Happenings At The Buzz

25 Friday Jun 2010

Posted by Bob and Robin in Special Dinners, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners

Just in from the Buzz! Cristi and Tom are changing their menu!!

Upcoming Events at The Buzz….

Dear Bob and Robin,

Buzz Coffee and Wine will be hosting Blaze and Kelly for two fantastic music filled evenings. We will feature some exciting summertime wines to accompany the music. Don’t forget that we will have dinner specials both Friday and Saturday night as we gear up for our new menu to begin on July 5th. Beginning July 5, 2010 we will have a full menu each night and have specials everyday. So as we gear up for the beginning of our new phase we will be posting specials on our Buzz facebook page, if you are not a fan yet please join and pass the word around, so that we may be able to keep you informed on a daily basis of the enticing specials we will be offering.

Reservations are being accepted for our July wine club meeting on July 13 and 14 at 6:30 each night. In July we will feature Semillion and Grenache. Also, don’t forget to get signed up for Murder by Malbec. the dinner for this event will be August 7. For reservations or questions call us at 344-4321 or email at buzzwine@cableone.net.

Thanks for your continued support and friendship.

Sincerely,
Cristi and Tom Takeda
Buzz Coffee and Wine

Here’s your chance to partake in an exciting evening and exciting Wine Dinners! See you there. Cheers!

"the Buzz" – Wine Club Dinner!

09 Wednesday Jun 2010

Posted by Bob and Robin in Photos By: Bob Young, Things To Do, Wine Dinners

≈ 1 Comment

Another wonderful Wine Dinner at the Buzz with wines from Spain, Tempranillo and Verdejo. It was also great to have Kim and Victoria Williams join us.

Kim and Victoria Williams joined us for this wonderful Wine Dinner! (I was using my daughter Marnie’s camera. Fast lens … stopped Kim’s eyelid movement. My camera is being repaired. Thanks Marnie!)

Oh my! To start, Debbie prepared Shrimp and Bacon Brochette that was delicious. Of course, it has bacon on it! This went well with the 2007 Tapena Verdejo, 12%, $11.00, (17). This wine, however, tended to over power the bacon, of all things.

Next on the menu was a delightful and refreshing Cucumber Roulade. This went quite well with the 2004 Martin Sancho Verdejo, 13.5%, $16.00, (18). This light and refreshing wine went very well with the cucumber. Although the alcohol is somewhat high, this wine is not “hot”.

Here are Parmesan Bites. We had a 2007 Canfeixes , 12%, $20.00, (17) with these. Vanilla and sulfur on the nose. Soapy.

Grilled Romaine with Vinaigrette. An excellent NV Tapena Tempranillo, 13%, $11.00, (19), went very well with this salad. The vinegar in the dressing did not conflict with the wine. A creamy and smooth wine.

Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Romesco Sauce, Cucumber and Asparagus in Dill and Quinoa. A hardy 2004 Marquez Riscal Tempranillo, 11.5%, $12.00, (19), was the perfect match with this entree.

And finally, the dessert. I had mine devoured before I realized that I had not taken a photo. Oh well. Debbie made us a Brownie and Strawberry Trifle. Yum-O! And the wine? A 2004 Zuccardi Tempranillo, 14%, $20.00, (20). A hot wine, but it did not distract from the essence of black cherry and smoke. This wine was perfect with the dessert.

See you at the next Wine Dinner? The second Tuesday and Wednesday – you have your choice of seating – of every month. Call the Buzz for reservations. $15.00 per person includes the dinner, the wine and great company. Cheers!

Varietals of the World

14 Wednesday Apr 2010

Posted by Bob and Robin in Main Dish, Photos By: Bob Young, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners

≈ 2 Comments

April 13, 2010. Another great evening at The Buzz in Boise tasting and eating; eating and tasting. Varietals of the World: Nebbiolo and other Piedmont Favorites and Muscato. Debbie did another great job and the wines matched and pared extremely well with what Debbie chose. But lets look at the wines and the meal! Cheers.

(Sorry for the lousy photo!) We started with a 2004 Villa Felici Classico Orvieto, 12% (17). This was a grassy, vanilla and sea shore nose. This would age another 4 years or so. Then we had a 2006 Masked Rider Syrah, 13.5% (16). A very light red that is easy to drink. Both of these wines were the preliminary wines. Then with the Wine and Cheese Strata, we had a wonderful NV Risata Moscato D’Asti, 5.5% (19). Very drinkable and clean. A wonderful wedding wine. Robin and I both enjoyed this blue bottle, wine.

