Boise Fry Company Serve Guilt-Free Comfort Food

 Sometimes, all you need is a good old burger with a heap of fries. In Meridian there are so many options, but Boise Fry Company offers what is expected in an unexpected way. All the food there is healthy but you can hardly tell because it is good quality, for a price that doesn't beat the wallet.  Boise Fry is considered to have the best fries in America. 

Front of BFC in Meridian

Everything on their menu

When going to Boise Fry Company, you are really in change. Between the different patties, potatoes, fry cuts, sauces, and salts, there are over 100,000 options. Although it is a joke that the burger is a side dish, many people believe that the fries are perfect and the burger is a delicious work in progress. It's rarely empty so finding seating can be hard but the setting is cozy. 

Classic Bison Burger with Curly Gold Fries

Ketchup Bar

It is ranked the 25th best restaurant of 652 restaurants in Boise according to TripAdvisor. There are 3 locations in the Boise Area and one in Portland. Every worker was friendly, the helpings were plenty, and all of the sauce options may be the best part.

To read my full review just click here!

Their facebook page can be found here!

El Jacalito Offers Quality and Affordable Food for Pocatello

El Jacalito's outside sign advertisements.

El Jacalito was founded by two brothers, Santiago and Fermin Camacho. The restaurant was established in 2007 and has been maintaining its service to the Pocatello area. As time went on the eldest brother left the business, leaving Santiago Camacho as the owner.

Outside photo of El Jacalito.

El Jacalito is a very casual type restaurant. It may be small but it does it job as far as attracting people. With the affordable prices and delicious food, a college town is a perfect location for this restaurant. 

On Trip Advisor, there are many responses to how great the food and prices are. El Jacalito is ranked 92th out of 142 for best restaurant in Pocatello with 4 stars.

Three Tacos. From Left to Right: Two carne asada and One spicy pork

The menu is nicely sized and gives a variety of choices. They have classic Mexican food like tacos, burritos and tamales. One of the things that really stands out about El Jacalito is that they also have burgers. They advertise their burgers as the best in town and majority of their reviewers have said they agree.

I enjoyed my visit at El Jacalito as I always will from here on forward. I am a big fan of their food, especially their burgers. I would recommend any college student or any person that is looking for an affordable and quality meal. Better yet, anybody and everybody should at least try the place! Go ahead, Try it!

Chang's Garden Boasts its Bold Szechuan and Cantonese Styles in Pocatello

A delicious combo with General Tao chicken, an egg roll, pork
fried rice and chicken lo mein.

     Chang's Garden is the type of place you know will deliver every time after your first visit. On average, customers left a 4 star review of Chang's Garden on Yelp. Specializing in Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines, Chang's Garden brings the tastes and smells of China to Southern Idaho. The restaurant has been open for over 15 years now and is located on Pocatello Creek Road.
     The inner decor of the restaurant provides an intimate setting. The tables are generously spaced, ensuring that your meal will not be interrupted by other patrons. Paper and glass lanterns adorned with tassels provide a dim light. The walls have various flora and fauna painted upon them creating a relaxing environment.
     The menu has a wide array of options catering to any customer. Between the chef's specials, combination dinners, gluten-free meals, appetizers, and many more pages of options, the only thing you won't like about this place is having to decide exactly what it is you want. To get a glimpse at some of these options visit Chang's Garden's Facebook photos.
These foods are served in generous proportions for a great price, ensuring that you and even your pocketbook will remain stuffed.

The inner decor of Chang's Garden

 

Yoshida: "Theres a new food stand in the mall?"

  Have you ever been shopping in the mall and thought to yourself, “Hey, isn’t time for a lunch break? I am in the mood for something along the lines of hot dough dipped in goop flavored cheese that is shoved right into my face without any regret.”

Tonkatsu. Breaded Deep-fried Pork. Need I say more?

  No? Well you do anyway because the Pine Ridge Mall only gives that option. Unless you want to leave, drive somewhere to get something to eat, possibly increase the chance of ending up in a fiery car crash. We want something convenient, fast and filling. Not good, not delicious, but filling.

  Well, Yoshida is going to change that. Only opened this second location just a few weeks ago, this place is going to be the go to eating establishment during the holiday rush.

   Now you don’t have to settle for that cheese flavored play-dough, but  now you can get something that is filling, but delicious and actually gives you the feeling that you made a good choice, but also not burning your wallet.

