Week 5 - 2nd Story Assignment
FOOD REVIEW
500 Words
TNR, DS, 1" M
Headline, deck
Byline
Dateline
Lead
Bridge
Body
Tag line
* * *
Text Box w/ name and location, w/ phone number
> Be creative - this is your personal review (note smells, environment, surroundings, etc.).
> Be as descriptive as possible!
DUE DATE: END OF WEEK 6, 12:59 P.M. Friday, via e-mail, and post.
El Gallo Giro- Voted Most Authentic Mexican Food in the Treasure Valley
ReplyDeleteA surprising taste of Kuna Idaho’s Mexican culture, and food.
By Megan Reece
Staff Reporter
The “El Gallo Giro” is authentic Mexican food! The restaurant is located in an old building at the heart of Kuna Idaho. At first glance a passerby might not give it much notice, but once inside they’ll see a very loyal clientele. Customers gladly return to this little restaurant again and again for the best service, and food in the Valley. Owner’s Enrique and Ana Contreras work hard. Enrique happily goes to each table saying hello to his guests. His smile and friendliness show the true meaning of ownership, and customer appreciation.
As I’m seated I notice that nearly every table is occupied. The room has a relaxed small town hum. The waitress has an air of hard work, and kindness when she smiles. She directs me to the homemade salsa bar, and sets fresh tortilla chips, salsa, and refried beans on the table. I order a glass of “Horchata,” a sweet Mexican rice drink with cinnamon. As I look around, everyone is casually engaged in conversation. Some are eating chips and salsa, others are enjoying steaming entrees. I can taste how fresh the salsa is, and enjoy the complimentary beans too.
A young man has come to fill my water. He offers to get me some more salsa; which I’ve eaten quickly. There are many servers assistants like him going from table to table. I notice they clear tables quickly, to provide fast service to their busy clientele.
My friendly waitress is back again. I order the “Fiesta Platter;” I want to get a taste of as many things as I can. When the food comes, I’m not disappointed. It’s a large round dish; at the base are fresh refried beans and cheese on chips; then a layer of lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. A few toquitoes are scattered around the top, as well as chimichangas, quesadillas, fried chicken. A dash of sour cream completes the ensemble, and goes well with the extra guacamole I requested. What is Mexican food without the Guacamole? It’s fresh and creamy, with mixed in tomatoes and onions, which give it a cool crisp taste. I slide it onto a chip, and decide it tastes amazingly authentic. The chimichanga is calling my name; I bite into a soft, crisp, homemade flour tortilla rolled around shredded chicken. It’s perfect. The great thing about Mexican food is being able to take the flavors from the dips and sauces, and mix them with basic items like chips, and fried foods.
In 2001, “El Gallo Giro,” was doing well enough to expand their business by 30 seats. In 2002, they were doing even better, and expanded another 30 seats. Enrique and Ana have had several opportunities to move to a bigger location. They’ve chosen to stay in their present location of thirteen years; not wanting to sacrifice the quality of the food and service. They have over 39 staff member; half of them are full time. This thriving family owned business is worth the drive. So- be sure and get some authentic Mexican food from “El Gallo Giro.” I recommend it!
El Gallo Giro
482 W. Main St.
Kuna, Id. 83634
(208)- 922-5169
Megan Reece covers food reviews for Boise States Blog273. She can be reached at http://bsu273.blogspot.com/2011/02/week-5-story-assignment-food-review.html
Super Size Me!
ReplyDeleteAnalyzing McDonald’s
Nutrition Label.
By Jarrod Driskell
Reporting and News Writing
Nampa, Idaho—Two seasoned all-beef patties topped with cheese, pickles, ketchup, and onions on a sesame seed bun describes the famous Double Quarter Pounder at McDonald’s, along with fries and a drink. It sounds wonderfully tasty, right?
Then come those dreadful words from the lips of the cashier: “would you like to super size that today?”
The atmosphere of the restaurant is appealing. Most of the restaurants in the fast food chain have been remodeled to look more like a coffee shop than a restaurant. A flat screen plasma television is located on the wall in the dining area for diners to catch up on the latest news while sinking their mouth into a beefy burger or crisp chicken sandwich.
The Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese in and of itself is quite satisfying to the palette. Its evenly seasoned patties, along with the crunch of the onions and pickles, make for a mouthful of flavor. The burger is not too large that you cannot get your mouth around it, and it is not too small that it does not fulfill your hunger. The burger is also arranged to give eye appeal to the diner. It is placed in a cardboard box that is specific to its size. Once the top of the box has been opened and the burger is revealed, the eater will notice that it has been assembled very carefully. Each layer is well distinguished. The sesame seed but has not been smashed down onto the rest of the burger as is common in other fast food restaurants.
As a “side dish” to the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese is McDonald’s famous French fries—precisely cut and fried to perfection. One drawback to the well known fries is the amount of salt used to season them. A little less salt would be better on the taste buds—and better for your blood pressure. Along with a large order of fries is a 32-ounce fountain soft drink.
Now what you’ve all been waiting for—the nutrition facts. When it comes to ordering a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, you need to take into consideration how many calories, fats, sodium, and cholesterol are in one Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese and large fries. Based on a 2,000 calorie a day diet, the burger alone is 740 calories. This equates to about 37 percent of your total calories per day. The burger also carries 42 grams of fat as well as 1,380 milligrams worth of sodium and 155 milligrams of cholesterol.
For the fries, a large order holds 500 calories—one-fourth of your daily recommended amount. Large fries also have 25 grams of fat, 350 milligrams of sodium, and no cholesterol. Both the burger and the fries have 1,240 calories, which is 62 percent of your daily allotted amount and over half of the calories you are to receive in a single day.
The food at McDonald’s is made to satisfy every customer, and is presented in an elegant fashion. However, on the downside, the calorie intake for a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese and large fries is a staggering amount. For the health conscious, steer away from McDonald’s hamburgers and fries. But isn’t it alright to break our diet every once in a while?
Jarrod Driskell is a student writer at Boise State University. He can be reached at jarroddriskell@u.boisestate.edu.
Qdoba, The Fresh Mexican Grill With Flavor
ReplyDeleteFor that craving that only fresh Mexican food can settle.
Sydney Gill
Student Reporter
MERIDIAN, Idaho- Located in the center of Meridian, by shopping and fun is a great fresh Mexican restuarant waiting to be visited.
For those who enjoy Mexican food, but tend to stray away from these restaurants because of the extra grease, Qdoba Restaurant might be the answer.
Qdoba is a fresh Mexican grill that offers a variety of options that would be able to please those who are looking for a fresh alternative to Mexican food.
Qdoba has two locations in Meridian, but this particular restaurant was the one located on North Eagle Road. With the many choices that were available, it was apparent that anybody could find something new and exciting to try.
Qdoba is like a fast food restaurant because customers are able to walk up to the counter, order, watch the workers make their food and are able to leave within a matter of minutes. Fast food though does not describe the food. When the term fast food is heard greasy, unhealthy food is what comes to mind, but this isn’t the case in this situation. Also, fast food may generate the picture of a messy restaurant, but Qdoba was a very clean, friendly environment that didn’t bring turn the customers stomach as he or she sat down at a table and looked around.
