Memorial Day 2009



Well, the start of the summer season is here with this being Memorial Day. But just think, in 180 days Labor Day will be upon us! (Just a thought) And the Clematis and rose that Donna and Bob gave us several years ago, are just awesome this year!

This is not as deep a red as a Blaze, but on the alley side of the house, it gives a wonderful splash of red color.

And the Salsa gives this awesome hue of reddish-yellow-gold to the front yard.

Actually, I am loading these photos now to kill some time. The pulled pork is in the smoker and will be ready about mid-afternoon. The baked beans are in “baking” and should be done in a couple of hours – they have already been going for 2 hours. Robin has the potato salad done and the cheesecake is almost done. The beer is chilling and the wine is standing. I think we’re going to have a party! Cheers!

La Cafe De Paris


It is really our pleasure to be able to go out into the community – Boise, in this case – and test some of the most fantastic restaurants in the North West for you, our friends and readers! 21 May was no different, when, on the spare of the moment, we made reservations to La Cafe De Paris and their Paella Night. Such a treat!!!

The menu, you ask?

Tapas
Marinated Olives
Chorizo/Cheese Croquettes
Gazpacho

Dinner
Authentic Spanish Paella
Rosemary and Walnut Focaccia Rolls
Fresh Garden Salad

The Wines
2007 Orballo Albarino
2008 Legado Munoz Tempranillo
Gran Gesta Cave

Dessert
Churros
Flan Creme Caramel

I know, it’s a tough job, but someone needs to try these establishments out and let you know how they are. Don’t miss this one. Cheers!

Buzz Wine and Coffee News


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


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!

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Texas Tarragon


That’s right! Texas Tarragon! I never heard of it until I went to Zamzows a while ago. I think Jerri was asking me about tarragon. This is a very potent variety with some really pretty yellow flowers. The plants are from Bonnie Plants. Texas Tarragon, Tagetes lucida, likes ordinary, well drained soil that is kept evenly moist and fertilized on a regular basis. I sampled a leaf at Zamzows and it really is a potent tarragon with a lingering spicyness. If you like tarragon, this might be worth a trip to Zamzows, or wherever Bonnie Plants are sold, and get a plant or two. Cheers!

Withdrawn From The Computer


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! )-:

New Zealand Food and Wine at "The Buzz"


On 12 May, Robin and I and Geno And Debra (we missed you Angie!), had another great tasting at The Buzz in Boise. New Zealand wines were on “tap” tonight and they were pretty good. The Dinner was also excellent – Lamb (if you wanted it) of course! If Lamb was not to your liking, Pork was also offered. Both were delicious. We had Lamb at our table. The wines were also very good. But because of the growing conditions in New Zealand, we started with the Reds and migrated to the Whites.

Geno is studying the tasting sheet to see what will be served.

Debra is checking The Buzz out. I think she is dreaming of a Sunday breakfast here. Hmmmm. Sounds good. Speaking of food, check the New Zealand Dinner out.


We started the Dinner with Tomato, White Bean and Olive Salad along with either a Lamb or Pork Kabob. Both of these went very well with a Kim Crawford Pinot Noir $21.00 (17) and an Oyster Bay Merlot $15.50 (17)

Then we had a Lamb Burger with a Sweet Potato and Pineapple Salad that went very well with the Merlot, but also went well with the Tasman Bay Pinot Gris, $19.00 (20), of which we bought 3 bottles. An awesome Pinot Gris that will go well with just about anything.

And now … Kiwi Cheesecake! I am not a particular fan of cheesecake, but this one, along with the Brancott Sauvignon Blanc $14.00 (19) and a Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc, was very, very good! When you think of New Zealand wine, think Sauvignon Blanc and the vintage.
A good selection of foods and a wonderful selection of wines. If you notice the number in parenthesis – (20) – you will know my scoring. 20 being top. The next tasting will be on June 9 and California wines – I hope not all of them – will be featured. Then on June 21, there will be an awesome Special Father’s Day dinner. Most of these tastings are $10.00 per person, but the Father’s Day dinner will be $25.00 per person. This event will be an exceptional evening. Make your reservations early!

Westside Drive-In and the Foodnetwork



Now I know most of you have heard of the Foodnetwork! I am proud to say that one of Lil’ Ole’ Boise Idaho’s Most Famous and Popular eatery, will be showcased on the Foodnetwork tonight at 8:00pm MDT! (Check out that blue sky!)


This episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives was fun to take part in. Be sure to watch it – you might see someone you recognize! And you might even see this mural again. Cheers and happy viewing!

Happy Mother’s Day!


As with all Holidays or Days of Celebration, I ask Robin about 10 days in advance what she would like me to make. The only exception is usually Memorial Day and maybe July 4th – I fire up the grills and smoker for these two days! So, as expected, she submitted her suggested menu for Brunch:

Mimosas
Popovers with Gruyere Cheese
Baked Eggs with Spinach

The Mimosa went extremely well with the Brunch

Sometimes it is difficult to photograph through the oven door, but here is an attempt. The Popovers are getting Happy!


And here are the Popovers with Gruyere Cheese in happy land! Happy Popovers – Happy Robin! These would really be great at a wine tasting filled with Tuna Salad, Ham Salad, Shrimp Salad … Use you imagination!

Popovers with Gruyere Cheese

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Makes 16

2 c unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1 t Sea Salt
2 c Whole Milk, use the good stuff with cream on the top
4 lg Eggs
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1 c Gruyere cheese grated and (about 6 ounces)

Place muffin pans in the oven and preheat oven to 350ºF

Whisk flour and salt in medium bowl to blend.

