I met a friend and old (as in ex-) neighbor for lunch at 8th Street Wine bar today. The pros are: WOW, what a selection of wine and wine by the glass. You can even get "tastes" (1/4 ounce for a couple of bucks), perfect for trying all sorts of new things. I stuck with a Fleur Pinot Noir that I've had before and enjoyed. I also love the location in Bodo, a great spot to people-watch or to sit outside on the patio and enjoy the Boise sights and sounds. The food is good and the more wine you drink, the better everything is--including your own witty conversation, of course.
Our server told us that the menu has all been updated, although I recognized a portobello vegie sandwich that I'd had here before and enjoyed. This time I had a lobster salad with candied nuts and champaigne vinaigrette. The fresh lobster came in huge chunks, plain and delicious--really a treat. The salad was missing something though, and that kept it from being fantastic. Perhaps a little more gorgonzola cheese (tiny pieces far and few between) or maybe the apple pieces were too miniscule (hard to enjoy the flavor)--good ingredients, just lost in the huge bed of lettuce. The dressing was good and would have been even better with the right wine...I was expecting the server to provide more information about possible pairings, but that didn't happen. She did tell us about Monday night flights--which sounds like fun, all day Monday you can order flights of wine in addition to the "tastes." But I feel like a really knowledgable server or sommelier would be so helpful to make the food and pairings more fun and meaningful.
My friend had the house salad with chicken and a Three Saints Chardonnay. The chardonnay was good enough to merit a second glass and she enjoyed her very large house salad. It came with toasted walnuts and a blueberry dressing. Again, just a little something missing--she though perhaps some fresh blueberries to bring out the taste of the dressing might have been good. The chicken was very flavorful and went well with the chardonnay. All in all, a fun place to hang out, but kicking it up just a tad in the kitchen and having more fun with the fantastic wine list (via the server) would make this place even better.
1 comment:
Janet,
Wonderful comments regarding 8th Street. We would love to have you come and review our Wine Bar. We are Music of the Vine in Caldwell. We have been in business for five years and have a good reputation for atmosphere, food, wine and live music. Please advise if you are interested my emailing me at gary@musicofthevine.com
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