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Annual Manual Home is where the heart is By Deanna Darr
A community isn’t a collection of buildings and roads. Nor is it even the businesses that set up shop—it is defined by the people who make it their home, who shape it through their dreams, their passions, their interests and their daily lives. Their personalities mold a community’s personality. The Treasure Valley, and the cities which make it up, are no different. That’s why, for this, the fourth edition of Annual Manual, we decided to tell the story of this place through the individuals who are shaping it. Whether it’s someone working to make sure those in need have a helping hand when they need it, an artist who expands our way of thinking or an entrepreneur carving out his or her own niche, they all have a hand in making this place what it is. And what is it? If you pay attention to all the top 10 lists Boise ends up on, you’d think it is a great place to raise a family, to enjoy a wealth of cultural offerings and to live an active lifestyle based on stunning natural amenities—and you’d be right. Boise and its surrounds are all of that and more, and we’ve set out to highlight some of the best of what the area has to offer. In these pages you’ll find the details of how to make the most of life in the Treasure Valley—from mustattend events and the area’s top artistic organizations to restaurants and where to play. While we try to be as comprehensive in our listings as possible, there’s so much going on around here that we just don’t have the space to include everything. Listings in Annual Manual represent some of our favorites, but not all. For more complete and up-to-date listings, visit boiseweekly.com any time. You’ll also find a series of profiles of the individuals who are shaping the community for the better— whether that’s through social action or simply making people smile. It’s our way of tipping our hat to those who are giving back to this place we call home.
Publisher: Sally Freeman Sally@boiseweekly.com Editorial Editor: Zach Hagadone ZHagadone@boiseweekly.com Managing Editor: Deanna Darr Deanna@boiseweekly.com Listings: Harrison Berry calendar@boiseweekly.com Proof Readers: Amy Atkins, Jay Vail
Contributing Writers: Amy Atkins, Harrison Berry, Andrew Crisp, Deanna Darr, Josh Gross, Zach Hagadone, Tara Morgan, George Prentice Creative Art Director: Leila Ramella-Rader Leila@boiseweekly.com Graphic Designer: Jen Grable, Jen@boiseweekly.com Contributing Artists: Erin Cunningham, James Lloyd, Laurie Pearman, Patrick Sweeney
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Advertising Advertising Director: Brad Hoyd Brad@boiseweekly.com Account Executives: Karen Corn, Karen@boiseweekly.com Jill Weigel, Jill@boiseweekly.com Circulation Man About Town: Stan Jackson Stan@boiseweekly.com
Bar Bar Inc. prints 43,000 copies of Annual Manual, which is available free of charge inside the July 31, 2013, edition of Boise Weekly at more than 1,000 locations, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies of this edition of Annual Manual may be purchased for $3, payable in advance. No person may take more than one copy, without permission from the publisher. Boise Weekly is owned and operated by Bar Bar Inc., an Idaho corporation.
To ConTACT us: Boise Weekly’s office is located at 523 Broad St., Boise, ID 83702 Phone: 208-344-2055 Fax: 208-342-4733 E-mail: info@boiseweekly.com www.boiseweekly.com Address editorial, business and production correspondence to: Boise Weekly, P.O. Box 1657, Boise, ID 83701
The entire contents and design of Annual Manual are ©2013 by Bar Bar, Inc. BoisE WEEkLy is An inDEPEnDEnTLy oWnED AnD oPERATED nEWsPAPER.
C o v e r p H oto g r A p H b y l A u r I e p e A r MA N . C o v e r d o Nu t s F r o M g u ru d o Nu t s , v I s I t t H e M At g u ru d o Nu t s . C o M www. b ois e we e k ly.com
have a dino-mite time at zoo boise! it’s a dinosaur invasion
Life-size robotic dinosaurs will be at the zoo all summer long. Bring your kid-o-sauruses for a roaring good time!
butterflies are back!
Take a walk through the colorful Butterflies in Bloom, one of the Zoo's most popular experiences! Open daily through September 2.
beat the heat with early hours be
June through August, the Zoo opens at 9 a.m.
Intermountain Eye Clinic
Season Media Sponsors
2013 Season Sponsor
more information: 384-4260 | www.zooboise.org www.b oi se we e kly.com
boiseweekly | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | 7
‘HoodS i llustrations by E rin Cunningham
The number of homes in Eagle has increased from 4,048 in 2000 to 7,570 in 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
There are between 40,000-50,000 trees in Boise’s (aka The City of Trees) parks and city right of way. The Meridian Speedway has hosted racing every summer since 1951, with race seasons running from April through September.
Caldwell is now home to 12 wineries.
The eruption that created the lava tube known as Kuna Cave happened about 500,000 years ago.
Star was named for the star hanging on the outside of its schoolhouse. These days, fewer than 500 students attend Star Elementary School.
About 830 horses will race at Les Bois Race Track in Garden City during the course of the 2013 season. While there is no longer passenger train service through Southern Idaho, around 1900, up to 10 trains a day passed through the main station in Nampa. www.b oi se we e kly.com
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Welcome to
Boise Just the Facts Not only is Boise the capital city of Idaho, but it’s also the hub of the Treasure Valley—from business and politics to arts and culture. The city is home to Boise State University, a vibrant downtown filled with shops and restaurants, and enough neighborhoods to fit all tastes. From the narrow, tree-lined streets of North Boise to the home-filled expanses of West Boise to the open desert of South Boise, this is a growing city. Residents find culture at the Boise Art Museum, Idaho State Historical Museum, Zoo Boise and Idaho Shakespeare Festival near the heart of the city. Outdoor recreationists trek the miles of trails in the Foothills and along the Greenbelt, drop a line in the Boise River or play in the new whitewater park. The city is marking its 150th birthday in 2013, and with new buildings changing the city’s skyline, it’s clear that while the City of Trees may have added a few rings to its trunk, it’s not feeling its age.
By the Numbers PoPulATioN
(2011 estimate)
: 210,145 : 2.2 % : 79.36 : 10.3 % : 93.2 % : 36.9 % : 17.5 : 92,700 : 61.5 %
PoPulATioN gRowTh (april 1, 2010-July 1, 2011)
squARe miles oF lANd AReA (2010)
lANguAge oTheR ThAN eNglish sPokeN AT home high-sChool gRAduATe oR higheR BACheloR’s degRee oR higheR
meAN TRAvel To woRk
(minutes)
housiNg uNiTs
(2010)
homeowNeRshiP RATe
(2007-2011)
mediAN vAlue oF owNeR-oCCuPied housiNg uNiTs
: $197,900 : $49,516 : 13.7 %
mediAN household iNCome PeRsoNs Below The PoveRTy liNe
—Data from U.S. Census Bureau
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Jon swarthout of TRiCA By Deanna Darr
It’s hard not to get caught up in Jon Swarthout’s excitement as he stands in the middle of the raw skeleton that will one day be filled with the energy of a children’s art center. Remnants of old art projects and fundraisers hang amid the bleached-white walls and red steel beams of the gutted historic Eastman Church in Boise’s North End. But when Swarthout, executive director of the Treasure Valley Institute for Children’s Art, looks at the bare floors and walls taken down to studs, he sees performance spaces and studios for visual arts, culinary classes and music. “Arts have a unique power to create inspiration in children,” he said. “Once they tap into that, they’ll live and create out of that. They are inspired, passionate and driven in whatever they do. “We’re not creating professional artists, but it spills over into every aspect of their lives,” he added. Swarthout, 44, founded TRICA—originally called the Children’s Dance Institute—16 years ago and has watched it evolve to include multiple artistic disciplines and take arts programs into public schools in both Boise and Meridian, serving thousand of children between the ages of 2 and 12. “Provide children with these cultural experiences [and] it makes them better people,” he said. Six years ago, TRICA (trica.org) purchased the historic Eastman Church with the goal of turning it into a permanent home for the arts center, but it has been anything but a smooth road. Over the years, the church had been structurally compromised in earlier renovation attempts and even housed a meth lab. The vast majority of the $2.7 million needed for the first two phases of the project was spent making sure the building was going to stay up, installing new windows and properly cleaning up the residue left by the meth lab. TRICA passed the $2.5 million mark earlier this year and was quickly closing in on the final push for the funds needed to get the doors open. In an ideal world, Swarthout said he would like to open the center by fall 2013, but added that he realistically thinks the grand opening will be within one year. “The ultimate reward is seeing those children inspired,” he said. It will be the culmination of a longtime dream for Swarthout, a fourth-generation Treasure Valley resident who always wanted to bring his love for the arts back to Boise while working as a professional ballet dancer in New York and Houston. “I left, but I realized what a cool place Boise and the Treasure Valley is,” he said. “It’s a great place to live and raise children.” “I love the Treasure Valley and the receptiveness of the people here,” Swarthout added. “You can do things and see it make an impact.” www. b ois e we e k ly.com
www.b oi se we e kly.com
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Welcome to
gARdeN CiTy Just the Facts Garden City has always been a bit overshadowed by neighboring Boise. In fact, it’s completely encircled by the larger city. Still, Garden City occupies some of the best riverfront property in the Treasure Valley and slow changes have led to the creation of an arts district and urban renewal districts focused on building community along the central strip that is Chinden Boulevard. It’s also home to Les Bois Park horse racing track, as well as expo Idaho, home of the Western Idaho Fair.
By the Numbers PoPulATioN
(2011 estimate)
: 11,217 : 2.2 % : 4.04 : 14.6 % : 87.1 % : 32.2 % : 17.8 : 5,429 : 63.2 %
PoPulATioN gRowTh (april 1, 2010-July 1, 2011)
squARe miles oF lANd AReA (2010)
lANguAge oTheR ThAN eNglish sPokeN AT home high-sChool gRAduATe oR higheR BACheloR’s degRee oR higheR
meAN TRAvel To woRk
(minutes)
housiNg uNiTs
(2010)
homeowNeRshiP RATe (2007-2011)
mediAN vAlue oF owNeR-oCCuPied housiNg uNiTs
: $182,200
: $39,688 : 17.8 %
mediAN household iNCome PeRsoNs Below The PoveRTy liNe
—Data from U.S. Census Bureau
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lisa Zeiter of garden City library By Deanna Darr
While it may be one of the smallest communities in the Treasure Valley, Garden City’s residents are separated by one giant socio-economic gap. On one side, the relatively affluent residents live in well-maintained riverside homes. On the other side, families scratch out an existence below the poverty line. In a town without a resounding sense of community, there’s one place trying to fill that niche while working to improve the lives of its youngest residents. “We’re the heart of Garden City and the place where everyone wants to come,” said Lisa Zeiter, director of the Garden City Library (notaquietlibrary.org). Taking a break from the bustle of activity filling the small library located inside Garden City City Hall, Zeiter discussed her drive to make the library more than just a place to check out a book or hear a story. “I always wanted a small library in a big place,” she said, looking back on her 22-year career in libraries, including seven in Garden City. “You can actually make a difference.” Patrons seem to be recognizing the work at the library that borders the Greenbelt. According to Zeiter, 175,000 people—many from outside Garden City—visited the library between October 2011 and September 2012, and 70 percent of Garden City residents have a library card. Those factors have led to the library being the No. 1 for circulation, reference questions, computer usage and attendance, per capita, in the Treasure Valley. The library puts on 795 programs a year—roughly two per day. But Zeiter isn’t waiting for people to come to the library. Since 1994, it has supported the Bells for Books program, which takes the library onto the streets. What started with volunteers pulling a wagon with children’s books during summer vacation—ringing a bell to get kids to come out and get books—has expanded into a full mobile library, complete with computers, iPads and healthy snacks. During the school year, the bus is out on Thursday afternoons and Saturdays, while during the summer it’s in the community 32 hours a week. The $40,000 it costs to run the program is funded entirely through donations to the library. Zeiter said the library also handed out about 6,000 books to children last year. “I never miss an opportunity to give out a free book to a Garden City kid,” she said. “It’s not just books and not just story time—there’s a lot more to it than that.” Anyone with Internet and a library card can use an online auto repair database, as well as the Learning Express database, which provides free sample tests and tutorials for things like the GED and SAT tests. “It’s access to the community,” Zeiter said of the library’s importance. “It empowers them to learn anything they want to learn or do or be.”
www. b ois e we e k ly.com
www.b oi se we e kly.com
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Welcome to
eAgle Just the Facts eagle has undergone a major transformation in the past few decades, going from a sleepy agricultural town on the outskirts of Boise to a posh suburb filled with large housing developments and new commercial projects lining both the Foothills and the Boise River. eagle is busy trying to build a sense of community, with events like the summer eagle Saturday Market, monthly First Friday gallery walks and the time-honored eagle Fun Days, which draws the populace out for family friendly fun.
By the Numbers PoPulATioN
(2011 estimate)
: 20,347 : 2.2 % : 28.92 : 5.2 % : 95.3 % : 48.6 % : 21.7 : 7,570 : 84.9 %
PoPulATioN gRowTh (april 1, 2010-July 1, 2011)
squARe miles oF lANd AReA (2010)
lANguAge oTheR ThAN eNglish sPokeN AT home high-sChool gRAduATe oR higheR BACheloR’s degRee oR higheR
meAN TRAvel To woRk
(minutes)
housiNg uNiTs (2010)
homeowNeRshiP RATe (2007-2011)
mediAN vAlue oF owNeR-oCCuPied housiNg uNiTs
: $332,100
: $80,724 : 6.2 %
mediAN household iNCome PeRsoNs Below The PoveRTy liNe
—Data from U.S. Census Bureau
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melissa Nodzu of eagle saturday market By Deanna Darr
Melissa Nodzu knows her way around a market booth. A longtime vendor (with her husband) at Boise’s Capital City Public Market, Nodzu is now trying to create that same sort of community attraction—albeit on a smaller scale—as the manager of the Eagle Saturday Market (eaglearts.org). “It’s important for creating sense of community,” she said of the weekend market that draws those in search of fresh local produce and work by area artists to the center of old downtown Eagle’s Heritage Park during the summer and fall. “It’s nice to be able to help nurture that,” she said. “[We’re] trying to cultivate community. [Artists] can stay in our own backyard and get a little piece of the pie.” Nodzu—who took over management of the Eagle market in 2011—is careful to make a distinction between the big markets nearby and Eagle’s smaller event. Not only is it “cozy and quaint,” but it is also a market specifically designed around artists, not farmers, and is sponsored by the Eagle Arts Commission. “We’re trying to nurture and bring awareness to local artisans,” she said. “Eagle is a nice, little, homey, laid-back market that’s a good place to get exposure.” Each week, between 40 and 50 vendors set out their wares while area musicians perform for the crowd. Once a month, selected artists use the market as an outdoor studio space, taking the opportunity to share their process with the public. For Nodzu, it’s not only about selling art or showing off the local talent. For her, the appeal of a public market falls in line with the reason farmers markets are exploding in popularity everywhere. “It has a lot to do with the local movement,” she said, adding that more people want to support their communities. “All farmers markets, that’s part of their goal, to create that sense of community,” she said. But in a town like Eagle, where the majority of the population commutes to work and then fills their weekends with kids’ activities, it can be challenging to create that community feel. “I know it’s hard for some families,” Nodzu said. “We’re creating activities that encourage people to come out.” She also knows that it’s sometimes a hard sell to get even locals to come to a small market when Boise’s large-scale markets are so close. Still, regardless of the size, Nodzu sees community markets as a way for people to reclaim personal interactions. “People are yearning for a connection,” she said. “What’s happened—especially with technology and suburbia—people have become disconnected. … [A] farmers market is a great place to reconnect.” www. b ois e we e k ly.com
www.b oi se we e kly.com
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Welcome to
meRidiAN Just the Facts Once upon a time, it felt like a major haul to get between Meridian and Boise, but now, the two cities are fused. Meridian’s dairyheavy history has given way to the tsunami of population growth, and fields and feedlots have been paved over and replaced with developments. Meridian boasts a family friendly nature and there are plenty of families to show for it. The Meridian School District is the largest in the state and it’s hard to turn around without running into a swing set. Meridian’s downtown core is in the middle of a major overhaul as crews tear up the town’s two main streets to create a one-way thoroughfare. Major retail developments at eagle Road and Fairview Avenue have turned what was once a four-way stop into the busiest intersection around—not unlike the transformation the rest of the town has undergone.
Toni smith of d.l. evans Bank, meridian By Zach haga Done
By the Numbers PoPulATioN
(2011 estimate)
: 76, 750 : 2.2 % : 26.79 : 6.1 % : 94.5 % : 33.4 % : 21.8 : 26,674 : 76.3 %
PoPulATioN gRowTh (april 1, 2010-July 1, 2011)
squARe miles oF lANd AReA (2010)
lANguAge oTheR ThAN eNglish sPokeN AT home high-sChool gRAduATe oR higheR BACheloR’s degRee oR higheR
meAN TRAvel To woRk
(minutes)
housiNg uNiTs (2010)
homeowNeRshiP RATe (2007-2011)
mediAN vAlue oF owNeR-oCCuPied housiNg uNiTs
: $208,200
: $63,388 : 5.9 %
mediAN household iNCome PeRsoNs Below The PoveRTy liNe
—Data from U.S. Census Bureau
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Toni Smith’s entree into banking began with a life-threatening incident. A student at the University of Washington, the Idaho Falls native was in a head-on car wreck while on break—shattering both her hands through the front window of the vehicle. “I had to get out, take some time off,” Smith said. That meant a move back to Idaho, where she attended Boise State University and started working part-time at First Interstate Bank. This was in the ’60s, when “women didn’t really have a chance [in the industry],” she said. “I had to break a lot of ceilings.” And break them she did. From First Interstate Bank, Smith went to Idaho First National Bank, and in 2003, when former Idaho Gov. John Evans asked Smith to open a branch of D.L. Evans Bank in Meridian, it was located in a trailer. Ten years later, D.L. Evans is one of the most successful local banking firms in Idaho, and Smith is vice president and branch manager. “We’ve done well here,” she said. “I’ve been very, very lucky.” That might be a little modest. In addition to helming D.L. Evans in Meridian, Smith has earned a stack of awards: 2010 Small Business Champion for Women in Business with the SBA, the 2010 Business Woman of the Year Leadership Award and 2011 Woman of the Year from the Meridian Chamber, to name a few. Rather than rest on her laurels, Smith has taken those honors as a call to action in the community—and running a bank, it turns out, is the perfect position from which to make an impact. “I need to be giving back,” she said. “The bank wants to be involved in things. … It’s personal relationships here. The bank is very much about that.” And give back she does, serving on the Meridian School District Foundation Board, the Advisory Council for the Meridian Seniors and the St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation Advisory Board for both Meridian and Eagle. That’s not to mention longtime commitments with the Meridian Chamber; Kiwanis Club, where for years she has chaired and helped with the Festival of Wreaths; and, perhaps nearest to her heart, serving on the board of directors for Special Olympics Idaho. “How could you not have a love for those children, because they’re so loving back?” Smith said of her five years working with Special Olympics, which included helping steer the 2009 World Winter Games in Boise. “That one you can be passionate about.” For Smith, “passion” is a watchword. Whether it’s working with the community through the bank, on nonprofits or as a single mother of two—a son who graduated from Gonzaga and a daughter following in banking—her philosophy is to “work with passion and do what you love. It shows.” www. b ois e we e k ly.com
www.b oi se we e kly.com
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Welcome to
sTAR Just the Facts Few places in the Treasure Valley have stayed as true to their roots as Star. The small town is still that—a place where locals know each other and Main Street is actually the main street. Of course, nothing goes untouched. While Star still has plenty of folks who need space for their horses, sometimes that space is found on a $1 million property along the river. Just north of Star, at the winery at the base of the Foothills, Woodriver Cellars is bringing a little bit of Idaho’s wine industry to the area with not only wines, but concerts and hosted dinners.
By the Numbers PoPulATioN
(2011 estimate)
: 5,921 : 2.2 % : 5.82 : 5.2 % : 95.9 % : 26.9 % : 26.2 : 2,098 : 79.9 %
PoPulATioN gRowTh (april 1, 2010-July 1, 2011)
squARe miles oF lANd AReA (2010)
lANguAge oTheR ThAN eNglish sPokeN AT home high-sChool gRAduATe oR higheR BACheloR’s degRee oR higheR
meAN TRAvel To woRk (minutes)
housiNg uNiTs (2010)
homeowNeRshiP RATe (2007-2011)
mediAN vAlue oF owNeR-oCCuPied housiNg uNiTs
: $198,700
: $63,775 : 12.7 %
mediAN household iNCome PeRsoNs Below The PoveRTy liNe
—Data from U.S. Census Bureau
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Christina Flores of star outreach By Deanna Darr
When Christina Flores moved to Idaho in 2005, she was shocked to learn that the state’s childhood poverty rate was among the highest in the nation. “I was just plain appalled that that could be,” she said. Rather than ignore the problem, Flores decided to find a way to help. In 2007, she organized her first food drive. By 2009, the organization she founded, Star Outreach, was a full-fledged nonprofit bringing social services closer for the residents of the small town on the western edge of Ada County. Depending solely on donations from the community, Star Outreach (staroutreachonline.com) not only runs a food bank but has added a summer lunch program tied to the local library’s summer reading program, serving more than 300 kids. The group also works with local schools on an annual school-supplies drive. Near the holidays, the group organizes an adopt-a-family program, making sure roughly 75 area families have a holiday meal and gifts for their children. From the beginning, the goal was simply to help, not for accolades. “Anyone could come for food or services without losing their dignity,” Flores said. “We don’t ask any questions.” Flores and a dedicated group of fellow volunteers do ask one question routinely, when they regularly check with the schools, seniors groups and other community organizations: Is there anything Star Outreach can help with? “People call all the time,” she said. “We look for those who need help.” Flores is quick to give credit to her neighbors for being willing to step up whenever they are needed. “It’s a great community,” she said. “When we ask for something, people dig in and give.” That is clearly shown by the fact that Star Outreach’s food bank receives enough donations to send supplies to nine other area food banks while working with approximately 70 families per month. But the food bank isn’t resting on its past successes. For the first time, the organization planted a garden on donated land in the heart of Star with the goal of stocking its pantry with fresh produce. It’s the next step in building what Flores hopes will be an organization that stands the test of time, regardless of who is running it. “It’s not about the need today but to build a program that will be there 20 or 30 or 40 years from now,” she said. Flores credits her faith and her upbringing with her desire to do volunteer work, but quickly adds that it’s not uncommon. “Some people just have a desire to do that,” she said. “It’s all unconditional, and [volunteers] don’t mind getting their hands dirty. “You’re doing the right thing for people.” www. b ois e we e k ly.com
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Welcome to
kuNA Just the Facts Kuna was once a transportation hub for the mines in Silver City to the south but when the mines closed up, Kuna was left with agriculture. There’s still plenty of that in this little town south of Boise and Meridian, but it’s quickly becoming a bedroom community as well. Large housing developments offering affordable homes are a great choice for those who want to buy and don’t mind the commute. There’s still a bit of its Old West spirit about, too—head to Kuna on a Friday or Saturday night to check out one of the best bar crawls around. Just remember to take along a designated driver.
By the Numbers PoPulATioN
(2011 estimate)
: 15,548 : 2.2 % : 18.07 : 10.4 % : 90.2 % : 20.7 % : 24.5 : 5,108 : 83.6 %
PoPulATioN gRowTh (april 1, 2010-July 1, 2011)
squARe miles oF lANd AReA (2010)
lANguAge oTheR ThAN eNglish sPokeN AT home high-sChool gRAduATe oR higheR BACheloR’s degRee oR higheR
meAN TRAvel To woRk (minutes)
housiNg uNiTs (2010)
homeowNeRshiP RATe (2007-2011)
mediAN vAlue oF owNeR-oCCuPied housiNg uNiTs
: $154,300
: $53,387 : 11.9 %
mediAN household iNCome PeRsoNs Below The PoveRTy liNe
—Data from U.S. Census Bureau
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kenny Carver of kuna high school Football Boosters By Deanna Darr
Few scenes scream small-town Americana more than everyone heading out to the local high-school football game to cheer the team to victory. It’s a scene played out many autumn nights in Kuna, where the community comes out to support the Kuna Kavemen. But like any great team, it’s what happens behind the scenes and out of the lights that is making the Kavemen the heroes of the town. Leading the rallying cry is Kenny Carver, who by day manages the Les Schwab tire shop in Kuna and in his off time is the president of the football boosters. Since moving to town less than three years ago, Carver found his volunteer calling by helping to make sure every student who wants to play can join the team. “Schools never have money. What money they do have, they don’t want to go to sports,” Carver said. “My job is to get the money so the kids who can’t afford to play can play; the kids who can’t afford a pair of shoes have them.” Carver moved himself and his family to Kuna for a job, after multiple moves around the Northwest. While he volunteered when he could elsewhere, it wasn’t until he landed in the Treasure Valley that Carver dove into his off-the-clock work with the Kuna Football Boosters (kunafootball.com) “Kuna, for some reason, when we moved here, just felt like home,” he said. “This, by far, has the best people in it as far as community.” As his sons—ages 10 and 15—became involved in activities, Carver started to notice that not everyone was on an even playing field. It was that realization that prompted him to start doing what he could. He started by helping the school not only purchase but manage advertising boards in the gymnasium—a program that brings in about $5,000 a year. Before he fully knew what he was in for, Carver was president of the football boosters club, organizing fundraisers and working with area businesses to secure donations. “There are not a lot of businesses here, but they are huge supporters when it comes to kids,” he said. In addition to selling football merchandise, building floats, helping with team hell week and raising money for new uniforms, Carver and his fellow boosters also organize post-home game meals for the entire community, serving an average of 300 people after each game. Carver admits that he has lofty goals for what the community and the football program can do for each other, but he’s OK with that. “The town shuts down on game day—that’s what I see in another two years on a town level,” he said. “When it’s game day … everybody’s at the football game.” www. b ois e we e k ly.com
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LAU R Ie PeAR M AN
Welcome to
NAmPA Just the Facts Right over the Canyon County line, Nampa has its foot in two worlds—one in traditional agriculture and ranching and the other in start-up businesses and education. From the shiny new shopping centers that spring up along the highway to the good-old-boys’ haunts, Nampa is a mini study in contrasts. But residents like it that way. They can take in a concert at Northwest Nazarene University, then head to downtown Nampa, where hip boutiques and eateries share sidewalks with generations-old diners. Or they can catch a rodeo at the Idaho Center after dinner at a chef-driven restaurant specializing in regional cuisine. It can be an odd mix, but it’s a good one.
By the Numbers PoPulATioN
(2011 estimate)
: 82,755 : 1.5 % : 31.19 : 17.6 % : 83.8 % : 16.8 % : 23.6 : 30,507 : 67 %
PoPulATioN gRowTh (april 1, 2010-July 1, 2011)
squARe miles oF lANd AReA (2010)
lANguAge oTheR ThAN eNglish sPokeN AT home high-sChool gRAduATe oR higheR
BACheloR’s degRee oR higheR meAN TRAvel To woRk (minutes)
housiNg uNiTs (2010)
homeowNeRshiP RATe (2007-2011)
mediAN vAlue oF owNeR-oCCuPied housiNg uNiTs
: $136,800
: $42,111 : 19.8 %
mediAN household iNCome PeRsoNs Below The PoveRTy liNe
—Data from U.S. Census Bureau
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sue and John Paul of warhawk Air museum By Deanna Darr
Sue and John Paul never intended to build a museum, but build one they did. What started as a personal hobby in a small airport hangar has become a 38,000-square-foot tribute to aviation and military history, and a place where the past is given a face. “The preservation of so many personal histories, so many sacrifices, so many dedicated people to our country—men, women and children—that’s the heart of this place,” said Sue Paul. While the showpieces of the museum are rare military planes, like the two Curtiss P-40s or the P-51 C Mustang, people are at its core. The personal artifacts—from letters to uniforms to keepsakes—donated to the museum offer a window into the lives of ordinary Americans during times of war. The Pauls moved to the Treasure Valley in 1986 with their son J.C.—who helps run the museum—and two WWII era planes. John started restoring a third in a hangar at the Caldwell Airport, and people began showing up to check out the planes. Soon, boxes filled with WWII uniforms or equipment with notes attached were being left at the hangar. The Warhawk Air Museum was born in 1989, primarily as a place to preserve aviation history. But since then, it has evolved to include all branches of the military with displays from WWII to the Cold War. By 2000, the museum had outgrown its hangar, and the couple moved the collection to Nampa, where they were able to add an educational center dedicated to passing on stories to younger generations. “That’s what makes this museum so special,” Sue said, sharing how an official at the Smithsonian Institute told her the Warhawk was one of the most unique museums he had ever seen because it was more about the people than the events. “It’s so personal,” she said. “Everything has a story.” Those stories are shared with the 2,000-3,000 school kids who tour the museum each year to take advantage of programs designed to give history a new meaning for children. The museum also teamed with the Library of Congress to serve as an interview site for the Veterans History Project, which collects the personal stories of veterans and civilians during war. So far, 750 interviews have been recorded at the Nampa museum (warhawkairmuseum.org) and shared with both the families and the federal archives. For the Pauls, each donation is another chance to preserve history in a very personal way. “What is so profound for me, and most people—the collections that the veteran or the veteran’s family has put in a box and saved with such love and to bring it here and to open it up, it’s like a flower opening up. It’s the wedding picture, the baby picture, the picture of the vet when he left the military—it’s the story,” Sue said. “This place has a life of its own,” she added. “It’s going where it needs to go and we just hang on.” www. b ois e we e k ly.com
’hoodS
LaU R Ie PeaR m aN
Welcome to
Caldwell Just the facts Caldwell has always been an agricultural center, but the nature of that agriculture is changing as the area’s burgeoning wine industry continues to grow. The town is also home to The College of Idaho, named one of the best liberal arts colleges in the country by U.S. News and Report in 2012. It’s also the center of one of the largest Hispanic populations in the state, creating shifting demographics in one of the most conservative communities around.
