Tucanos will have you begging for more! The greatest variety of meat ever.
By SHEA MCCLELLIN
273 Student
BOISE, Idaho- The greatest new restaurant in Boise, Idaho has finally arrived. Tucanos could possibly be the best thing to happen to this city since Boise State football coach, Chris Petersen.
The aroma and succulent taste of the meat will have you salivating for more.
Some people believe Tucanos has the best tasting meat in Boise. Manuel Herrera, a student at Boise State University, thinks nothing is better Tucanos selection of meat.
Tucanos opened about a year ago and it has been a huge success ever since. “Tucanos has the best meat in town and nothing will ever beat it,” Herrera stated. “After going to Tucanos I don’t think I can ever go anywhere else, it is seriously the best thing since sliced bread.”
When you walk into the entrance of Tucanos, you can get three different feelings, feelings of business, romantic, and friendly. Most of the time they will seat you immediately, but if it is busy then you could wait anywhere from 15-45 minutes.
“When I first entered the entrance I thought Tucanos had a very romantic feeling, the lights were dim and the color of the walls made it seem pretty romantic” Herrera said. “I wouldn’t recommended Tucanos if you’re looking for a cheap family dinner, it’s more of a place for a romantic getaway” Herrera Stated.
With all the elegant lighting and great tasting food comes a price. Tucanos will cost you anywhere from 15-30 dollars depending on what time of day you choose to go. Lunch will cost around 15 dollars per person without dessert and dinner will cost you anywhere from 25-30 dollars without dessert.
Samantha Wilson, junior at Boise State thinks Tucanos is a great place to eat, but its way too expensive. “I really enjoyed eating at Tucanos, but it’s just so expensive. I could probably only come back twice a year.”
Wilson stated. “I think Tucanos brings a great variety of food Boise has never had before. It is a place where people can enjoy a night with the family and have an excellent meal. The only problem is that it might cost you a pretty penny.”
Herrera and Wilson believe Tucanos is a great addition to the city and most people will agree with them. If you want to take a date or even the family out to dinner, Tucanos is definitely a place to consider. It will cost you a bit more than other restaurants but it is definitely worth it.
By the end of the night you will be pleased that you decided to pick Tucanos and it just so happens to be right next to the movie theater.
Shea McClellin can be reached at sheacclellin@hotmail.com
The Best Part of Waking up A cup from Dawson’s Downtown By: Jacy Skeen 273 Reporter Boise, Idaho -- There is a light snow falling down outside. The air is crisp and bites at my cheeks. In the heart of downtown I find my shelter. I pull back the door and it hits me, the smell of fresh brewed coffee is pulsing through my body. The only thing to snaps me out of my daze is the friendly “Hello” from the barista behind the counter. If this is your first trip to the coffee shop it might be a little overwhelming. The tables are full of patrons noisily talking; there is witty banter between the employees, and the customers, all the while some random blues song is coming out of the walls. A cooler equipped with drinks from sparkling water to tea to soda, a bar covered in air pots each with a different type of coffee and huge calk board menus hanging behind the counter the options seem endless. Shelves of tea from the local Shangri La Tea Room, rows and rows of the finest Monin syrups, in house home made chocolate milk, with soy and dairy options there is something here from all walks of life. I place my order, a little hesitant because most coffee shops have never heard of a café aulait, but the barista smiles and says no problem. The steam wand screams and seconds later she calls out “aulait”. I take it over to the bar of self-serve air pots and get to pick my coffee for the day and make my drink just the way I want it. I sit down and start to take it all in. In one corner of the shop there are glass jars full of different coffee beans from around the world on display. It reminds me of the lab of a mad scientist. All of their coffee is roasted locally at Dawson Taylor roasters on Chinden Blvd. The owner of the shop, Dave Ledgard, brings the beans back from all over the world from Costa Rica to Ethiopia. One side of the shop is dedicated to coffee bags and paraphernalia that Dave brings back from around the world. The other is covered in art from local artists. There are amazing mosaics hanging all around the counter, and the walls showcase the work of one of the baristas. The art on the walls change every first Thursday of the month. The baristas seem to know every customer by name and the drink they get. When asked how long one gentleman has been coming here, he laughs and says years. “We have a little family here, we get together every morning and do the crossword puzzle or discuss the events happening around the world” says Randall, a retired fire chief from Arizona. So, if you want a shop to call your own, or just really want a great cup of joe, Dawson’s seems to be the place. “The coffee is the best in Boise, but the atmosphere and the company at Dawson’s make it all the better” says Randall.
