Boise Wine Meet-Up Groups Party Hearty!

19 Thursday Dec 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in 13th Street Pub and Grill, Appetizers, Crab Cakes, Idaho Chefs, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Photos By: Robin Young, Pizza, Special Events, Tastings Wine Bar, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Whats For Lunch?, Wine and Food, Wine Tasting

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13th Street Pub and Grill, Boise WIne Meet Up Groups, Tastings Wine Bar, Trey Busch

Two of the Boise Wine Meet-up Groups met this past Wednesday. The first group met at Tastings Wine Bar in Boise with Trey Busch, pictured here, of Slight of Hand Winery from Walla Robin and I took these with her phone. Walla, Washington doing the presentation of his wines. As I did not have my camera with me, Robin and I took these photos with her phone. Left-Click any of these photos to see enlarged. There should be no small photos – except for the one above of Trey – so you may need to “Refresh” your screen. Cheers!

Tasting wine menu.

Pizza Crab Cakes Awesome pizza! Ham, pineapple, cheese, Chipotle sauce, Raspberry Sauce on Flatbread

Pizza
Ham, pineapple, cheese, Chipotle sauce, Raspberry Sauce on Flatbread
Crab Cakes

Awesome pizza!

Then after this tasting, we went to the 13th Street Pub and Grill for the second tasting and some substantial food.

They had the interior of the pub all decorated out for the Holiday Season. It was nice sitting around the fire that was situated in the center of the room and seating on all four sides. Definitely warm! In order to keep the wine cool, we placed a glass of ice water between the wine and the fire. The two glasses were touching. Yes, it does work! Enjoy these photos, even though some of them are a little “artsy”. Cheers!

Slight of Hand and a Tempranillo de Mancha on the right.

The fire situated in the center of the room. We sat around this awesome and warm fireplace.

Some of the people having a good time.

Claire, the Coordinator of the event and Robin are discussing the finer things in life – Wine!

Joe, Cindi and Jan are enjoying the company and the party.

Robin had a BLT. I guess one must now ask for a golden brown toast. This toast was not.

Bob had a Pub Burger.

Holiday Wines At The Buzz

12 Thursday Dec 2013

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

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Amalia Malbec, monthly dinners, the Buzz, Wine Dinners

Silverware, A Menu and A Glass of Wine

Such a good wine dinner tonight. Somewhat different. A good change. Comparing Old World wines with New World wines. Just to let everyone know, the monthly coupons are now on sale at the Buzz. These are prepaid coupons so you pay for 5 dinners and get one free. Robin and I always get some. And, Cristi told us all that she must raise the price starting in January. It will go from $15 a plate, to $20 a plate. Wine amounts and dinner courses will be the same. And in January? Asian food and wines that go with that style of cooking and food. Who is the Chef? Why our very own Chef Tommy Takeda! Yea! Let’s all get out and support Tommy in this endeavor, but I know he will do a great job. Here is what we had at this dinner. Enjoy!

American Salad Willamette Valley Pinot Grigio Altanuta Pinot Grigio

American Salad
2012 Willamette Valley Pinot Grigio [14]
2012 Altanuta Pinot Grigio [14]

Split Pea and Ham Soup
2010 Vina Amalia Malbec [15]
2011 Purple Malbec [17]

Shepard's Pie 2007 Snake River Tempranillo [17] 2009 LAN Rioja Crianza [19]

Shepard’s Pie with Wilted Spinach
2007 Snake River Tempranillo [17]
2009 LAN Rioja Crianza [19]

Apple Pie and Pecan Tart
2012 Revelry Riesling [15]
2012 At Urbans-Hof Riesling [19]

I guess you can see that I do favor the Old World wines. They are the second wines listed below each entree item. Hope to see you at the next Wine Dinner. Cheers!!

The Drink Bar and Waterfront Grill Visit

26 Tuesday Nov 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Beef, Bisque, Boise Adventures, Chowder, Dinner With Friends, Lobster, Main Dish, Photos By: Bob Young, Pubs, Sandwiches, Seafood, Shell Fish, Soup, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?

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Drink Bar and Waterfront Grill, Idaho humanists

The Boise Humanist group met at Drink Bar and Waterfront Grill on November 25. The restaurant is a nice setting right on the lake. But just a little cold on the Cabana when the temperature is in the high 20’s, even if the sides are shielded by plastic. They probably could have turned the heaters on an hour or so earlier so that the room would warm up a little more. People were cold. Here is their Cabana/Tiki Bar Page and menus.

