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
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