By Jennifer Liebrum Photos Rase Littlefield
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Buddy the Elf.
Crave Kitchen & Bar
Nothing unshackles your inner Elf better than a well-appointed libation! Everything on this polished American menu is created from scratch and entirely unique. Try “The Dragon,” a cocktail honed from Uncle Ed’s Damn Good Vodka with Chateau Monet liquor, fresh lime juice, soothing chamomile and housemade habanero syrup with a raspberry garnish. The “Apple Picker” is a non-alcoholic alchemy of fresh squeezed apple juice, lime juice, cinnamon syrup and ginger beer with a twist of lemon. Enjoy your cocktails in sophisticated yet laid back ambiance that includes a fireplace, partially covered back patio and intimate dining space. This winter the appetizer of choice is the roasted bone marrow steak tartar, a Double R Ranch filet, roasted bone marrow, capers and shallots with house made Crostini’s and bone marrow butter. Take your friends and belt it out from the rooftop patio with beautiful views.
165 E. Colchester Dr.
cravekitchenbar.com
208-702-7283
Caci Wood-fired Sicilian Grill
If you like it sweet and spicy, ask for “The Caci,” this specialty cocktail made with spiced honey, buffalo trace bourbon,a dash of aperol and orange juice with a wedge of orange and basil leaf topping. Or sip a “Cranberry Smash,” a mocktail of fresh cranberries, mint, lime wedges, brown sugar and ginger ale topped with a splash of cranberry. Stop by for happy hour when you can BOGO like you used to for shoes. The staff here strives to keep you coming back with their genuine interest in knowing their customers. It truly always feels like a special occasion. Warm-up with some Cioppio, a stew of mussels, clams, prawns, swordfish and scallops with Tuscan grilled bread and other dishes with unique wood-fired flavors.Close to downtown and minutes from the Greenbelt.
1592 East Riverside Dr., Suite 1
Cacigrill.com
208-392-5669
Rice
Their name might be a simple four letters describing a basic American staple, but there is nothing no-nonsense about the creative culinary passion at Rice in Eagle. Only the freshest ingredients are employed in this contemporary Asian eatery that uses hand squeezed lemon and lime for their drink mixers. Try the apple cider cinnamon mocktini or a cranberry Old Fashioned. Hand cut vegetables, meat and seafood chosen with care, they love what they do. And you will do well to try the prime rib finger steak tempura served with house made Ranch wasabi sauce.
228 E. Eagle Plaza St. Suite Q and R
Riceeagle.com
208-939-2595
Coyne’s Restaurant & Bar
There literally is something for everyone here where brunch is on Saturday or Sunday, happy hours with BOGO deals allow you to sample an array of expertly made cocktails by bartenders who each have their signature creation. Vegan and gluten free choices are made with the freshest ingredients. The Caprese Toast with burrata cheese is lightly torched to a warm and creamy spread for the mushroom duxelles crostini. Cocktails are made with house-made syrups which blend nicely with Coyne’s Private label vodka and gin made at sister-store, Bardenay. Stop in for “Oh My Gourd” made with Bardenay Rum, pumpkin simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, whipped with an egg white and garnished with brown sugar and cinnamon. Designated drivers will love “No Proof” mocktails made of fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, almond syrup and black walnut bitters garnished with a dehydrated grapefruit wheel.
676 E. Riverside Dr.
Coynesrestaurant.com
208-609-5550