Restaurants in Boise

Upon entry, the neoclassical chandeliers and cherry-paneled walls of Emilio’s aptly forecast executive chef Christopher D. Hain’s culinary vision—an elegant menu of European-influenced American cuisine mingled with sweet fruit accents. With organic meats and produce sourced from local suppliers, Chris bends sandwich and burger expectations with unusual garnishes such as tomato-chive jam and wasabi aioli. Entrees infuse savory meats such as filet mignon and lamb with pear, huckleberry, and mango to provide a refreshing burst of sweetness without the flying seeds of an exploding watermelon. Adjoining the open-spaced restaurant, a lobby bar invites lingering with overstuffed sofas, a fireplace, and the daily velvet melodies of relaxing piano music. In addition to private dining for up to 10 and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Emilio’s also offers complimentary valet parking for sedans, convertibles, and overfilled clown cars.

Ensconced within an elegant corner of The Grove Hotel, the chefs at Satori Sushi meticulously craft made-to-order makis and nigiris culled from colorful veggies and ocean-fresh tuna, salmon, and crab. Unlike a grocery’s premade sushi or an astronaut’s dehydrated sea bass, tender cuts of unagi and ahi teem with fresh tastes whether packed inside rolls and plated as delicate, unadorned sashimi. The clack of chopsticks echoes around the dining room’s lacquered woods and leafy plants, performing a duet with a live piano player who deftly tickles keys Tuesday–Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

An episode of Seinfeld once poked fun at the concept of “double-dipping” a chip, adamantly comparing the unforgiveable act to “putting your whole mouth right in the dip!” Though LunchBox (A Waxing Salon) doesn’t serve party snacks, when it comes to waxing, the spa’s waxologists steadfastly adhere to the “no double-dipping” rule. After all, it is their mission to provide a comfortable, safe, and hygienic experience, and double-dipping tools into a clean vat of wax only spreads germs.

Their commitment to hygiene also includes the use of disposable table and body covers, and when it comes to keeping clients comfortable, the staff has a few more tricks up their sleeves. First, they employ speed waxing, a method that cuts time on the table nearly in half. Second, they use wax infused with azulene—an agent of chamomile—that has anti-inflammatory properties that make it possible for even those with sensitive skin to undergo facial or body waxing with minimal irritation. The staff can also add a little frill to freshly smoothed and sculpted areas with glitzy add-ons such as glitter tattoos and eyebrow tinting.

Gandolfo's slices up fresh meats daily and flings more than 70 different sandwiches out the window of a yellow cab in true NYC style. Carryout or dine-in on specialties such as the piping-hot Mama Leone ($5.69 for half order, $8.89 for whole order) and the meatlessly delicious Madison Square Garden ($4.49/$7.69), or punch your stamp-licker with a Knuckle sandwich ($8.89)—hot pastrami on sourdough with cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, lettuce, tomatoes, marinated mushrooms, olives, mayo, and butter. See the menu for the exhaustive list of bread-bordered options.

The Brickyard's dining room is dominated by dueling grand pianos that often tinkle under the touch of jazz musicians. Like jazz, the restaurant straddles casual and sophisticated tastes. Lunch is a more laid-back affair of booths, burgers, and sandwiches. In the evening, the restaurant glows from Boise's historic 6th & Main area as well-dressed patrons dine and sip cocktails. Piano tunes complement the textures of executive chef Drew Ledger's signature steaks, certified Angus slabs centered on wide-rimmed plates. Ledger puts a premium on local ingredients, provisioning his cooks with chicken, potatoes, and ocean halibut raised in Idaho.

Ever since it premiered on NBC on Christmas Eve 1951, Amahl & the Night Visitors has become one of the most frequently performed holiday operas in the world, far surpassing The Flying Elf Man, Wagner's epic eight-opera cycle chronicling the life of Santa. Boise mezzo-soprano Tiffany Calas stars in the one-act opera, which tells the story of a crippled boy who meets the Magi on their way to visit the birth site of Jesus. Showtimes are at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, and Sunday, Dec. 5, and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4.