Jacy Skeen can be reached at 921-7887 or jacyskeen@gmail.com
One Choice Buffet The theme was red, No Lonely Hearts! By Kristine Dukes Boise- If you are tired of too many choices and just want to be fed good food then the One Choice Buffet located on the lanai at Parkview might be the place for you. You can’t beat the price either; it’s FREE, with invitation. K, the chef at One Choice Buffet has one creed. “Keep it simple. “ This was the annual “NO LONELY HEARTS” valentine dinner. K believes no one should be lonely on Valentine’s Day and gathers whatever single stragglers happen to be in her sphere of influence every February 14th for spaghetti, salad, wine and dessert. As you enter One Choice Buffet folks are nibbling on squares of Gouda and thin crunchy garlic brushed rosemary breadsticks. Savory stuffed mushrooms are disappearing like magic, and so is the free flowing Merlot. Smells of sautéed’ mushrooms, peppers and sausage are wafting from the kitchen. Mouths are watering in anticipation. The living room décor creates a warm and cozy ambiance that would rival any linen covered table arrangement you might find at more expensive venues around town. K steps out of the kitchen presenting a Spinach salad blended with a medley of greens, topped with pecans, whole raspberry’s, bacon bits and red onion strips, that have been tossed in a raspberry vinaigrette that each can choose to top with fresh grated parmesan and peppercorns if they like.
Everyone settles into big comfy couches and chairs as all conversation ebbs except for the comments hollered freely to the kitchen, “this salad is amazing”, “can we have seconds?” Soulful saxophone music is the perfect accompaniment to the sounds of people enjoying their meal. Salad plates are cleared and a huge platter of spaghetti is presented. Golf ball sized homemade meatballs of spicy sausage and ground beef are smothered in a red sauce overflowing with chunks of red, yellow and orange peppers, onions and crisply sautéed mushrooms. A line quickly forms and the pasta is scooped up in heaps and devoured in short order. Linda Kirby a professor at BSU who is visiting One Choice for her first time says, “I’d kept hearing what a great cook K is, I will defiantly be back, Oh and I need her recipes!” Hans Glen, a senior at Boise State University is also visiting for the first time. “If I had known what I was missing I’d have been here long before now’, he raves, as he picks his second red velvet cupcake off the tray that K is individually presenting to each guest. “What can I say?” says Ken a frequent visitor over the past semester. “The price is right and I’m a typical starving student.” He adds with a grin, “Free is always good, but when the caliber of the people and quality of the food are this good, you’d be crazy not to come!”
Why everyone should eat at Blue Sky! BY: Hunter White BSU 273 Student Boise, Idaho- Blue Sky bagels is the best bagel spot in town! If you haven’t stopped in and tried there delicious bagels, you are missing out! They have most variety of bagels and cheap, cheap prices that everyone can afford. Everyone that I talk to is in love, and eats there regularly. It’s hard to complain when it is cheap prices and absolutely delicious food. Codi Darby, BSU alumni, states, that’s it’s a great meal at anytime of the day, and they have such a variety. Blue Sky has been around for several years and from talking to people, it is always busy. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner/ late snack it seems to be a great meal. It’s a Very friendly atmosphere, and great location, 4th and main St, right downtown. I have been to Blue Sky many times and never have been disappointed. Always seems to be fresh bagels and they always are in stock of the different kinds. For as many times as I have been there I think I have ordered every bagel they have. Delicious! It has a wonderful smell, as soon as you walk it, your senses start to work and it only makes you hungrier. The lines are long at times but the workers do a great job of making the orders fast but precise. They also have delicious soups every day. Plenty of seating inside and if the weather is nice they have an outside patio that with tables and umbrellas. Also have coffee and they have a numerous number of papers if you feel like catching up on your morning news. Great place to meet up with friends for a quick lunch, get in, get out and greatly enjoy your food. I ordered 2 bagels and a cup of soup and spent under 7 dollars and was definitely full when I left. I got a blueberry bagel with berry cream cheese, and got a cinnamon sugar bagel with plain cream cheese, and both were toasted. DELICIOUS!! A normal bagel and cream cheese is $1.83 and just a bagel and butter or bagel and peanut butter is less. A cup of soup is under $2.50 dollars and a bowl is under $3.50. So you can be starving looking to eat a lot and not having to worry about spending more than just $7. Ashley Cross- a student at BSU- commented on the bagels saying, “I love blue sky, I always order something different because everything is so tasty.” See folks its not just a few people, everyone seems to love blue sky. I have yet to find someone who wasn’t satisfied with the quality of food. Everyone should try Blue Sky if you haven’t already, you will be impressed! So leave the wallet in the car and bring some one-dollar bills and some change because that is all you will need to feel your hunger. Hunter White can be reached @ hunterwhite@u.boisestate.edu
From USA TODAY : "Police: No more sleeping bags, coolers in the Wis[consin]"
This article from USA TODAY touches on the near-permanent presence that Wisconsin state employees have staged in the capitol building in Madison. Police have informed the protestors that they will begin to collect the protestors sleeping bags and coolers in order to get regular business operation in the building again. "We are closing the Capitol for a short time for public health reasons, as well as for general building maintenance," said Chief Charles Tubbs of the Wisconsin Capitol Police in a press release.
