1201 S. Vista Ave.
Boise, Idaho 83705
208-429-1155
Mexican
(soon to fill in)
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Casanova Pizzeria
1204 S. Vista Ave.
Boise, ID 83705
208-331-3535
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00am-10:00pm
Oh my PIZZA! Not being much of a pizza fanatic, pizza is one of those food I rarely get a craving for but a craving is not unheard of.
One winter day we decided to hit this pizzeria that we've both been driving by too often. Located at the corner of a well travel intersection, the outside of the restaurant doesn't speak much for the place. It's really a rather plain looking building with a small parking lot. But the moment you open that door and walk in, oh the smells of fresh ingredients, dough baking, cheese melting... drool starts forming.
A small bar off to one side of the building, the main dining area only boasted a handful of tables and even less booths. But we still had enough room for a stroller without tripping anyone up!
The menu is full of traditional and very non-traditional creations (when was the last time you ordered clam on your pizza?). The experience in ordering what to try was a daunting task, so many possibilities without even touching the 'create your own'. Do we go vegetarian? If we do, which ones? What's the difference in taste between smoked mozzarella and regular mozzarella?? How does eggplant taste with cheese?? AHHH!!! (yes, my eyes glazed over while the possibilities were giving me a mini meltdown)
I've mentioned this before and I'll repeat again: I'm a slow order-er, I'm almost famous for my indecision, the more choices there are the slower I go. It was not a good day for me, I stared at the menu for 10 minutes BEFORE my friend arrived and it still took me another 15 minutes to decide after she arrived. The only thing I was certain of before she arrived was the we should go with the "small" size. Which was 10-12".
Final decision: 1 small Eggplant (tomato sauce, mozzarella, roasted eggplant, fresh basil), 1 small Verde (Pesto, smoked mozzarella, tomato, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, pine nuts), 1 small Caesar Salad.
Don't let the word "small" fool you here, the "small" order of salad could be considered as regular meal sized salad in other restaurants. Think of it as 2 orders of side salads. It was really perfect for splitting, the waitress was real nice and brought out 2 extra plates without even being asked.
The eggplant was a nice ingredient, I was afraid it would "leak" all over the pizza causing it to be soggy but it was almost the opposite, instead the eggplant soaked up the flavors it was baked with and the pizza a nice soft texture on top of the crunchy crust.
The Verde was just like it's name, it was a "green" pizza. The pesto was strong enough to be the driving flavor of this pizza but the underlying "smoked" flavor, must have been the mozzarella, could not be out-shined. The artichoke hearts gave the pizza a nice soft crunch, it's a different kind of crunch from the crust. However, the pine nuts was lost on me. . . It's an ingredient I forgot that was in there until I found myself staring at a piece that was on my plate.
$9.00 Eggplant
$9.25 Verde
$4.50 Caesar Salad
Yes, the food was yummy and filling - we still had leftovers. Yes, there was room for the baby stroller (just barely). Yes, the staff was quick and kind and efficient.
A note: the place fills up fast, we happen to have room to park the stroller because we arrived at 11am (just as they opened) on a Weekday. But as we were leaving around 12:00pm the place was already full and more was coming in, we parked in the designated area but once all the cars were parked it becomes a little more tricky to back out of our spot. Non-compact car drivers, pray that the person parking behind you is a compact car. The spots are easy to get into, but really hard to get out of.
We're going to come back again!
Boise, ID 83705
208-331-3535
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00am-10:00pm
Oh my PIZZA! Not being much of a pizza fanatic, pizza is one of those food I rarely get a craving for but a craving is not unheard of.
One winter day we decided to hit this pizzeria that we've both been driving by too often. Located at the corner of a well travel intersection, the outside of the restaurant doesn't speak much for the place. It's really a rather plain looking building with a small parking lot. But the moment you open that door and walk in, oh the smells of fresh ingredients, dough baking, cheese melting... drool starts forming.
A small bar off to one side of the building, the main dining area only boasted a handful of tables and even less booths. But we still had enough room for a stroller without tripping anyone up!
