Two Wines Not To Miss!

27 Wednesday May 2009

Posted by Bob and Robin in Food, Things To Do, Wine and Food

And not just because they are from Idaho. And remember, wines are meant to be sampled with food. Robin and I just had a Basil and Herb Chicken (actually from Albertsons and pretty good) with Fresh Orange-Mojo Dipping Sauce for Take-Out Chicken and a Golden Rice Salad. Hopefully, Robin will post the recipes for these.

Actually, this is the wrong label, but the design is the same.

2008 Parma Ridge Vineyards, Snake River Valley Dry Gewurztraminer.

A light, German Style Gewurztraminer. “… Try this Gewurztraminer with pork roast, sauerbraten, turkey and other flavorful dishes.” This went extremely well with our herbal chicken and rice. On the back of the tongue, a hint of citrus fruit, like light orange. This is a wine that will leave you saying, “What was that?”. You can find more about Parma Ridge Vineyards by Clicking Here. At this writing, there are only 50 cases in stock. Order some now – you will not regret it! It’ll be great at Thanksgiving.

The other wine, and this is not the correct label either – it should be a Syringa bush label – is:

2008 Indian Creek Winery, Mountain Syringa.

An awesome wine that is definitely fruit forward – Pear, Citrus. “…Tasty alone or with turkey, many highly spiced fish and meat dishes, breads and cheeses.” A blend of Gewurztraminer (50%), White Riesling (22%) and Chardonnay (22%). Mike and Tammy have done an outstanding job. At last check, there were 5 cases of this left. You can view their Web Site and get more information. Be one of five people and buy a case!!

Both of these wines are outstanding, but for different reasons. You really need some of these in your cellar! Cheers!

Cheesecake Anyone?

27 Wednesday May 2009

Posted by Bob and Robin in Dessert, Food, Photos, Things To Do

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I knew I forgot something! I posted our Memorial Day menu and told you I would post a photo of the Cheesecake Robin made. Here is the photo – I am selfish with this cheesecake! Actually, a good German Chocolate Cake and a big glass of real milk, is a good way to pass the time. But the cheesecake she made, will do just fine. A great, crispy chocolate crust; The “cake” portion about 1″ thick and a lemony, citrusy flavor that comes through that really goes well with the smiley fruit on top. What a way to end a great picnic! Cheers!

A Drive To Wilder

27 Wednesday May 2009

Posted by Bob and Robin in Restaurant Reviews, Spring Plants, Things To Do

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A ride to where? Wilder? What’s in Wilder? Ahhh, you say, two things!

First, there are hops! Miles and miles of hops! Just coming through from a long Winters nap. They will grow to 16 to 20 feet tall. And after they grow, they will find their way to your favorite brew.

And Second, there is Alejandra’s Mexican Restaurant. (It always comes down to food!) A very excellent restaurant and almost better than those in Boise and Kuna. Read our Review. We will probably go back to this one. However, there is one in Marsing right on Main Street, which might be a wee bit closer.

We were actually at Parma Ridge Winery and we asked the winemaker – Dick Dickstein – where a good Mexican restaurant was in the area. He highly suggested Alejandra’s and he was right! (One really should not take a photography amid chews! It gives a false impression.)

It really was an enjoyable morning and afternoon. A good Idaho winery visited – no, we did not buy any – we have some in storage; We found another good restaurant to frequent and it was a pleasant drive through the Idaho countryside on a beautiful spring afternoon. Not much traffic on the roads as most people have returned from the Mountains and the Memorial Day Weekend and are now back at work. We are still retired!!! So Robin and I will spend out days searching for good wine and good food and report to you what we have found. It’s tough – But someone has to do it! Cheers!

Buzz Wine and Coffee News

21 Thursday May 2009

Posted by Bob and Robin in Food, Things To Do, Wine Dinners, Wine Tasting

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2999 N Lakeharbor Lane – Boise, Idaho 83703

We hope that the first great BBQ weekend of the year finds everyone healthy and happy. If you, your friends, and your families are looking to spend some quality get together time this weekend here are some suggestions to make it easier on you. We have a great selection of BBQ or Patio wines at reasonable prices. Also, if you are looking for a dish to take to an event, or make it easier on yourself, the Buzz Pasta Salad, Baked Beans, or Santa Fe Cheesecake are available for pick up. Call and order early for Sunday or Monday events 344-4321. We will be open regular hours Sunday and Monday.