EVERYONE LOVES SOUP, SALAD, AND BREADSTICKS. But 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.
Home Cooking – Healthy Comfort Food Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits and Beef & Barley Soup, perfect winter comfort food! By M.J. Weitensteiner So many times people wonder what’s for dinner often turning to a take-out dinner because of time but doing so too many times leads not only to a larger waistline but also to a thinner wallet. Not many people think about making their own dinners in this day and age but it is the homemade dinner that is actually the healthiest and tastiest dinner of all. This would include a simple dinner in a small blue house in Emmett, Idaho A simple kitchen in a simple home a large white roaster sits on the yellow kitchen counter, a double batch of soup to be frozen and used later in the year. The soup was full of chunks of beef, carrots, mushrooms, potatoes in a thick broth with barley floating in it, almost a stew but not quite. The broth had cream of mushroom soup, beef bouillon and onion soup mix. The savory scent of the soup wavering through the house the whole day as it slowly cooked in the large white roaster. Once the soup was almost finished cooking it was time to make the biscuits. The Buttermilk Biscuits came from a recipe that was in an old cookbook that had been in the family for as long as this writer could remember. Margarine/butter instead of the shortening recommended in the recipe, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, flour, yeast, water and of course buttermilk. The recipe was doubled since the biscuits were a great favorite in the house especially with butter or margarine in the mix instead of the shortening, making at least five dozen biscuits. The first batch of biscuits finished at the same time as the Beef and Barley soup was done cooking. The biscuits were golden brown, flakey and fluffy. Sitting down to dinner at the solid wood table in the family atmosphere added to the warmth of the room despite the cold and frosty Sunday evening outside. The soup had a savory flavor. Each of the ingredients blended perfectly with the others including the mealy potatoes, sweet carrots, tender beef, thick broth, filling barley and tender mushrooms. The buttermilk biscuits were sweet and flavorful especially when the butter was placed inside the center of the still warm biscuits and was allowed to melt and soak into the biscuit itself. Comparing a fast food take-out meal with the biscuit and soup dinner that was enjoyed in that small blue house it is easy to see which is better. The biscuit and soup dinner was a complete, balanced dinner when paired with a glass of milk while fast food dinners are usually not so balanced and full of sodium and calories that are hard to burn off. It must be admitted that there is salt in the soup but not as much as some fast food places put on their French Fries! So next time you’re trying to figure out what to have for dinner why not pull down a cookbook and see what you can make and be creative in a healthy way.
M.J. Weitensteiner can be reached at marijaneweitensteiner@u.boisestate.edu.
