BEST OF
LAU R IE PEAR M AN
GOODS & SERVICES BOISE 2011
BEST LOCAL WINE SHOP
BOISE CO-OP WINE SHOP 915 N. EIGHTH ST., BOISE, 208-472-4519, BOISECOOPWINESHOP.COM
BEST LOCAL GARDENING STORE/NURSERY
EDWARD’S GREENHOUSE
If the Boise Co-op were a parent, it would probably drive around in a minivan with a bumper sticker that reads, “My kid has more wines than your kid.” The Boise Co-op Wine Shop has grown to be the most successful spawn of the North End landmark. In its own stand-alone location across the parking lot from its parent, the wine shop now boasts 3,600 different selections from Idaho to Europe’s finest. Our favorite excuse for a drop-in is free tastings on Fridays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 2-4 p.m.
4106 SAND CREEK ST., BOISE, 208-342-7548, EDWARDSGREENHOUSE.COM, @EDWARDSNURSERY
SECOND PLACE: BUENO CHEAPO VINO
SECOND PLACE: ZAMZOWS
THIRD PLACE: A NEW VINTAGE WINE SHOP
THIRD PLACE: NORTH END ORGANIC NURSERY
BEST LOCAL PLACE TO BUY MEAT
BOISE CO-OP
888 W. FORT ST., BOISE, 208-472-4500, BOISECOOP.COM, @BOISECOOP The “Our Meat Can’t Be Beat” sign that was thrust skyward in front of Bob’s Meats Royale for much of the last year threw down the glove. The Boise Co-op crew butterflied the glove and served it back with a side of broccoli rabe and paired it with the perfect wine. Sure, you may go in looking for a certain cut and discover that the person behind the counter has the human equivalent pierced and/or inked, but don’t sweat the dressings. A happy food town is one that has multiple high-quality options for buying meat. And as our vote getters show, we’re getting there. SECOND PLACE: BOB’S MEATS ROYALE THIRD PLACE: PORTERHOUSE MARKET
Green thumbs agree: Edward’s has the flora and foliage market cornered. Family owned and operated for nearly 80 years, this fullservice nursery does everything from custom compost delivery to bridal bouquets. Don’t know a thing about gardening? Edward’s hosts classes that will turn even a convicted plant-killer into a budding botanist.
BEST LOCAL WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE
DRAGONFLY
414 W. MAIN ST., BOISE, 208-338-9234, DFLYBOISE.COM When you read through the description for Best Local Gift Shop (see Page 30), you’ll see one of the reasons Dragonfly is such a great gift-shopping stop is its clothing selection. Dragonfly has a great selection of tops, skirts, pants and jackets made from natural fibers and shoes that work for the woman who wears more than one hat—or hats. In the winter, soft yummy hats, gloves and scarves line the walls and in the summer bathing suits and light, airy clothes fill the racks. It’s perfect for women whose style is organic but refined. If you’re female, Dragonfly’s jewelry alone is reason enough to carve out a day for trying everything on. SECOND PLACE: BARBARA BARBARA & CO. THIRD PLACE: FANCY PANTS
26 | BEST OF BOISE: READERS’ CHOICE | SEPTEMBER 28 – OCTOBER 4, 2011 | BOISEweekly
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