Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Birthday at the Buzz

29 Tuesday Jan 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Appetizers, Birthdays, Celebrations, Interesting Information, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Special Events, Special Information, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food

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entertainment, little serenade, wolfgang amadeus mozart

Happy 257th Birthday Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Jan 27, 1756 – Dec 5, 1791)!! We celebrated your party at the Buzz in Boise and it was a great time – it was snowing! A group of 25+ musicians from the Boise Philharmonic and others who just like to jam, were there playing your music all night long. Well, from at least 6:00pm to 8:30pm when we left. I think the party was still going on. Such fantastic talent we have here in Boise. Thank-You everyone who participated and to Tommy and Cristi for opening the Buzz for this fantastic event. Can we do it once a month? That would be great!! The highlight of the evening and to celebrate the birthday, the entire ensemble got together and played “Eine kleine Nachtmusik (Serenade No. 13 for strings in G major), K. 525, is a 1787 composition for a chamber ensemble by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The German title means “a little serenade,” though it is often rendered more literally but less accurately as “a little night music.” The work is written for an ensemble of two violins, viola, and cello with optional double bass, but is often performed by string orchestras.” [Wikipedia] The group tonight consisted of many violins, cello, oboe, bassoon, bass and French horn. Superb! It brought the house down! Great acoustics! Here is a small, 16 sec sample of the music. Video provided by Sue O’Rourke –

(If you would like to hear the entire Eine kleine Nachtmusik, about 5:45, Click Here.)

Here are some photos of the artists and musicians who were playing tonight. Enjoy!
NOTE: Just in from Cristi at the Buzz – “Next jam is scheduled for April 8. Looking for a Saturday night earlier as well, hope to host them every other month. It was amazing!”

Violin Trio

Quartet

The group performs!

Jen Drake, Violin

Jan Van Atta Beckwith, Violin

Nicole Golay, Oboe

Patty Katucki, Bassoon

And then there were some appetizers and wine. Who could ask for more? Great music! Great food! A superb night.

Appetizer Plate by Cristi

Gooey Cake

Bouillabaisse Party

12 Saturday Jan 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Boise Adventures, Classics, Comfort Food, French Foods, Main Dish, Party Time, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Seafood, Sourdough Bread, Special Dinners, Special Events, Stew, Traditional Food, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners

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Bouillabaisse, cayenne pepper, fish soups, food, French, silver hake, Traditional Foods

Such a great Bouillabaisse Party on this cold and wintry night in Emmett, Idaho. Thank-You Victoria and Jeff for opening your home to this event. Victoria is pictured here. They have done a fantastic job on remodeling their home. There were about 15 people that enjoyed the Bouillabaisse, the wine and the crepes! Here are some photos of the evening. You can Left-Click any of the photos to enlarge. Cheers!

A novel way to construct a pot rack. From a Stop sign post.

Jalapeno Dip

Bouillabaisse is a traditional Provençal fish stew originating from the port city of Marseille. The French and English form bouillabaisse comes from the ProvençalOccitan word bolhabaissa, a compound that consists of the two verbs bolhir , to boil) and abaissar , to reduce heat, i.e., simmer.
There are at least three kinds of fish in a traditional bouillabaisse, typically scorpionfish (fr: rascasse); sea robin (fr: grondin); and European conger (fr: congre); and it can also include gilt-head bream (fr: dorade); turbot; monkfish (fr: lotte orbaudroie); mullet; or silver hake (fr: merlan) It also usually includes shellfish and other seafood such as sea urchins (fr: oursins), mussels (fr: moules); velvet crabs (fr: étrilles); spider crab (fr: araignées de mer) or octopus. More expensive versions may add langoustine (European lobster). Vegetables such as leeks, onions, tomatoes, celery and potatoes are simmered together with the broth and served with the fish. The broth is traditionally served with a rouille, a mayonnaisemade of olive oil, garlic, saffron and cayenne pepper on grilled slices of bread.
What makes a bouillabaisse different from other fish soups is the selection of Provençal herbs and spices in the broth; the use of bony local Mediterranean fish; the way the fish are added one at a time, in a certain order, and brought to a boil; and the method of serving. In Marseille, the broth is served first in a bowl containing the bread and rouille, with the seafood and vegetables served separately in another bowl or on a platter.

