PROOF

DEFINING DINING IN STAR, IDAHO

BY LIZA LONG

PROOF /proof/

1. The strength of distilled alcohol

2. The art of letting shaped dough rise

3. Star, Idaho’s craft pizza and cocktail destination

Whether you want to enjoy a craft cocktail (or mocktail) with friends or savor a meal fueled by local flavors, PROOF Craft Pizza and Cocktails is your new local dining destination.

PROOF’s location is central to Meridian, Nampa, Eagle, and Boise on State Highway 44 in the heart of Star, Idaho. With a variety of memorable handcrafted drinks and meals from one of the Treasure Valley’s most experienced chefs, Bryan Forcina, PROOF is sure to have something for everyone.

“Our kitchen uses fresh ingredients, focusing on local and sustainable sourcing whenever possible,” Forcina told me when we met in May 2022 to discuss his plans for the new restaurant.

PROOF Craft Pizza and Cocktails is a local, veteran-owned business. The owners and chefs are committed to serving their customers real food at fair prices.

PROOF’s head chef Bryan Forcina is passionate about curating exceptional dining experiences at affordable prices. As the former general manager at Eureka! in downtown Boise, Forcina watched the rapid growth in Ada County and saw the need for a unique, upscale but approachable restaurant, the kind of place that could serve everything from business lunches to happy hour snacks to special occasion meals.

A 1998 San Francisco Culinary Academy graduate, Forcina spent several years working in Bay Area high-end kitchens, then traveled to Europe to hone his culinary skills. Forcina, his wife, and their four children relocated to the Treasure Valley several years ago, and Forcina worked as Yardhouse’s first executive kitchen manager when they opened their Village location. Forcina is passionate about local ingredients, which he incorporates into unique flavor combinations in high-end entrees, gourmet salads, and craft pizzas. Forcina welcomes the opportunity to create a new, communitycentered restaurant in the heart of Star.

PROOF’s menu features a variety of unique offerings with an Idaho twist. The menu is seasonal (based on the availability of local ingredients), but some examples include:

• Shareable small plates like loaded potato spring rolls, wild mushroom bruschetta, and house-made falafels.

• Classic salads including classic Caesar, balsamic steak salad, and a Caprese.

• Stone-fired pizzas with unique and savory combinations— including The Fig Get About It with Prosciutto, Fig Marmalade, Caramelized Onions, Balsamic Syrup and Arugula

• Fried beignets with chocolate espresso sauce to satisfy your sweet tooth

The restaurant also focuses on providing delicious beverages, including offerings for #sobercurious folks.

“We believe that everyone—whether they drink alcohol or not— should be able to enjoy a craft cocktail, beautifully presented,” Forcina told me.

From classic whiskey sours and old fashions to refreshing signature drinks like our “Pomegranate Moonshine Julep” or “Bee Keeper”, PROOF serves delicious craft cocktails to those 21 and older.

“People who prefer not to drink alcohol still deserve complex and refreshing beverages,” Forcina said. Zero-proof concoctions go way beyond the usual tonic water or diet Coke and include a “Hot Spring” made with cucumber, agave, cilantro, pineapple, and a habanero tincture.

“Our proof of concept is your total satisfaction with your dining experience. Come celebrate life, love, and food with us!” Forcina said. I can’t wait to take him up on the offer.

BY CHELSEA CHAMBERS