FOODIES AND WINE CONNOISEURS ARE DRAWN TO THE IDAHO STATE
Idaho’s semi-arid climate, diverse soil types and long growing season combine to cultivate a variety of crops contributing to an array of farm-to-table cuisine, world-class wines and a booming craft-beer industry. Read on to see why foodies, beer lovers and wine connoisseurs are drawn to the Gem State to sip and savor.
Tip Your Chef Hat to Idaho’s Culinary Achievements
In 2022, the James Beard Foundation announced four nominations in Idaho for its annual Restaurant and Chef Awards. Salvador Alamilla (Amano in Caldwell), Dan Ansotegui (Ansots in Boise) and Kris Komori (KIN in Boise) received semifinal nominations in the Best Chef category for the Mountain Region (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming). Khatera Shams (Sunshine Spice Bakery & Cafe in Boise) received a semifinal nomination in the Outstanding Baker category.
Encounter a Warehouse of Flavors in Boise
This summer, Boise welcomes the opening of Warehouse Food Hall—a culinary hub housing 20-plus food and retail vendors. Guest options will span smoothie and cocktail bars to bakeries, cafes and eateries of various genres.
Discover Idaho’s Wine Regions
Boasting four distinct seasons, fertile volcanic soil and a latitudinal location aligned with some of the top-producing wine regions of the world, Idaho is primed for grape growing and winemaking. The state is home to three American Viticultural Areas—Snake River Valley, Eagle Foothills and Lewis-Clark Valley—which combine for over 1,300 acres of vineyards. Book a winery tour or simply grab a glass at one of 65-plus wineries and tasting rooms across the state.
Raise a Pint to Idaho’s Craft Beer Industry
Idaho claims the country’s top spot for barley production and is second-highest for hops, providing unparalleled access to the most essential of beermaking ingredients. Idaho’s agricultural abundance is critical to the state’s robust craft beer industry, which reports 80-plus breweries and counting. Every April, Idaho Craft Beer Month celebrates the breweries and flavors that define Idaho beer, highlighted with a statewide pint day, beer-pairing dinners and new beer releases.
Experience New Dishes, Special Menus During Boise Restaurant Week
Every November, foodies are treated to a week of culinary exploration through Dine Out Downtown Boise Restaurant Week. The annual event features participating restaurants serving up beloved and new flavors along with a variety of unique dishes and menus.
Tour a Museum of Taters
World-famous for spuds, Idaho wouldn’t be complete without a museum dedicated to the potato. Located in an old Oregon Short Line Railroad Depot in downtown Blackfoot, the Idaho Potato Museum showcases the history of the potato—from its first planting in Idaho to the origin of the french fry. After your tour of tuber tidbits and trivia, snap a selfie with the giant baked potato and then grab an order of fresh-cut (or waffle-style) fries from the Potato Station Cafe.
Leave a Reply