Posts filed under: Idaho Falls food

When I saw that the old Pachanga’s building was open downtown, I was so excited to see who would take it. Crossing my fingers that it would be a new restaurant. My wish was granted and in such a wonderful way!

Cardamom is such a lovely addition to downtown Idaho Falls, and I am so glad they are here.

Rating: (on a 0-5 scale, 0 not so great-5 Out of this WORLD!)

Over-all Tastiness: 5

Atmosphere: 5

Experience:5

TASTE:

I had the butter chicken, house salad, and a syrah. Everything was absolutely delicious. The salad had a tasty saffron and poppy seed dressing. The butter chicken was the perfect combination of mild sweetness and savory which paired perfectly with the fluffy basmati rice. I can not even wait until their naan oven is prepped and I can start on that!

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ATMOSPHERE:

I love this restaurant’s vibe. The walls are cream and all the tables and chairs are a deep walnut. The tables are set beautifully, the lighting is gorgeous, and the bar is so approachable. It’s one of those places that you want to eat slower just to hang out longer. You must see it for yourself.

EXPERIENCE:

They have such helpful and attentive service. The servers were so friendly and seemed to be very excited to be part of it.

It was so nice to see Cardamom in these beginning stages, because I know it is just going to get better and better as it grows. I am happy to have this new addition to downtown Idaho Falls!

Stop in and wish Cardamom a warm welcome. You’ll definitely be glad that you did!

 

Cardamom

501 Park Ave

Idaho Falls

 

Do you live a little local?

Have you seen our new MERCH?

Make sure to follow Live a Little Local on Facebook and Instagram (livealittlelocal) to keep up with fun things going on in our community!

 

Hey all! Did you know that July 15th is National Ice Cream day!?

I really dig these national days for food, and could there be a better way to celebrate than a waffle cone?

There are way too many wonderful ice cream places to let all the recognition fall onto a single day. So, we will be using the hashtag #IdahoIceCreamSundaes to celebrate one or more shops every Sunday in July.

This post is a two-fer!

The STIL (Boise)

The STIL (The Sweetest Things in Life) in downtown Boise is the place you’ll want to be when that craving for something sweet hits. This ice cream shop offers unique, vegan, and booze-infused flavors so there’s something delish for everyone. Flavors rotate often, but I recommend Picnic in the Park (raspberry+goat cheese+walnut), Idaho Wilderness (berry+local lavender from Red Chair Lavender), or Pool Days (mint+lime+rum+mojito). The STIL also gives you the option of pairing your ice cream with local and regional beer and wine options OR you can have them scoop you some ice cream onto local cookies from Sugar Whipped and Gluten Free Galaxy for an ice cream sandwich! Cookies also come in vegan and gluten free options.

 

786 W Broad St, Boise, ID 83702
ilovethestil.com

STIL Facebook

 

Reed’s Dairy (Idaho Falls and Meridian)

Oh, the whole-milk goodness. This is not the shop to go to if you are looking for almond, soy, alternative ice cream, ok? This shop houses fresh, flavorful, and creamy treats that are sure to bring a smile to your face. You’ll be sure to see flavors like strawberry or huckleberry any time of the year. However, watch out for some rotating flavors that aren’t always in shop (coconut almond fudge, honey comb crunch). Honey comb crunch is definitely one of my favorites! It’s a blend of cinnamon, chocolate pieces of honey comb, and graham cracker.

Milkshakes with local strawberries, brown cows (ice cream and chocolate milk floats), and grilled cheese sandwiches are other items you don’t want to miss.

If you can’t stand to leave without taking some deliciousness home —don’t worry! Reed’s also offers tubs of ice cream to take home, milk, and cheese from their farm, or you can have milk delivered to you!

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Reed’s Dairy has locations in Ammon, Idaho Falls, and Meridian. (In Idaho Falls you can visit the farm.)

http://reedsdairy.com/

Reed’s Facebook

 

 

Many thanks to Sharece Mecham, fellow Live a Little Local writer, for her contribution to this piece.

Do you live a little local?

Have you seen our new t-shirts? Soon to have tank tops and tote bags!

