September At “The Buzz”

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The beer steins we have on "The Self".

The beer steins we have on “The Self”.

Ah yes! Here are our steins. Do you have a stein on “The Shelf” at the Buzz? Hmmmm. Why not?
Here is the latest news from Cristi and the September schedule of events. Hope to see you there so we can say Hello and have a glass of wine together.
Such a good Wine Dinner for an awesome price. 5 course dinner and at least 6 wines and all for $20 a plate. And then there are other events happening at the Buzz too. Look here.

Hi, fall is in the air and life is getting either back-to-normal or crazier each day. Or if you are like our family crazier each day is back to normal. Our renovation is complete and if you have not had a moment to stop by and check out our new growler and kombucha stations, please do. We always try to have some local beers on tap and our kombucha is all organic (and is made in Bend).

We have a fun September planned, hope to see you soon.
Wine Dinner – September 9th and 10th we will be having our monthly wine dinner. It starts at 6:30 each night and the cost is $20 per person for dinner and wine dinner. This month we will be discussing Pacific Northwest and the wine of food from our own personal wine region.

Buzzopoly – On September 14th at 5 PM we will be playing our first life size game outside. Based on the game of monopoly, in a 90 minute game we will play. It is $20 a person, teams of up to 6, registration is at 5 “negotiations” at 5:30, play starts at 6 and game is over at 7:30 with prizes after. Cost includes drinks, food, and fun.

Our Music schedule for September:

5th Todd Palmer
12th Leta Neustaedter
19th Blaze and Kelly
26th Jean Cardena

Wine tastings every Friday and Saturday from 5-9:30; music from 7-9. Don’t forget we have appetizer, dinner and dessert specials to go along with the music and wine. No reservations needed, just come on by
Thanks for your support. We hope to hear from you about reservations or see each of you soon. Enjoy your September, and please drive carefully as the kids are back in school.
Sincerely,
Cristi and Tom Takeda
Buzz Coffee and Wine

Great Breakfast and Lunch

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Robin-And-Bob-By-Olin-Mills-Boise

 

Here are two meals that we have had this week. Very vegetable based, but not entirely vegetarian. I think both were superb and well worth repeating. What do you think?

Non-Traditional Eggs Benedict Grilled Prtabella Mushroom Spinach 2 Meadowlark Farms Poached Eggs Housemade Hollandaise Sauce

Non-Traditional Eggs Benedict
Grilled Portabella Mushroom
Steamed Spinach
Robin’s Housemade Lox
Two Meadowlark Farms Poached Eggs
Housemade Hollandaise Sauce

The portabella mushroom takes the place of the traditional toasted English muffin and we also added steamed spinach, to give the dish that Florentine look. This was really delicious. Then we had this wonderful soup.

Cream of Mushroom Soup with Fenugreek and Turmeric Acme Bake Shop Toasted Sourdough

Cream of Mushroom Soup
with
Fenugreek and Turmeric
 
Acme Bake Shop Toasted Sourdough

For a thickener we used steamed cauliflower florets that were emulsified in chicken or vegetable bouillon. The fenugreek gave the soup and very East Indian aroma and flavor and the turmeric gave it a wonderful soft, spiciness. The recipe for the soup is in the recipe file above or you can view it here: Cream of Mushroom Soup with Fenugreek and Turmeric. Enjoy!

Wake up! Breakfast Is Ready!

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Robin-Bob-In-Kitchen_Looking-Right

 

Breakfast. I do like to make breakfast. And this one, we used up some things that were in the refrigerator. Broccoli and Potato cakes, for one. Here. Take a look. Cheers!

