DINING/FOOD Southeast Boise ATZA PIZZA—The pizza place in the Columbia Village Shopping Center uses handmade dough and pizza sauce and fresh ingredients. Hit the salad bar, order jumbo wings, or go for the sandwiches and breadsticks option. Decide between thin or original crust and you’re
halfway done building your own pie, or you may choose one of Atza’s specialty pizza creations. The Pizza Patrol Car even delivers within a cer tain range. 6564 S. Federal Way, 208-433OM . 1112. $-$$ CHEF ROLAND’S—Chef Roland Joseph is ser ving up Cajun fare complete with hushpuppies, locally grown collard greens and
WINE SIPPER/FOOD
TOP WINES OF 2009 New year, new decade, and to be honest, I think most people are happy to see the first 10 years of this millennium behind them. In the past year, this column highlighted almost 100 different wines, and while all the panel’s top picks were worthy, there were standouts. Looking back, I made a list of five wines that ranked as my favorites. Unfortunately, wines sell out and vintages change, so three of those five are no longer available. Here are the two that are left, plus one. 2005 LAN EDICION LIMITADA, $45 Of all the wines tasted, this stands out as my top red. The aromas are amazing, rich and floral with unctuous cherry, anise, light cedar, spice, dark chocolate and plum. Equally amazing and complex in the mouth, the flavors echo the aromas. Elegantly structured, impeccably balanced, exceptionally persistent, this is a benchmark wine that should age well for years to come. 2007 DER POLLERHOF GRUNER VELTLINER, $14.49 It’s like deja vu all over again. This was the only white to make my list last year, and here it is again, drinking beautifully. The aromas offer a nice mix of ripe apple, creamy tangerine, sweet lemon and lime. This richly textured gruner with supple flavors is reminiscent of silky pie crust wrapped around a spicy core of citrus, melon and apple. Lightly sweet fruit and fresh herbs mark the long finish. 2007 PAUL DOLAN ZINFANDEL, $16.99 The 2006 was my top zin last year, notable for its balance and style. It may be history, but if anything, the 2007 is even better. The nose is marked by that same savory dark cherry backed here by chocolate and herb. It’s big but balanced with creamy red fruits in the mouth. Lots of ripe plum and berry carry through from start to finish, with soft tannins rounding things out. A great red at a great price. —David Kirkpatrick AVERAGE PRICE PER PERSON: $ —Less than $8 $$ —$8 to $14 $$$ —$14 to $20 $$$$ —Over $20
—Wine & beer —Full bar —Delivery —Take-out —Open late RE S —Reservations
red beans and rice. Choose between gumbo or jambalaya to go along with fried catfish, Cajun barbecue ribs or savor y brisket. 1221 W. Boise Ave., 208-344-4387. $-$$ SU. COBBY’S—Ser ving up soup, salad, brew and wine since 1978. Enjoy deli meats like pastrami, bologna, mor tadella, colto and genoa, in addition to all the standards. Ever y size soup and sandwich can be combined. 1030 Broadway Ave., 208-345-0990. $ SU OM. FOCACCIA’S—Chef Bill Green transformed his catering business into a full-ser vice restaurant with a rotating menu featuring specialty food items ranging seafood and vegetarian all the way to French Classical, Mexican and Italian cuisine. Soups and salads may be a good choice if a diner is going for the house specialty desser t made in-house by the pastr y chef. Selections include a Chocolate Truffle Ugly Cake best experienced with closed eyes and an open mouth. 404 E. Parkcenter Blvd., 208-322SU OM . 2838. $-$$ LUCKY 13 PIZZA/THE GARAGE—The former Nor th End mainstay has moved essentially “as was” to Harris Ranch, where the best (and best-named) pizzas and sandwiches on the planet are still on the menu. 3662 S. Ecker t Road, 208-344-6967. $ SU OM. MAZZAH—Visit the Med over lunch or drop by for dinner. Gyros, hummus, falafel and baklava on the quick. Tr y the fatoosh salad; you won’t be disappointed. 404 E. Park Center Blvd., 208-3332223. $-$$ OM . ONO HAWAIIAN CAFE—A wide variety of the flavors of Hawaii are offered in the form of pupus, sushi, sandwiches and satays. And where ever Ono’s catering operation, the Kanak Attack van is parked and ser ving, a BW staffer is most likely in the vicinity with money in hand. 2170 Broadway Ave., 208-429-9111. $$-$$$ OM . TAVERN AT BOWN CROSSING—Choose between the first level streetside balcony where all the passersby can watch you enjoy a bottle of wine and a steak, or lounge on the second level patio with a roll of sushi and a mar tini. 3111 S. Bown St., 208-345-2277. $$-$$$ SU OM . THE TROLLEY HOUSE—The only remnant of Boise’s streetcar system and a favorite neighborhood diner. No-frills atmosphere, efficient service and a giant menu with everything from eggs Benedict to burgers to a lo-cal section. BYOB. 1821 Warm Springs Ave., 208-345SU, . 9255. $-$$
needed/recommended —Patio S U —Open on Sunday O M —Online menu —Breakfast —Boise Weekly Card
Boise Weekly Dining Guide offers selective listings of editorial recommendations and advertisers. Listings rotate based on available space.
Updates from diligent readers and listed restaurateurs are heartily encouraged. E-mail to food@boiseweekly.com or fax to 342-4733.
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