Make sure to follow Live a Little Local on Facebook and Instagram (livealittlelocal) to keep up with fun things going on in our community!

 

I got to mark “ice cream shop” off my Idaho Falls downtown wish list this last week.

We have a local ice cream shop now! I am so excited. Downtown is the perfect place for an ice cream shop, and I can’t wait to add Pop’s to all of my summer time routines.

Rating: (on a 0-5 scale, 0 not so great-5 Poppin’)

Over-all Tastiness: 5

Atmosphere: 5

Experience: 5

Taste

Pop’s offers a wide spectrum of flavors, so whether you want to play it safe with a classic flavor (rocky road/ bubblegum) or try something new you can find something that you’ll enjoy. They also have Italian ices that will satisfy your cravings and are dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

When I was there I tried the Lime Rickey (one of my favorites)! It was perfect.

Atmosphere

Pop’s has a really sweet retro vibe to it. The first thing you notice is the bright pink walls. It’s very fun, and the black and white photos are a great touch providing some nostalgia.

Experience

Absolutely wonderful. The owners, Jennifer and Steve, are very friendly and helpful. They also own Idaho Escape Rooms (check out my review) downtown. Which would be a perfect activity to pair with your ice cream.

Couple of new Pop’s fans

 

I’m very happy to have this great new addition to Idaho Falls. Be sure to check it out on your next bike ride or visit to downtown!

 

Keep up with Pop’s Ice Cream by following them on Facebook.

 

Do you live a little local?

Have you seen our new t-shirts?

Make sure to follow Live a Little Local on Facebook and Instagram (livealittlelocal) to keep up with fun things going on in our community!

 

 

Hey all!

It is Cinco de Mayo today. A perfect day to enjoy the warming weather , and maybe enjoy a margarita or two!

I wanted to give you some of my restaurant suggestions to enjoy this evening, weekend, or anytime at all.

Idaho Falls

My favorite place to go is Morenita’s! I love Morenita’s. My favorite thing to get there is the mulita. It is like a small quesadilla sandwich with your choice of filling (adobada or asada is my go to!), cheese, cabbage, lime, onion. It is to die for! They make really amazing posole on the weekend too, and offer delicious desserts like flan and churros.

Oh ya. No denying the deliciousness of that! I would have more pics, but things disappear quite quickly at Morenita’s. NOM.

Check out Morenita’s Facebook page to keep up with their promotions: Morenita’s

Blackfoot

El Mirador is always my go to when I am in Blackfoot! They have great service, margaritas, and sopapillas.

Check out El Mirador’s Facebook page to keep up with their promotions: El Mirador

Pocatello

Mama Inez

If I’m in Pocatello hands down I want some Mama Inez. They have tasty margaritas, nachos (I really like the flour tortilla chips they make there), or the gordos.

Mama Inez-nachos

Check out Mama Inez’s Facebook page to keep up with their promotions: Mama Inez

Salt Lake City

The Blue Iguana

I highly recommend The Blue Iguana. My favorite dish is the tinga tacos, which are deliciously spicy, washed down with a 32oz MEGA MARGARITA! As seen in featured image.

Check out The Blue Iguana’s Facebook page to keep up with their promotions: The Blue Iguana

I hope you have an amazing day. I will be at Tap N Fill tonight drinking Coronas, and eating the street tacos that Pachangas is providing.

Be sure to like Live a Little Local on Facebook, and follow livealittlelocal on Instagram to keep up with local businesses and events.

The Persnickety Lemon (love the name!) opened up here within the last month or so, and needless to say I was excited. It is downtown on Park avenue, so I walk past it everyday on my way to work.

This quaint market focuses on artisan products, and healthy options. I came over to bombard them on their first day of serving lunch with my boyfriend and two guy co-workers.

Rating: (on a 0-5 scale, 0 not so great-5 Why are my socks on the floor? Oh, that’s right. They were knocked right off!)

