Tastes like fish at the State Court

Fish and chips are basic fare. At the Cottonwood Grille they are outstanding, the Reefs were way over spiced for me. The best, well the best fish and chips I have enjoyed in awhile were in one of the most unusual places. The State Court Cafe!

Hand buttermilk battered cod. Both the chips and the fish were that hard to find combination of crisp on the outside and still soft in. Come to think of it maybe the fact that the State Court isn�t so fancy is the key. There menu features dishes made the �old� way. The hollandaise for the eggs benny is scratch built and buttery smooth. Real bacon on a BLT. You get the idea. If you are used to fast food, slow down, overlook the odd decor and step into The State Court Cafe for real, honest food.

Holiday Market

The sweet powerful vocals of Boise's Steve Fulton provided a soundtrack to a perfect Idaho Saturday afternoon. The lazy mid-afternoon sun flowed over my shoulders and found me sitting on the patio at Dawson Taylor, a wireless Internet connection and a fresh hot cuppa' coffee. It was grand.� The scents of Caramel Corn and fresh basil swirled in the air as the polite masses roamed the Boise City Market on 9th Street. From carts, tables and �tents, Idaho vendors sold a cornucopia of squashes and other fall veggies. Early Christmas shoppers found candles, pottery, or homemade jams and salsa. You can spread the ancient wisdom with a bamboo plant or enjoy a 1 lb�elk�hot dog from the Black Canyon Elk Ranch at the market.

We wonder why musicians like to stand out on a sidewalk and play solo, usually just a guitar and the music, often in stark contrast to the big stage production of their bands. So, after his sidewalk serenade we asked�Steven Fulton why he plays at the market. Like Steven himself and the�music�he plays, his answer was to the point. "I do this because I want people�to hear what I have to say." If you want to know more about Steven�and his music go to www.chakramission.com

The market, complete with street music, runs Saturdays mornings till December 18th. It is the perfect place to gather in the variety of Idaho.

Kat's/Band Camp

Here are a couple of quick ones. . . Kat�s House of Blues in Nampa is very hip. If you are missing the Blues Bouquet try Kat�s. Saw the Hoochie Coochie Men there on Friday and was very entertained. HOOCHIE MAN BARNEY

Band Camp is the the new band to see. Singer Amy�s is as talented as she is fine.

Halloween Sunset

Don't have a story, just took this photo and wanted you all to see it. I took it the saturday before Halloween from the C.W. Moore balcony. Hope you like it.

Native Son

It�s almost as if Dave Beiter was destined to become Boise�s mayor. Born in Boise and raised in the quiet tree-lined north-end neighborhood, Mayor Beiter recently spoke to the newly invigorated Fettucini Forum about �Growing Up Boise: Reflections of a Hometown Mayor.� At the forum, Beiter spoke about life growing up in Boise-- learning to ski at Bogus Basin and to swim in Boise City Recreation programs, walking to school or the store. "It was a good life," the mayor said, one�that he is striving to retain in Boise,�a city that stays true to its roots.

The Fettucini Forum is a revival of a program started by Boise�s Pug Ostling. The forum was a staple at Pug�s old Noodles restaurant, where Pug wanted a way to inform his customers and employees on the issues of the day. Unfortunately, the forums ended when the downtown Noodles closed. The good news is that this winning combination of food and public discussion has recently been revived, with the help of the Boise State University Political Science Department. Now held in conjunction with downtown Boise�s First Thursday at the historic Rose Room in the Union Block, the new forum promises to continue the tradition. Future forums will feature Nancy Napier, �Creative Paths to Municipal Growth,� and Julie Numbers Smith, �The Arts and Economic Prosperity.�

The forum�s inaugural speaker, Dave Bieter, has always been a leader. In 1978 he was student body president at Bishop Kelly High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in international studies at the College of St. Thomas, then graduated from the University of Idaho with a juris doctorate. His early legal career included experience in both public and private practice. Unfortunately, it was a tragic accident in 1999, which took the lives of his parents Eloise and Pat, that thrust Beiter into politics. Dave was called to fill his father's place in the Idaho House of Representatives. Voters elected him to a full term in November 2000 and reelected him in 2002. His legal experience and distinguished public service made him a prime candidate to help heal Boise after the difficulties of former Mayor Brent Coles. He was elected in November of 2003 and has quickly become an effective leader.