When walking in the choices are laid out on an overhead menu that isn’t cluttered or too difficult to read. There was a picture of a Mexican Gumbo that included rice, beans, tortilla soup, salsa, cheese, sour cream, topped with homemade tortilla strips.
The great thing about Qdoba is the customer watches as the worker makes the food and is able to make it custom to his or her preference. The Mexican Gumbo with the rice, beans, tortilla soup, salsa, and a little bit of grilled chicken was not only custom-made but delicious. Also, the prices are around $5-$8 and who can beat these prices when it comes along with great tasting food.
The food was ready within minutes and was ready to get stuffed into the mouth of a very hungry customer. The tortilla soup sent a jolt of spicy flavor that definitely woke up the taste buds. This wasn’t the spicy flavor that clears out sinuses, but it was definitely a spicy flavor that was not dismissed.
When the tortilla soup was consumed with the rice, black beans, salsa, and grilled chicken, the mixture of all the flavors came to life. The fresh vegetable taste of the pico de gallo complimented the spicy-ness of the soup. Nothing can ever go wrong with rice and beans, and these two ingredients added a mild flavor that added a little comfort in the strong taste of the soup and pico de gallo.
The Mexican Gumbo may have been even better with some of the homemade tortilla strips that would have added a little crunch and texture to the smooth soup, rice, and beans. Having a dish that was great without a few of the ingredients showed that Qdoba was full of options that made each trip to the restaurant a different experience.
Qdoba Grill- On a five maraca scale was given 4 maracas
Location: 3319 N. Eagle Road
Meridian, ID 83646
Specialties: Fresh Mexican Food
Price Range: Around $8.00
Extras: Clean restaurant, fresh food made in a matter of minutes
Serving: Lunch and Dinner
Sydney Gill covers places to eat in the Boise and Meridian areas. She can be reached at sydneygill@u.boisestate.edu.
Epi’s a Basque Restaurant: Welcome Home
ReplyDeleteBy Aaron Nelson/ Student reporter
Meridian, Idaho-Eastbound on Fairview and main
a quiet little restaurant the best place you, are not eating at.
Epi’s a Basque restaurant has been around since 1997, and is one of the best restaurants in the state of Idaho. The restaurant only holds about 50 people so be sure to make a reservation, they fill up fast.
Once you have eaten at Epi’s and experienced the food and the great service, you will keep on coming back.
Epi’s is a quiet place to have a great dinner with the family. With the great food and service its reputation is spreading all across Idaho. The menu is very selective and everything on is cooked to perfection. Having eaten at Epi’s several times you will leave this place full and very satisfied.
The Epi’s restaurant was started in 1997 by Gina Ansotegui. The restaurant is named after Gina’s mother. A very important thing to know about Epi’s is that you must make a reservation before you come, there are no walk-ins allowed due to the capacity level of the building which is 50.
Epi’s is a very warm and friendly place to eat. Some might ask what Basque food is. Basque food is meat and fish items that are cooked over coals. The food cooks very hot over the coals giving it a very unique taste that is to die for.
The average price range for a meal for 2 will run you about 80 dollars, but the experience and food is well worth the price. The menu is very small; there are about 11 items to choose from such as: pork chops, rib eye steak, fish fillets, and lamb stew. Every meal comes with soup which is normally bean or clam chowder but it varies on the night. Salad is also included and freshly baked bread. They have a wide variety of wine and beer on tap as well.
The second you step foot into Epi’s you are greeted with a hug and a smile. Gina the owner is very loving and is so sweet and nice to every single person that comes into her restaurant. Epi’s is a converted home so it seems like you are having dinner at a friend’s house, and that is exactly how you are treated. The tables vary in size from a table for 2, to a table of about 20; it varies on the reservations that are made.
The moment you step into the room and smell the food your mouth will start to water.
The fresh smell of the lamb stew or the fresh bread will make you hungry in an instant. The service is very quick and helpful and is willing to accommodate you in any way that they can. The amount of food that you receive is just right it will fill you up and probably leave no room for desert.
Epi’s is a great place to eat, its cozy and quiet a perfect place for a nice romantic dinner with the wife, or it can be a great place to take the family, when you are at Epi’s that’s exactly what you will become…family.
Aaron Nelson
Student reporter
Aaronnelson4@u.boisestate.edu (208)585-1584 can be reached anytime day or night.
Epi's Basque Restaurant-on a scale of 5 stars Epi’s gets a 5
Location-1115 N Main St, Meridian, ID 83646 Phone number (208) 884-0142
Specialties-Freshly made Basque cuisine
Hours-open 7 days week/ dinner only from 5 to 11:30
Price range-entrée 15-20/ meal 17-28 per person
Great people, great food, great service, a great time awaits you
“The Better Sandwich is in Reach”
ReplyDeleteA taste that you won’t forget
By WHITNEY HOLM
Student Reporter
BOISE- Tired of going to Subway or Blimpie for a sandwich? I experienced a new kind of sandwich at Uncle Giuseppe’s. Uncle Giuseppe’s is a new sandwich shop located at 6826 Glenwood Street in Garden City, Idaho. The other major cross street is State Street. They are an Italian sandwich shop with a lot of character. There are seventeen specialty sandwiches offered.
The specialty sandwich I had was the “Forget about It.” The “Forget about It” has salami, prosciutto, ham, parmesan cheese, provolone, fresh basil, roasted bell peppers, lettuce, tomato and balsamic vinegar as the dressing. I think that the combination of fresh salami and the roasted bell peppers compliment each other in a satisfying way. All of these ingredients together combined with fresh sour dough bread make for the perfect flavorful experience.
The best part about these sandwiches is the meat. The meat is Boar’s Head brand and is always fresh. They slice it in front of you to ensure that your sandwich has great flavor. The amount of meat they put on the sandwiches is what makes this place such a great find. You get about 3-4 slices of each kid of meat. In addition to the delicious meat, the dressings are always fresh.
Looking for something else to go with your sandwich? They’ve got that covered. Uncle Giuseppe’s offer pastas, soups and unique salads. The soups are made fresh and from scratch. They have a “soup of the day” and switch off between tomato basil, minestrone, Philly cheese steak, chicken tortilla, and chili. The salads change daily as well. You can choose between pasta salads, artichoke salads, and anti-pasta. The variety of choices is endless.
This sandwich shop has Pepsi products and does not serve alcohol. So if you are looking for a nice cold beer with lunch, you may want to try this place another day.
The prices for these specialty sandwiches are extremely reasonable. I got a sandwich and chips for just under $7.00. I think this is a good value for the quality of meat and the amount you get on a 6-inch sandwich.
This sandwich shop is truly unique to this area. I got the feeling of being in a New York City deli. This is partly because most of the employees here have New Jersey and New York accents. This is a family owned sandwich shop and the owners are proud of that.
The atmosphere is quaint. It is located in a shopping complex and the building is small. It’s set up with just a couple of tables and chairs. Uncle Giuseppe’s is a hidden treasure in the Boise area that everyone should get the pleasure of experiencing. I give Uncle Giuseppe’s 5 stars out of 5. I will definitely be back again and will bring some friends along to enjoy!