 

 

 
Two Meadowlark Farms Scrambled Eggs with Housemade Hollandaise Sauce Housemade Sausage Patties Broccoli and Potato Cakes

Two Meadowlark Farms Scrambled Eggs
with
Housemade Hollandaise Sauce
 
Housemade Sausage Patties
 
Grilled Broccoli and Potato Cakes

Dinner at Bombay Grill

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19Aug2014_1_Dinner-And-Movie-Night_Bombay-Grill_SignAnd a super dinner it was! This is still my first pick for Indian food here in Boise. Easily rates 5-Stars out of 5. I spent a year in India, when I was 15, and I remember the smells of the fragrant spices. The Bombay Grill takes me back in time and brings back the enjoyable aromas and flavors of the spices and food. They do offer a full vegetarian menu, although we had chicken.
Then we went to see The Hundred-Foot Journey, a movie I highly recommend, especially if you like cooking. Basically, it tells a story of the clash between two cuisines, French and Indian. An Indian family buys a rundown restaurant across the street from a high end French restaurant. They remodel the building and open up their own restaurant. The movie mostly takes place in France. Here are some photos from the Bombay Grill, 928 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702, (208) 345-7888. I just wish their website was up and running. Enjoy!

We arrived at Bombay Grill about 10 minutes before they opened. We were some of the first to be seated. Here you can see the interior of the restaurant.

We arrived at Bombay Grill about 10 minutes before they opened. We were some of the first to be seated. Here you can see the interior of the restaurant.

Good appetizers.

Good appetizers.

A nice light Lager from India.

A nice light Lager from India.

Robin had a medley of entrees. It gave here an idea of the range of the cooking style and the ingredients used.

Robin had a sampling of entrees. It gave her an idea of the range of the cooking style and the ingredients used.

I always like the curry. Here is a chicken curry entree. Just spicy enough without being overpowering. Thanks to the Chef, Mr Singh, for coming to our table and talking to us. Your food is superb!

I always like the curry. Here is a chicken curry entree. Just spicy enough without being overpowering. Thanks to the Chef, Mr Singh, for coming to our table and talking to us. Your food is superb!

Shrimp and Peach Spring Rolls and Ceviche for Dinner

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Robin-Bob-In-Kitchen_Looking-RightWhat an adventure this was to make. Fresh veggies from the Boise Farmers Market as were the herbs. Fresh Ahi Tuna from Reel Foods here in Boise. All of these were YUM! Add to that a wonderful glass, or two, of Castaneda White Sangria from Spain, and we had an awesome meal. And, oh yes, we did find some fenugreek today – powdered, dried leaves and seeds. At the Indian Market on Fairview in Boise, if you are looking for it. (“Fenugreek is used as an herb (dried or fresh leaves), spice (seeds), and vegetable (fresh leaves, sprouts, and microgreens). Sotolon is the chemical responsible for fenugreek’s distinctive sweet smell … Cuboid-shaped, yellow-to-amber colored fenugreek seeds are frequently encountered in the cuisines of the Indian subcontinent, used both whole and powdered in the preparation of pickles, vegetable dishes, daals, and spice mixes such as panch phoron and sambar powder. They are often roasted to reduce bitterness and enhance flavor … Fresh fenugreek leaves are an ingredient in some Indian curries. Sprouted seeds and microgreens are used in salads. When harvested as microgreens, fenugreek is known as Samudra Methi in Maharashtra, especially in and around Mumbai, where it is often grown near the sea in the sandy tracts, hence the name (Samudra, “ocean” in Sanskrit). Samudra Methi is also grown in dry river beds in the Gangetic plains. When sold as a vegetable in India the young plants are harvested with their roots still attached and sold in small bundles in the markets and bazaars. Any remaining soil is washed off to extend their shelf life.’ [Wikipedia]) You can see these photos enlarged by Left-Clicking on the graphic. Enjoy these photos, but first some information on Spring Rolls. What are they?

Fresh spring rolls, are a Vietnamese delicacy known as gỏi cuốn. Depending on region, salad rolls were made differently. Some vegetarian families make vegetarian spring rolls rather than meat spring rolls. However, the typical ingredients include slivers of cooked pork (most often cha pork sausages), shrimp, sometimes chicken or tofu, fresh herbs like basil and cilantro, lettuce, cucumbers, sometimes fresh garlic chives, rice vermicelli, all wrapped in moistened rice paper. Fresh Vietnamese spring rolls can be made at home or found at Vietnamese restaurants and some grocery stores. They are served at room temperature with dipping sauce. Nước chấm, tương xào or a hoisin peanut sauce are all common dipping sauces. A typical hoisin dipping sauce includes chili, hoisin sauce, peanut butter and sugar. A standard nước mắm pha (nước chấm) dipping sauce is composed of fish sauce, lime, garlic, sugar, and chilies. [Wikipedia]

Our Spring Rolls had shrimp, cucumber, daikon radish, cilantro, Thai basil and mint. These were delicious and especially after we let them rest for several hours in the refrigerator. Then we made a dipping sauce of Sesame oil, rice vinegar and a good soy sauce, Johsen Organic Shoyu traditional soy sauce.