By the Numbers PoPulatioN
(2011 estimate)
: 46,905 : 1.4 % : 22.06 : 26.4 % : 77.7 % : 12.5 % : 23.2 : 16,323 : 66.3 %
Ron Bitner of Bitner Vineyards By Z ach hag adone
PoPulatioN gRowth (april 1, 2010-July 1, 2011)
SquaRe mileS of laNd aRea (2010)
laNguage otheR thaN eNgliSh SPokeN at home high-SChool gRaduate oR higheR BaCheloR’S degRee oR higheR
meaN tRaVel to woRk (minutes)
houSiNg uNitS (2010)
homeowNeRShiP Rate (2007-2011)
mediaN Value of owNeR-oCCuPied houSiNg uNitS
: $117,000
: $38,604 : 21.3 %
mediaN houSehold iNCome PeRSoNS Below the PoVeRty liNe
—Data from U.S. Census Bureau
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There’s no telling what a good neighbor can do for you. In Ron Bitner’s case, the folks next door changed his life. It was 1979 and Bitner, a Midvale native, had just purchased 15 acres in the Sunnyslope area near Caldwell. Building his own house down the hill was Bill Broich, the first winemaker for Ste. Chapelle Winery, which was under construction less than five miles away. “In a discussion with him about what I should do with my sagebrush-covered south-facing slopes, he suggested that I had a world-class site for growing chardonnay,” Bitner said. “I remember telling Bill, ‘That is great, but what is chardonnay?’” Bitner might have been a stranger to wine production but not to agriculture. With a Ph.D. from Utah State University—where he studied the alfalfa leafcutting bee—he settled in the Treasure Valley, working in seed production for Pioneer Hi-Bred International. Following Broich’s advice, Bitner took the first step toward founding Bitner Vineyards (bitnervineyards. com), which has grown since the first planting in 1981 to produce enough grapes for 3,000 cases of wine a year—grapes that go to other wineries, as well as 1,200 cases of estate-grown wine from seven varieties. “When I first planted in 1981, there were two wineries in the state—Washington state had around 20, but now has over 700. We currently have 50 wineries and are growing annually,” Bitner said. From two wineries to 50 in 32 years means there’s something about Idaho that makes for good wine. Bitner should know; he worked with other producers to obtain Idaho’s first appellation in 2007—a federal designation that declares grapes from a certain area are unique. “Our Snake River Valley appellation was based on the shorelines of the ancient Lake Idaho that made up 8,500 square miles of Southwest Idaho,” Bitner said, adding that lake-bottom sediment and past volcanic activity help produce the unique flavors found in local wines. “Getting the appellation has shown the rest of the country that Idaho is a serious grape-producing area.” Beyond wine, Bitner and his wife and business partner, Mary, are big College of Idaho boosters—Ron is an alum and Mary worked in alumni relations. They started the annual Taste of the Harvest Festival at the college, with proceeds going to scholarships for Hispanic students. The couple is also involved in the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce and St. Luke’s Nampa Advisory Committee. At the winery, Bitner is working with other local vintners to promote the Snake River Wine Trail Region of Sunnyslope and, in 2008, planted French black truffle-infused hazelnut and oak trees. “We are leaving in mid-June for Mexico City to promote our wines there and just continue having fun watching the Idaho wine industry grow,” Bitner said. www. b ois e we e k ly.com
www.b oi se we e kly.com
boiseweekly | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | 25
PeAK B R OADC AS TING
’hoods
Calendar of
eveNTs Tues Day, aug. 1 3 - saTur Day, aug. 17 ca nyon counTy FairgrounDs, ca lDwe l l
You know you’re in the West when “rodeo” can be used as a noun or a verb. Around these parts, few are bigger than the Caldwell Night Rodeo—one of the top rodeos (noun) in the country, drawing more than 40,000 fans to watch five nights of competition. Get ready to rodeo (verb) with bronc busting, bull riding and steer roping, as well as extracurricular activities like big-name concerts.
Tues Day, June 17- saT ur Day, June 21, 2014 me riDian DairyDays .org Dairies once ruled Meridian and while most of them are no more, the town still celebrates its heritage with its annual Dairy Days. Marking its 83rd year, Dairy Days still include cattle and dairy goat shows, but the biggest draws are the Friday night parade through town and the carnival in Storey Park. There are fun runs, pancake feeds and even a concert, and the dairy theme runs throughout. There’s even a dairy princess—seriously.
CAldwell NighT Rodeo
ca lDwe l l nigh T roDe o.com
meRidiAN dAiRy dAys
sPiRiT oF Boise BAllooN ClAssiC Th ursDay, au g . 29-sunDay, s epT. 1 a nn morris on park, Boise sp i riToFBoise.com
WeSTeRN IDAHO FAIR
There are few sights prettier than colorful hot air balloons over the downtown Boise skyline, with the Foothills serving as a backdrop—something the number of fender-benders whenever the balloons take to the sky can attest to. For 22 years, the Spirit of Boise has celebrated that fact with roughly 40 balloons from across the region filling the Boise skies. The public can watch the morning launches from the park or check out the skills competitions, while the lucky ones get to see what Boise looks like from above.
hyde PARk sTReeT FAiR
sT. iNAZio FesTivAl FriDay, July 25-sunDay, July 27, 2 014 Basque Block, Boi s e BasquecenTe r.com everyone might be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, but everyone is a little Basque in Boise and no more so than when there’s a party being thrown on the Basque Block in downtown. The biggest party of the year is the annual St. Inazio Festival, when the region’s Basque community—and everyone else—comes out to play. From live music to traditional Basque dancing to killer Basque cuisine and plenty of spirits, this is a three-day excuse to let go. Of course, it’s just a warmup for Jaialdi—the blowout that happens every five years and draws crowds all the way from the Basque country. The next one happens in 2015, so start getting ready now. LAeL UBeRUAGA
Fri Day, s epT. 13 -sunDay, sepT. 15, ca mel’s Back park, Boise, no rThenD.org
wesTeRN idAho FAiR
Boise’s North end has always been a conclave of free-thinking individuals, and it’s never more so than during the annual Hyde Park Street Fair. each year the community gathers in Camel’s Back Park for three days of music, food, vendors and assorted cultural fun. The event schedule includes everything from traditional ethnic dancers to jam bands and an array of community groups. The crowds are just as diverse at this family friendly celebration.
F r i Day, aug. 1 6 - s unDay, aug. 2 5 e xp o i Daho, g ar De n c i Ty i Daho Fair .com Regardless of what’s in vogue at any particular time, an old-fashioned fair never goes out of style. The Western Idaho Fair has grown and evolved, but still managed to stay true to its roots, with livestock shows, 4-H projects, carnival rides, games and what feels like miles of fair food offerings all telling you, emphatically, to forget your diet. The fair is still a highlight of summer in the Treasure Valley, drawing kids and adults to Garden City for some family friendly fun, live concerts and food that comes on a stick.
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emmeTT CheRRy FesTivAl weDnes Day, June 11-saT urDay,
eAgle FuN dAys
J une 14, 2014
July 2014
emmeTT ci Ty park
eagl e
emmeTTi Daho.com
eagl echamBe r.com
When something is called “cherry,” it’s a reference to its general awesomeness, so it stands to reason that you probably can’t go wrong with a Cherry Festival. emmett takes great pride in its agricultural heritage and celebrates it accordingly. This is a small-town festival in the best ways: full of family friendly activities including rides, concerts, a parade and watermeloneating contests. Best of all, activities and admission are free for everyone.
When summer really begins to swelter, it’s time to celebrate in eagle, where the highlight of the community’s annual festival is getting soaked to the bone by a passing firehose. The event is a favorite among families, who come out for a little fun and assorted merrymaking. The eagle Fire Department even gets in on the action with a little something for the culinarily bold—the annual Nut Feed serves up heaping piles of Rocky Mountain Oysters.
www. b ois e we e k ly.com
FOOD i llu strations by E rin Cunningham
The pomology program at the University of Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station in Parma works to develop hybrid and international crops for the region, including introducing the Saturn Peach to the area, as well as more than 120 types of peaches and nectarines, more than 150 types of table grapes, several varieties of persimmon, Asian pears and quince.
While teff grain is most commonly used in Africa, it is also an up-and-coming crop in Idaho.
Idaho ranks third in the nation for production of hops.
Amalgamated Sugar Co. in Nampa produces 400 million pounds of sugar each year.
There are 22 registered apiaries with 7,177 bee colonies in Ada County and 20 registered apiaries with 11,059 colonies in Canyon County, according to the Idaho Department of Agriculture. The natural geothermal waters near the Snake River in the Magic Valley have allowed fish farmers to raise unusual products, including sturgeon (which has led to a growing caviar industry) and even alligators.
www.b oi se we e kly.com
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Food
Four Days of
Idaho Eats Idaho might be synonymous with potatoes, but there’s more to the Gem State than deepfried gems. Here’s a guide to a quintessentially Idaho day of dining out—with a pile of potatoes thrown in for good measure. Start your morning bright and early at Goldy’s breakfast bistro (108 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise) We say bright and early because if you drag butt getting out of bed, you’re going to pay the price of waiting in the long line to get a seat in Boise’s best known breakfast haunt. Try the veggie benny or smoked salmon hash and wash it down with a mimosa or a hearty cup of Goldy’s Backcountry brew. After you’ve worked through your hollandaise haze, make room for fries (and a burger) at boise fry company (111 Broadway Ave., Ste. 111, Boise), which takes pride in its fried spuds, serving its “burgers on the side.” Select from a list of potato varieties like Yukon Gold, purple or sweet. Then, pick a cut: curly, shoestring or home-style. Finally, doctor them up with gourmet salts and sauces galore. The burgers ain’t bad either—choose from local, free-range, grass-fed beef and bison, or a vegan option made with black beans and organic, fair-trade quinoa. If you somehow still have a hankering for fried bits, hit up the dutch Goose (3515 W. State St., Boise) for a few cold brews and a plate of unabashedly Idaho finger steaks. Nap off your beer buzz and jump back on the brews-and-food wagon at Boise’s favorite late-night Basque haunt, bar Gernika (202 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise). The tiny temple of northern Spanish cuisine honors Boise’s sizable Basque community with a rustic menu of Basque staples like croquetas—fried balls of chicken roux—lamb grinders and one of the rockingest tuna melts in town. The small and constantly rotating tap list will keep you in high spirits. If you’re licking your lips for one more libation, stagger across the street to bardenay (610 W. Grove St., Boise). The eatery happens to be Idaho’s only distillery/restaurant. Beyond serving fresh, hearty meals, it turns out its own hooch at its three Idaho locations, producing gin, vodka and rum. Try your favorite in a signature cocktail.
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Food By Tara Morg an P hoTog raPhs By L aurie PearMan
on the Cheap You don’t have to dish out a lot of dough (or fill up on it) to dine out in Boise. Here’s a guide to stretching your cash while also stretching the waistband on your pants at some of our filling and frugal faves. Maybe you weren’t born yesterday, but the pastries at biG city coffee (1416 Grove St., Boise) were, which makes them only slightly less sprightly than the full-price scones smiling smugly from the case. Tear into a monstrous Sunrise or Pumpkin Chai muffin and gloat as you sip your latte and smile at less fiscally prudent diners. If you have a hankering for Vietnamese grub on the cheap ($4-$5), hit up baGuette deli (5204 W. Franklin Road, Boise) for barbecue pork, scrambled egg or vegetarian ham banh mi topped with pickled daikon, carrots, slices of fresh jalapeno and a sprig of cilantro, all encased in an airy, freshly baked baguette. If you still have room after wolfing down the long sammy, snag a pack of fresh spring rolls to go. Meridian’s momo dumplinGs (3223 E. Louise Drive, Meridian) might be a drive from downtown Boise, but the Nepalese nuggets— filled with steamed lamb, pork, turkey or veggies—are well worth the trek for a hearty and inexpensive dinner. And don’t skimp on the sauce: Momo blends roma tomatoes, soy sauce, orange marmalade and honey to create a delightfully spicy drizzle. For a fuller meal, get the Combo Confession, which mixes an order of momo with a rice bowl. Now that your belly is bulging with momo, get your butt back downtown to neurolux (111 N. 11th St., Boise) for happy hour. Boise’s hipster black hole offers $2 PBR and $3 wells until 8 p.m. But beware: The bartenders at Lux don’t waste your time with weak drinks—a vodka soda could strip varnish off a table. Got a rumble in your gut after all that hooch? pie hole (205 N. Eighth St., Boise) will help you soak up that booze with cheesy, thin-crust slices served until 3 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The stickerand graffiti-plastered dive is a favorite among the college crowd for its strange specials, like the campfire pizza with cornbread, bacon, caramelized onions, jalapenos, cheddar and ranch-style beans.
www. b ois e we e k ly.com
If it’s the finer eats you seek, Boise has a grip of gastro gems ready to dish up delish fare to those with a little padding in their pockets. But even at Boise’s best tables, there’s no need to get all glammed up—Ida-casual attire will get you into even the swankiest spots. Start your morning off the French way with a flaky croissant and freshly pulled espresso at JanJou patisserie (1754 W. State St., Boise). Owner Moshit Mizrachi-Gabbitas whips up elegant, artisanal baked goods—like delicate macaroons, tartlets and palmiers— in her sleek State Street storefront. Janjou also uses top-notch ingredients, like local Cloverleaf Creamery butter and hormone-free, antibiotics-free eggs.
Mid-Range Eats If you’re looking to balance value, quality and aesthetic charm, turn to one of the Treasure Valley’s mid-range eateries to satisfy both your budget and your tastebuds. Here are some of our favorite mid-range spots to snag some solid snacks in a lovely environment. Start your morning by sauntering over to le cafe de paris (204 N. Capitol Blvd., Boise) for a sun-lit French-style breakfast. The cafe serves flaky treats made fresh in the bakery below—like the croissant aux amandes et chocolate or the croissant jambon fromage— along with eggier breakfast fare like the French fines herbes omelette or the quiche Lorraine. And if you’re in the mood for booze, don’t miss out on the bottomless mimosas at brunch, Saturdays and Sundays until 3 p.m. Once you’ve had your fill of butter and champagne, cut your buzz with a new one at flyinG m coffeehouse (500 W. Idaho St., Boise). This funky coffee staple serves killer Americanos and lattes, and also boasts a quirky gift shop ideal for idling away the early afternoon. After you’ve gotten your wings at Flying M, swoop into bleubird (224 N. 10th St., Boise) for an artisanal sandwich made with seasonal and local ingredients. Bleubird’s grilled cheese is classed up for grown-ups with brie, gruyere, raclette, stone ground
www.b oi se we e kly.com
mustard and a rotating schmear of fruit preserves. The bright and bustling spot serves its sandwiches on a thin wooden plank next to a pile of chips or a simply dressed microgreens salad. Once you’ve worked up an appetite again, head to mai thai (750 W. Idaho St., Boise) and pull up a seat in the bar area to sample the Izakaya menu, which is filled with Japanese-fusion small plates. The tender braised oxtail gyoza, made with Homestead Natural Foods’ oxtail, and the seared salmon with daikon radish and salmon roe are both top-notch noshes. Not to mention, the bar slings some of the most inventive cocktails around, which are all twofor-one during Mai Thai’s daily double happy hour. End your evening by sharing a few plates at the newly remodeled red feather lounGe (246 N. Eighth St., Boise). The low-lit spot is famous for its grilled kale Caesar salad topped with shards of pecorino and a mound of crushed croutons, but it also cranks out some rocking flatbreads, like the classic basil and mozzarella with preserved local tomato sauce. The Halloumi and jam plate is another fave, with salty squares of Ballard Farms halloumi served with seasonal jam on ciabatta. And don’t miss the spot’s sizeable selection of housemade cocktails—like the delicately dangerous Gaspar, with Plymouth gin, Lillet Blanc and Parfait Amour.
Four Days of
Food
While Hyde Park’s 13th street pub and Grill (1520 N. 13th St., Boise) isn’t highend in the sense of price, the neighborhood pub does offer a primo people-watching patio, where you can dine al fresco in the summer, or saddle up next to a roaring fire in the winter. Not to mention, 13th Street has one of the most satisfying salads in town: hunks of tender butter lettuce are tossed with fresh beets, goat cheese, dried cherries, pistachios and a cherry balsamic vinaigrette. And if you’re craving a little protein, you can add a lightly crisp salmon fillet on top, which pairs nicely with a glass of Cinder dry rose. Ready to get decadent? Continue your patio lounging at another North End staple: cafe Vicino (808 W. Fort St., Boise). The small, upscale Italian joint offers a pleasant and verdant back patio, where you can snack on a cone of truffled potato chips—whisper-thin, cross-cut Yukon potatoes dusted with savory black truffle salt—while sipping on a glass (or two) of bubbly. When you’re ready for more deliciousness, head to the revamped Travelodge in Boise’s Linen District, known as much for its inventive craft cocktails as its sleek mid-century modern decor. the modern hotel and bar’s (1314 W. Grove St., Boise) tiny kitchen is making a name for itself by serving up some of the best small, seasonal plates in town. Though the menu changes semi-regularly, one of Modern chef Nate Whitley’s outstanding offerings is a take on shrimp and grits: large prawns on a bed of creamy, tarragon-flecked polenta topped with bits of bacon. And if you swing by in the cooler months, don’t miss the legendary Layover cocktail with bourbon, peated caramel syrup and a smoked salt rim served with a side of pecans. Close out your elegant evening with one of bartender Pat Carden’s famous 10-minute martinis in the ritzy, blue-lit lounge of chandlers steakhouse (981 W. Grove St., Boise). The martini sits buried in ice for 10 minutes, which allows the gin and vermouth to intertwine exquisitely. It’s a nice nightcap to nurse while you take in a little live jazz. boiseweekly | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | 31
Food
Splurge
LAu R IE P EAR M AN
Food
Boise downtown and Fringe 10 BaRREl BREwING Fermentation tanks tower over the dining area at this brew-centric watering hole. Choose from a selection of burgers, salads, sandwiches and other entrees. 830 W. Bannock St., Boise, 208-344-5870, 10barrel.com.
addIE’S This is a no-frills, cozy diner where breakfast is king. Lunch features a slew of sandwiches, burgers and soups. 501 W. Main St., Boise, 208-388-1198.
alavIta From agnolotti and cavatelli to pappardelle, it’s all about fresh, housemade pasta at this Italian joint. Whether it’s a craft cocktail or antipasto, relax over dishes made with fresh, often local ingredients. 807 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208-780-1100, alavitaboise.com.
alIa’S CoFFEEHouSE At some coffeeshops you rush in to grab your morning java. Alia’s begs you to sit and enjoy a cup of joe and a nosh. 908 W. Main St., Boise, 208-338-1299.
aSIaGo’S Sauteed wild mushrooms over maltagliati, or gnocchi in gorgonzola cream sauce are two of many house-made pastas and other non-typical Italian dishes at this local must. 1002 W. Main St., Boise, 208-336-5552, asiagos.com.
a’tavola Go for a double espresso and slice of quiche or a bottle of prosecco and a wedge of camembert. This gourmet market offers myriad prepared and to-go options. 1515 W. Grove St., Boise, 208336-3641, atavolaboise.com.
BaCoN You guessed it—bacon takes center stage at this sister restaurant to Berryhill. Try the brioche French toast, savory bacon lasagna, candied or tempeh bacon. 915 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208-3873553, johnberryhillrestaurants.com.
BaR GERNIka At the center of Boise’s Basque food scene, Gernika is a favorite among those willing to cram into the tiny interior. Basque treats like beef tongue, chorizo paella, croquetas and lamb grinders are worth giving up a little elbow room. 202 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise, 208-344-2175, bargernika.com. 32 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
Bill Gale of Homestead Natural Foods By Tara Morg an
Bill Gale grew up in the dairy business, starting at age 10 by helping his dad milk cows. He eventually took over the family dairy in Middleton but says it was never quite profitable. “I was pretty much going broke milking cows so I had to get out of that. … If you can’t make any money milking cows, then what’s your next option?” he asked. For Gale, it was grass-fed beef. He linked up with Ed Wilsey and Keith Huettig to form Homestead Natural Foods (homesteadnatural.com), an agricultural cooperative that specializes in grass-fed, hormonefree beef but also sells all-natural pork and poultry. “The philosophy of what we’re doing is grass-fed beef, a much healthier product,” said Gale. “Cows just live on the grass their whole life. … We don’t feed them any grain, ever.” Gale says that feeding grain to cattle might be more efficient—ranchers can get cattle ready for market in about 14-16 months, as opposed to 18-30 months for grass-fed cows—but it’s taking a toll on health. “Feeding grain to cattle has ... only happened in the last 50-75 years,” Gale said. “Everybody thought it was the right idea because you could get cattle to market quicker. But it wasn’t a good idea because it made for unhealthy cattle and unhealthy people.” Homestead contends that, in addition to containing more Omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene and Vitamin E, grass-fed beef is naturally lower in total fat and contains about 30 percent fewer calories than conventional beef. “Some people say that grass-fed beef has a gamey taste. We call it robust,” said Gale. “It takes time to put the flavor in beef. I’ve read quite a few articles on this; at about 18-24 months, beef starts having a ‘beef’ flavor. But before then, if you kill cattle at too young an age, they have kind of a liver-y taste.” Gale says Homestead waits for each cow to reach its proper maturity before it is sent to Northwest Premium Meats in Nampa to be processed. “We just kind of let every animal grow at its own natural pace and when it’s really smooth across the back and they’re looking pretty fat, then it’s their time to go,” said Gale. Gale says being a part of a three-farm cooperative has allowed Homestead to flourish. “Most local producers, whether it’s vegetables or whatever it is, are all kind of sole-proprietorship things—one person’s got an idea and he’s doing the marketing and the growing and everything,” he said. “So the cooperative spirit that Homestead has, where we have three different producers coming from three different backgrounds, gives us some flexibility that other outfits don’t have and gives us some insight that other outfits don’t have.” www. b ois e we e k ly.com
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Food
LAu R IE P EAR M AN
BaRdENay No. 1, it makes its own hooch, and No. 2, it’s home to two of the best patios around. Bardenay also boasts a diverse selection of sandwiches, burgers, salads and entries. Don’t forget the cocktails. 610 Grove St., Boise, 208426-0538, bardenay.com.
tHE BaSquE MaRkEt Sample Basque-style tapas, wine and soups. Don’t miss lunch paella or the regular sheepherders breakfasts. 608 W. Grove St., Boise, 208-433-1208, thebasquemarket.com.
BERRyHIll & Co. There’s a strong balance between cosmopolitan comfort food and light fare at this classy joint. Options include crab melts, salads, Kobe cuts and no shortage of seafood, chicken and pasta. 121 N. Ninth St., Boise, 208-387-3553, johnberryhillrestaurants.com.
BIG CIty CoFFEE Here, eating a scone or cookie the size of your head seems rational. The selection is over the top, as are the egg dishes and sandwiches. 1416 Grove St., Boise, 208-345-3145, bigcitycoffeeld.com.
BIG Jud’S Big Jud’s takes burgers seriously. So much so that its eating challenge is the stuff of legend. But you don’t need a challenge to indulge in the grilled cheese sandwiches, fries or 1-pound Big Jud burger. 1289 Protest Road, Boise, 208-343-4439, bigjudsboise.com.
BIttERCREEk alE HouSE The food is fresh and hyperlocal, straddling the line between comfort food and cuisine. Check the crave-worthy Huntsman burger or street tacos. The patio is one of Boise’s choice places to spend an evening. 246 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208-345-1813, bcrfl.com/bittercreek.
BlEuBIRd Find unique twists to classics—grilled cheese with caramelized onions, dijon and fig preserves—as well as more adventurous fare like creamy pheasant soup. Hours are limited, though, so plan ahead. 224 N. 10th St., Boise, 208-345-1055, bleubirdboise.com.
BoISE FRy CoMpaNy Burgers are technically considered side dishes to the fries, but that doesn’t stop them from being some of the best in Boise. Multiple locations. 111 Broadway Ave., Ste. 111, Boise, 208495-3858 boisefrycompany.com. 34 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
BoMBay GRIll Past a narrow set of double doors in the Idanha Hotel diners find tender lamb vindaloo and brings-you-back-forseconds butter chicken. 928 W. Main St., Boise, 208-345-7888.
tHE BRICkyaRd This steakhouse-meets-dueling-pianos bar draws the business set with a lunch of well-priced burgers, salads and sandwiches, while filet mignon and top-shelf Scotch beckon to an upscale crowd after sunset. 601 Main St., Boise, 208287-2121, brickyardboise.com.
CaFE olE Boise’s landmark Mexican restaurant is going strong with three locations. The food is affordable, and the happy hour specials are one hell of a deal. Multiple locations. 404 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-344-3222, cafeole.com.
tHE CapRI The Capri has cured so many hangovers with its French toast, biscuits and gravy and formidable chicken fried steak that it should probably get some kind of award. 2520 W. Fairview Ave., Boise, 208-342-1442.
CazBa/opa louNGE Middle East meets Mediterranean in this downtown restaurant, featuring
Lebanese, Greek, Egyptian, Turkish and Persian cuisine, like chicken and beef kabobs and Turkish dolmades. 211 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208-381-0222.
CHaNdlERS StEakHouSE Top-notch service is paired with excellent cuisine in sleek surroundings. Classic steakhouse offerings share menu space with inventive creations. 981 W. Grove St., Boise, 208-3834300, chandlersboise.com.
CottoNwood GRIllE The Northwest-inspired menu is filled with steaks, seafood, salads and pasta, and a heavy offering of game meats raised nearby. The Greenbeltadjacent patio is summertime dining at its finest. 913 W. River St., Boise, 208333-9800, cottonwoodgrille.com.
tHE CRux A coffee house in the Bohemian tradition and packed with vintage furniture. Stumptown coffee and locally brewed beers satisfy patrons of all ages. 1022 W. Main St., Boise, 208-342-3213.
dawSoN’S dowNtowN Dawson’s slow-roasts coffee beans in the Treasure Valley and Zeppole Bakery shares a storefront to sweeten the deal. 219 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208-336-5633, dawsontaylor.com.
FlatBREad NEapolItaN pIzzERIa The casual contemporary eatery offers certified Neapolitan pizza and a bevy of creative thin-crust creations and pastas, regional wine and beer, and one of the best lunch specials around. Multiple locations. 615 W. Main St., Boise, 208287-4757, flatbreadpizza.com.
FlyING M CoFFEEHouSE Cool tunes, a layout that feels like home, friendly well-trained baristas, food, art and a gift shop make Flying M a Boise icon. 500 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208-345-4320, flyingmcoffee.com.
FoRk With a name from the farm-to-fork movement, find hearty Northwest fare prepared with seasonal and local ingredients. From slow-cooked Idaho venison chili to Alaska sockeye salmon, Fork packs in locavores and gastronomes alike. 199 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208-287-1700, boisefork.com.
FRESH oFF tHE Hook The popular West Boise restaurant recently opened a second location downtown and is now a sleek new eatery offering fresh seafood, specials and its famous clam chowder. 401 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-343-0220, freshoffthehookseafood.com. www. b ois e we e k ly.com
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FRoNt dooR Front Door takes pizza and beer very seriously. Pizzas have top-quality ingredients, and the nearly endless beer list makes Front Door a haven for any true beer aficionado. 105 S. Sixth St., Boise, 208-287-9201, thefrontdoorboise.com.
GoldEN pHoENIx oRIENtal ExpRESS Fans of Chinese food love the combination dinners, pairing Mongolian Beef with soup and a side, and General Tso’s deep-fried tofu. It goes a step further with a healthy list of staples and excellent vegetarian and vegan options. 110 N. 11th St., Boise, 208-345-8868
Goldy’S Goldy’s has been Boise’s favorite breakfast destination for more than a decade. Its cozy interior is home to American breakfast fare with a gourmet twist, and a wait list as proof of its popularity. Around the corner, Goldy’s Corner helps cut down the wait with breakfast and lunch options. 108 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise, 208-3454100, goldysbreakfastbistro.com.
GRapE ESCapE With a wraparound storefront window and a spacious patio, Grape Escape is a primo people-watching spot. The wine selection is the biggest draw, but a menu of fresh breakfast, lunch and dinner items don’t hurt. 800 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208-368-0200.
GuIdo’S There’s nothing like a slice (or two) of Guido’s New York-style pizza for lunch. Stromboli, salads and a roster of suds complement a daily selection of pies. Second location in West Boise. 235 N. Fifth St., Boise, 208-345-9011, guidosdowntown.com.
Ha’ pENNy IRISH puB Ha’ Penny harkens back to the Emerald Isle, with a full menu of pub-style favorites. The dark interior is inviting and there’s a steady supply of live music, so belly up to the long wood bar, get a pint and plan to stay for a while. 855 Broad St., Ste. 250, Boise, 208-343-5568, hapennybridgepub.com.