Rating for Meal: ***** Place: Home Location: Emmett, Idaho Price: As much as the ingredients cost (buying in bulk helps) Serving: Whenever you make a meal or snack in the house
Boise, Idaho -- On the corner of Capital Blvd. and University Dr. sits a cozy little casual Italian restaurant and café. Established over 20 years ago, Papa Joe’s and Papa’s Cup of Joe offer a wide range of choice for their visitors. Variety is seen in their menu, as well as in the place itself. Papa Joe offers you a café area, a restaurant area (with a plasma TV facing a couple of tables), tables outside, a lounge in a corner of the restaurant (with three comfortable couches and a small center table), and even his living room which is includes three couches and a 42” plasma TV. Each of the areas is partially divided by a wall, or part of a wall, but all are still accessible to each other. Though the plasma TV shows that Papa Joe’s knows how to keep up with the times, the record player in the café shows that they also know how to keep it old school. If their set up isn’t diverse enough for everyone to feel welcome, their menu sure does the trick. Papa Joe’s offers many different forms of coffee from regular black to flavored lattes and cappuccinos, or even frappes if you need to cool down. They also offer Pepsi products, juices, lemonade, iced tea, and milk. For those who are 21+ Papa Joe’s offers beer, mixed drinks, and of course the infamous variety of wines that Italians are known to love. Their food choices include soups, salads, pizza, pasta, and hot or cold Italian sandwiches, along with quite a few “appe-teasers”. To get a good idea of both the quality of their restaurant and their café I ordered a Mexican Mocha and a personal sized meat lover’s pizza. The Mexican Mocha was ready within 5 minutes, it was a perfect temperature. Hot, but not hot enough to numb my taste buds. It was served in a cute pale coral mug, and had a layer of foam, topped with a perfect amount of powdered cinnamon. The combination of Mexican spices, milk, and fresh brewed local Dawson Taylor coffee were extraordinary. As I enjoyed my coffee, my pizza was being prepared. It was brought out to me fifteen minutes after having ordered it, so I didn’t have to wait too long. The meat lover’s personal pizza is a deep dish pizza topped with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, and beef. Delicious melted cheese is below the toppings but also covers the toppings, allowing the flavor to sneak up on you. The amount of cheese, marinara sauce, and toppings was just right. Though Papa Joe’s does a decent job of trying to please everyone, they may be trying a little too hard. It felt a bit awkward to watch the Academy Awards while simultaneously listening to classic rock. The sounds seemed to interrupt each other making it impossible to enjoy one or the other form of entertainment. As for the food, though delicious, the pizza would’ve been better if it were a little warmer. A napkin also would’ve been nice, then again, I could’ve easily asked for one. With few complaints and an overall positive experience I would highly recommend Papa Joe’s or Papa’s Cup of Joe. I was greeted at the door by friendly waiters, didn’t have to wait too long for my food or drink, and I enjoyed the food and the relaxed setting. Prices also range making it easy for anyone to enjoy a meal without hurting their wallet. So if you ever get tired of fast food offered in the SUB or the ILC, or you want to try local coffee, take a few extra minutes and make your way across Capitol to Papa Joe’s and Papa’s Cup of Joe.
La Tapatia will have you begging[MSOffice1] for more! The best Mexican cousin in the Valley
By Kyle Shirley 273 Student[MSOffice2]
BOISE, Idaho – Mexican food restaurants are a dime a dozen in any major city and have increasingly become more streamlined. La Tapatia not only provides this streamline service, they also bring a quality authentic menu from a family owned business.[MSOffice3] Driving down Park Center Blvd., it is very easy to miss this small restaurant lost in the monotonous cluster of shopping strips and business parks. For those fortunate enough to notice the small family owned business La Tapatia, a wonderful experience is simply waiting to greet them. Right when you walk through the front door, you are instantly [MSOffice4] met with a charming atmosphere, nightly entertainment and delicious food. The walls are colored with a warm yellow and a soft brown sponged texture, bringing the style immediately up to date. The ceilings are a little lower and the lighting in the entire restaurant is a golden, slightly dim glow. With all the factors coming in to play, the feel is extremely cozy and relaxing to take in. This cozy atmosphere along with the humble service makes you feel like you are right at home or visiting a best friend’s house. Right when you walk in the door, a hostess is waiting to eagerly sit you where ever you please to be seated. Having this option of sitting placement is nice, especially when the live music is playing. Once seated a set of home-made salsa and pintos are brought to the table with a fresh basket of hot corn tortilla chips. The staff is also very liberal in helping each and every table, so you don’t have just one server but their whole team, which makes ordering extremely easy. When the food is brought to the [MSOffice5] table, you can immediately tell this is no frozen bag, pre-made item but quality hand crafted cousin. Everything at La Tapatia is hand made from scratch, which really adds to the authenticity and unique taste. The Steak Azteca, a house specialty, is hands down their best item on the menu. The seared skirt steak is covered with a black pepper sauce and bubbling mozzarella cheese. Alongside the steak comes side condiments rice, lettuce with diced tomatoes, beans, and fresh hand-made tortillas. You basically take all the components presented to you and build yourself a mini soft-taco feast making this meal more of an event to be enjoyed. Overall customers wont have much to be disappointed about when they finish their meals and head out from La Tapatia. Between the great food, awesome family atmosphere and top notch service, there isn’t much to say badly about this wonderful family owned authentic Mexican restaurant. Kyle Shirley can be reached at KyleShirley[MSOffice6] @u.boisestate.edu[MSOffice7]
Tucanos will have you begging for more!
ReplyDeleteThe greatest variety of meat ever.
By SHEA MCCLELLIN
273 Student
BOISE, Idaho- The greatest new restaurant in Boise, Idaho has finally arrived. Tucanos could possibly be the best thing to happen to this city since Boise State football coach, Chris Petersen.
