Posts

Showing posts from 2020

4 Ways to Celebrate the End of the Year in Boise

Image
How do you plan on capping off the year? This has been quite the year for most of us, filled with all sorts of memories; some we’d love to remember forever and others we’d soon forget. No matter how the year has gone for you, there’s always next year, and it’s coming up fairly soon. If you want to toast to the end of a great year or raise your glass in hopes the next is better, here are four ideas. Live Music Boise Enjoy an Upscale Dining Experience There really isn’t ever a wrong occasion to enjoy fine dining; however, the end of the year is certainly the right time to enjoy the best fine dining Boise has to offer. Restaurants such as Chandlers, for example, offer some of the best food in the Treasure Valley, complete with an upscale dining experience. Whether you’re renting a private dining room for you and your loved ones or find a cozy table in the lounge, you can’t go wrong with fine dining this New Year’s. Toast to the New Year with Winter Favorites Now is a great...

New Year’s Resolutions and Adventures for Treasure Valley Residents

Image
With the New Year around the corner, you might be brainstorming the new resolutions and goals you’ll set. Whether it’s a resolution to fire up your old workout routine or you want to finally learn how to play guitar, there are plenty of resolutions and goals you should set related to your local community. If you consider yourself lucky enough to call the Treasure Valley home, there’s plenty to do, learn, experience, and explore. Here are a few favorites to try in Boise and surrounding areas this next year. Downtown Boise Restaurants Spend a Day on the Boise River Greenbelt The Boise River Greenbelt is a blessing for locals. It spans nearly across the city, following the river closely as cyclists, runners, and walkers get from place to place. While this activity might not be best during the winter months (unless you aren’t afraid to bundle up), the Boise River Greenbelt truly comes alive during the warmer months. At some point, this year, get out to the Boise River Greenbelt...

Fall in Love with These 4 Fine Dining Meals and Drinks

Image
 The leaves have fallen, the cold has started to set in, and it’s clear that we’re well on our way to winter. Along with getting outside (or staying inside where it’s warm), sampling new flavors is a superb way to embrace the new season. If you have reservations this weekend or just want to try something new at home, here are a few meals and drinks to fall in love with this season. Fine Dining Boise Dive Into a Seasonal Soup The colder weather calls for something hot, comforting, and seasonal. After all, you can’t get much better than a bowl of delicious soup on a cold winter’s day. The best restaurants are already busy sourcing seasonal ingredients for their winter soup lineup. Whether you’re ordering soup before your entrée or the soup is the star of the show, it’s always a perfect time for a bowl during the cold season. If you’re looking for a specific recommendation, see if the restaurant offers a butternut squash soup. It’s essentially the tastes of the fall and winter seasons...

Beat the Holiday Season Stress with These Relaxing Treasure Valley Ideas

Image
 The holiday season is practically here. Although it’s one of the most wonderful times of the year, it isn’t without its fair share of stresses. From trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list to wrapping up year-end tasks that have maybe been put off for too long, this time can be anything but easy. If you find yourself stressing in the Treasure Valley, know this: there are tons of ways to relax and de-stress. So, if you find yourself getting overwhelmed this holiday season, try any of these ideas. live Music Boise Prioritize Your To-Do List First things first, whether you’re stressing during the holiday season or on a random Thursday in April, it’s crucial you have your priorities straight. For most of us, the typical holiday season to-do list might include gift shopping, decorating the house, or prepping for loved ones. Whatever the case, consider what’s an actual item worth stressing over and what could really wait a few days or weeks. You’ll be amazed at how muc...