Beiter is a hands-on mayor; he often chooses to walk to work, and is quick with a handshake and a smile as he moves about town. With a steady hand the new mayor has indeed helped Boise heal.

At the forum, Beiter spoke with great pride about continuing the legacy of his parents. He will work hard to make sure Boise will continue to be a great place to live and raise a family. Pat and Eloise Beiter would be proud.

Sun Valley Slackers

Sun Valley SlackersBy David Day

The locals call it slack--those periods in the fall and spring between ski and golf seasons. �I get a lot of 'me' time,� they say. A brief rest before a deluge of tourists, for my son and me it was the perfect opportunity to head out of Boise and see Sun Valley.

The drive up was spectacular. The aspens around State Highway 68�s old Toll Gate Cafe had turned a dazzling yellow and looked like a paint brush waiting for an artist to paint the sun. With a left on Highway 75, first Bellevue, then Hailey rolled by and we caught Ketchum. img src="http://www.boisee.com/fallskihillsml.jpg" The Kentwood Motel turned out to be perfect. A spacious room overlooking Main Street and Sun Valley's Warm Springs ski runs awaited us. We settled into our type of vacation: lots of R&R. No pony rides or long hikes for us. We read, slept, ate well, shopped a little and walked around the area. Sun Valley in the fall is great. Sunday night we went to a former favorite for dinner and to watch the Yankees lose. Negative reviews are not my style, so I won�t let on to where we ate.

Dad rose early to �the first snow.� Camera in hand, I roamed downtown as Ketchum awoke. The resort and mountains both came alive with the classic fall contrast of turning leaves, evergreens and new fallen snow. It was enchanting. I had a cuppa coffee at the very hip Java, then strolled by awe-inspiring photographs of Thomas Monigal at the Natures Expressions. Soon, it was back to the room to wake the kid for breakfast. Since dad had picked so poorly the night before, we needed good food. The Neadery delivered. �The decor looks like old Sun Valley and new combined,� was my son's assessment. He�s right: politically incorrect trophy animals mixed with a more trendy style of hanging antiques and boats from the ceiling. The food was hardy, served quickly with a smile. We were one for one for cuisine.

After breakfast we briefly considered taking a trail ride or renting bikes, but we decided to head back to the room for a nap and an afternoon of reading, TV and a polite political discussion. What luxury.

By late afternoon we were restless and decided to hop in the car. We headed up Trail Creek. With a light rain falling, the blacktop was a glistening ribbon winding and spinning through the ever-wilder canyons and mountains. Civilized Idaho faded to wilderness as we climbed towards the Sawtooths. Later, as we drove back towards Sun Valley, the late afternoon sun reflected from the freshly whitened ski runs, creating a cornucopia of color as the dark evergreens mixed with subtle fall browns, reds and ambers.

We needed to get a bit of shopping done, so we naturally headed for the shops that stretch between the beautiful Sun Valley Inn and the classic Sun Valley Lodge. We picked up our gifts and wandered toward the lodge. There we marveled at the stylishly updated decor. The designers have done an excellent job of blending tradition with modern luxury. Thankfully they have kept the photos that line each hallway off the lobby. From Lucille Ball and her then young children, to now Governor Schwarzenegger and America's elite athletes, politicians and stars grace the walls. Just off the lobby the now quiet Duchin Room beckoned, so we shared a drink and a discussion of Idaho history and the music of Boise native Paul Tillitson, who lights up the bar with his lively jazz piano each winter. We still hadn't found a Sun Valley print needed to brighten up the son's apartment, so it was on to Ketchum.

