4 minute read
VEGAN IN BOISE
Chandlers “steak” for vegans, with a roasted seasoned cauliflower cut and in-season vegetables to accompany. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANDLERS
By Hailey Dewey
Boise, Idaho isn’t just a meat and potato city, although you’ll find plenty of that here too. The city’s vegan scene offers plant-based delights that captivate the senses and satisfy the most discerning palates. If you’re looking to move in a more plant-forward direction or just want to try out a few new dishes, Boise chefs are growing something good. From high-end meals to the best ice cream you’ve ever tasted, vegans, omnivores, and all your favorite carnivores will find something that satisfies.
Where BoDo and Downtown Boise intersect, you’ll find Chandlers Prime Steaks & Fine Seafood. Owned by Rex Chandler and known for its exceptional steaks and seafood, Chandlers is a hidden gem for those passionate about plant-based cuisine.
“We want every person to be able to enjoy a fine dining experience at Chandlers with our well thought out, mindfully curated three course vegan meal,” said Phillisha Gajic, director of marketing at Chandlers.
For a complete vegan fine dining experience, try the prix fixe three-course cauliflower steak dinner, which showcases a marinated and roasted slab of cauliflower, artfully paired with broccolini, red pepper coulis, and citrus-dressed arugula. Enjoy a mixed green salad to start, and conclude your meal with a refreshing sorbet for dessert.
If you’re looking for something lighter, start with the mushroom soup, a savory delight that adds a layer of richness to the dining experience. Of course, don’t skip the iconic 10-minute martini or a glass of wine from their award-winning list.
“At Chandlers, we’re renowned for our exceptional steaks and seafood; we take pride in curating an unforgettable fine dining experience. Our imaginative team of chefs ensures that every guest, regardless of dietary preference, discovers the artistry of flavor in every bite,” said Rex Chandler.
Coa De Jima offers a dedicated vegetarian/vegan-friendly menu featuring a variety of authentic Latin dishes. Each dish on this menu can be easily customized to suit vegan preferences.
The “Tacos Vegetarianos” consists of two corn tortillas filled with rajas (peppers), nopales (cactus), pico de gallo, and salsa verde, accompanied by cilantro rice and beans. For a dairy-free option, simply request the omission of esquites, queso fresco, and Mexican crema.
The “Arroz Vegetariano” requires no modifications, including cilantro rice, spinach, nopales, rajas, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, pico de gallo, and black beans. This flavorful combination is garnished with onions, cilantro, and mango avocado escabeche.
The STIL, an acronym for The Sweetest Things in Life, is Boise’s go-to place for custom-crafted ice cream, presenting an array of creatively unique flavors, vegan options, and boozeinfused concoctions since 2017. Conveniently located at a variety of grocery stores, vendor partners, and storefronts throughout the Treasure Valley, ice cream enthusiasts are in for a treat with various delicious flavors.
Popular vegan selections are “Cookies with Grandma,” featuring coconut cookie dough, and “Camel’s Back Snack,” which pairs peanut butter and brownies. These decadent desserts are so good that even a dedicated ice cream connoisseur will appreciate their creaminess and unbeatable flavor.
Diablo and Sons caters to plant-based eaters with a selection of options, including the “Crispy Artichoke Tacos,” made with green romesco, radish, scallion, pickled onion, and corn tortilla. They also offer vegan pozole soup and a sweet potato black bean burger (sans cheese).
Find your new favorite in this wood fired kitchen, 0r try a delicious new cocktail or beer at this fun downtown spot.
Plant-based cuisine is versatile, rich, exceptional, and available locally to be enjoyed by all. Savor the delights of plant-based dining at your carnivorous friend’s favorite restaurants, which just might offer something great for you too.