Yelp
Facebook

You can read my full review here:
Yoshida

El Herradero: Real, Authentic Mexican Food

                                                                                                                                  

 El Herradero has two different locations in Pocatello. Their first location is on Jefferson Avenue and the other is on Arthur Avenue.

   I had originally only been to the one located on Arthur Avenue and was very impressed, the Jefferson Avenue one was closer to my home so I went there this time.

   To be blunt, the only thing that was good was the food. When my partner and I went there it was pretty slow, about two other customers. We weren't greeted, so we seated ourselves.

   After waiting for 15 minutes we were finally brought some homemade tortilla chips, beans, and salsa.

   As we waited for the waitress to return to take our order, I looked around the restaurant. The walls were decorated in Mexican and Corona art.

   The floors were dirty and a couple tables next to us were piled with dirty dishes and good. These tables weren't cleaned until after we left (about an hour later.)

   When the waitress finally came to take our order we ordered a couple beers, some water, and two super burritos. I was expecting our food to take as long as the waitress had been that night. Surprisingly it only took ten minutes.

           

            

   The food was delicious. I filled up on chips, salsa, beans, along with the rice and beans that came with the two foot burrito. I brought the burrito home for leftovers.

   We never saw the waitress again after she brought our food; no refills on our drinks and no one brought us the check. I went and retrieved the check myself along with take home containers I asked for when our orders were placed.

            My rating, on a scale of one to five, for the restaurant is as follows:

                        Food: 5

                        Appearance: 3

                        Service: 1

Japanese Homestyle Food, Like Your Mother Used to Make

Japanese Homestyle Food, Like Your Mother Used to Make

by Kye Westfall

In Pocatello you can buy almost any fast food that suits your fancy. With an abundance of cultures thanks to the University, it's not hard to find a restaurant that has another culture's cuisine. Yet in Pocatello there is an over-saturation of Mexican and Chinese food, and some countries are not represented as much as they should be.

  Japan is one of those countries that is under represented. Sumisu, a local restaurant in Pocatello, has the best sushi you can find in Idaho, but it doesn't have what really makes Japan's cuisine delicious: curry.

Curry is Japan's national dish and there's nothing like curry to fill you up on a cold day. Japanese curry is sweeter than Indian curry, and a lot more mild. Packed with large potatoes, sliced carrots, luscious onions, and shoyu chicken (Yoshida’s soy sauce chicken dish) all mixed in a thick sauce laced over steaming hot white rice, you wish you had found Yoshida a lot sooner.

Sanae Wood, the owner of Yoshida, was originally from Fujiyoshida, Japan, a city about the size of Pocatello. Far from the ocean and the styles of cooking featured on the coast, she grew up learning how to make what she calls "riceballs with meat." Her modest view of her own food is respectable, considering the food at Yoshida is some of the best you can get in town. Yoshida is also themed after Wood's hometown, and after Japan's highest mountain, Mount Fuji. Wood grew up in the shadow of Mount Fuji, and in 1991 she moved to Idaho, and brought her cooking skills with her. Founded in only two years ago, Yoshida has a ways to go, and with it's excellence it will go far. 

Read my full review: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mSI6tQdTkndBFv0zjJyiWevOtXJde8jZ11CtODWHpvs/edit?usp=sharing

A Little Bit of Greece in Pocatello

Classic cheeseburger with tots

Are you looking for somewhere to eat in Pocatello that serves great food maintains it's locality? If so, "Tom's Gyros and Burgers" is the perfect place to go and enjoy some authentic Greek food along with some North American classics. Everything from gyros to burgers, like it says in the name, is available so they are sure to have more than one thing that you will enjoy.

This small restaurant is perfect for anyone wanting to get some good food for a good price. Being one of the older restaurants in town, they try and keep things simple as to not overwhelm the customers. When you walk in, it is immediate to feel the overwhelming positivity floating through the air.

The owner prides himself on keeping a very welcoming environment. His employees are treated like family which helps to create a great work environment as well. This family owned business is a must for anyone looking for a great place to eat.