The aroma and succulent taste of the meat will have you salivating for more.
Some people believe Tucanos has the best tasting meat in Boise. Manuel Herrera, a student at Boise State University, thinks nothing is better Tucanos selection of meat.
Tucanos opened about a year ago and it has been a huge success ever since. “Tucanos has the best meat in town and nothing will ever beat it,” Herrera stated. “After going to Tucanos I don’t think I can ever go anywhere else, it is seriously the best thing since sliced bread.”
When you walk into the entrance of Tucanos, you can get three different feelings, feelings of business, romantic, and friendly. Most of the time they will seat you immediately, but if it is busy then you could wait anywhere from 15-45 minutes.
“When I first entered the entrance I thought Tucanos had a very romantic feeling, the lights were dim and the color of the walls made it seem pretty romantic” Herrera said. “I wouldn’t recommended Tucanos if you’re looking for a cheap family dinner, it’s more of a place for a romantic getaway” Herrera Stated.
With all the elegant lighting and great tasting food comes a price. Tucanos will cost you anywhere from 15-30 dollars depending on what time of day you choose to go. Lunch will cost around 15 dollars per person without dessert and dinner will cost you anywhere from 25-30 dollars without dessert.
Samantha Wilson, junior at Boise State thinks Tucanos is a great place to eat, but its way too expensive. “I really enjoyed eating at Tucanos, but it’s just so expensive. I could probably only come back twice a year.”
Wilson stated. “I think Tucanos brings a great variety of food Boise has never had before. It is a place where people can enjoy a night with the family and have an excellent meal. The only problem is that it might cost you a pretty penny.”
Herrera and Wilson believe Tucanos is a great addition to the city and most people will agree with them. If you want to take a date or even the family out to dinner, Tucanos is definitely a place to consider. It will cost you a bit more than other restaurants but it is definitely worth it.
By the end of the night you will be pleased that you decided to pick Tucanos and it just so happens to be right next to the movie theater.
Shea McClellin can be reached at sheacclellin@hotmail.com
The Best Part of Waking up
ReplyDeleteA cup from Dawson’s Downtown
By: Jacy Skeen
273 Reporter
Boise, Idaho -- There is a light snow falling down outside. The air is crisp and bites at my cheeks.
In the heart of downtown I find my shelter.
I pull back the door and it hits me, the smell of fresh brewed coffee is pulsing through my body. The only thing to snaps me out of my daze is the friendly “Hello” from the barista behind the counter.
If this is your first trip to the coffee shop it might be a little overwhelming. The tables are full of patrons noisily talking; there is witty banter between the employees, and the customers, all the while some random blues song is coming out of the walls.
A cooler equipped with drinks from sparkling water to tea to soda, a bar covered in air pots each with a different type of coffee and huge calk board menus hanging behind the counter the options seem endless.
Shelves of tea from the local Shangri La Tea Room, rows and rows of the finest Monin syrups, in house home made chocolate milk, with soy and dairy options there is something here from all walks of life.
I place my order, a little hesitant because most coffee shops have never heard of a café aulait, but the barista smiles and says no problem.
The steam wand screams and seconds later she calls out
“aulait”. I take it over to the bar of self-serve air pots and get to pick my coffee for the day and make my drink just the way I want it.
I sit down and start to take it all in.
In one corner of the shop there are glass jars full of different coffee beans from around the world on display. It reminds me of the lab of a mad scientist.
All of their coffee is roasted locally at Dawson Taylor roasters on Chinden Blvd. The owner of the shop, Dave Ledgard, brings the beans back from all over the world from Costa Rica to Ethiopia.
One side of the shop is dedicated to coffee bags and paraphernalia that Dave brings back from around the world. The other is covered in art from local artists. There are amazing mosaics hanging all around the counter, and the walls showcase the work of one of the baristas.
The art on the walls change every first Thursday of the month.
The baristas seem to know every customer by name and the drink they get. When asked how long one gentleman has been coming here, he laughs and says years.
“We have a little family here, we get together every morning and do the crossword puzzle or discuss the events happening around the world” says Randall, a retired fire chief from Arizona.
So, if you want a shop to call your own, or just really want a great cup of joe, Dawson’s seems to be the place.
“The coffee is the best in Boise, but the atmosphere and the company at Dawson’s make it all the better” says Randall.
Jacy Skeen can be reached at 921-7887 or jacyskeen@gmail.com
One Choice Buffet
ReplyDeleteThe theme was red, No Lonely Hearts!
