Editor's Letter

Dear Readers,

It's been one year since IdaHome publisher Karen Day came to me and said, "Let's start a food and drink magazine that showcases Boise and beyond." The rush of wondering if we could entice readers and advertisers to buy into this idea was terrifying and exciting. We are deeply grateful to all of you for believing in us. Our inaugural issue arrived just before FARE Idaho's brilliant Field to Fork Festival, where we spoke to many Idahoan ranchers, farmers, and makers. The experience steeled our resolve to create the most sophisticated and informative food and beverage magazine in the state.

This issue spans the holidays and the childlike wonder of letting ourselves be kids again, as well as our hope that, this season, regardless of religion, we all work for peace on Earth. Our beautiful Boise becomes an old-fashioned snow globe with its tasteful downtown lights, wreaths, ribbons, and if we’re lucky, snowy streets for the sleigh rides around restaurant row. Further out in Caldwell, Nampa, and Meridian, each city has a stunning rendition of their holiday traditions.

Our second Winter FLAVOR captures the Idaho experience and joy of casual dining to what esteemed restaurateur Rex Chandler described to me in our interview as "gracious hospitality" fine dining. If you think about it, FLAVOR is a celebration of the professionals who make it their business to dazzle and delight you when dining out. Their livelihood is to give you a wonderful experience.

Our cover features Anderson Reserve, the perfect welcoming destination restaurant in Sweet, Idaho, that never rushes you away from the table as the Anderson family treats you like kin. The chef spotlight series looks at fabulous Indian food at Red Fort in Meridian and newcomer Tavolàta inside The Lucy. The Lively's Chef, Edward Higgins, and Barbacoa and Coa De Jima's Executive Chef, Enrique Martinez, share their culinary POVs as our wine expert, Darby Tarantino, covers the House of Wine, Lost Grove's philanthropy, and the magic of locally made Bardenay rum and other fine spirits. Sabina Dana Plasse explores the Sun Valley Culinary Institute and “Ace of Cakes” Duff Goldman is our FLAVOR celebrity chef who shares a treasured family recipe for you to make this season. We also feature local businesses that turn out fantastic non-alcoholic products for you to provide merry libations for guests not partaking in alcohol. It’s a growing trend!

We'd love to see how you are celebrating Winter! Follow us on all the socials: X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to be featured on our feed. Winter is the season of gifts, and your interest and support is ours. Here's to 2024 and a year filled hopefully with respect, loving kindness, warm hearts, shared meals, and a stretched-out hand of tolerance. All the shining gifts that make peace on Earth.

In good taste,

April Neale