Patsy Cline the dog greeted us at the American West Gallery, where owners Jo and Allen Edison offer a fun kaleidoscope of shapes and colors. The posters and prints tempted our pocketbooks. A quick spin by Giacobbi Square and the Galleria center provided as much shopping as we needed.

After we checked out, we considered fancier fare for our early lunch. It was dad's turn to buy, so he convinced the kid that it wasn�t a complete trip to Sun Valley without a stop at Grumpy's. A recent feature on the Food Channel hasn�t changed the place a bit. Old signs from failed restaurants are still haphazardly displayed. Dented and stained beer cans line the walls, and an old Forest Service sign that shows the way to a ranch for Girl Scouts hangs over the grill. The two chefs were grilling, taking orders and bantering with the locals, like something out of a Saturday Night Live skit. Our food was perfectly prepared and presented on a sheet of paper that lined a classic red plastic basket. Unfortunately, deadlines loomed back home and our quick Sun Valley vacation was at an end. Hopefully we will be back with more energy for ski season�after slack.

Orville Jacksons

In a world were you need a travel agent and a tour guide to find your way around the mall or the big �box� store, Eagle�s retail legend Orville Jackson's is a treat. For nearly a century, Orville Jackson's Eagle Drug Store has never been �just out.� In 1906 Pharmacist L.B. Harris opened The Eagle Drug Store for five hundred dollars.�Harris sold out to Orville Jackson in 1922. Jackson�s soon became a retail powerhouse for the western Treasure Valley. Drugs including "prescription" whiskey sold from a fifty gallon barrel, horse tack, rat traps, candy and hardware where all available.

The drug store is located on �old� Idaho State Highway 44 in the once sleepy Eagle, Idaho. From day one Jackson strove to provide the once rural and out of the way community everything it needed to spare their customers the long trip into Boise or Nampa. A trip to the soda fountain was considered a treat for many Treasure Valley kids. As Eagle has changed and grown, Orville's has�remained true to its original goal of providing �just about everything.�

Current owner Wayne Crosby can be found filling prescriptions daily(he�s only been here since 1972). Crosby's efforts�continue to focus on providing for their customers while maintaining the look and tradition of an old country store. The old chrome soda fountain can be seen peaking over a counter, behind the bright Coca Cola red stools is the candy. Can you think of anywhere else you can find penny candy?

Against one wall is a museum of sorts. Long displays of old time glass hypothicary jars that once held quinine or sodium bicarbonate line the shelves; the yellowing paper labels are slowly pealing away. Across the aisle brands like Bloat Out and Hog Mange Oil are proudly displayed. While keeping with tradition, there is a transition occurring at Jackson�s. Yes, you can still find workman gloves, fill a prescription, or buy penny candy, but slowly Orville Jackson�s is becoming a gift and antique store. Coca Cola collectibles fill part of the shop. The Buckboard gift shop takes a room (is next door? I�don't like this phrase)�and reproductions of old style signs grace the walls. Still, Jackson�s is a marvel of prosperity in the modern global generic business world. Like the East outside wall proudly displays. �Remember This! You can Always get it of Orville Jackson".

Kulture Klatsch

This is blatant self promotion. A group of my photographs are up at the Kulture(formaly Koffee) Klatsch. More info to follow.Here is a sample. Please go by and check them out.

Lardo's in Mc Call

Great pasta in McCall? Yes! The lasagna at Lardo�s is perfect. Lardo�s has always been an Idaho favorite. Kids love the story of the little town across the river from McCall. According to the legend, the small mining hamlet got its name from a load of supplies that fell from a wagon while struggling up the hill, now obscured by the bridge that passes between the city park and the newly renamed Whitetail Inn. The wagon was carrying a cargo of flour and fat. Half way up the hill the load slipped off the back of the wagon. When the driver saw the resulting mixture he was said to have yelled, �Oh look at the lard and dough - - Lardo, Lardo!� Soon his cry became the town's name "Lardo." Lardo�s Bar and Grill stands as tribute to the power of the legend. Lardo�s is steps above the standard restaurant bar combination. Lardo�s was the first place we encountered hand cut fries. �Lardo's fries� are perfect after skiing either on lake Payette or up the road at Brundage. The rest of the menu includes great burgers, the aforementioned pasta, fresh salads, and the like. Enjoy Lardo�s the next time you are in McCall.