Uncle Giuseppe’s
6826 Glenwood St.
Garden City, ID 83714
208-853-5048
Whitney Holm is a student reporter at Boise State University and can be reached at whitneyholm@u.boisestate.edu.
Murphy’s Seafood and Steakhouse: Best Happy Hour in Town
ReplyDeleteHard to Beat Great Appetizers, and Two for The Price of One Drinks
Kelly Sweeney
News Reporter
BOISE, Idaho
Fried calamari and steamer clams for the price of one, and two vodka cranberries for the price of one are the best happy hour taking place in Boise.
The people of Boise love this; you cannot find a place to sit once happy hour starts.
When going into Murphy’s you get the instant feel of excitement when you get inside the restaurant. It is a first come fist serve basis. There is a limited amount of seating so you have to get there at a good time to beat the rush.
Waitresses instantly come up to you and ask you what you want to drink. They bring back two! The come back and you order your 4 or 6 appetizers for the price of 2 or 3 and they come back quickly. It smells like a bar, a mixer of musty, beer, and fried food,
The lively environment has TVs all around the room with booth seating and tables in the middle. The night I went, Saturday, there was a band playing in the corner by the bar. Behind the bar table is every type of alcohol you can imagine.
Saturdays you have to get there by the latest 5:30pm or you will never get a table. The happy hour runs from noon until 7pm. It gets awesome! There are many people from the Boise State Athletic Department that go there to have drinks with co-workers and friends.
Once you get your drinks and food they tend to forget about you and move onto the next people they are serving. I notice this a lot when I am with a friend, but when I am with my parents they come back to see if you need anything else a lot faster and more often. I don’t like that they over look you when you are a younger adult.
If you order a mixed drink you get a splash of alcohol and a ton of juice. Not something most people want when they are spending 8 dollars on a drink. The food comes out hot and tasty, something everyone wants. They even have a 6-dollar burger during happy hour for those meat lovers.
When you are ready to leave they take a long time bringing you the bill unless you ask for it. Saturday gets crazy so it may take even longer then a weekday. It made me mad because I had to flag them down in order to get the bill so we could leave. Once you give them the bill then it takes them a long time to bring you back the receipt to sign.
You walk out and the hostess tells you thank you for coming in and to have a good night.
Kelly Sweeney covers food reviews for Boise States Blog273. She can be reached at http://bsu273.blogspot.com/2011/02/week-5-story-assignment-food-review.html
Phone: (925) 216-6968
Want Chinese but sick of take-out and crowded buffets?
ReplyDeleteP.F Chang’s China Bistro puts a modern twist on Chinese Cuisine in Boise’s BoHo.
By Nichole M Stallings
Student Reporter
Boise, Idaho—As if the 11ft tall horses guarding the doors of P.F Chang’s are not eye-catching enough, the perfect blend of American and Chinese cultures will surely leave diners eager for a second visit to the Chinese Bistro.
Unlike traditional oriental décor—an obnoxious amount of gold and red accompanied by numerous Buddha’s—P.F Chang’s welcomes guests with soft hues of yellow and red coming from round drum-like lamps that spot the ceiling, setting a romantic tone amongst the black, red, and stone surroundings. Modern music varying from Sara Bareilles, to MUSE fills the restaurant with an easy listening, classy, and comfortable tone—perfect for both casual and formal dinners.
True to traditional Chinese décor, Chang’s does include a portrait of the Great Wall of China behind its high-class stylish bar. There are a few statue warriors placed here and there as wall decorations, which are also next to the modern coat racks for guest convenience.
The food at P.F Chang’s is unlike any other. A special sauce, fixed to guest liking, is prepared right at the table for just the right touch of spice to many of the entrees. Though, the unique sauce works its magic especially on the Chicken Lettuce Wraps—Chang’s most popular appetizer: spiced chicken served with lettuce cups. After enjoying one of Chang’s amazing appetizers, diners can see that the menu consists of traditional favorite Chinese dishes such as Sweet and Sour pork and Kung Pao Shrimp, as well as a few new and a special dishes like Crispy Honey Chicken and Almond and Cashew Chicken. Chang’s has something for everyone, including a special vegetarian section for those who do not eat meat.
One great deal that Chang’s offers is their lunch bowl, offered daily from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. These lunch bowls range from $7 to $9 and include brown or steamed rice, egg-drop or spicy soup, plus a single portioned size of your favorite entrée. Now don’t be hesitant about the
“single portion.” P.F. Chang’s is notorious for their family sized meals. So a “single portion” is really still big enough for two.
If you are on a date and want the perfect meal, Chang’s also offers a dinner for two menu that guides diners though a 4 course meal that will impress any date for $40, which is more than you can get at any other restaurant of quality and quantity. At Chang’s, you get the best of both worlds.
Every meal dining-out experience feels incomplete without dessert, and P.F Chang’s does dessert right. As with a family style restaurant, the desserts are immaculate and rich. The Great Wall of Chocolate for example is a six layer chocolate cake that could feel a whole table. But for those of us who cannot conquer the Great Wall of Chocolate, or even the amazing raspberry White chocolate cheesecake, big enough for three people, P.F Chang’s offers something unique. They offer something special for the lighter eaters and even the indecisive: Dessert Shooters. The Dessert Shooters are shot glasses of dessert cooked to perfection. These little mini desserts range from “mini” great wall of chocolate, chocolate mousse, apple pie, tiramisu, and a mouth-watering red velvet cake with a white chocolate frosting, all for only $2 each.
Whether you are looking for a romantic night out, accompanied with dimmed lighting and classy music, or if you want delicious Chinese Cuisine that won’t break the bank as a casual meal, P.F. Chang’s is the perfect dining experience for everybody. They are located in Downtown Boise’s BoHo, on the corner of 8th and Broad Street, by Edwards Cinema and The Knitting Factory—perfect location for a date night. You can check out their menu online at www.pfchangs.com.
Nichole M Stallings is a Student Reporter at Boise State University. She can be reached at nicholestallings@yahoo.com.
The Reef in Boise—Your Exotic Food and Drink Getaway
ReplyDeleteEscape the stresses of everyday life with their island appetizers and tropical atmosphere.
By Regan Shumway
Student Reporter
BOISE, Idaho—Need to get away, but can not
afford it? The Reef in Boise might be just what
you’re looking for! The restaurant is located
on the corner of 6th and Main Street in the
heart of downtown Boise. The Reef is
surrounded by local bars, which makes many
people weary of stopping in. The Reef does
have a full bar, but it also has a full menu
with very good variety and reasonable prices.
When you first walk in, you will probably find yourself thinking, I heard this place was tropical. There is a little pizza joint on your left, but be calm, you have to walk up a stairwell on your right to enter into this exotic atmosphere that is unlike anywhere else is downtown Boise. The inside is covered in tiki lights, bamboo, plant life and fake palm trees. It is very dimly lit, which creates a very cozy atmosphere similar to fine dining, but without the outrageous menu prices and stuck up clientele. There are people of all ages hanging out, enjoying good food, good drinks, and good live music.
