Boise is Dining Out

Boise Chef Receives Prestigious James Beard Award

Boise chef Kris Komori won the 2023 James Beard Award for the Best Chef: Mountain Region. Komori, co-owner and chef at KIN in downtown Boise, has been nominated four other times. KIN is known for its innovative prix fixe tasting menus that rotate every five weeks and guests experience “an evening of dining and storytelling in a communal environment.” This is the first time an Idaho chef has won a James Beard Award, which recognizes “excellence in the food and beverage and related industries.”

Boise has a rich food scene with a wide variety of international food options including Thai, Indian, Russian, Afghan, Cuban, Iraqi and French cuisine. One reason for this diversity is Boise’s friendly, welcoming environment for immigrants from other countries. Three other local chefs were named finalists for 2023 James Beard Awards, representing food from Spain’s Basque region, Mexico, Ethiopia and Eritrea. They are:

• Dan Ansotegui of Ansots
• Salvador Alamilla of Amano
• Kibrom Milash of Kibrom’s Ethiopian and Eritrean Food

Your Boise Summer Bucket List

Boise is great to visit any time of year, but summer is when the city’s outdoor offerings really shine. Take your pick of local patios to enjoy a meal or drink in the warm air, head to the foothills for adventure and scenic views, or head to the water to cool off. Here are some summer activity ideas to get you started:

• Float the Boise River 
• Swim or paddleboard at Quinn’s Pond
• Splash in the newly renovated fountains at Ann Morrison Park
• Hike or mountain bike on over 190 miles of foothill trails on the Ridge to Rivers system
• Head 30 minutes north of Boise for whitewater rafting on the Payette River
• Enjoy free live music every week at Alive After 5 in the Grove Plaza or Jump, Jam & Jive at JUMP
• Make a reservation at one of Boise’s many bars, restaurants and nightlife spots
• Sip your way through Boise’s urban wine trail or brew trail
• Visit Bogus Basin during its 80th Anniversary summer season and enjoy Idaho’s only mountain coaster, a climbing wall, bungee trampoline, mountain biking, live concerts and more

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