(thedishboise.com) – Boise, Idaho

How I heard of this place: On my self-guided tour of the hidden culinary gem more popularly known as Boise, I found myself in conversation with a handful of very helpful and friendly locals. One such local, the young woman offering samples at Trader Joe’s gave me some excellent recommendations for dinner options in town, including The Dish.

Type of cuisine: “The Dish is a bistro-style restaurant with a heartfelt neighborhood feel. Our passion derives from delicious food, using quality local ingredients, and creating an atmosphere that is community-focused, warm, and intimate. We hope the Dish will quickly become your home away from home.”

Ambiance: An eclectic mix of modern meets refined roughness, the combination of patterns, colors and seating truly give a confusing air, yet somehow work in this quirky space. Entry is accessible through the Empire Building’s main doors, or perhaps a little awkwardly through the outdoor patio.

Inside, marbled tile leads patrons to a wooden podium asking you to please find a seat through the large, glass doors.

Booth, bar and table seating available to patrons on the main floor, with views above to the loft, and more seating intrigue persons entering the establishment.

The bar, adjacent the half-open-to-view kitchen, sits underneath the red-painted wine cellar, found overhead, behind a glass wall.

And then some.

What I ordered: Keeping it light, in order to enjoy the well-talked-about dessert to come, I started with a cup of the vegan and gluten-free Roasted Red Pepper-Coconut-Tomato Bisque ($3),

which our server presented with complimentary (and garlicky) Black Bean Hummus and crispy flatbread.

I also selected the half order of the Parmesan Crusted Mac & Cheese ($6) with a four-cheese sauce, elbow macaroni and fresh herbs.

My husband and our dining companion each ordered the Brie Burger ($12.50), a half-pound Double R Burger with Brie cheese, truffle aioli, arugula, tomato, and balsamic onion marmalade served on Gaston’s Brioche Bun.

What I loved: The burger’s balsamic onion marmalade! Whoa. Pickled zucchini? Another surprising, yet perfectly complementary flavor and texture pairing to the burger.

Not to mention the crisped edges of the truly parmesan crusted mac & cheese; the fresh, diced tomatoes adding a surprisingly nice touch.

Why I loved it: Simple food, creative preparation, indulgent combinations.

Cost: Average to high ($11.50 – $23 per burger/dinner entree)

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