Mo' Bettahs Hawaiian Style

Epi's A Basque

➤ 1115 N Main St, Meridian I-83642-2305, United States

Menu • Salad • Basque • European • Vegetarian

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"Five years after the shocking news that Epi's Basque Restaurant owners Chris Ansotegui and Gina Ansotegui Urquidi planned to retire and that the outstanding Meridian restaurant might close, I'm happy to report that seemingly little has changed from the restaurant named after the women's grandmother, who ran a Basque boarding house in Hailey. Sure, Chris is no longer there to cheerfully greet guests and give them a hug coming and going. Likewise, sister Gina and longtime server Bridget Murphy have also retired. But the current staff is just as good and the food is still wonderful. Erik McFarland, Chris and Gina's nephew and Epi's great grandson, now owns the restaurant and is head chef. He had already worked at the restaurant for 20 years when he bought it and is a graduate of Boise State's culinary program. Friends of ours from Reno drove to Boise over the weekend and after treating them to the Greek Festival on Friday, we decided to take them to Epi's A Basque Restaurant the following night. Early Saturday morning I texted their phone number and asked if they had a table available for that evening. The restaurant doesn't take online reservations, but you can call or text. Within a few minutes I received a reply back listing their open slots and I was able to confirm our reservation. Upon arrival, Erik greeted us and from memory he knew they had a table for four for us. We ordered a calamari appetizer along with one ai don't remember from past visits, Brussels sprouts in a sauce with chorizo. They were both excellent. I ordered the pork chops with pimento for an entree. My companions chose the leg of lamb, beef medallions and roasted garlic chicken. Dinners come with sliced baguettes (my only complaint is the bread isn't served warm), soup (cream of mushroom and red bean were the choices that night) and salad. The mushroom soup is one of my favorites and it was just as rich and tasty as ever. The entrees come with two side dishes that change nightly. Each of us received a serving of a yellow rice with chorizo along with a shared plate of homemade French fries. While restaurants of different cuisines offer a flavored rice dish, many times it's a throwaway dish lacking a depth of flavor. Epi's rice is really good. I love Epi's lamb chops, so it's always tough choosing between them, the leg of lamb and the pork chops. I usually switch off and sometimes order one of their fish specials. The pork chops are flavorful and come with a small laye4 of fat along the edge. So much of the pork chops available in grocery stores have the fat bred out, leaving them dry and tasteless. When I buy pork chops to cook at home, I get them from Boise's Carniceria Coalcoman. They buy whole hogs from a local farmer and butcher them themselves. The chops are like those available in stores 30 years ago. Everything we ate that night at Epi's was excellent. Pro tip: If you order the medallions, ask for extra brandy peppercorn cream sauce on the side. It's addicting. I might ask for some next time with the lamb chops or pork chops."

Yard House

➤ 3693 E Longwing Ln, Meridian, ID 83646, United States

Menu • Burgers • American • Canadian • North American

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"As for the food and drinks, Yardhouse has something for everyone. You can choose from simple appetizers, pizzas, burgers, colorful and healthy options, and my personal favorite, poke nachos. With a selection of 100 beers and ciders, they also serve excellent craft cocktails. The Smokey Old Fashioned is a popular choice among our group. The service is where Yardhouse truly excels. From the management to the incredible servers, we have always felt welcomed and have received friendly, genuine, and professional service. I've even begun to remember the names of the staff! On several occasions, we've left Yardhouse discussing whether we had the best server ever. Their attention to detail is impressive—whether it’s avoiding hot plates near our baby, providing our dog with water, or noticing when a dish hasn’t been touched for some time and offering a takeaway box. Bravo! Pricing is reasonable, with food and beverages ranging from $5 to $10 for beer and $15 to $30 for entrees. However, the real bargains are during Happy Hour, where a large selection of meal-sized appetizers and pizzas are half off, and drinks are discounted. We often enjoy a couple of appetizers each and a drink for under $20 per person during Happy Hour. With a great patio, Happy Hour deals, and excellent staff, Yardhouse provides the best dining experience we've found in Meridian so far!"

Goodwood Barbecue Co

➤ 1140 N Eagle Rd, Meridian, Idaho, 83642, United States

Menu • Soup • Meat • Cheese • American

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"Not what it use to be. Been going there for years for special occasions and for take-out, but it disappointed tonight. I moved from the area two years ago and was excited to go to Goodwood, but the portions and cuts of meat were smaller, fatter, and not worth the money. Everything is too expensive these days, but when I looked at my receipt and learned I'd paid $5.00 for my lemonade I was in disbelief. When my server had asked if he could get me some more I said yes. On my receipt was a second FIVE DOLLAR lemonade. Seriously? I should've had two beers. That's ridiculous on top of the skimpy meat portions. Many times over the years I've given gift cards for Goodwood. If this had been a gift I had given I would feel embarrassed. All I feel is disappointment and ripped off. Ain't what it used to be. Fast, friendly service is nice, but shouldn't that be expected? Fair pricing and portions are what keeps customers loyal. Not $10 lemonade to wash down a few fatty burnt ends."

Sockeye Brewing

➤ 12542 W Fairview Ave, 83713, Boise, United States

Menu • Cheese • American • Sandwiches • North American

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"I used to be a big fan of Sockeye, but that's no longer the case. My last three out of four visits have been quite disappointing, with just one decent lunch experience. We were seated quickly around 6:30 PM, but it took over ten minutes for anyone to acknowledge us at our table—no eye contact, no smile, nothing. Our first round took 15 minutes to arrive, and when it did, our server brought me the wrong burger. I pointed this out, and the nachos we ordered were a soggy disaster, overloaded with toppings. I mentioned that too, but there was no manager in sight. After waiting another 15 minutes for the second round, I did enjoy the Rage Red beer. Unfortunately, after that, we were ignored for 30 minutes while waiting for the check. I've been a customer for over ten years, but I'm sorry to say, Sockeye, that this was our last visit."

Sa-Wad-Dee Thai

➤ 1890 E Fairview Ave, 83642, Meridian, United States

Menu • Thai • Meat • Asian • Sushi

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"My husband and I were traveling to Salt Lake for a FanX Convention in September and decided, since it was late, that we would grab a hotel. We were really worried though that, since it was so late, we wouldn 't be able to find anything open to eat since we both have rather extensive food allergies. We were so fortunate to have found Sa-Wad-Dee and even though it was very close to closing they kindly allowed us to order and eat at a table. I feel rather bad for saying this; but our local Thai restaurant from home doesn 't even compare to how good this place is. I took one bite of their Green Curry and visibly melted because my husband was looking at me as if to say 'are you ok, hunny? '. That was until he had a bite of his and made about the same face. Needless to say that on our way back through we absolutely had to stop by and have another bite, knowing we may never get to savor the splendid cooking of this magnificent restaurant again. And if the owner or employees are reading this, I really want to thank you for your kindness, your absolutely scrumptious cooking, and for taking care of your customers as you did. It is places and people like you that make a difference in the world and make traveling so pleasant; especially when you 're not expecting to find such a gem! Sending you all our love and hope that you find your sushi chef soon. The Braukmans."