Happy FISH SuSHI & MaRtINI BaR Nothing complements fresh hamachi and salmon like an ice cold martini. Luckily, Happy Fish nails both in a small, swank BODO atmosphere. 855 Broad St., Boise, 208-343-4810, happyfishsushi.com.
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Cameron and Rob lumsden Restaurateurs By harris on Be rry
At a glance, their business strategies are strikingly similar, but don’t be fooled. Familiar commitments to fresh, local ingredients, service, playful dishes and inviting atmospheres belie the divergent philosophies of restaurateur brothers Cameron and Rob Lumsden. While Cameron has firmly established himself as an architect of distinctive Idaho restaurant brands and menus that riff off local ingredients and foreign flavors, Rob’s natural inclination is to expand outward, opening Flatbread branches in Bend, Ore., and Salt Lake City (flatbreadpizza.com). Though different, the approaches have enabled the Lumsdens’ restaurants to thrive in Boise’s competitive restaurant scene “From a design standpoint, we like neutral colors,” said Cameron about his American-fusion restaurant, Fork, which opened in 2011. This design standpoint pervades every aspect of the restaurant, from his efforts to hide radiators inside “because they’re unattractive” to installing the now-telltale Fork sign out front. At his second Boise restaurant, the Italian-inspired Alavita (alavitaboise.com), Cameron redeployed Fork’s commitment to locally sourced foods with a menu based on seasonal availability and in-house preparation, with four pasta makers working a total of 190 hours per week making all of Alavita’s pastas. “When we’re open, somebody’s making pasta,” he said. “It’s really turned into a beast.” When Rob opened his first Flatbread Community Oven—now Flatbread Neapolitan Pizza—with the help of Cameron in 2011, he did so with nearly a dozen years experience at P.F. Chang’s in Southern California, where growth became a habit. “I got excited about what my pedigree has enabled me to do, which is run multiple units,” Rob said. Flatbread has a casual elegance in its approach, with natural colors, comfortable interiors and open kitchens complete with wood-burning pizza ovens turning out dishes that offer gourmet touches and ingredients. Though he imported P.F. Chang’s expansionist philosophy, Rob’s experience in Boise has in some ways been a departure from his life in SoCal, where he drove hours every day between home, his son’s school and work. Rob now skateboards between his home and Flatbread’s flagship location in Bown Crossing. “We wanted to get out of the rat race of Southern California,” he said. “The vision of Flatbread is the exact opposite of what I was doing in Los Angeles.” The Lumsden brothers opened restaurants guided by divergent philosophies but similar methods. One might describe their forays into Boise’s food scene as successes, but that’s not how the Lumsdens see it. “I’m not comfortable speaking about success,” Rob said. “We’re more focused on putting out a quality product.” www. b ois e we e k ly.com
Java
Food
Its bright interior decorated with retrochic kitsch, coffees, house-made bakery and breakfast and lunch items make Java the go-to place for many a laptopwielding Boisean. Second location in the North End. 223 N. Sixth St., Boise, 208-345-0777, javabowlofsoul.com.
JENNy’S luNCH lINE “Life is like Jenny’s Lunch Line. You never know what you’re going to get.” The choices of a la carte sandwiches, wraps, salads and homemade soups are ever revolving. Features multiple options for the vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free. 106 N. Sixth St., Boise, 208-433-0092, jennyslunchline.com.
lE CaFE dE paRIS
lEku oNa Leku serves up the old country and washes it back with Spanish wine. Whether digging into a plate of beef tongue or an order of croquetas, Leku— which means “good place” in Basque— lives up to its name. 117 S. Sixth St., Boise, 208-345-6665, lekuonaid.com.
loCk StoCk & BaRREl Every steak at Lock Stock is hand-cut, house-aged and seared on the grill. With a menu including stacked burgers, pastas, sandwiches and a salad bar, it’s all there. 1100 W. Jefferson St., Boise, 208-336-4266, lsbboise.com.
MaI tHaI From the fountain running the length of the dining room to the sleek glowing bar, Mai Thai is where Thai food gets fancy. 750 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208344-8424, maithaigroup.com.
MooN’S kItCHEN CaFE Moon’s has been a tradition for generations. Stop by for breakfast, sandwiches, burgers and more, but make a special trip for a hand-scooped milkshake. 712 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208-385-0472, moonskitchen.com.
papa JoE’S Papa Joe’s puts together a mean eat-in experience, and the eggplant parm could convince a meat-lover to go vegetarian. 1301 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise, 208-344-7272, papajoesboise.com. www.b oi se we e kly.com
LAuRIE PEARMAN
This chic cafe in the heart of downtown is the perfect place to feel continental with duck confit, Nutella crepes and light omelettes. Desserts and bread are made fresh in its own Gaston’s Bakery. 204 N. Capitol Blvd., Boise, 208-336-0889, lecafedeparis.com.
pHo NouvEau
tHE pRESS
REEF
Though pho is the focus at this Vietnamese bistro, specials like chicken curry and grilled beef on rice noodles elate epicures, as do offerings like the green papaya salad. 780 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208-367-1111, phonouveau. com.
An ample wine and beer list served during a generous happy hour make booze the Press’ biggest draw. To soak up the drinks, try a simple meat and cheese plate of salami and manchego. 212 N. Ninth St., Ste. B, Boise, 208-336-9577.
Try a burger on the rooftop overlooking Sixth and Main streets while a band plays inside, or sip cocktails and dine on crusted rib-eye steak in the swank Hemingway Room. 105 S. Sixth St., Boise, 208-287-9200, reefboise.com.
pRoto’S pIzzERIa NapolEtaNa
SHIGE JapaNESE CuISINE
pIE HolE Late-nighters are familiar with Pie Hole’s long hours, $1 PBRs and the potato bacon pie. Daring? Try pizza with hot Cheetos, chicken, jalapenos, onions and barbecue sauce. Multiple locations. 205 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208-344-7783, pieholeusa.com.
pIpER puB & GRIll Piper Pub is literally above it all, overlooking Eighth Street. Happy hour might be the draw, but the menu is filled with upscale pub faves, including traditional English offerings like shepherd’s pie. 150 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208-3432444, thepiperpub.com.
pollo REy It’s fresh, affordable and fast, even as the crew grills and assembles to order. Whole chickens are always on the rotisserie and the fish tacos are some of the best around. Second location in South Boise. 222 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208-345-0323, polloreyboise.com.
When it comes to food, Proto’s is the purist’s choice, serving pizza, pizza and more pizza. 345 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-331-1400, protospizza.com.
REd FEatHER louNGE Foodies craving inventive fare with rotating seasonal specials go to Red Feather Lounge, which dishes up from some of the region’s top farms and artisan producers. 246 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208-429-6340, bcrfl.com/redfeather.
REdHEadEd FINN The Finn offers thoughtful touches to its pub fare, like leg of lamb grinders and a ginger curry salad. 705 W. Bannock St., Boise, 208-947-3111, redheadedfinnpub.com.
Sushi master Shige Matsuzawa presides over this downtown institution with his mastery of sushi rolls, tempura, sashimi and teriyaki. Shige goes beyond staples, with items like pork gyoza and beef kushiyaki. Multiple locations. 100 N. Eighth St., Ste. 215, Boise, 208-338-8423, shigejapanesecuisine.com.
SolId Whether it’s lunch on one of its two vast patios, dinner in a cozy booth or some late-night chicken and waffles, Solid’s polished but relaxed atmosphere in the heart of BODO is a downtown favorite. 405 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-345-6620, solidboise.com.
SupERB SuSHI With an outdoor and an indoor courtyard in the Idaho Building, Superb Sushi is as open or intimate as you want. 208 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208385-0123, superbsushidowntown.com. boiseweekly | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | 37
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taBlERoCk BREwpuB TableRock has long been a pillar of the Idaho craft brewing scene. It turns out high quality micros alongside sandwiches, salads, pub standards and more. 705 Fulton St., Boise, 208-342-0944, tablerockbrewpub.com.
taJ MaHal Boise’s best kept lunch secret is Taj Mahal, a small Indian cafe on the balcony above Eighth Street, where customers can fill up a to-go lunchbox from the buffet line. 150 N. Eighth St., Ste. 222, Boise, 208-473-7200, tajmahalofboise.com.
toNy’S pIzzERIa tEatRo Nestled in a slim storefront next to the Egyptian Theatre, the street cafe vibe could convince a visitor he or she is in Little Italy. Thin-crust Neapolitan pies and calzones are perfect for pairing with a glass of red wine. 103 Capitol Blvd., Boise, 208-343-1052.
twIN dRaGoN This classic American-style Chinese eatery has been serving up plates of sweet and sour pork, fried rice, shrimp toast and egg foo young since long before Boise was on anyone’s top 10 list. 200 Fairview Ave., Boise, 208-344-2141.
wISEGuy pIzza This Sun Valley favorite brought its New York-style, hand-tossed pizza covered in local ingredients to the City of Trees. Not in the pizza mood? Try a sandwich or calzone. 106 N. Sixth St., Boise, 208-336-7777, wiseguypizzapie.com.
yEN CHING Featuring authentic specials, dim sum and a full bar, the menu is vast and all of it is served quick and fresh. Consistently voted Boise’s favorite Chinese restaurant. 305 N. Ninth St., Boise, 208-384-0384, yenchingboise.com.
yoI toMo This BODO sushi stop draws in ravenous raw fish fans with all-you-can-eat sushi specials for both lunch and dinner. In a nod to the theater across the street, there’s an entire menu of moviethemed rolls. 405 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise, 208-344-3375, yoitomo.us.
zEN BENto This mostly take-out eatery serves bowls of fresh vegetables and chicken, beef, fish or tofu on noodles or rice. It also offers a limited supply of sushi (Boise only). Second location in Eagle. 1000 W. Main St., Boise, 208-3888808, zenbento.com 38 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
Jen Rossetti and duree westover of Sugar Sugar Ice Cream Sammies By Tara Morg an
In June 2011, friends Jen Rossetti and Duree Westover were splitting a bottle of merlot at a cabin in Garden Valley. The wine and fresh air proved to be an inspirational combo. “We were contemplating, if we had no financial restrictions and no big-girl jobs that we had to do, what would we do for a living and what would we go out and pursue?” asked Westover. “Jen, who has always been in catering and the cuisine/foodie world, said, ‘I would open up a boutique restaurant and I would sell gourmet, handcrafted ice cream sandwiches.’” Soon, Rossetti and Westover had set up shop next to Idaho River Sports in a booth dubbed the Yak Shak. The pair slung their Sugar Sugar Ice Cream Sammies (sugarsugarid.com) to kayakers and families strolling by on the Greenbelt. “We handcraft everything; it’s a labor of love for the cookies … It’s all fresh ingredients; nothing is sourced—like we don’t get pre-made cookies or anything. And same with the ice cream,” said Westover. “We use local ingredients where it’s available and when [they’re] available.” This summer, due to construction near Idaho River Sports, the duo is dishing out its sweet treats at the Capital City Public Market. “Being at the farmers market with a little bit more foot traffic and people liking to graze throughout the farmers market, we decided to also do minis,” said Westover. “We have our six Always Flavors and then we’ll have our flavor of the week.” Sugar Sugar’s Always Flavors include traditional staples like the Chip-palooza (chocolate chip cookies with vanilla bean ice cream) along with more odd-ball offerings like the Lemon Thrills (meringue cookies with lemon citrus ice cream and seasonal berries) and The Rosey (ginger cookies with guava cheesecake ice cream). Though both ladies have kept their day jobs—Rossetti is a physical therapist and Westover is a director for a technology company—their ultimate goal is to expand the business. “Our long term plan is to convert Sugar Sugar into a broader menu, and do breakfast, lunch and dinner—microbrews, local wines—down at what will be the Esther Simplot Park,” said Westover.
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yokozuNa tERIyakI Whether it’s a rice bowl or yakisoba with chicken, salmon, steak, shrimp or tofu to accompany stir-fried vegetables, it’ll be cooked perfectly every time. 824 S. Vista Ave., Boise, 208-3773064, yokozunateriyaki.com.
Broadway avenue BRoadway dElI Local Alpicella bread is delivered fresh daily, sandwiches are stacked with high-quality meats and cheeses. And it’s hard to resist a big bag of jo jo potatoes. 2789 Broadway Ave., Boise, 208-385-9943, broadwaydeliboise.com.
CoSMIC pIzza With decor reminiscent of The Jetsons’ living room and toppings like tater tots, jalapeno peppers and eggs, Cosmic Pizza is the future of pie. 1221 W. Boise Ave., Boise, 208-258-3871, cosmicpizzaboise.com.
dElI GEoRGE zEppolE
CaSaNova pIzzERIa
quINN’S
Stop in for a loaf of bread to go or pop by for a sandwich, the bread is going to be a winner. Second location in East Boise. 217 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208345-2149, zeppolebakery.com
Boise Benchers are happy to have some of the best pizza in town served in their ’hood. Holy cow, that crust is dreamy. 1204 S. Vista Ave., Boise, 208-331-3535, casanovapizzeria.com.
Quinn’s is a blue-collar destination where the proletariat and Boise’s culturati meet. Don’t miss Sunday brunch. 1005 S. Vista Ave., Boise, 208-345-0135.
CHIaNG MaI
Boise Bench aNdRadE’S With some of the best authentic Mexican fare in town, the service is great, the portions are generous and the prices won’t leave you feeling buyer’s remorse. 4903 Overland Road, Boise, 208-424-8890, andradesboise.com.
BaGuEttE dElI Take one bite of the light, flaky French bread and you’ll be hooked on this nofrills Vietnamese cafe. Serving bowls of pho and some of the best value banh-mi in town. 5204 W. Franklin Road, Boise, 208-336-2989, baguettedeli.net.
BoSNIa ExpRESS Try a gyro with fresh-shaved lamb at this restaurant and market, wedged next to a bowling alley. Caprese paninis, turkey pastrami and beef goulash pair perfectly with Turkish coffee. 4846 Emerald St., Boise, 208-433-9955. 40 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
This Thai temple beckons connoisseurs and novices alike with its bubbling cauldrons of tom-kah-kai, dry-cooked string beans with ground pork, and generous portions of pad Thai and pad see-ew. 4898 W. Emerald St., Boise, 208-3424051, boisethairestaurant.com.
CoBBy’S Since 1978, Cobby’s has been doing everything it can to elevate the stature of the simple sandwich with freshbaked bread, piles of meats ranging from mortadella to genoa and the humble turkey. Multiple locations. 6899 W. Overland Road, Boise, 208-3230606, cobbys.com.
CuCINa dI paolo It’s a “word-of-mouth” business, but that’s assuming anyone can talk through mouthfuls of lasagne or chicken pot pie. Sit down or grab a heat-and-serve entree to go. 1504 Vista Ave., Boise, 208-3457150, cucinadipaolo.com.
Passersby know it as “that place with the upside down sign,” but regulars know this family eatery as the place with daily roasted beef, corned beef and chicken, and pasta salads made from scratch. 220 S. Broadway Ave., Boise, 208-323-2582, deligeorge.com.
SHaNGRI-la tEa RooM Tea devotees will think they’ve reached Shangri-La when they arrive at this vegetarian and vegan paradise. 1800 W. Overland Road, Boise, 208-424-0273, shangri-latearoomandcafe.com.
taNGo’S Tango’s fills its empanadas with meats, cheeses or chocolatey sweet concoctions. They’re all crave-worthy and crazy affordable. 701 N. Orchard St., Boise, 208-322-3090, tangos-empanadas.com.
tRES BoNNE CuISINE This European cafe and market serves Old World specials like homemade pierogi and the back room is filled with rare and inexpensive European brews. 6555 W. Overland Road, Boise, 208658-1364, tresbonnescuisine.com.
wIllowCREEk GRIll From sandwiches, burgers, salads and assorted entrees, Willowcreek is full of contemporary Northwestern nods. Second location in Eagle. 2273 S. Vista Ave., Ste. 150, Boise, 208-343-5544, willowcreekgrill.com.
East Boise BaRBaCoa Everything about this Latin-fusion restaurant is epic. The ingredients are fresh, the cuisine is inventive, the bar is always hopping at happy hour and the lakeside patio is filled with prime tables. 276 Bobwhite Court, Boise, 208-338-5000, barbacoa-boise.com.
BEN’S CRow INN Halfway between Boise and Lucky Peak along the Greenbelt, Ben’s is where folks can while away an hour or two on the patio, sip beer and empty a bucket of clams. 6781 Warm Springs Ave., Boise, 208-342-9669.
BIER: tHIRty If you’ve ever wanted to experience dining in a beer library, this is for you. Beyond the beer, the clean design and gastropub-style cuisine are equally intoxicating. 3073 S. Bown Way, Boise, 208-342-1916, bierthirty.com. www. b ois e we e k ly.com
Food
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loCavoRE A locavore is someone who eats only locally grown foods. While this restaurant doesn’t strictly adhere to its name, it does serve up delicious eats like pesto, gorgonzola and onion-filled paninis and eggs benny. Plus savory libations like berry mimosas. 3110 S. Bown Way, Boise, 208-338-8887.
luCky 13 pIzza/ tHE GaRaGE Situated a stone’s throw from the Greenbelt, bike-friendly folks drop in to refuel with freshly baked pizzas, stacked sandwiches, crafted salads and beer. 3662 S. Eckert Road, Boise, 208-344-6967, lucky13pizza.com.
MazzaH Too good to be fast food and too casual to be fine dining, Mazzah boasts lamb or chicken pitas, falafel and vegetarianfriendly options. Multiple locations. 404 E. Parkcenter Blvd., Boise, 208-3332223, mazzahboise.com.
SMoky MouNtaIN pIzza Standards like pepperoni and not-sostandards like curried chicken get you there, but happy hour and heaping plates of pasta and sandwiches will keep you going back. Multiple locations. 415 E. Parkcenter Blvd., Boise, 208429-0011, smokymountainpizza.com.
tavERN at BowN CRoSSING Order the pot-roast nacho plate, a bowl of Japanese street noodles or indulge in artfully crafted maki and nigiri. Pair with something from the wine list. 3111 S. Bown Way, Boise, 208-3452277, tavernatbown.com.
tHE tRollEy HouSE The Trolley House is still a central Warm Springs stop, now for breakfast and lunch. Diner classics take on new life in classed-up versions of eggs benedict and in a list of Trolley specialties including a chorizo-stuffed omelette. 1821 Warm Springs Ave., Boise, 208-345-9255, trolleyhouseboise.com.
36tH StREEt BIStRo Attached to the 36th Street Garden Center, this seasonal bistro boasts Highland beef, stuffed quail and seared salmon. Don’t miss the weekend brunch. 3823 N. Garden Center Way, Boise, 208-4335108, 36streetgardencenter.com.
CaFE vICINo Find Italian fare with French and Spanish flair at this intimate white-linen eatery. Lunch includes daily quiches and grilled portobello sandwiches. Evening fare lists seasonal specials like quail and wild boar. 808 W. Fort St., Boise, 208-472-1463, cafevicino.com.
HaRRy’S HydE paRk puB Heaping sandwiches, burgers, tossed salads and wraps you can chase with a pitcher of inexpensive beer. 1501 N. 13th St., Boise, 208-336-9260, harryshydepark.com.
HIGHlaNdS Hollow
North Boise 13tH StREEt GRIll 13th Street finally hit its stride with traditional pub fare, burgers, fish and chips and some fine-dining entrees. The kitchen also does a nice job on weekend brunch and late-night fare. 1520 N. 13th St., Boise, 208-639-8888. 42 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
Everyone digs this brewery’s handcrafted beers, and distinct apps like the barley breadsticks and grilled polenta. 2455 Harrison Hollow Lane, Boise, 208-343-6820, highlandshollow.com.
lulu’S FINE pIzza Get New York-style pies by the slice or whole in standard options or specialties like the Spartan, covered with
artichoke hearts and kalamata olives. 2594 Bogus Basin Road, Boise, 208387-4992, ilovelulus.com.
paRRIlla GRIll This Hyde Park spot leans toward the Tex-Mex end of the scale. The food is fresh and tasty, and the drinks are creative and fun. The same can be said of the atmosphere, especially in the summer. 1512 N. 13th St., Boise, 208323-4688, parrillagrillhydepark.com.
SuN Ray CaFE Pizza, salads, sandwiches and wraps fill out this neighborhood cafe’s menu, but the main attraction has to be the patio, which in good weather is packed with dismounted bike riders, folks out for a stroll and families taking in a little North End sunshine. 1602 N. 13th St., Boise, 208-343-2887, sunray-cafe.com.
South Boise Goodwood BaRBECuE CoMpaNy This barbecue joint is dedicated to dishing up mean burgers, brisket, chicken, salmon and nearly everything else Americana. Second location in Meridian. 7849 W. Spectrum St., Boise, 208-658-7173, goodwoodbbq.com.
State Street BuRGER ‘N BREw Burger ‘N Brew has two big, beefy goals: serve up burgers and beer in the best way possible. With a throwback sports bar feel, this saloon/eatery is a favorite. 4295 W. State St., Boise, 208-345-7700.
EGG FaCtoRy Hordes descend upon every Egg Factory location and they’re all vying for the pancake selection that borders on the exotic. Multiple locations. 6882 W. State St., Boise, 208-853-2037, eggfactorycafe.com.
FaNCI FREEz Like at an old-fashioned malt shop, you can get your fill of burgers, fries and tots. The soft-serve ice cream is king, served in cones, dipped in candy shells or mixed to create amazing shakes. 1402 W. State St., Boise, 208-344-8661.
FlyING pIE pIzzERIa Not only does Flying Pie do some hardcore pizza whirling but the crew tops it with gourmet ingredients. The eclectic, family friendly eatery—and perennial Best of Boise winner—keeps getting better. Multiple locations. 4320 W. State St., Boise, 208-384-0000, flyingpie.com. www. b ois e we e k ly.com
www.b oi se we e kly.com
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Food
LAu R IE P EAR M AN
quinn’s Restaurant and lounge By Bois e WeekLy sTaff
If a landmark is something that has long been part of a city’s landscape, Quinn’s Restaurant and Lounge on Vista Avenue is definitely a landmark. Quinn’s big, bright sign, which stands nearly as high the ubiquitous yellow arches down the street, has beckoned hundreds of motorists zipping up and down Vista every day for decades. Strangely, though, Quinn’s is still a mystery to many Boiseans. Those who have discovered the Bench stalwart, however, know that Quinn’s is more than a restaurant and lounge—it’s a place that morphs by the day, transforming from hip-hop club to karaoke bar to brunch spot. Gary Sullivan has owned Quinn’s for more than 30 years (his daughter, Lisa, is now co-owner) and in that time, the restaurant has evolved from a smokers’ haven to a family restaurant that is also a favorite of those looking to nurse a hangover with an affordable weekend brunch. Thanks to the city of Boise’s strict no-smoking regulations, smokers can no longer hang out indoors and now have to retreat to a secluded, but spacious patio hidden from Vista by three walls of hedges, where both Camels and Coronas are welcome. Kitchen manager Stan Joslin has his own Quinn’s stories, which are mostly—no surprise—about the food. Joslin, who has worked at Quinn’s for nearly seven years, proudly explained that the fingersteaks are made from top sirloin, prime rib is available every night and he cuts the rib eye steaks himself from the prime rib. But Joslin keeps his eye on what’s going on at the front of the house, too, as he helps manage on-site entertainment. “I run the karaoke, too,” he said, adding with a smile, “On Thursday and Saturday nights, I’m DJ Steams.”
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Joslin said that Quinn’s is packed on hip-hop Fridays and open mic comedy brings plenty of people in the door. “Last Monday, we had about 40 people watching, and at least 10 comics signed up to perform,” Joslin said before heading back into the kitchen. Bartender Ty Nelson participates in the entertainment side as well, but as more of an entertainer. He greets everyone who walks through the door, saying hello to patrons before they even take a seat and offering them a quick joke. But he’s always serious about his work. “At the start of every shift, I make sure all the labels are facing out on the bottles,” Nelson said. “Then I go around the bar so I can see them the way customers see them to make sure they look right.” Quinn’s menu spans seven pages of affordable, American-style fare dished up until 3 a.m.—yes, 3 a.m— Wednesday through Saturdays by servers who seem genuinely happy to be there. Breakfast is available all day, but it’s Sunday brunch that draws the hard-core regulars, often nursing a touch of a hangover with the free bottle of champagne offered with the purchase of two entrees—orange juice is extra. It’s the kind of place where patrons can quietly sip a tumbler of Crown Royal, sit down to a plate of bacon and eggs or meatloaf and mashed potatoes, or test some new jokes—and feel perfectly welcome doing it all. Nelson said Quinn’s long-standing ownership gives the place a “mom and pop” feel. And for every one of those people who pass Quinn’s by, there are dozens more who think of it as a home-awayfrom-home.
www. b ois e we e k ly.com
Food
This eatery serves Southwestern. The green chili is made from famous Hatch chiles brought in from New Mexico and the dishes are packed with flavor and care. 5616 W. State St., Boise, 208853-0103, greenchileidaho.com.
LAu R IE P EAR M AN
tHE GREEN CHIlE
JaNJou patISSERIE Janjou offers a French take on the bakery, offering delicious fresh-baked goodies—try the croissants, macaroons and cheesecake. 1754 W State St., Boise, 208-297-5853, janjou.com.
MadHuBaN Famous among vegetarians for an extensive meatless menu, Madhuban keeps the carnivores in mind, too. Drop in for the aloo palak. 6930 W. State St., Boise, 208-853-8215, madhubanindiancuisine.com.
MERRItt’S This institution is home of the scone and a frequent stop at the end of long nights. Traditional diner food reigns, and the fact that it’s open 24 hours on the weekends seals the deal. 6628 W. State St., Boise, 208 853-1801, merrittscafe.com.
pIzzalCHIk
dElSa’S
MICkEyRay’S
A portmanteau of pizza, salad and chicken, Pizzalchik serves robust salads, pies and whole chickens. Many toppings are house-made and unique. 7330 W. State St., Boise, 208-8537757, pizzalchik.com.
If you like dessert first, look no further than Delsa’s, where the diner food is a nice side to the main entree: homemade ice cream. Revolving offerings range from classic vanilla to licorice, lemon custard and Swiss orange chip. 7923 W. Ustick Road, Boise, 208-377-3700.
The cultural common ground of barbecue is celebrated at MickeyRay’s, where meat lovers can indulge their cravings. Some of the best offerings are side dishes like hush puppies, fried okra and black-eyed peas. Second location in Eagle. 980 N. Milwaukee St., Boise, 208-343-7427, mickeyraysbbq.com.
Salt tEaRS Locals congregate at this cafe for breakfast and Doma coffee, along with soups, sandwiches and family style dinners made from scratch with local ingredients. 4714 W. State St., Boise, 208-275-0017, salttears.com.
wEStSIdE dRIvE-IN With prime rib, burgers, finger steaks and all things Americana, this place has everything. It’s also known for its signature dessert: the Idaho ice cream potato. Second location in East Boise. 1939 W. State St., Boise, 208-3422957, cheflou.com.
west Boise tHE CREpERIE Explore savory crepes with cheese, meats and vegetables or sweet crepes that will satiate your sugar tooth. 7709 W. Overland Road, Ste. 130, Boise, 208-949-3536, thecreperieboise.com. www.b oi se we e kly.com
FuJIyaMa This mall-area sushi palace slings specialty rolls and mountains of fresh sashimi in a large dining room. The lunch menu is loaded with screamin’ deals. 283 N. Milwaukee St., Boise, 208-672-8227, fujiyamaboise.com.
JERRy’S StatE CouRt CaFE From breakfast through dinner, the focus is on quality ingredients and thoughtful touches, whether it’s eggs benedict, steaks, sandwiches or seafood. Jerry’s even has a full gluten-free menu. 6767 W. Fairview Ave., Boise, 208-376-6767, jerrysstatecourtcafeboise.com.
lE Coq RouGE Whether you’re wedging a fork into a bubbling platter of buttery escargot, or depleting a carafe of wine, this French bistro is the real deal. Reservations are highly suggested at this small, family owned restaurant. 1320 S. Maple Grove Road, Boise, 208-376-9463.
SoCkEyE BREwERy Brew it in-house and pair it with pub grub: That’s Sockeye’s motto. Whether you’re washing down the Coho club—a small mountain of meats, veggies and cheese—with Power House Porter or going light with the ranch chicken wrap and the HellDiver Pale Ale, you’ll see why Sockeye has been a Boise favorite since 1996. 3019 N. Cole Road, Boise, 208-658-1533, sockeyebrew.com.
wIllI B’S SalooN Willi B’s likes to call what it does “bunkhouse cooking,” but we’re not sure if that does justice to the selection of homemade sandwiches, soups and comfort food that rolls out of the kitchen. Willi B’s also happens to offer some of the best drink specials around—good news for West Boise residents. 12505 Chinden Blvd., Boise, 208-331-5666, willibs.com.
Caldwell IMElda’S MExICaN Food It’s all authentic at this hole-in-the-wall eatery. From the handmade corn and flour tortillas to the selections of meats to choose from, including guisado, barbacoa, chorizo and even bacon, the flavors are rich and the meals satisfying and affordable. 2414 Cleveland Blvd., Caldwell, 208-454-8757.