Heat milk in small, heavy saucepan over medium heat until very warm, about 125 degrees.

Whisk eggs in large bowl to blend. Gradually whisk warm milk into eggs. Gradually stir flour mixture into milk mixture just to blend (batter may still be slightly lumpy).

Remove hot muffin pans from oven. Spray pans with nonstick spray. Spoon 1/2 cup batter into each of 16 muffin cups. Top each with 1 tablespoon cheese. Bake until puffed and deep brown, about 40 minutes.

Remove popovers from pan and immediately cut a slit in the top of each to release the steam. Serve immediately.

Note: The key to making popovers that won’t deflate as soon as they come out of the oven is to cut a slit in the top while they are still hot. That releases the steam and allows the popovers to dry slightly inside. Popovers are not easy to reheat because they will flatten, so plan to take them out of the oven just before serving.

And here are the Baked Eggs with Spinach. Quite good, but keep an eye on them, they can over cook very quickly!@

Baked Eggs with Spinach

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes Serves 4

2 T Butter, room temperature
1 (10-ounce) package frozen Chopped Spinach, thawed and drained
2 slices Sourdough or French bread
4 lg Eggs
4 t Heavy Cream
Salt, Pepper and Smoked Paprika

Preheat the oven to 375ºF

Rub the inside of four ramekins with a tablespoon of butter.

Squeeze liquid from the thawed spinach. Place about 1/4 cup of spinach in each prepared ramekin, making a bed in the bottom. Dot each bed with a teaspoon of butter, cut into bits.

Butter both sides of the bread slices, then cut each slice into four triangles. Stand two triangles in each ramekin so that they are leaning against the sides of the dishes with a point up.

Break an egg into each ramekin. Sprinkle the eggs with salt, plus pepper and paprika. Drizzle each egg with 1 teaspoon of cream. Arrange the ramekins on a rimmed baking sheet.

Bake the eggs until the whites are set and the yolks are firm around the edges and soft in the center, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve while still hot.

So there you have it – Photos of Brunch and the recipes. What did you make for your Mother today? Cheers!

Farmer’s Markets and Other Great Information


I have been asked several questions about local Farmers’ Markets, and trying not to make the “Comments” list so big, I will try to answer some of the questions here. (For those who may not know, if you Left Click on any photo, you will get a Full Screen view. Easier to see some of the images.)

Farmer’s Markets

Robin and my intention this morning was to visit the Nampa Farmer’s Market, the Kuna Farmer’s Market and to deliver the last of the Idaho Wine Competition medals to Hells Canyon Winery. Oh well, two out of 3 isn’t bad. Nampa will have to wait until next week.
Wendy asked, “I had no idea that there were so many markets in the area!! Is there a wide variety of vendors between the four different markets? I am very interested in this information! I know that Koenig is at the downtown Boise market, but we would like to see about getting in on the Caldwell market that is on Wednesdays. Do you have any idea how we go about that, or who we should contact?” There is some variation in vendors between the markets – not all vendors go to all the venues.

Contacting the Kuna Market is easy – the graphic on the left has the information and who to contact. As far as I can tell, there are about 12 Farmer’s Markets within 50 miles of Boise, Boise actually having/sponsoring two. I will list them below.

If you look at the second photo and on the back left of that photo, you will see Buck’s Barnyard. Interesting and an ingenius idea, and green. He takes old and headed for the dump fruit boxes, unuseable fabric and old packing material and makes “raised vegetable boxes” from them and sells the idea – installed, I might say – for $185.00 (I think). Contact them for more information. (I am sorry, but they do not have a webpage.)

OK, so where are these markets.
Emmett – Emmett Farmer’s Market, Blazer Park. Saturdays 8:00am – 12:00pm and Wednesdatys 4:00pm – 7:00pm June through October. Contact: Glen Schiller (208) 365-5088
Middleton – Middleton Farmer’s Market, Ridleys parking lot on Highway 44. Thursday 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Mid May through September. Contact: Kathy May (208) 571-3474
NampaNampa Farmer’s Market. 1st Street South and Front Street. Saturdays 9:00am – 1:00pm. End of April through October. Contact: Suzette Boiling (208) 461-4807. Web Page
Eagle – Eagle Saturday Market. Heritage Park, corner of State Street and 2nd Street. Saturdays 8:30 am – 1:00pm. May through October. Contact: Dean Burrup (208) 631-3630 Web Page. Christmas Market, 1st Saturday in December
Meridian – Meridian Farmer’s Market. 3630 N Eagle Road, Ustic Market Place II. Saturdays 9:00am – 1:00pm. May through September. Contact: Donna Egner (208) 376-2610. Web Page
Meridian – McFadden Co-op Farmer’s Market. Meridian Cioty Hall parking lot, Main Street and Broadway. Tuesdays 5:00pm – 8:00pm (This may change to Saturdays also) May through October. Contact: (208) 862-0432
Kuna – Kuna Farmer’s Market. See the graphic above.
Mountain Home – Mountain Home Farmre’s Market. Railroad Park (Center Park) Main Street. Saturday 8:00am – 1:00pm. May through October. Contact: Beverly Lucia (208) 587-3134

I did not list the Boise (Capitol City Public Market). If you are interested, contact me through this blog. Please do not hold me responsible for incorrect or outdated information. If you find too many mistakes of this sort, contact Lacey or check the Idaho Agriculture Department Web Page. Spelling typos will be the only thing I can correct. Hope this gives you some good information and the world of Blog Blips continues to forward adequate information. Cheers!