Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Idaho State of Adventure

As you know moving out to Idaho was a personal adventure however anyone who visits is sure to find adventure as well. Currently Idaho is leading the 50 state pack at Adventure Journal as the best Adventure state.  Are we winning because of our ski mountains, whitewater rafting, fly fishing, snowboarding, mountain biking, zip lines, etc? Maybe or is it because we have more wilderness than any other state in the lower 48 (okay Alaska you have us on this one). When it comes to looking for something adventurous to do or see Idaho has something for EVERYONE.

And this summer my hometown, Coeur d Alene is going for even more adventure. After a 45 year absence there will be HydroPlane races on Labor Day Weekend on Lake Coeur d'Alene.  The Diamond Cup Regatta  will  feature two days of competition.  This is sure to up the adventure (and noise) meter up and I for one am  looking forward to seeing this exciting and unique racing. 


A Hydro Plane in action.











Till next time
Robyn


Sunday, March 10, 2013

Do you want fry (sauce) with that?

The last time Greg and I went out for burgers and fries we noticed on the table a bottle with a pinkish hue to it. We asked the counter person, "what is this?" They looked at us like we had two heads (not really since this is Idaho they were very polite) and said "that is fry sauce."  Fry what?
A typical Idaho Fry Sauce

Like Chicago hot dogs, that have certain condiments included on them , french fries in Idaho have fry sauce. (it is also very popular in Utah where it is said it originated from)

So what is Fry Sauce exactly?  There are a few different recipes but the basic one is 2 parts mayonnaise to 1 part ketchup it is essentially Russian or Thousand Island dressing. Personally I think it could use a squirt or two of Sriracha but I think that is like putting ketchup on a Chicago hot dog (a HUGE no no).

Fry sauce is in every restaurant our famous potatoes are fried. So is it good? I will always try anything once,  it is an acquired taste. Those outside of Idaho you should make it and let me know what you think in the comments below.  Idahoans, do you like fry sauce and why?

Till next time,
Robyn 


Friday, January 4, 2013

I have to buy vodka WHERE in Idaho?

We are finally moved in and one of our first stops of course was the grocery store.  Unlike Illinois there are quite a few choices to buy groceries, and I will blog about that another time. However none of the grocery stores sell hard liquor, is Idaho a dry state? (the horror) no they are liquor controlled which means the stores that sell liquor are state run. Like a DMV that sells your Chocolate Martini makings.

So what does a state liquor store look like we had to check it out! Here is a typical  aisle of a Idaho liquor store. You are thinking well they could certainly use some merchandising advice. However that is a big part of the state control, there is no advertising allowed. This keeps costs a bit lower and also creates a fair playing field for local craft distilleries as they don't have to purchase "shelf space".

So who makes money on the sale of hard liquor? The state and as a result the residents of my new state benefit. According to the State Liquor commission over the last decade $375 Million dollars has been distributed to state programs, cities and counties.

Idaho's prices and selection are so attractive that we are also getting money from across the state line from Washington as residents of that state prefer to buy here then in their home state because of the taxes charged at their uncontrolled retail establishments.

So now we have to go the "Liquor Store" to get our libations which is ok by me. I am interested in knowing though from fellow Idahoans, is the state run system as good as it sounds, what are the cons?

Till Next Time
Robyn