Eagle BElla aquIla With a name that means “beautiful Eagle,” this Italian eatery courts the well-heeled with its swank interior, welltrained waitstaff and enviable riverside patio. Pair beef carpaccio with a glass of pinot grigio or sip a bowl of cioppino near the gushing Boise River. 775 S. Rivershore Lane, Eagle, 208-938-1900, bellaaquilarestaurant.com.
tHE BluE MooSE CaFE This low-key eatery is tucked away from the hustle of downtown Eagle in a converted house and serves up an array of made-to-order sandwiches, wraps and soups. 79 Aikens Road, Eagle, 208939-3079, thebluemoosecafe.net. boiseweekly | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | 45
THANA’S
LITTLE WORLD MARKET
Asian| Indo-European| Middle Eastern |African Market Recharge | Text | Talk | Web | International |Prepaid
Specialty Spices Health & Beauty Supplies USDA Hala Meats: Lamb, Goat, Beef, Chicken, Shrimp Fresh Exotic Vegetables Fish from Around the World!
Where you’ll always feel at home! 4109 W. Overland Rd, Boise | 331-3033 Open Every Day | thanasworldmarket.com
Food
PATR IC K SW EENEY
CaFE CRaNE The in-house bakery turns out freshbaked goods from cinnamon rolls to muffins. Grab a cup of coffee and dig in to house-made soups, quiche and flatbreads. 3130 E. State St., Eagle, 208-938-7790, cafecrane.com.
davINCI’S DaVinci’s serves delicacies like veal piccata or eggplant parmigiana. These mouth-watering dishes are served up in a repurposed bank building in the beating heart of downtown Eagle. 190 E. State St., Eagle, 208-939-2500, davincis2.com.
tHE GRIddlE Pancakes? Pile ’em high. Scrambled eggs? Wreck ’em. This is breakfast in its most traditional fashion. Lunch follows with homemade classics. Multiple locations. 177 Eagle River St., Eagle, 208-939-9070, thegriddle.com.
Jo MaMa’S Feel like chicken-fried steak? How about a crab cake benny? This Eagle eatery has plenty of options to fill you up for breakfast or lunch. 600 S. Rivershore Lane, Ste. 170, Eagle, 208-9393917, joemommaseatery.com.
Garden City
REMBRaNdtS For some, coffee is religion—especially in this former church-turned-temple-of-joe in downtown Eagle. Rembrandts offers bakery items and lunch staples like soups, quiche, sandwiches and salads. 93 S. Eagle Road, Eagle, 208-938-1564, rembrandtscoffeehouse.net.
RICE Rice is the new kid on the block, serving up authentic Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean flavors with old favorites like green beans with sweet chili and Sriracha sauce. 228 E. Plaza St., Ste. Q and R, Eagle, 208-939-2959.
RuSSIaN BEaR CaFE Promising everything is made from scratch, this cafe serves beef stroganoff, potato pancakes, borscht and what the owners claim are the “best cabbage rolls west of the Kremlin.” 600 S. Rivershore Lane, Ste. 160, Eagle, 208-9391911, caferussianbear.com.
wIld wESt BakERy Idaho’s pioneer days are not accurately reflected in Wild West Bakery, unless the West was won with fresh-made pastries, juicy burgers and sunlit patios. 83 E. State St., Eagle, 208-939-5677, wildwestbakeryandespresso.com. 48 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
BaRRElHouSE The Crooked Fence Brewing crew has expanded. Check out the pub-style menu with an emphasis on fresh and local. It’s all-ages welcome in the main dining area. 5181 Glenwood St., Garden City, 208-890-4120.
SoFIa’S GREEk BIStRo Sofia’s is where the Greeks go to find Greek in Boise. The bright eatery specializes in gyros, souvlaki and mammoth burgers done Acropolis-style. 6748 N. Glenwood St., Garden City, 208-853-0844, sofiasgreekbistro.com.
StaGECoaCH INN In time-honored tradition, Stagecoach is known for it steaks, jumbo prawns, prime rib and a sassy waitstaff, not to mention classic desserts like banana cream pie. 3132 Chinden Blvd., Garden City, 208342-4161, stagecoachboise.com.
loves El Gallo Giro. Don’t miss the bubbling stone molcajete bowls or tableside guacamole 82 W. Main St., Kuna, 208922-5169, elgallogirokuna.com.
Meridian
El Gallo GIRo The mouth-watering authentic Mexican food is only part of the reason the valley
A longstanding getaway, where booths are packed with those taking advantage of steaks, seafood, sandwiches and more. Not that hungry? Check out the smaller-portion (and, therefore, less expensive) menu. 3268 E. Pine Ave., Meridian, 208-288-0898, jakers.com.
EpI’S BaSquE REStauRaNt
louIE’S
The converted house in downtown Meridian serves some of the best Basque cuisine around with plenty of traditional dishes. Reservations are always a good idea. 1115 N. Main St., Meridian, 208884-0142.
Louie’s has been a staple ever since it relocated from Sun Valley decades ago. American-Italian faves like thin crust pizza, eggplant parmigiana and cannelloni keep families coming back. 2500 E. Fairview Ave., Meridian, 208-8845200, louiespizza.com.
GINo’S The menu is long enough to make your eyes cross, but dishes include traditional fare as well as favorites like wild boar shank and knock-your-socks-off dipping sauce. That’s probably why it’s consistently at the top of Best of Boise voting. 3015 W. McMillan Road, Ste. 108, Meridian, 208-887-7710.
GRaMERCy paRk
kuna
JakER’S
Taking gastropub standards up a notch with clever and fresh twists. Dishes like pork belly sliders and veggie wings share space with traditional entrees and burgers. 1626 Wells Ave., Ste. 115, Meridian, 208-854-7979, grammercypizzagrill.com.
luCky FINS In its casual interior, Lucky Fins offers Asian, Mexican and Northwest cuisine, with sushi, burgers and appetizers. The raw oyster bar is a draw, as are the drinks. 1441 N. Eagle Road, Meridian, 208-888-3467, luckyfinsgrill.com.
MISS taMI’S The cafe/gift shop offers traditional English tea, and lunches are noteworthy. Sandwiches, salads and soups are served in an over-the-top feminine atmosphere. The monte cristo sandwich is one of the best around. Reservations recommended. 1031 N. Main St., Meridian, 208-888-1770, misstamis.com. www. b ois e we e k ly.com
(Summer) Thurs-Sat, (Fall/Winter) Wed-Sat, beside Berryhill & Co.
Food
LAu R IE P EAR M AN
MoMo duMplINGS These meat and veggie dumplings slathered in an intriguing orange sauce won Boise’s heart. Momo has given the savory flavors of the Himalayas a prized position in the Treasure Valley’s food oeuvre. 3223 E. Louise Drive, Meridian, 208-514-2137, momodumpling.com.
MuSE Don’t let the strip-mall setting fool you—Muse inspires discerning palates with a rotating weekly menu, featuring innovative and well-executed meat, seafood and seasonal veggies. The intoxicating wine list and house-made dessert menu are equally creative. 1435 N. Eagle Road, Meridian, 208895-1900, musebistroandwinebar.com.
RICk’S pRESS RooM The tasty selection of unusual bar fare—try the salmon—made with fresh, homemade ingredients works out better for everyone than the constant cries of “Read all about it!” 130 E. Idaho Ave., Meridian, 208-288-0558, rickspressroom.net.
Sa-wad-dEE This Thai eatery has been tempting Meridian diners with an extensive menu of Thai cuisine for years, with everything from the traditional (orange beef) to dishes that tempt more daring eaters (frog leg basil). 1890 E. Fairview Ave., Ste. B, Meridian, 208-884-0701, sawaddeethai.com.
A converted auto garage is now a Canyon County outpost for food, music, art, events, gifts and coffee, coffee, coffee. 1314 Second St. S., Nampa, 208-4675533, flyingmcoffee.com.
SHaNaz
ISlaNd kINE GRINdS
You can wait until the weekend when Shanaz dishes out its specialty house gumbo (and it’s certainly worth the wait), or you can enjoy down-home cookin’ anytime with fried green tomatoes, fried catfish, collard greens, chicken ’n’ waffles, jambalaya-stuffed peppers and, of course, freshly baked cornbread. 520 S. Main St., Meridian, 208-922-6433.
Yes, Nampa’s rural culture is a long way away from the laid-back island attitude, but we could all use a little aloha spirit now and then. Besides, Hawaiian plate lunches have never looked so good. This eatery holds its own, offering a taste of the islands in Canyon County. 3116 Garrity Blvd., Nampa, 208-389-8475, islandkinegrinds.com.
Nampa BRICk 29 BIStRo Chef Dustan Bristol keeps diners on their toes with an ever-evolving seasonal menu that leans heavily on the fresh and local while playing up the innovative and delicious. From steaks and seafood to pastas and a seriously respectable weekend brunch, this Canyon County eatery is upping the ante. 320 11th Ave. S., Ste. 100, Nampa, 208-468-0029, brick29.com. 50 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
Star
FlyING M CoFFEEGaRaGE Sully’S
Star might not have many dining options, but Sully’s is one worth the trip. The eatery offers all manner of Irish and Idaho pub classics with a contemporary spin in a relaxed atmosphere. While the interior is expansive, it’s the massive patio where all the fun is on a warm evening. Don’t forget to go back for Sunday brunch. 11123 State St., Star, 208-286-7743, sullys-idaho.com.
SIMplE SuSHI You won’t find any overfished species at this sustainable sushi spot. It slices fresh fish shipped from Honolulu the day after they’re caught. The spot also supports feel-goodery with a sizeable sake list. 1214 First St. S., Nampa, 208-463-4663, simplesushibar.com.
Southern-style classics. brownsugasoulfood.com.
BuRGERlICIouS Burgers and fries with inventive toppings.
a CupCakE paRadISE The “sweetest truck in town” slings mild-to-wild cupcakes. acupcakeparadise.com.
loRENa’S MExICaN GRIll
Food trucks
MESSENGER pIzza The eclectic pizza joint oozes a hip vibe with creative toppings, a low-key atmosphere and a selection of microbrews. How can you not be considered cool when you bequeath names like the Red Velvet Nun to signature pizzas? 1224 First St. S., Nampa, 208-461-0081.
BRowN SuGa Soul Food
aRCHIE’S plaCE Sloppy Joes for carnivores and vegetarians alike alongside homemade soups and mashed potato bowls. Check Facebook or Twitter for whereabouts. archies-place.com.
BoB’S tExaS-StylE BBq Pulled pork, beef brisket and sides done in true Texas style. 9990 W. State St., Boise, 208-921-9646, bobstexasbbq.com.
This taco truck has been dishing up homemade gorditas, burritos and more since 2005. 5950 Fairview Ave., Boise, 208-713-3658.
RICEwoRkS All the Asian favorites, from eggrolls to crab rangoon and teriyaki beef.
SaINt lawRENCE GRIdIRoN This “gastrotruck” has some of the best pub fare in town. saintlawrencegridiron.com. For even more restaurants, visit boiseweekly.com
www. b ois e we e k ly.com
Food
JOS H G R OS S
Calendar of
EvENtS
SavoR IdaHo s unday, June 8 , 2 014 idaho BoTani CaL gar de n, Boi s e savoridaho.or g Wine, good food and a stroll through the garden—you really can’t go wrong with that combination. Savor Idaho has perfected the formula, bringing wineries from across the state to Idaho Botanical Garden for a day dedicated to Idaho’s burgeoning wine industry. Crowds can stroll the gardens as they sample the wineries’ wares while chefs from some of the area’s premier eateries offer tastes of their creations.
a CHEF’S aFFaIRE Thur s day, s e P T. 1 2 Boi s e Ce nT r e , B oi se i dahofood Bank .org Ever wondered what it would be like to have a personal chef? Test the waters at A Chef’s Affaire, where some of the area’s top chefs work together to create an evening of fine cuisine while diners bid on the chance to have one of the chefs create a meal in their own home. The event—which also includes silent auctions for impressive offerings like weekend getaways—is a fundraiser for the Idaho Foodbank.
RuSSIaN Food FEStIval
dElI dayS Mid-June, 2014
Mid-May, 2014
ahavaTh BeTh is r ae L Cong r e g aT i on,
sT. se raP hiM of sarov orT hodox
Bois e
ChurCh, Bois e
ahavaThBeThisr ae L .or g
sTs e raPhi MBoise.org If you think the high point of Russian cuisine is vodka, then you don’t know borscht. The valley’s Russian community shows off the depth of its culture each spring with the Russian Food Festival, filling tummies with everything from piroshki and cabbage rolls to oreshki. But that’s not all—the two-day festival is filled with folk tales, traditional crafts and tours of the St. Seraphim church. And, yes, there will be borscht.
CulINaRy walkaBout
If you leave Deli Days still hungry, you’re doing it wrong. From homemade pastrami and corned beef to knish and enough desserts to make you weak in the knees, Deli Days is the ultimate kosher event of the year in the Treasure Valley. For two days, the community heads to the Ahavath Beth Israel synagogue to load up on traditional Jewish food and music. The whole thing is a fundraiser for the congregation, which just happens to be housed in the oldest synagogue west of the Mississippi River. The public is invited to take tours of the building, built in 1896. But let’s face it, most of the attention is going to be on the food.
Mid-May, 2014 Bois e CenTre, Bois e eL ksMeaL s onW heeLs .org Imagine this: some of the top chefs in the valley offering you tasty morsels of their most tempting creations as you meander through a foodie wonderland. Then, after a night of food, wine, music and a silent auction, you go home not only satiated in body but also in spirit. Thankfully, it’s not a fantasy but the annual fundraiser for the Elks Rehab Center’s Meals on Wheels program. Event-goers spend the evening wandering among tables featuring the work of noted chefs while the event raises money to help make sure homebound seniors in Ada County can get hot meals.
Food tRuCk Rally s eCond friday of T h e MonT h LoCaTion var i e s The food truck trend has changed the shape of dining in cities across the country, and Boise is no exception. On the second Friday of each month, food trucks and trailers from around the valley converge for a mobile eatery extravaganza. The location of the rally changes monthly, but expect crowds all evening. For details on participating trucks and locations, follow the rally on its Facebook page or on Twitter. PATRICK SWEE NE Y
GREEk Food FEStIval friday, June 6 -saTurday, June 7, 2014
EMpty BowlS
sainTs ConsTanTine and h eLen
f r i day, nov. 2 9
Bois eg reekfesTiva L.CoM
g rove PL a z a, B oise i dahofood Bank .org There are few things better than a warm bowl of soup on a chilly autumn day—unless it’s warm soup in a handcrafted bowl that helps families in need. Each year, on the day after Thanksgiving, the Idaho Foodbank hosts Empty Bowls, giving the public the chance to buy gourmet soups from some of Boise’s favorite restaurants. The soups come with handmade bowls donated by local potters and pottery shops, with all proceeds going to help feed the hungry.
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g reek orThodox ChurC h, Boise
The French may have joie de vivre and the Italians like la dolce vita, but the only guide to life you need to know from the Greeks is opa—or more accurately, opa! Greeks know how to celebrate, and the community is invited to join the party every spring when Boise’s Greeks celebrate their culture with food, music, dancing and assorted merrymaking. For two days, the grounds of the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church are the center of the fun, with Greek entrees and desserts that keep the crowds refueled for treks to the beer and wine garden.
www. b ois e we e k ly.com
www.b oi se we e kly.com
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NIgHTlIfe i llu strations by E rin Cunningham
There are 10 breweries in the Treasure Valley.
There are approximately 20 bars in the city of Boise that offer regular karaoke.
Pie Hole sells between 1,100 and 1,200 slices of pizza at its downtown Boise location on a Saturday night.
Neurolux hosts more than 600 bands each year.
Spacebar Arcade has 26 video games and five pinball machines in the bar.
www.b oi se we e kly.com
The Modern Hotel and Bar makes four different types of specialty ice cubes.
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ni Gh T l i F E
LAu R Ie PeAR M An
Boise Downtown and Fringe 10 BaRREl BREwinG Offering tasty microbrews made on-site, hang out on 10 Barrel’s sidewalk patio or head into the newly renovated pub. 830 W. Bannock St., Boise, 208-3445870, 10barrel.com.
10Th STREET STaTion Wander into this basement bar in the Idanha Building and find a friendly place with popcorn and sports memorabilia. 104 10th St., Boise, 208-344-2677.
Balcony cluB This gay- and straight-friendly bar hosts drag revues and dance parties—and serious cocktails. The music is always cranking, so be prepared to dance. 150 N. Eighth St., Ste. 226, Boise, 208-3361313, thebalconyclub.com.
BaSquE cEnTER It’s the official watering hole for Boise’s Basque population, but it also has a reputation for serious drinks and outrageously fun crowds anytime the block is throwing a party. 601 W. Grove St., Boise, 208331-5097, basquecenter.com.
cacTuS BaR A legendary spot for hard drinking, pool shooting and general 20-something rowdiness. Like the dives of yore, it’s cashonly, but there’s an ATM outside. 517 W. Main St., Boise, 208-342-9732.
china BluE It’s the capital of Boise’s downtown party ’hood for many reasons: multiple bars, a VIP area with bottle service, thumping music and a dance floor in the center of it all. 100 S. Sixth St., Boise, 208-345-9515, chinabluenightclub.com.
DiRTy liTTlE RoDDy’S It’s tough to drink and ride a mechanical bull at the same time, but many a 21st birthday has been spent at Dirty Little Roddy’s attempting it. 100 S. Sixth St., Boise, 208-345-9515.
FaTTy’S The party’s on just about every night, with a college crowd digging everything from beer pong to hip-hop concerts to cheap shots and, of course, fat drinks. 800 W. Idaho St., Ste. 200, Boise, 208514-2531, drinkfattys.com.
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Eric Gilbert of Treefort Music Fest and Finn Riggins By Harris on Be rry
Eric Gilbert sat at a lawn table in front of The Record Exchange just hours ahead of an April performance with his band—Finn Riggins—and Los Angeles post-rock duo El Ten Eleven. With his trimmed stubble, boyishly disheveled hair and plaid shirt, Gilbert looked like he could be any 30-something male in Boise. This is either apropos or ironic, since he’s one of the most visible men in Boise’s burgeoning downtown culture. The frontman of arguably the headlining-est touring band to come out of Idaho since Built to Spill, Gilbert is also talent manager for Duck Club Presents (theduckclub.com) and its spawn, Treefort Music Fest (treefortmusicfest.com), and Duck Club Touring—as well as the host of Radio Boise program Antler Crafts. He’s a man of many talents but a single passion: to tend Boise’s music scene. “I like helping bands and helping them come to our town,” Gilbert said. “I’ve studied the art of putting on rock shows.” Gilbert began promoting Finn Riggins shows in 2006, and the band has since adhered to a rigorous recording and touring schedule. He has been no less prolific as a promoter of bands passing through the Gem State: Gilbert’s former tour-booking project, Helibase Presents, evolved into Duck Club Touring after Treefort Music Fest 2012 and now represents 16 bands, including Eternal Tapestry, Wooden Indian Burial Ground, Tartufi, Aan and Finn Riggins itself (finnriggins.com). When Gilbert joined Team Treefort, he was a widely touring musician and well-known (and busy) Boise music promoter; but when the festival made him responsible for a comet tail of ancillary shows, community rapport-building and financed promotional activities, he began to think about his vision for Boise’s music culture as a member of an increasingly prominent group of promoters. “It made sense to us to promote the scene as a whole,” he said. Increasingly, Gilbert’s promotional activities extend to building Duck Club’s image, and in many ways, he sees himself as at least partly responsible for the organization’s branding. He plays an active part in crafting its social media, as well as for Treefort and Finn Riggins, and is a merchandise booth regular at associated shows. “I’m uneasy about the term [branding], but I’m growing into it. I’m hoping to build a relationship with other bands and the public,” he said. Though Gilbert’s stature in the community has grown in the wake of the success of Treefort, his mission remains the same as it was when he first began promoting music. “My goal is to inspire local bands to stay here in town,” he said. www. b ois e we e k ly.com
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GaMEkEEpER lounGE While the Owhyee Plaza that houses it undergoes a major renovation, the Gamekeeper retains its old-school charm: a dim-lit interior filled with deep booths that invite patrons to sink in. 1109 W. Main St., Boise, 208-3434611, owyheeplaza.com.
Gil’S k-9 BaR You’ve probably driven by this windowless dive and never noticed it, but Gil’s is worth stopping for. The neighborhood-bar feel is kicked up a notch with surprisingly fantastic bar food. 2506 W. Main St., Boise, 208-345-4420.
huMpin’ hannah’S For decades, this has been Boise’s hoppin’ dance floor, where party-seekers groove to live tunes by the Rocci Johnson Band. You may have to fight to get to the bar for a drink, but it’s worth it. 621 Main St., Boise, 208-345-7557.
icE BouquET This century-old landmark has had a facelift. new owners have brought the place back to its former glory. There’s plenty of room in the new layout, and live music is still a focus. 1010 W. Main St., Boise, 208-345-6605.
lEku ona A mainstay on Boise’s Basque Block, Leku serves up old country character. The u-shaped bar keeps revelers smiling—especially with slammin’ happy hour specials. 117 S. Sixth St., Boise, 208-345-6665, lekuonaid.com.
liquiD This pillar of BODO has it all—cocktails, live music, laughs and eats. Liquid has become Boise’s go-to comedy destination, with national and local comedians. 405 S. Eighth St., Ste. 110, 208-287-5379, liquidboise.com.
lucky DoG This happening little gay-friendly bar serves up powerful drinks at great prices. It also makes with the purple decor and wicked-sweet karaoke. If you end up there, you’re one lucky dog. 2223 Fairview Ave., Boise, 208-333-0074 luckydogtavern.com.
Main STREET BiSTRo This particularly raucous college bar is a hop, skip and stumble across the river from Boise State. With its big Main Street-facing patio, the Bistro is probably the best vantage point for watching the kids at play. 609 Main St., Boise, 208-345-9515. 58 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
MoDERn hoTEl anD BaR
ThE RaM
SyMpoSion
Master mixologists not only reinterpret the classics but create new concoctions you never knew you were craving. 1314 W. Grove St., Boise, 208-4248244, themodernhotel.com.
The Ram keeps beer lovers happy with its array of house-brewed beers. With plenty of TVs and a full menu, it’s easy to lose track of time in this local hangout. Second location in Meridian. 709 E. Park Blvd., Boise, 208-345-2929, theram.com.
Sympo—for those in the know—is a quirky place. You have to be in the know to find it. You also have to know to bring your dog, because four-legged friends are more than welcome. 2801 Fletcher St., Boise, 208-342-9420.
MulliGanS Mulligans serves ’em strong and cheap. And if you need something to soak up the booze there’s pub fare, plus bar games and a streetside patio. 1009 W. Main St., Boise, 208-336-6998.
nEuRolux With a steady roster of local and touring bands, karaoke nights, an unrivaled new Year’s eve party, mean drinks and a rockin’ red pool table make it a downtown mainstay. 111 N. 11th St., Boise, 208-343-0886, neurolux.com.
pEnGilly’S Saloon Pengilly’s has been one of Boise’s favorite watering holes for ages. It boasts an historic bar, wood booths and some of the best local live music nightly. 513 W. Main St., Boise, 208-345-6344.
plan B lounGE Stop by for drinks and a long sit on the leather sofas to get your night started, or to cap it off. 121 N. Ninth St., Boise, 208-387-3553, johnberryhillrestaurants.com.
ThE RED RooM TavERn Barflies of all stripes filter into the redtinged hole in the wall decorated with delightfully tacky velvet portraits. Check a slew of bands spanning every genre, including Duck Club shows. 1519 W. Main St., Boise, 208-331-0956, redroomboise.com.
Silly BiRch TVs broadcasting almost every game; darts, pool and Golden Tee complete the Silly Birch’s sports-bar feel. Watch for a lengthy happy “hour” on weekdays. 507 Main St., Boise, 208-345-2505.
SpacEBaR aRcaDE If you’ve ever thought your drinking life was hampered by the lack of classic video games, Spacebar is the place for you. The subterranean space is filled with games from PacMan to Galaga. Watch for regular tournaments, as well as live music. 200 N. Capitol Blvd., Boise, 208918-0597, spacebararcade.com.
TaBlERock BREwpuB TableRock has been turning out highquality micros since ’91, but with a new head brewer in place, even longtime fans have something new to taste. Located a stone’s throw from Boise State. 705 Fulton St., Boise, 208-3420944, tablerockbrewpub.com.
ToM GRainEy’S/GRainEy’S BaSEMEnT Whether it’s upstairs in the dark-wood pub, or downstairs to the low-ceiling club, there’s something for all tastes. Check the regular lineup of musical acts and assorted diversions. 109 S. Sixth St., Boise, 208-345-2505, tomgraineysboise.com.
ThE ToRch Home to one of Boise’s original bikini bars, add plenty of drinks, great wings and nightly specials, and you have some serious draw. Second location on the Bench. 1826 Main St., Boise, 208344-0218, thetorchlounge.com. www. b ois e we e k ly.com
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State Street 44 cluB This Olympic-level dive bar is a relic from decades long gone. The only modern thing about the place is the karaoke book, one of the biggest in town. 4340 W. State St., Boise, 208-344-0693.
ThE DRink There really is something for everyone, with three theme bars in one location. Whammy’s: sports bar. Blarney Stone: restaurant-club space. Tiki Bar: the joint’s floating bar, located on a dock on the lake. 3000 N. Lakeharbor Lane, Boise, 208-861-9094.
DuTch GooSE It looks like a dive bar, but the cuisine is far from average and the games include foosball and horseshoe pits. The patio out back is a great place to spend an hour or three. 3515 W. State St., Boise, 208-342-8887, dutchgoose.com.
ThE liFT BaR anD GRill You wouldn’t expect a place that has a Holy Oly night—cans are 50 cents on Tuesdays—to be such a welcoming place. Plus, there’s a full menu and a relaxing patio. 4091 W. State St., Boise, 208-342-3250, theliftboise.com.
TERRy’S STaTE STREET Saloon This place looks like it could fall down at any minute, but the crowd knows how to get the party started. 3301 N. Collister St., Boise, 208-331-8225.
TuRnER’S SpoRTS BaR Don’t let this dive’s rickety exterior fool you—though you can buy bait and tackle in the same building, Turner’s is all about cocktails. 4022 W. State St., Boise, 208-342-9090.
Broadway avenue BRoaDway BaR Here’s what you need to know: the drinks are for real and the dark interior looks like where John Travolta came-to after the ’70s. 1712 Broadway Ave., Boise, 208-342-9951.
BuSTER’S One of Boise’s original sports bars, it features plenty of TVs and a full menu of pub food. 1326 Broadway Ave., Boise, 208-345-5688, busterssportsbar.com. 60 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
hollow-wood By a ndrew Crisp
Six fresh-faced youths make up Boise band Hollow-Wood. While members range in age from 18 to 21 years old, Hollow-Wood (hollowwood.bandcamp.com) has honed its sound beyond its years while expanding from an original three-member lineup, playing at Boise rock clubs including Neurolux and during Treefort Music Fest. Still, youth has its limitations. “We get kicked out of bars a lot. It’s kind of a bummer sometimes, because there’s a lot of good bands we want to watch, but we’re not really allowed to,” said Hollow-Wood’s 19-year-old lead singer, Adam Stip. Though not yet old enough to drink, Stip has been playing music for years. His uncle gave him a drum set at age 12, before graduating to guitar. Stip, singer Lyndsay Wright, 20; and banjo player Hayden Jensen, 19, have been friends since they were kids, and began Hollow-Wood as a trio before adding Jeff Bull Jr., 20; Danika McClure, 21 (of Grand Falconer, not pictured); and Stip’s cousin, Katelynne Jones, 18 (not pictured). The large group was brought closer together when Wright was diagnosed with leukemia. “We’re not old, but we grew up a lot,” Stip said. “It was bittersweet. There’s moments in it that we were all so close together, because we’re friends—but obviously cancer’s the worst,” said Stip. After regaining her health, Wright once more sings with Hollow-Wood. Best known for eight-minute epic “Little Bird,” Stip describes Hollow-Wood’s chant-filled sound as a take on more traditional styles. “I think we’re in that folk-kind of vein, but I think it’s a lot more intense. We try to be as powerful as we can. We kinda yell a lot I guess,” he said. However, Hollow-Wood’s sound remains less than traditional among similar acts. “We don’t have a drummer, so we play drums in a style where four different people are kind of playing one collective drum set,” said Stip. Stip said the band is working on a full-length LP with 13 songs due in the summer of 2013, followed by a fall tour. Plans call for touring as much as possible. “I guess if we could pay our bills with this, that would be ideal,” Stip said. “We really want to just spread the word about Boise, and really lay claim to being a Boise band at the end of the day. But we also want to go to the other states, and maybe get to the East Coast and see how far we can go,” said Stip. www. b ois e we e k ly.com
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This is a favorite hangout for the Boise State crowd—not only is it conveniently located near campus, but it’s a friendly sort of place filled with nearly 360-degrees of flatscreens. 1041 S. Broadway Ave., Boise, 208-629-0029, rbarboise.com.
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R BaR
SuDS TavERn Affordable beers, occasional live music and free taco nights make this a must for students. 1024 Broadway Ave., Boise, 208-345-9656, sudstavern.com.