Over-all Tastiness: 5

Atmosphere: 5

Experience:5

TASTE: The sweet shop owners (Jennifer and Jed) were serving a Cowboy quinoa wrap. It was a multi-grain flatbread with a tex-mex quinoa salad which was spicy and filling. When she told us this was the option for the day I started getting ready to walk out. I thought there was no way that all these guys would eat a quinoa wrap! She gave us all a taste test, and they went ahead an ordered it. I was pleasantly surprised. This is certainly a testament to how delicious it is. Since then I have been back, and had more delicious experiences!

Everything tastes fresh, and doesn’t leave you filling gross. There is a lot of attention to detail that I appreciate. There are Gluten-free, and vegan options which is a really lovely difference here in the city of meat n taters.

ATMOSPHERE: The downstairs dining area is vintage, comfy, and eclectic. It has a neat sitting area with a sofa and coffee table that is cozy. It really is the perfect place to meet up or host an event! Check their Facebook to find out how to rent their space including the commercial kitchen.

EXPERIENCE: The owners are incredibly friendly and helpful. I’m excited to see that there are new options in downtown Idaho Falls! I hear that they will be starting classes (how to build terrariums and make artisanal cheese and such) and I can’t wait to go.

The Persnickety Lemon is a co-op. They feature locally made breads, sweets, salsas, nut milks, juices, and more. Their menu changes often, so go in to see what yummy items they are serving up!

The Persnickety Lemon

Chances are if you are from this neck of the woods you have been to a Java Espress before, and hopefully you have been into Kool Beanz Café. If you haven’t I’m gonna take a minute to tell you why you should!

Rating: (on a 0-5 scale, 0 not so great-5 OH MY GAWD, BECKY)

Over-all Tastiness: 5

Atmosphere: 5

Experience:5

TASTE: Kool Beanz offers a lot of different options to start and end your day right. A couple of my favorites are the California Dreamin’ latte (Tiramisu and almond!) and the Spicy Tom bagel sandwich that has turkey, bacon, and house-made jalapeno garlic cream cheese!

ATMOSPHERE: Kool Beanz is exactly that. It is cool. It has an industrial chic look that provides the vibes of a larger city than Idaho Falls. It is in Snake River Landing which makes it the perfect place to stop by on the weekend before you head out on a bike ride or jog, or after to get a glass of wine.

EXPERIENCE: I have had really nice experiences at KB. The baristas are incredibly helpful, and willing to give you suggestions of all their favorite things. The lattes are made with care. The last one I had, had some lovely latte art on it. That ain’t easy! I’ve tried and failed.

I definitely recommend checking out Kool Beanz Café.

Here is their Facebook page. Like to keep up on Wine Tastings and other events!

Kool Beanz Cafe

 

 

 

City Bagels is OPEN in Downtown Idaho Falls as of last week, and if you haven’t been you absolutely need to go! I’ve been waiting patiently ever since I saw their sign up across from Ming’s on Shoup, and was so excited to get in there.

cb-hot-cocoa

Rating: (on a 0-5 scale, 0 not so great-5 AHMEEEEEEZING)

Over-all Tastiness: 5

Atmosphere: 5

Experience:4

TASTE: Let me tell you a little bit about the options at City Bagels… They have fresh-baked bagels. These bagels are out of this world, ok? They are soft, but chewy…*deep sigh* The everything bagel is my favorite so far! They have cookies, cupcakes, muffins, scones, and…wait for it…individual cheesecakes! So good they bring a tear to my eye.

cb-cheesecake

They have an extensive drink menu with Italian sodas, coffee and espresso drinks, and a gourmet hot chocolate list. My favorite is the coconut tres leches hot chocolate. It’s delish.

ATMOSPHERE: City Bagels is so unique! It is an absolutely beautiful restaurant with wood paneling, red velvet, pretty flowers on each table, and a fantastic chandelier. They also have an upstairs eating area that lets you gaze down on it all. It’s wonderfully classy, and well put together!

EXPERIENCE: The staff is really great, nice, and helpful. Right now things are just beginning for them, so be patient as it all gets started.

I can’t scream at you from my laptop, so I will use caps to indicate the level of my enthusiasm. GO TO CITY BAGELS & BAKERY. YOU WILL LOVE IT.