And with the Stuffed Zucchini, we had a good 2005 Mezzacorona Moscato, 11.5% (17). A dry and still wine that really goes well with the light spicyness and herby stuffing of the zucchini. Yet, the zucchini, usually a very mild squash, was not overpowered by the Moscato.

The Asparagus Soup with Lemon Crème Fraîche. What can I say. It was delicious! Cristi did a wonderful thing: she served a 2008 Muscadet, 12% (19) as a comparison. Nice touch! And the 2006 Prunotto Barbera D’Asti, 13% (18) went quite well with the asparagus. But, so did the 2008 Muscadet. We saved a little to try with the asparagus. And, in my opinion, the Muscadet went best with the soup.

This White Bean Salad was different. Lots of green pepper. But surprising, the 2007 Marchesi Di Barbera Monferrato Maraia, 13.5% (18) went very well with the salad. The green pepper did not interfere with the wine. But just to let you know, this is not one of our more favorite varietals.

With the Nick and Toni’s Pasta ala Vecchia Bettola, we had a good, but not exceptional, 2003 Travaglini Gattinara, 12% (16). This wine would go well with a spicy Veal Parmigiana or Lasagna. It did go very well with this pasta.

And to top the dinner off, a wonderfully, refreshing Tripple Orange Soup. The wine that was chosen was a NV Zonin Moscato D’Asti,(18). Such a good meal with a wonderful selection of wines to go with it. If you missed this one, don’t fret!! You can redeem yourself on Tuesday May 12, or May 16 for the Quarterly Dinner, on July 25 for a BBQ or on Mother’s Day! Your choice. Hope to see you at the next event. Contact the Buzz for more specific information and to make reservations. Cheers!

The Buzz – Zonin Dinner

28 Sunday Mar 2010

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

≈ Leave a comment

On March 27, Robin and I and Marnie and Mac all went to the Buzz for another in their series of quarterly Wine Dinners. This time the wines were presented by Zonin Winery direct from Italy. Christie, Debbie and Tom did a fantastic job in paring the wines and preparing the 7 course dinner. Look what we had. My wine scores are in parenthesis. 20 points possible.

On Table

Salami Carpaccio
Breads and Dipping Oils

Antipasti

Mozzarella Puffs
Funghi Marinati
Perreroni Marinati

2006 Zonin Sasseo Primitivo Masseria Altemura
13.5% (16)

Pasti

Pasta with Lentil Sauce

2004 Zonin Chianti Classico Reserva Castello D’albola
13.0% (18)

Salad

Grilled Onion Salad

2008 Zonin Insola Principi di Byuera
13.5% (18)

It was good to have Mac and Marnie with us for dinner.

La Dolce Vita

Shrimp Scampi

2008 Zonin Le Focaie Rocca di Montemassi
13.5% (18)

Entrèe

Chicken with Lemon and Wine
Oven Fries
Steamed Asparagus with Lemon

2005 Zonin Sassabruna Rocca di Montemassi
13.0% (19)

Dessert

Granita de Caffe
Blackberry Pound Cake with Moscato Ctream

NV Zonin Proseco NL
11% (17)

So there you have another exciting quarterly wine dinner at the Buzz. Remember, there is also a monthly wine dinner held on the 2nd Tuesday and Wednesday of each month. Seating is limited to 40 people, so call for reservations. The quarterly dinners are special so they cost $25 per person. The monthly dinners are $15 per person. Cheers and hope to see you at the next event.

Rhone Night In Boise

26 Friday Mar 2010

Posted by Bob and Robin in Celebrations, Food, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners

≈ Leave a comment

Oh yes!! Once again Le Cafe de Paris did an awesome job!! Dinner in the Rhone Valley. With all the trimmings. But don’t just take my word for it, look at the photos. And then, if you missed this one, you have another chance on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at the Tapas Night. See you there?

Le Cafe de Paris Wine Dinner

22 Monday Mar 2010

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

≈ Leave a comment

Here we go again! Look at this Wine Dinner on Thursday, March 25 at Le Café de Paris in Boise. And all for $39.00 per person.

Le Menu

First Course
Foie Gras en Brioche
Arugula, candied blood orange

Second Course
Soupe de Haricots Blanc
smoked white bean soup, frog leg and parsley cannelles

Main Course
Roulade de Veau
roasted veal, manchego cheese, bacon, herbs, glazed asparagus, colbert sauce

Dessert
Gâteau au Chocolat
warm chocolate layer cake, raspberry sorbet, cognac syrup

And then, there is the wine list that is pared with this delicious dinner.