Our Spring Rolls had shrimp, cucumber, daikon radish, cilantro, Thai basil, fresh peaches and mint. These were delicious and especially after we let them rest for several hours in the refrigerator. Then we made a dipping sauce of Sesame oil, rice vinegar and a good soy sauce, Johsen Organic Shoyu traditional soy sauce. This is available at almost any Oriental market.

Then we made a wonderful ceviche. Here is a little information on ceviche from Wikipedia.

Ceviche (Spanish pronunciation: [seˈβitʃe]; is a seafood dish popular in the coastal regions of the Americas, especially Central and South America. The dish is typically made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices, such as lemon or lime, and spiced with ají or chili peppers. Additional seasonings, such as chopped onions, salt, and coriander, may also be added. Ceviche is usually accompanied by side dishes that complement its flavors, such as sweet potato, lettuce, corn, avocado or plantain. As the dish is not cooked with heat, it must be prepared fresh to minimize the risk of food poisoning.

The origin of ceviche lies in the area of present-day Peru. Ceviche is marinated in a citrus-based mixture, with lemons and limes being the most commonly used. In addition to adding flavor, the citric acid causes the proteins in the seafood to become denatured, appearing to be cooked. (However, acid marinades will not kill bacteria or parasitic worms, unlike the heat of cooking.) Traditional-style ceviche was marinated for about three hours. Modern-style ceviche, popularized in the 1970s, usually has a very short marinating period. With the appropriate fish, it can marinate in the time it takes to mix the ingredients, serve, and carry the ceviche to the table.
Most Latin American countries have given ceviche its own touch of individuality by adding their own particular garnishes.

Then we combined the spring rolls. Here we have the Peach and Shrimp Spring Rolls and Ahi Tuna Ceviche on a bed of Boston Lettuce. Mango Salsa and Rice Crackers. The ceviche had Ahi tuna, from Reel Foods in Boise, cut into small cubes, two diced spring onions, greens and all, and two diced fennel whites, one diced serrano chili and seeds and ribs removed and the juice of two limes. We let it cure in the refrigerator for 1 hour. It was delicious!!

Then we combined the spring rolls. Here we have the Peach and Shrimp Spring Rolls and Ahi Tuna Ceviche on a bed of Boston Lettuce. Mango Salsa and Rice Crackers. The ceviche had Ahi tuna, from Reel Foods in Boise, cut into small cubes, two diced spring onions, greens and all, and two diced fennel whites, one diced serrano chili and seeds and ribs removed and the juice of two limes. We let it cure in the refrigerator for 1 hour. It was delicious!!

Hope you enjoyed this post. If you did, please Rate the post above. Thanks.

Brunch at Bella Aquila in Eagle, ID

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17Aug2014_1_Bella-Aquila-Eagle_SignWe have been here before and really do like their brunches. And it is always great to be there, too, when Ken Harris and Carmel Crock are performing. Great keyboard and vocal duo!
Today, Bella Aquila (see their link in the sidebar) had a special Denver omelet and it was really very good. Robin had a Crab Benedict and Fresh Fruit. Enjoy these photos and please do visit Bella Aquila sometime and do look for Ken Harris and Carmel Crock when they are performing around the Treasure Valley and surrounding area. Need some great musical entertainment at your next party? Their contact information is also in the sidebar. Enjoy these photos from today Cheers!

There are waterfalls on both ends of the patio. There is also inside seating.

There are waterfalls on both ends of the patio. There is also inside seating.

Ken Harris on keyboards and the charming Carmel Crock on vocals. The Dynamic Duo!

Ken Harris on keyboards and the charming Carmel Crock on vocals. Boise’s awesome Dynamic Duo!