Boise Bench cREScEnT no lawyERS Life is good at the Crescent—as long as you’re not a lawyer. There’s a great beer selection, patio, full bar and menu, and more than enough TVs. If you’re a lawyer, go incognito. 5500 W. Franklin Road, Boise, 208-322-9856, no-lawyers.com.
Jo’S SunShinE lounGE With wood-paneled walls, wide booths and a big dance floor, Jo’s Sunshine Lounge packs a lot into a small space: drinks, pool, karaoke, music and dancing. 1115 N. Curtis Road, Boise, 208376-2700, jossunshinelounge.com.
JuMpin’ JanET’S A longtime favorite, Janet’s has great happy hour deals as well as a tasty menu of bar food. 572 Vista Ave., Boise, 208-342-7620, jumpinjanets.net.
East Boise
TwiSTED TiMBER
BuSTERS BaR anD GRill
While there isn’t another bar in walking distance, it’s still a destination with games, pool, karaoke and poker. 610 E. Boise Ave., Boise, 208-345-3878.
Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll probably find something like it at this Jack-of-all-trades joint: a great beer selection, pizza and sandwiches, a coffee shop, pool table and shuffleboard. 4563 S. Cloverdale Road, Boise, 208362-7157, ilovethetimber.com.
A true sports bars, with plenty of TVs and a menu of pub-style food and really cold beer. 1396 E. State St., Eagle, 208-938-1800, busterssportsbar.com.
west Boise
cRookED FEncE BREwinG
north Boise
Located in the middle of a neighborhood, you think you’re wandering into someone’s house. Once you find the right place, grab a beer and head to the backyard for a horseshoe tournament. 1910 S. Owyhee St., Boise, 208-342-9034.
haRRy’S hyDE paRk puB
ovERlanD BaR
hiGhlanDS hollow
nude paintings on black velvet, a schmuck’s corner, a Jaegermeister dispenser, cheap beer and karaoke sum up this friendly watering hole. 3907 W. Overland Road, Boise, 208-336-4707.
A laid-back Boise classic with a slate of handcrafted beers and distinct pub fare. 2455 Harrison Hollow Lane, Boise, 208343-6820, highlandshollow.com.
It’s mind-bogglingly cheap and offers karaoke, hip-hop nights, open mic comedy, late-night grub and a free bottle of champagne with Sunday brunch. 1005 S. Vista Ave., Boise, 208-345-0135.
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Eagle
EaSTSiDE TavERn
liTTlE DuTch GaRDEn
quinn’S
South Boise
non-standard pub food and a pitcher of beer are good reasons to hang out on the patio or in the cozy dining room. 1501 N. 13th St., Boise, 208-3369260, harryshydepark.com.
o’MichaEl’S puB & GRill Whether they’ve been cruising the Foothills or the north end, people end up at O’Michael’s. There’s a full menu and bar, where drinks are for those who like a little booze in their cocktails. 2433 N. Bogus Basin Road, Boise, 208-3428948, omichaelspub.com.
linDy’S STEakhouSE The big screen is center stage at Lindy’s, but the shuffleboard is really the main attraction. There’s no specific happy hour but there’s “a fair drink at a fair price all the time.” 12249 W. Chinden Blvd., Boise, 208-375-1310.
SockEyE GRill anD BREwERy The brewery has been turning out tasty microbrews since 1996 and offers them up with a full menu. 3019 N. Cole Road, Boise, 208-658-1533, sockeyebrew.com.
Garden city
This Garden City brewery is still a youngster, but it’s growing fast. Check first, though: hours are limited. 5242 Chinden Blvd., Garden City, 208-9012090, 208-890-4120, crookedfencebrewing.com.
DivE BaR This Garden City hub (formerly Moe’s Place) features all kinds of fun, with billiards, dart boards and video games. 3933 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City, 208-343-1243.
kilTED DRaGon BREwinG This brewing newcomer offers up a host of unique beers. Hours are extremely limited though, so check before you go. 9115 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City, 208-254-2012, kilteddragon.com. boiseweekly | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | 61
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pengilly’s Saloon By a my atkins
On a Friday afternoon, Pengilly’s is quiet. The only sounds in the bar come from a wall-mounted TV, the “thwick” of limes being quartered, a guy on a barstool crunching snack mix and the muffled thrum of traffic going by on Main Street. By 10 p.m., the hush will become a din with clacking pool balls, high-volume conversations and live music. Pengilly’s is a popular place—even on a national scale. Esquire Magazine called it “the one true classic in Boise,” adding “only the right bottles reside behind a stunner of a 110-year-old Brunswick bar.” Locally, however, it’s a simple formula of excellent customer service, plus equally excellent live music that keeps people coming back. In his five years at Pengilly’s, bartender Chris Peterson has poured many drink from those bottles. He said some people walk in the door for the first time to see the “stunner of a bar” they read about. But he sees plenty of repeat business, too. “For a lot of people who come in from out of town, this is the one bar they have to come back to because they’ve been here before and it hasn’t changed,” Peterson said. “A lot of people don’t like change. And the bar, which opened in 1976, looks older than it is. Even the expansion looks like it has always been there. I’ve had people walk in who haven’t been in for a year and say, ‘Something looks different.’ Yeah, it’s twice as big now. We even have the best bathrooms in town.” Peterson’s pride in Pengilly’s is matched by his attention to both details and customers. He’s quick to fill an order, pick up empties and offer suggestions for the indecisive. Some of the credit for keeping customers happy goes to Pengilly’s owner Allen Ireland. “[Ireland] trusts his staff to come down here and put money in the till, which is what we want to do,” Peterson said. “He has a hands-off approach, which lets us concentrate on customer service.” Add in live music every night of the week, and Pengilly’s is exactly 62 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
the kind of bar that draws a diverse demographic. Musician Jonah Shue does guitar and vocal duties for Frim Fram 4, a longtime Boise group that takes the Pengilly’s stage every Thursday. The variety of the people he performs for is one of the things Shue likes best about the place. “For the most part, [there is] always a nice mix of people—generations, class, etc. On Thursdays, we’ve had a nice return of swing dancing and old Jimmy Mahoney … at 82 years young, is often seen dancing with gals celebrating their 21st birthday. Sometimes two at once,” he said. Asked why Pengilly’s is an important part of Boise’s music scene, Shue—who has performed at Pengilly’s for the past 10 years—said it’s a place where local musicians could be heard. “Lots of places have had live music for as many years, but somehow, Pengilly’s had a reputation already for being a ‘music venue.’ I think it partly was due to the homegrown talent that played there through the ’80s and ’90s. At that point, it was smaller and more of a ‘listening’ room by virtue of its size. I think it is still a generally encouraging place to play, and it’s not impossible to get a gig there, even though there are many people probably waiting for their turn. Now, after the expansion, it feels a little rowdier and less ‘listen-y’ on the weekends .... It did lose a little of its old-town charm, but Allen did manage to do an amazing job keeping the antique vibe.” After a decade of performing at Pengilly’s, Shue added that a better question might be: “Why do musicians like to drink there, too?” “I think there probably is a residual/historic connection to the fact that there was a guitar store [Old Boise Music] next door for so many years. All of the Pinto Bennett/Nashville guys used to sort of congregate around there (the store and the bar) when they were in town. … All of the rooms upstairs are still in use by musicians for teaching, so the whole building has sort of been a music hub for a long time.” www. b ois e we e k ly.com
Whether it’s the Mutton Buster, the nut brown or the IPA, all are worth swilling at this local microbrewery. An everexpanding tap list has made Payette a Garden City mainstay, offering Friday and Saturday tours and tastings. 111 W. 33rd St., Garden City, 208-3440011, payettebrewing.com.
ThE Ranch cluB Look for the massive bucking bronco and stop in for the reasonably priced pints and pitchers, plus food served into the wee hours. Since Boise went smoke-free, The Ranch Club has become a getaway for those who want to puff indoors. 3544 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City, 208-343-7447.
ThE SanDBaR This seasonal bar overlooks the Boise River and, with its fresh pub food, is a great place to stop on a bike ride. 3933 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City, 208-343-1243 riversideboise.com/ dining/sandbar.
ShoRTy’S Saloon The first rule of Shorty’s is that you’d better love country music. If you do, you’ll be in heaven while you swig a beer or two, play some pool or hit the dance floor for some line dancing. 5467 Glenwood St., Garden City, 208378-7363.
kuna 4-E’S BaR A hybrid between a living room and a lounge, this may be the friendliest bar in kuna, with bar games and flowercovered curtains on the windows. If you want to look like you’re working, there’s Wi-Fi. 379 W. Main St., Kuna, 208-922-1853.
cowGiRlS A bar so wild it has a shuttle between Boise and kuna—and handlebars on the ceiling for when the ladies start dancing on the bar. 353 Ave. E, Kuna, 208-922-9522, cowgirlskuna.com.
lonGhoRn lounGE The only place in kuna where booze and bar eats can be found late. Grab a drink and hit the dance floor, or saddleup on a barstool at the horseshoeshaped bar. 458 W. Third St., Kuna, 208-922-4163.
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RED EyE Saloon This dark little corner is perfect for watching a nASCAR race or joining one of the theme parties that the owners throw from time to time. 414 W. Main St., Kuna, 208-922-9797.
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Meridian BuSTED ShovEl Harleys are parked out front during the summer, but don’t be intimidated—this biker bar is open to all and offers a respectable menu. 704 Main St., Meridian, 208-288-2217, bustedshovel. com.
ThE conSTRucTion ZonE It was Bill and Lynn’s since time immemorial, but the location has an updated vibe, patio, karaoke and live music. 229 W. Franklin Road, Meridian, 208-888-4075.
kay anD TRaci’S 127 cluB Country music, darts, pool, dancing… yup, this is one tried-and-true country bar. Bonus: an impressive food menu, including delicious prime rib. 127 E. Idaho St., Meridian, 208-884-0122.
kiT kaT kluB One of the Treasure Valley’s longestrunning strip clubs, the kit kat klub has slowly expanded, but the basics remain the same: beer only and no touching the dancers. 4842 W. Franklin Road, Meridian, 208-888-7731.
ThE nEw FRonTiER cluB If you want to catch a glimpse of Meridian’s true character, drop into The new Frontier Club for a chat and a beer. The bar is deceptively large and there are plenty of ways to stay entertained for an entire evening. 116 E. Broadway Ave., Meridian, 208-888-9034, newfrontierclub.com.
SlanTED Rock BREwERy Four signature beers are on tap in the tasting room, but check the hours before you make a pilgrimage. 2374 E. Cinema Dr., Ste. 100, Meridian, 208-288-2192, slantedrock.com.
vaRSiTy puB The Varsity has become Meridian’s live comedy go-to, with a regular schedule of entertainment and a full bar. 1441 N. Eagle Road, Meridian, 208-9060658, varsitypubmeridian.com.
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White Water Saloon If a bar wanted to go to a bar, this is where it would go. There’s no food, no kids and smokers can do as they please. 1646 N. Meridian Road, Meridian, 208-888-3063.
Caldwell orphan annie’S Grab a drink and dinner—American and Asian cuisine—while checking out live music on the weekends. 801 Everett St., Caldwell, 208-455-2660, orphananniesbandg.com.
ViCtor’S hogS-n-hornS This bar has been a cowboy hub for more than two decades and serves up Western, as well as Cajun, grub. 3110 Cleveland Blvd., Caldwell, 208-4551956, victorshogsandhorns.com.
nampa FirehouSe SportS pub This sports pub has seven big screens, games, pool, even breakfast, meaning you can happily spend a whole day here. 1515 N. Midland Blvd., Nampa, 208463-0167, firehousepub.biz.
Monkey bizneSS The real monkeys are gone, but the fun lives on with a full bar and live music. 724 First St. S., Nampa, 208-4671507.
Star helina Marie’S Wine bar Even little Star needed a wine bar. Helina Marie’s always seems to have something going on, whether it’s tastings, karaoke or live music. 11053 Highway 44, Star, 208-286-7960, helinamaries.com.
SaM’S Saloon While it may no longer be the only bar in Star, it has maintained its reputation for being a choice location for playing horseshoes and pool on a hot summer day. 10937 W. State St., Star, 208-286-7794. For even more bars and nightlife offerings, visit boiseweekly.com. 64 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
Magic Sword By Andrew Crisp
One of Boise’s newest, most-hyped electronic musicians centers his music on anonymity. Already a longstanding Boise DJ, Magic Sword closely guards his identity with his latest project. “One, I think it kind of adds to the whole concept of the album, and also it’s kind of a clean slate. There’s no preconceived notion of what it’s going to be,” Magic Sword told Boise Weekly. “Plus it can be creepy.” Magic Sword’s much-anticipated first show took place at China Blue during Treefort Music Fest in March 2013. Before that, the project existed only on the popular music-sharing service SoundCloud. On stage, he took on the persona of The Keeper, wearing a black fencing mask rimmed with glowing lights. A huge crowd roared as he produced a glowing, LED-studded sword, from which he derives his name, toward the end of the set. “It’s not a new concept, really,” he explained. “It’s the same old play on ‘The One Sword,’ like Excalibur, which when held by the right person, will save the world or save a group of people. The whole concept behind it is when someone’s in need, the magic sword will save them.” During performances, another masked collaborator plays guitar, which Magic Sword’s creator believes adds an extra element to the electronic performance. “I’m kind of standing behind this table, and even though I’m twisting knobs and maybe playing a little bit of keys and pushing buttons, I feel that can be boring at times,” he said. “The guitar adds more of an organic feel.” A forthcoming album will include a comic book and other visual art pieces, which add to the story of The Keeper. He describes Magic Sword as more of a collective, focusing not just on electronic music but an entire spectrum of arts. “I feel like it’s as important as the music, having the visual aid there; a comic book to thumb through while you’re listening to it. That will help people get the concept of the album a little better. We try to model the music after a soundtrack more than anything else,” he said. In that way, the live performances are more attempts to bring The Keeper into the world as a real force, literally bringing art to life. All those components combine to foster a deeper connection with audiences. “We wanted to create a whole experience. It’s not just about music. It’s definitely about the visuals and the art,” he said. “I think the music is only half of it.”
www. b ois e we e k ly.com
Culture i llu strations by E rin Cunningham
Idaho Shakespeare Festival employs about 150 people each summer.
Boise has 57 traffic control boxes covered by artistic wraps, with 38 more on the way.
there are just fewer than 1 million items in the collection at the Idaho State Archives, including 20,000 books, 26,000 maps, 40,000 rolls of microfilm, 27,000 oral histories and more than 750,000 photographs.
Downtown Boise is home to two statues of Abraham lincoln.
Approximately 250,000 people attend Art in the Park each year.
Ballet Idaho has about 250 students enrolled in its Academy classes.
www.b oi se we e kly.com
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Museums and Cultural Centers BaSque MuSeuM and Cultural Center This small museum on Boise’s Basque Block is dedicated to celebrating the history and contributions of Idaho’s vibrant Basque culture. Long-term exhibits are augmented with regular events and gatherings with music and food. 611 Grove St., Boise, 208-343-2671, basquemuseum.com.
BOiSe art MuSeuM BAM curates numerous special exhibits, as well as its permanent collection spread across multiple galleries, an outdoor sculpture garden and classrooms. BAM offers numerous opportunities for the public to learn more about the art with events like gallery walks and artist talks. 670 Julia Davis Drive, Boise, 208345-8330, boiseartmuseum.org.
BOiSe WaterShed The Watershed housed at the Boise wastewater treatment facility is dedicated to promoting water and environmental stewardship through hands-on displays and events. 11818 W. Joplin Road, Boise, 208-608-7300, bee.cityofboise.org/watershed.
diSCOvery Center Of idahO Science, math and engineering leap out of textbooks at this hands-on museum. The exhibits may be geared toward kids, but all ages can get in on the fun, especially with occasional adult nights for the 21-and-older crowd. 131 Myrtle St., Boise, 208-343-9895, scidaho.org.
fOOthillS learning Center It’s all about the environment and local ecology at this education center celebrating the Boise Foothills. The center hosts numerous events and programs for kids and families. 3188 Sunset Peak Road, Boise, 208-493-2530, bee. cityofboise.org/foothills.
idahO anne frank huMan rightS MeMOrial The open-air monument uses quotes from humanitarian leaders to foster discussion and reflection, and is one of the few places in the world where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is on display. 777 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-345-0304, idaho-humanrights.org. 68 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
Olek Szewczyk, Comedian By Amy Atkins
Though his parents came to the United States as political refugees from Jaroslaw, Poland, when he was still an infant, 29-year-old Aleksander “Olek” Krzysztof Szewczyk (“Vanna, can I please buy a vowel?”) still has a hint of an accent. If you’ve been to a comedy show at Liquid in the past two years, you’ve probably heard it. Szewczyk occasionally follows the deadpan delivery of one of his jokes with a self-referential laugh. It can make for an awkward moment as audience members look at each other to see if they should be laughing, too. “I’m just a goofy bastard,” he said with a smile. That’s an apt description, but Szewczyk is also approachable, and it isn’t long before everyone is relaxed and laughing along—it’s like listening to a nerdy nephew tell jokes. Getting any kind of audience buy-in isn’t bad for a guy relatively new to comedy: Szewczyk only started doing stand-up about two years ago and took any opportunity he could to work on his craft “I was methodical,” Szewczyk said about his approach. He performed at two or three comedy open mics every week for a year, and then, rather than fight for the limited spots opening for touring comics, Szewczyk started hosting open mic nights. He hosted Liquid’s open mic comedy night on Wednesdays for more than a year and is now the club’s house MC. On paper, Szewczyk looks like a guy paying his dues in the hopes of a career packed with touring, radio and TV appearances, and half-hour comedy specials. But Szewczyk is happy right where he is: cleaning houses during the day and doing comedy at night. “This is what I want to do,” he said, without the slightest hint of irony. The comedian’s contentedness with his lot may very well be a factor in his ability to maintain it. He’s a soft-spoken guy who doesn’t see the stage as a soapbox. “I’m not very opinionated in real life or on stage,” he said. “I don’t want to piss anybody off.” Szewczyk’s uncontroversial demeanor is no act. He is genuinely a nice guy. He also knows it pays to get along with other comics—“Comics book comics,” he said—his respect and admiration for his comedic colleagues is authentic. He feels the same way about his audiences. “[I] never blame the audience for a bad night,” Szewczyk said. And he believes the keys to being a successful comedian—whatever that respect looks like—are simple. “Be humble. Work on your craft. Be gracious. And don’t get cocky.”
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idahO BlaCk hiStOry MuSeuM The contributions of black culture in Idaho are not as well-known as many pioneering stories, but they and others from around the world are celebrated at this museum. Hours are limited, but admission is free. 508 Julia Davis Drive, Boise, 208-433-0017, ibhm.org.
idahO BOtaniCal garden Visitors can stroll through numerous gardens, including those dedicated to native plants and the children’s garden—complete with a series of new treehouses begging to be explored. IBG hosts numerous events, including concerts, programs, festivals and the annual Garden aGlow holiday display. 2355 N. Penitentiary Road, Boise, 208343-8649, idahobotanicalgarden.org.
idahO State hiStOriCal MuSeuM From prehistoric animals, to the pioneers and present day, all of Idaho’s history is laid out for visitors. Watch for rotating exhibits, as well as hands-on history events, classes and public lectures. 610 N. Julia Davis Drive, Boise, 208-334-2120, history.idaho.gov.
Mk nature Center
WOrld Center fOr BirdS Of Prey
BOiSe COnteMPOrary theater
idahO ShakeSPeare feStival
The nature Center offers an urban escape showcasing the area’s array of wildlife along a flowing stream, including cutthroat and rainbow trout, chinook salmon and sturgeon, as well as numerous waterfowl, songbirds and even mule deer, mink and beaver. 600 S. Walnut St., Boise, 208-334-2225, fishandgame.idaho.gov.
Southwest Idaho has some of the best habitat for raptors, and there’s no better way to learn about the birds and conservation efforts than by getting up close. The center offers daily presentations about the birds and conservation efforts, as well as falconry tours. 5668 W. Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, 208-3628687, peregrinefund.org.
BCT is a professional contemporary theater company featuring occasional premieres, as well as a popular reading series and concerts. Productions are typically geared for adults. 854 Fulton St., Boise, 208-331-9224, bctheater.org.
ISF is the peak of Boise’s theater landscape, bringing both classic Shakespeare and contemporary plays to area audiences. Performances are in the ISF outdoor amphitheater, and enjoying a picnic while you watch is a required part of summer in Boise. 5657 Warm Springs Ave., Boise, 208-336-9221, idahoshakespeare.org.
Old idahO Penitentiary
ZOO BOiSe
Want to remind the kids to mind their P’s and Q’s? Visit the Pen. explore cell blocks, view the hanging room and solitary. Regular events take advantage of the prison’s haunted reputation. It’s also home to the J. Curtis earl Memorial exhibit, showcasing one of the nation’s largest collection of historic arms and military memorabilia. 2445 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, 208-3342844, history.idaho.gov.
Zoo Boise has been growing by leaps and bounds, and exhibits like the African Safari and seasonal butterfly house prove it. Watch for a new sprayground, where kids can romp through columns of water; a temporary dinosaur exhibit; and a new primate house. 355 Julia Davis Drive, Boise, 208-384-4260, zooboise.org.
WarhaWk air MuSeuM The museum is not only home to a collection of military planes—including a Curtiss P-40 and a P-51 C Mustang— but it looks at American culture during times of war through exhibits showcasing stories and artifacts from both veterans and civilians. The museum hosts many educational programs. 201 Municipal Drive, Nampa, 208-4656446, warhawkairmuseum.org. 70 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
theater alley rePertOry theater This semi-pro, semi-community theater focuses on more adult-oriented contemporary productions, including work by local artists. The group makes its home at Visual Arts Collective in Garden City. 216 W. 38th St., Garden City, 208-388-4278, alleyrep.org.
BOiSe little theater BLT is a community theater institution that boasts a solidly family friendly season with familiar fare and lighter offerings, including an annual holiday production. 100 E. Fort St., Boise, 208342-5102, boiselittletheater.org.
BOiSe State theatre artS The university’s theater program offers a wide-ranging season featuring student talent. 2201 Caesar Chavez Lane, Boise, 208-426-3957, theatrearts. boisestate.edu.
daiSy’S MadhOuSe This community theater company focuses on avant-garde productions which challenge and entertain adults. Locations vary, daisysmadhouse.org.
the eMPty BOat Community theater focusing on locally crafted productions, as well as national titles for an adult audience. Locations vary, theemptyboattheatrecompany.org.
knOCk ’eM dead dinner theatre Productions are family friendly at this popular community dinner theater with a taste for sentimental favorites. 415 E. Parkcenter Blvd., Boise, 208-3850021, kedproductions.org.
Prairie dOg PrOduCtiOnS Prairie Dog always promises laugh-yourass-off, farce-filled community theater for the whole family. 3820 Cassia St., Boise, 208-336-7383, pdplayhouse.com.
Stage COaCh theatre True community theater with productions that range from contemporary to rom-coms to farce. Typically family friendly, there are a few productions which are more appropriate for the grown-up crowd. 4802 W. Emerald St., Boise, 208-342-2000, stagecoachtheatre.com. www. b ois e we e k ly.com
Ballet idahO Boise’s classical ballet company comes with the tutus and all—although the company does enjoy throwing in a contemporary twist now and then. The annual production of The nutcracker is a favorite family tradition. 501 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-343-0556, balletidaho.org.
BalanCe danCe COlleCtive This modern dance company is built around its teen dancers, who work with professionals to hone their skills. 854 Fulton St., Boise, 208-331-3184, balancedance.org.
idahO danCe theatre
Zach voss of retroscope Media By A ndrew C ri s p
Freelance filmmaker Zach Voss has been applauded for his ambitious productions and quickly established himself as one of Boise’s most well-known producers. Many first witnessed Voss’ work in his short comedies Object of Affection and Beard’s Company, which both took several honors at the i48 Short Film Competition in 2010 and 2011, respectively. In 2012, Voss produced his short film Mandrake Estate, which saw its world premiere at the Sun Valley Film Festival in March 2013. Since then, his company, Retroscope Media, has branched into commercial work on local music videos, broadcast television and online. While Voss has made a name for himself in the Boise arts community, this Boise State University alumnus has only been a freelance filmmaker for a handful of years. “It’s good to kind of see that forward progress, to know that I’m working in a medium that is desired and is supported locally, and I’m working in a place that has maintained that interest for it,” said Voss. As technology has placed smartphones in the hands of most Americans, video has become nearly ubiquitous. Voss believes his pursuits port well into the current state of media. “When it comes to having to pick a career path, I never really had a goal for what I wanted to do and never had a destination in mind. But this seems like a very relevant choice to be making,” he said. And it appears there’s demand. His schedule has been full in the past year. Mandrake Estate—a film following Brooks Lloydman, groundskeeper of a prestigious golf course written and directed by Voss— premiered at the Sun Valley Film Festival. Retroscope Media also wrapped a series of commercials for the Idaho Lottery, which ran on broadcast television across the state. Voss even ventured to New Jersey to scout locations for a film project commissioned by Rutgers University in Newark, N.J. Voss acknowledges the diverse nature of his work, which spans commercial work to hip music videos for local bands like Owlright and Brother Dan. Voss said he wants to keep his options open. “I’m open to exploring all of those applications. They all use pretty similar tools and techniques, and every time I do one project, I feel like I’m expressing one part of the trade that I picked up on in another area. It’s all sort of going toward the same goal, of expanding and growing and learning,” he said. The Internet has shrunk the map for filmmakers, who can collaborate from anywhere. Voss described making plans with a New York filmmaker to work together when the two met while in Sun Valley. Unlike other artists, Voss’ works is imminently portable, allowing viewers to queue up from their smartphones. “This gives me a chance to kind of showcase something of Boise outside of Boise, and therefore can kind of be a piece that shows off all the great, exciting, interesting things that are happening here, without you having to be a resident,” he said. www.b oi se we e kly.com
IDT has brought modern dance to Boise for more than 20 years and offers a full season of new works and returning favorites. Preview nights are pay-whatyou-can admission. 405 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-331-9592, idahodancetheatre.org.
Off Center danCe A collection of local contemporary dancers and choreographers come together to promote dance across the region through performances. offcenterdance.org.
trey MCintyre PrOjeCt The world-renowned contemporary ballet company spends much of the year traveling the globe, but its regular Boise and Sun Valley performances play to packed houses. 2285 Warm Springs Ave., Boise, 208-867-2320, treymcintyre.com.
Symphony/Opera BOiSe BarOque OrCheStra The small orchestral ensemble specializes in music from the 17th and 18th centuries and performs a short but regular season of concerts. boisebaroque.com.
BOiSe PhilharMOniC The big guys of Boise’s classical scene offer traditional concerts, a popular family series and casual concerts. Recently lowered ticket prices have made concerts even more accessible. 516 S. Ninth St., Boise, 208-344-7849, boisephilharmonic.org.
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BOiSe PhilharMOniC MaSter ChOrale This volunteer vocal group is more than 100-strong and far from amateur. 208344-7849, boisephilharmonic.org.
Meridian SyMPhOny Meridian’s own community symphony performs a variety of classical favorites. 208-891-2721, meridiansymphony.org.
OPera idahO The company performs everything from classic european operas to American offerings. Don’t miss mini-concerts throughout the season. 513 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-345-3531, operaidaho.org.
galleries - Boise art SOurCe gallery An eclectic mix of artists. 1015 W. Main St., Boise, 208-331-3374, artsourcegallery.com.
the art Of Ward hOOPer one of the area’s best-known artists, the vintage style is iconic. 745 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208-866-4627, wardhooper.com.
BlaCk hunger gallery Small but well-curated gallery with modern shows. 2606 Breneman St., Boise, blackhunger.com.
the COle Marr gallery
lee gallery BOiSe
galleries - garden City
Photogaphy shows and classes. 404 S. Eighth St., Ste. B100, Boise, 208-3367630, cmphotoworkshops.com.
Focusing on emerging artists. 409 S. Eighth St., Ste 101, Boise, 208-3451120, leegalleryboise.com.
enSO art SPaCe
BOiSe art glaSS
Creative aCCeSS artS Center
Stunning glass creations made on-site. 530 W. Myrtle St., Boise, 208-3451825, boiseartglass.com.
Showcasing art by Idahoans with disabilities. 500 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-342-5884, ipulidaho.org.
BOiSe State univerSity: gallery 1 and gallery 2
dan lOOney undergrOund art
Rotating shows at the adjacent galleries showcase student, faculty and touring exhibits. Liberal Arts Building and Hemingway Center, Boise State, artdept.boisestate.edu.
Specializing in scenes of Boise and Idaho. 816 W. Bannock St., Ste. E., Boise, 208-870-9589, imagemaker. org/artist/danlooney.
BOiSe State univerSity: SuB gallery Featuring a wide variety of national and regional artists. 1910 University Drive, Boise State, 208-426-3049, finearts. boisestate.edu.
BruMfield’S gallery Modern gallery represeting artists from the U.K. and Boise. 1513 N. 13th St., Boise, 208-333-0309, brumfieldllc.com.