When the food arrived at the table, the presentation was outstanding. To start, everything on the Mondo Pupu Appetizer Platter was delicious, with the exception of the crab ragoons, which were a little dry. The kon tiki chicken spears however, were amazing. They were served flaming tableside on a beautiful plate, surrounded by delicately breaded coconut crusted shrimp, crab ragoons, sweet and sour chicken, honey citrus wings and edamame. The platter was $17.95, and had enough food on it for a party of about six to enjoy before their meal.
Dinner arrived at the table about fifteen minutes after the
appetizer, which was the perfect amount of time to enjoy the
appetizer but not have to sit around after it was gone and wait
for the food. The entrée was their Tiki Tacos, which were very
reasonably priced at $8.95. The platter consisted of three tacos stuffed with mahi mahi, crisp cabbage, queso fresco, a very fresh and delicious lime crème sauce, mango cumin vinaigrette, and hand cut pico de gallo. The lime crème sauce and the mango vinaigrette complimented each other very well. The only negative was that the tacos did not come with a side of any sort, so without the appetizer it would probably not fill you up, which must be why it is only $8.95.
The Reef in downtown Boise has a lot to offer our city with its friendly staff and environment. The servers, hosts, and manager were all very nice and professional and provided good service throughout the entire dining experience. The Reef gets 4 out of 5 palm trees, and is somewhere you and your significant other or a group of great friends could go any day of the week for a good time with great food, great drinks, and great live music.
Regan Shumway covers places to eat in the Treasure Valley area. She can be reached at reganshumway@u.boisestate.edu
What Would You do For a Klondike Bar?
ReplyDeleteAll around people can agree on a Klondike Bar.
By KYLE BLACKHURST
Student Reporter
BOISE, Idaho – The Klondike bar has become an American Favorite. Why would you want to pick the American classic, the Klondike Bar?
With 10 different flavors of ice cream bars, who wouldn’t want a Klondike bar? The flavors include: Original, Heath, Reese’s, Krunch, Oreo, Dark Chocolate, Neapolitan, White House Cherry, and Carmel Pretzel.
All of the selections for a Klondike bar contain a calorie count of anywhere between 230 calories to 260 calories.
The Klondike Company also puts out a few other different creations.
There is a 100 calorie option for Klondike treats. The flavors for this include: Vanilla sandwiches, Vanilla and Chocolate mixed sandwich pack, Vanilla ice cream bar, English Toffee and French Vanilla bars, and Chocolate Fudge bars.
Next, there is the no sugar added bars and sandwiches. The variety of flavors for this selection include: Vanilla bars, Krunch bars, and Vanilla sandwiches.
On the Go is the next Klondike category. These single bars include the flavors: Krunch bar, Choco Taco bar, Oreo Sandwich, Klondike original, and the Vanilla sandwich.
The last option for you Klondike appeal is ice cream sandwiches. Classic Vanilla, Peanut Butter Chocolate, Mrs. Fields Cookie Sandwich, and Oreo make up the different selections for your Klondike sandwich selection.
The founding of the Klondike bar stretches back into the early 1900’s. The Klondike Bar was originated in Switzerland.
The creator of the Klondike bar was the Isaly family. The Isaly Dairy Company was founded in the early 1900’s by William Isaly. The Isaly family’s original Klondike bar was handmade by dipping square slices of ice cream into Swiss milk chocolate.
The Isaly family produced the Klondike bars just outside of Youngstown and in Pittsburg. By the time the 1940’s rolled around, the Isaly family had several dairy plants that supplied more than 300 of the Isaly family’s Dairy stores. None of those stores were Klondike free.
For 30 years, until the 1970’s, the Klondike bar was only enjoyed in Pennsylvania and Ohio. In 1978, Klondike expanded their distribution into Florida. That was later followed by the distribution to New York and New England.
The last two big years for the Klondike bar were 1982 and 1993. In 1982, a nationwide advertising and publicity campaign was launched for the Klondike bar. This campaign brought around the famous line, “What would you do for a Klondike bar?” Soon after the advertisement hit America, the Klondike bars were made available to the majority of U.S. supermarkets.
1993 was a year that marked a change in Klondike History. In 1993, Unilever took over the Isaly Klondike Company and the Klondike bar became a part of Good Humor-Breyers. This put the Klondike bar in lives of every American.
The big question of the day is; what would you do for a Klondike bar? With numerous flavors and categories of the ice cream giant, who would say no to such a great appeal? One would be crazy to pass up the opportunity of consuming a Klondike bar.
Kyle Blackhurst is a Student Reports at Boise State University. He can be reached at kyleblackhurst@u.boisestate.edu.
A delicious slice of Old Chicago!
ReplyDeleteAuthentic Chicago style pizza is a tough deep dish treat to beat.
By Ebenezer Makinde
273 Reporter
Boise, Idaho
For those yearning for that authentic taste of Chicago style pizza, look no further. Old Chicago Pizza and Pasta has a unique taste and style that will keep you going back for more, and more, and more.
With its great food, great atmosphere, and a friendly staff, this spot is a sure winner when it comes to dining out.
Located at the Boise Towne Mall, this spot is one of liveliness, diverse people, and just flat out fun.
Guests are greeted and welcomed with a friendly smile immediately after walking in to Old Chicago, and an employee is readily available to cater to the customer’s needs.
If the restaurant is full, and seating is temporarily unavailable, an accurate estimate of how long a wait will be is given. For a party of four you can expect to be seated within twenty minutes.
Once seated, a server is readily waiting and immediately introduces him or herself, passing around menus and taking drink orders. The drinks arrive speedily and small conversation is more than enough to pass the time between the waiter’s departure and return.
Depending on where one is seated, there are a number of different televisions that display the latest games, news, and events going on in the world of entertainment. Don’t be surprised to catch a glimpse of your favorite team on the big screen.
From the time it takes to sip on about three fourths of a regular sized drink, an order of four meals will be served. Service is surprisingly quick as the food is delivered in what seems like could usually take ages.
The authentic deep dish pizza may seem a little overpriced to some folk, but this Chicago style delicacy is worth every penny.
The crust is over an inch thick, and the cheese alone drapes over the edges of each slice, slowly pulling the toppings closer and closer to falling completely off this dish.
Presentation is everything, and in this case makes picking and separating, especially for younger children, much easier. Slices are pre-cut and include a spatula, in order to maximize easiness in serving.
Each slice of this Chicago style pizza may be eaten with the hand, but can be eaten with a fork and knife, although not quite as popular.
The taste is magnificent. The toppings are all seasoned and warm, and a very evident seasoning can be tasted on the sauce, as well as the cheese. Chewing is encouraged, but the taste of this Chicago Style deep dish pizza will have you thinking about the next bite.
The crust cooked, but not over baked, and is soft and does not require much effort to bite.
These four things, the soft crust, specially seasoned sauce, loads of cheese, and the fresh pepperoni toppings make for a great pizza. Now combine that with the exceptional service and surrounding entertainment, all in all they make for a great family meal.