The food was OK, but not much more. The clam chowder was tasty as was the lobster bisque. It would have been nice to have fries or something come with the burgers. They could probably do with better hamburger buns, too. These were “gummy”. I will rate this as a 3-Star ( out of 5-Stars) restaurant based on what we had. Here are some photos from the evening. Left-Click any of the photos to see enlarged. Cheers!

The Cabana

View out over the lake.

Some of the people who were there.

Lobster Bisque

Clam Chowder

The Haole Burger

The Big Wave Burger

Two Great Meals!

24 Sunday Nov 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5 Hour Duck, Bronco Nation, Captain's Shack, Chilies Rellenos, Comfort Food, Dinner With Friends, Duck, Ethnic Foods, Main Dish, Mexican Food, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Recipes, Special Events, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?

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5 hour roasted duck, Acme Bake Shop ciabatta, Chile Rellenos Casserole

On Saturday night, we went to a BSU game party. BSU lost 34-31 to San Diego State. Yuk! But to save the day, Robin’s brother Brian sent us a recipe for Chile Rellenos Casserole. We used it as a dip and the people loved it!! It really was good and Thank-You Brian!! We just altered the recipe slightly.

Chile Rellenos Casserole

Chile Rellenos Casserole

Serves 8

Ingredients:
2 pound lean ground beef, 95% or Kobe
2 t Cumin
1 T Oregano
1/2 onion chopped, lightly caramelized
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 10 oz can diced fire roasted green chilies
1 lg Jalapeno pepper, seeds and ribs removed and diced
1 15oz can Black Beans, rinsed
1 15oz can whole kernal corn
1 10oz can Ro-Tel
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese or Mexican blend of cheeses
3/4 cup milk
1/8 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
dash pepper
2 eggs

Preparation:
In a heavy skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef, diced jalapeno and onion; drain off excess fat. Place in a bowl and sprinkle beef with the first 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, cumin and oregano. Stir with a spoon to mix all the herbs.

Rinse the black beans and drain the liquid from the corn. Mix the beans, corn and Ro-Tel. Spread the mixture evenly in the bottom of a casserole dish.

Spread the meat mixture evenly on top of the bean mixture.

Combine milk, flour, salt, pepper and eggs. Whisk until smooth. Pour over meat and chili mixture. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake at 350° for 45 to 50 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with corn chips or with the chip of your choice. Enjoy!

Then we had our neighbors, Kelley and Scott and their daughter, over for a Five Hour Roasted Duck dinner. There is a recipe for this roasted duck in the recipe section of this blog.

Five Hour Roasted Duck

Orange Infused Wild Rice

Green Salad

Acme Bake Shop Ciabatta Pull-Apart Rolls

Gravy

Peach Melba with Housemade Oatmeal Cookie

A variety of wine and sherry. It was a good foodie weekend with good friends. Thank-You everyone. Cheers!

Mai Thai Restaurant and the Idaho Foodie Meet-Up

22 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Asian Food, Boise, Boise Adventures, Boise Foodie Meet-Up, Cooking Styles, Dinner With Friends, Ethnic Foods, Local Markets, Mai Thai, Mataki Mushrooms, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Special Events, Sushi, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Whats For Lunch?

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asian food, Boise foodie, Mai Thai

On Thursday, November 21, the Idaho Foodie Meet-Up group met at Mai Thai in Boise for a delightful gathering and some scrumptious food! Our very good Waiter Benjamin, suggested that we try their Buffet Lunch, 11am until 2pm daily, because we can try a large variety of menu items for a very reasonable price. We highly recommend the Mai Thai restaurant for their Asian cuisine and their service. Easily a 4-Star, out of 5, rating. We will have to try their buffet. Thanks, Benjamin. Eight of the Meet-Up group were in attendance and here is some of the food we had. But first, the ambiance. Enjoy and Left-Click any of these photos to see them enlarged. Please VOTE above. Cheers!

Some of the glass work and water works in the restaurant. Beautiful!

Neither this lamp, nor the one above, were made by Chihuly, but rather by a local artist. They are simply marvelous.

Each table had one of these candles on it. The Missionary's Downfall goblet (left) Hawaiian Mai Thai goblet were not on each table. Just on ours.

