In last week’s “Where Is It?” I shared some photos of food from AMANO, and a few people recognized it.
Andrew wrote: “Pretty much everything you can order there is gonna be good, but a couple of their dishes they are particularly known for are their coffee at brunch and the birria tacos.” (See coffee below.)
Kim: “The ceviche verde is one of my favorite dishes on the menu and the side of rice and beans is a must order every single time. I could order just that and be happy! I haven’t had one dish that has disappointed me.”
Fresh nutmeg? And lavender tres leches cake? Beautiful. (Frankie Barnhill / City Cast Boise)
Executive chef Salvador Alamilla was born in the western Mexican state of Michoacán, moved to Santa Barbara in his childhood, and eventually moved to the Treasure Valley, where he intended to become an architect.
He told City Cast Boise that growing up undocumented in southern California, he couldn’t go back to Mexico for years. Now, he takes frequent trips partially to learn traditional cooking techniques, but more importantly to spend time with people and be infused in the culture.
“Now, we take the opportunity to go back and be there with them and cook with them … to reconnect with what it is to be from Mexico,” Alamilla said.
Within months of opening AMANO in downtown Caldwell in 2019, it was all the buzz. Downtown Caldwell itself was undergoing a renovation, and AMANO was at the center of it all. 2020 and 2021 were difficult for a lot of restaurants, but Alamilla and his team have bounced back, earning two consecutive James Beard nominations the last two years.
This year, Alamilla was a finalist for Best Chef: Mountain region along with Kris Komori of KIN, who won that award.
