been to here at The Buzz. It was fantastic!
The crowd enjoyed themselves throughout the evening and really enjoyed the information that Cristi presented about Christmas around the world and some of the different customs associated with Christmas. For instance, did you know that the iconic image of Santa flying in a sleigh was created by the author Washington Irving in 1819 where he described St Nicholas soared across the sky in a dream?
Here are some photos of the evening and the wines that we had. Again, all are scored on the [20] point system. Enjoy and Cheers! Left-Click any of these photos to see view a larger photo.

Weisswurst
2011 Willamette Pinot Gris
13.0% alc, went very well with the spiciness of the sausage [17] $17.00

Tortellini Soup 2011 Zonin Montepulciano 12.5% alc, great with the tortellini [17] $17.00

Tortellini Soup
2011 Zonin Montepulciano
12.5% alc, great with the tortellini [17] $12.00

Pear and Pomegranate Salad (Awesome salad!!)
2010 Koenig Viognier
14.2% alc, loved this combination [19] $18.00

Honey Butter Ham
Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage
Carrot Casserole
2009 Bastie Cotes du Rhone
13.5% alc, great paring with the entrée. [18] $12.00

Bûche de Noël
Gingerbread
2011 Plunger Head Zinfandel
14.5% alc. this was really great with the chocolates. [18] $22.00

That awesome salad had a dressing on it that was a great blend of Pomegranate Juice, Honey, Oil and Balsamic Vinegar. I’m going to make that again!
The wines that we had as “Cristie’s Choice” were a 2011 Layer Cake Chardonnay that rates an [18] and for $14.00, it was well worth it. The other one that we had was a 2010 Layer Cake Primativo. This one rated a [17] and again, for $18.00 it was well worth it. So all together we had 7 wines and a full 5 course dinner. And all of this for $15.00 per person. Such a deal!!

5 Hour Roasted Duck

08 Saturday Dec 2012

Posted by Bob and Robin in Black Rice, Duck, Main Dish, Photos By: Bob Young, Recipe: Bob and Robin Young, Special Dinners, What's For Dinner?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

dinner, food, natural juices, spinach salad

If you like roasted duck, but you don’t particularly like all of the grease, here is a method of cooking for you. Very easy and low maintenance, but it does take some time. Five hours to be exact. And no, it is not dried out! The breast meat is very moist and the skin is crunchy and browned. The photo here is the duck resting after roasting. And please do let it rest for about 20 minutes before slicing as this will re-distribute the natural juices. And now …. The recipe!
5 Hour Roasted Duck
Remove the neck and giblet packet from the duck. Reserve or freeze. Wash the duck and pat dry. Prick the skin of the duck with a fork all over. Add salt and pepper to taste. We also stuff the cavity with apple.
Place in a suitable roasting pan. Do not cover the duck. Place in a 300 degree F oven for 4 hours. At the end of each hour, flip the duck over. Remove any grease that may be produced and continue cooking.
At the end of 4 hours, raise the temperature to 350 degrees F and continue to roast. At the end of the 5 hours, remove the duck from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
We serve this with Black Rice and a Spinach Salad. Here is the dinner plated. Enjoy! We did.

5 Hour Roasted Duck
Spinach and Pomegranate Salad with Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Dressing
Black Rice with Duck Gravy
2006 Indian Creek (ID) Petit Verdot

The “Buzz” December Events

06 Thursday Dec 2012

Posted by Bob and Robin in Christmas, Food, Main Dish, Party Time, Restaurants, Special Dinners, Special Events, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food

≈ Leave a comment

Ah yes! It is time again for the Buzz information for December, and it looks like a busy and full month for them. Let me remind you that no where in Boise, or any other place I suspect, will you find “… such a deal” when it comes to a great wine dinner for $15.00 per plate. A full five course plated meal and 6 or so wines. But, you do need reservations! The events sell out quickly. Stop by and see them for a reservation at 2999 N Lake Harbor Ln in Boise or call them at (208) 344-4321. Here is the information from Cristi! See you there!