5 Date Ideas for the Treasure Valley This Fall

Image
The air is chilly, and the leaves are changing. It’s fall, and it’s a great time to go out on a date. Whether it’s Halloween-themed, fall-themed, or just a nice night out with the best fine dining Boise has to offer, here are a few ideas for going out on a date in the Treasure Valley this fall.  Live Music Boise Survive a Zombie Apocalypse It’s Halloween season, which means it’s the perfect time to take part in a zombie-themed scavenger hunt. You and up to nine other teammates will traverse the downtown Boise area to take pictures of different objects found in plain sight, which will be revealed through an app. Each item found gains you points, and with enough points in an hour, you can survive the zombie apocalypse. There are also challenges and trivia questions. It’s family-friendly fun, and there are no actual zombies involved. Enjoy Fine Dining If you would rather sit down and eat at the best steakhouse Boise has to offer, try Chandlers Steakhouse. At Chandle...

How to Make the Most of Your Trip to Boise

Image
If you are visiting Boise and the Treasure Valley, there are several attractions that you will want to enjoy to make the most of your trip. Whether you are going to the best of the downtown Boise restaurants , walking the Boise River Greenbelt, or visiting the World Center for Birds of Prey, you are sure to have a good time. Here are some of the best attractions Boise has to offer. Live Music Boise  The Boise River Greenbelt  A whopping 25 miles long, the Boise River Greenbelt stretches along the banks of the Boise River. The tree-lined path is famous in Boise and perfect for enjoying the scenery and the colorful leaves of fall. There’s also a 10-mile-long bike trail, as well. Chandlers Steakhouse If you are looking for a fine dining experience, try the best steak and seafood Boise has to offer at Chandlers Steakhouse in Hotel 43. At Chandlers, the steak is cooked to perfection, and you can enjoy anything from a filet mignon to certified Japanese wagyu. The jet...

4 Reasons That Fine Dining Is Always a Treat

Image
It’s no secret that you have plenty of choices to dine out or order takeout in the Treasure Valley. You name the type of food, and there’s probably a restaurant nearby. One type of restaurant stands on its own, however, and is about more than just getting a bite to eat, but rather having an experience. It doesn’t matter if you only visit once a year or a few times per week, the best fine dining Boise restaurants are always a treat. Here’s why. Fine Dining Boise The Attention to Detail Is Everywhere At a fine dining restaurant, they aren’t trying to get you in the door, sat at a table, fed, and then out the door as fast as possible. Instead, they appreciate the experience that people have at their restaurant. They know that guests will be gazing around the dining room, listening to the sounds of the music, and watching as incredible dishes are brought out from the kitchen. Fine dining is meant to be enjoyed and savored, and the best fine dining establishments will make sure every singl...

Embrace Your Sweet Tooth on National Dessert Day

Image
Who doesn’t love dessert? Whether you’re trying to stay away from sweets or can’t get enough, National Dessert Day is your time to shine. Every October 14th, the nation celebrates all things sweet. From cookies to cake, sorbet to crème brûlée, and everything in between, don’t let this year’s National Dessert Day pass you by. If you find yourself dining at or ordering from one of the best downtown Boise restaurants , make sure to grab a dessert menu. If you see any of these four things, you know you’re in for a treat. Downtown Boise Restaurants Try the Classics At most fine dining restaurants, you’ll find a selection of classic dessert options, typically with the restaurant’s own twist on the recipe. It’s usually these dishes that can show the true prowess of the staff in the kitchen and can cap off a memorable evening. The classics include cheesecake, key lime pie, crème brûlée, or cobbler. There’s nothing wrong with sticking with the tried-and-true favorites National Dessert Day. Dess...

4 Fine Dining Options That You’re Sure to Love

Image
Have you ever sat down at a restaurant, looked at the menu, and just felt lost? It happens to the best of us from time to time. This analysis paralysis can be because of too many options, limited knowledge, or just plain indecisiveness. Luckily, when you dine out at the best restaurant in the Treasure Valley, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Even so, it helps to know what the restaurant is known for ahead of time. Fine Dining Boise So, the next time you go out or order in a fine dining Boise experience, here are a few tried and true selections that you’re sure to love. The Delicate Filet Mignon At the best steakhouse Boise offers, you’ll find the filet mignon at the top of the steak list. There are few cuts of beef that scream premium and upscale quite like the filet mignon. It’s incredibly tender, rich, and full of beefy flavor for a sophisticated eating experience. The best steakhouses will know how to expertly prepare it as well. Because of its low fat content, th...