Rigal Malbec
Complex and strong aroma of red fruits and spice
Glass – $6 Bottle – $20.99

Les Moirets Côtes du Rhône
Light and fruity with a wonderfully long finish. Berry and red fruit.
Glass – $6.50 Bottle – $21.99

Château D’Angles Blanc
Delicate fruit flavors, slight citrus finish. Complex and beautiful palate.
Glass – $8.00 Bottle – $30.99

Other house wines will also be available. Robin and I have reservations for 6:30 pm. What time will you be there? Call Le Café de Paris for reservations, 204 North Capitol Boulevard, Boise, ID 83702-5922 (208) 336-0889. Le Cafe de Paris Cheers!

The Buzz – "Varietals of the World"

10 Wednesday Mar 2010

Posted by Bob and Robin in Food, Main Dish, Photos By: Bob Young, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners

≈ Leave a comment

09 March 2010 the Buzz held another wonderful dinner and wine tasting! The theme this month was Varietals of the World: Marsanne and Roussane. If you missed this one, you can redeem yourself next month on Tuesday 13 April or Wednesday 14 April. On the 27 March, there will be a quarterly dinner and tasting and the wines will be from Zonin. Reservations are necessary so call the Buzz! Make your reservations and join in on the fun and festivities. You won’t be disappointed.

But for now, here are some photos from the dinner. See what you missed?

Open up with these delicious Vegetable Spiral Sticks and

Savory Crescent Bites and Salmon Tartlets.

Add a delicious Butternut Squash Bisque (sorry for my sloppiness!) and a

Fresh Irish Pub Salad and you have some delightful “Good Eats”.

And now a wonderful Shepard’s Pie. Yum-O!

And then top the evening off with a Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Cheesecake and you have complete contentment!

But, believe it or not, that was not all. We had some wonderful wines to go with everything. My score is in ( ) out of 20.

2006 Rosenbkum Fess Parker Roussane – (17). 14.6 alcohol. Very golden color with hints of mint and green grass. Shellack. A sharp taste. Meant to be aged.
2008 Lineshack Roussane – (18). 14.5% alcohol. This one too is meant to be aged. Not quite as sharp as the first one. No shellac.
2007 Guigal Cotes du Rhone Blanc – (18). 13.5% alcohol. Clear color. Earthy and grassy on the nose. Mellow.
2008 Arancio Nero d’Avola – (19). 13.5% alcohol. Nice red. Deep and rich. (The first three were whites) Chocolate frosting on the nose. Used in Marsala.
2007 Zonin Nero d’Avola – (19). 13.0% alcohol. Very dark red and full of plums.
2006 Principa Buttera Nero d’Avola – (20). 13.0% alcohol. Very fruity red. Big, but not overbearing like a Zin. Bold, yet soft and succulent. An awesome wine.

So there you have our evening. Hope to see you next time. Cheers!

Viognier and Cab Franc Dinner

10 Wednesday Feb 2010

Posted by Bob and Robin in Photos By: Bob Young, Things To Do, Wine Dinners, Wine Tasting

≈ Leave a comment

At The Buzz on 09 February, we were treated to a great night of Viognier and Cabernet Franc and a wonderful dinner that was pared extremely well with the wines. Personally, I think this was one of the better parings.

I just want to personally thank Christy and Tommy (Pictured) for having this event and Debbie, the one with the awesome kitchen skills and the great talent to match the wines and the food presentations. As my supervisor at duPont used to say, “You done good!”

When we arrive, the tables had this delicious Table Treat of Mascarpone and Chive with Lemon Juice Dipping Sauce. Debbie served it with Pita Chips and Crackers. It hit the spot.

Then for an appetizer, we had Spicy Sausage Wonton Stars. Great choice with the Viognier.

Then a great Mediterranean Salad.

And the dinner. Beef Cartonnade with Baked Cauliflower and Broccoli. Mmmm … Mmmm … Good!

The dessert. Mangos and Blueberries in Prosecco Sauce.

And now the wines we had. I will list them in the order they were served. The Number in parenthesis (20) represents my score out of 20. Robin and I do these ratings separately, so we don’t really know what the other had scored a particular wine. This series of wines was really interesting – we were extremely close.