Old Chicago Pizza and Pasta
Boise Mall
350 N Milwaukee Suite 1017
Boise Mall, ID 83704
Phone:(208) 321-0033
Fax:208-321-0055
Hours:11am to 2am Daily
Happy Hours:Daily 4PM-7PM
Sun-Thur 11PM-Close
Ebenezer Makinde is a student reporter at Boise State University and can be reached at ebenezermakinde@u.boisestate.edu.
The Old Spaghetti Factory: Eat your food in a Trolley Car!
ReplyDeleteBoise, ID
Lasagna, Ravioli, Fresh Bread, Chicken Parmesan, and Spaghetti!
The Old Spaghetti Factory cooks up your favorite Italian dishes with a good price, good service, and great atmosphere. It is located on 610 W. Idaho St. in Boise Idaho.
The Old Spaghetti Factory is a relatively new restaurant chain to the greater Boise area, but has been around for quite some time. The chain itself opened in Portland, Oregon in 1969 and didn’t move to Boise until 2008. It serves all the Italian favorites one could ask for.
When I went there, a week ago, the special was a Italian Sausage Tortellini with a Pesto Sauce. The Italian Sausage was cooked to perfection, with a slight peppery kick and a juicy center. The Tortellini was so soft and filled with Parmesan Cheese and basil was absolutely delicious. The Pesto Sauce was thick and creamy and was a perfect topper to the dish.
With any meal one receives a free soup or salad, I chose Minestrone Soup. The soup was in a very warm, beef broth and filled with carrots, water chestnuts, beans, and other vegetables that I could not recognize. The soup was a perfect fit due to the fact that it was cold that night, and the soup was complimentary item, can’t go wrong with free food!
Another perk with ordering an item from The Old Spaghetti Factory is the free fresh bread. The bread has a very soft middle and is cooked with a light crisp on the outside. However, there was one thing I didn’t like with the bread, you had to cut it yourself. The bread was a sourdough type of bread so it was tough to cut with a normal knife, the waiter did not give us a knife that was properly attired. Also, the bread was not hot enough to spread the butter with ease.
My date had the chicken penne pasta with Alfredo sauce. She said it was really good, so I had to try a bite as well. The pasta was cooked to perfection with softness in the noodles that made your mouth want more and more. The chicken was blackened and grilled which was a great addition to the dish and was very good. The sauce was just as creamy as the Pesto sauce I had on my tortellini and the chicken had a slight taste of lemon pepper on it.
Not only were these dishes spectacular but I spent a total of $25.65, with a one dollar donation to help fight Muscular Dystrophy. My dish, the special was twelve dollars and my date’s was ten dollars. I liked receiving the option of helping out kids in need that was a nice touch. I received a free appetizer with my purchase of the 1 dollar donation, like I said before, can’t beat free food!
The Old Spaghetti Factory is a great place for a date, family dinner, or a special occasion dinner. The atmosphere in The Old Spaghetti Factory can accommodate to any need necessary for a great time. Me and my date ate in the trolley, that’s the best part of the restaurant, they have an out of commission trolley from San Francisco. It is able to sit 12 people for food.
I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone that loves Italian food. Another must try at this restaurant than these two dishes I’ve previously stated is the Chicken Parmesan. Not a fan of that? Definitely try the Lasagna. You can’t go wrong with this place, I give it a 4.5/5 forks!
John Lloyd
Student Reporter
John Lloyd can be reached by email via johnlloyd2@u.boisestate.edu
Location: 610 W. Idaho St. Boise, ID
Phone Number: (208)-336-2900
Hours of Operation: for dinner Monday through Thursday: 5:00-9:30 PM
Friday: 5:00-10:00 PM
Saturday: 4:00-10:00 PM
Sunday: 4:00-9:00 PM
For Lunch: M-F 11:30-2:00; Sat, Sun: 12:00-4:00
Happy Hour: 5:00-6:30 PM
Price Range: 10-12 dollars for main entrée
Specialties: Lasagna, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken Parmesan, Fettuccine Alfredo, and weekly specials throughout the year.
Applebee’s Happy Hour and Half Price Appetizers
ReplyDeleteHappy hour and half priced Appetizers make Applebee’s a snack time hit.
By JOE ROSS
Student Reporter
BOISE, Idaho- It’s five o’clock somewhere, and when it is five o’clock mountain standard time there is no better place than Applebee’s. At the bar or in a booth you have access to all of the happy hour specials.
After a long week of school or work one deserves to indulge on some drinks and appetizers during happy hour.
Boneless Buffalo wings, chicken quesadillas, spinach artichoke dip, and cheeseburger sliders are just some of the many appetizers that are half price from three to six pm for happy hour. There are about ten beers that are on tap and many cocktails are included during happy hour.
When entering the door you are greeted and seated by the friendly Applebee’s staff. Seating options are either at the bar, bar tables, or regular booth seating. The inside atmosphere is calm at Applebee’s, the bar area is bordered by TVs playing sports. Thankfully there is no smoking inside Applebee’s, which keeps with the clean environment of the building. There’s soft music that is played throughout the restaurant, which avoids awkward silence amongst the customers.
The last visit to Applebee’s I ordered some appetizers. The boneless Buffalo wings are the most popular item on the menu, and that is what I usually go with when there. There are choices of what kind of sauce you want on the boneless wings, honey BBQ, Southern BBQ, Classic Buffalo, Sweet & Spicy, and Hot Buffalo. Another popular item is an order of their chicken quesadillas. If you are not a chicken fan, you can select a quesadilla Grande. The quesadilla is garnished with Pico de Gallo, lettuce, and sour cream.
Half priced appetizers and drink specials are not the only specials that you will find at Applebee’s. There is a 2 for $20 menu, where you can get two selected entrées and an appetizer for only $20. Some of the entrée selections include a house sirloin, three-cheese chicken penne, fiesta lime chicken, and Cajun shrimp pasta.
For those who aren’t old enough for an adult beverage or just do no not care for one, Applebee’s offers some really tasty flavored lemonades. Their lemonade flavors are pomegranate, raspberry, mango, strawberry, and kiwi. Pepsi products are sold at Applebee’s which is a downside for people who prefer coke products. For dessert you can have one of their flavored shakes, Oreo cookie is the most popular flavor of them all.
On Thursdays and Saturday nights there are special events held at Applebee’s. They have karaoke going on Thursday nights. Saturday night is home to Trivia night, where winners can earn Applebee’s gift cards and other prizes. The restaurant is never really packed, however there are times where they are busier than others. Happy hour, dinner time, and late nights are times where Applebee’s generates most of their business. Next time you are by the airport or get off the freeway, enjoy a drink and a bite to eat at Applebee’s.
Joe Ross is a student reporter at Boise State University. He can be reached at joeross@u.boisestate.edu or by phone (208) 246-9175
The Matador Restaurant and Tequila Bar
ReplyDeleteA new take on Tex-Mex cuisine
By: James Snyder
Staff Reporter
Boise, Idaho- Contained within the heart of Boise’s downtown lays a unique new restaurant serving up modern day Mexican food with an American twist.
The Matador has a somewhat diverse menu ranging from enchiladas and carnitas to hamburgers and pork sandwiches.