The menu is full of traditional and very non-traditional creations (when was the last time you ordered clam on your pizza?). The experience in ordering what to try was a daunting task, so many possibilities without even touching the 'create your own'. Do we go vegetarian? If we do, which ones? What's the difference in taste between smoked mozzarella and regular mozzarella?? How does eggplant taste with cheese?? AHHH!!! (yes, my eyes glazed over while the possibilities were giving me a mini meltdown)
I've mentioned this before and I'll repeat again: I'm a slow order-er, I'm almost famous for my indecision, the more choices there are the slower I go. It was not a good day for me, I stared at the menu for 10 minutes BEFORE my friend arrived and it still took me another 15 minutes to decide after she arrived. The only thing I was certain of before she arrived was the we should go with the "small" size. Which was 10-12".
Final decision: 1 small Eggplant (tomato sauce, mozzarella, roasted eggplant, fresh basil), 1 small Verde (Pesto, smoked mozzarella, tomato, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, pine nuts), 1 small Caesar Salad.
Don't let the word "small" fool you here, the "small" order of salad could be considered as regular meal sized salad in other restaurants. Think of it as 2 orders of side salads. It was really perfect for splitting, the waitress was real nice and brought out 2 extra plates without even being asked.
The eggplant was a nice ingredient, I was afraid it would "leak" all over the pizza causing it to be soggy but it was almost the opposite, instead the eggplant soaked up the flavors it was baked with and the pizza a nice soft texture on top of the crunchy crust.
The Verde was just like it's name, it was a "green" pizza. The pesto was strong enough to be the driving flavor of this pizza but the underlying "smoked" flavor, must have been the mozzarella, could not be out-shined. The artichoke hearts gave the pizza a nice soft crunch, it's a different kind of crunch from the crust. However, the pine nuts was lost on me. . . It's an ingredient I forgot that was in there until I found myself staring at a piece that was on my plate.
$9.00 Eggplant
$9.25 Verde
$4.50 Caesar Salad
Yes, the food was yummy and filling - we still had leftovers. Yes, there was room for the baby stroller (just barely). Yes, the staff was quick and kind and efficient.
A note: the place fills up fast, we happen to have room to park the stroller because we arrived at 11am (just as they opened) on a Weekday. But as we were leaving around 12:00pm the place was already full and more was coming in, we parked in the designated area but once all the cars were parked it becomes a little more tricky to back out of our spot. Non-compact car drivers, pray that the person parking behind you is a compact car. The spots are easy to get into, but really hard to get out of.
We're going to come back again!
Mazzah - Mediterranean Grill of Boise
PARKCENTER Location (River Quarry)
404 E ParkCenter Blvd
Boise, Idaho 83706
(208) 333-2223
Like the name states, it's a Mediterranean Grill. This restaurant has 2 locations in Boise, we chose to go to the one on Parkcenter.
Very casual setting. It has booth-table combo along one wall and regular tables on the rest of the floor, able to accommodate all party sizes since all table can be combined or separated, a very stroller friendly environment. This time we opted for the high chair.
You walk in, you stare-gawk-ponder at the menu which is available on paper or in colour on the giant chalk board that's behind the cashier. The staff was efficient, friendly, and ready to answer any questions you have about it's many offerings. The closest I ever had of Mediterranean food of any regular basis was baklava so my understanding of their culture or food is VERY limited. But the cashier was patient as we (mostly me, I'm a very slow order-er) asked her about the food even though the description was written right NEXT to the menu item, I'm the type that can't seem to comprehend the written description I guess. I always like to ask what the staff recommends, they know best right?
My final decision was the Gyro Platter. Which was gyro (pronounce like "euro") strips on top of Basmati rice, a gyro sandwich (gyro pita really), and 2 small sides which I chose the Mujaddara (don't ask me how to pronounce this, I let my fingers do the pointing) which was rice and lentils cooked together with spices and extra virgin olive oil. topped with glazed onions and sumac. The other side was Za'atr bread, which is an oregano mixed with toasted sesame on pita. With bottomless fountain drink this came to about $10. I took advantage of being a local university student and got a small discount.
Gyro was nicely done which by my definition means, it wasn't like eating lamb jerky. And, yeah it really did taste like lamb. The rice and lentil was a very nice surprise. Because rice and lentil itself is rather plain in flavoring but mixed together with the flavor packed onions and sumac it was just the perfect amount of seasoning that I totally bypassed the salt I was about to reach for after my first taste of just plain rice and lentil. The Za'atr was very, herb-y. There's no other way for me to describe this pita, it was like eating pita bread that was coated with a fine dusting of dried oregano. Not bad, but nothing awe inspiring, that is until my pita found its way into my friend's Tzakziki sauce.