By Kristine Dukes
Boise- If you are tired of too many choices and just want to be fed good food then the One Choice Buffet located on the lanai at Parkview might be the place for you. You can’t beat the price either; it’s FREE, with invitation.
K, the chef at One Choice Buffet has one creed. “Keep it simple. “
This was the annual “NO LONELY HEARTS” valentine dinner. K believes no one should be lonely on Valentine’s Day and gathers whatever single stragglers happen to be in her sphere of influence every February 14th for spaghetti, salad, wine and dessert.
As you enter One Choice Buffet folks are nibbling on squares of Gouda and thin crunchy garlic brushed rosemary breadsticks. Savory stuffed mushrooms are disappearing like magic, and so is the free flowing Merlot.
Smells of sautéed’ mushrooms, peppers and sausage are wafting from the kitchen. Mouths are watering in anticipation. The living room décor creates a warm and cozy ambiance that would rival any linen covered table arrangement you might find at more expensive venues around town.
K steps out of the kitchen presenting a Spinach salad blended with a medley of greens, topped with pecans, whole raspberry’s, bacon bits and red onion strips, that have been tossed in a raspberry vinaigrette that each can choose to top with fresh grated parmesan and peppercorns if they like.
Everyone settles into big comfy couches and chairs as all conversation ebbs except for the comments hollered freely to the kitchen, “this salad is amazing”, “can we have seconds?” Soulful saxophone music is the perfect accompaniment to the sounds of people enjoying their meal.
Salad plates are cleared and a huge platter of spaghetti is presented. Golf ball sized homemade meatballs of spicy sausage and ground beef are smothered in a red sauce overflowing with chunks of red, yellow and orange peppers, onions and crisply sautéed mushrooms. A line quickly forms and the pasta is scooped up in heaps and devoured in short order.
Linda Kirby a professor at BSU who is visiting One Choice for her first time says, “I’d kept hearing what a great cook K is, I will defiantly be back, Oh and I need her recipes!”
Hans Glen, a senior at Boise State University is also visiting for the first time. “If I had known what I was missing I’d have been here long before now’, he raves, as he picks his second red velvet cupcake off the tray that K is individually presenting to each guest.
“What can I say?” says Ken a frequent visitor over the past semester. “The price is right and I’m a typical starving student.” He adds with a grin, “Free is always good, but when the caliber of the people and quality of the food are this good, you’d be crazy not to come!”
HUNTER WHITE
ReplyDeleteWhy everyone should eat at Blue Sky!
BY: Hunter White
BSU 273 Student
Boise, Idaho- Blue Sky bagels is the best bagel spot in town! If you haven’t stopped in and tried there delicious bagels, you are missing out!
They have most variety of bagels and cheap, cheap prices that everyone can afford.
Everyone that I talk to is in love, and eats there regularly. It’s hard to complain when it is cheap prices and absolutely delicious food. Codi Darby, BSU alumni, states, that’s it’s a great meal at anytime of the day, and they have such a variety.
Blue Sky has been around for several years and from talking to people, it is always busy. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner/ late snack it seems to be a great meal. It’s a Very friendly atmosphere, and great location, 4th and main St, right downtown.
I have been to Blue Sky many times and never have been disappointed. Always seems to be fresh bagels and they always are in stock of the different kinds. For as many times as I have been there I think I have ordered every bagel they have. Delicious!
It has a wonderful smell, as soon as you walk it, your senses start to work and it only makes you hungrier. The lines are long at times but the workers do a great job of making the orders fast but precise. They also have delicious soups every day.
Plenty of seating inside and if the weather is nice they have an outside patio that with tables and umbrellas. Also have coffee and they have a numerous number of papers if you feel like catching up on your morning news. Great place to meet up with friends for a quick lunch, get in, get out and greatly enjoy your food.
I ordered 2 bagels and a cup of soup and spent under 7 dollars and was definitely full when I left. I got a blueberry bagel with berry cream cheese, and got a cinnamon sugar bagel with plain cream cheese, and both were toasted. DELICIOUS!!
A normal bagel and cream cheese is $1.83 and just a bagel and butter or bagel and peanut butter is less. A cup of soup is under $2.50 dollars and a bowl is under $3.50. So you can be starving looking to eat a lot and not having to worry about spending more than just $7.
Ashley Cross- a student at BSU- commented on the bagels saying, “I love blue sky, I always order something different because everything is so tasty.” See folks its not just a few people, everyone seems to love blue sky. I have yet to find someone who wasn’t satisfied with the quality of food.