No matter what company you bring for lunch or dinner there is something on the menu for everyone.
The first thing visible when walking into the restaurant is a sign saying that no one under the age of 21 may enter. Though the establishment is a restaurant, it is also a full tequila bar, which appeals to a bit older crowd.
Sitting down at the table and looking around at the environment inside revealed a meticulously clean seating area with a comforting ambiance. In the center of the restaurant, there is a rather large fireplace with seating on all sides making it perfect for cold days.
The first part of the meal to come out from the kitchen was the appetizer, which consisted of about six jalapenos stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped in bacon, and then grilled. This was the perfect way to begin any meal, delicious. There was a savory yet sweet ranch dressing mix that came with them that completed the taste sending the dish over the top.
Next came the main course, which for me consisted of a steak sandwich that followed suit with the appetizer. The sandwich came with caramelized onions, tomatoes, and a chipotle mayonnaise that complimented the perfectly marinated steak wonderfully.
The overall price of my meal was around twelve dollars total and after looking at the prices of other menu items this seemed to be a standard cost per person. However, dinner is a bit more expensive than lunch with items ranging in price from around thirteen dollars to twenty dollars.
The service received was for the most part satisfactory. The waitress seemed to be stretched a bit thin in terms of checking on all of her tables, but the food came out in a somewhat timely manner.
One of the most interesting parts of the menu that I found myself perusing all throughout the meal is the massive list of tequila offered through the bar. From what I could see there were upwards of forty different types offered at all times. There is even a fifty-dollar shot of tequila available for those with a lot of extra spending money. As a bar, the Matador has a lot to offer for both the casual drinker and those looking for a true bar experience.
By the end of the meal, I found myself feeling as though the food and the atmosphere combined to make a great establishment. I will without doubt return to the Matador with confidence that I will receive a mouthwatering meal and an environment where I can feel comfortable. So next time your trying to decide where to grab a bite, definitely consider the Matador for a great, friendly meal.
The Matador
Location: 215 N. 8th St ((208) 342-9988)
Cuisine: Mexican, American
Specialties: Enchiladas, braised carnitas, goat cheese stuffed jalapenos.
Price Range: Reasonable; most entrees $11- $20
Extras: Full bar specializing in tequila, happy hour everyday between 4 & 6, outdoor dining
Serving: Lunch and dinner daily
James Snyder is a student reporter for Boise State University and can be reached at dukesnyder1@u.boisestate.edu
Old Chicago provides new hangout for college students
ReplyDeleteAffordable eats accompanied with a cool vibe
By Lauren Hooker
Staff Reporter
Boise, Idaho --- Located in the heart of downtown Boise, Old Chicago is a small, dim-lit bar and restaurant that offers a wide variety of dishes for every palate. Amidst the hubbub and bustle of BoDo nightlife and shopping, Old Chicago, or “OC” if you’re a regular, is the perfect place to make a pit stop and grab some grub.
From salads to burgers to pasta, the choices on the menu were endless. My stomach growled as I perused the menu while also trying to entertain my date; not an easy task, considering the font on the menu was fairly small and the lights a little too dim.
The menu was primarily composed of simple favorites, with a couple of new twists. They had some interesting looking burgers with tropical themes and some different pasta dishes. It was the type of vanilla menu that pleases everyone; I figured it would be your average run-of-the-mill, well, average dish.
My only complaint with the food options was the miniscule vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free selection; if you’re an herbivore, gluten-intolerant or lactose-intolerant, you’re probably going to be restricted to a bed of lettuce.
In the end, I settled on something simple: spaghetti with marinara sauce. It’s an old fallback, and at $7.99, I figured it was worth a shot. My date ordered a plate of fish and chips, which was also a very reasonable price for dinner entrée.
We hadn’t even finished getting over the small talk hump when our plates arrived, steaming and fresh. My pasta wasn’t overly saucy, and was fairly easy to eat without getting tomato sauce all over my face (at this time, I was appreciative of the dim lighting).
Most importantly, it was delicious; the perfect mixture of spicy and tomato, with a hint of mushroom. The pasta was thick and easy to cut, but not al dente or squishy. The fish wasn’t overly greasy, something that’s common in most fish and chips platters, and the fries were thick; the perfect amount of crisp on the outside, with a little bit of soft on the inside.
Unlike many places downtown, Old Chicago is open to the under twenty-one crowd, even late at night. Though sipping on cold lemonade definitely doesn’t have the same mature feel as grabbing one of over 110 specialty beers or mixed drinks, the laid-back, sophisticated atmosphere is definitely a step up from your typical college pizza joint or coffee shop.
On Thursday nights, Old Chicago hosts Karaoke Night. At first, we thought someone was killing a cat in the other room and questioned the meat in their burgers, but then our waitress kindly explained that someone was attempting their rendition of a popular Journey song. It’s definitely hit or miss when it comes to drunk people belting their hearts out, but regardless of whether they sound like a strangled wildebeest or Josh Groban, you’re bound to be entertained by their enthusiasm.
Lauren Hooker is a student reporter for Boise State University. She can be contacted via e-mail at laurenhooker@u.boisestate.edu.
FACT BOX:
Old Chicago
730 West Idaho Street
Boise, Idaho 83702
(208)363-0037
Open daily from 11am to 2am.
Joe Momma’s Breakfast Eatery
ReplyDeleteOh yeah? Well Joe Momma made me breakfast last Sunday….
Lindsey Hileman
Journalist
BOISE, Idaho—At about 11:30 on Sunday morning you can expect to wait to eat breakfast just about anywhere. Joe Momma’s Breakfast Eatery in Eagle is no exception but when their cheesy hash brown casserole arrives at the table it will have been well worth the wait.
Fairly new to Eagle, located in the North Channel Center, Joe Momma’s serves breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday. They boast their dedication to using local products whenever possible; they get their sausage from Porterhouse meat market located right next door. Home-style cuisine is their specialty but they do offer healthier selections on their “hold the gravy” menu.
I visited Joe Momma’s on a Sunday as the after-church crowd was rolling in. Though many people were standing in the front of the restaurant, I was able to find a chair near the register. When the first senior citizen backed their caboose about an inch from my face, it became clear why this seat was vacant.
Thirty minutes passed from the time I put my name on the list to the time we were led to our table. This gave me some time to take in the ambiance of this chic Eagle diner. With its beautiful wood floors and wide-open eating area it is a far cry from the sticky, stained carpet and narrow, booth-lined mazes I associate with a typical diner.
After being seated, it was another five minutes before our waiter, Cody, came to inquire about what fantastic beverages we would be enjoying. Every order Cody took was answered by an enthusiastic “YEAH!” followed by an assurance that we had selected one of his favorites. I was slightly alarmed that while Cody was getting all worked up over the thought of a Dr Pepper, he was balancing a tray of several mugs full of hot coffee. Cody may have earned an “A” for effort when it comes to service but I can’t understand why he took drink orders from newly seated tables before delivering the drinks on his tray to the patiently waiting patrons who ordered them.