Full Review:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YleXrs6c3EEstjLvqNAO7HB_6ZzP0zwxzHytInZRPzk/edit?usp=sharing

A Taste of India and Nepal Introduces Unique Flavors in Oldtown Pocatello

Their sign

 From the moment you walk in the door, A Taste of India and Nepal is sure to please. you will be greeted with a warm smile and enthusiastic hello and sat at one of the twelve tables positioned neatly throughout the restaurant.
The beautiful and serene pictures of Nepal hung on the newly painted light purple walls, makes this small restaurant a perfect place to relax from a stressful day and eat a delicious meal.
The owners, Renuka and Hem Gurung, have owned the restaurant for about a year now, but it has been open for about 7 years, when it was opened and owned by another Nepali couple before them.

Butter Chicken, basmati rice, naan (bread)
mixed vegetables

This restaurant offers a variety of food, but are most known for amazing curries.
Combine one of their drinks such as a smoothie like drink called a lasi that are strawberry or mango flavored ($3.00), chai (tea $3.00) or a pepsi product ($1.75) to make accompany your meal.

Menu

The menu options include lamb dishes, chicken dishes, and vegetarian dishes; making it a great choice for all different taste buds. The prices are fair and will make college students happy with their buffet that is open from 11 AM until 3 PM for only $9.99.
They are closed from about 3 PM until 5 PM everyday so that they have enough time to set up for dinner since they do not have as many employees, they utilize this time in order to be ready for the dinner rush and to also close down the buffet station.

Experience an All American Buffet at Pizza Pie Cafe

            PizzaPie Cafe is an "all you can eat" buffet of pizza, pasta, and salad. This business has been around for about twelve years. And they have now become a franchise with restaurants in Idaho, Utah, and Arizona and looking to expand to Colorado, Nevada, Wyoming and Montana. This family friendly restaurant is very enjoyable and you don't have to spend a great deal.

Pocatello Pizza Pie Cafe

            Pizza Pie has lunch starting at $7.25 and dinner at $8.25. Kids prices start at $2.49 for 3-4 year olds, $4.49 for 5-8 and $5.49 for 9-11. This may seem a little pricey up front but when you can eat as much as you can or want it definitely pays for itself. You can also add a gluten free pizza for a few extra dollars. You don't have to stay and eat since they have a takeout menu as well. You can also sign up to get texts or emails or follow them on Facebook for great deals.

Pizza Buffet Counter

            As for the food itself it is very good and tastes different than any other pizza out there. Depending on the location the quality of food is better than others. For example the Rexburg and Ammon locations pizza is always amazing and I've never had a bad experience there. The Pocatello location however hasn't been as good and you can tell they don't wash their trays as well. Depending on the time of day they also have cold pizza because they make more than there are people to eat it. Needless to say I still frequent the Pocatello location because the pizza is so good!

Pasta Buffet Counter

            Every month they have a "pizza of the month" where they make a special dessert pizza that you can only get for that month. It's always fun to try something different! I highly recommend Pizza Pie Cafe to anyone who loves a fun atmosphere, great food, and friendly staff that are always so helpful. You can't get more American than that!

Panda's Express: Is It the Best Chinese Restaurant in Idaho?

Menu Options

There are quite a few Chinese restaurants in Idaho. In my home town of Blackfoot there's the New Hong Kong that has a yelp review

In Pocatello, however, there's quite a few. A lot of ISU students may have noticed the Mandarin House in the SUB building.

But the one I'm reviewing today is Panda's Express.

A plate meal

My Meal

Another bowl

Overall, I think comparing Panda's Express to Blackfoot's Chinese restaurant, Panda's Express is miles better.

To read my full review, click here.

Senor Iguanas offers flavorful Mexican cuisine

Senor Iguanas restaurant

Senor Iguanas first opened its doors on December 8th of 1997. Caleb Corona opened Senor Iguanas with no cash flow or capital to his name, but he did have his mother's recipes. With those recipes, the restaurant has stayed open for the last 17 years.

On Yelp, reviews range from very satisfied customers to customers that vow to never return again. Most of the reviews said the service was excellent and that the food was good quality. On a few occasions, however, the reviews stated that the service wasn't very good, and that the food was awful. One complaint most individuals had was that the restaurant appears to be a mess at times. Trip Advisor features more reviews with similar responses from customers.

The 1ft. Smothered Burrito

The menu features traditional Mexican cuisine, American options, and a kids menu that is titled "Kylie's Picks" after Caleb's daughter Kylie. American options and "Kylie's picks" include things such as: cheeseburgers, hamburgers, and chicken tenders.