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gallery 601 Representing a diverse mix of artists. 211 N. 10th St., Boise, 208-336-5899, gallery601.com.
the gallery at the linen Building Well-curated group and solo shows by Boise artists. 1402 W. Grove St., Boise, 208-385-0111, thelinenbuilding.com.
liSk gallery Showcasing the photos and paintings of Mark and Jerri Lisk. 401 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-342-3773, liskgallery.com.
nfinit art gallery Featuring a variety of artists and media. 405 S. Eighth St., Ste. 131, Boise, 208371-0586, nfinitartgallery.com.
r. grey gallery jeWelry and art glaSS High-end, award-winning, handmade jewelry and fine art. 415 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-385-9337, rgreygallery. com.
SteWart gallery See page 73. 2230 Main St., Boise, 208-433-0593, stewartgallery.com.
galleries - eagle
green ChuteS
gaia StudiOS and gallery
An everyman’s gallery with a mix of styles. 4716 W. State St., Boise, 208-342-7111, greenchutesboise.com.
An array of local and national artists. 237 N. First St., Eagle, 208.473.2325, gaiastudiosandgallery.com.
High-brow art by a highly regarded artists’ collective. 120 E. 38th St., Ste. 105., Garden City, 208-991-0117, ensoartspace.com.
viSual artS COlleCtive Gallery/concert space with a wide range of local artists. 3638 Osage St., Garden City, 208-424-8297, visualartscollective.com.
galleries - nampa nnu: frieSen gallerieS Rotating exhibits of local and national artists. Brandt Center, Northwest Nazarene University, 623 S. University Drive, 208-467-8398, nnu.edu.
galleries - Sun valley/ hailey/ketchum BrOSChOfSky gallerieS Specializing in 19th-21st century fine American art. 360 East Ave., Ketchum, 208-726-4950, brogallery.com. www. b ois e we e k ly.com
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Stewart gallery By Andrew Cris p
Thirty-two years ago—before BODO, the Sesqui-Shop or the Eighth Street Artist in Residence program—Lane Bune and Stephanie Wilde moved to Boise from Utah. Long before the local scene residents know now, Bune and Wilde came for one thing: art. “At the time we were living in Ogden, Utah,” said Bune. “So it was a no-brainer.” Since October 1987, the couple has run contemporary fine art outlet Stewart Gallery in numerous locations around Boise, exhibiting work from artists popular in local, national and international markets. Originally setting their sights on the City of Trees to help nurse Wilde’s own artistic career, the gallery sprung up as, perhaps, dumb luck. “It really was a good thing for me as an artist, because I really understood galleries, the importance of them, what they do, how hard they work, what they do for an artist. It’s an essential relationship. It’s just really important to have a really good gallery to work with you,” Wilde said. While Wilde can see both sides of the relationship, both she and Bune admit Boise can be a tough market. Relatively few fine art galleries make for a scene constantly in flux. That has forced Stewart Gallery to take on different forms to respond to demand. “We really have had to reinvent ourselves numerous times,” she said. Both attribute their continued success to that flexibility. “I think that’s pretty much the secret: You have to reinvent yourself, you have to do different things, you have to bring in different artwork. But we bring in what we like,” said Bune. “And what we really would like our clients to purchase, and own,” added Wilde. “We have had great success with people who have gone on to do wonderful things, and our clients have been able to purchase them just on the cusp of that, which is really fantastic to watch.” Local artists Pat Hughes, Charles Gill and Karen Woods have all www.b oi se we e kly.com
shown at Stewart Gallery. Acclaimed artists Benjamin Jones, of Atlanta, Ga., and Wesley Anderegg, who maintains a studio in Lompoc, Calif., both have work at Stewart Gallery. Stewart Gallery even hosted famed glass artist Dale Chihuly 20 years ago. For Wilde, bringing artists from outside Boise is an important influence in the art community—both for her work, and the work of others. “Bringing in artists, for me, is humbling, and also helps me as an artist. You get your chops up, you know. Being isolated, you can think you’re doing fantastic work, because there’s nothing to compare it to,” she said. But the economic turmoil initiated in 2008 was a blow to the arts community—and business. “When the economy hit, we saw a lot of people close their doors and walk from the arts. It hurt. It really hurt the visual arts, it hurt the performing arts, it hurt everybody. It took a major toll,” said Wilde. In response, Stewart Gallery moved from Jefferson Street to a smaller storefront off the beaten path at 2230 W. Main St. “Boise, also, for what we do—we would rather go into a very small space, or close, rather than compromise what we show,” said Wilde. While the pair may have a smaller Boise footprint, they’ve expanded their reach to art shows in Dallas, New York, Miami and other cities. “Art fairs are a major step for us—and it was a good one. And we’ve met so many other people, too, that are like-minded,” said Bune. “We’ve been doing the art fairs now for six years,” said Wilde, adding that they’ve opened doors for local artists, like Karen Woods, who now has a dealer in Los Angeles. For Wilde and Bune, the gallery is a place to help artists propel their careers into new cities, museums and other exhibitions. “There are half a dozen artists we’re working really hard to get national, international, world recognition. And that’s happening,” said Bune. boiseweekly | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | 73
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frederiC BOlOix fine artS Featuring work by modern masters. 351 Leadville Ave. N., Ketchum, 208-7268810, boloix.com.
frieSen gallery Dedicated to contemporary works. 320 First Ave. N., Ketchum, 208-726-4174, friesengallery.com.
gail Severn gallery Large gallery representing a range of artists. 400 First Ave. N., Ketchum, 208-726-5079, gailseverngallery.com.
gallery denOvO Representing emerging international artists. 320 First Ave. N., Ste. 101, Ketchum, 208-726-8180, gallerydenovo.com.
gilMan COnteMPOrary Showing a variety of artists and media. 661 Sun Valley Road, Ketchum, 208-7267585, gilmancontemporary.com.
harvey art PrOjeCtS Contemporary Australian indigenous artists. 391 First Ave. N., Ketchum, 208-309-8676, harveyartprojects.com.
kneeland gallery Focusing on Western artists. 271 First Ave. N., Ketchum, 208-726-5512, kneelandgallery.com.
OChi gallery Showing a diversity of contemporary artists. 119 Lewis St., Ketchum, 208-7268746, ochigallery.com.
Sun valley Center fOr the artS Rotating shows and programs by area and national artists. 191 Fifth St. E., Ketchum; 314 Second Ave. S., Hailey; 208-726-9491, sunvalleycenter.org.
galleries - McCall artiZen gallery Showing an array of area artists and decor. 300 N. Third St., McCall, 208634-5885, artizengallery.com.
gallery 55 A co-op of area artists. 317 E. Lake St., McCall, 208-634-6313, galleryfiftyfive. wordpress.com.
StudiO 616 Fun, funky artists’ co-op. 616 N. Third St., McCall, 208-631-2661. 74 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
dwayne Blackaller of Boise Contemporary theater By tAr A morg An
Dwayne Blackaller first acquired a taste for acting in high school. He was assigned to write a monologue for class but procrastinated until the last minute. “I put it off and woke up in a panic and wrote the monologue and it was really cheesy, about a Roman ghost who had been haunting this kid for a decade. … I performed it in front of the class and all the girls cried and were really in love with me, and I thought, ‘This is the job for me.’” High-school incentives aside, Blackaller stuck with theater. After earning a B.A. in English at Boise State University, Blackaller booked it to Ohio State University to pursue his MFA in acting. “Moving back to Boise was a scary thing, because I had done grad school in Ohio and was getting some work in New York, and I thought coming back to Boise seemed pretty risky,” said Blackaller. “I thought, ‘Oh, no, am I going to be consigning myself to a smaller future?’” As it turns out, that wasn’t the case. Blackaller alternates between writing, directing, acting and teaching at Boise Contemporary Theater, while also working with Empty Boat Theatre Company and Idaho Shakespeare Festival. Blackaller had a lead role in BCT’s 2012 production Gruesome Playground Injuries and in 1999’s The Pavilion. This season, he directed Tracy Sunderland in the one-woman production Graphic Depictions, and starred in and co-wrote BCT’s all-ages monster hit, A Nighttime Survival Guide. “That was the best-attended BCT show in its history,” said Blackaller. “We received more letters about that play and emails and messages than any other play, and it was really astonishing because I didn’t think of it as a play that would particularly hit our audience this well.” When he’s not writing or performing, Blackaller can also be found running BCT’s Theater Lab program, which is open to students ages 12-17. “In about 56 hours, we conceive, devise, write, memorize and perform a play, which is really, really astonishing when you think that in our professional setting—when we have a play that already exists—we take about 40 hours a week, times four,” he said. But Blackaller is particularly proud of his work with Idaho Shakespeare Festival’s Idaho Theater for Youth. Two of the plays he’s written—H.G. Wells: The Science of Fiction and Air Heart—have recently toured to schools around the state. “Between this and last year, 50,000 kids saw those plays,” said Blackaller. “I’ve got beautiful letters and things like that from kids all over the place who are just gaga for it. That’s been a big and exciting new piece of my life that I hope to continue because [my son] Jack keeps asking me, ‘When’s the next play?’ and he’s pushing me to make more stuff for kids, and I think I will.” www. b ois e we e k ly.com
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Fri dAy, s ept. 6 -sundAy, sept. 8, 2013 J ul iA dAvis pA rk Boi s eArtmu s eum.org For three days in September, Julia Davis Park hosts what seems like the valley’s entire population as crowds pack the otherwise sedate park for one of the biggest and most popular art events of the year. Art in the Park brings more than 250 artists and crafters from around the region (and country) to the park for a sale and fundraiser for the Boise Art Museum. People of all ages and descriptions weave through the booths, dodging strollers and gaggles of chatting neighbors as they search for hand-crafted treasures.
idahO BOtaniCal garden COnCertS mAy-s e p t e m Be r i dAho B otA niCAl g Arden , B oi se i dAhoBotAniCAlgA r den .o rg Idaho Botanical Garden has become the go-to spot for outdoor music. Audiences looking for a laid-back evening catch weekly Thursday night performances June through September during the Great Garden escape series, in which audiences watch from picnic blankets in the Meditation Garden. Big-name artists show up on the regular and shows are often sold out for the outlaw Field concert series May through September.
BOiSe Weekly COver auCtiOn wednes dAy, nov. 20, 2013 vi suA l Arts Col l eC tive, g Arden City
LAURIe PeARMAn
The beautiful artwork that graces the cover of Boise Weekly each week is more than a colorful way to draw readers’ attention: The art selected for the cover each week is part of a program designed to foster even more art in Boise. each fall, the original artwork created by local artists is auctioned off to raise money to support the Boise Weekly Cover Art Grant, which doles out funds to area artists and arts organizations. This year, a portion of the proceeds from the auction will go to support Boise Weekly, the state’s only alternative weekly newspaper. But more than a feel-good event, the auction is a hell of a party with drinks, food and exciting competitive bidding. This year, the auction is at Visual Arts Collective and a $5 donation gets you in.
alive after five we dne s dAys , J une - s ep tem B e r
once upon a time, downtown Boise was a ghost town after 5 p.m. These days, it’s alive with activity, especially on summer Wednesday evenings when the Downtown Boise Association hosts free concerts in the Grove Plaza. All ages turn out for the fun. Check out the online schedule for a full list of artists.
idahO ShakeSPeare feStival June -se p t e m Be r i s F A mp hit h e At e r i dAhos hAk e s p e A r e .o rg For more than 30 years, Idaho Shakespeare Festival has presented live theater under the summer sky. Whether it’s classic Shakespeare or a contemporary musical, audiences pack the scenic amphitheater just east of downtown Boise. While the show is sure to entertain, it can’t be denied that part of the draw is the social atmosphere of a night at ISF, where audiences come early to picnic and the wine is always flowing. 76 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
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s undAy, mArC h 2 3 , 2 014 downtown Boise treeFortmu siCF e st.Com With only two years under its belt, the Treefort Music Fest has ballooned into a massive draw for music makers and lovers alike. What was originally designed as a way to capitalize on bands traveling this direction after the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas, has turned into its own destination event. Hundreds of bands representing all types of music and thousands of fans head to Boise each spring for the four-day musical celebration. Bands play both indoor and outdoor venues across downtown Boise, with plenty of beer, food and assorted fun. Watch the Treefort website for details of the 2014 event as they are announced.
MOdern art thurs dAy, mAy 1, 2 014 mode rn hotel , B oi s e themode rnhote l.Com Take artists, give them the keys to an entire hotel for one night, and what do you get? one of the most anticipated annual celebrations of the arts in Boise. on First Thursday each May, the Modern Hotel and Bar hosts a horde of artists, who take over nearly every room—and outdoor space—in the hotel, and turn them into mini-galleries, performance spaces or interactive works of art. The result is one of the best art parties of the year.
i48 filM feStival FridAy, mAy 3 0-sundAy, June 1, 2 014 s Creening s sAtur dAy, June 7-sundAy, June 8 , 2 014 idAho48.org It’s an all-out race to create a movie for the i48 Film Festival. Teams of movie makers have just 48 hours to write, film and edit a short film for the competition showcasing Idaho talent. Teams are given their genres on Friday evening and then must race to the Sunday finish line. Films are screened the following week, and a screening of those selected as the best by a panel of judges close out the festival.
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SHOP i llu strations by E rin Cunningham
Indie Made artist/crafter co-op has 59 members. Hap Tallman keeps between 800 and 900 pairs of cowboy boots in stock, selling more than 1,000 pairs each year.
There are nearly 40 tattoo shops in the city of Boise.
Zamzows sells about 12,400 lawn care programs each year.
Puffy Mondaes makes approximately 1,000 pounds of its store-brand reclaimed Rejuvaknit yarns each year. The Boise State University Bronco Shops sell more than 56,600 Bronco T-shirts in a year.
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open Air: Get out and recreate BACKCoUNTRY pURSUIT Used outdoor gear to get you outside on a budget. 671 S Capitol Blvd., Boise, 208-429-1124, backcountrypursuit.com.
BANdANNA RUNNING ANd WAlKING Large selection of running shoes and great accessories to keep you moving. 504 W. Main St., Boise, 208-386-9017, bandannarunning.com.
The BeNChMARK Climb, backpack and camp—tons of options for all outdoor adventures. 625 S. Vista Ave., Boise, 208-338-1700, benchmarkadventures.com.
BIKeS To BoARdS No motors but plenty of two- and fourwheeled fun. 3525 W. State St., Boise, 208-343-0208, bikes2boards.com.
The BoARdRooM Snowboards and skateboards for the true boarder. 2727 W. State St., Boise, 208-385-9553, boardroomboise.com.
BoISe ARMY NAvY Just the place for the camo-wearing, Dutch-oven-cooking camper in your life. 4924 Chinden Blvd., Garden City, 208322-0660, boisearmynavy.org.
CoRRIdoR pAddle SURf Shop Stand up paddleboard and surfboard rentals and sales. 314 E. 35th St., Garden City, 208-615-4787, corridorsup.com.
eCo loUNGe Eco-friendly products for the skier and boarder. 2445 Bogus Basin Road, Boise, 208-429-8855, eco-lounge.com.
GeoRGe’S CYCleS Everything you need for cycling. Multiple locations, georgescycles.com.
GReeNWood’S SKI hAUS If it slides on snow, it’s here. 2400 N. Bogus Basin Road, Boise, 208-3426808, greenwoodsskihaus.com.
IdAho ANGleR Turning fishing into an art with a full line of supplies. 1682 S. Vista Ave., 208-389-9957, idahoangler.com. 80 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
Chris haunold of Idaho Mountain Touring By Deanna Darr
Chris Haunold smiled as he pulled out an aged newspaper clipping—a 22-year-old copy of the first issue of Boise Weekly, profiling him and his then-fledgling business. A lot has changed since he and his former business partner opened Idaho Mountain Touring in 1984— including the color of Haunold’s hair, he pointed out with a laugh—but as IMT quickly approaches its 30th anniversary, it’s still rolling along. IMT (idahomountaintouring.com) opened a second location in Meridian, in June 2013, adding a 6,000-square-foot bike shop to its 20,000-square-foot downtown Boise headquarters, which still specializes in bikes of all descriptions, Nordic skis, outdoor clothing and assorted gear to complement it all. While Haunold admits that it feels pretty good to have the store where it is now, it all started on much shakier ground. “Initially, we were hanging on by our fingernails,” he said, describing how there wasn’t enough cash to come up with the deposit required for the gas company to turn on the heat that first winter in business. Instead, they talked a wood stove company into “displaying” a stove in the store, then burned donated construction scraps to heat a 5-foot radius in the store. “You had to do what you had to do,” he said with a laugh. It’s a simple lesson, but those small businesses willing to learn it might just find success. Haunold moved to Boise after working in a bike shop in his hometown of Corvallis, Ore., where a former co-worker convinced him to go into business. After his first visit to the Gem State, the skier and biker “thought I’d died and gone to heaven.” The draw of easy access to recreation is one of the most common attractions for new residents, and something that has kept IMT in business. The store opened just as mountain biking was gaining popularity, and by offering options to both mountain and road bikers, IMT has been able to ride the trends. “Cycling and outdoor sports were fringe sports,” Haunold said of the early years. “You had to have a screw loose to be interested in it.” Now, outdoor rec is mainstream and people of all skill levels and ages are looking for ways to get outside. Despite reaching nearly landmark status on the local rec scene, Haunold said one of his greatest achievements is having employees whose tenure passes the decade-mark. Along the same lines, his favorite part of the business isn’t how it has grown or how technology has changed, but talking with his customers. “It’s seeing somebody really get excited about what they’re getting into,” Haunold said with a smile. www. b ois e we e k ly.com
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Head to the mountains via skis, backpack or bike. 1310 W. Main St., Boise; 1739 Cherry Lane, Meridian, 208-3363854, idahomountaintouring.com.
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IdAho MoUNTAIN ToURING
IdAho RIveR SpoRTS For when you want to get wet—with your kayak or raft. Check out the classes. 3100 W. Pleasanton Ave., Boise; 2021 E. Wilson Lane, Meridian, 208-336-4844, idahoriversports.com
JoYRIde CYCleS Two-wheeled happiness in Boise’s North End. 1306 Alturas St., Boise, 208-947-0017, joyride-cycles.com.
MCU SpoRTS Skiing, biking, boarding—it’s all here, as well as outdoor clothing. 2314 Bogus Basin Road, Boise, 208-336-2300; 822 W. Jefferson St., Boise, 208-3427734, mcusports.com.
NeWT ANd hARold’S Everything for all types of board riders— snowboards, skateboards, clothes and accessories. 1021 Broadway Ave., Boise, 208-385-9300, newtandharolds.com.
oUTdooR exChANGe Gently used outdoor clothes and gear. 1415 W. Grove St., Boise, 208-2977002, outdoor-exchange.com.
pReSTIGe SKATeBoARdS The place for the skateboard purist. 106 S. 11th St., Boise, 208-424-6824, prestigeskateboards.com.
ShU’S IdAho RUNNING Helping you put one foot in front of the other with shoes and accessories. 1758 W. State St., Boise, 208-3446604, idahorunningcompany.com.
TRI ToWN Everything your run-of-the-mill triathlete needs. 1517 ½ N. 13th St., Boise, 208-297-7943, tritownboise.com.
Next Generation: here you go, kid BUNS IN The oveN From stylish maternity wear to finely crafted toys not readily available elsewhere. 413 S. Eighth St., Ste. A, Boise, 208-342-5683, labortolove.com.
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Belle BoUTIqUe
Clothes and fun accessories for the stylish child. 819 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208-345-5501, cassiskids.com.
Stylish designer duds for fashionable women who like the boutique experience in the ’burbs. 3371 N. Eagle Road, Ste. 130, Meridian, 208-345-1039.
peNNY lANe KIdS Books, games and clothes for infants to teens. 1778 W. State St., Boise, 208-344-5437, pennylanekids.com.
duds: looking good AlexANdeR dAvIS Classy threads for men who like to look all sorts of dapper. 812 W. Bannock St., Boise, 208-343-5341.
fANCY pANTS High-end high fashion for the hip woman, with plenty of designer labels. 825 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208-3453339, fpstyle.com.
hAp TAllMAN The place to go to dress your inner cowboy or cowgirl in true Western style. 4410 Overland Road, Boise, 208-3447873, haptallman.com.
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AMeRICAN CloThING GAlleRY
Fashion-forward, edgy new and used clothes 785 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208344-4589, luxfashionlounge.com.
High-end Western-inspired fashion for women who like to stand out. 100 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208-433-0872, americanclothinggallery.com.
pIeCe UNIqUe / Shoez
BARBARA BARBARA For the girls who like it sassy, with a variety of name-brand lines and accessories. 807 W. Bannock St., Boise, 208-342-2002.
The place to go when a girl needs something trendy or unusual. 205 N. 10th St., Ste. 100, Boise, 208-3870250, pieceuniqueshoez.com.
The WhITe pINe Fun fashions with a local/eco-friendly vibe in the heart of Old Town Nampa. 124 14th Ave. S., Nampa, 208-4669083, thewhitepineboutique.com.
put a Bow on It: The perfect little something All ABoUT GAMeS Heaven for gamers with board, card and educational games and toys. 7009 W. Overland Road, Boise, 208-3435653; 120 Eighth St., Boise, 208-3450204, allaboutgamesboise.com.
BoISe ART GlASS Breakable yet beautiful gifts for all, made in the adjoining glass studio. 530 W. Myrtle St., Boise, 208-345-1825, boiseartglass.com.
BoISe ART MUSeUM GIfT Shop Unique discoveries, from actual artwork and pottery to journals and more. 670 Julia Davis Drive, Boise, 208-3458330, boiseartmuseum.org.
BRIColAGe Handmade T-shirts, bags and other lovely discoveries. 418 S. Sixth St., Boise, 208-345-3718, bricoshoppe. com.
CRoNe’S CUpBoARd Give the gift of foresight and inner peace. 712 N. Orchard St., Boise, 208333-0831, crones-cupboard.com. boiseweekly | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | 81
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dRAGoNflY Diverse selection of women’s clothing with a natural vibe, jewelry and archie mcPhee novelties. 414 W. Main St., Boise, 208-338-9234.
dUNIA Fair-trade finds of all description. 1609 N. 13th St., Boise, 208-333-0535, duniamarketplace.com.
eYeS of The WoRld International items with a focus on handmade. 1576 W. Grove St. Boise, 208331-1212, eyesoftheworldonline.com.
flYING M CoffeehoUSe / flYING M CoffeeGARAGe Fun and fabulous finds for hard-to-buy-for friends. 500 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208345-4320; 1314 Second St. S., Nampa, 208-467-5533, flyingmcoffee.com.
Good GoodS Unique gifts with a European country flair. 5865 Glenwood St., Ste. C, Garden City, 208-377-3027, goodgoodsco.com.
INdIe MAde a co-op of local crafters offering a wide variety of handmade items, from clothes and jewelry to home decor. 108 N. Sixth St., Boise, 208-342-0804.
Bling: Showing it off hAl dAvIS JeWeleRS Fine designer jewelry, with a selection from rolex. 921 W. Jefferson St., Boise, 208-343-6151, haldavis.com.
lee ReAd JeWeleRS Engagement ring ground zero in the Treasure Valley. 650 E. Sonata Lane, Meridian, 208-376-8800, leeread.com.
pReCIoUS MeTAl ARTS The place for some custom-made bling designed by a metal artisan. 280 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208-363-9293, finecustomjewelry.com.
R. GReY JeWelRY One-of-a-kind jewelry that doubles as art for all kinds of tastes. 415 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-385-9337, rgreygallery.com.
STeWART’S GeM Shop Old-time rock shop/jeweler with great prices. 2618 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208342-1151, stewartsgemshopinc.com. 82 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
Mike Rogers of precious Metal Arts By Harrison Be rry
If there’s a word that describes Precious Metal Arts, the narrow jewelry shop slipped between Thomas Hammer Coffee and Redheaded Finn on Bannock Street, it’s “design.” In the past few years Boise has undergone a design renaissance, but Mike Rogers, owner, operator and master jeweler at Precious Metal Arts (finecustomjewelry.com), has been wrapping his aesthetic sensibilities around Boiseans’ fingers since 1998. Rogers admits that the secret to his success sounds overly simplistic. “It’s trite as hell, but it’s ‘hard work,’” he said. The process of creating jewelry begins with an extensive interview with his customers, during which they discuss their tastes in everything from art to architecture while Rogers sketches jewelry until the customer begins to nod. “People are paying me for my thoughts on design,” he said. He then carves a lost wax cast of the piece, creates a mold, pours the metal and sets the gems. This part of Rogers’ craft can take between two weeks and a year, but he says his customers are willing to wait for quality. “People who walk in here are, by nature, people who want something made. They want something that’s original,” he said. As a visual and musical artist, in addition to being a jeweler, Rogers’ inspirations for something as small as an engagement ring can be bigger than a building, and his pieces often derive their geometric qualities from architecture. In one instance, he filled a sketch pad with designs borrowed from the Chrysler Building. “I’m really drawn to clean lines and architectural form in my jewelry,” he said. He’s also attracted to forms found in the natural world, having once hand-etched a mock-up of the Snake River Aquifer inside the band of a white gold ring. When another customer requested a lotus blossom somewhere on her ring, he placed it on the palm side of the band. Rogers guessed that about 20 percent of his designs include “Easter eggs”—hidden details meant to delight the owner and anyone closely examining his work. “Sometimes I do that just for me. It’s another layer of meaning,” he said. Rogers’ creativity and attention to detail have made his designs popular in Boise, but he’s reluctant to assess his own work, stressing that every piece he designs is a moment in the evolution of his aesthetic sensibilities. “I feel like I’ve spent my entire life drawing a line between Art Deco and modernism,” he said. www. b ois e we e k ly.com
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fun: Words and tunes doRSeY MUSIC Bang a drum, strum a guitar, you get the idea—music for all needs. 5015 W. State St., Boise, 208-853-4141, dorseymusic.com.
dUNKleY MUSIC The rhythm is gonna get you, with a full line of instruments and accessories. 410 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise, 208-3425549, dunkleymusic.com.
GIG’S MUSIC New and used equipment for the working musician. 611 N. Orchard St., Boise, 208-345-6001, gigsmusicstore.com.
hYde pARK BooK SToRe Some new, some used, all worth reading. 1507 N. 13th St., Boise, 208-4298220, hydeparkbookstore.com.
ReCoRd exChANGe Tunes, vinyl and merch for the true music fan, including regular live concerts. Plus, check The Edge for unique gifts. 1105 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208-3448010, therecordexchange.com.
RedISCoveRed BooKShop a good book is always in style. New, used and e-books, as well as frequent readings and signings. 180 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208-376-4229, rdbooks.org.
TRIp TAYloR all types of used books for all types of people. 210 N. 10th St., Boise, 208344-3311.
YeSTeRYeAR Shoppe a playground for used book and vinyl lovers. 1211 First St. S., Nampa, 208467-3581, yesteryearshoppe.com.
TWIGS & TWIST Sewing and crafting studio based on sustainability. 106 N. Sixth St., Ste. 204, Boise, 208-342-0600, twigsandtwist.com.
TWISTed eWe knitting and crocheting take the spotlight with a wide selection of yarns and supplies. 1738 W. State St., Boise, 208-287-3693, twistedeweidaho.com.
home front: Where the heart is Chf hoMe fURNIShINGS
Crafters’ heaven: dIY it Bee WISe GoodS Goods from local crafters, as well as classes for all ages and interests and use of in-store sewing machines. 3019 W. State St., Boise, 208-392-8493, beewisegoods.com.
pUffY MoNdAeS Sustainable crafts with a schedule of classes and workshops for kids and adults. 1004 Fourth St. S., Nampa, 208-467-1621, puffymondaes.com. 84 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
myriad furniture choices plus a large appliance selection. 104 S. Orchard St., Boise, 208-343-7769, shopchf. com.
epIToMe Beautiful new and reclaimed finds to make your home a showpiece. 121 N. Fifth St., Boise, 208-333-0123.
JIM’S ApplIANCe The local choice for appliances and furniture. 1115 Lusk St., Boise, 208345-7711, jimsappliance.com.
Reclaimed: previously loved treasures ANTIqUe WoRld MAll antiques from around the world. 4544 Overland Road, Boise, 208-342-5350, antiqueworldmall.com.
AToMIC TReASUReS “Funky” and “eclectic” don’t cut it. 409 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-344-0811.
BoISe vINTAGe mid-century modern finds for your home. 1524 S. Broadway Ave., Boise, 208-949-9034, boisevintage.com.
eNChANTING oBJeCTS a“vintage lifestyle store” with finds for your home. Formerly the Shabby House. 4906 W. State St., Boise, 208853-1005, enchantingobjects.com.
foRGeT Me NoT antique discoveries in the middle of Hyde Park. 1521 N. 13th St., Boise, 208-338-3806.
IN ReTRoSpeCT a vast selection of vintage fashions. 1940 W. State St., Boise, 208-3442163, govintageboise.com.
JIllopY MId-CeNTURY ModeRN mid-century modern furniture and decor. 106 S. Latah St., Boise, 208-7033684, jillopymidcenturymodern.com.
l.A. JUNK ANTIqUeS Super-hip, amazing finds for your home, with individual pieces collected from all over. 1911 W. State St., Boise, 208957-5878, lajunkantiques.com
oNCe UpoN A TIMe Eclectic and unexpected antiques and collectables. Plus Picture Show Vintage. 4718 W. State St., Boise, 208344-1165, onceuponatimeboise.com.