The Boise Depot

Crowning Capitol Boulivard the Boise Depot is the prefect gateway into or out of Boise Built by the Union Pacific at the end of Capital Boulevard, the Depot has sat like a castle above Boise City since 1925. With it�s grand garden and fountains, the stunning Santa Fe architecture of the depot has long been a favorite spot for weddings and graduation pictures. Like the string of parks we are blessed with, the old train station is a gem.

Many a youngster has hidden in the cave off to the west of the main fountain. The damp, dark enclosure firing the imagination with thoughts of dinosaurs or Mark Twain. This time of year the flowers are in bloom and make a simple stroll a delight of color and fragrance.

Inside the Grand Hall, it seems a bit too peaceful. With the end of Amtrak service in the 80's the occasional freight train rolls on by. Long gone are the bustling crowds of travelers. Too bad modern tourists can�t arrive in such style, then step out the front doors and see the magnificent vista of the city.��With towering ceilings and hard wood floors the hall�s beauty endures. The Boise Depot has an unmistakable charm and history worth seeing.

The city rents the facility for events and it make a romantic spot for a wedding. If you are at the open house, or an event, hopefully the elevator to the bell tower will be working. The view from the tower of the Boise front shining over downtown is an awe inspiring palette of colors and shapes. Try to catch a sunset!

Satchel's

Satchel�s-705 W. Bannock, 344-3752At first I was a bit put off by Satchel�s. No, it's not just the name that reminds you of a cartoon. It is their overbearing �healthful� attitude. Not that being healthy is a bad thing. I was lucky enough to grow up in a house where three balanced (mom called them square) meals were essential. More often than not, if you see �light�, or �diet�, or the �low� of the week be it carb,calorie, fat, or salt, it will taste like plastic. So when you see that every item, every single item on the Satchel menu board is accompanied by a cryptic symbol (a scale, or a heart or something) trouble is almost guaranteed right? Well not exactly. Satchel�s is a rare healthy restaurant. The flavor here does not come from frying. Even the fries are baked. Without fats or excess sugars you gotta� let the spices rule! The blackened chicken is very good. A lunch of the beef au jus was powered by what must have been close to fresh horse radish, if the kick was any indication. On the lighter side, the couple of salads I have enjoyed are tasty bits of fresh greens and interesting dressings.

The decor is sparse but this month a series of beautiful sunset photographs line the back wall and local musicians are often heard on the patio. Also cool about Satchel�s is movie night. Check their schedule for times. Recent showings have included The Zombie and Ocean�s Eleven. Everything from Airplane to the 1938 classic Robin Hood are scheduled for September. Satchel�s success is a sign that Boise�s downtown is getting hipper and more cosmopolitan, it's about time!

Live music is dead!

What happened? Boise was a music town. From Paul Revere to MadRo, or world class Gene Harris at Shotz, schooling the likes of future stars Curtis Stiegers and Paul Tilitson, Boise had a vibrant music culture. Music Week was born in the Boise High Auditorium. Now? Well the live music scene is disappearing-fast. Last Wednesday the weather was perfect and one of Boise�s most popular bands $oul Purpo$e was at the Alive After Five and no one was there. Even last year there would have been 500 people, not a couple of hundred. Rebecca Scott did have a nice crowd at the Piper, but it wasn�t S.R.O. like the past. Not only was there not a line to get in to Hannah's, upstairs was dead. No music downstairs at Graineys, quiet at Bouquet, Karaoke at Lucky�s and the Ranch Club. See what I mean?