4 Ways to Spend Labor Day in the Treasure Valley

Image
Labor Day is coming up. Although that means that summer is ending, it also means that you get a well-deserved day off to relax and celebrate your achievements. Three-day weekends give you plenty of opportunities to wind down, sit back, and enjoy some extra free time. If you find yourself in the Treasure Valley during Labor Day weekend, you’re in for a treat. Here are a few things to do on your day off in Boise and the surrounding areas. Live Music Boise Experience the Great Outdoors in and Around Boise One of the things that makes Boise so distinct is its close proximity to the great outdoors. Boise has the perk of being both a bustling urban area with everything you could want and need while also being only a short drive from nature. Whether you’re into hiking, camping, fishing, or simply reading under a tree, you can do it in the Treasure Valley. With an extra day during Labor Day weekend, make plans to get outside as much as possible. Whether you’re cooped up in an office at hom...

3 Reasons Why You Have to Try American Wagyu Beef

Image
When you head out to your favorite steakhouse Boise offers, you’ll typically find many of the classic cuts. From the tender filet mignon to the rich ribeye, we all have our go-to favorites. But if you scan the menu and see American Wagyu, there are a few reasons that tonight might be the night you try this delicacy. Here are three reasons you should make it your culinary mission to try American Wagyu at least once. But chances are, if you’re like most, you’ll be hooked after the first bite. Steakhouse Boise American Wagyu Features Delicious Fat Marbling One of the reasons that Japanese Wagyu and its American counterpart are so highly coveted is because of their high fat content and marbling. The more fat there is in a steak, the juicer, more tender, and more flavorful it is. When looking at a row of raw steaks side by side, it’s easy to pick the Wagyu out from the crowd. You’ll find deposits of white fat dotted throughout the cut, which in turn make the meat look more of a ...

4 Must-Experience Treasure Valley Attractions

Image
If you search for the best places to visit and live in the United States, Boise, Idaho is often near the top. If you live here, then you already know how vibrant the City of Trees is, but even locals might not have truly experienced all that the city and Treasure Valley have to offer. Here are four things that anyone should do to get the full Boise experience. From checking out the freshest seafood Boise offers to taking in the sights and sounds of the area, there are few summertime activities as uniquely Boise as these. Downtown Boise Restaurants Take a Stroll on the Boise River Greenbelt Ask any Boise resident what their favorite feature of the city is, and the Boise River Greenbelt is bound to be somewhere on their list. From the parks of downtown Boise to Garden City and beyond, the Greenbelt follows the Boise River and is lined with trees and other natural sights. Some use the path for their daily commute, but taking a leisurely stroll down it is also an excellent way t...

Summer Flavors to Embrace with Your Next Fine Dining Experience

Image
Summer is finally here, and with it comes an array of new and exciting opportunities, with signature flavors and dishes of the season being among them. While the sounds of birds chirping, the sights of long summer nights and the feel of warm summer air are all around you, enjoying the flavors of summer helps complete the sensory experience. As you venture out to the best fine dining Boise restaurant for a date night or if you choose to order fine dining food for takeout, you’d be remiss not to embrace these signature dishes and flavors. Fine Dining Boise Try a Grilled Salad Crisp, light, and fresh, salads are arguably one of the best summer sides, appetizers, or entrées. If you want to take your salad up a notch and experience the char-grilled flavor of a summer backyard barbeque, try a grilled salad. Not to be confused with a hot or wilted salad, an expert chef will lightly char the leaves of arugula and pair it with ingredients such as pear, manchego, candied nuts, and mor...