I had a pleasant time at Senor Iguanas and I will most definitely return. The food is excellent and you get plenty of it for your money. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone who is looking for a hot meal on a budget. For more information, you can read my full review here.

Yoshida Adds Japanese Flair to Pocatello

Yoshida Adds Japanese Flair to Pocatello

Ever since they opened in October of 2013, business has been booming thanks to a local news story. At first, the Japanese native Sanae Wood was apprehensive about opening a restaurant by her self, but with a little prodding from her family, she made it happen.

Sanae Wood (right) in front of her restaurant

Her favorite part about owning a business is what she can share with new customers. Wood enjoys making acquaintances, even friendships, with people due to her little shop in Old Town Pocatello. She admits that her favorite dish is the Ton Katsu (breaded chicken over rice). 

Niku Dango (pork meatballs over rice)

It's pretty easy to have a favorite since the menu is so small; there are only six main items available. They are  all affordable, priced under $8 each. Visit their Facebook page to view their menu. Their page also has an overflowing amount of customers raving about the food and low price. This is also apparent on their Yelp page.

In the Midst of Pocatello, Sushi and Asian Fare can be Found at Sumisu

In the middle of Pocatello, Idaho it is possible to find great sushi. Sumisu, located at 309 East Center Street has been serving fresh sushi since they opened their doors in December of 2010. Everything is made in house by the chef on duty. If you sit at the bar, you can even watch the chef prepare and roll your sushi. Besides the sushi bar Sumisu provides small and large seating arrangements so it's a great place for date night, or for the whole gang.

Tiny Dancer Roll

One popular menu item is the Tiny Dancer Roll which includes crab, spicy tuna, cucumber and a few other ingredients. With almost 20 different rolls there is something for everyone. If you are looking for something adventurous, you can also opt for a "Domo Dozo" which is basically a creation of the chef's choice. For those in your party who aren't into raw sushi, there are plenty of alternative options as well. Sumisu's menu includes both raw and non-raw sushi options, traditional entrees like Teriyaki Steak and Red Pepper Chicken, and even a Kid's Menu. While you're there don't forget to

Edamame

try the Edamame which are a staple item at any Asian style or sushi restaurant. To see Sumisu's full menu click here. 

After my visit I got to sit down with one of the owners, Lyndi Smith, to learn more about the background of Sumisu. Family owned and operated, Sumisu has truly been a family affair since the idea hatched several years ago. Two of the family members have even been professionally trained by groups in California in preparing sushi. So from the day to day operations to the name, which means Smith in Japanese, Sumisu is truly all about family. To read more about the Smith's story and my visit to Sumisu read my full article here.

Sumisu is open Monday through Saturday for the lunch and dinner crowd. Their hours, take-out and dine-in information, and more can be found here. You can also find them on Facebook or view reviews from other patrons on sites like Yelp, and Google. Google has given Sumisu a rating of 4.1 stars out of 5. Yelp has given them a 4 out of 5 star rating, and includes reviews from 47 patrons.

There's Fresh and then there's Efresh

      There is a place in Pocatello, Idaho that is bringing a whole new meaning to the word "Fresh." Efresh is a deli that doesn't follow the rules but rather bends them. Owner Emily Fisher created this wonderful restaurant with a simple idea on a napkin and has now brought it to life with the help of her cooks Dan and Reegs. Together there is well over a decade of culinary schooling and cooking skills that have been perfected into this amazing food.

Faces of Efresh, Emily, Dan and Reegs

     Efresh uses nothing but the highest quality ingredients that are found locally in Pocatello. When you receive your sandwich or salad there is an apparent craftsmanship that you just don't see at any other joint in town. They have a sandwich special every single day and it is always a new idea they are cooking up or a highly requested concoction. The menu is large both literally and physically so be prepared to start reading, but have a napkin ready because you might start drooling at the descriptions.

One of the Daily Specials the "Burger Eh"

      Efresh is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11am-4pm but if you can't make it during those times there is hope. On Friday and Saturday night there is a special late night menu that is only available from 10pm-3am, YES 3am! This menu is perfect for a late night snack or the hungry crowd after a long night of drinking and partying. One of the biggest hits here are the julienne herb fries that have the whole town talking. These fries also come with bacon and cheese in the late night menu and they are out of this world.
     Yelp reviews of Efresh are outstanding with a whopping 4.5 stars of 5 for 35 reviews but you should honestly get off the computer and head down there to try it for yourself.
     If this blog was not enough or you want to hear the full story click here for the entire article.

