Chandlers Steakhouse

This year is quickly coming to a close, and if you’re like many, you probably have a list of goals and resolutions for the coming year. From reading more books to picking up a new workout routine, we all have goals that we hope will push us to be better. Have you thought about interest-specific goals? If you are a self-described foodie, you can explore your culinary passions more with these foodie resolutions. Appreciate New Cocktails We all have our usual go-to cocktails, but there’s an entire world of libations out there just waiting for you to try them. From the Ten Minute Martini™ to the Sidecar, it would be a shame to pass up the opportunity to expand your horizons. Mixologists and bartenders alike spend a great deal of time concocting the perfect flavor profile to sip alone or pair with a meal, so enjoy it! Get more adventurous this year and have the bartender or even the sommelier recommend your new favorite drink or pairing. Seek Out Fresh Food Whenever Possible Fresh ve

The winter holiday season is finally here! For most of us, this is the most wonderful time of the year as we wrap up another successful 12 months, prepare for the next, and enjoy some much-needed time with our loved ones. If you live in the Boise area and are hosting family this holiday season, you’ll want to give them the best impression of the area. Here are a few fun activities that show the best of Boise and the surrounding areas. Hit the Slopes Whether you shred the gnar or spend most of your mountain time cozy in the lodge, you have plenty of opportunity for both in the Treasure Valley. Round up the group and head up to Bogus Basin for a fun day on the slopes. They cater to all skill levels and will get your out-of-towners set up with rental gear too! Make it an all-day thing, and after you get back into the city, grab a bite and warm up at one of the premier  downtown Boise restaurants . Root for the Home Team Although the BSU football season is coming to a close, there a

Just like you swapped your summer cold brew coffees for hot lattes, with winter practically here, it’s time to switch up your cocktail preferences too. While some might prefer to drink margaritas and mojitos year-round, if you like variety there are tons of winter-friendly drinks to try. Steakhouse Boise Just like any great cocktail, the perfect winter cocktail needs balance, premium spirits, and an artistic touch. Being served hot is also typical of winter-friendly libations, but it’s not always a requirement seeing as some spirits like bourbon provide that warm feeling. Even still, as you venture out to sample these warming cocktails, make sure you’re going to an establishment that knows what it takes to make a superb drink and does so consistently. Chandlers, the premier steakhouse Boise offers, for example, has an extensive spirits menu crafted by expert mixologists, and they don’t disappoint. Here are some cocktails to give a try this winter season. Hot T

Although you’re likely still settling into fall depending on when you’re reading this, snow, early sunsets, and chilly weather are fast approaching. Winter in the Treasure Valley is truly magical, and the fun doesn’t stop just because the weather is colder. Here are a few things to look forward to. Live Music Boise Holiday Shopping If you’re among the many who savor the moment the holiday shopping season officially begins, heading to The Village at Meridian or the Boise Towne Square mall is already high on your list. There truly isn’t anything like rushing around on a brisk Saturday morning in search of deals and crossing everyone off your list. Gear up with comfy shoes, a scarf, a credit card, and a warm coffee and hit the town! Take a Dip in a Mountain Hot Spring Taking a dip doesn’t necessarily seem like a winter-friendly activity, but with countless hot springs around the Treasure Valley, it’s high on the list for many locals. You have plenty of options, an

Spending a night out enjoying the best fine dining Boise has to offer is a memorable experience. Whether it’s a special occasion or the fourth time this month you’ve eaten out, every fine dining experience is special. Thinking about going out to a restaurant soon? Here are a few tips so you can get the most out of the occasion for a memorable (and tasty) experience.  Ask About Wine Pairings Fine dining restaurants typically have a sommelier on staff whose sole job is to source and pick the best wines to accompany the menu offerings. If you’re treating yourself to a fine dining experience, you’d be remiss not to ask about wine pairings for your selected dish. The right wine, combined with the perfect cuisine, can elevate the experience and is not something to miss. Feel free to ask about anything you’re unsure of, and the wait staff will be happy to point you in the right direction.  Try What They’re Known For Every restaurant has their own distinctive style of

Fall is a really special time of year here in the Treasure Valley. The leaves are changing colors, the weather is cooling off, yet the chill of winter’s frost hasn’t quite set in yet. It’s the perfect time of the year to grab that special someone and spend an entire afternoon and evening out of the house and exploring downtown Boise. Here are a couple of things to do while you’re down there.  Stroll the Greenbelt and Grab a Bite The Boise River Greenbelt recently celebrated its 50 th anniversary and in those 50 years it has become a Treasure Valley… treasure. It runs through major parts of the city and is the go-to commute path for many locals. It’s also a romantic place to take a stroll during the late afternoon or early evening while the weather is nice. Once you’ve gotten your strolling out of the way, set your course for one of the best downtown Boise restaurants . If you’re in the mood for high-class dining, head to Chandlers. They serve up a variety of pr