Everyone should try Blue Sky if you haven’t already, you will be impressed! So leave the wallet in the car and bring some one-dollar bills and some change because that is all you will need to feel your hunger.
Hunter White can be reached @ hunterwhite@u.boisestate.edu
From USA TODAY : "Police: No more sleeping bags, coolers in the Wis[consin]"
ReplyDeleteThis article from USA TODAY touches on the near-permanent presence that Wisconsin state employees have staged in the capitol building in Madison. Police have informed the protestors that they will begin to collect the protestors sleeping bags and coolers in order to get regular business operation in the building again.
"We are closing the Capitol for a short time for public health reasons, as well as for general building maintenance," said Chief Charles Tubbs of the Wisconsin Capitol Police in a press release.
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.
Home Cooking – Healthy Comfort Food
ReplyDeleteHomemade Buttermilk Biscuits and Beef & Barley Soup, perfect winter comfort food!
By M.J. Weitensteiner
So many times people wonder what’s for dinner often turning to a take-out dinner because of time but doing so too many times leads not only to a larger waistline but also to a thinner wallet. Not many people think about making their own dinners in this day and age but it is the homemade dinner that is actually the healthiest and tastiest dinner of all. This would include a simple dinner in a small blue house in Emmett, Idaho A simple kitchen in a simple home a large white roaster sits on the yellow kitchen counter, a double batch of soup to be frozen and used later in the year. The soup was full of chunks of beef, carrots, mushrooms, potatoes in a thick broth with barley floating in it, almost a stew but not quite. The broth had cream of mushroom soup, beef bouillon and onion soup mix. The savory scent of the soup wavering through the house the whole day as it slowly cooked in the large white roaster. Once the soup was almost finished cooking it was time to make the biscuits. The Buttermilk Biscuits came from a recipe that was in an old cookbook that had been in the family for as long as this writer could remember. Margarine/butter instead of the shortening recommended in the recipe, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, flour, yeast, water and of course buttermilk. The recipe was doubled since the biscuits were a great favorite in the house especially with butter or margarine in the mix instead of the shortening, making at least five dozen biscuits. The first batch of biscuits finished at the same time as the Beef and Barley soup was done cooking. The biscuits were golden brown, flakey and fluffy. Sitting down to dinner at the solid wood table in the family atmosphere added to the warmth of the room despite the cold and frosty Sunday evening outside. The soup had a savory flavor. Each of the ingredients blended perfectly with the others including the mealy potatoes, sweet carrots, tender beef, thick broth, filling barley and tender mushrooms. The buttermilk biscuits were sweet and flavorful especially when the butter was placed inside the center of the still warm biscuits and was allowed to melt and soak into the biscuit itself. Comparing a fast food take-out meal with the biscuit and soup dinner that was enjoyed in that small blue house it is easy to see which is better. The biscuit and soup dinner was a complete, balanced dinner when paired with a glass of milk while fast food dinners are usually not so balanced and full of sodium and calories that are hard to burn off. It must be admitted that there is salt in the soup but not as much as some fast food places put on their French Fries! So next time you’re trying to figure out what to have for dinner why not pull down a cookbook and see what you can make and be creative in a healthy way.
M.J. Weitensteiner can be reached at marijaneweitensteiner@u.boisestate.edu.
Rating for Meal: *****
Place: Home
Location: Emmett, Idaho
Price: As much as the ingredients cost (buying in bulk helps)
Serving: Whenever you make a meal or snack in the house
Stephanie Casanova
ReplyDeleteJournalist
Wine, Pasta, and Coffee
A restaurant/café with many personalities
Boise, Idaho -- On the corner of Capital Blvd. and University Dr. sits a cozy little casual Italian restaurant and café. Established over 20 years ago, Papa Joe’s and Papa’s Cup of Joe offer a wide range of choice for their visitors. Variety is seen in their menu, as well as in the place itself.
Papa Joe offers you a café area, a restaurant area (with a plasma TV facing a couple of tables), tables outside, a lounge in a corner of the restaurant (with three comfortable couches and a small center table), and even his living room which is includes three couches and a 42” plasma TV. Each of the areas is partially divided by a wall, or part of a wall, but all are still accessible to each other. Though the plasma TV shows that Papa Joe’s knows how to keep up with the times, the record player in the café shows that they also know how to keep it old school.
