Happily, Healthy Wine Tasting

10 Wednesday Dec 2014

Posted by Bob and Robin 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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lentils, the Buzz, The Buzz Coffee and Wine, wine club dinner, Wine Dinners

Cristi, 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.

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

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 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.

August At “The Buzz”

09 Saturday Aug 2014

Posted by Bob and Robin 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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Buzz Coffee & Wine Events, the Buzz, The Buzz Coffee and Wine, Wine Dinners

I 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

June at the Buzz

06 Friday Jun 2014

Posted by Bob and Robin 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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the Buzz, The Buzz Coffee and Wine, Wine, Wine Dinners

This 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.

Herbs and Wine at The Buzz

14 Wednesday May 2014

Posted by Bob and Robin in Appetizers, Dinner With Friends, Food Photos, Herbs, Herbs and Spices, Housemade Soup, Photos By: Bob Young, Salads, Special Dinners, Spices, Sriracha Chili Sauce, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners

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Buzz Coffee & Wine Events, Wine, Wine Dinners

I would be remiss if I did not send our condolences to Tommy and his family for his loss over the weekend.

We had a very quiet and intimate wine tasting at the Buzz last night – Herbs and Wine was the topic. Great topic and job, Cristi! Your choices of topics is what makes these Wine Dinners so very interesting. If you live in Boise, or the surrounding area and you missed this event, you can redeem yourself tonight as the program is repeated. The program starts at 6:30pm and costs $20.00 per person for a 5 Course dinner and at least 6 wines. Here is what we had and the wines to go with dinner. Cheers!

Herbed Quiche
2012 Wente Chardonnay
13.5% alc.a wonderful chardonnay with this quiche. [19]

Herbed Zucchini Soup 2012 Monte Fresco 13% alc. good choice with the spice in the soup. great soup

Herbed Zucchini Soup
2012 Monte Fresco
13% alc. good choice with the spice in the soup. Awesome soup! [17]

Spiced Grape Salad
2012 Zolo Bonardo
13.8% alc. great paring with the salad. big enough to go with the radish [19]

Herbed Chicken
Broccoli
Saffron Tomato Rice
2012 Fernandez Gomez Rioja
14% alc. superb match. went very well with the broccoli. [19]

Lavender Cupcake with Honey Frosting
2012 Tranche
13.2% alc. I thought the balance was a little off on this one. The cupcake, however, was awesome! [17]

January At “The Buzz”

10 Friday Jan 2014

Posted by Bob and Robin 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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asian food, the Buzz, wine club dinner, Wine Dinners

Here 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

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Holiday Wines At The Buzz

12 Thursday Dec 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin 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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Amalia Malbec, monthly dinners, the Buzz, Wine Dinners

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]

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]

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!!

Spanish Wine Dinner at the Buzz

10 Wednesday Apr 2013

Posted by Bob and Robin in Paella, Party Time, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Spanish Food, Spanish Wines, Special Events, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food

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Spanish Wines, sparkling wines, the Buzz, Wine Dinners

Another exciting and great wine dinner at The Buzz on Tuesday evening, April 9! (The same wines and dinner will also be presented Wednesday, April 10.) Cristi and crew did another good job. Robin wanted to expose some of her Nurse friends to The Buzz and the program that Cristi presents for wine dinners. She invited 22; 18 came. It was a great time and Cristi and Tommy placed us altogether. There are some photos of the nurses below. But first ….. Let’s eat! Wine scores are listed as [20]. Please cast your Vote above!

Robin brought a Rollingstone Chevre for everyone to try.

Albondigas and Sherried Mushroom Empanada
2009 Mercedes Eguren
14% alc. great food paring with the appetizers. little citrus on the finish. [17] $14.00

Sopa de Pastor Manchego
(Such a good soup!)
2010 Layer Cake Garnacha
14.5% alc. this was the best wine of the night, in my opinion. light chocolate on the nose and a long finish. [19] $18.00

Ensalada Sevillana
2011 Raimat Albarnio
12.5% alc. a hint of pear on the nose. fruity. did not pair well with the salad dressing. [18] $14.00

Paella
(If you have never had paella, you really should try it. It’s like a stew – there are many, many variations. But most have seafood and rice with some type of meat.)
2007 Lan Rioja
13.5% alc. good paring with the spiciness of the paella. black cherry on the nose. [18] $22.00

Torrijas and Flan
NV Cava Coderniu
11.5% alc. I’m just not a fan of sparkling wines or Champagnes. this one was OK but not much more. [15] $13.00

And here are some photos of the St. Luke’s folks that Robin invited. I did not get photos of everyone. Enjoy!

Barb Herrick and Sherry Grabowski

Diane Ross, Roli Martin Parker, Carol Fountain, Leslie Thomason, Kathy Kimmel

Sherry Grabowski, Connie Merrill, , Diane Ross, Susan Van Houten

Sherry Grabowski, Connie Merrill, Di McDonough, Diane Ross, Susan Van Houten

Those not pictured: Marti Downey, Pat Hutchison, Sue Montgomery, Joe Levitch, Marti Monk, Joe Murray, Gayle Ogle Weatherby, Wendy Weatherby Johnson and Ron Dunagan. Thank-You one and all for a great evening. Hope to see you again at The Buzz! Cheers.

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

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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