ReNeWAl Gently used retro/hip furniture and housewares. 517 S. Eighth St., Boise, 208-338-5444, renewalhome.com.
The RepeAT BoUTIqUe Stylish, gently used duds for men and women. 500 S. Vista Ave., Boise, 208389-4623.
RICoCheT Ever-changing collection of consignment furniture and home decor. 5777 Glenwood St., Garden City, 208-321-7500, ricochetboise.com. www. b ois e we e k ly.com
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URBAN RevIvAl Vintage clothes and homewares for the shopper with an eye for a great find. 1607 N. 13th St., Boise, 208-283-9322.
Think Green: Respect the yard 36Th STReeT GARdeN CeNTeR keeping your garden swank. 3823 N. Garden Center Way, Boise, 208-4335100, 36streetgardencenter.com.
edWARdS GReeNhoUSe repeatedly voted Boise’s Best Greenhouse. 4106 Sand Creek St., Boise, 208342-7548, edwardsgreenhouse.com.
fAR WeST make your yard the envy of the neighborhood. 5728 W. State St., Boise, 208853-4000, farwestgardencenter.net.
fRANz WITTe Trees, shrubs, flowers and pink flamingos aplenty. 9770 W. State St., Boise, 208-853-0808, franzwitte.com.
GReeNhURST NURSeRY Trees, plants and home decor. 3209 S. Happy Valley Road, Nampa, 208-4665783, greenhurstnursery.net.
NoRTh eNd oRGANIC Going au naturel. 2350 Hill Road, Boise, 208-389-4769, northendnursery.com.
over 18: Grown-up fun GReAT GARGoYleS Heaven for your inner geek, plus some interesting adult-only items. 275 N. Orchard St., Boise, 208-375-5050, greatgargoyles.com.
pleASURe BoUTIqUe For grown-ups only, thank you very much. 3163 E. Fairview Ave., Meridian, 208-884-6161, pleasureboutique.com.
TASTefUl SINSATIoNS Specializing in “romance-enhancement products.” 4570 W. State St., Boise, 208-384-5760, tastefulsinsations.com. For more businesses and stores, visit boiseweekly.com. 86 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
Taylor, Brooks and Tanner dame of proof By Deanna Darr
Nothing says you’ve reached a certain level of success like a giant check. It’s something the crew from Proof wasn’t taking for granted as they posed for pictures with the giant check they were preparing to present to an eye clinic in India. The donation—and subsequent creation of an eye clinic in rural India named after the Boise-based company—is just the latest gold star for the family business that has gone from an actual garage to celebrity endorsements in just a few years. “It helps that we have such a unique product,” said Taylor Dame, who, along with brothers Brooks and Tanner, started making the wood-framed sunglasses that are quickly earning a devoted following. The stylish wooden frames have been photographed balancing on the noses of celebrities like Beyonce and Snoop Lion, giving the fledgling company cred in a competitive fashion industry. It’s a long way from the Dame family’s Fruitland sawmill, where the three brothers spent their summers working. But that background in wood products served as the catalyst for what they hope to build into an eco-friendly fashion brand. Proof (iwantproof.com) offers three lines of glasses: the Wood, Eco and Skate collections. As it sounds, the Wood collection uses woods, including lacewood, ebony and mahogany, while the Eco collection is made from both wood and an acetate made from biodegradable cotton cellulose. The Skate line is made from repurposed skateboard decks. “We try to keep everything eco-friendly,” Dame said, adding that a portion of proceeds is earmarked for eye care in India. Proof really hit its stride after being selected for the ABC television show Shark Tank, in which entrepreneurs pitch their companies to high-profile potential investors. While Proof ultimately turned down offers for investment capital, the national exposure boosted sales threefold and crashed Proof’s website the day the show aired. The company retails its glasses for between $90 and $130, and has expanded its product line to include wood wallets and Zippo-style lighters. While its website—iwantproof.com—has been a mainstay of the business, Proof is opening a retail location in BODO in August 2013. Word of mouth has still been Proof’s best tool. And while it’s nice to have celebrities sporting their wares, Dame said they’re putting their faith in the product. “We want it to be organic,” he said. “We want these people to wear it because they want to.”
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i llu strations by E rin Cunningham
There are more than 130 miles of trails in the Ridge to Rivers trail system.
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area rents 500-700 ski/snowboard packages on an average weekend day—but 800-1,000 on a holiday.
More than 122,000 resident season fishing licenses were sold in 2012.
Registration for the Race to Robie creek sold out in 13 minutes in 2013.
Idaho River Sports regularly hosts four different types of stand-up paddleboard classes, as well as kayaking classes from its location near the Boise River Recreation Park.
The Bogus Basin Hill climb gains roughly 3,500 feet in elevation in 14.5 miles. www.b oi se we e kly.com
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Go Away Escapes from the Treasure Valley by Deanna Darr
We love the Treasure Valley, but sometimes we’ve just got to get out of Dodge—or rather, out of Boise. The fact that Boise is the most remote metropolitan area in the Lower 48 doesn’t make a quick weekend escape impossible, it just makes finding a peaceful destination all that much easier. Using Boise as a starting point, here are some of our favorite ways to get away.
1. IdAho cIty
6. hAGerMAn FosssIl Beds nAtIonAl MonuMent
2. GArden VAlley
7. stAnley
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8. cIty oF rocks
4. sun VAlley
9. crAters oF the Moon nAtIonAl MonnutMent And PreserVe
BoIse
5. BruneAu sAnd dunes stAte PArk
10. rIGGIns 11. sAwtooth nAtIonAl recreAtIon AreA 12. route oF the hIAwAthA rAIl-trAIl 13. trAIl oF the coeur d’Alenes
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Garden Valley is a low-key place, where fullhours time residents are few, but the outdoor recreation options are plentiful. Whether whitewater rafting on the Payette River, golfing, fly fishing or snowmobiling, visitors won’t be bored. One of the greatest draws to the area is the abundance of natural hot springs. gardenvalleyidaho.net.
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MccAll McCall is the go-to getaway for Boiseans hours looking for a quick change of scenery. From sitting on the shore of Payette Lake, to skiing or mountain biking at Brundage Mountain Resort, to hitting the Nordic or hiking trails at Ponderosa State Park, there’s no shortage of activities. The town even has great restaurants and swank lodging for those whose idea of roughing it means no room service. discovermccall.com.
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When people speak of Idaho’s mountains, they’re often talking about the Sawtooths. Spanning more than 750,000 acres, the area boasts hundreds of miles of trails crossing some of the most spectacular scenery around. There are world-class rivers, mountain biking, backcountry skiing and, well, just about any sport you want to do in the outdoors. fs.usda.gov/ sawtooth. hours
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GArden VAlley
Idaho has some of the most pristine rivers in the country—not to mention the whitewater—which is what makes this small town on the Salmon River is so popular with outdoor recreationists. The area provides easy access for rafters, kayakers and anglers looking for adventure—not only on the Salmon River, but along the nearby Hells Canyon stretch of the Snake River. rigginsidaho.com.
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sAwtooth nAtIonAl recreAtIon AreA
IdAho cIty This former mining town has an Old West feel. While the piles of slag are all that’s left of the mines, the area is filled with trails—for summer hiking or winter Nordic skiing or snowmobiling. After a hard day, soak your tired bones in the natural hot spring waters of The Springs Resort. idahocitychamber.com.
rIGGIns
sun VAlley
stAnley
Sun Valley is Idaho’s celebrity town—not because of the stars who own houses there, but because of worldclass skiing, stunning views and a great restaurant and arts scene. It’s also a prime destination for mountain biking, Nordic skiing and golf. Check out the ridgetop White Cloud course or the miles of paved bike paths. visitsunvalley.com.
In winter, it’s routinely one of the coldest places in the country; but, in summer, it’s the gateway to the Sawtooth Mountains. That’s where visitors find mountain climbing, hiking, backcountry skiing, fishing, camping, horseback riding, river rafting, snowmobiling and even a regular live music concert series. stanleycc.org.
BruneAu sAnd dunes
cIty oF rocks
Head south of Mountain Home for some of the biggest sand dunes in the West. The tallest dune is roughly 470 feet tall and is a favorite for sliding down. The area offers camping and hiking trails and is home to one of two public astronomy observatories in Idaho. parksandrecreation.idaho.gov.
With towering spires rising from the high desert, City of Rocks in southeast Idaho is a mecca for rock climbers who come to test their skills. There are great camping and hiking opportunities—as well as easy viewing spots to watch the climbing action from safety on the ground. nps.gov/ciro.
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Anyone with a little time to spend exploring can check out this bike/hike trail, which actually begins in Montana but runs for 15 miles along former railroad beds. The gravel trail travels through nine tunnels (one is two miles long) and over seven high steel trestles. friendsofcdatrails.org. hours
trAIl oF the coeur d’Alenes
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Those serious about mountain biking should head north—far north. Crossing the Idaho Panhandle from Mullan to Plummer, the trail follows the old Union Pacific railroad tracks for 71 miles. The paved trail includes sections along Lake Coeur d’Alene. friendsofcdatrails. org. hours
hAGerMAn FossIl Beds It’s all about history here, from ancient to Old West. Check out the collection of fossils from 3 million to 4 million years ago. For more recent history, the area is also home to a section of the Oregon Trail—wagon ruts are still visible. nps.gov/hafo.
2.5 hours
crAters oF the Moon nAtIonAl MonuMent The term “escape” is an understatement in a place that looks like another planet. Encompassing 750,000 acres, hardened lava creates a surreal landscape for camping, hiking trails and scenic drives. nps.gov/crmo.
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R OAR ING S PR INGS WATER PAR K
Public Pools: Make a spash
Boise Visit parks.cityofboise.org for more information on community pools.
BoIse AquAtIcs center Large aquatics center with full competition-sized pool and a slide. 5959 N. Discovery Place, Boise (attached to the West Family YMCA), 208-377-9622
BorAh Pool Offering diving boards, lap lanes and a sprayground. 801 Aurora Drive, Boise, 208-570-6980.
FAIrMont Pool Outdoor pool with extensive swimming lesson program. 7929 Northview St., Boise, 208-570-6981.
IVywIld Pool Featuring two drop-off slides and a pretzel slide. 2250 Leadville Ave., Boise, 208-570-6985.
lowell Pool Pool includes a 1-meter diving board. 1601 N. 28th St., Boise, 208-5706982. www.b oi se we e kly.com
nAtAtorIuM Pool And hydrotuBe
roArInG sPrInGs wAterPArk
Featuring a hydrotube and a wading pool. 1811 Warm Springs Ave., Boise, 208-570-6984.
Southern Idaho’s biggest waterpark with slides, a wave pool, a winding river and drops that will make your stomach sink. 400 W. Overland Road, Meridian, 208-884-8842, roaringsprings.com.
south Pool A large outdoor oval pool. 921 S. Shoshone St., Boise, 208-570-6983.
Caldwell cAldwell FAMIly yMcA Kids play in the pool, adults lounge in the lazy river. 3720 S. Indiana Ave., Caldwell, 208-454-9622, ymcatvidaho.org.
Eagle eAGle IslAnd stAte PArk The park is best known for its waterslide and swimming beach. 4000 W. Hatchery Road, Eagle, 208-939-0696, parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks.
Meridian MerIdIAn Pool The outdoor pool hosts both open and lap swimming sessions. 213 E. Franklin Road, Meridian, 208-888-4392, westernada.com/meridian-pool.html
Nampa lAkeVIew wAterPArk The community pool features a waterslide. Garrity Boulevard and North 16th Avenue, Nampa, 208-465-2219, nampaparksandrecreation.org.
nAMPA recreAtIon center Swing from the Tarzan rope or float through the water tubes. 131 Constitution Way, Nampa, 208-468-5777, nampaparksandrecreation.org.
skateparks: the other four wheels Fort BoIse skAtePArk Concrete park with metal coping, bowls, a pyramid, roll-ins and a spine. Corner of Fort and Reserve streets, Boise.
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Concrete snake run and spine leading into a large vert bowl with metal coping. Fourth and Locust streets, Kuna.
PIPe dreAMs skAtePArk Concrete street course with stairs and handrails, along with a concrete clover bowl. Smeed Parkway and Sky Way, Caldwell.
tully skAtePArk Concrete street course with ledges, funboxes, handrails, three-, seven- and 11-stair sets and a 6-foot half-pipe. East Pine and North Main streets, Meridian.
climbing walls: Find your handhold AsAnA clIMBInG GyM Formerly The Front, Boise’s bouldering gym provides 2,000 square feet of bouldering wall. 3235 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City, 208-345-7625, asanaclimbing.com.
BoIse PeAk FItness Classes and climbing for kids and adults. 308 S. 25th St., Boise, 208363-7325, boisepeakfitness.com.
BoIse stAte unIVersIty cAMPus rec center Train on various boulder, top rope and lead climbing routes. 1515 University Drive, Boise, 208-426-1131, rec.boisestate.edu/outdoor.
downtown yMcA Take advantage of youth and adult classes at the indoor climbing facilities. Walls also available in Caldwell and West Boise. 1050 W. State St., Boise, 208- 344-5501, ymcatvidaho.org.
options: something different BoIse rIVer PArk Kayak or surf a permanent man-made wave on the Boise River. 3900 W Pleasanton Ave., Boise, parks.cityofboise.org.
crIcket For Brit ex-pats and lovers of sticky wickets. Ann Morrison Park, 1000 Americana Blvd., Boise, parks.cityofboise.org. 92 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
Jamey sproull of Asana climbing by Harris on be rry
Asana Climbing founder Jamey Sproull thrust his arm into a cardboard box and removed a green and red chalk bag used by rock climbers to keep their hands dry. The box, standing inconspicuously in the Asana warehouse in Garden City, was full of chalk bags, no two of which were alike. Climbers, Sproull said, prize the uniqueness of their gear. “For climbers, that’s a big deal,” he said. Sproull founded Asana as a hobby in 1999, when he spent $1,250 on a sewing machine and a few tables to sew custom yoga mats. Today, Asana is an internationally known manufacturer of crash pads and other rock climbing and bouldering accessories. The company has four sponsored climbers and provides materials for climbing competitions around the world. Its presence in Boise is growing along with its prestige abroad: As of March 2013, Asana also runs a local climbing wall in Garden City. “[The Asana Climbing Gym] was a great way to get known as a Boise company,” Sproull said. Boise and the Mountain West have been kind to Asana, which built its first custom bouldering crash pad systems for Boise State University’s climbing gym and for Entre-Prises of Bend, Ore., in 2004. Asana had tripled its sales from 2004-2005, and Sproull left his job as a teacher at Eagle Middle School to dedicate more time to his expanding business. “It was taking up way too much of my time to do both. We’re talking about the very slow, organic growth of a company,” he said. Remaining a healthy business through tough economic times demanded that Asana understand its customers better than the competition did. Climbers, Sproull said, are a “tight group,” and Asana reflects their sense of community while still producing big things: Asana’s largest crash pad systems are up to 10,000 square feet, but the company only employs a total of 14 people between production, marketing and the climbing gym. “The idea is that we build big padding systems. People who walk through the door are always surprised at how small we are,” he said. Sponsorship has been essential to achieving the equilibrium Asana has found as a small company with a big name in its industry. Asana sponsors four climbers—Paul Robinson, Sierra Blair-Coyle, Kevin Jorgeson and Nina Williams—and its products are featured at major competitions like the Bouldering World Cup in Vail, Colo.; the American Bouldering Series; and the Idaho Mountain Festival at the City of Rocks, now in its second year. “From the beginning, we’ve always supported our community,” Sproull said. www. b ois e we e k ly.com
It may be cold, but it’s a surprisingly addictive sport. Idaho Ice World 7072 S. Eisenman Road, Boise, boisecurlingclub.org.
FAst lAne Indoor kArt rAcInG Perfect for the indoor speed demon. 12048 W. Franklin Road, Boise, 208321-1166, fastlaneboise.com
GAMedAy sPorts leAGues Casual adult leagues for dodgeball, kickball and bowling. 208-388-4732, gamedayboise.com.
JuMPtIMe IdAho Wall-to-wall trampolines, bouncy balls and ball pits. 1030 River St, Boise, 208-342-5867; 375 E. Fairview Ave., Meridian, 208-255-5867, jumptimeidaho.com.
Greg Patton of Boise state university tennis by Geo rG e P rentice
Greg Patton has had a pretty amazing 2013. In April, he received the U.S. Professional Tennis Association Intermountain Coach of the Year award. On May 31, he was inducted into the Idaho Tennis Association Hall of Fame. As head coach of the Boise State University men’s tennis team, he led his squad to a 20-9 record and into the NCAA national men’s tennis tournament. And then there was a little thing called the Davis Cup. “You’re looking at the happiest man, not in Boise, not in Idaho, but in the entire United States right here, right now,” he said—and that was before the Davis Cup quarterfinals began, when the United States hosted (and ultimately lost to) Serbia in a thrilling three days of world-class tennis. Talk to Boise Mayor Dave Bieter, Boise State President Bob Kustra, USTA President Dave Haggerty and they’ll all tell you the same thing: The driving force behind Boise securing the international tournament was Patton. Heck, Patton even coached the coach of the U.S. Davis Cup team. “I told Jim Courier 15 years ago, ‘One day, you’re going to be the Davis Cup captain and you’re going to bring that team back here to Boise,’” said Patton. “Coach Patton is… what’s the word? He’s a pied piper,” Courier said. “He has so much energy and enthusiasm for life.“ Patton, 60, is the eternal optimist in spite of two major tragedies at a very young age: When he was 10, he was shot in the eye with a BB gun, an injury that has led to three major surgeries; and his father died when Patton was 17. It was the severe eye injury that he said impaired his coordination when he tried to play baseball, basketball and football. But then his mother handed him a racket and started throwing tennis balls at him. “At first I was missing all of them,” Patton said. “But tennis is a bit like golf. You hit one good shot and you think, ‘Oh my God, I’ve got it.’” Did he ever. He ended up coaching the best: Andy Roddick, Pete Sampras and Courier. “There’s no doubt that Coach Patton was instrumental in bringing [the Davis Cup] to Boise,” said Courier. And when looking to the future, Patton likes to quote another iconic Idahoan: “Ernest Hemingway said, ‘If you don’t turn your head, you might as well be dead.’”
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true PAIntBAll AdVenture PArk Outdoor and indoor courses, as well as equipment rental. 3131 W. Harvard St., Boise, 208- 363-7230, truepaintball.com.
wAhooz FAMIly Fun zone Two mini golf courses, laser tag, bumper boats, batting cages, go karts, bowling and an arcade in one spot. 1385 Blue Marlin Lane, Meridian, 208898-0900, wahoozfunzone.com.
zIP IdAho Fly through the trees. Horseshoe Bend, 208-793-2947, zipidaho.com.
disc Golf: Aim well Ann MorrIson PArk A 19-hole course open through the summer. 1000 Americana Blvd., Boise, parks.cityofboise.org.
JulIA dAVIs PArk Nine-hole seasonal course. 700 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise, parks.cityofboise.org.
settlers PArk Nine-hole winter-only course. 3245 N. Meridian Road, Meridian, meridiancity.org.
BoGus BAsIn MountAIn recreAtIon AreA Take your Frisbees and wander through the woods. Boise, bogusbasin.org. boiseweekly | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | 93
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roller/Ice skating: Glide away rec
IdAho Ice world From hockey to figure, it’s all cool. 7072 S. Eisenman Road, 208-3310044, idahoiceworld.cityofboise.org.
nAMPA rollerdroMe Roller skating is always in style. 19 10th Ave. S., Nampa, 208-466-9905, namparollerdrome.net.
Bowling: Get the spare 20th century lAnes Lots of leagues for all age groups. 4712 W. State St., Boise, 208-3428695, 20thcenturylanes.net.
cAldwell Bowl A good old-fashioned bowling alley. 2121 Blaine St.,Caldwell, 208-459-3400.
eMerAld lAnes Family friendly and specializing in cosmic bowling. 4860 W. Emerald St., Boise, 208-344-2695, emeraldlanes.com.
MerIdIAn lAnes Meridian’s original alley has 32 lanes to keep things rolling. 324 S. Meridian Road, 208-888-2048, meridianbowlinglanes.com.
nAMPA Bowl A full 24 lanes with cosmic bowling and karaoke. 485 Caldwell Blvd., Nampa, 208-466-0881, nampabowl.com.
PInz BowlInG center Located at Wahooz Family Fun Zone, Pinz has 24 lanes with lots of amenities, including eight private lounges. 1385 Blue Marlin Lane, 208-898-0900, pinzbowlingidaho.com.
westy’s GArden lAnes Idaho’s largest bowling alley with 40 lanes and a great bowling alley bar. 5504 W. Alworth St., Garden City, 208376-6555, westysgardenlanes.com.
Golf: duffer’s dreams BAnBury GolF cluB A manicured course along the Boise River. Moderately priced with a full 18 holes. 2626 N. Marypost Place, Eagle, 208-939-3600, banburygolf.com. 94 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
BoIse rAnch GolF course
IndIAn lAkes PuBlIc GolF course
rIdGecrest GolF course
One of south Boise’s most popular courses with 18 holes. Greens feees are moderate. 6501 S. Cloverdale Road, Boise, 208-362-6501, boiseranchgc.com.
A full course on the Boise Bench with nice views and 18 holes. Moderate greens fees. 4700 Umatilla Ave., Boise, 208-362-5771, indianlakesgolf.com.
Traditional links-style course off I-84. Offering 18 holes and moderate fees. 3730 Ridgecrest Drive, Nampa, 208899-4650, ridgecrestgolf.com.
lAkeVIew GolF course
rIVer BIrch GolF course
Meridian’s original 18-hole course. Moderate fees and plenty of leagues. 4200 W. Talamore Blvd., Meridian, 208888-4080, golflakeviewgc.com.
Wide-open 18-hole course designed for quick play. Greens fees are affordable to moderate. 3740 N. Pollard Lane, Star, 208-286-0801, riverbirchgolfcourse.net.
BroAdMore GolF course Low-key course for west valley residents with nine holes and affordable greens fees. 103 Shannon Drive, Nampa, 208-466-0561, broadmorecc. com.
centennIAl GolF course An 18-hole course with easy access from the highway and affordable prices. 2600 Centennial Way, Nampa, 208468-5889, centennialgolf.net.
eAGle hIlls GolF course Set on the top of the hills with sweeping views. A full 18-hole course with moderate greens fees. 605 N. Edgewood Lane, Eagle, 208-939-0402, eaglehillsgolfcourse.com.
PIerce PArk Greens Rock-bottom prices at this nine-hole course in the middle of Boise. 5812 N. Pierce Park Lane, Boise, 208-8533302, pierceparkgreens.com.
PurPle sAGe GolF course Quiet, well-established course with 18 holes and affordable to moderate prices. 15192 Purple Sage Road, Caldwell, 208-459-2223, purplesagegolfcourse. com.
FAlcon crest
quAIl hollow GolF cluB
Three courses in one: nine-hole Robin Hood, 18-hole Championship and ninehole Freedom. All are moderately priced. 11102 S. Cloverdale Road, Kuna, 208362-8897, falconcrestgolf.com.
A challenging course in the Boise Foothills with 18 holes and moderate greens fees. 4520 N. 36th St., Boise, 208-344-7807, quailhollowgolfclub. com.
shAdow VAlley Beautiful course laid out across the Foothills with 18 holes and moderate prices. 15711 Horseshoe Bend Road, Boise, 208-939-6699, shadowvalley.com.
tIMBerstone GolF course Championship 18-hole course with wide-open views in the farmland. Affordable to moderate greens fees. 22500 Aura Vista Way, Caldwell, 208639-6900, playtimberstone.com.
wArM sPrInGs GolF course City-owned course along the river with 18 holes and moderate fees. 2495 Warm Springs Ave., Boise, 208-3435661, wsgc.cityofboise.org. www. b ois e we e k ly.com
B o i s e Classic movies The Egyptian Theatre is Yours 1. Suggest movies 2. Vote for your favorite 3. Get tickets online Everyat: Month
BoiseClassicMovies.com
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ski: Powder hounds BoGus BAsIn MountAIn recreAtIon AreA More than 2,600 skiable acres in Boise’s backyard. Includes a Nordic center, sledding hill and terrain park. Vertical drop: 1,800 feet. Boise, 208-332-5100, bogusbasin.org.
BrundAGe MountAIn skI resort Famous for its wide variety of runs and long-lasting powder. Vertical drop: 1,800 feet. McCall, 208-634-4151, brundage.com.
lIttle skI hIll McCall’s hometown ski area is where locals learn to ski. The area offers plenty of Nordic trails and night skiing. Vertical drop: 450 feet. McCall, 208-634-5691, littleskihill.info.
MAGIc MountAIn Plenty of expert trails to go along with peace and quiet. Vertical drop: 700 feet. Twin Falls, 208-734-5979, magicmountainresort.com.
John laVergne, champion Arm wrestler by a nDrew cris P
PeBBle creek skI AreA Provides a challenge to advanced skiers without shutting out newbies.Skiers can warm up at nearby Lava Hot Springs. Vertical drop: 2,200 feet. Inkom, 208775-4452, pebblecreekskiarea.com.
PoMerelle This destination at 8,000 feet in the Sawtooth Mountains features 24 runs and plenty of Nordic loops. Vertical drop: 1,000 feet. Albion, 208-6735599, pomerelle-mtn.com.
soldIer MountAIn Close to Sun Valley, this affordable community-owned ski area has 1,150 acres of inbound terrain. Vertical drop: 1,425 feet. Fairfield, 208-764-2526, soldiermountain.com.
sun VAlley skI resort With two high-profile mountains, Dollar and Baldy, Sun Valley continues to dominate with excellent snow and exhilarating runs. Vertical drop: 3,400 feet. Sun Valley, 208-622-4111, sunvalley.com.
tAMArAck resort Thanks to the homeowner’s association, the hill has been able to offer runs that are steep and deep without the crowds. Vertical drop: 2,800 feet. Donnelly, 208325-1000, tamarackidaho.com. 96 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
John LaVergne isn’t your stereotypical champion arm wrestler. Most mornings, the soft-spoken 52-year-old Emmett family man only battles a lengthy commute to Nampa’s South Middle School, where he serves as a school counselor. LaVergne said his successes in the sport of arm wrestling—which include titles from three state championships and two national championships—is far from a secret to his teenaged students. “They all want to arm wrestle me on the lunchroom table,” LaVergne laughed. Arm wrestling often conjures images of beer-swilling brawlers locked in sweaty-browed contest, but for men and women across the world, it’s a sport with an impressive pedigree. LaVerge said the activity traces back to early Russian, Native American and even Roman cultures “Roman generals would pick their captains based on how they did arm wrestling,” said LaVergne. His meaty arms reflect his sport of choice. LaVergne’s workouts include, in his words, “thousands of wrist curls, thousands of grippers, probably close to 100 pull-ups, hundreds of curls, that kind of thing.” In his earlier years, LaVergne spent time at the gym and playing basketball while living in Washington. After a bad ankle sprain left him unable to shoot hoops, LaVergne picked up a copy of Sports Illustrated featuring a story on Dave “General” Patton—a legend in the sport of arm wrestling. “He was a beast; he was just a monster,” said LaVergne. It wasn’t long before LaVergne ventured to a beginner’s arm wrestling tournament in the Evergreen State, where, with no training, he took second place. In the years since, he has walked away with a number of titles. Still, LaVergne has yet to take home a title from his three visits to the World Armwrestling Federation’s World Championships, though he placed fifth and seventh in previous years. After a highly competitive visit to Worlds in Brazil in 2012—still without a world championship— LaVergne said it may be time to scale back on professional competitions. “Your arm only has so much arm wrestling in it. I’ve been doing it for over 20 years, off and on, and I’ve got a few pretty consistent aches and pains that I’m working through. I kinda told my wife that if I could go to Brazil, I might be toning down some stuff,” he said. His role as a counselor to countless Idaho children hasn’t changed. LaVergne believes his commitment to his dreams may help send a message to the next generation of students, no matter their goals. “My message to them is: Hey, you’re never too old to have dreams and work toward ’em. So I try to encourage them the sky’s the limit,” he said. “I always tell them, ‘I’m going to have to be 80 or 90 years old before you can beat me in arm wrestling.’”
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rAce to roBIe creek satur Day, aPril 19, 2014 fort boise Park, b ois e robiecreek.coM
LAURIE PEARMAN
What better way to spend a spring day than by running more than 13 miles up-, then downhill? The Race to Robie Creek has earned its title as the toughest half marathon in the Northwest, but it’s also one of the most popular. Runners clamor to take part in the near-legendary run. In fact, spots are so in demand that registration fills within a matter of minutes. So if you plan on running, get some high-speed Internet and mark your calendar for Monday, Feb. 17, 2014, when registration opens at noon.
tour de FAt sat urDay, auG . 1 7 a nn Mo r r is on Park , boi se newb e lG iuM .coM Boise loves its bikes and its beer, which is probably why the Boise stop of New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat is among the top fundraisers of the entire tour. Each year, the Tour de Fat rolls into Boise and brings with it a two-wheeled parade of fun. The traveling event celebrates bike culture while raising money for local bike organizations in each city. The event includes a costumed morning bike parade through downtown, kicking off a day in the park filled with live music, bike-oriented booths, activities and, yes, beer.
