Grand Opening-New Boise Farmer’s Market

04 Saturday May 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Boise, Boise Adventures, Boise Farmers Market, Hard To Find Foods, Herbs and Spices, Local Farmers Markets, Local Harvests, Local Markets, Locavore, Photos By: Bob Young, Special Events, Special Information, What's For Dinner?

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fiddlehead ferns, food, Goat Cheese, potted flowers, tomato plants

The New Boise Farmer’s Market at 10th Street and Grove in downtown Boise, held their Grand Opening today – it rained the day they had originally scheduled the Grand Opening. Today was crowded, no rain and sunny, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the food, the produce, the beef and buffalo and lamb and chicken. Fresh herbs are also available along with fresh tomatoes and tomato plants. Do you like goat cheese? See the Rollingstone Chevre booth for fresh made goat cheese. All types. Bleu Goat Cheese is coming in about 3 weeks. Here are some photos from today. Enjoy. Left-Click the photo to see enlarged and don’t forget to VOTE above. Thanks.

Potted flowers. Here are some Pansy’s.

Food is available at the market. Here is a Waffle Stack.

Fiddlehead Ferns

Fresh, hard to find mushrooms.

Wild West Bakery and Espresso

28 Sunday Apr 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Baking, Breakfast, Brunch, Comfort Food, Miss Donna, New Restaurant Trial, Pastries, Photos By: Bob Young, Restaurants, Special Events, Special Information, Tillamook Cheese, What's For Dinner?

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assorted goodies, blueberry muffin, food, mint bar, restaurants, sprinkler guy

We went to the Wild West Bakery and Espresso in Eagle today for brunch. And as Robin says, “Today, April 28, we met Marnie and Mac at the Wild West Bakery and Espresso shop in Eagle – just 10 miles west of Boise – for brunch – When Bob worked with ‘The Sprinkler Guy’ – his boss Bob Scrivner and Donna Scrivner almost always sent home a bunch of baked treats made by Donna as she ‘manned’ the office at home – making appointments and communicating with the guys out in the field who were installing and fixing sprinklers. She found her dream job as a baker for Wild West and still loves it – and she sent us home with a box of assorted goodies she baked.” A scrumptious home cooked brunch and pastries! Yum. Look at these photos and decide for yourselves. Personally, we’d go back for brunch and may have to try their regular menu. This is easily a 4-Star restaurant for home style cooking. Enjoy these photos – Left Click to see an enlarged view – and please VOTE above. Thanks.

Pansys greet you at the front door. They are beautiful.

Miss Donna, Baker, presents some of her creations. Yum!

Miss Donna’s Blueberry Muffin.

Or how about an M&M Cupcake.

Or maybe a Chocolate Mint Bar. All are her creations.

Robin had Eggs Benedict.

Miss Donna said to try the omelet that the Chef makes a good one. Yes he does. Just look at this one and make one from many fillings. You choose.

This was really a good brunch. You really should try it. But go early as it fills up quickly. The patio is open now and a welcome relief to eat outside. Check the link above for menus and times that they are open. Cheers and I hope you enjoy the Wild West Bakery and Espresso!

10 Barrel Brewery, Boise First Visit

24 Wednesday Apr 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in 10 Barrel Brewing, Acme Bakery, Beer and Ale, Beer and Food, Caesar Salad, Celebrations, Comfort Food, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Restaurant Reviews, Restaurants, Special Beers, Special Events, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?

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10 Barrel Brewery, brew pubs, food, IPA, restaurants, siberian kale

Finally. After all this waiting, 10 Barrel Brewery in Boise opened! The photo here is of the front of the pub on Bannock Street at 9th, across from the Chinese restaurant, Yen Ching.
The restaurant space inside iss large and open. The noise level is tolerable. It is busy noise, not loud music or TV. That will work for us. And when the weather changes, they will probably open some very large doors and have an area where one can site on the sidewalk, but be served inside. Left-Click the photo on the left to enlarge and look at the right side of the photo. You will be able to see the stools.
And yes, they serve Apocalypse IPA. In my not so humble opinion (IMNSHO) one of the best, if not The Best, Ipa’s made. We had a Caesar Salad and a 10 Barrel Burger and the IPA went very well with both. Good beer, like good wine, is meant to be consumed with food. It might be made with barley and other grains, but it still needs food. It is nice to report too, that they try their best to use local products, i.e., the Acme Bakery for their buns and rolls. Enjoy the photos posted here that I took on our First Visit. There will be a Second Visit and probably more. Hope to see you there. Well worth the trip. The food is good and the beer is …………. well ………. Super! Cheers and Enjoy!

