DINING/FOOD RAW—The owners of conjoined and very popular Willowcreek Bar and Grill opened up RAW to sate the sushi cravings up on the bench. Striving for “sushi art in a comfortably atmosphere and promising rolls that make your money worth it” RAW is a welcome addition to the Japanese food restaurant family in Boise. 2237 Vista Ave., 208-343-0270. $-$$$ OM.
ROCKIES DINER—This old school diner blends in with the rest of Overland Road, but once inside, customers are greeted with perky waitresses on roller skates, classic rock emanating from the jukebox and guitars puncturing the ceiling-not to mention the massive Harley mounted above the checkerboard floor. The burgers are big and tasty and we recommend the jalapeno peppers. 3900 Overland Road, 208-336-2878. $ SU .
WINESIPPER/FOOD
ROOSTER’S EATERY—Located in historic Vista Village, Rooster’s offers fine lunch fare. If you’re in the mood for salad try the San Diego with their own creamy Q-min dressing. For a hot sandwich, try the tri tip melt. For a cold one, check out the albacore tuna. 930 S. Vista Ave., 208-339-9300. $-$$ . SHANGRI-LA TEA ROOM—With their own lines of herbal and organic teas and herbal medicines, Shangri-La Tea Room offers a basic menu of vegan and vegetarian offerings. Some items include five types of soup, pita sandwich and falafel sandwiches, curry and southwestern wraps, and one of the best organic salads in the valley according to customers. Teriyaki tofu, tea cakes, and cookies round out a variety of delightful items. On any given day, choose between 80-100 small batch, limited quantity teas produced on small tea farms. The owners pride themselves on knowing where their teas come from. 1800 W. Overland Road, 208-424-0273. $-$$ OM. SONO BANA—Boise’s oldest sushi joint can still hold its own against more stylish newcomers. Chef Yugi Hagino even offers ginger and adzuki bean ice cream. 303 N. Orchard St. $-$$ SU.
PINOT NOIR A few weeks back this column featured gruner veltliner, that oh-so-food-friendly, versatile white that seems to transcend all seasons. If there’s a red wine equivalent it has to be pinot noir. It is always a welcome addition to any meal, it is just as appealing on its own, and it has the fruit and the balance to work as well in winter as it does in the spring and fall. Its lighter style also makes it a great choice during the heat of summer. We tasted pinots from around the globe, but the top three wines all hail from the United States. 2008 CHEHALEM, 3 VINEYARDS, $32 This wine from Oregon is elegantly styled with subtle floral aromas—time in the glass reveals soft cherry, spice and rose petal. Silky smooth in the mouth, the flavors are fruit forward and are highlighted by blackberry and slightly tart cherry. The finish lingers nicely with the softest of tannins and just a slight hint of chocolate. 2007 LINCOURT, $24 The aromas on this California classic are big and bold and filled with ripe cherry and cranberry fruit backed by floral lilac, basil and earthy touches of mushroom and spice. Beautifully balanced in the mouth, it has lots of juicy cherry, plum and ripe berry fruit flavors with just the right hit of acidity. The tannins are supple and plush on the finish, which lingers nicely. 2006 REX HILL RESERVE, $33 Old world aromas of earth and mushroom mark this Oregon entry and blend nicely with bright plum, dark cherry, green tea and herb. This is a supple, well-structured wine with deliciously deep and dark fruit flavors. It coats the palate with ripe raspberry and cherry, colored by anise, mocha and spice. The creamy fruit finish goes on and on. —David Kirkpatrick WWW. B OISEWEEKLY.C O M
STAN’S CHAR-BROILED HOT DOGS—New York hot dogs arrive fresh from the East Coast courtesy of Sahlen’s Smokehouse and are char-broiled to perfection by well-trained and friendly employees. Other menu selections include Italian, Polish or white hot Bockwurst sausages and quarter-pound or half-pound burgers. New York frozen custard in vanilla or chocolate is a delicious treat any time. 818 S. Vista Ave, 208-342-1199. $ SU. TANGO’S SUBS AND EMPANADAS—Empanadas: an exotic word that roughly translates to “to-die-for two-dollar treat.” At Tango’s you can get your empanadas traditional, fusion or sweet. 701 N. Orchard St., 208322-3090; delivery 1-866-996OM. 8624. $ WILLOWCREEK GRILL—Contemporary cuisine in a casual atmosphere and a fine place to dine with friends and family for lunch or dinner. An extensive menu features Northwest favorites such as salmon, portobello sticks and a wide selection of burgers topped with treats like pastrami and Swiss. 2273 S. Vista Ave., Ste. 150, OM. 208-343-5544. $-$$ YOKOZUNA TERIYAKI—Delish contemporary Japanese cuisine on the cheap. Chicken, salmon, steak or shrimp meet bright crispy vegetables on a huge bed of steamed rice under a blanket of teriyaki sauce while gyoza, yakisoba, curry, tonkatsu and bubble tea round out the menu. Get there early for the daily lunch special and to score an order of daily made sushi. 824 S. Vista Ave., 208-377-3064. $-$$ SU OM .
BOISEweekly | AUGUST 25–31, 2010 | 31