Old Town Pocatello's Secret: Healthy Eats Right Under Our Noses

It may be a little tricky to find a restaurant in Pocatello that embraces a healthy philosophy when it comes to eating out.  Especially if that place still has an old sign from a previous business on it’s storefront.  Hiding under that disguise is The Healthier Place to Eat, located in Old Town Pocatello.  This restaurant uses fresh, all-natural, allergy-friendly ingredients that come together to make some unique and tasty dishes.

The Healthier Place to Eat
121 S. Main St., Pocatello, Idaho

I enjoyed my visit with Mila and Raymond Gouchenour, owners of The Healthier Place to Eat.  I was amazed by their tenacity to make their business work in a challenging market.  I was impressed with the planning that went into the creation and continuing development of what their particular restaurant will provide in the food industry world.  Above all, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the passion the have for what they do, and that passion shows through in the well prepared dish I was served.

Mila Gouchenour and I in the cheerful dining ara.

I am a big believer in trying new things when the opportunity arises.  So,I ordered the vegan lasagna ($12.49) with gluten-free pasta, vegetables, a coconut white sauce and topped with cashew parmesan.  The meal included a side salad with a great vinaigrette and gluten-free toast.  This meal was satisfying both in taste and volume.  And I can honestly say that the toast was some of the best gluten-free bread I have tasted. To learn more about the menu and dining experience at The Healthier Place to Eat, read my full review.

Vegan lasagna with side salad and gluten-free toast.

So, the next time you are looking for a restaurant that deviates from the abundant franchise options, give The Healthier Place to Eat a try.  And while you’re in the mood to explore new things, choose something from the menu that might be a bit of stretch for you.  You will probably be pleasantly surprised.  After all, cashew parmesan cheese hooked me into trying lasagna with a creamy coconut sauce and now I have a new favorite.

El Jacalito Brings Quality Mexican Food to Pocatello

El Jacalito from the outside. 

El Jacalito was founded by the Camacho brothers in 2007 and has been thriving ever since. The restaurant is very casual, some may call it a "hole in the wall", and that attracts a lot of people who want an affordable and delicious meal.

On TripAdvisor there are mixed responses to El Jacalito. Some people absolutely love it while others do not really care for it. Those that love it think that the food is very good and the workers are very kind. Those that do not care for it do not like the food and they think the place is a little messy.

Bean and cheese burrito with rice.

The menu is decently sized and gives a lot of variety. They have classic Mexican food like tacos, burritos and tamales, but one of the things that stands out about El Jacalito is that they also have burgers. Their burgers are advertised as some of the best in town, and a lot of people who have had them would completely agree.

I enjoyed my experience eating at El Jacalito. I think that the food is really good for the price and it is a very convenient place to get food quickly. It is definitely a place that I will go to frequently and I think other people should try it as well.

Lei's Mongolian BBQ Scores with Homestyle Asian Food in Chubbuck, Idaho

Noodle dish and sides

            Lei's Mongolian BBQ provides a low-key atmosphere that makes you feel comfortable enough to eat as many endless bowls of Asian noodles as you can possibly fit into your stomach. As a thriving college student, the obvious menu choice is the all-you-can-eat buffet ($9.99). The all-you-can-eat noodle dish is the most popular dish that the restaurant offers. 

Mary Lei and I after my visit

Once I had settled on the all-you-can-eat buffet, the food making was really up to me. In large refrigerated food containers was a variety of vegetable, noodle and meat options. Being able to make your own noodle dish gives you the opportunity to choose the flavors you want by combining your favorite veggies, meats, and sauces. Frozen crab, beef, pork and chicken were all options of meat to choose from as well as vegetables like carrots, zucchini, onions, water chestnuts, lettuce, green peppers, and more.

Mary cooking my noodle dish

After I finished creating my own noodle dish, Mary took my bowl and threw it on the fryer. It only took a few minutes for her to toss my noodles around and they were done.

Overall, the experience satisfied my taste buds and filled my stomach to its fullest. The food was delicious and was definitely worth the $10. Trip Advisor scores Lei's at a 3.5 while Yelp rates the Mongolian BBQ joint at a 4. Although the place isn’t fancy or modern, it is well worth your time, appetite, and money.