The weekends are not much better. When I asked former Blues Bouquet owner Jo Fryberger why she and her partners sold the Blues, she sighed and told me, �It used to be you could bring in good music, charge a fair price for a drink and people would come, dance and buy a couple of cocktails. Now, that is just not the case.�

John (not so fat) Nemeth and I sat down for a minute as he was preparing to head off to San Francisco. That�s right no more John for Boise music lovers. �Basically, a professional full time musician can�t make a living in this town.� he said. With no radio support and limited venues it just doesn�t work for John. �Get outta� town, is my recommendation!� says John.

It�s not just the MTV generation�s fixation for DJ�s. It�s the neo-prohibition enforcement of liquor laws, especially DUI�s, combined with a public transportation system that quits before happy hour is over. It is hard to get around safely.

Have we ever really recovered from 911? Where are the tourists that used to come out and play?

Some would say Bravo had a hand in the demise. Did they turn off the public with high prices and poor venues? Maybe, but the bottom line is music lovers must be changing, at least in Boise.

Hope things turn around soon. It seems very odd that the masses will pay $100 to see old timers lip sync, but wouldn�t give two dollars to watch Lori B! or The Hoochie Coochie Men play their hearts out to rock the house. Music is better performed live!

Lisa Villano

�I�m Italian� That is the answer Lisa Villano will give you if you ask her how she became such an accomplished chef. When pressed the owner or Co-owner of three treasure valley restaurants plus a huge catering business will tell you of years in Boise restaurants including the SandPiper. However Lisa's food stylings come mostly from within. If you have been to a big wedding or business party and the food was well presented plus it was better than you expected, there is a good chance that Villano�s was involved. If you want to enjoy the same high level of cuisine you have three valley options. The City Market in Eagle and Villano's Specialty Market in downtown Boise and the new Piazza di Vino on 9th street also downtown. DELI CASE

Tucked in the corner of the expansive City Market on the corner of Eagle road and Chinden Villanos is a pure deli. Offering mostly sandwiches and salads from a wide selection of meats, greens, pastas, cheeses and delightful desserts. So,you can grab a fine meal while shopping. The original Villano�s in down town offers a similar fare and can now be enjoyed with an espresso or �cuppa� coffee from the adjacent Thomas Hammer coffee shop.

If you crave a visual experience to go with your dinning, take a look at the Piazza di Vino on 9th street. A collaboration between Stephanson Youngerman and Ms. Villano, the Piazza�s walls are lined with art for sale. The beautiful prints, watercolors and paintings are a prefect back drop to Lisa�s food. For lunch or dinner get there early and ask for the table upstairs overlooking the street. The hustle and bustle of the city going by is added entertainment.

Whether you are looking for a quick deli meal, a pleasant lunch or dinner downtown, or a catering spread that impresses, check to see what Lisa has prepared.

Blues No More!

It was a grand last stand. The Blues Bouquet went out with style, Monica danced, Bill rode, B! sang, Barney smacked, Kitty poured her heart out, Big Ass was, Ken didn�t tell a joke and Dan �Tapped us out� What a party we had. After 11 years of trying to please the masses, Blues staff old and new decided to please ourselves. One last night of employee prices! Poor Sirah, she and her Blue Tailed Twisters were often bumped from center stage as the antics of the loyal customers and staff swirled about the historic bar. Smiles and tears mixed with gin and tonics to create a witches (even Linda was present!) brew. Soon to be unemployed Kitty, Kathy and Melanie had the unfortunate duty of serving those gin and tonics till the end.

It was a Monica, Monica, Monica night. Hoochie Mama Tway led her merry band of revelers around the bar. A hug here, a bite their, girls were kissed and even a boy or two. At the end she danced for dollars on the bar, then Big Ass Mike carried her high on his shoulders to the dance floor.

The Hoochie Men were there too. Mike Trail, Ken, and Barney ripped through a powerful set of the music we will miss the most and yes, even David danced. Barney was smacking the skins in perfect form, sweat dripping from his brow. Ken boogie woogied and Mike�s golden guitar was Blue one more time. Former waitress and current star Lori B! stepped to the stage and sang till we cried.

The mere customers were tiring out, so we �speachified� with a little Ken and Dave. Jo, Barney and Ken graciously thanked everyone and David thanked the bosses and the amateurs slowly drifted away. Being trained professionals the staff had plenty of party left.