Each table had one of these candles on it. The Missionary’s Downfall goblet (left) Hawaiian Mai Thai goblet (right) were not on each table. Just on ours.

The bar area. As you can see, the lighting in the restaurant was awesome. A fun place with superb food and service.

And at any party, there may be door prizes. Here was one of several. A mouse pad, at that!

And now …. The food!

Chicken Pot Stickers

Braised Oxtail Gyoza

Koi Cucumber Wrap

Seared Salmon

Kakitage – Corn and Red Onion Fritter
with
Spicy Curry Sauce

Maitaki Mushroom Tempura Fritter

Tuna Tartar

Vegetable Spring Rolls

Mai Thai Noodles with Pork

Chocolate Cake

Robin and I had an excellent time. Good group! Good food! Until next time ……………….

Celebration Theme At “The Buzz”

13 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Appetizers, Apple, Basque Foods, Cabbage, Celebrations, Dinner With Friends, Ethnic Foods, Food Photos, Italian Food, Main Dish, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Salad, Spanish Wines, Special Dinners, Special Events, Things To Do, Vegetables, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food

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the Buzz

Just in time for the holiday season quickly approaching. Celebrations of the World was the theme of the November Wine Club Dinner at the Buzz. We had dishes with a Spanish, German, Basque, African, Italian and the Netherlands influence. It was an exciting evening, full of information and tradition. Great job, Cristi! My only criticism of the dinner is the Swedish Meatballs could have had a little more of the sauce on it. The meat was a little dry, although the flavor was still there. A little more sauce – An easy fix. Here are some photos from the evening. The wine rating is [20] maximum points. Cheers! and see you at the next event. Thank you Paul Colwell for the wines, Peggy and Austin for being our Servers and Tommy for your support “behind the scenes”. An 800 calorie meal.

Spanish Fritatta

I enjoyed this appetizer. Great flavors.
2010 Faustino Crianza Tempranello
13% alc. a light wine and went well with the appetizer. lowest score of the night. [17] $14

Pumpkin and Black Bean Soup

If I don’t like pumpkin and I liked this soup, you will also!! It was good.
2010 Durigutti Malbec Reserva
14% alc. a wonderful wine with this soup. well balanced and fruitty. best score of the night [20] $22

Holiday Salad

2011 Anselmi
12.7% alc. a good white wine that went well with the acidity of the salad. good paring. try the wine before you eat the apple in the salad – things will change. [18] $15

Swedish Meatballs Cabbage Steaks Noodles Just a little dry as I noted above, but the flavors were still there. 2011 Luna Cabernet Sauvignon 14.1% alc. good, full bodied wine that paired well with the entree. [18] $18

Swedish Meatballs
Cabbage Steaks
Green Peas
Noodles

Just a little dry as I noted above, but the flavors were still there.
2011 Luna Cabernet Sauvignon
14.1% alc. good, full bodied wine that paired well with the entree. [18] $18

Gingerbread

A good ending to this meal. It really tasted good.
2010 Renwood Old Vine Zinfandel
14.5% alc. so good with the gingerbread. [19] $22

Cristi always opens the evening with usually two wines that she labels “Cristi’s Choice”. These were two really good wines.
2012 Zolo Torrentes from Mendoza, Argentina. A really nice white wine and well worth the $15 price. [18]
2011 Arenal Vina Paralillo Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile. Again, well worth the $14 price. [18]

Eat, Drink and Be Merry ……………….

11 Monday Nov 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Appetizers, Boise, Boise Adventures, Captain's Shack, Chocolate, Chocolate and Food, Comfort Food, Cooking Styles, Duck, French Foods, French Wines, Friends, Gaston's Bakery, Locavore, Main Dish, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Salads, Salmon, Soup, Special Dinners, Special Events, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners

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DineOut Boise

………….. For tomorrow you may be dieting! Boise had this wonderful program called Dineout DowntownBoise where some of the restaurants offered a 3-Course dinner for $30. I have posted earlier on the subject, but it only lasted a week, so one had to hurry to make all of the eaterys. We didn’t make them all, but we tried.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the sponsors of this week long event: Boise Weekly, Sysco, the River – 94.9FM, Agri Beef Co., I Support Idaho Wines, Pepsi, DOWNTOWNBOISE Assoc. and Downtown Parking. Thank you one and all for offering this program. It was a joy!
And for the last dinner we went to Le Cafe de Paris where we met Michael and Sandra. Wonderful and fun people. He plays a mean guitar!! Ed K, we must introduce the two of you.