Her platter order of, Kabob came with Basmati rice, and 2 small sides also. She chose the Hummus and Pita, and the Tzakziki and Pita. Never having had tzakziki before she found it a delightful experience and found a new favorite dip.
Their staff is one of the best I've ever seen. An incident happened while we were there, a child with upset tummy happens to have made a mess after his meal. The parents were apologetic if somewhat frazzled by the experience but the staff was totally cool about it. Without a word of complaint, grimace nor pause one of the staff members brought out the mop and cleaning supplies and went about cleaning up the area and sanitizing the effected area. He cleaned the area up quickly but thoroughly with an casual professionalism. His professionalism at the upsetting task shows how much the staff is dedicated to this restaurant's reputation.
The portions was filling, I had so much food that I actually had to take the Gyro sandwich home. Roomy, plenty of parking areas in front, good food. Definitely worth coming back to explore more of its menu offerings.
404 E ParkCenter Blvd
Boise, Idaho 83706
(208) 333-2223
Like the name states, it's a Mediterranean Grill. This restaurant has 2 locations in Boise, we chose to go to the one on Parkcenter.
Very casual setting. It has booth-table combo along one wall and regular tables on the rest of the floor, able to accommodate all party sizes since all table can be combined or separated, a very stroller friendly environment. This time we opted for the high chair.
You walk in, you stare-gawk-ponder at the menu which is available on paper or in colour on the giant chalk board that's behind the cashier. The staff was efficient, friendly, and ready to answer any questions you have about it's many offerings. The closest I ever had of Mediterranean food of any regular basis was baklava so my understanding of their culture or food is VERY limited. But the cashier was patient as we (mostly me, I'm a very slow order-er) asked her about the food even though the description was written right NEXT to the menu item, I'm the type that can't seem to comprehend the written description I guess. I always like to ask what the staff recommends, they know best right?
My final decision was the Gyro Platter. Which was gyro (pronounce like "euro") strips on top of Basmati rice, a gyro sandwich (gyro pita really), and 2 small sides which I chose the Mujaddara (don't ask me how to pronounce this, I let my fingers do the pointing) which was rice and lentils cooked together with spices and extra virgin olive oil. topped with glazed onions and sumac. The other side was Za'atr bread, which is an oregano mixed with toasted sesame on pita. With bottomless fountain drink this came to about $10. I took advantage of being a local university student and got a small discount.
Gyro was nicely done which by my definition means, it wasn't like eating lamb jerky. And, yeah it really did taste like lamb. The rice and lentil was a very nice surprise. Because rice and lentil itself is rather plain in flavoring but mixed together with the flavor packed onions and sumac it was just the perfect amount of seasoning that I totally bypassed the salt I was about to reach for after my first taste of just plain rice and lentil. The Za'atr was very, herb-y. There's no other way for me to describe this pita, it was like eating pita bread that was coated with a fine dusting of dried oregano. Not bad, but nothing awe inspiring, that is until my pita found its way into my friend's Tzakziki sauce.
Her platter order of, Kabob came with Basmati rice, and 2 small sides also. She chose the Hummus and Pita, and the Tzakziki and Pita. Never having had tzakziki before she found it a delightful experience and found a new favorite dip.
Their staff is one of the best I've ever seen. An incident happened while we were there, a child with upset tummy happens to have made a mess after his meal. The parents were apologetic if somewhat frazzled by the experience but the staff was totally cool about it. Without a word of complaint, grimace nor pause one of the staff members brought out the mop and cleaning supplies and went about cleaning up the area and sanitizing the effected area. He cleaned the area up quickly but thoroughly with an casual professionalism. His professionalism at the upsetting task shows how much the staff is dedicated to this restaurant's reputation.
The portions was filling, I had so much food that I actually had to take the Gyro sandwich home. Roomy, plenty of parking areas in front, good food. Definitely worth coming back to explore more of its menu offerings.
Moon's Kitchen Cafe
712 West Idaho Street
Boise, ID 83702-5811
(208) 385-0472
Hours: M-Sat 6:30am-3:00pm, Sun 7:00am-3:00pm (as of this post)
Located at the heart of downtown Boise, we arrived around mid-day Friday in late summer or was that early fall? Open table seating so there was room for a stroller. The cafe's large window pane allows for the sun to light the room up nicely. The waitress was friendly and help find us a table where the stroller wouldn't be in the way of others.