The story of Rizzo�s last ride is a legend(let�s just say Bill Rizzo doesn�t drink anymore!) in the Blues Bouquet. So the sound of Harley powered pipes rolling in the wide swinging front doors made the regulars nervy. As Bill rolled his classic hog past the bar stools, his smile was reflected in the century old Brunswick bar. As he made way to the dance floor more and more girls found their way onto his bike. It was a dog, no Hawg pile at the end.

Last call? What last call? As the clock rolled toward daylight Dan played taps one more time. The haunting call echoed off blues posters and odd stuffed animals. �Buckets� rattled softly behind the bar and together we all cried for the end of our Blues.

River Dance Romance

I was out of town in search of a lone tree, my son, and an old rock god. So I went over a hill, beyond a bend, up a river, and to the end of a rainbow. Early morning followed the inevitable late night and soon my friend, her dog, two cars and a couple bottles of water were headed to points north. Together we were looking for a �tree model� for her new business logo. After we split, my son and I would catch aging rocker John Fogerty. Monica would head to a small town for the fourth of July in Riggins.

It still amazes me how much easier the trip to Horseshoe Bend is with the �new� road over the hill up highway 55. Old-timers remember the spinning, winding, twist and turns the trip once was. The rain last week would have created a road ripping hill slide that would bring delays and repair bills. Now SUV�s fly down into Horseshoe Bend like hawks on drugs.

The effects of the closing of the Boise Cascade lumber mill leaves Horseshoe Bend empty and sad. The Thunder Mountain Line starts here and that is about it.

Just as the Payette ends its bend the highway begins a romantic cha- cha with the river. Never out of sight their partner, water and pavement dance into and up the canyon. Only to say good-bye at Round Valley.

Up the north fork of the Payette a brave Kayaker attacks the rapids alone. Class five skill controls his paddle, onlookers cheered his descent. Where else in the world can you see such delight without even missing a shift? Fat�s Waller boogies from my stereo providing the perfect soundtrack. Does the kayaker ask the river �is you is or is you ain�t my baby�?

The river and the road break up for a bit as the pavement rolls into Cascade. An old fashioned Fourth of July parade vainly tries to block the progress of the new resort community that will soon replace all the quaintness. Look out Valley County, your wish of Tamarack prosperity is coming. Be careful what you wish for?

As the Payette widens into the Cascade reservoir, a mama osprey swoops in on me protecting her young. Her aerobatic twirls and spins are reminiscent of the lone kayaker. Donnely is the next wide spot on highway 55 and it�s time for lunch. Even after I read the the story on the menu I was not so sure the Vigilante restaurant in Donnelley is for sale. For sale information contact their lawyer his name is Mr. Whozit! Sale or not I did have a wonderful burger, and the wait staff was fun to watch as they dealt with the holiday crowd.

The river and the road reunite their romance at Payette lake in downtown McCall. With Foresters closed, a cup of the Buckaroo Blend next door at Moxie was the drug of choice. Before I went to look for the kid, I found my son with a book sittin'� on the dock and soon we were headed up another hill to see CCR front man John Fogerty. Fogerty mixed classics like �Down on the Corner� and new swamp rockers to keep the mostly older crowd smiling and remembering younger days.

The oldsters got to the gate early and the under 30 crowd arrived fashionably late. Soon young(son) and old(dad) were boogying in front of a smiling Fogerty. Overcoming the inevitable Bravo production and sound challenges the �Blue Boy� seemed truly to be enjoying himself. Even an early evening shower �Who�ll stop the rain?� failed to dampen the events sprits. When a double rainbow appeared above Brundage the night became surreal. It�s great to have a son that likes his dad and his music!