Can not have a good meal without a good wine …….

and can not have a good dessert without a good wine. (Both of these were from our cellar.)

When there is a choice on the menu, as there was at Le Cafe, Robin and I will usually get “one of each”. That way, we can try all and share. Le Cafe offered two entrees of each course. Here is what we had.

Salade de Bettraves et noisette
Butter lettuce topped with gold and red beets, toasted hazelnuts and served with a mustard vinaigrette

French Onion Soup

Confit de Canard
Duck confit
served with
roasted potatoes and Calvacios flambe apples

Saumon Papillotte Salmon with white wine, tomato and shallot baked in parchment paper

Dessert. Need I say more?

One each, then share!!

And then on Sunday night we made a 5-Hour Roasted Chicken. The recipe for a 5-Hour Roasted Duck is in the recipe section of the blog – See the headings above. We used the same recipe for the chicken.

5-Hour Roasted Chicken

Michael and Sandra joined us for the dinner party. Lots of wine. Some Scotch, Amarula, B&B, Guinness and Armagnac.

Concert Jam at “The Buzz”

27 Sunday Oct 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Appetizers, Concert Jam, Dinner With Friends, Friends, Main Dish, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Special Events, Special Information, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food

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concert jam, Jen Drake, the Buzz

It is great to have Jen Drake – viola – bring some of the local philharmonic talent to the Buzz again this year for the 2nd year of Concert Jam! I think this program will be scheduled about every other month. If that is wrong, I will let you know. Such a great event and thanks to Jen Drake for “directing” the music. And the really great thing – If you play an instrument, bring it! Sit down with these folks! Have fun and play your heart out! Ages? If you can read music and you play an instrument, you can join in on the fun. I think the youngest this time was a 14 year old young lady on the violin. Such a great experience for them to play with such great talent. Enjoy these photos from the evening. Hope to see you at the next one! Cheers!

Here is another venue for the philharmonic group. This month the music will be Brahms. The program varies each month. Well worth the $10 donation. Robin and I will be there.

Great dinner tonight!

Pork Chops
with
Raspberry Sauce
Zucchini Cake
Steamed Asparagus

Chelli, new Assistant Director at the Boise Philamonic and Jen on the Viola.

Chia-Li Ho, new Assistant Director at the Boise Philamonic and Jen on the Viola.

Some of the jammers! All ages are encouraged to join in.

Jammers.

At the end of the evening ….. Dessert!

Pear Cobbler
Ice Cream
Whipped Cream

Cristi did a great job with this dessert. Hope to see YOU at the next event at The Buzz! Cheers!

Boise Farmers Market Fall Fundraiser

21 Monday Oct 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Beef, Boise Adventures, Boise Farmers Market, Brats, Carrots, Comfort Food, HDR, Heirloom Squash, Herbs, Idaho Wine, Local Farmers Markets, Local Harvests, Local Markets, Locavore, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Special Events, Squash, Tapas, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food

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Homestead Farms, Meadow Lark Farms, New Boise Farmers Market, Purple Sage Farms

Yes, even The New Boise Farmers Market must have funds to operate. And since it is not privately funded, the funds must come from the public sector. That’s you and me!! So Robin and I did attend. It was held at the Purple Sage Farms outside of Middleton, ID. A beautiful Fall day as you can tell from some of these photos.
Robin and I try very hard to eat local products and we are totally committed to the “Buy Idaho” and “Support You Local Farmers” programs. We are at the New Boise Farmers Market every Saturday and we will follow them indoors on November 2, 2013 to their winter home at the Fulton Street (Boise) location. So we were very pleased when we got the opportunity to attend this gala event at the Purple Sage Farms. Enjoy these photos and please, please support your local farmers. From the New Boise Farmers Market web page,

Vision: The Boise Farmers Market is a community marketplace where local food and agricultural products are available year round and where the community can learn about and become engaged in food system issues. The Market is a catalyst and incubator for local food-related activities in the region, and helps to build personal and community self-reliance.

Mission: The Boise Farmers Market supports a regenerative, healthy food and agricultural system by operating a vibrant marketplace featuring locally grown and crafted products.