On Saturday and Sunday, for an extra dollar, you can upgrade your hash browns to a delicious hash brown casserole with chunks of ham and lots of cheese and I’m glad I did. I ordered the Joe Bennie and was almost disappointed when the yolk did not immediately explode when I first punctured it. The eggs were cooked just a little to thoroughly for me but the hollandaise sauce was one of the best I’ve ever tasted and more than made up for the lack of runny yolk. I’ll be returning for the Crab Cake Bennie soon.
Joe Momma’s Breakfast Eatery
Location: 600 S. Rivershore Ln. Eagle
(208) 939-3917
Serving: Breakfast and Lunch; Tuesday through Sunday
Price Range: Most dishes under $10
Specialties: Home-style breakfast, Dawson Taylor coffee, Specialty burgers and sandwiches, Local ingredients.
Lindsey Hileman is a Boise State student majoring in English with a minor in communications. She can be reached at LindseyHileman@u.boisestate.edu.
Scott Thornton
ReplyDeleteCommunication 273
February 25, 2011
Food Review
Sizzler - The Joys of Steak and Salad Bars
What to do with so much salad?
Scott Thornton, Student Reporter
MERIDIAN, Idaho – Everyone loves a good steak from a steakhouse every once in a while and sometimes you like to have some salad instead or along with the steak. It is always good to be able to enjoy a good dinner out on the town and be able to enjoy yourself and be able to spend time with friends and family.
Is it the right atmosphere for a having a good time but also making it romantic if needed?
I enjoy Sizzler a lot and feel that they create a wonderful atmosphere that anyone can come into and enjoy themselves. It isn’t too romantic but not too casual. I really like the feeling that is created in the restaurant and feel comfortable when I go there. I love the food which makes it that much better to enjoy.
There aren’t a lot of distinct smells that I picked up when I was there. Within your own seating area there are the smells of cologne and perfume of those around you. You also have the smell of the Texas cheese toast that serve at no extra cost to the customer. When the food comes you have the smell of the condiments that everyone uses for their French fries and their steak.
My favorite dish at Sizzler is the steak and chicken and for the chicken I choose the Malibu chicken. The price of the item is $11.99 plus tax and also the cost of a soda if that is what you want. If you want a salad bar with your dinner you can pay $3.99 for the salad bar. I am very impressed with their salad bar. It has so many different options from hard boiled eggs to cottage cheese and they even have a taco bar section with items needed for tacos.
One of the things that I enjoy that I think this makes the atmosphere like it is, is that they have you order and pay for your food upfront as soon as you walk in. This helps you have a good time with conversation because you don’t have to worry about needing to pay or wait for the waitress to bring you your check. You have a good time catching up with friends or family and leave when you please.
The service I experienced while I was there was very satisfactory. The waitresses were very prompt in getting you your first drinks and making sure you have refills throughout the evening. They are also very good at making sure each table is stocked with the Texas cheese toast which as I mentioned before is probably my favorite part of the whole meal.
The overall experience is just so positive and would definitely recommend it to anyone even if you don’t like steak or shrimp or chicken. You just enjoy the salad bar if that is what you want. On a scale of 1 to 10 I would personally rate it as a 10. It is one of the best restaurants that I have ever been too.
Sizzler
3380 S Eagle Rd
Meridian, ID 83642
(208) 888-3215
Average Price: around $10 per person
Scott Thornton covers food reviews for the Boise State and Communication 273 class. He can be reached at scottthornton@u.boisestate.edu
Are you eating good in the neighborhood?
ReplyDeleteGot salad on your mind? Come to Applebee’s and enjoy one today!
By Larisa Gavrilyuk
Student Reporter
MERIDIAN, Idaho - If you are looking for some entertainment and an adult beverage from the bar after a long and crazy Monday, Applebee’s is the place to go. Casual dining restaurant that many different types of food lovers can enjoy.
For the night owls out there, this is the place for you to be.
Applebee’s has a variety of appetizers and entrees. All reasonable prices. Appetizers are half price with a drink purchase during happy hour, which varies store to store.
As we walked into Applebee’s the friendly hostess seated us at a table. The tables that evening were filled with a different variety of people. Some were adults, some teenagers, a large group at the bar area, and couple of families. The vibrant atmosphere was welcoming.
We didn’t have to wait long before the friendly waitress came over introduced herself and asked us what we would like to drink. She came back with our drinks quickly and asked if we were ready to order.
Oriental chicken salad was the choice for dinner tonight. The oriental chicken salad is tossed with fresh Asian greens, Oriental vinaigrette, crispy noodles, toasted almonds and fried chicken tenders.
The salad has two different portion sizes you can order. Half size, which costs $7.99 and a regular size that costs $9.49.
Being a poor college student, saving money on food is always a plus. By ordering the regular size salad, lunch for the next day has been served as well. (Only a $1.50 more for two meals instead of one!)
Although there were quite a bit of people at the restaurant the food came out fairly quickly. About fifteen minutes or so. The salad looked green and fresh. When eating a salad the ratio of meat to the lettuce needs to be just right, this salad fulfilled that.
After mixing the salad well with the dressing it was time to dive in with the fork.
The crispy noodles blend in well with the lettuce and the chicken. And you are eating healthy! Well sort of.
Don’t let the “salad” in the title fool you. The Oriental Chicken Salad has 1310 calories in the regular serving. Half size has 660 calories. Don’t order the dressing and that’s 650 calories for the regular. And if you are a health nut, a half sized oriental chicken salad with out the dressing has only 340 calories.
As always, you can change the friend chicken for the grilled to keep your calorie count down.
We were in no hurry to leave, so we stayed, talked and laughed for a couple of hours. The waitress did not care and continued re-filling the drinks. Many restaurants want you to leave as soon as you are done.
If you are looking for a casual place, to dine and unwind with your friends, Applebee’s is the place to be. If you love to sing come to Karaoke night, every Monday at Applebee’s.
Carside to go, service is also available at the restaurant.
Larisa Gavrilyuk is a student at Boise State University in the COMM 273 class, and can be reached at larisagavrilyuk@u.boisestate.edu.
Applebee's
Location: 1460 N. Eagle Road
Meridian, ID 83642
Cuisine: Burgers, Sandwiches, American, Seafood, and International
Specialties: Chicken, Beef, Pork (American foods)
Price range: Cheap – Moderate $7-16
Extras: Full Bar
Serving: Lunch and dinner everyday.
M, Tue, Wed, and Thurs open 11am-12am and Fri, Sat open 11am-1am
Digging in to the best food the trailer park has to offer- Donnie Mac’s Trailer Park Cuisine in Boise provides stick-to-your-ribs comfort food and a fun, kitschy atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteBy Jessica Adamson
Reporter
BOISE- Donnie Mac’s Trailer Park Cuisine cooks up delicious favorites in fresh surroundings. When you hear the words ‘trailer park’ and ‘cuisine’ in the same restaurant title, it’s bound to stir up some strong reactions. Curiosity, apprehension, and perhaps even disgust may be triggered by the name of this uniquely Boise attraction. Ask anyone who has ever eaten there and you know that Donnie Mac’s is as fun as it sounds. Featured on the Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, this place has attracted a lot of attention lately and not without good reason. As you walk up to the front door, the plastic flamingos and toilets used as planters lend to the authenticity of the unusual theme.
