Italian Wines at The Buzz

13 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Antipasto, Caesar Salad, Chicken, Italian Food, Main Dish, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Soup, Special Dinners, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

chocolate dessert, food, italian sausage soup, italian wine, restaurants, wine dinner

Another great wine dinner at the Buzz on March 12, Tuesday, and then repeated on March 13, Wednesday. Italian Wine Dinner and some scrumptious entrees along with the wines. The wine pictured here, 2010 Montepulciano Cantina was but one of the selections for the event. This wine went very well with the light spice of the Italian Sausage Soup. It countered, without over powering, the soup. Great paring! I score this an [18] out of [20]. And Paul presented one awesome Merlot before the party started. A 2010 Luna Merlot from the North Coast. 14.1% alcohol. [19] $16.00. I went back for more! Here are the other entrees and the wines. Enjoy!! (Left-Click to see an enlarged view.)

Antipasto Platter
NV Zonin Proseco
11% alc. not my favorite wine. [16] $16.00

Italian Sausage Soup
(delicious!)
2010 Montepulciano Cantina
13.0% alc. one of the best for the night [18] $16.00

Skillet Braised Chicken Bundle
2008 Monrosso Chianti
13.5% alc. really good with this entree [18] $17.00

Caesar Salad
2011 Altanuta Pinot Grigo
12.5% alc. I missed the anchovy in the salad dressing. wine went well with the salad [17] $20.00

Canolli
(Yum!)
NV Moscato Primo Amore
7.0% alc. super with this chocolate dessert. [18] $11.00

Quarterly Dinner at the Buzz

04 Monday Mar 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Main Dish, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Restaurants, Shrimp, Special Dinners, Special Events, What's For Dinner?, Wine Dinners

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

cotes du rhone, food, italian sausage soup, restaurants, stuffed pepper, wine dinner

March 3 found us at the Quarterly Wine Dinner at the Buzz and what a delightful dinner and wine. We gave Cristi some wine for her birthday and she said she was going to share it with everyone at this dinner. We brough her some more just so she would not run out. Pictured here is one of the Ridge Vineyards that we brought her. And along with a great selection of wines that she and Paul Colwell selected, Cristi prepared a fantastic dinner. Here is what we had. Enjoy!

Stuffed Peppers and Tortilla Espanola

With this appetizer we had –

2007 Muriel Reserva which went extremely well with the Tortilla
2009 Mosen Cleto Crianza which went best with the shrimp.

Both of these wines were excellent and each one went very well with the appetizer.

This is the stuffed pepper. Notice the shrimp. Cristi a bag of Winco sweet peppers. Roasted them about 30 minutes in the oven. Mixed the shrimp with onion, tomato, mayonnaise and sherry. It was an awesome appetizer.

This is the stuffed pepper. Notice the shrimp. Cristi used a bag of Winco sweet peppers. Roasted them about 30 minutes in the oven. Mixed the shrimp with onion, tomato, mayonnaise and sherry. It was an awesome appetizer.

Zesty Italian Sausage Soup

2009 Poggio Anima Samael. This was the best with the spiciness of the soup.
2011 Zonin Montepulciano D’Abruzzo. This tended to accentuate the spice in the soup.

California Energy Salad

2012 Snake River Unoaked Chardonnay.
2011 Matchbox Old Head Chardonnay. Great with the green pepper. Both of these wines were too close to call a winner.

Daube de Boeuf

2008 Brian Carter Byzance
2010 Bastide De Beauvert Cotes du Rhone

Both of these wines went very well with this dish. Both are very well balanced.

Had to have a little more bread for “sopping”.

Lamingtons and Neenish Tarts

2010 Blacksmith Syrah. This wine went best with the cake.
NV Shingleback Black Bubbles. Best with the tart.

Such a great evening. If you can you should really try to attend these Quarterly Wine Dinners. Cristi and crew, Tommy, Austin, and Bailey, along with Paul do a great job!! Thank-You. And I’m not sure I came up with which wine was better. It was a close tie.