BoGus BAsIn skI And snowBoArd swAP tHur s Day, oct. 3 1 - sunDay, nov. 3 e xP o iDaHo, Gar Den c i ty bbs e f.o r G While ski areas set their calendars by the soughtafter Thanksgiving opening date, ski season in the Treasure Valley starts about a month earlier, thanks to the annual ski and snowboard equipment swap. All persuasions of riders wait in anticipation for the sale, to pick up both new and used gear for slashed prices or clear out their own garages to make room for the latest goods. The event is a fundraiser for the Bogus Basin Ski Education Foundation, which keeps the next generation of racers flying down the slopes.
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IdAho whItewAter AssocIAtIon used equIPMent sAle
IronMAn 70.3 BoIse satur Day, June 7, 2 014 bois e i ronMan.coM There’s tough and then there’s Ironman tough. Each year, triathletes gather in Boise to test their mettle in the 70.3-mile race, which includes a bike race, a swim in Lucky Peak Reservoir and a foot race back to the downtown finish line. If you’re not up for one of the toughest physical challenges around, spectators join in the celebration at the end. One thing is for sure: Once you witness these world-class athletes, you’ll feel compelled to increase your own workout routine.
snAke rIVer stAMPede tues Day, July 15- sat ur Day,
satur Day, aPril 26, 2014
July 19, 2014
i DaHo rive r s Ports , bois e
iDaHo c ente r, na MPa
iDaHow Hitewate r.net
s nake rive rstaMP e De .coM
As sure as spring melt means the river season is near, so does the annual used equipment sale, where rafters and kayakers put their differences aside in the name of scoring sweet deals on used gear. From kayaks and rowing frames to life jackets and splash skirts, if you need it on the river, you’ll probably find it at the sale. River rats line up early to get first dibs on the best gear. A portion of sales goes to promote river education—the rest goes to the sellers, who now have enough room for new gear.
For something that’s pushing 100 years old, the Snake River Stampede hasn’t missed a step. As one of the top-ranked rodeos in the country hits its 99th year, the Stampede is bigger than ever with a full lineup of hard-riding cowboys and cowgirls taking part in some of the top rodeo action in the business—from bull and bronc riding to barrel racing. The action isn’t only in the arena, though. Days are filled with buckaroo breakfasts, concerts, parades and all sorts of sideline fun. Just don’t go dressed like a city slicker.
BoIse BIke week
twIlIGht crIterIuM
MonDay, May 12-satur Day, May 17, 2014
July 2014
bois e
Downtown b oi s e
bois ebikeweek.orG
bois etwil iGH tcr i t e r i uM.coM
Like tulips pushing their way into the sun, spring in Boise is marked by the return of bikes reclaiming the city. It’s a fact celebrated with the annual Boise Bike Week, when bikers of all abilities and interests gather in two-wheeled, nonmotorized unison. The week of bike-oriented events is filled with group rides, parties, classes and demonstrations offering something for all varieties and ages of riders. Nothing says spring like the hum of spinning bike wheels.
For more than a quarter-century, some of the top bike racers in the country have hit Boise for the Twilight Criterium. One sultry summer night each year, downtown Boise is packed with crowds angling to see the tightly packed racers fly around corners at what seem like impossible speeds. The day starts with a special kids’ ride and market, where fans can meet the pros before men’s, women’s and masters’ classes take to the course on their way to the finish line.
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Year round First FridaY Spend time perusing Eagle. Downtown Eagle, eagleidaho.org.
First thursdaY Stores and galleries stay open late in downtown Boise. Downtown Boise, downtownboise.org.
Food truCK rallY Food trucks gather monthly. Facebook. com/FoodTruckRally.
storY storY night, storY storY late-night Storytelling on the last Monday every month. The Rose Room, Visual Arts Collective, storystorynight.org.
august 2013 sweeneY todd: the demon BarBer oF Fleet street Aug. 2-Sept. 1: The musical thriller/ comedy in which a London barber gets his revenge. For ages 14 and older. Idaho Shakespeare Festival, idahoshakespeare.org.
Caldwell night rodeo
Fun.
Aug. 13-17: See Page 26.
Aug. 28: With Tegan & Sara. Idaho Botanical Garden, idahobotanicalgarden.org.
Josh ritter
wait until darK
Yellow Pine musiC and harmoniCa Festival
Aug. 14: Live in concert. Sun Valley Center, Sun Valley, sunvalleycenter.org.
Aug. 2-4: The largest harmonica shindig in the West. Yellow Pine, yellowpinemusicandharmonicafestival.org.
western idaho Fair Aug. 16-25: See Page 26.
2013 wagon daYs
hands-on historY
PiCniC at the PoPs
Aug. 3: Historic fun for all. Idaho State Historical Museum, history.idaho.gov.
Aug. 17, Aug. 24 and Aug. 30: Boise Philharmonic’s outdoor performance series. Woodriver Cellars, Eagle, boisephilharmonic.org.
Aug. 31-Sept. 2: Celebration of Idaho’s mining history with parades, antique shows and other events. Ketchum, wagondays.org.
Braun Brothers reunion
Aug. 30-Sept. 14: A blind woman must outwit a group of con men. Stage Coach Theatre, stagecoachtheatre.com.
sun valleY sYmPhonY
Aug. 8-10: Music festival featuring the brothers Braun and their bands. Challis, braunbrothersreunion.com.
tour de Fat Aug. 17: See Page 98.
Through August: A cast of world-class musicians performs classical music. Sun Valley, svsummersymphony.org.
sun valleY Center arts and CraFts Festival
dead and Buried leCture
musiC From stanleY
Aug. 20: Who’s buried at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. Idaho Botanical Garden, idahobotanicalgarden.org.
Through Sept. 1: Live music in front of the lodge on Sunday afternoons. Redfish Lake, musicfromstanley.com.
the BarleY Bros. traveling Beer show
alive aFter Five
Aug. 9-11: More than 130 artists. Atkinson Park, Ketchum, sunvalleycenter.org.
King riChard iii Aug. 9-31: Classic drama featuring one of Shakespeare’s greatest villains. Idaho Shakespeare Festival, idahoshakespeare.org.
Aug. 24-25: Microbrews, food and music. Julius M. Kleiner Park, barleybros.net.
steelY dan
sun valleY writers’ ConFerenCe
Aug. 11: Live show. Idaho Botanical Garden, idahobotanicalgarden.org.
Aug. 23-26: Talks and readings by distinguished writers. Sun Valley, svwc.com.
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Through September: See Page 76.
great garden esCaPe/ unCorKed in the garden Through September: Live music and wine on Thursday nights. Idaho Botanical Garden, idahobotanicalgarden.org.
movies at idaho BotaniCal garden Through September: Watch movies under the stars. Idaho Botanical Garden, idahobotanicalgarden.org.
september 2013 one rePuBliC and sara Bareilles Sept. 1: Live in concert. Idaho Botanical Garden, idahobotanicalgarden.org.
art in the ParK Sept. 6-8: See Page 76.
the Foreigner Sept. 6-29: When locals think a new guest at a lodge can’t speak English, he hears more than he should. Idaho Shakespeare Festival, idahoshakespeare.org.
shaKesPeare in hollYwood Sept. 6-21: Two characters come to life and end up on a 1930s film set. Boise Little Theater, boiselittletheater.org.
a CheF’s aFFaire Sept. 12: See Page 52. www. b ois e we e k ly.com
Sept. 13-15: The renowned musical comes to Boise. Morrison Center, mc.boisestate.edu.
hYde ParK street Fair Sept. 13-15: See Page 26.
BCt season oPening PartY Sept. 14: drinks, theater and dinner to open Boise Contemporary Theater’s 2013-2014 season. Boise Contemporary Theater, bctheater.org.
giorgio tsouKalos Sept. 14: Famous historian postulates that extraterrestrials aided early civilization with technology. The Egyptian Theatre, egyptiantheatre.net.
sCareCrow stroll Sept. 14-Oct. 15: Stroll through the garden strewn with scarecrows. Idaho Botanical Garden, idahobotanicalgarden.org.
virtual Boise
Fit one 5K and 9K
By A ndrew C ri sp
Keeping tabs on the City of Trees is easier than ever. With a few flicks of a finger across a smartphone screen, any visitor can pull up a host of things to do, make friends and navigate the city. But it has become harder to sift through all the noise when even grandma has Instagram. In an effort to provide only the most informative channels, we’ve assembled a list of preeminent websites, Twitter users and Facebook pages, so you can keep those timelines, feeds and browsers free from clutter.
staY in the Know: Start with Idaho’s news outlets, which cover the best in arts, entertainment, sports and the latest breaking headlines. boise weekly: boiseweekly.com, @BoiseWeekly and Facebook.com/boiseweekly boise subreddit: reddit.com/r/boise the blue review: thebluereview.org, @reviewBlue boise state Public radio: boisestatepublicradio.org.
PolitiCos: Find Idaho’s politicians, from Boise Mayor dave Bieter to Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter, on an array of platforms, including Twitter, Facebook and the occasional youTube update. U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo even joined Instagram. Follow by-the-minute breakdowns from Idaho’s political reporters or the legislators themselves. www.b oi se we e kly.com
betsy russell, with the sPokesman-review’s eye on boise blog: spokesmanreview.com/eyeonboise melissa davlin’s blog: melissadavlin.blogspot.com. kevin richert and idaho ed news: idahoednews.org.
soCial: If politics aren’t your style, get connected with like-minded individuals through the city’s civic and outdoors organizations. Volunteer, find work or mingle with your Boise peers. boise young Professionals: boiseyp.org. boise active singles: meetup.com/BoiseActiveSingles idaho hiking club: idahohikingclub.com southwest idaho mountain biking association: swimba.org
tweet-leBrities: new to Twitter and confronting an empty feed? Follow these local luminaries for funny, witty updates. albert ma: @albear leigh ann dufurrena: @lilivonshtupp JJ saldana: @jjsaldana Jess flynn: @jessflynn emily walton: @walton_emily
Culture: duck club Presents: theduckclub.com neurolux message board: neurolux.com the exPosition: expositionmag.com here comes the dumP truck music blog: herecomesthedumptruck.blogspot.com stay weird boise: stayweirdboise.com
Sept. 19-21: 5K and 9K walk/runs and a two-day expo honoring women. Downtown Boise, Old Idaho State Penitentiary, fitoneboise.org.
sun valleY harvest Festival Sept. 19-22: Cooking demos, wine tasting and more, using regional products. Ketchum, sunvalleyharvestfestival.com.
Boise PhilharmoniC oPening night Sept. 20: The opening night of Boise Philharmonic’s 2013-2014 season. Northwest Nazarene University Brandt Center, boisephilharmonic.org,
Boise Baroque orChestra Sept. 27-29: Master organist plays Mozart. Cathedral of the Rockies, boisebaroque.org.
museum Comes to liFe Sept. 28: Catch history in action at this annual daylong event. Idaho State Historical Museum, history.idaho.gov.
october 2013 Josh groBan in ConCert Oct. 2: Part of the round tour. Taco Bell Arena, tacobellarena.com. boiseweekly | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | 101
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ChiCago
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manhattan short Film Festival Oct. 3: The famous film festival comes to Boise. The Flicks, msfilmfest.com.
Fall harvest Festival Oct. 5-6: Live music, hayrides, food and activities for the kids. Idaho Botanical Garden, idahobotanicalgarden.org.
lisa KoKin Oct. 5-April 27, 2014: Artist repurposes books as an artistic medium. Boise Art Museum, boiseartmuseum.org.
memPhis Oct. 9-11: The Tony Award-winning musical. Morrison Center, mc.boisestate. edu.
red Oct. 9-nov. 2: Tony Award-winning play set in Mark rothko’s new york Studio in 1959. Boise Contemporary Theater, bctheater.org.
trailing oF the sheeP Oct. 10-13: Celebrate sheep ranching with music, food and sheep. Ketchum and Hailey, trailingofthesheep.org.
it’s a sCream!! Oct. 11-26: A creepy actor wins creative control over his next film. Stage Coach Theatre, stagecoachtheatre.com.
readings and Conversations Oct. 16: Gourmet Magazine Editor-inChief ruth reichl. The Egyptian Theatre, thecabinidaho.org.
sun valleY Jazz JamBoree Oct. 16-20: Annual town-wide jazz festival. Sun Valley, sunvalleyjazz.com.
ignite Boise Oct. 17: Speakers bring the public together with five-minute presentations. Egyptian Theatre, igniteboise.com.
Boise Baroque orChestra Oct. 18-20: Violinist Andrew Sords plays Mozart and Bach. Cathedral of the Rockies, boisebaroque.org.
getting awaY with murder Oct. 18-nov. 2: When a psychiatrist is murdered, all eyes turn to his patients. Boise Little Theater, boiselittletheater.org.
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Keep rolling By Andrew Cris p
Stuck in the City of Trees without a car? Although you’ll find getting around Boise without a set of wheels can be a pain—especially if you’re not acquainted with the area—you’re not completely out of luck. Start with ValleyRide, the local bus system managed by the area’s Valley Regional Transit. Options include high-speed routes from the hinterlands to downtown, and shorter trips from Boise areas of interest, including Parkcenter, Hyde Park, the airport and elsewhere. You can also find park and ride locations across the Treasure Valley. Pick up a pamphlet or navigate to the ValleyRide website at valleyride.org to find a current list of routes, complete with a map for easy use. In the winter, Valley Regional Transit offers a rideshare to Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area that whisks skiers and snowboarders to the slopes. Note that buses don’t run much later than sundown Monday through Saturday and don’t run at all on Sundays, so plan ahead. On the front of every ValleyRide bus are two bike racks, an easy option for cyclists looking to supplement their bus trips. Some riders give up fossil fuels entirely, commuting solely by bike to work and play. Cycling is Boise’s most accessible mode of alternative transportation, with the city boasting a much more comprehensive infrastructure than in other parts of the state, much of which is accessible even to novice riders. The Boise River Greenbelt is a natural choice, offering a direct, car-free route running east to west, with stretches in Eagle, Garden City and Boise. Hill Road is another popular ribbon frequented by cyclists but requires sharing the road with numerous vehicles, so stick to the bike lanes. When biking through downtown Boise, Eighth Street offers a great route from north to south, connecting with the Greenbelt near the Boise Public Library. It’s important to note that thin-walled rubber tires rarely last long against a common scourge in the Treasure Valley: goatheads. These spike-studded pieces of plant matter crop up across the desert landscape, seemingly designed by nature to turn a nice bicycle trip into a long walk. Your best defense against goatheads is a thick-walled tire like the Armadillo, or slime-filled tubes. Carry a patch kit in the event a flat tire does happen, but note that when cycling in the city, you’re never far from a bike shop that is more than willing to get you back on the road.
www. b ois e we e k ly.com
treY mCintYre ProJeCt Oct. 26: Boise’s international arts ambassador dance company performs. Morrison Center, treymcintyre.com.
C r i t i C a l K no w l e d g e
Oct. 26: A Halloween costume party for kids. Zoo Boise, zooboise.org.
IdAHO dAn C E THEATr E
Boo at the zoo
Bogus Basin sKi and snowBoard swaP Oct. 31-nov. 3: See Page 98.
Frightened Felons Oct. 25-26: Ghost stories, scavenger hunts and tours at the Old Pen. Old Idaho State Penitentiary, history.idaho.gov.
dia de los muertos Oct. 29-nov. 9: Traditional celebration of the day of the dead. Idaho State Historical Museum, history.idaho.gov.
idaho steelheads October-April: Hockey returns. CenturyLink Arena, idahosteelheads.com.
november 2013 Boise PhilharmoniC nov. 1-2: The orchestra plays Mozart. Morrison Center/NNU Swayne Auditorium, boisephilharmonic.org.
idaho danCe theatre
emPtY Bowls
nov. 8-10: The company kicks off its 2013-2014 season. Special Events Center, idahodancetheatre.org.
nov. 29: See Page 52.
2013 idaho triennial
nov. 28-Jan. 5, 2014: A massive display of lights for the holidays. Idaho Botanical Garden, idahobotanicalgarden.org.
winter garden aglow
aKimBo/Footage/ serenade-Ballet idaho
nov. 16-April 27, 2014: Featuring some of Idaho’s top artists. Boise Art Museum, boiseartmuseum.org.
nov. 1-2: Ballet Idaho performs three unique dances. Morrison Center, balletidaho.org.
Bw Cover auCtion
night tours at the Pen
Brian regan
nov. 1, 8, 15: Guided tours of the Old Idaho Penitentiary at night. Old Idaho Penitentiary, history.idaho.gov.
nov. 22: The comedian performs. Morrison Center, mc.boisestate.edu.
it’s a wonderFul liFe: a live radio PlaY
Boise PhilharmoniC
nov. 29-dec. 14: The holiday classic becomes a radio play. Boise Little Theater, boiselittletheater.org.
dine out downtown Boise restaurant weeK nov. 2-11: restaurants offer prix fixe menus. Downtown Boise, downtownboise.org.
siPPin’ in the CitY nov. 8: Highlighting Idaho wines. Linen Building, sippininthecity.com.
the marriage oF Figaro nov. 8 and 10: Opera Idaho performs the Mozart classic. Egyptian Theatre, operaidaho.org.
www.b oi se we e kly.com
nov. 20: See Page 76.
nov. 22-23: The orchestra plays Verdi’s requiem. Morrison Center/NNU Swayne Auditorium, boisephilharmonic.org.
this wonderFul liFe nov. 26-dec. 21: The classic on stage. Boise Contemporary Theater, bctheater.org.
Festival oF trees
december 2013 CeltiC thunder dec. 1: The Irish male vocal group. Morrison Center, mc.boisestate.edu.
ameriCan idiot
dashing through the snow
dec. 2: Green day’s musical comes to Boise. Morrison Center, mc.boisestate.edu.
nov. 29-dec. 14: An innkeeper puts up with a lot over the holidays. Stage Coach Theatre, stagecoachtheatre.com.
oaK ridge BoYs Christmas
Boise tree lighting nov. 30: Community celebrates the season. Grove Plaza, downtownboise.org.
readings and Conversations
nov. 27-dec. 1: Trees decked out for a cause. Boise Centre, saintalphonsus.org.
november TBA: Pulitzer Prize-winner Junot diaz. The Egyptian Theatre, thecabinidaho.org.
mannheim steamroller
idaho stamPede
nov. 27: The renowned instrumental group. Morrison Center, mc.boisestate.edu.
november-April: Idaho’s basketball team. CenturyLink Arena, idahostampede.com.
dec. 6: The group’s holiday concert. Morrison Center, mc.boisestate.edu.
Claws ’n’ Paws dec. 7: Celebrate the holidays with the animals. Zoo Boise, zooboise.org.
the addams FamilY dec. 14-15: Broadway musical based on the TV show. Morrison Center, mc.boisestate.edu.
the nutCraCKer dec. 20-22: Ballet Idaho performs the holiday classic. Morrison Center, balletidaho.org.
sheePherder’s Ball dec. 21: A night of food, drink and dancing celebrating Boise’s Basque culture. Basque Center, basquemuseum.com. boiseweekly | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | 103
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Keep on learning By deAnn A dArr
The phrase “use it or lose it” applies to both mind and body—if you’re not engaging both with new challenges, they get flabby. Thankfully, the Treasure Valley is full of opportunities to keep using it—whether your interest is in the arts, environment or a little of everything.
Brown Bag series
ignite Boise
The Idaho Historical Museum offers lessons from the past with one-hour talks from noon-1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month. history. idaho.gov/brown-bag-lecture-series.
A regular happening where speakers have five minutes and five Power Point slides on whatever topic is on his or her mind. igniteboise.com.
Ballet idaho
Boise PhilharmoniC
the CaBin
All ages and abilities can take classes taught by professional dancers. balletidaho.org.
Audiences can get to know the musicians and music better through programs including pre-concert visits with musicians. boisephilharmonic.org.
young writers join one-week summer writing camps while grown-up writers can take advantage of monthly drop-in workshops.thecabinidaho.org.
Boise art museum BAM is full of opportunities to learn about art with programs for everyone from toddlers to seniors. boiseartmuseum.org.
Boise ContemPorarY theater BCT’s Theater Lab is designed to give young actors, playwrights and storytellers the chance to develop their craft. bctheater.org.
Boise ParKs and reCreation Classes and activities are for all ages and include swimming and tennis lessons, arts camps, activity nights and more. Adults can take advantage of sports leagues and classes. cityofboise.org/departments/parks. 104 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
Boise roCK sChool young musicians learn to play instruments, be in a band and perform live concerts. boiserockschool.com.
Boise sChool distriCt CommunitY eduCation The school district offers classes created and taught by community members. There are myriad fitness, cooking and metaphysical classes, as well as art, music, photography and personal finance. boiseschools.org/commed.
disCoverY Center The discovery Center of Idaho offers events and classes for kids, including summer camps. Grown-ups can join Adult nights designed for the 21-and-older set. scidaho.org.
FettuCCine Forum The Boise City department of Arts and History offers the lecture series with topics ranging from history and urban planning to public affairs and culture. boiseartsandhistory.org.
Boise watershed
Foothills learning Center
Boise WaterShed’s classes and activities give kids the chance to learn about how the ecosystem works. boiseenvironmentaleducation.org.
Families can get the environmental scoop with a series of classes and events about the natural world. boiseenvironmentaleducation.org.
old Boise musiC studio Some of the best-known musicians in Boise offer lessons in everything from guitar and piano to voice and violin. oldboisemusicstudios.com.
idaho BotaniCal garden IBG hosts classes offering advice on plants and trees, crafts and even wildflower walks or tai chi. idahobotanicalgarden.org.
osher liFelong learning institute The Osher Institute offers lectures and classes for seniors with topics ranging from history, business and ecology to politics and culture— there are even occasional chances to travel. boisestate.edu/osher.
triCa The Treasure Valley Institute for Children’s Art has a constantly revolving selection of classes. trica.org. For a more complete listing, visit boiseweekly.com. www. b ois e we e k ly.com
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the diamonds with the JimmY dorseY orChestra
B OIS E P HILHAr M OnIC
January 2014
Jan. 4: The famed doo-wop group joins the big band orchestra. Morrison Center, mc.boisestate.edu.
Parlor games Jan. 10-25: A practical joker hosts his own wake. Stage Coach Theatre, stagecoachtheatre.com.
lie, Cheat, and genuFleCt Jan. 10-25: Brothers try to find their way out of trouble in this adult farce. Boise Little Theater, boiselittletheater.org.
Boise PhilharmoniC Jan. 17-18: The orchestra performs The diary of Anne Frank. Boise Contemporary Theater, boisephilharmonic.org.
idaho danCe theatre Jan. 24-26: The company’s winter performance. Boise State University Special Events Center, idahodancetheatre.org.
February 2014
mCCall winter Carnival Jan. 24-Feb. 2: Annual winter celebration featuring ice sculptures. McCall, mccallchamber.org.
sun valleY nordiC Fest Jan. 25- Feb. 2: A week of winter fun in Sun Valley, nordic style. Sun Valley, svnordicfestival.com.
warren (or) those PeoPle
anna Fidler: vamPires and wolF men Feb. 1-May 25: Portraits inspired by horror films. Boise Art Museum, boiseartmuseum.org.
Boise Baroque orChestra Feb. 8-9: Oboist Lindsay Edwards plays Bach, Corelli and Parry. Cathedral of the Rockies, boisebaroque.org.
Jan. 29-Feb. 22: World premiere of a play about an opinionated woman and her autistic caretaker. Boise Contemporary Theater, bctheater.org.
raYmonda’s wedding
5x5 reading series
Boise PhilharmoniC
January-May: Catch readings of upand-coming plays. Boise Contemporary Theater, bctheater.org.
Feb. 21-22: Guest cellist Zuill Bailey performs dvorak. Morrison Center/ NNU Swayne Auditorium, boisephilharmonic.org.
Brown Bag leCtures January-december: Speakers discuss diverse aspects of Idaho history on the second Tuesday of every month. Idaho Historical Museum, history.idaho.gov.
sun valleY Film Festival
Feb. 28-March 15: The lives of snowbound bus passengers are unveiled. Boise Little Theater, boiselittletheater.org.
March 13-16: Featuring indie films, premieres. Sun Valley, sunvalleyfilmfestival.org.
rent
treY mCintYre ProJeCt
Feb. 28-March 22: Musical following people living with HIV/AIdS. Stage Coach Theatre, stagecoachtheatre.com.
March 15: Boise’s international arts ambassador dance company performs. Morrison Center, treymcintyre.com.
valentine For aids
Boise PhilharmoniC
February: Local artists donate works with auction proceeds benefiting Safety net for AIdS. Flying M Coffeehouse, flyingmcoffee.com.
March 21-22: Guest violinist Stefan Jackiw plays Scheherazade. Morrison Center/NNU Swayne Auditorium, boisephilharmonic.org.
Feb. 14-15: Ballet Idaho takes the stage. Morrison Center, balletidaho.org.
treeFort musiC Fest
march 2014 hello, dollY March 4-6: Part of the Broadway in Boise series. Morrison Center, mc.boisestate.edu.
what’s it worth?
Boise Baroque orChestra
Feb. 23: Treasure Valley evaluators assess treasures. Idaho State Historical Museum, history.idaho.gov.
March 7 and 9: double bassist renaud Boucher-Browning Cathedral of the Rockies, boisebaroque.org.
Carmen
readings and Conversations
Feb. 28 and March 2: Opera Idaho tackles the Bizet classic. Morrison Center, operaidaho.org. www.b oi se we e kly.com
Bus stoP
March 11: Journalist and author Susan Orlean. Egyptian Theatre, thecabinidaho.org.
March 20-23: See Page 76.
lunaFest March: A festival of films by and about women. The Flicks, theflicksboise.com.
april 2014 gene harris Jazz Festival April 2-4: Jazz musicians take over Boise State University. Boise State University Student Union Building, geneharris.org. boiseweekly | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | 105
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the unCannY valleY April 2-26: The caretaker may be more than human in this play. Boise Contemporary Theater, bctheater.org.
an evening with Curtis stigers April 5: Boise jazz man plays from the Great American Songbook. Morrison Center, boisephilharmonic.org.
gianni sChiCChi and trouBle in tahiti April 11 and 13: Opera Idaho takes to the stage. Egyptian Theatre, operaidaho.org.
harveY April 11-26: The 6-foot-tall, imaginary rabbit returns in this production for mature audiences. Boise Little Theater, boiselittletheater.org.
wiCKed April 16-May 4: Part of the Broadway in Boise series. Morrison Center, mc.boisestate.edu.
idaho danCe theatre April 18-20: The company finishes its season. Boise State University Special Events Center, idahodancetheatre.org.
CulinarY walKaBout
ironman 70.3 Boise
Pride June: LGBT Pride events take place across Boise. Boise, boisepride.com.
May 14: See Page 52.
June 7: See Page 98.
who’s aFraid oF virginia woolF?
CraFting a Continuum
savor idaho
April 18-May 3: A professor and his wife reveal the tragic mess that is their marriage. Stage Coach Theatre, stagecoachtheatre.com.
May 17-Aug. 10: Pieces from Arizona State University reflect trends in craftwork. Boise Art Museum, boiseartmuseum.org.
June 8: See Page 52.
raCe to roBie CreeK
the Fox on the FairwaY
April 19: See Page 98.
May 23-June 7: A madcap sendup of a stuffy English country club. Boise Little Theater, boiselittletheater.org.
readings and Conversations April 22: Journalist and novelist Cheryl Strayed. Egyptian Theatre, thecabinidaho.org.
Boise Baroque orChestra April 25 and 27: Boise Philharmonic and Master Chorale join the orchestra. Cathedral of the Rockies, boisebaroque.org.
night oF JanuarY 16th May 30-June 14: Find out if a captain of industry was killed by a spurned lover or his own hand in this interactive mystery. Stage Coach Theatre, stagecoachtheatre.com.
idaho BotaniCal garden ConCert series May-September: See Page 76.
may 2014 June 2014 modern art
emmett CherrY Festival June 11-14: See Page 26.
singing in the slammer June 13: Booze, beer and singing at the Old Pen. Old Idaho Penitentiary, history.idaho.gov.
meridian dairY daYs June 17-21: See Page 26.
world reFugee daY June 21: A celebration of new Americans. Boise, idahorefugees.org.
Boise hawKs June-September: Boise’s hometown baseball. Hawks Stadium, boisehawks.com.
i48 Film Festival June: See Page 76.
May 1: See Page 76.
art and roses Fair
idaho green exPo
Boise BiKe weeK
June 1: Artists sell their wares in the rose Garden. Julia Davis Park, cityofboise.org/departments/parks.
June: A weekend full of learning about everything green. Expo Idaho, idahogreenexpo.org.
May 12-17: See Page 98. 106 | AnnuAl MAnuAl 2013-2014 | boiseweekly
July 2014 sPoon river anthologY July 11-26: The dead speak to the living and the audience through their epitaphs. Stage Coach Theatre, stagecoachtheatre.com.
snaKe river stamPede July 15-19: See Page 98.
san inazio Festival July 25-27: See Page 26.
eagle Fun daYs July: See Page 26.
sawtooth musiC Festival July: Showcasing rock, folk and Americana bands. Stanley, sawtoothmusicfestival.com
twilight Criterium July: See Page 98.
www. b ois e we e k ly.com