Tim Sommer and his son Mike, owners of the Purple Sage Farms, talk to the crowds that were there.ike3 loves to work on and with the land. They use only their own compost and their water supply is from the Payette River.

Tim Sommer and his son Mike, owners of the Purple Sage Farms and our hosts today, talk to the crowds that were there. Mike loves to work on and with the land. They use only their own compost and their water supply is from the Payette River.

Daughter Arie Sommer and Grandmother Ava Latteman

Daughter Ariie Sommer and Grandmother Ava Latteman

Bill Gates, Homestaed Farms whose beef were pasturing directly across the road, talks to the folks about his years of experience of raising cattle, among other livestock. Their products can be found at the New Boise Farmers Market and in Whole Foods. It is some very good beef!

Bill Gates, Homestead Farms whose beef were pasturing directly across the road, talks to the folks about his years of experience of raising cattle, among other livestock. Their products can be found at the New Boise Farmers Market, of course, and in Whole Foods here in Boise. It is some very good beef!

Karen Ellis and Janie Burns discuss the program for this afternoon.

Karen Ellis and Janie Burns – Meadow Lark Farms – discuss the program for this afternoon.

Here are some photos of some of the greenhouses that Purple Sage Farms use for winter production of their vegetables and herbs. Temperatures during the summer may reach well above 100 degrees, so they whitewash the outsides to reduce the intensity of the sun.

Greenhouse Row. There are about 10 houses here.

Greenhouse Row. There are about 15 houses here.

Rosemary and Lettuce

Basil

I think these are carrots.

With all of the available source for different foods, look what they served.

Stuffed Peppers

Delicioso Squash. (I am not a squash fan, but this was delicious!)

Pepper Bruchetta

Kabobs with Zucchini

Hot Dogs

Brats

What a great afternoon! Interesting. Informative. Delicious. Thirst quenching.

Liquid Refreshment is served.

“The Buzz” Monthly Wine Dinner – Small Wine Regions

09 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Appetizers, Beef, Cooking Styles, Dessert, Dinner With Friends, Ethnic Foods, Finger Foods, Photos By: Bob Young, Salad, Soup, Things To Do, Vegetables, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food

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the Buzz, wine dinner

A very interesting selection of wines and food tonight. And as Erica Larsen said, “Great food and wine for $15. Bottles were $11 each! Delicious! Another dinner tomorrow if you are interested.” Wine selections from New Zealand, Germany, Hungary, South Africa and Portugal. And Cristi kept it interesting with the food parings. If you missed this dinner, there is another with the same fare and wines tonight, October 9. You just can not beat the price – $15.00 per person – and the food selections. Cheers and hope to see you at one of these dinners. Personally, I think this was one of the better Wine Dinners. Great job, Cristi!! Enjoy these photos. Left-Click to see them enlarged.

Silverware, A Menu and A Glass of Wine

Pastry Twist
Mint and Pea Pesto
Cheese Dates
2013 Walnut Block Sauvignon Blanc (NZ)
13% alc . one of the better wines of the night. great finish and appeal. superb paring with the appetizer [18] $16

Pumpkin Tortilla Soup 2012 St Urbans Reisling Germany)

Pumpkin Tortilla Soup
2012 St Urbans Riesling (Germany)
9.5% alc. not my favorite wine for the night. The soup was spicy and I enjoyed it, but this wine just did not match with that flavor level. The wine was good by itself as was the soup. [16] $18

Hungarian Potato Salad 2001 Bull's Blood 12.5% alc. This was a very light version of this wine. We have had it before and it was full bodied.

Hungarian Potato Salad
2001 Bull’s Blood (Hungary)
12.5% alc. This was a very light version of this wine. We have had it before and it was full bodied. It was light enough to go with this delicious version of potato salad. I liked the salad. Different. [17] $11

Pumpkin Beef and Mushroom “Salad”
Pasta and Chimichurri Sauce
2009 Sebeka Cabernet Pinotage (S Africa)
13.5% alc. good clarity and color. full bodied and good balance [18] $11
I really enjoyed this entree. Good flavors and a good paring with the wine. Spaghetti squash on the bottom with caramelized onion made a perfect match.

Double Chocolate Bundt Cake
Noval Tawny Port (Portugal)
19.5% alc. I don’t particularly like port, but this was WOW! great balance and body. [19] $20
This was a superb paring between the chocolate cake and the port. Well done!!!