Ken Harris

Ken Harris

Carmel Crock

Carmel Crock

Robin had this amazing  Crab Benedict with Fresh Fruit

Robin had this amazing Crab Benedict with Fresh Fruit

I had this delightful Denver Omelet Special with Hollandaise Sauce.

I had this delightful Denver Omelet Special with Hollandaise Sauce.

Such a good meal and great entertainment. The food alone warrants a return trip. It was that good. And we did watch Bella Aquila’a Kitchen Director Matt Alloway smoke some fresh salmon over mesquite. We asked if he needed someone to sample the salmon for doneness and the correct amount of smoke. He just held the pan higher and smiled! Bon Appetit!

Great Music at the Buzz

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16Aug2014_1c_Jen-Drake_Robin-BSU-ShirtAh, yes! Once again Jen Drake, Artistic Director at Serenata Chamber Orchestra, Section Viola at Boise Philharmonic and Head Cheese at The Drake Viola Conservatory. Studied Viola Performance at Michigan State, brought a group together to “jam” the night away – 6:00pm – 9:00pm without a break! A free ‘jam” – if you can read music and you play an instrument, you can join in. There was even a teen playing a sax a while back. Don’t be intimidated by the artistic level, they are there for fun and want you to join in. The Serenata Chamber Orchestra and Jen both have a FB page, so you can follow them there and get on an email list for future performances. It is an awesome evening of some awesome music. Oh, the cost. Zero, Nada, Nothing, Free! Buy some wine or beer or a dinner. That’s it. Just come and enjoy the evening. And I’m sure that if you let Cristi or Tommy know, they will put you on their email list for notifying you of events at the Buzz. There is a link in the sidebar. Like Robin’s shirt?

The Buzz

The Buzz

Some of the talented musicians that played tonight.

Some of the talented musicians that played tonight.

Se e anyone you know?

See anyone you know?

There is Jen in the gray shirt.

There is Jen in the gray shirt.

More musicians.

More musicians.

Our dinner Baked Beans Potato Salad Pulled Pork Sandwich and don't forget the new beer taps.

Our dinner

Baked Beans
Potato Salad or a Fresh Green Salad
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Wild Huckleberry Muffin
(not pictured)

and don’t forget the new beer taps.

Scallops Explained

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SeaScallop_GraphicAt least I hope this post helps you to understand scallops a little better. The following information is from the Virginia Seafood Organization. Enjoy!

Sea Scallops
Market Forms
– Fresh in gallons; frozen in 5 and 10 pound blocks; individually frozen in 1 and 5 pound boxes or bags. Scallops with roe, viewed as a delicacy in America and Europe, are available. A new product known as formed scallops is also available from some scallop processors.
Size – The sea scallop shell can grow as large as eight inches in diameter.The edible white muscle, or eye, can reach two inches in diameter. Scallops are designated according to count per pound: 10-20 per pound; 20-30 per pound; 30-40 per pound.
Taste/Texture – Scallops are tender with a sweet, nut-like flavor. The roe is pink with a firm texture when cooked.
Seasonality – Available year round.
Nutritional Value – 75 Calories (100 grams, 3.5 oz.)
16.8% Protein
.8% Fat
.20% Omega-3
Substitutability – The scallop can be used in some recipes to replace crabmeat or lobster. The roe is unique with its small pink, crescent shape and delicate flavor.
Folklore – While fish are often named after objects they resemble, in the case of the scallop it is the shellfish which has lent its name to other items. A scalloped hemline, for instance, resembles the fluting of the shell. Scalloped potatoes were named for their large shells once used as baking and serving containers for that dish. It is also the only bivalve to have a patron saint. The apostle St.James wore the shell as his personal emblem, which later became a badge for pilgrims who visited his shrine in the Middle Ages. Hence, Coquille Saint-Jacques.
Harvesting – Scallops are harvested by dredging in deep offshore waters. For maximum freshness, all processing is done at sea where they are cut, washed, bagged and stored on ice or frozen at sea.
Safety/Quality – Virginia’s waters and products are regulated by federal and state agencies including the FDA, the Virginia Department of Health, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, insuring that only safe wholesome seafood reaches our customers.