If their set up isn’t diverse enough for everyone to feel welcome, their menu sure does the trick. Papa Joe’s offers many different forms of coffee from regular black to flavored lattes and cappuccinos, or even frappes if you need to cool down. They also offer Pepsi products, juices, lemonade, iced tea, and milk. For those who are 21+ Papa Joe’s offers beer, mixed drinks, and of course the infamous variety of wines that Italians are known to love.
Their food choices include soups, salads, pizza, pasta, and hot or cold Italian sandwiches, along with quite a few “appe-teasers”.
To get a good idea of both the quality of their restaurant and their café I ordered a Mexican Mocha and a personal sized meat lover’s pizza.
The Mexican Mocha was ready within 5 minutes, it was a perfect temperature. Hot, but not hot enough to numb my taste buds. It was served in a cute pale coral mug, and had a layer of foam, topped with a perfect amount of powdered cinnamon. The combination of Mexican spices, milk, and fresh brewed local Dawson Taylor coffee were extraordinary.
As I enjoyed my coffee, my pizza was being prepared. It was brought out to me fifteen minutes after having ordered it, so I didn’t have to wait too long. The meat lover’s personal pizza is a deep dish pizza topped with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, and beef. Delicious melted cheese is below the toppings but also covers the toppings, allowing the flavor to sneak up on you. The amount of cheese, marinara sauce, and toppings was just right.
Though Papa Joe’s does a decent job of trying to please everyone, they may be trying a little too hard. It felt a bit awkward to watch the Academy Awards while simultaneously listening to classic rock. The sounds seemed to interrupt each other making it impossible to enjoy one or the other form of entertainment. As for the food, though delicious, the pizza would’ve been better if it were a little warmer. A napkin also would’ve been nice, then again, I could’ve easily asked for one.
With few complaints and an overall positive experience I would highly recommend Papa Joe’s or Papa’s Cup of Joe. I was greeted at the door by friendly waiters, didn’t have to wait too long for my food or drink, and I enjoyed the food and the relaxed setting. Prices also range making it easy for anyone to enjoy a meal without hurting their wallet.
So if you ever get tired of fast food offered in the SUB or the ILC, or you want to try local coffee, take a few extra minutes and make your way across Capitol to Papa Joe’s and Papa’s Cup of Joe.
La Tapatia will have you begging[MSOffice1] for more!
ReplyDeleteThe best Mexican cousin in the Valley
By Kyle Shirley
273 Student[MSOffice2]
BOISE, Idaho – Mexican food restaurants are a dime a dozen in any major city and have increasingly become more streamlined. La Tapatia not only provides this streamline service, they also bring a quality authentic menu from a family owned business.[MSOffice3]
Driving down Park Center Blvd., it is very easy to miss this small restaurant lost in the monotonous cluster of shopping strips and business parks. For those fortunate enough to notice the small family owned business La Tapatia, a wonderful experience is simply waiting to greet them. Right when you walk through the front door, you are instantly [MSOffice4] met with a charming atmosphere, nightly entertainment and delicious food.
The walls are colored with a warm yellow and a soft brown sponged texture, bringing the style immediately up to date. The ceilings are a little lower and the lighting in the entire restaurant is a golden, slightly dim glow. With all the factors coming in to play, the feel is extremely cozy and relaxing to take in. This cozy atmosphere along with the humble service makes you feel like you are right at home or visiting a best friend’s house.
Right when you walk in the door, a hostess is waiting to eagerly sit you where ever you please to be seated. Having this option of sitting placement is nice, especially when the live music is playing. Once seated a set of home-made salsa and pintos are brought to the table with a fresh basket of hot corn tortilla chips. The staff is also very liberal in helping each and every table, so you don’t have just one server but their whole team, which makes ordering extremely easy.
When the food is brought to the [MSOffice5] table, you can immediately tell this is no frozen bag, pre-made item but quality hand crafted cousin. Everything at La Tapatia is hand made from scratch, which really adds to the authenticity and unique taste. The Steak Azteca, a house specialty, is hands down their best item on the menu. The seared skirt steak is covered with a black pepper sauce and bubbling mozzarella cheese. Alongside the steak comes side condiments rice, lettuce with diced tomatoes, beans, and fresh hand-made tortillas. You basically take all the components presented to you and build yourself a mini soft-taco feast making this meal more of an event to be enjoyed.
Overall customers wont have much to be disappointed about when they finish their meals and head out from La Tapatia. Between the great food, awesome family atmosphere and top notch service, there isn’t much to say badly about this wonderful family owned authentic Mexican restaurant.
Kyle Shirley can be reached at KyleShirley[MSOffice6] @u.boisestate.edu[MSOffice7]