Can you imagine life without a car? Here in the Treasure Valley, we’re fortunate to have more options than others, with bike lanes lining streets throughout the city as well as the famous Boise River Greenbelt that stretches throughout the city. Feel up to a challenge? Celebrate International Car-Free Day in Boise with these tips.  What Is Car-Free Day? On September 22 nd every year, people around the world are encouraged to ditch their car and instead walk, run, bike, scooter, or take public transit to get around. The mission is to spread awareness about alternative transport and reduce the number of cars on the road. Enough people choosing alternative transport could make an impact on the environment, and the demand for gas and other fossil fuels. Although one day out of the year doesn’t really seem like it could make a huge impact, if more people realize that alternatives to the car are easy to access, it can really move the needle in big ways. Not everyone has

Summer is quickly approaching its conclusion, and while many of you might feel sad, the good news is fall in the Treasure Valley is equally as enjoyable. While you might have to trade in your flip flops for boots, fun and excitement know no seasonal bounds in Boise and the surrounding areas. If you don’t already have a pumpkin-spice-themed itinerary, here are some of the fun fall Treasure Valley events and activities to look forward to. Head to the Pumpkin Patch If you have kids, they’ll love this activity. Going to the pumpkin patch and finding the perfect pumpkin for carving is a family-friendly event that people of all ages enjoy. A handful of pumpkin patches and farms call the Treasure Valley home. And wherever you are in the Valley, be it Meridian, Boise, Nampa, or Star, there’s bound to be a pumpkin patch close by. Some of the favorites in the area include The Farmstead, The Berry Ranch, and Jeremy’s Pumpkins.  Celebrate Oktoberfest Oktoberfest only happens

As you start searching for the best fine dining Boise experience, you’ll likely notice that many of the restaurants have a dress code page on their website. For some uninitiated to the fine dining scene, this might come as a surprise. It might seem to be a hassle, but dress codes are an important part of the experience. Most restaurants are less strict than you might think and are willing to work with you.  The dress code holds an important place in fine dining culture and is there for a reason (or a few). Let’s take a look at why you should dress up when going to a fine dining restaurant.  Dress Codes Uphold Tradition As the years go by, fashion choices come and go and what your grandparents might have considered casual is now considered formal attire. The same is true for fashion expectations at a fine dining restaurant. A modern version of dressing up is normally perfectly acceptable. The tradition of dressing up has continued through many generations, but t

When was the last time you had a real day off—a chance to forget about work and the hustle of life? For many of us, those days only happen a few times a year, typically on vacation. If it’s hard to get away for long periods of time or you just feel like sticking around town, a staycation in the Treasure Valley could be just what you need.      With so many different downtown Boise restaurants to try, beautiful year-round weather, and activities for the whole family, a staycation over Labor Day weekend or any other weekend could be what you need to relax, refresh, and recharge. Here are a few fun things to do while you’re “away.” Book a Room The first and probably most essential step of a successful staycation is getting out of the house and booking a hotel room. Even if it’s just for one night, staying outside of your home can help you separate yourself from the typical hustle and bustle of the day. That way you can still feel as if you're a million miles aw

Food is the star of the show for any dining experience, but the sounds, sights, smells, and feel of a restaurant are more important than you might think. Restaurant owners spend a great deal of time and money to make the atmosphere and ambiance of their restaurant perfect, and it's worth noticing. When you head out for your next fine dining Boise adventure, savor the entire experience and soak up the restaurant’s atmosphere to see how it interacts with your senses. If it checks off these boxes, you know you’ve found one of the best in the area.   The Concept Should Be Sophisticated and Clear If a restaurant's concept isn't quite right, then the rest of the experience will suffer. The concept of a restaurant is essentially the foundation that the vibe and the rest of the décor are built upon. Typically, certain types of restaurants will have almost pre-determined concepts that guests have come to know and love. For example, a diner usually involves

As you scan the menu of some downtown Boise restaurants , you might spot a seafood section. Although the selections might sound appetizing, understanding where the fish came from could impact your decision. While you’ll find that farm-raised fish and seafood is almost the standard for landlocked areas, wild-caught fish is still available at select places.  So, can you taste the difference? Well, that’s something you may need to decide for yourself. But when faced with a choice between the two, here are a few things you should keep in mind.  What Is Wild-Caught Fish? Exactly as it sounds, wild-caught fish is caught from a natural source of water, such as the ocean or a lake. It eats what its species is meant to eat in the wild, and because of its natural diet, wild-caught fish can have higher levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Many claim that wild-caught fish taste slightly better because of their natural diets. What Is Farm-Raised Fish?