Inside the brewery in a portion of the dining area. The chairs are very heavy, so be careful moving them.

The “Brewing Center”.

“Reflections”

Caesar Salad
romaine, Siberian kale, cherry tomato, shaved Parmesean cheese, croutons $6.00

10 Barrel Burger
custom ground beef patty, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickle, mayo, bacon. Served on Beer Bun by Acme Bakery, Boise $11.00
A really super burger and a great bun. The French Fries, though, were a little salty and came close to over powering the burger. I let the Wait Staff know. The beer in the background is an Apocalypse IPA $4.50

Overall, a good experience. Out of 5 Stars, probably one of the better pubs in Boise so I rate it a 4 Star pub. Great job, 10 Barrel! They have a complete menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizza and sweets. Stop in and say Hello for us and let them know you saw this article here. Thanks and please VOTE above. Cheers.

10 Barrel Brewing Opens in Boise Today!

22 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in 10 Barrel Brewing, Beer and Ale, Brew Pubs, Sandwiches, Special Events, Special Information, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?

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10 Barrel Brewing, brew pubs

Yea! It’s finally opening here in Boise. It seems like it has been forever since we first heard that they were coming. It looks like this will be a great week to visit them as they are having many specials. Here is from their Facebook page. “The day is upon us!!! Opening for lunch at 11! We’re kicking things off with a bang. Everyone who shares this status will be entered to win a $100 gift card that will be ready at four o’clock today, just in time for some after work drinks! Get to sharing, and stay tuned for more give-a-ways all week!!” And I did share the status . Maybe ….. Just maybe. I plan to go tomorrow while the motorhome is being looked at. Hope to see you there! Cheers! And please VOTE above. Thanks.

Wine Meet-Up At Le Cafe de Paris

20 Saturday Apr 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Appetizers, Bistro, Photos By: Bob Young, Report By Robin, Special Dinners, Special Events, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food

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artichoke and spinach dip, cheese plate, mediterranean france

Robin wrote this good review of the Wine Meet-Up Group Party at Le Cafe de Paris in Boise yesterday. The photo here is of some of the appetizers we had. (Here’s a link to a good Slide Show.)

“Christian presented some diverse and reasonably priced wines from Mediterranean France – new to many. From the refreshing 2011 Picpoul Blanc- a perfect wine for oysters and other shellfish to an oak aged white with great body – Doria 2009 from Luberon in the Languedoc, great with the artichoke dip. A beautiful 2012 100% Aramon Rose’ paired nicely with pate’ and will satisfy many summer culinary creations. The 2004 La Mascaronne from Provence shows the new blending styles of a Cabernet mixed with Rhone grapes – all the rage now for a serious lamb dinner wine and finishing the tasting with the huge 2008 Orca from old vines in Ventoux is a great match for BBQ’s yet to come.

A bit crowded, but just the right mix of interesting people at our end of the table. The appetizers were creative crostini with a fresh tomato and basil mix, wonderful bread from Gaston’s Bakery in the basement with a hot cheesy artichoke and spinach dip, I enjoyed a slice of Mathieu’s especially flavorful pate’ with cornichons and mustard and who stole my cheese? By the time the cheese plate arrived at our end of the table, there were a few craisins and nuts and only two skinny slices of Brie!

We ordered a salmon plate and a roast stuffed pheasant for dinner, but it took such a long time to arrive, that our seats had become nearly numb from the very uncomfortable chairs. We had out meals boxed ‘to go’. We love Mathieu and his concept of fine French dining, however he needs to buy some more comfortable chairs and stabilize the rocking tables.”

Chandler’s Steak House, Boise

18 Thursday Apr 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Appetizers, Chandler's Steak House, Crab, Friends, Photos By: Bob Young, Seafood, Special Events, Tuna, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food

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ahi tuna, food, mustard sauce, restaurants, seafood appetizer

We went to Chandler’s Steak House this past Wednesday to a Wine Meet-Up Group party. The food was good, although I think over-priced. We did not get it, but the seafood appetizer platter was $90.00. We did get the crab cakes though, and they were good. Not over filled with bread crumbs. It’s just hard to beat a good, Eastern Shore, Blue Crab crab cake. That’s my real benchmark. Robin and I each decided on a tuna appetizer. Great presentations and both dishes tasted good, although I liked the Tower of Tuna the best. Left-Click the photos to see enlarged and enjoy the photos. Please VOTE above. Thanks.

