Expanding culinary scene in downtown Boise an indicator of economic growth

The Downtown Boise Association recognized the growing momentum of the city’s culinary scene – as well as Idaho’s agricultural bounty – at its 32^nd State of Downtown annual meeting on April 17.

As development continues and new hotels, apartments, retail shops and other businesses continue to open downtown, Boise’s restaurant and bar scene is also expanding for visitors and workers.

“Combined, you play an important part in our city’s expanding culinary excellence,” said Lynn Hightower, DBA’s executive director, to the keynote speakers and panelists at the event, which was held at JUMP.

She said their roles as business owners and employers is crucial to having a “vibrant” downtown community, and makes the district a great place to live, work and shop.

During several presentations, the state’s food industry professionals – including growers, producers, chefs, restaurant owners, entrepreneurs and others – hailed Idaho’s range and farm lands, which provide an abundance of local produce, fresh meat, dairy products and ingredients for beer and wine.

Government officials also paid tribute to the theme of the annual meeting. The growth of the food industry is an essential economic driver, they said.

Food on many levels is central to the success of downtown Boise, said Mayor Dave Bieter, referring to the impact of corporate giants headquartered there, such as Albertsons, Winco and Simplot. He also lauded the  payrolls and taxes generated by restaurant and bar owners, and the allure of farmers’ markets in bringing people downtown.

Bieter also gave a shout out to Trailhead Boise, which is behind a recent initiative to showcase young entrepreneurs in the food startup space.

The mayor also alluded to his own engagement with the culinary community. “This body is sponsored by downtown restaurants,” said Bieter with a grin.

Celia Gould, director of the Idaho Department of Agriculture, spoke of downtown Boise restaurants that are building connections to Idaho’s rural food producers, which is a great showcase for the state’s ag industry.

“We appreciate your support of Idaho-grown ingredients,” she said.

The recent flood of new restaurants in the city’s downtown core has prompted the creation of another business: Indulge Boise Food Tours.

Angela Taylor, owner of the company, hosts visitors and locals for some good eating around town. Taylor led a panel discussion of folks focused on the food scene. She enthusiastically described a culinary renaissance spurred by creative young chefs, artisans, brewers and winemakers who are attracting customers in droves.

They include Kris Komori, a three-time James Beard Award nominee, who is part of the team behind a new eatery called Kin at 16^th and Main.

Komori said he was heartened by the fact that other chefs have reached out to offer suggestions, advice and encouragement for the new venture. The restaurant community in Boise emphasizes collaboration, not competition, he said. “It’s all about a rising tide,” he said with a smile.

The several hundred attendees at the event found a bento box of goodies at their chairs as well as maps of Boise’s ale trail and state’s wineries. To top it off, ice cream samples from STIL were offered on the way out.