Posts

More Than Taste: How a Premium Restaurant Should Interact with Your Other Senses

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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 ...

Wild-Caught vs. Farm-Raised Fish: Can You Taste the Difference?

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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-Rais...

What Makes Coffee After Dinner So Special?

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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...

Stay Cool This Summer with Sophisticated Cocktails in the Treasure Valley

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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...

Have Friends Visiting Memorial Day Weekend? Show Them the Best of Boise with These Tips

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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....

Enjoy Spring with These Weekend Adventures in the Treasure Valley

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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...

How to Enjoy Wine in the Treasure Valley

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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...