Bouillabaisse Plated with Homemade Sourdough Bread

Some wine and some of the 15 people who were there.

Buzz Wine Club Dinner – Argentina Wines

09 Wednesday Jan 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Bistro, Ethnic Foods, Party Time, Pasta, Photos By: Bob Young, Restaurants, South American Fare, Special Dinners, Special Events, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners

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Argentina Wines, food, navy bean, pasta frola, restaurants, sorrentinos

Wow! It was great to see a Full House last night. The first in a while. This year, Cristi’s theme for the Wine Club Dinners is “Wines From Around the World” and she started out with the wines from Argentina. Awesome wines. Awesome dinner. Great job, Cristi!! And I would be remiss if I did not mention the coupons that are available for these dinners. It’s like buying 6 dinners and getting one free! Robin and I have the year covered!! A great buy, if you so desire. Just ask Tommy or Cristi for the details.
Below are some photos of the night and the wines we had to accompany the food. A top score is [20]. Enjoy and Cheers!

Faina and Provoleta
(Nutty, peppery flatbread made with chickpea flour.)
2012 Fabre Montmayou Rose
13.0% alc. Great with these appetizers. Best wine of the night. [19] $13.00

Locro
(Navy bean and corn soup. Superb.)
2008 Duriguti Bonarda
13.9% alc. Went well with the spiciness of the soup. [18] $14.00

Sorrentinos and Fugazzeta de Verdura
(Round ravioli with ham sauce)
2010 Martino Old Vine Malbec
14.0% alc. Good old vine wine. Smooth and supple [19] $16.00

Pasta Frola and Torta Negra Galesa
2011 La Yunta Torrontes
12.5% alc. Good with the desserts, but not my favorite. [18] $12.00

Cooking With Yvonne Anderson-Thomas

07 Monday Jan 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Classes, Comfort Food, Cooking Programs, Cooking Styles, Food Prep, Party Time, Soul Food, Special Events, Special Information, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?

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Brown Shuga Soul Food, food, l Food, Soul Food, Soul Food Classes

If you would like to learn the intricacies of Soul Food, here is your chance. One of Boise’s finest Soul Food Chefs is giving a series of classes in Nampa. Here is the Nampa schedule and costs. There will be other classes in other locations.

Chef Yvonne Anderson-Thomas, Brown Shuga Soul Food

The cooking class will be in Nampa @ 223 East. Amity (behind NNU) Nampa, Id on

15th of January,BBQ class,

22nd of Jan- Soul Food class#1 and

29th of Jan- Soul food #2

5th of Feb and 12th of Feb- Romantic valentines dinners/desserts

Cost is $40.00 per class or January special $140.00 per series of 4 classes saving you $20.00!

If you bring friend save 10% on your fee.

Call Yvonne for more info or inbox me with more questions 208-794-0605

advance registration required!

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

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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

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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!

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

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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?

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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

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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!!

Appetizers For The Season …… And Beyond!

07 Friday Dec 2012

Posted by Bob and Robin in Appetizers, Captain's Shack, Food, Food Prep, Holiday Menu, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Recipe by: Robin and Bob Young, Special Events, What's For Dinner?

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appetizer, food, holiday season, recipes appetizers, recipes for appetizers

We have a friend on FB that asked folks to post a favorite recipe for an appetizer for all to share. So many recipes …… So little time.

Here is a link to our online recipe file and more particularly Our Appetizer File. There are many recipes for appetizers here. Enjoy and hope you find one you like. Have a great Holiday Season!