We hope that the holiday season is finding everyone in top shape. We have a lot of fun things on the agenda for the month. December 11 and 12 will be our monthly wine dinners, they begin at 6:30 and cost $15 a person, reservations are required, we will be focusing on traditional Christmas foods from around the world and will be discussing the health benefits of food and wine. Great night out with friends during this busy season so make reservations and join us, (208) 344-4321 or email them at BuzzWine@cableone.net.

Music continues with wine tasting on the weekends, music schedule is Dec 7 Thunder Mountain , Dec 8 Todd Palmer, Dec 14 John Cazan, Dec 15 Johnny Shoes, Dec 21 Pat Foulkner, Dec 22 Wayne White, and Dec 28 Gayle Chapman. Music begins at 7 each night, no reservations needed so feel free to stop on by and enjoy some fantastically gifted musicians and fun wines, remember there is always a dinner special on the menu for music nights with dessert specials as well.

December 15 from 3-7 we will be hosting another sit, sip, and shop outing. Great gift ideas, special riedel wine glass sale this afternoon as well. No reservations needed just come on in and pick your last minute gifts. Buzz is also delivering Christmas baskets on Christmas Eve come by and see them displayed and place your orders for Christmas Eve delivery in Ada and Canyon County.

December 21 we will be celebrating the end of the Mayan calendar with fun wines and fun apocalyptic foods. Should be a fun night out again no reservations required.

December 24 from 7-9 we will be hosting our annual Christmas Eve treat party, show up with a tray of goodies and mix and match and take a tray of Christmas treats home with you. We hope to have some live Christmas music for you and your family to enjoy and will be serving gleuwine for the adults and hot chocolate for the kids. Games will be out and visiting will be encouraged.

Don’t forget if you need any special holiday wines we can order and or suggest anything for your gift needs.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good end of the year.,
Sincerely,

Cristi and Tom Takeda
Buzz Coffee and Wine

Our Thanksgiving 2012

23 Friday Nov 2012

Posted by Bob and Robin in Bread, Celebrations, Dried Corn, Main Dish, Photos By: Bob Young, Special Dinners, Thanksgiving, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

chocolate torte, deviled eggs, food

Such a great dinner. It was great to have all of the family and extended family join us for the Thanksgiving dinner. Marnie, Mac, Sophia, Chris, Madison, Tessa and Maggie. These are the folks that made this day so great. Thank you all for joining us and for the salads, pie, deviled eggs, bread, potatoes and oyster stuffing. We did not go hungry. Enjoy this slideshow of the dinner. Cheers! The photo here are the place settings that Robin made.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Even Buddy had his Turkey Dinner last night – small portion! And then he could not stay awake. He couldn’t even wag his tail. He was so funny. Hope everyone had as great a Thanksgiving as we did. Cheers!! Now for Christmas.

Thanksgiving Dinner Prep

21 Wednesday Nov 2012

Posted by Bob and Robin in Anniversary, Captain's Shack, Cooking Styles, Dried Corn, Holiday Menu, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Prep Work, Special Dinners, Thanksgiving, What's For Dinner?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

cranberry relish, dinner, food, vegetable stock

Yes, one must prepare for this dinner. This year we will have 10 over for dinner. Maggie, Tessa and Madison Hyland, their mother Deanna, Chris (goes with Madison), Mac, Marnie, Sophia, Robin and me. Let’s see ….. That’s 10! We started today, this morning, with the prep. Here are some photos. Enjoy and don’t forget to Left-Click to see these full screen.

No, we are not making this. But wouldn’t it be delightful to place as a center piece?

Robin making her cranberry relish. Check out those ingredients.

Brioche cubes for stuffing.

Dried corn soaking. Remember – One must taste, and taste and taste and adjust and taste and taste and taste …….

Making vegetable stock to fortify the gravy. Yup! Those are oranges and limes in this stock. Great citrus overtones.

The turkey is thawing and the stuffing has all dried ingredients mixed in. Sweet potatoes are prepped. Tomorrow will be Bedlam, but exciting and fun. Maybe a small helping of 10 year old Laphroaig will help. Probably. Cheers!

Thanksgiving morning started at 7:00am. Here’s what’s cookin’!