City Bagel’s Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/City-Bagels-Bakery/1175863225822597?fref=ts

single-plate

I had a few referrals to go to A Street Soup Market when it opened up here not that long ago. I finally made it over, and definitely was not disappointed! A Street Soup Market is comfort food at its finest. Delicious from scratch soups alongside well-crafted sandwiches(on fresh-baked bread!!). To top it all off homemade cookies for dessert. It’s like going home.

Rating: (on a 0-5 scale, 0 not so great-5 is this some kind of sorcery!? This is amazing!)

Over-all tastiness: 4

Atmosphere: 5

Experience: 5

TASTE: When I went the special was a Cajun chicken sandwich (they have rotating specials! something new! daily!). It’s a tasty chicken sandwich with peppers, and a little kick. I enjoyed it. I also had the chicken coconut curry soup, which is TO DIE FOR. I foresee myself eating a lot more of that yumminess as it gets chillier. The chocolate chip cookies were also just a delight!

chocolate-chip-cookie

ATMOSPHERE: The atmosphere was nice. The restaurant is cozy and makes you want to stay awhile. We sat right by the window that faces the street. I really liked that, and it is kind of private in that section of the dining area.

EXPERIENCE: The service is excellent. It is quick and friendly. The servers know a lot about the food!

Get your buns over to A Street Soup Market, and prepare yourself for SOUP BELLY it’s a thing. It is like a nice flannel blanket inside your tummy that will make you want to take an epic nap. This is perfectly appropriate…unless you are on your lunch break and going back to work. EGAD!

A Street Soup Market Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/astreetsoupmarket/?fref=ts

Pssst… I read that they have bread bowls now.

 

 

 

 

Diablas- fast food

A visit to Diablas Kitchen is about more than eating fantastic, hand-crafted food. It is an experience! I attended the Idaho Classics themed dinner a few weeks ago, and was so impressed. I have been a fan of Diablas for awhile now. I mainly go for delicious brunches on an ever-changing menu. The space is unique, a juxtaposition of things: Mix-matched chairs, vintage creamer pitchers, and salt shakers.

Diablas- vintage

Diablas- cute table setting

The atmosphere is comfortable and homey.  The owners and staff are so kind. At the Idaho Classics dinner I sat at the bar which is right next to where all the food is prepared. It was so great to watch them work!

  So, let’s get into what was served here.

(more…)

So, I have got to admit that I am a little partial to this shop.

Not only because the amazing coffee, cookies and sandwiches.
Or the fantastic staff and atmosphere.

BUT I used to work here. So, I know hands down how much effort is put into all of these things.

Enough of that— I am going to tell you about some of my favorite options at the Villa and why they are so awesome.

Chalkboard menu

Coffee:

If you are looking for a delicious latte here are two of my recommendations:

Truffle Shuffle– It is a raspberry and white chocolate little piece of heaven. This is amazing both as an iced coffee or hot one!

-OR-

A Little Taste of Villa–  A brown sugar cinnamon and vanilla latte that tastes kinda like a Snickerdoodle cookie. Yep. Get it. If you want it to taste even more like a cookie have them add a little bit of shortbread syrup. There ya go.

If you aren’t a big latte fan (who are you? and why?) there is also just some fantastic drip coffee available. Steve and Harry’s, local roasters out of Idaho Falls, make a special blend just for the Villa that has a rich, smooth flavor.

Desserts:

The desserts at the Villa are made in house and are nothing short of amazing. I swear it was so hard being around fresh cookies all the time. It is waaaaay difficult for me to pick favorites when it comes to baked goodness, but for you I will try!

Chai cookies: The chai cookies are like a Snickerdoodle, ( I might have a thing for Snickerdoodles) but better. They have a certain spicy yumminess that you get in a Chai tea. They go awesome with a coffee. YUM.

cookie coffee

Lunch:

The Villa has some great options for sandwiches and homemade soups. My favorites…? Anything on a croissant! I can’t resist the flaky goodness.

croissant

The Villa Coffeehouse is sure to have something that you will love. The people there are especially great and provide something special that you can’t get everywhere.

There are two locations one on Park in downtown Idaho Falls and another location off of Hitt road in Ammon.