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.