Greenbelt Magazine Volume 7, No 1 | Page 36

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love all things Boise . But here at Instagram page @ HelloMeridian , we focus on the treasures found in the Meridian and Eagle area . There are a staggering number of quality food establishments worth the trek from Boise . Here are ten of our picks :

BY NATALIE PLUMMER

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

THE VILLAGE AT MERIDIAN

176 S ROSEBUD LN , EAGLE

Le Coq d ’ Or

We talk about Eagle ’ s magnificent Chateau des Fleurs often on our page . It is such a spectacularly beautiful contribution to the Treasure Valley . The Chateau ’ s Restaurant , Le Coq d ’ Or , reflects all the Chateau ’ s glamour . Le Coq d ’ Or specializes in authentic European countryside cuisine - local garden to table French - Mediterranean and modern European dishes . The restaurant ’ s ambience is ever elegant and romantic , with live music Fridays and Saturday . On our last trip we dined on Filet mignon with green peppercorn sauce , potato au gratin and seasonal vegetables . Exquisite . Though the coq au vin is worth the trip alone , the wine selection is one of the best in the Valley . Along with the phenomenal service , every detail of this restaurant fits the majesty of the location . This is where you should be planning your anniversary , birthday , or Holiday gatherings . And we haven ’ t even mentioned the Chateau ’ s Afternoon Tea !

Oak Barrel of Eagle 1065 E WINDING CREEK RD , EAGLE

Casa del Matador

We used to travel to Boise to dine at Case del Matador on a regular basis , so when we saw they were opening a location in Meridian we were overjoyed . The food has a made from scratch element , combined with bursts of spectacular flavor you ’ re not expecting . Our favorite chips and salsa in town . Even the taco salad , which so often can be a bland affair , is an over-thetop experience . And we love that it ’ s such lovely ambience both inside the restaurant and on the patio . It ’ s a great place for drinks and for sharing some of their enormous nacho plates .

Oak Barrel of Eagle is a relatively new restaurant to the area , but it already has an established following . Choose the lounge for a more casual meal ( accompanied by live music on Friday and Saturday ), the expansive outdoor patio , or the beautiful and stylish main restaurant . The entire menu is made in house and from scratch . Come in for drinks and a tapas platter , or a delicious dinner . We especially enjoy the High Country Idaho Trout with fingerling potatoes and asparagus and Hunter ’ s Style Chicken with roasted garlic mashers and sautéed mushrooms . Even with the large portions , there were no leftovers .

Idaho Pizza Company

We go to Idaho Pizza Company EVERY WEEK . Every single week . Not kidding . We love their pizza . And even more , we love their pizza lunch buffet . We get the $ 7.99 lunch special that includes all-you-can-eat pizza , soda , and one of the best salad bars in Meridian . And , the kids buffet cost $. 50 per year of age . So if you have a five year old , they can eat all they want for $ 2.50 . We love the new Simplot pizza with bacon , green onions , and Idaho potatoes . When you come in , ask them to “ drop a number 1 ” which is a pineapple and chicken pizza with white garlic sauce . Our favorite . It ’ s just about the most family friendly restaurant in town .

Grant ’ s Neighborhood Grill

1835 W CHERRY LN , MERIDIAN

We joined together in a collective shout of joy when Grant ’ s Neighborhood Grill opened . This farm-totable restaurant is unlike anything we have here in Meridian . We ’ ve tried several things on the menu and everything is absolutely decadent . This salmon with brown rice quiche was particularly amazing . Almost all of the food is local , even the meats and dairy . Not kidding , they only have a mini freezer in the back . The chef has an eclectic and rich cooking background , and it shows in his dishes . They have a fantastic wine list , and a BOGO happy hour and beautiful outdoor seating , Weekend brunch should be a priority . Try their specialty Monte Cristo , made from French toast which is deep fried . It ’ s like a donut sandwich with jelly .. and mustard . Top it with powdered sugar and we are pretty sure it ’ s humanly impossible for one person to eat the entire thing . Or go more traditional with Eggs Benedict on house-made biscuit , pit ham , poached egg with house-made hollandaise sauce . Brunch also offers Mimosas , Screwdrivers , and Bloody Mary ’ s .

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