Another Exciting Concert Jam at the Buzz

03 Sunday Mar 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Appetizers, Comfort Food, Main Dish, Photos By: Bob Young, Restaurants, Special Events, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

concert jam, restaurants, the Buzz

March 2 found us at the Buzz for their 2nd Concert Jam. The next one will be on April 8. If you play an instrument and can read music, bring your instrument, a folding chair and a music stand. Age makes no difference – there was a 14 year old playing tonight. Lot’s of talent. Lot’s of music. Lot’s of fun! Bring your friends for a great relaxed evening. Have some dinner. Maybe some wine or some beer. You don’t drink alcohol? No problem. There are sodas and other drinks available. Enjoy these photos from the evening. Cheers!

French Horn

Floutist

Cheese Quesadilla

Tex-Mex Pita

Such a great evening! Such fun. Hope to see you there next time. No reservations are necessary, but seating is limited and the Buzz fills up quickly. The jam session usually starts at 7:00pm and ends around 9:00pm.

“Brown Shuga Soul Food” Starts Delivery Service

01 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Brown Shuga, Cajun Food, Comfort Food, Hard To Find Foods, Main Dish, Photos By: Bob Young, Soul Food, Special Information, What's For Dinner?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

bbq ribs, brown shuga, food, red beans and rice, restaurants, sweet potato souffle

It is good to see that Yvonne has started a delivery service for her food truck and a constant menu. Here is the latest information from her. Thanks Yvonne. “When in Boise, be sure to stop at Brown Shuga Soul Food Truck at 28 and Fairview. Here is Yvonne’s permanent menu. Enjoy!

Tuesday– Jambalaya 5, Gumbo 5, Red Beans and Rice 5, Collards 3 and Cornbread
Wednesday– Pulled Pork Sandwiches 6, Sweet Potato Souffle’ 3, Mac and cheese 3.5, Cabbage 3,
Thursday– BBQ Ribs 6, Potato Salad 3, Coleslaw 3, Baked Beans 3
Friday– Fried chicken 6, Collard Greens 3, Black eyed peas 3, Sweet potato Soufflé 3, Mac and cheese 3.5
Extras- Potato Chips-1
Drinks- Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite 2.25
Bottled Water 1.5

I am going to go with this every week from now on. So now you will know what is on the menu every day in advance. Use this for the everyday / delivery menu.
For any businesses seeking catering and individual people who would like to order.

There will be a minimum order of $15.00 and the delivery fee will be $4.95. you can call it in@(208) 794-0605 or email it in to brownshugasoulfood@gmail.com. Catering orders have a 24 hour minimum advance notice.“

Lunch At The “Bleubird”

22 Friday Feb 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Bleubird, Comfort Food, Local Markets, Locavore, Main Dish, Photos By: Bob Young, Restaurant Reviews, Restaurants, Sandwiches, Soup, Special Information, Things To Do, Tupelo Honey, What's For Dinner?

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

food, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, restaurants, tomato basil

We were lucky enough to be in downtown Boise around lunchtime and stopped in for the first time at Bleubird at 10th and Bannock. We met our Grandson Chris there for lunch. They make some fantastic sandwiches. They look good and they taste good. The soup that we had, Tomato Basil was every bit as good at Berryhill and Co. (That statement will open some eyes and make your heart skip a beat!)And of all things, they use Tupelo Honey on some of their sandwiches, like their Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich. The photo to the left is actually their menu on the wall.

Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onion and Fig Jam
Tomato Basil Soup
IPA

Hopefully, you get the idea. Look at the stemware. Nothing better than an IPA from an old fruit jar! It gets busy at noon, so plan to wait for a while. Get there a little early, 11am or so, and you should be fine. Well worth the wait, though. The food was very good and taste was excellent. They have house made drinks and teas, superb local beers and some wines are available. Enjoy! And let them know you saw this review. Cheers!

March At The “Buzz”

22 Friday Feb 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Comfort Food, Local Markets, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Restaurants, Special Dinners, Special Events, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners, Wine Tasting

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

entertainment, food, oscars, restaurants

March is quickly moving into Boise and with the March winds, comes some fantastic programs from Cristi and Tommy at The Buzz. Here is the March schedule. Call for reservations because these events sell out quickly!! There is a link in the sidebar. See you there. Cheers!

Hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful time of the year, as we get ready to try to move from winter to spring and all the excitement that mother nature has in store for us. We have some awesome activities planned at the Buzz so join us, reservations may be made at 344-4321 or buzzwine@cableone.net. Please let us know of any diet restrictions with your reservation. Hope everyone has a great March, lets hope it comes and goes like a lamb and we avoid the whole lion thing this year.