2008 Fujishin Viognier (19). (Snake River AVA) Vanilla, pine and lychee on the nose. Low acidity. 14.2% alcohol.
2007 Les Jamelles Viognier (18). Smooth with peaches and floral. High acidity. 13% alcohol.
2008 Loredonna Viognier (19). Heavy apricot and very smooth. Well balanced. 13.5% alcohol.
2006 Vin du Bois Viognier (15). (Snake River AVA) Paper and pencil lead. Desert sage. Washes out and very light on taste. A bitter end. Almost a chardonnay taste. This wine just misses the mark 11% alcohol.
2006 Samur Champigny Cabernet Franc (19). Smoky cedar on the nose. Black cherry. I’m thinking Grilled Pork or a well marbled Rib-Eye grilled. 13.5% alcohol.
2006 Terra Nativa Cabernet Franc (19).(Snake River AVA) Fondue. The Idaho terroir comes roaring through on this wine. This went extremely well with the Beef Cartonnade with Baked Cauliflower and Broccoli. 12% alcohol.
2002 Ironside Cabernet Franc (20). Brown tinge on the edge. Good age. Wood lumber mill on the nose and a mellow raisin taste, as one would expect. This was a delicious wine and went very well with the Mangos and Blueberries in Prosecco Sauce.

So there you have the evening. Don’t just take my word for these wines. Try them yourself. My opinion is just a guide. Cheers!

Zin and Chocolate at The Buzz

30 Saturday Jan 2010

Posted by Bob and Robin in Photos By: Bob Young, Things To Do, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners

≈ 1 Comment

Now, if you don’t like chocolate and you don’t like zin, you missed an excellent opportunity to try and expand your wine and food taste buds!! On 27 January, The Buzz Coffee and Wine Bar had another awesome wine and food paring. Look what we had. All of the wines were from California’s Renwood Winery. My scores are in ( ).

Pretzel Drops, Chocolate Popcorn and Chocolate Soy Crisps

Chocolate Sushi amd Chocolate Pate with Zinfandel and Berries
2006 Red Label Sierra Foothills Zinfandel (17)

Look at the Chocolate Sushi

Mascarpone Brioche Sandwiches and Chocolate Soup
2006 Amador County Old Vine Zinfandel (18)

Mixed Green Salad with Chocolate Dressing (Great!)
2004 Santino Fiddletown Zinfandel (18)

Chicken Mole with Roasted Vegetables and Spanish Rice
2006 Grandmere Zinfandel (19)

Deep Dark Chocolate Cake with Zinfandel Frosting
2007 Amador County Ice Zinfandel (20)

We also have a 2004 Zinfandel Port in a Chocolate Cup. That went fast!

Paul Colwell, BRJ Distributors and the Renwood Winery Representatives.

——————————

One great and fantastic evening of food (thanks Debbie!), wine, chocolate and new friends. Cheers and hope to see you at the next one.

"Seasons" Schedule

22 Friday Jan 2010

Posted by Bob and Robin in Food, Seasons Bistro, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners

≈ 1 Comment

I must apologize for the “lateness” of this information. Robin and I are planning to be at the Seasons for lunch today and will talk to Rachel about the timing. In the meantime ……

January Events 2010

Friday, January 22nd 6:00PM-9:00PM
LIVE MUSIC featuring Hot Spittin Llamas

DINNER SPECIALS :

-Braised Lamb over Mashed Potatoes -this is DELICIOUS!
-Trout Meuniere
-Chicken with Cream Shallot & Mushroom Sauce
-Winter Scallop Salad
-Pecan Duck Breast with Wild Cherry Reduction over Currant Pilaf
-Chili
-New York Strip with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Soups:
-Seafood Gumbo
-Crab & Brie Soup

NEW DESSERTS:

-Banana Split Pie
-German Chocolate Pie
Jerri-Berry Pie- (four berry pie)
Huckleberry Peach Pie
-Eric’s Caramel Bread Pudding

Saturday, January 23rd
LIVE MUSIC with The Single Car Garage Band
6:00PM-9:00PM

Monday, January 25th, 6:00PM-8:00PM
“WOMEN and WINE”
Every Monday at Seasons we will be featuring Women and Wine. Come alone or bring a friend and learn about different featured wine and cheese pairings. Cost-$15.00 per person

SEASONS 1st WINEAUXS DINNER of 2010
Join Joe (Dewey) from ID. Distributing as we learn about Romantic Reds for the month of February.
Wednesday, January 27th @ SEASONS BISTRO
6:00PM-Happy Hour (all glasses of wine are 10% off)
7:00PM-five to seven courses paired with wonderful wines
$30.00-members $35.00-non-members

*Make sure to call Rachel to reserve your seat-939-6680
Sincerely,

Rachel Hurn
Seasons Bistro
939-6680
http://www.seasonsbistrocatering.com

Don’t forget to follow Seasons on Facebook or Twitter!

————————————————–

Seasons Soup & Sandwich for $7.00 Saturdays. Bring this coupon in for a cup of soup and 1/2 sandwich for $7.00 anytime on Saturdays.

————————————————–