A Toast to Summer: Try These 5 Drinks

Image
Is there anything better than capping off a long day at work or getting a date night started with a signature cocktail at one of the best downtown Boise restaurants ? Cold drinks and hot summer days are a match made in heaven, and just like there are warming cocktails to toast to the winter season, there are even more that are perfect for the summer months. Here are five cocktails you should try this summer to celebrate the season. Downtown Boise Restaurants Did Someone Say Margaritas? If there was a preeminent summertime cocktail, it would probably be this. Sweet, salty, and oh-so cold, however you prefer your margarita, frozen or on the rocks, is the way to go this season. Although deceptively simple, sipping on a margarita made with premium tequila and just the right amount of lime is the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon or evening. Always Say Yes to the Mule There’s just something about the classic mule that makes it perfect, no matter the season. The ginger b...

How to Plan the Perfect At-Home Date Night

Image
Sometimes the best spot in town is right at home. While going to a restaurant is fun, there’s also something special about spending time alone with your favorite person in your own private dining room in the comforts of home. This isn’t to say that you can’t have the best of both worlds. With the right prime ingredients to cook, or take-out from a local fine dining restaurant, you can enjoy a fine dining experience at home.   Fine Dining Boise Here are a few tips for experiencing the perfect date night at home. Create a Relaxing Atmosphere What separates the best fine dining Boise restaurants from the rest, besides the food, is typically the atmosphere. Restaurant owners and managers painstakingly place every detail. From the table setting to the lighting, the decorations, and the music, there is a lot more that goes on behind the scenes to make your dining experience as immersive as possible. For your at-home date night, you should do the same—white tablecloth and a...

Engage All 5 Senses with These Activities in Boise

Image
There are few places and times as warm and welcoming as spring in the Treasure Valley. For many, Boise is among the best places in the country, with the perfect blend of big-city conveniences and natural beauty. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Boise this spring and summer, here are a few ways you can please all five of your senses. Live Music Boise See the Boise Skyline From Above If you’re an avid hiker, Boise is your city. Along the perimeter of the city, you’ll find tons and tons of hiking trails for beginners and advanced hikers alike. Among them is Table Rock, located just past downtown Boise and in the historic Warm Springs district. For most, it only takes a little under an hour to get to the top, and less time than that if you’re an experienced hiker or trail runner. From the top, you can practically see the entire city and out to Meridian. For breathtaking sights in the City of Trees, it doesn’t get much better than this. Feel the Warm Spring Sun Wheth...

How to Make Home Meals Feel Like a Fine Dining Experience

Image
There’s just something special about a home-cooked meal shared with loved ones. If you’re relatively handy around the kitchen, then you already know the satisfaction of watching the faces of your family light up when they taste food. It’s a gift that can’t compare to much else. If you have a special occasion coming up or you just feel like taking a weekend dinner up a notch, there are plenty of things you can do. Here are a few tips to make your at-home meals feel more like a fine dining experience. Fine Dining Boise Invest in Quality Ingredients What sets the best restaurants apart from the rest is their ingredients. The atmosphere and service matter, but all of these components serve to highlight the food. Once you’ve selected the dish that you plan to prepare, be it steak, seafood, or something else, you must seek out the best of the best. While you can find good ingredients at the supermarket, you’ll find the best quality meat at a specialty store. You can also check to ...

Skills and Techniques for At-Home Chefs to Cook Like Pros

Image
You probably consider yourself a relatively decent at-home cook. Your family loves whatever you make for them, but something within you is wondering if you can create the feeling of one of the best downtown Boise restaurants at home. Becoming a professional chef takes years and years of experience, education, and practice, but with guidance and time you can pick up a few of those skills. There are plenty of things you can learn and practice in your home kitchen that can undoubtedly get your skills up and elevate your home dining experiences. Here are a few fine dining techniques to try at home. For inspiration, order takeout from a local fine dining restaurant and have an at-home dining experience. Seafood Boise How to Source the Right Ingredients Besides the cooking technique, a significant reason why your fine dining meal tastes better than your home-cooked meal is because of how the restaurant sources their ingredients. You won’t find the best seafood Boise restaurant u...