DINING/FOOD as a deli case full of goodies to enjoy in the small dining area. 1504 Vista Ave., 208-345-7150. $$-$$$ OM. DELI GEORGE—Behind the upside-down sign on Fairview, look for over 30 sandwich options full of homemade ingredients and plenty of imagination. 5602 Fairview Ave., 208-323. 2582. $ FLYING PIE PIZZERIA— Boise’s longest-lived and most inventive pizzeria. They have their own beer (the impeccable Triple Pi Belgian-style ale), and pies to please even the pickiest eaters. 6508 Fairview Ave., 208-345-0000. $ OM SU. JUMPIN’ JANETS—Need a beer, a smoke and a meal? Jumpin’ Janet’s is one of the few places left in town where you can do all
three. But here’s the real draw for you health conscious out there: you won’t find a deep fryer in the kitchen at Jumpin’ Janet’s, it’s all baked. 574 Vista Ave., 208-342-7620. $ SU. THE OFFICE—This cleverly named sports bar is for the over-21 crowd only. Enjoy a meal, a smoke and a full bar while catching a game on one of The Office’s plasmas. Then, when you’re better half calls looking for you, the simple answer is: “I’m at The Office, honey.” Bar and late night menu until 2 a.m. 6125 E. Fairview, 208-377SU. 2800. $-$$ PANDA GARDEN—A huge selection of menu items. Generous portions from Chinese to sushi, and it’s all good stuff. The staff, too, is friendly and attentive. 2801 Overland Road, 208-433SU. 1188. $-$$
WINE SIPPER/FOOD
CHARDONNAY The continued popularity of chardonnay is undeniable, and it remains one of the most widely planted grape varieties. In the ’90s, big oak was all the rage, but mercifully, the prominence of those “chateau 2-by-4s” has subsided. The wines tasted this week were complemented, rather than overwhelmed, by oak. The specified price point was $15-plus, but there was one real surprise: 2008 ABEJA CHARDONNAY, $35 Walla Walla, Wash.-based John Abbott is making some of the finest wines in the Northwest, and this chardonnay is no exception. The nose is filled with unctuous aromas of ripe apple and peach laced with touches of basil, tarragon, vanilla and just the right kiss of oak. Round and elegant in the mouth with a palate of ripe peach, crisp apple and buttery apricot, this wine is impeccably balanced and amazingly persistent. 2007 CLOS DU VAL CHARDONNAY, $20 This is a California classic with a French connection in Bordeaux-born co-founder Bernard Portet. It opens with beautifully floral aromas highlighted by peach, pear and ripe lemon, along with notes of butterscotch and oak. Tangy citrus up front is backed by melon, apple and tropical fruit. A nice butteriness comes through on the finish that’s marked by light oak and food-friendly acidity. 2009 MORSE CODE CHARDONNAY, $8.99 This bargain-priced wine was an accidental ringer in the lineup of much more expensive bottles. It’s the second label from Henry’s Drive in Padthaway, Australia. The aromas are fruit driven and offer bright citrus and pear with just the lightest hint of oak. It’s a refreshing wine with tangy lemon, sweet melon and green apple flavors marked by touches of spice and orange zest at an amazing value. —David Kirkpatrick WWW. B OISEWEEKLY.C O M
PATTY’S BURGER TIME—The only Idaho Preferred fast food restaurant keeps it good and local by serving Flying M coffee, Cloverleaf milk and local beef. The early riser menu includes breakfast burritos, diced potatoes and breakfast sandwiches using organic eggs and vegetables. Need more reasons to swing by? Patty’s serves fresh fruit milkshakes with more than 40 different varieties and hosts classic cars shows every Saturday night. 1273 S. Orchard, Boise, 208-424-5073. $ . THE PLANK—Excellent finger steaks and chicken strips to wash down all that beer. A special lunch menu and a punch card for extra lunch savings and a reverse happy hour Sunday through Thursday from 10 p.m. till midnight with $2 bar bites. 650 S. Vista, 208-336-1790. SU. $-$$ RAW—The owners of conjoined and very popular Willowcreek Bar and Grill opened up RAW to sate the sushi cravings up on the bench. Striving for “sushi art in a comfortably atmosphere and promising rolls that make your money worth it.” 2237 Vista Ave., 208-343-0270. $-$$$ OM. ROCKIES DINER—This old school diner blends in with the rest of Overland Road, but once inside, customers are greeted with perky waitresses on roller skates, classic rock emanating from the jukebox and guitars puncturing the ceiling-not to mention the massive Harley mounted above the checkerboard floor. The burgers are big and tasty, we recommend the jalapeno peppers. Even if you weren’t born before the ‘50s, you’ll have flashbacks. 3900 Overland Road, 208-336-2878. $ SU, . ROOSTER’S EATERY— Located in historic Vista Village, Rooster’s offers fine lunch fare. If you’re in the mood for salad try the San Diego with their own creamy Q-min dressing. For a hot sandwich, try the tri tip melt. For a cold one, check out the albacore tuna. 930 S. Vista Ave., . 208-339-9300. $-$$ SHANGRI-LA TEA ROOM—A basic menu of vegan and vegetarian offerings. Some items include five types of soup, pita sandwich and falafel sandwiches, curry and southwestern wraps, and one of the best organic salads in the valley according to customers. Teriyaki tofu, tea cakes, and cookies round out a variety of delightful items. On any given day, choose between 80-100 small batch, limited quantity teas produced on small tea farms. The owners pride themselves on knowing where their teas come from. 1800 W. Overland Road, 208-424-0273. $-$$ OM. SONO BANA—Boise’s oldest sushi joint can still hold its own against more stylish newcomers. Chef Yugi Hagino even offers ginger and adzuki bean ice cream. 303 N. Orchard St. $-$$ SU. For comprehensive restaurant listings throughout the valley, visit boiseweekly.com and click on “Find Restaurants” under the “Food” tab.
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