eat/south
of the border, thai & vietnamese + basque
pollo rey
chianG Mai
pho nouveau
rice
it’s fresh, affordable and fast as the crew grills and assembles each order in front of you. Whole chickens are always on the rotisserie and the fish tacos are fantastic. Or go idaho-style and try one of the stuffed baked potatoes. 222 N. Eighth St., Boise, 208-345-0323; 7709 W. Overland Road, Boise, 208-3754642, polloreyboise.com. $-$$
This Thai temple tempts connoisseurs and novices alike with its bubbling cauldrons of tom-kah-kai, dry cooked string beans with ground pork and generous portions of old faves. 4898 W. Emerald St., Boise, 208-342-4051, boisethairestaurant.com. $-$$
Though pho is the focus at this hip downtown Vietnamese bistro, comfort food specials like chicken curry and grilled beef on rice noodles keep the hungry hordes happy. items like the green papaya salad or the sizzling Saigon crepe keep the epicures elated. 780 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208-3671111, phonouveau.com. $-$$
Serving favorites like green beans with sweet chili and Sriracha, and fresh options like duck curry with Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean flavors. 228 E. Plaza St., Ste. Q and R, Eagle, 208-939-2959, riceeagle.com. $-$$
tHai and VietnaMese BaGueTTe deli One bite of the flaky French bread and you’ll be hooked on this no-frills Vietnamese spot. in addition to serving some of the best value banh-mi, it also slings piping hot bowls of meat filled pho and brightly hued bubble tea. 5205 W. Franklin Road, Boise, 208-3362989, baguettedeli.net. $
Mai Thai From the fountain running the length of the dining room to the sleek glowing bar, Mai Thai is where Thai food gets cosmopolitan. Downtown Boise’s go-to Thai restaurant has a swank vibe and great specials, making it a favorite place to relax. The cocktails are colorful and unusual and the happy hour izakaya menu makes it a destination in its own right. 750 W. Idaho St., Boise, 208-344-8424, maithaigroup.com. $-$$
pho TaM Pho Tam stands as some of the best pho in town. Affordable eats include Vietnamese sandwiches. Split an order of shrimp goi cuon or cha gio over lunch or dinner. 1098 N. Orchard St., Boise, 208-473-2386. $-$$
sa-wad-dee This eatery tempts diners with an extensive menu of everything from the traditional (orange beef) to the adventurous (frog leg basil). 1890 E. Fairview Ave., Ste. B, Meridian, 208-884-0701, sawaddeethai.com. $-$$
Thai cuisine Promising “healthy taste” and “healthy choice,” Thai Cuisine is a Boise favorite, offering Thai and Vietnamese. 6777 W. Overland Road, Boise, 208-6580516, boisethaicuisine.com. $-$$
Basque
eat + drink/eagle
Bar Gernika
LeiLA RAMeLLA-RADeR
if you traveled to the heart of Boise, you’d end up at Bar Gernika. The restaurant is at the center of Boise’s Basque food scene and has long been a favorite among those willing to cram into the tiny interior. The pub serves Basque favorites like beef tongue, chorizo paella, croquettas and lamb grinders, all made on an even tinier grill. 202 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise, 208-344-2175, bargernika.com. $-$$
The Basque MarkeT Not only can you pick up all you need to make your own Basque feast, but you can also sample Basque-style tapas, wine and soups. Don’t miss lunchtime paella cooked in front of the shop several times a week or the regular sheepherders breakfasts. 608 W. Grove St., Boise, 208-433-1208, thebasquemarket.com. $-$$
>>>
epi’s Basque resTauranT
Bella aquila The house-made pastas are worth the trip (page 20).
wild west Bakery One of the best burgers around (page 30).
50 | RESTAURANT + BAR GUIDE 2013 | boiseweekly
Bardenay Sip a mojito on the riverside patio (page 24).
reMBrandt’s coffee House Grab something sweet from the bakery case (page 16).
The term “family style” doesn’t quite do justice at epi’s, where diners feel like they are an intimate member of the family as soon as they walk in. The small, 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. $-$$$
w w w.b o ise w e e kly.c o m