Black Orchid Tuna
Sashimi grade ahi tuna seared rare; sliced and served with the signature “Black Orchid” mustard sauce. $18.00

Tower of Tuna
Fresh ahi and hamachi tuna, diced and towered with avocado, tomato, red onion, red chili, ginger, and sesame seed vinaigrette with Asian sesame crisps. $14.50

Spanish Wine Dinner at the Buzz

10 Wednesday Apr 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Paella, Party Time, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Spanish Food, Spanish Wines, Special Events, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food

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Spanish Wines, sparkling wines, the Buzz, Wine Dinners

Another exciting and great wine dinner at The Buzz on Tuesday evening, April 9! (The same wines and dinner will also be presented Wednesday, April 10.) Cristi and crew did another good job. Robin wanted to expose some of her Nurse friends to The Buzz and the program that Cristi presents for wine dinners. She invited 22; 18 came. It was a great time and Cristi and Tommy placed us altogether. There are some photos of the nurses below. But first ….. Let’s eat! Wine scores are listed as [20]. Please cast your Vote above!

Robin brought a Rollingstone Chevre for everyone to try.

Albondigas and Sherried Mushroom Empanada
2009 Mercedes Eguren
14% alc. great food paring with the appetizers. little citrus on the finish. [17] $14.00

Sopa de Pastor Manchego
(Such a good soup!)
2010 Layer Cake Garnacha
14.5% alc. this was the best wine of the night, in my opinion. light chocolate on the nose and a long finish. [19] $18.00

Ensalada Sevillana
2011 Raimat Albarnio
12.5% alc. a hint of pear on the nose. fruity. did not pair well with the salad dressing. [18] $14.00

Paella
(If you have never had paella, you really should try it. It’s like a stew – there are many, many variations. But most have seafood and rice with some type of meat.)
2007 Lan Rioja
13.5% alc. good paring with the spiciness of the paella. black cherry on the nose. [18] $22.00

Torrijas and Flan
NV Cava Coderniu
11.5% alc. I’m just not a fan of sparkling wines or Champagnes. this one was OK but not much more. [15] $13.00

And here are some photos of the St. Luke’s folks that Robin invited. I did not get photos of everyone. Enjoy!

Barb Herrick and Sherry Grabowski

Diane Ross, Roli Martin Parker, Carol Fountain, Leslie Thomason, Kathy Kimmel

Sherry Grabowski, Connie Merrill, , Diane Ross, Susan Van Houten

Sherry Grabowski, Connie Merrill, Di McDonough, Diane Ross, Susan Van Houten

Those not pictured: Marti Downey, Pat Hutchison, Sue Montgomery, Joe Levitch, Marti Monk, Joe Murray, Gayle Ogle Weatherby, Wendy Weatherby Johnson and Ron Dunagan. Thank-You one and all for a great evening. Hope to see you again at The Buzz! Cheers.

The New Boise Farmer’s Market Opened Today

06 Saturday Apr 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Asparagus, Baking, Buy Idaho, Eggs, Food, Gaston's Bakery, Healthy Eating, Herbs, Local Farmers Markets, Local Harvests, Local Markets, Photos By: Bob Young, Special Events, Special Information, Things To Do, Vegetables, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food

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ballard family, Boise Farmers Market, fresh herbs

In spite of, not because of the threat of rain, the Boise Farmer’s Market opened today in the parking lot at 11th Street and Grove Street. Many more vendors were there than I expected. Food, wine, beef, buffalo, lamb, eggs, vegetables, fresh herbs and art items were some of the products represented. (To see a complete list of vendors Click Here) It was good to see all of the vendors. After the opening bell sounded, at 9 am sharp, the crowds descended on the market and people were generally happy to see the fresh produce and Idaho products.
Parking is available on site starting at $2.00 for 2 hours, or on street parking, where there is no metered parking charge on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays in Boise. I saw many people walking and pushing strollers heading to the market when I left. Look at the photos that I took this morning of some of the shop keepers and their products. Maybe I’ll see you there next week. Hope so! Cheers and enjoy the photos. Left-Click to see the photos enlarged. Please Vote above.