Quarterly Dinner
March 3 at 6:30 PM $30.00 per person
An amazing 5 course meal; each course paired with 2 wines. This is your chance to determine which wine goes better with the food. Reservations required.

Wine Club
We will feature Italy at this month’s wine club. March 12 or 13 at 6:30. $15.00 per person. Reservations required.

Music for March

Join us for music from 7-9. No Reservations required.
Wine tasting each night.
Feb 22 Wendy Mattson
March 1 Blaze and Kelly
March 2 Classical Jam Night
March 8 Johnny Shoes
15th Tomorrow Never Knows
March 16 Leta Neustaedter
March 22 John Cazaan
March 29 Pat Folkner

Grabyourgroceries.com is up and going; grab an extra hour or two a week by letting us do the shopping for you, feel free to email with any questions about this service.
We look forward to seeing everyone this month. February 22 and 23 we will have an Oscar contest pair the wine with the movie and receive a small prize both nights beginning at 5 PM.

Thanks for your patronage and we will see you soon. Stay safe.

Sincerely,
Cristi and Tom Takeda
Buzz Coffee and Wine

Save 25% – Order any case of wine now through the end of March and we will take 25% off the case order. This can be a full case of wine or mix and match. Most orders take 24 hours to fill. Let us know what you are in the mood for and we will help you find it.

Offer Expires: March 31, 2013

Buzz Wine Club Dinner – Argentina Wines

09 Wednesday Jan 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Bistro, Ethnic Foods, Party Time, Pasta, Photos By: Bob Young, Restaurants, South American Fare, Special Dinners, Special Events, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Argentina Wines, food, navy bean, pasta frola, restaurants, sorrentinos

Wow! It was great to see a Full House last night. The first in a while. This year, Cristi’s theme for the Wine Club Dinners is “Wines From Around the World” and she started out with the wines from Argentina. Awesome wines. Awesome dinner. Great job, Cristi!! And I would be remiss if I did not mention the coupons that are available for these dinners. It’s like buying 6 dinners and getting one free! Robin and I have the year covered!! A great buy, if you so desire. Just ask Tommy or Cristi for the details.
Below are some photos of the night and the wines we had to accompany the food. A top score is [20]. Enjoy and Cheers!

Faina and Provoleta
(Nutty, peppery flatbread made with chickpea flour.)
2012 Fabre Montmayou Rose
13.0% alc. Great with these appetizers. Best wine of the night. [19] $13.00

Locro
(Navy bean and corn soup. Superb.)
2008 Duriguti Bonarda
13.9% alc. Went well with the spiciness of the soup. [18] $14.00

Sorrentinos and Fugazzeta de Verdura
(Round ravioli with ham sauce)
2010 Martino Old Vine Malbec
14.0% alc. Good old vine wine. Smooth and supple [19] $16.00

Pasta Frola and Torta Negra Galesa
2011 La Yunta Torrontes
12.5% alc. Good with the desserts, but not my favorite. [18] $12.00

Janjou Pâtisserie Opens In Boise

09 Wednesday Jan 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Boise Adventures, Ethnic Foods, Janjou Pâtisserie, Local Harvests, Locavore, Organic Foods, Pastries, Photos, Photos By: Robin Young, Quiche, Restaurants, Salad, Special Information, Things To Do, Traditional Food, Vegetables, What's For Dinner?

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

food, gabbitas, Goat Cheese, Janjou Pâtisserie, quiche, restaurants, rose water

Robin and I treated ourselves to a great experience. We went to the Janjou Pâtisserie at 1754 W State Street, Boise this morning. (I have added their link in the sidebar and a hot link there also.) This is some of the best Quiche I have eaten, and I have had some good Quiche. Goat Cheese and Leek Quiche ($8.99). I do not like goat cheese but this was awesome and I will get it again. The Bostock pastry ($3.50) was awesome with just a hint of rose-water. Robin had an 8 oz Mocha coffee ($3.65) and I had a 12 oz Americano ($2.95). Both of these coffees were great and went very well with our “treats”. Husband and wife team, Chuck Gabbitas – Owner and Moshit Mizrachi-Gabbitas – Owner/Chef are doing a super great job for only being open for 7 days. For an eatery of this type, they definitely rate a 4-Star (out of 5) and maybe a 5. We will have to return. They are planning to offer in the future, maybe wine, soups and sandwiches. That would be interesting. Their website is Janjou Pâtisserie and is worth looking at. Call your order in and pick it up at the pâtisserie. Here are some photos that Robin took. Enjoy and let them know you saw this review here. Cheers! (Left-Click to see a larger view of the photos.)

Chuck Gabbitas, Owner, preparing a treat.

Inside of Janjou Pâtisserie

Goat Cheese and Leek Quiche. Delicious!

January At “The Buzz”

04 Friday Jan 2013

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Buzz Bistro, food, restaurants, Wine Dinners

Yes, it’s that time again. The start of a New Year. And the events at The Buzz in Boise are off to a fantastic start. Here are the latest words from Cristi! Hope to see you at these events! Cheers!

Events at the Buzz
January 2013

We, at Buzz, hope that everyone had a safe and fun filled holiday season. We look forward to getting together with all of you in the new year. Some fun events planned to kick off 2013 in style. Music on January 4 is Tomorrow Never Knows, Wine Club Jan 8 and 9, and Blaze and Kelly January 11. Carter Freeman will be joining us January 18 and we will Celebrate our 6th Anniversary that night. Saturday nights will be game nights at the Buzz with a new game featured every week (always a big choice of games to play), bring some friends down enjoy wine tasting and learn a new game. Bountiful Baskets starts again on January 12 (orders to be placed on the 7th and 8th), and Grab Your Groceries is now open for business.

Don’t forget we have a large selection of catering ideas for any size gathering drop us a line or an email and lets talk about how we can help take the stress out of entertaining for you.

Hope to see everyone soon.
Sincerely,
Cristi and Tommy Takeda
Buzz Coffee and Wine

Wine Club
As many of you know, we do not just send you a shipment of two bottles of wine which you know nothing about. We all get together on the Second Tuesday or Wednesday of the month at 6:30, and learn about the wine and food. This is a dinner and wine tasting, with an educational component with all the wines being on sale after dinner. The cost is only $15.00 per person and Reservations Are Required. It is a plated meal so please let us know of dietary issues when placing reservations. This year we are going to focus on the wine regions of the world. Starting with Argentina. Reservations can be made at buzzwine@cableone.net or (208) 344-4321.

About Us
Thank you for your continued support of the years and we look forward to an exciting and event filled 2013.

Buzz Coffee and Wine
2999 N Lakeharbor Lane
Boise, Idaho 83703

MickeyRay’s BBQ Opens Second Restaurant In Boise

05 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by Bob and Robin in BBQ Restaurants, Boise, Buy Idaho, Ethnic Foods, Grillin' and Chillin', Locavore, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Restaurants, Special Information, What's For Dinner?

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

lb beef brisket, lb catfish, prime rib dinner, restaurants, texas smoker

Yes, another BBQ restaurant in Boise. This one is locally owned and operated with two locations in Boise and one in Eagle. (See the graphic) I had a short, but very interesting, visit while I was there and I was impressed by the operation. This new Boise location is located where the Macaroni Grille was, at 980 Milwaukee by Staples. You can see their website at MickeyRay’s BBQ. There is also a link in the sidebar. Be sure to check these links for complete menus and the like. Let them know you saw the information here on the Boise Foodie Blog.
It was interesting to hear that they use only local maple for their smoking process in a Texas made smoker, one of only two of this type located in Idaho. There is a photo below. They try very hard to use only locally produced products, the smoker being one exception. The menu is extensive and complete, with specials on Thursday – MickeyRay’s Big Ol’ Beef Rib ($16), Friday – 3/4 lb. Catfish Fillet and Hush Puppies ($15) and Saturday – Complete Prime Rib Dinner ($18, $23 and $29) and I believe an everyday special, it takes that long to eat it, The Trough – 1 lb. Chopped Pork, 1 lb. Beef Brisket, 1 Full Rack of Ribs, 1 quart Beans and 1 lb Fries. And all for $60! That’s over 4 pounds of vittles! They have kid’s menus, sandwiches, rib plates and much, much more. (I’m getting hungry!)

MickeyRay’s BBQ on Milwaukee in Boise

They were kind enough to let me photograph their Texas Smoker – it is BIG!

Let’s have a party some evening and meet at MickeyRay’s BBQ and try their fare out. Dutch, of course. Let us know. And if you get there before we do, let them know that we suggested it to you and let us know how you like it. Cheers!