Old Quarry Trail

It is the prefect time of year to take a quick hike up into the foothils just outside of Boise. The still lush foothills are just a few steps away. The wonderfully conceived "Rivers to Ridges" project has many trails to lure you away from the town's hubbub and whisk you up the green hills. A long time favorite is the Quarry Trail. It starts from behind the Bishop's House and runs up to the historic sandstone Quarry where the building blocks of Boise were mined. With vistas of the entire valley beckoning, it is a quick, easy and rewarding trip. Maybe easy is not the word here. The hike is reminiscent of San Francisco without the cable cars. It can also be rocky in spots and sandy too.��It is a typical Boise front trail, which means wear good shoes, etc. If you are going up in the evening you might even want to bring a jacket or at least layer your clothes. With the almost standard breeze the temp can change rapidly, especially coming down facing the wind.

Plan your return for dusk. The Boise skyline is often back lit by fiery sunsets this time of year. With luck, it is possible to watch a thunderstorm roll in.��You will have plenty of time to find shelter before it moves across the valley.

$oul Purpo$e

If you hated disco the first time you�ll LOVE $oul Pupro$e. Somehow the boys and girls from SP put life into the tired dance songs of the 70�s. $oul Purpo$e is an extremely eye catching band. Start with the twin beauties, Mary and Carrie up front, belting out everything from Abba to The Hustle; now add disco circus master, Christian, decked out in his signature 'fro, then throw in a solid line-up of guitars, drums, keys and horns, you have Boise�s most visual appealing and talented ensemble.

If you saw Saturday Night Fever at the drive-inn, look under your water bed for that white �silk� shirt and head out to the dance floor. If disco is new music for you, that is O.K., just steal your mommas platform shoes, flared pants, big glasses and disco boogie to $oul Purpo$se for a little retro perspective.

Anne Frank Memorial

"The best tool yet devised for improving society is freedom."Idaho Senator Frank Church

Black words stand out against the sandstone - the thoughts of Chief Joseph, Buddha, a Basque poet, Dr. Suess -- and especially the innocent diary entries of Anne Frank. The Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial provides a powerful testimony to the world around us.

Like many Boise natives, diversity meant little to me growing up. With the notable exception of speedster Cedric Minter in high school, my whole world was pretty much white, middle class and clueless. Maybe that�s why the stark messages of Anne Frank and others that adorn the walls hit so strongly. The world is full of persecution and tyranny, yet these words are a testimony to hope.

The Memorial is best viewed by entering via the old 8th Street bridge. Visions of cattle cars crammed with people may leap to mind as you cross the Boise River. However, the peaceful calm gurgle of the river provides peace. The placement of the Memorial in such a beautiful location makes it even more empowering.

Idaho has come together to create this perfect tribute to the human spirit. With a subtle curve of brick stone, water and light, the Memorial sends a powerful message. You will not regret time spent here.

One Spicy Meatball! -(Asiagos)

Pleasant is the word that first comes to mind when we think of Asiagos. Unlike some of its fellow Italian restaurants, Asiago�s doesn�t seem pushy. The tables are spaced far enough apart that it isn�t cramped. One of the big franchises out by the mall reminds me of a high school cafeteria. Not this �restorante�. There is not much in the way of fine dinning in the Ustick area. Asiago�s is about it. Don�t let the shopping center location turn you off.

This restaurant offers what has been described as �country Italian�. My lunch was a Garlic Meatball Sandwich. The bread was toasted a light brown and held three big meatballs covered with a marinara sauce that spoke of the power of the tomato in good Italian cooking. The garlic meatballs also had power. In a world where most salads are dumped out of a bar it was great to see hand cut vegetables.

My friend had the house merlot which was nice, smooth with a�light bouquet, perfect for this time of the year.� Her entree was a spicy linguini with tomatoes and lots of garlic, house salad with a good selection of greens topped with asiago cheese.� �Very tasty� she told us �and don't forget the great bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.��

Our server was a bit chatty, but well informed and obviously a big fan of the food and her restaurant. I�ll take an advocate over lazy and slow every time. For Italian food made in the traditional northern Italy way at reasonable prices Asiagos is your place. If you�re downtown the Asiagos at 1002 Main is smaller but the attention to tradition is the same.

More info can be found at www.asiagos.com