Coquilles St. JacquesHere is but one recipe for Coquilles St-Jacques from Saveur. The Coquilles St-Jacques are also known as Gratineed Scallops. Another recipe can be found for Coquilles St. Jacques at AllRecipes. And actually, it is this recipe from the Cooking Channel that brought all of this up. (Along with the fact that it is difficult, if not impossible, to find 10/1 scallops here in Boise.) We are going to try this tonight. It looks good! Seared Scallops and Prawns with Coconut Sauce and Tomato Mint Salsa. Have fun in the kitchen and Enjoy! We do.

Cruise Night At The Buzz

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08July2014_2a_The-Buzz-Remodeled_New-Growler-Beer-Wine-AreaThe wines tonight came from around the world with stops in Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Tuscany and France. The food came from different cruise lines and indeed was Cruise Food. And if you have ever been on a cruise and have eaten onboard, you know what a dedicated support team the kitchen Exec Chef has.
When Cristi prepares these tastings, she also has a dedicated support team and it is about time that I recognize them and tell them publically how much we appreciate their time and effort.
Tommy, Cristi’s husband, keeps the dinner plates moving and remembers that I like bread with my meals.
Austin and Bailey, Cristi’s children, help by serving, bussing the tables and setting the tables up.
Peggy Hand-Behrens researches the menu, sits down with Cristi and pairs the wines with the food, and then prepares some of the entrées. She also helps to pour the wine and prepare the dishes. She is one busy Lady!
Joseph Geist, when he is available, helps to pour the wines.
To all of these folks a BIG Thank-You! Your efforts are really appreciated and without your support, the program may not exist. So if you participate and enjoy these dinners, please let these folks know how much you appreciate them and the service they give.

Beef Carpaccio ()Celebrity Lines), Italy 2011 Zonin Valpolicella 14% alc a good wine with this salad [16]

Beef Carpaccio (Celebrity Lines), Italy
2011 Zonin Valpolicella
14% alc a good wine with this salad [16]

Chilled Peach Soup (Royal Caribbean) Spain 2011 Tierras Guindas 13.5% alc. a super good wine with this super good soup [17]

Chilled Peach Soup (Royal Caribbean) Spain
2011 Tierras Guindas
13.5% alc. a super good wine with this super good soup [17]

BBQ Sweet Potato Salad (Carnival) New Zealand 2013 Wild South Sauvignon Blanc 1.5% alc really6 a super good wine particularly with this entree. [18]

BBQ Sweet Potato Salad (Carnival) New Zealand
2013 Wild South Sauvignon Blanc
12.5% alc really a super good wine particularly with this entrée. [18]

Jamaican Jerk Chicken (Princess) Spanish 2001 LAN Rioja 13.5% alc. another superb wine paired well with the spiciness of the chicken. [18] (notice the bread?)

Jamaican Jerk Chicken (Princess) Spanish
2001 LAN Rioja

13.5% alc. another superb wine paired well with the spiciness of the chicken. [18]
(notice the bread?)

Cream Brule (Royal Caribbean) France 2013 Bila-Haut 13.5% alc. a good match with the Cream Brule [18]

Crème Brûlée (Royal Caribbean) France
2013 Bila-Haut

13.5% alc. a good match with the Crème Brûlée [18]

It Wasn’t Vicino’s, But It Could Have Been

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Robin-Bob-In-Kitchen_Looking-RightIt’s just so much fun to see some of the dishes being presented at awesome restaurants such as Vicino’s in Boise or maybe even State and Lemp, which we have not been to, yet. Makes me wonder what Andrae Bopp would think of this dish. I think it was that good. Left-Click to see the dish enlarged. Cheers!

Braised Baby Sea Scallops olive oil, garlic, butter and garlic Fennel and Heirloom Tomatoes olive oil, Sherry vinegar and lemon juice Toasted Acme Bake Shop Sourdough

Braised Baby Sea Scallops with Red and Black Caviar
olive oil, butter, lemon zest and garlic

Shaved Fennel and Heirloom Tomatoes
olive oil, Sherry vinegar and lemon juice

Toasted Acme Bake Shop Sourdough