Inside, the walls are painted with bright colors and adorned with nostalgic memorabilia, local art, and just plain junk. The booths are bench seats ripped out of pickup trucks, the barstools are rusty tractor seats, and there are plastic shower curtains between the booths for privacy. Their back room provides seating for larger parties, complete with gold lame` couch to sit on and a coffee table (made out of a compacted car) to eat on. The most notable seating area in the restaurant is the gutted out car equipped with a table and chairs inside.
As I sit down at my table and peruse the menu, I can’t help but love the cleverly named dishes; single or double-wide burgers, couch potato fries, nasty nachos, etc. Besides being cleverly named, the dishes give a twist on classic American cuisine. Donnie Mac’s accomplishes this by using local ingredients and tossing in vegan and vegetarian options. Items like the Worst Burger (made with a vegan black bean patty) and the Grass Fed Beef Burger give diners a choice when it comes to their trashy treats. The kids menu is white-trash heaven with pb&j with Cheetos, Spaghettios served right out of the can, and handmade mini corndogs. Beer and wine are also on the menu and you can’t beat their $1 PBR cans for happy hour.
I ordered the Tucker Mac & Cheese with sweet potato fries and trashy sauce. The creamy cheese sauce combined with the stringy cheese melted on top reminded my college-diet tongue what real macaroni and cheese is supposed to taste like and I could tell there was no way this came from the blue box. The sweet potato fries were just the right ratio of crispy outside to soft inside and the trashy sauce, which I am convinced is sour cream and maple syrup, was an interesting complement to the fries. After all this, I was too stuffed for dessert but vowed to come back for the authentic frozen custard.
All in all my experience with Donnie Mac’s was extremely positive. The service was great- even if the food did take a while to get to the table- and both the hostess and the server were friendly. The food was delicious, affordable, and fun. The atmosphere made for a great time.
Jessica Adamson is a food reporter. She can be contacted by email at jessicaadamson@u.boisestate.edu.
Michele Sneed
ReplyDeleteGetting Wild With the Buffalo
Buffalo Wild Wings Bar & Grill
3223 East Louise Drive, Meridian, ID
(208) 288-5485
Meridian, Idaho
Open
Mon-Wed 11am-12am
Thu-Fri 11am-1am
Sat 10am-1am
Sun 10am-11pm
Specials
Wing Tuesdays- 45 cent wings
Boneless Thursdays- 60 cent wings
Happy Hour- 2-6pm Monday-Friday and after 9pm
Buy One, Get One appetizers, pints, and wells
Take the twenty minute venture from Boise to Meridian’s Eagle Exit to catch a taste of what Buffalo Wild Wings has to offer.
If a plethora of televisions and good food are something you are looking for Buffalo Wild Wings in Boise may be right up your ally. With over 40 tv’s, plenty of room, sports memorabilia plastered against the walls people are sure to have a good time. Most commonly known for there wings and fourteen sauces, Buffalo Wild Wings boasts many other options on the menu.
November 2010 brought this large set up to Meridian. Unlike any other place in the area, Buffalo Wild Wings has a wide array of options, even for the faint at heart. The fourteen sauces that regularly reside on the menu range from sweet to incredibly spicy. Buffalo Wild Wings is also home to the Blazing Challenge which is 12 hot wings caked in Blazin sauce, 6 minutes, no water, no wiping your face in anyway, and no napkins.
The cardboard boats that the wings come in set the tone for the whole place; pretty laid back. Servers throw in their opinions and recommendations for the indecisive folk. Friendly service will greet you at the door and seat you promptly on most week nights. The wait can be an upwards of 30 minutes on busy weekends or for sporting events. Although a national chain, the Meridian restaurant participates in local events and fundraisers.
Happy Hour is extremely popular at the Meridian location. From 2 to 6pm Monday through Friday and past 9pm ever night, you can partake in Buy One get one Appetizers, Pints, and Well drinks. This can also be in conjunction with the Tuesday and Thursday wing specials. Tuesday’s are $.45 bone-in wings and Thursday are $.60 boneless wings.
Prices are in line with other similar chains in the valley. Burgers and appetizers are relatively priced the same as competitors just down the street.
Overall, this restaurant is the place to be whether with friends or family. There’s plenty to look at, talk about, and chomp down on.
EVERYONE LOVES SOUP, SALAD, AND BREADSTICKS.
ReplyDeleteBut not everyone loves waiting twenty minutes to get it.
By Shantel Darrah
273 Student
BOISE, Idaho- Walking into the restaurant you are enveloped into the aroma of bread and garlic. A wonderful combination that keeps you coming back for more.
You can just feel your mouth watering in response to the succulent smell.
Olive Garden is a family favorite for Italian cuisine in Boise. But is the usually long wait worth it?
Depending on the time one chooses to eat at Olive Garden, the wait could be 5 minutes or it could be an hour and a half. One hoping to eat in a hurry should seek food elsewhere.
The inside décor at Olive Garden is like stepping into Italy without the added age. The walls are painted warm beige that compliments the green lettering. The waiters and waitresses wear a crisp white button down shirt with pressed black pants and a pressed black apron. Together, the waiters and the décor give off a warm welcome with a professional touch.
Once seated you are presented with a complimentary sample of a wine, of the waiters’ choice of course. Sometimes it can be a sweet wine and other times it is a bold red wine. It is definitely a good way to explore your wine senses.
Then the waiter brings out Olive Gardens’ famous breadsticks that are dressed in the perfect amount of butter and garlic. They’re a delicious something to snack on while you ponder the various entrée options. All within reason, the entrée prices range from $8 to $20.
Included with each entrée is Olive Garden’s famous unlimited soup or salad. The salad is mixed greens with fresh red onions, ripe red tomatoes, crunchy croutons, black olives, a couple whole jalapeno peppers, and fresh grated parmesan cheese if desired. The salad is also lightly covered in Olive Garden’s signature vinaigrette Italian dressing that keeps things light.
Olive Garden has the traditional Italian options such as lasagna, spaghetti, and fettuccini alfredo. But there is also the “Tour of Italy” that allows the customer to try a variety of options for their entrée. A choice that is recommended for the customer with a fear of commitment.
For those looking for the tried and true however, the chicken fettuccini is a must. This entrée is a rich and creamy combination with the perfect touch of garlic salt that makes every bite blissful. The alfredo sauce is make with both parmesan and romano cheese that makes the dish a delicate classic.
Even if you are full to your hearts content and your pants are close to ripping at the seams, the meal is so delicious you won’t be able to stop eating.
To give a perfect end to a perfect meal, the waiter includes a small Andes mint with your bill. The rich chocolate and delicate mint combination ensure that you don’t leave the restaurant with garlic breath at the same time it hits the sweet spot after a enchanting meal.
Shantel Darrah can be reached at 426-1000 or at shanteldarrah@u.boisestate.edu.
Olive Garden
Italian Cuisine
320 N Milwaukee Street
Boise, ID 83704
(208) 322-3327