May 22 and May 23
Join Gregg from Ferreus as we learn about and enjoy some French wines; Routas. Gayle Chapman will offer some incredible music to accompany food and wine. On Saturday Night we will feature an entree that will pair nicely with the wine. Wine tasting each night begins at 6, with the music beginning at 7. Hope to see you there.

Sheridan Academy Benefit Night
On June 2 we will donate 20% of all food and wine sales starting at 5PM to Sheridan Academy. This is a nonprofit school here in Boise servicing children from all walks of life. We will have wine tasting and dinner specials. Come by and join in a night-out during the week and help a good local cause. Reservations not required

For any reservations or questions please call 344-4321 or E-Mail at Buzzwine@cableone.net. Don’t forget wine makes memorable graduation and wedding gifts.

From all of us at Buzz Coffee and Wine we hope that you have a safe and happy Memorial Day.

Sincerely,
Cristi and Tom Takeda
Buzz Coffee and Wine

Kids Club
Saturday May 23 at 2:30 will be our next Kids Club Tasting event. We will focus on hot dogs.This is an educational event for the kids and they don’t even realize it. Reservations are required Buzzwine@cableone.net
or 344-4321.

June Wine Club
In June we will turn our attention to California wines. Debbie has a stunning menu planned and we will learn about California and California wines. Reservations are being accepted for June 9 at 6:30PM. Cost is $10.00 per person. Seating is limited.

Quarterly Dinner
Our Quarterly dinner will take place June 21. Two seatings one at 5 and then at 7:30. Reservations being accepted now. Cost is $25.00 for a five course dinner and ten different wines. Great Father’s Day outing.

Wine With Food

18 Monday May 2009

Posted by Bob and Robin in Food, Main Dish, Party Time, Photos, Things To Do, Wine Dinners

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On Sunday, 17 May, Robin and I went to what may be the last Gamekeeper Restaurant and Lounge wine dinner. They are going out of business. (I think Denny’s is still open!) Chef Mark Owsley and Ste Chapelle Winery winemaker Chuck Devlin did a superb job of matching the wines with the dinner. But then, Chef Mark Owsley did a fantastic job in preparing the outstanding meal. Here is what we had. All wines were Ste Chapelle.

Opener
Southern Pork Lyonnaise
Tenderloin of Pork lightly spiced then seared. Presented on a Gorgonzola Polenta Cake with Black Bean Salsa. Topped with a Caramelized Onion Sauce with Crispy Onion

Wine: 2007 Merlot

Soup

Tortilla Soup with Langoustines

Traditional Tortilla Soup with Langoustines garnished with Tortilla Strips, Scallions and Aged Cheddar

Wine: 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

Salad

Pasta Salad Neptune

Tri-Colored Cavatuppi Pasta blended with Snow Crab and Pesto Dressing. Presented on a bed of Fresh Spinach

Wine: 2007 Dry Riesling

Intermezzo

Watermelon Sorbet

Main Entree

Key Lime Salmon

Fresh Atlantic Salmon flame broiled to perfection. Laced with a Zesty Lime Cream. Served with pureed Great Northern Beans with Mexican Spices and a Stuffed Tomato stuffed with spinach, bread crumbs in marinara and two cheeses.

Wine: 2007 Sauvignon Blanc

Dessert

Mudd Pie

(Sorry no photo – It was gone before I could get the photo)

Classic Mudd Pie layered with Coffee Ice Cream, Chocolate Mocha Ice Cream and Fudge Brownies. Served with a Port Chocolate and Caramel Sauce.

Wine: 2004 Sauvignon Blanc Ice Wine

Be sure to view these photos. Cheers!

Click to play this Smilebox slideshow: Gamekeeper 2009

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Withdrawn From The Computer

15 Friday May 2009

Posted by Bob and Robin in Things To Do, Thought For The Day

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Actually, I’m sitting here at Starbucks and using their wifi. My ‘puter is sick; it has a cold; not fatal; blurred vision; graphics driver? card? I don’t know but I won’t get it back until next week sometime. So, I am limited with my inputs to the blog and the Readers. If you need to contact me with sympathy cards, send them to Robin and she will probably let me see them. Until next week – Cheers! )-: