Tag Archives: the Buzz

Happily, Healthy Wine Tasting

10 Wednesday Dec 2014

Posted by in Carrots, Chicken, Dill, Ginger, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Recipes, Salads, Soup, Special Events, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners

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10Dec2014_1a_Buzz-WineClub_Christmas_Cristi-CrownCristi, in her Queen of Wine Crown, led us through a wonderfully different Wine Club Dinner last night at The Buzz here in Boise. (Her recipes for these dinners can be found at Buzz Wine Blog.) Several interesting points that she made. (1) “Superfood is a marketing term used to describe foods with supposed health benefits. [The term ‘superfood’ is] not commonly used by dieticians.” She also pointed out that there is no evidence to support that 8 – 8oz glasses of water a day is beneficial. However, soaking in water relaxes us; cleanses us; sounds of running water are soothing and swimming is good exercise to name a few. Best rule of thumb for water consumption is thirst! The amount of water intake varies on size and activity and general overall health.
As for wine: There is a 16 year Harvard study showing that drinking wine reduces heart attack. That does not mean a gallon a day of wine – 2 oz a day would be a better target. A French study showed that wine reduces the risk of heart disease. A 12 year study in Amsterdam shows that limited amounts of wine reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
And to balance out the wine, here is what we had for dinner. Enjoy the photos; check out the link above for recipes from some of the wine dinners and Left-Click any of the photos to see them larger. Cheers!

Some of the 7 wines we had.

Some of the 7 wines we had.

Chicken Satay with Kale Chips 2011 Tapiz Chardonnay 13.9% alc. well rounded and went very well with the kale and the yogurt sauce. [18] $20.00

Chicken Satay with Kale Chips and Yogurt and Honey Mustard Sauce
2011 Tapiz Chardonnay
13.9% alc. well rounded and went very well with the kale and the yogurt sauce. [18] $20.00

Ginger Lentil Soup (delicious!) 2012 Revelry Merlot 13.6% alc. this was a superb match with the spiciness of the ginger in the soup. perfect paring! [18] $17.00

Ginger Lentil Soup
(delicious! Robin enjoyed this.)
2012 Revelry Merlot
13.6% alc. this was a superb match with the spiciness of the ginger in the soup. perfect paring! [18] $17.00

Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing (Delicious!) 2012 Tangent Albarino 13.5% alc super paring. went especially well with the dressing and the oxalic acid of the spinach. another great paring! [19] $16.00

Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
(Delicious!)
2012 Tangent Albarino
13.5% alc super paring. went especially well with the dressing and the oxalic acid of the spinach. another great paring! [19] $16.00

Beef Stroganoff Dill Carrots Cauliflower with Peas 2012 Vistalba 14.0% alc it was surprising how well this plate went with the wine. even the fresh dill pared well. [18] $22.00

Beef Stroganoff and Noodles
Dill Carrots
Cauliflower with Peas
2012 Vistalba
14.0% alc it was surprising how well this plate went with the wine. even the fresh dill pared well. [18] $22.00

Chess Pie with Raspberries Henkell Brut 11.5% alc. good paring with the pie, even for this non-sparkling wine enthusiast. it did go well with the berries. (We did purchase 2 bottles though.) [17] $16.00

Chess Pie with Raspberries
Henkell Brut
11.5% alc. good paring with the pie, even for this non-sparkling wine enthusiast. it did go well with the berries. (We purchased 2 bottles.) [17] $16.00

A good – great healthy meal! Great wine parings. Overall a great food preparation. Cheers and hope to see you at the Wine Dinner in January.

September At “The Buzz”

04 Thursday Sep 2014

Posted by in Dinner With Friends, Local Markets, Party Time, What's For Dinner?, Wine Dinners

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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

August At “The Buzz”

09 Saturday Aug 2014

Posted by in Appetizers, Beer and Food, Dinner With Robin, Healthy Eating, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Special Dinners, Special Events, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine Dinners

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29June2014_1_The-Buzz_New-LookI just received this from Cristi at The Buzz in Boise. It looks like an exciting month. Hope to see you there. We have our beer mugs there, do you have yours? For when you come in to have a nice mug after work? Tommy will keep yours on display if you bring him one. These monthly wine dinners are one of the best wine dinner buys in Boise. 5 course meal and at least 5 wines, and sometimes more. If you are missing these, you really should try to make one. Just call for reservations. Hope to see you there, Joe Dewey! Cheers!

August at The Buzz

Hope that everyone is enjoying the last little bit of summer, we will be glad when it does cool down a little bit. We have some fun events coming up. Our music schedule is 15th Larry Clark, 22 Nancy Kelly. On August 16th we will be hosting our Classical Jam night starting around 5 PM, Come listen or join in and play with members of the chamber orchestra.

Our Wine Dinners this month are August 12th and 13th at 6:30PM, cost is $20 per person for a 5 course meal and wine with each course. We will be enjoying courses from all over the world. To make reservations please call (208) 344-4321 or email at buzzwine@cableone.net. Watch for information about our monopoly game coming in September.

Don’t forget we have opened our growler fill station and now have kombucha growlers as well. Come and check them out.

Enjoy the last few days of summer and we hope to see you soon,

Cristi and Tom Takeda

New Look For the Buzz In Boise!

29 Sunday Jun 2014

Posted by in Beer and Food, Beer Tasting, Buy Idaho, Comfort Food, Local Markets, Locavore, Photos By: Bob Young, Special Beers, Special Events, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?

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TheBuzzApril_2Cristi and Tommy and all have been working very hard to “re-design” the interior of the Buzz in Boise. Personally, I like the new look! And they have installed a growler bar, which is fun and fantastic! We have two beer steins that I am going to take to the Buzz. Cristi said it would be OK to leave them there for use at the new growler bar. Maybe we can get a shelf to put them on.and use when we go to the Buzz. How many different types can we get? Let’s display our steins at the Buzz. Any takers? Enjoy this new look! Cheers!

Cristi is in the Growler Bar area. Check out those floors!

Cristi is in the Growler Bar area. This photo is along the North side, the State Street side. Check out those floors!

The center half-wall has been removed and it really opens the space up. This is looking as you enter the State Street door, the side door.

The center half-wall has been removed and it really opens the space up. This is looking as you enter the State Street door, the side door.

Tommy and Michelle show off the new Growler Bar.

Tommy and Michelle show off the new Growler Bar.

Grilled Foods and Wine

11 Wednesday Jun 2014

Posted by in Beef, Chicken, Dinner With Friends, Dinner With Robin, Grilled Vegetables, Grillin' and Chillin', Grilling, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Restaurants, Salad, Sliders, Special Dinners, Vegetables, What's For Dinner?, Wine Dinners

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TheBuzzApril_2Another interesting night and wine dinner at the Buzz in Boise. And just in time for the summer season – Grilled foods and selecting the right wine to go with the food. Cristi also let everyone know that they are putting a a beer tap system for local beers and she wants our suggestions. My suggestion is (1) Cloud 9 Nano Brewery in the Albertson’s Shopping Center on State Street and (2) 10 Barrel Brewery in downtown Boise. Here are some photos from tonight’s dinner and my wine ratings. A perfect score is [20]. Enjoy and Cheers!

Peggy is grilling skewers for dinner.

Peggy is grilling skewers for dinner.

Wines prior to dinner. I did not particularly like the white one [11] and the red was just a little better [12]. I have had much better wines from both these wineries.

Wines prior to dinner. I did not particularly like the white one [11] and the red was just a little better [12]. I have had much better wines from both these wineries.

The best wine of the night was this one. I scored it a perfect [20]. Full bodied and went extremely well with the beef and chicken skewers and the corn on the cob.

The best wine of the night was this one. I scored it a perfect [20]. Full bodied and went extremely well with the beef and chicken skewers and the corn on the cob. 2011 If You See Kay

Pulled Pork Sliders 2010 Renwood Clarion a blend of Syrah and Zin [17]

Pulled Pork Sliders
2010 Renwood Clarion
a blend of Syrah and Zin [19]

Peggy made the sauce for these and it was good. Almost a Carolina style with a hint of vinegar.

Grilled Romaine Salad 2012 Basal Cellars Estate Semillion [17]

Grilled Romaine Salad
2012 Basal Cellars Estate Semillion [17]

Roasted Vegetable Soup 2009 MontGras Antu Ninquen Syrah [18]

Roasted Vegetable Soup
2009 MontGras Antu Ninquen Syrah [18]

This wine went very well with the soup. A good paring.

Chicken and Beef Skewers with Corn On-The-Cob 2011 If You See Kay [20]

Chicken and Beef Skewers with Corn On-The-Cob
2011 If You See Kay Blend [20]

A superb wine offering tonight and a great paring with the skewers and corn.

S'mores Cake Fratelli Casa Rosa [18]

S’mores Cake
NV Fratelli Casa Rosa [18]

June at the Buzz

06 Friday Jun 2014

Posted by in Bistro, Comfort Food, Dinner With Friends, Party Time, Special Dinners, Special Events, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine Dinners

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20March2011_1_Quarterly_The_WinesThis month at the Buzz really sounds interesting.This is probably the best and most affordable complete 5 course dinner and 5 or 6 wines that you will find in Boise. Just a mere $20 per person! But do make reservations – (208) 344-4321. Here is the latest from Cristi.

Just a quick reminder of some of the fun at the Buzz this June. We continue with live music and wine tasting on Friday Nights. This month featured artists will be:

6/6 Pat Foulkner
6/13 Carter Freeman
6/20 Wayne White
6/27 Johnny Shoes

Starting 6/13 we will have some wines to go along with the world cup events.
Our wine club this month is 6/10 and 6/11. We will be talking about cooking outside. Make your reservations, buzzwine@cableone.net or (208) 344-4321. It will be a fun event. The cost is only $20 a person including food and wine.

Keep on the lookout for updates about some new things coming to the Buzz. Hope to see everyone soon.

Sincerely,
Cristi and Tom Takeda
Buzz Coffee and Wine

Really ….. I do think you will enjoy this. Bring your friends and have a relaxing, fun and educational evening. Learn about wine. Learn about the paring of wine and food. And this month, learn about what wine to serve over the hot summer months. Cheers and hope to see you there. Here is a little information about the Buzz from their website.

Buzz Coffee and Cafe has been owned and operated by Cristi and Tom Takeda since 2007 and is one the finest coffee houses and wine bars in the Treasure Valley. Buzz prides itself on presenting a “family friendly” atmosphere for all it’s patrons and is always happy to adjust to the needs of whoever walks thru the door. Our menu features great breakfast items to start your day along with the finest coffee and beverage choices. Lunch or dinner is always available, or a quick snack after visiting the Idaho Athletic Club right next door. Almost all our food is made to order when you order it, so changes are not a problem. Great sandwiches and wraps as well as very tasty healthy salads are all on the menu, and if you don’t see something just ask and we can try and make something to your liking.

Buzz uses Full Circle Exchange coffee roasted locally in Eagle.

In the mood for a glass of fine wine or a beer after work or workout? Cristi holds her level I Sommelier certification and is always on the lookout for new and exciting wines to stock the shelves with. She has personally selected all the wines on our shelves and is always ready and willing to answer any questions one may have about wines. Need to find a great wine to go with your dinner or just to drink? Cristi can help you pair a great wine to whatever you may be fixing for dinner, or help you find the perfect wine to just relax and enjoy with friends. Her schedule can be a bit varied and you may not always catch her here at Buzz, but Tom can always help out as well. Be assured that no matter who is here to help you, Cristi has tasted all of the wines we stock and as she likes to say, “All the wines we carry are wines I would share with friends.”

Here at Buzz we want everyone to feel as comfortable and relaxed as they would in their own living room. Music is always kept to a comfortable level so you almost don’t even notice that its playing. Our big screen TV is most often set to a 24 hour news channel, but for special events such as BSU football game we always try to watch our Broncos as they march up and down the gridiron. If asked, we will always turn the TV off to make your stay more enjoyable.

February At The Buzz

07 Friday Feb 2014

Posted by in Dinner With Friends, Photos By: Bob Young, Things To Do, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners

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23June2013_1b_Buzz-Quarterly_Cabbage-SoupThis just in from Cristi at The Buzz in Boise! Don’t forget that it is Valentines Day on February 14 – bring your significant other to the tasting on February 11th or 12th. What a great treat! Also, let’s not forget that the price is now $20.00 per person for a 5 course dinner and about 6 or 7 wines. Call for reservations!! Their web page is at Buzz Beans and their blog page is Buzz Wine where Cristi has posted some recipes and awesome photos. Enjoy and see you this month at The Buzz! Cheers.

Happy February to all. We know that the snow is getting tiresome, but just think of all the grapes in Idaho that are being well taken care of this week.

We have our regular wine tastings and music this month. On the 7th Wayne White will be playing, on the 14th stop by and say Happy Valentines day to Carter Freeman, the 15th Tomorrow Never Knows will be celebrating with us, and on the 21st is Dr Todd Palmer. We will have appetizer, dinner and dessert specials each night to compliment the wines.

Our annual Chocolate and Wine nights will be February 11 and 12 at 6:30. Reservations are required buzzwine@cableone.net or (208) 344-4321. The cost is $20 for 5 course dinner and at least 5 different wines. Hope to see you there.

Stay safe and warm and join us for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

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

January At “The Buzz”

10 Friday Jan 2014

Posted by in Asian Food, Dinner With Friends, Ethnic Foods, Friends, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Special Dinners, Special Events, Traditional Food, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners

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13Aug2013_1_Buzz-Chile-Wines_CounterHere is the latest from Cristi at the Buzz here in Boise. (Check the sidebar for their link if you want more information.) This month’s Wine Club Dinner really sounds interesting and I know Tommy does a great job cooking. This will be an interesting evening, especially paring the wines with dinner. Sounds like fun. Hope to see YOU there, but don’t forget to call for reservations. Cheers!

We, at the Buzz, wish all the best in this new year for you and your family.

Just a reminder that the price for wine club dinners has changed slightly dinner is now $20.00 per person (with a $5.00 credit toward the featured wines). We will continue with the second Tuesday and the next day at 6:30 PM. The first wine club dinner for 2014 will be on January 14 or 15 and will feature Asian Foods. Don’t forget to make your reservations; buzzwine@cableone.net or (208) 344-4321.

Music in January will be:
1/10 John Cazan
1/17 Johnny Shoes
1/24 Sons of Thunder Mountain
1/25 Jean Cardena

Weekend wine tasting begins at 6PM on Friday and Saturday nights. Music starts at 7PM. We have appetizer, dinner, and dessert specials on Friday and Saturday Nights. No reservations required just stop in and say Hi.

Again Thanks and Happy New Year,
Cristi and Tom Takeda
Buzz Coffee and Wine

Holiday Wines At The Buzz

12 Thursday Dec 2013

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

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Silverware, A Menu and A Glass of Wine

Silverware, A Menu and A Glass of Wine

Such a good wine dinner tonight. Somewhat different. A good change. Comparing Old World wines with New World wines. Just to let everyone know, the monthly coupons are now on sale at the Buzz. These are prepaid coupons so you pay for 5 dinners and get one free. Robin and I always get some. And, Cristi told us all that she must raise the price starting in January. It will go from $15 a plate, to $20 a plate. Wine amounts and dinner courses will be the same. And in January? Asian food and wines that go with that style of cooking and food. Who is the Chef? Why our very own Chef Tommy Takeda! Yea! Let’s all get out and support Tommy in this endeavor, but I know he will do a great job. Here is what we had at this dinner. Enjoy!

American Salad Willamette Valley Pinot Grigio Altanuta Pinot Grigio

American Salad
2012 Willamette Valley Pinot Grigio [14]
2012 Altanuta Pinot Grigio [14]

Split Pea and Ham Soup 2010 Vina Amalia Malbec [15] 2011 Purple Malbec [17]

Split Pea and Ham Soup
2010 Vina Amalia Malbec [15]
2011 Purple Malbec [17]

Shepard's Pie 2007 Snake River Tempranillo [17] 2009 LAN Rioja Crianza [19]

Shepard’s Pie with Wilted Spinach
2007 Snake River Tempranillo [17]
2009 LAN Rioja Crianza [19]

Apple Pie and Pecan Tart 2012 Revelry Riesling [ 15] 2012 At Urbans-Hof Riesling [19]

Apple Pie and Pecan Tart
2012 Revelry Riesling [15]
2012 At Urbans-Hof Riesling [19]

I guess you can see that I do favor the Old World wines. They are the second wines listed below each entree item. Hope to see you at the next Wine Dinner. Cheers!!

Celebration Theme At “The Buzz”

13 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by in Appetizers, Apple, Basque Foods, Cabbage, Celebrations, Dinner With Friends, Ethnic Foods, Food Photos, Italian Food, Main Dish, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Salad, Spanish Wines, Special Dinners, Special Events, Things To Do, Vegetables, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food

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12Nov2013_1_The-Buzz-Wine-Club-Celebrations_BottleJust in time for the holiday season quickly approaching. Celebrations of the World was the theme of the November Wine Club Dinner at the Buzz. We had dishes with a Spanish, German, Basque, African, Italian and the Netherlands influence. It was an exciting evening, full of information and tradition. Great job, Cristi! My only criticism of the dinner is the Swedish Meatballs could have had a little more of the sauce on it. The meat was a little dry, although the flavor was still there. A little more sauce – An easy fix. Here are some photos from the evening. The wine rating is [20] maximum points. Cheers! and see you at the next event. Thank you Paul Colwell for the wines, Peggy and Austin for being our Servers and Tommy for your support “behind the scenes”. An 800 calorie meal.

Spanish Fritatta I enjoyed this appetizer. 2010 Faustino Crianza Tempranello 13% alc. a light wine and went well with the appetizer. lowest score of the night. [17] $14

Spanish Fritatta

I enjoyed this appetizer. Great flavors.
2010 Faustino Crianza Tempranello
13% alc. a light wine and went well with the appetizer. lowest score of the night. [17] $14

Pumpkin and Black Bean Soup If I don't like pumpkin and I liked this soup, you will also!! It was good. 2010 Durigutti Malbec Reserva 14% alc. a wonderful wine with this soup. well balanced and fruitty. best score of the night [20] $22

Pumpkin and Black Bean Soup

If I don’t like pumpkin and I liked this soup, you will also!! It was good.
2010 Durigutti Malbec Reserva
14% alc. a wonderful wine with this soup. well balanced and fruitty. best score of the night [20] $22

Holiday Salad 2011 Anselmi 12.7% alc. a good white wine that went well with the acidity of the salad. good paring. try the wine before you eat the apple in the salad - things will change. [18] $15

Holiday Salad

2011 Anselmi
12.7% alc. a good white wine that went well with the acidity of the salad. good paring. try the wine before you eat the apple in the salad – things will change. [18] $15

Swedish Meatballs Cabbage Steaks Noodles Just a little dry as I noted above, but the flavors were still there. 2011 Luna Cabernet Sauvignon 14.1% alc. good, full bodied wine that paired well with the entree. [18] $18

Swedish Meatballs
Cabbage Steaks
Green Peas
Noodles

Just a little dry as I noted above, but the flavors were still there.
2011 Luna Cabernet Sauvignon
14.1% alc. good, full bodied wine that paired well with the entree. [18] $18

Gingerbread A good ending to this meal. It really tasted good. 2010 Renwood Old Vine Zinfandel 14.5% alc. so good with the gingerbread. [19] $22

Gingerbread

A good ending to this meal. It really tasted good.
2010 Renwood Old Vine Zinfandel
14.5% alc. so good with the gingerbread. [19] $22

Cristi always opens the evening with usually two wines that she labels “Cristi’s Choice”. These were two really good wines.
2012 Zolo Torrentes from Mendoza, Argentina. A really nice white wine and well worth the $15 price. [18]
2011 Arenal Vina Paralillo Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile. Again, well worth the $14 price. [18]