Boise Farmer’s Market location in downtown Boise.

Setting up the booths before the opening bell at 9:00 am.

Ballard Family Cheese

Gaston’s Bakery. Awesome baked goods. The bakery is part of Le Cafe de Paris.

Guru Donuts. have a donut and a cup of coffee. I don't know where you'll get the coffee, though.

Guru Donuts. Have a doughnut and a cup of coffee. I don’t know where you’ll get the coffee, though.

It looks like a good start to a great idea. Thanks to all of the vendors who are participating and a huge Thank-You to the folks who stepped up to organize this market. I salute you! Well done.

The New Boise Farmer’s Market

05 Friday Apr 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Boise Farmers Market, Buy Idaho, Healthy Eating, Local Farmers Markets, Local Harvests, Local Markets, Locavore, Organic Foods, Special Events, Special Information, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?

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Boise Farmers Market, Buy Local

Great news! The all new Boise Farmers Market will be opening this Saturday, April 6 at 11th between Front and Grove in Boise. The market will be open from 9:00am – 1:00pm. In the Idaho Statesman article New Boise Farmer’s Market Finds A Home, “… You’ll find produce grown within 200 miles of Boise and local specialty foods. Each vendor is required to have at least one product that contains one locally grown ingredient. For example, Cucina di Paolo lasagna will be made with local spinach.
The market will open with about 25 vendors – though growers with late-season produce will be coming on board later. The lineup includes Meadowlark Farms, Homestead Natural Foods, Triangle C Ranch, The Jelly Lady, Cucina di Paollo, Rice Family Farms and Malheur Meats.”

Janie Burns, Board President and owner of Meadowlark Farms in Nampa, says that there will be a some artisan products available, but they must reflect the local agriculture. Artisan tempera paints will be produced from local eggs and sweaters and wool products will be spun from local wool.

From the The Boise Farmer’s Market web site, Janie Burns goes on to say that the market “… will focus on local food, cultivating new farmers, incubating new food ideas, and creating a community space to learn about food and sustainability. The vendors who have committed to supporting this market have over 200 years of farmers’ market experience and are dedicated to a vision of authenticity, education, and renewal of our agricultural economy.”

Let’s all try to support this new source for locally grown and fresh produce. Hope to see you there. Below is a map to the Boise Farmer’s Market! Left-Click to see the graphic enlarged. Then, if you want to print a copy: Ctrl+Shift+P.

Boise Farmer’s Market

Eat-In April 7: The Power of the Fork

04 Thursday Apr 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Healthy Eating, Lamb, Mahi Mahi, Main Dish, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Special Dinners, Special Events, Special Information, Things To Do, Thought For The Day, What's For Dinner?

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brussels sprouts, food, lime curd, mango salsa, Power of the Fork

Don’t get me wrong. Robin and I really do like to eat out. And we do! But we also like to prepare our own meals – from scratch. And we do! But there comes a time when we really need to look at what we eat. The amount of processed foods that are consumed is phenomenal. “… Imagine if, just for one day, we all chose to buy only fresh, whole, real, sustainably-raised or harvested food, food that heals both our body and our environment. If we only buy foods without labels, foods that come from nature, and avoid any food made or processed in a factory or altered from its original state [GMO]. Imagine if we cooked and ate all those meals at home with family and friends (or made them at home and brought them with us to work or school)…”. (Mark Hyman, M.D.) Here is a good article on The Power of the Fork. It is not difficult to prepare a meal as pictured here in these two photos. In 45 minutes, you can be sitting down to a scrumptious, home cooked meal. The photo above is Broiled Lamb Chops (could be Pork Chops), Balsamic Brussels Sprouts and a Green Salad. The photo to the right is Broiled Lime Curd Mahi Mahi, Mango Salsa, Waldorf Salad and Carrot, Asparagus and Onion Medley. Prepare a meal that you control what ingredients to use, like we did here. Not some pre-packaged or pre-prepared boxed food.
Try making your own dinner just one day a week and start with Sunday, April 7. Read the article that is linked above. You may not agree with all of it – I don’t – but the one quoted statement that is used above, makes a lot of sense. To me. probably the most powerful statement in the article is this one: “Imagine if we cooked and ate all those meals at home with family and friends (or made them at home and brought them with us to work or school).” Just imagine. Thanks for listening and think seriously about April 7 and preparing your own meal that one day.