If you encountered our editorial staff shooting photos at area restaurants this spring, we probably owe you an apology. For starters, most of our sessions involved an unsightly assortment of umbrellas and reflectors that would put a damper on any dining experience. Secondly, we were probably more than a little dismissive if you happened to ask what we were up to.
The reason for such rude behavior is pretty simple: We were racing to get the photography done so we could start bickering over who got to eat the subject. Assistants wielding pens and flash units usually won out in the end, but I won’t lie to you—there were hand-slappings.
Of exceptional intensity were the setups with dimmed interior lighting. Once the flash fired and we could see the dish in all its delicious detail, it was hard not to drop the equipment and lunge for the utensils. (What you won’t see here—or anywhere—are grab shots of our editor dispensing with utensils altogether and turning those exquisite full dinner meals into finger foods.)
Bottom line: Here at the magazine, we love our local food venues. Not to take away from the legitimate appeal of certain national chain establishments, but there’s something special about a locally owned restaurant that can survive and even thrive in such a competitive market. More often than not, these venues offer cultural authenticity that no chain could ever match. The atmosphere in such restaurants goes far beyond the kitchen and the service. It can also be found in the booth next to you in the smiles and laughter from your fellow patrons.
It’s all part of a story, really — punctuated by the cheerful banter between server and patron, often written in the shared language of colorful decor and in carefully hung keepsakes of days gone by.
Charm and ambiance aside, did we mention that the food in such places is unequivocally awesome? If you’re looking for such local flair, we have more than a few suggestions to get you started…
Republic American Grill
“We have all this unique stuff down here, we’ve got the falls and the temple and all these other things but what else sets it apart?” This was the question asked to us by Joel Henry, chef and culinary soul-searcher at the Republic American Grill & Tapas Bar. “Is it just these nice waterfalls surrounded by plastic chain restaurants or are we going to make a difference and say ‘OK well no, that’s not going to happen.’”
He was speaking of the larger role that local dining establishments can play in nurturing a small city’s culture. To a great extent, Henry has answered his own question. Republic’s unique offerings include an array of small appetizers as well as a variety of entrees that are sure not to disappoint.
“I’m trying to be different here for the sake of being better, not just for the sake of being different,” Henry said, referring to the distinctive way they prepare their food and source their ingredients locally when possible. Offerings include everything from flavor-filled tapas and mouthwatering entrees to vegetarian alternatives and juicy sandwiches. (Our staff favorites: fried mozzarella and the fire grilled potato skins.)
North Hi-Way Cafe
We get all kinds of foot traffic coming into our downtown office. Inevitably, somebody asks where to get a great homestyle meal. More often than not, we point them up the road towards North Hi-Way Cafe. If you want a true “taste” of I.F.’s local color, this is the place. The chicken fried steak is hard to beat, and the selection of sandwiches should please any palate. (The breakfast burritos are to die for.) To boot, patrons can marvel at the historical icons and artwork that adorn every wall.
Happy’s Chinese
A recurring champ in our annual dining awards, Happy’s should get a special award for just being so consistent in its excellence. The food has earned a special place in our bellies, but the friendly service and atmosphere is what really gives us a soft spot for this icon of downtown dining. After starting up a second “express” location two years ago, you can get your Happy on the go by driving through (or dining in) at their 17th St. location.
Pachanga’s
This fine little Mexican restaurant is located just a short skip from our offices near Park Ave. and B Street, but even if it wasn’t so close by, we’d trek across town for it. The management and staff are some of the nicest, most accommodating people you’ll ever meet, and the food itself is just incredible. Our hands-down favorite on the menu is the lobster enchilada. Sounds like a $50 plate, and it definitely tastes like one, but the actual price of 10 bucks is nothing short of a steal. Other great dishes include the pollo fundido and the gigantic burros. The fish tacos are also excellent.
Plum Loco
I.F. magazine staffers have long been impressed with this Mexican restaurant for its great food but also for the authentic atmosphere. There are more than a few “regulars” at Plum Loco (once known as Mi Casa) who have been loyal patrons there since Reagan was in office. Any establishment that can keep its doors open that long (in the same location, no less) is likely doing something right. The entrees are plentiful and tasty across the board, and the appetizers are especially good, as is the homemade pico de gallo. Just a great all-around restaurant.
Pitmaster
It’s easy to get hung up on “where” you enjoyed a great meal, when in reality, great meals are more about the “who” behind the curtain. On the local BBQ scene, here’s a name you need to know: Rob Harding. Aside from being the proprietor of Pitmaster BarBQue Co., this fellow has earned a reputation as a formidable BBQ artist in competitions around the country. For proof in the sauce, sample some Pitmaster meals for yourself. The eatery by Freeman Park features delicious ribs, briskets, pulled pork and a growing number of specialty dishes and sides. Pitmaster has three proprietary "signature" sauces including a competition sauce, an extra-sweet honey bourbon and a honey chipotle mixture with a little more fire in it. Pitmaster uses a local product, Brownings Honey, to create their formulas. "The result is sweet as icing," Harding says. We couldn’t agree more.
Dixie's Diner
Some of the youngest employees at Harris Publishing (Idaho Falls magazine’s parent company) happen to be huge fans of Dixie’s Diner on Channing Way. Curious, since the establishment is an obvious throwback to the diners of the “Happy Days” era. How can these kids even relate to it? Truth is, they can’t relate to the throwback at all. They see a restaurant like Dixie’s as trendy and modern, no matter how embroidered it is with ’50s-era nostalgia. As for us borderline old farts, Dixie’s provides a relaxing old-school vibe along with some excellent op-school dishes. Top of our list is the homestyle meatloaf, complete with mushrooms and a coat of rich brown gravy.