February can get a bad rap: It’s a little dreary, the trees are leafless, and cabin fever might be settling in your bones. So here are a few ways to keep the month fun, light, and most importantly delicious!
Valentine’s or Palentine’s or Galentine’s or All of the Above
I joined City Cast Boise podcast host Lindsay Van Allen and producer Evelyn Avitia for our audio guide to February. Party host extraordinaire that she is, Evelyn is tackling her first Galentine’s party. Start with a vision board, pick a direction, and have fun with it — no partner required!
If you do have a partner (and have procrastinated Valentine’s Day plans), here are a few quick ideas off the cuff:
- A date night offering from Season & Taste Cooking School.
- A dinner reservation before Valentine’s Day or the weekend after (The Avery and Terroir both have prime times available).
- An over-the-top snack and gift exchange sourced from local grocers, secret Santa style.
Psst…The Springs in Idaho City has openings for their general pool as early as Feb. 9, which isn’t that far out, all things considered. Valentine’s Day is booked, but give them a call any time you want a spontaneous day trip, because they often have last minute openings because of cancellations.
Cold as they may be, winter sunsets in the Boise Foothills are a treat. (Blake Hunter / City Cast Boise)
Enjoy the Last of Winter
Even for the winter haters like myself, spend some time savoring the last of the winter (if for no other reason than to enjoy spring more). It isn’t too late to get into skiing, but you could also check out a free snowshoe guide at Bogus Basin or get their rental gear.
If nothing else, just go hike the trails for 15 minutes or so! Your body will thank you. Keep an eye on trail reports.
If you’re going to Alyonka, save room for dessert because it’ll be worth it. This is the honey cake, and Lindsay vouches for the pavlova. (Blake Hunter / City Cast Boise)
What to Eat This February
Lindsay and Evelyn each recommended a savory, hearty dish from our valley’s most exciting restaurants: The stroganoff from Alyonka Russian Cuisine and the pozole from Amano, respectively. They’re both warming and rich, and when you’re bemoaning how brown Idaho’s winters are, these will take you to another place.
This is the time of year when your favorite dishes and restaurants might be tasting a little bland. Take the pressure off them by trying a new place. Here’s a quick list of the spots that have brought some life to my palate lately: Tarbush, Mount Everest Momo Café, Nahm Thai & Burmese, Tango’s Empanadas, MB Sandwich House, and Kibrom’s Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine.
And if you’re just craving some good takeout, we’ve got you covered with an episode next week. Have fun this February, Boise!
