#bardenay

Even if you love the food, service, and atmosphere, what could keep a restaurant from becoming your favorite? In my case it was a bunch of little things.

Nestled next to the Boise River, Bardenay is probably best known for their drink menu. But the best meal I've eaten since moving to Boise was at Bardenay. It was a one-night special, a perfectly cooked salmon in brown butter sauce with white bean succotash. Absolutely amazing, decadent to the last bite.

I loved many of their regular menu items as well. My wife and I used to split the Smoked Trout Spread appetizer: whipped smoked trout & cream cheese (I believe) with warm pita, capers, and red pickled onion - the perfect blend of tangy and savory smokiness. 

Their sandwiches rock. Their unique selections like their Black Bean & Sweet Potato Chimichanga and the Grilled Chorizo Sandwich are truly one of a kind.

Even with all the great things about Bardenay, I haven't been back for months. On a Friday night last summer Bardenay was abuzz with activity. My wife and I were crowded between two big parties, and the food was below their usual standards. They were busy enough to have the outdoor seating area in use, and had the patio doors open - which pretty much opened up one side of the building. Did I mention that Bardenay is located by the Boise River? By the time we had finished our meal my wife and I had a combined 37 mosquito bites (that we could see). When we complained our server said, "Yeah, it's really bad in here," and walked away. I looked at my wife, speechless. I literally heard crickets chirping.