Enjoying coffee after dinner is a tradition that serves multiple purposes. If you’ve had the pleasure of enjoying a cup of espresso or a coffee-based cocktail at one of the best downtown Boise restaurants , then you know there’s something special about finishing a meal with coffee. Let’s take a closer look at a few reasons you should start concluding your dinners with a cup of joe. Post-Dinner Drinks Prolong Conversation Part of the origin story of after-dinner coffee was that it prolonged the party and kept the conversation going even after dessert had been served. In the fast-paced, “go, go, go,” world we live in, it’s not uncommon for many of us to eat and then rush onto the next event or activity. But sometimes it’s better to take our time and enjoy each other’s company as we sip on some freshly brewed coffee. Caffeine Staves Off Post-Meal Drowsiness It’s no secret that many of us will start feeling drowsy after a big meal. Dinner is often the largest meal of the day for most

Summer is fast-approaching here in the Treasure Valley, and although the area isn’t exactly known for bringing the heat, it can still get pretty warm here during peak summer months. Luckily, there’s no shortage of downtown Boise restaurants serving up refreshing, sophisticated cocktails sure to help keep you cool after a day spent exploring and hanging out in the sun. Whether you’re stopping into your favorite spot or trying some place new, here are some cocktails and drinks to be on the lookout for this summer.  Local Flavors From Idaho Distilleries Whether you’re stopping into a restaurant for dinner, to enjoy the best live music Boise has to offer, or both, make sure to grab a cocktail.You can never go wrong selecting one made with authentic Idaho ingredients. Look for a martini or another cocktail made with local spirits like Koenig Vodka, made with Idaho's most famous agricultural product—the humble potato. Along with vodka made right here in Idaho, you can also look fo

With Memorial Day coming up, you’re probably more than ready to enjoy a much-needed three-day weekend full of fun, family, and friends. If you have friends or family coming into town, why not give them an experience in Boise they won’t soon forget?  Whether it’s Memorial Day weekend or any time this summer, here are some things to do and show them so they can see the best of Boise (and maybe you could convince them to move here too).  A Treat for the Eyes and Ears Along with restaurants lining restaurant row on 8th street, Boise offers treats for your other senses with historic and contemporary architecture and a bustling music scene of local and touring acts playing nightly throughout the city. To start with the sights, you can't go wrong with the Idaho State Capitol Building up North Capitol Boulevard. Built in the early 1900s, the Idaho State Capitol Building is a must-see for anyone visiting the city or anyone who is a fan of historic architecture. Besi

It really doesn't get much better than springtime in the Treasure Valley. With the sun shining and the temperatures idling in the perfect zone where at most all you need is a light jacket, it's no surprise locals are looking for any reason to get outside. But with so much to do, you might feel overwhelmed once the weekend rolls around. No need to worry, if you’re making plans for the weekend, here are a few springtime-approved adventures in the Treasure Valley.  Visit the Farmers Market The downtown area of Boise is home to not only one, but two outdoor markets on Saturdays. One is the Boise Farmers Market, located on Shoreline Drive, where you’ll find local farmers selling fresh produce grown right here in the Treasure Valley. The other is the Capital City Public Market, which is where craftspeople selling items such as jewelry, art, shirts, and fresh fudge line 8th and Idaho streets. With the weather as lovely as it is, even if you're not in buying mo

The wine industry is one of Idaho’s fastest growing agricultural industries, though Idaho's obsession with producing wine dates back to the 1800s. With a long history and a commitment to leading the Pacific Northwest wine charge, if you're looking for great wine in the Treasure Valley, there is no shortage of options. While many simply enjoy drinking wine during their meal, if you want to enjoy the best wine and have an entire experience centered around it, here are some things to look for and try in the Treasure Valley.  Visit One of the Many Wineries According to Visit Idaho, there are more than 50 wineries in the Gem State, meaning running out of options won’t be a problem. Instead of going blindly, consider the types of wines that you enjoy the most and pay a visit to a local winery or vineyard for a full wine-tasting experience. It’s About More Than Wine While wine can be the star of the show, it’s the atmosphere and the accompanying features of y

Mother's Day is right around the corner, and on May 12, you'll have the opportunity to show your mom how much you care about her and how grateful you are for all of the things she's done for you over the years. Boise and the entire Treasure Valley becomes a spring paradise around this time every year and offers plenty of outdoor and indoor opportunities to celebrate your special day with mom. Whether you’re looking for ways to spend quality time with her on Mother’s Day or it’s her birthday or just any day of the year, here are a few memorable things (in no particular order) to do with her in the Treasure Valley.  Enjoy a Show Boise is well-known for offering one of the best live music scenes in the entire Pacific Northwest. From lively shows at venues like the Knitting Factory and the Taco Bell Arena to nightly live jazz at Chandlers or local bands at Pengilly’s Saloon, whatever style of music you're into, Boise has it. If you follow your ears

With Easter right around the corner, if your family prefers to dine out for the holiday (or want to try it this year), it's about time to pick out the restaurant for the special Sunday. As one of the busiest days of the year for many dining establishments, you can expect reservations at local downtown Boise restaurants to start filling up.  When looking for a restaurant that delivers an unforgettable dining experience for your Easter dinner, here are some attributes and features to consider. A Welcoming Environment Easter is one of the most family-centric holidays of the year, and, if you make reservations at the right restaurant, you can enjoy an intimate evening out with your family. You should seek out a fine dining establishment that offers a quiet and sophisticated atmosphere where everyone can feel at home. In addition, look for restaurants that offer private dining options and private dining rooms for you and your family. With a reserved private room