The menu boasted your average American cafe fare. The breakfast style food of eggs, bacon, toast to the heartier lunch items of burger, fried chicken, salad, fries, etc. Breakfast food is served all day so if eggs and bacon if you're craving eggs and bacon at 2 in the afternoon, go for it!
The fish was calling out to us that day, we ordered the fish sandwich and the fish 'n Chips. The Fish Sandwich was a fillet of fish served on a roll with American cheese with tarter sauce and a pickle on the side and an order of a side item, she chose the fries. The Fish and Chips was a beer batter fish and fries, which while should have been a no brainer, turned out to be an on-spot multiple choice quiz on the many different ways a potato could be cut, fried, and served.
Fries could be found in Hand-Cut, Crinkle or Smiley. This puzzled me to no end at the time. Hand-cut and crinkle I could build a mental image of, but what the heck was "smiley"? Was Mr. Potato Head about to be served up on my plate? How can I eat something that's smiling at me and how do you cut a smile on a fry? I think the waitress must be asked this question alot because she answered without hesitation and her description precise and left without a doubt that this is a cafe that embraces their younger patrons. (I went with the Hand-cut).
The fish was does well. They did not try to skimp on the cut of fish, it was a nice portion and the batter was not too heavy nor too light. The fish flakes off in pieces when bitten into but held together by the batter, all an indication to me that it is done just right! None of that overdone rubbery fish stuff to be found in either orders.
The price was under $10 each order. It was enough to fill us both up, the atmosphere was friendly and bright. Located across from public parking (first hour free), a nice area to stroll around before or after dining. It meets our approval for future visits.
Boise, ID 83702-5811
(208) 385-0472
Hours: M-Sat 6:30am-3:00pm, Sun 7:00am-3:00pm (as of this post)
Located at the heart of downtown Boise, we arrived around mid-day Friday in late summer or was that early fall? Open table seating so there was room for a stroller. The cafe's large window pane allows for the sun to light the room up nicely. The waitress was friendly and help find us a table where the stroller wouldn't be in the way of others.
The menu boasted your average American cafe fare. The breakfast style food of eggs, bacon, toast to the heartier lunch items of burger, fried chicken, salad, fries, etc. Breakfast food is served all day so if eggs and bacon if you're craving eggs and bacon at 2 in the afternoon, go for it!
The fish was calling out to us that day, we ordered the fish sandwich and the fish 'n Chips. The Fish Sandwich was a fillet of fish served on a roll with American cheese with tarter sauce and a pickle on the side and an order of a side item, she chose the fries. The Fish and Chips was a beer batter fish and fries, which while should have been a no brainer, turned out to be an on-spot multiple choice quiz on the many different ways a potato could be cut, fried, and served.
Fries could be found in Hand-Cut, Crinkle or Smiley. This puzzled me to no end at the time. Hand-cut and crinkle I could build a mental image of, but what the heck was "smiley"? Was Mr. Potato Head about to be served up on my plate? How can I eat something that's smiling at me and how do you cut a smile on a fry? I think the waitress must be asked this question alot because she answered without hesitation and her description precise and left without a doubt that this is a cafe that embraces their younger patrons. (I went with the Hand-cut).
The fish was does well. They did not try to skimp on the cut of fish, it was a nice portion and the batter was not too heavy nor too light. The fish flakes off in pieces when bitten into but held together by the batter, all an indication to me that it is done just right! None of that overdone rubbery fish stuff to be found in either orders.
The price was under $10 each order. It was enough to fill us both up, the atmosphere was friendly and bright. Located across from public parking (first hour free), a nice area to stroll around before or after dining. It meets our approval for future visits.
List of Potentials
Siam Thai Restaurant - 590 East Boise Avenue, Boise, ID
La Tapatia Restaurant - 401 West Parkcenter Boulevard, Boise, ID
Ono Hawaiian Cafe - 170 Broadway Avenue, Boise, ID
Deli George - 5602 West Fairview Avenue, Boise, ID
Tango's Subs & Empanadas - 701 North Orchard Street, Boise, ID
Rooster's Eatery - 930 South Vista Avenue, Boise, ID
La Tapatia Restaurant - 401 West Parkcenter Boulevard, Boise, ID
Ono Hawaiian Cafe - 170 Broadway Avenue, Boise, ID
Deli George - 5602 West Fairview Avenue, Boise, ID
Tango's Subs & Empanadas - 701 North Orchard Street, Boise, ID
Rooster's Eatery - 930 South Vista Avenue, Boise, ID
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