I ended up taking a surprise trip to Boise, Idaho, earlier this week to meet some family members. I had a couple of hours to myself — and because Boise doesn’t have any airport club lounges, I treated myself to lunch at Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery.
I visited Bardenay’s downtown Boise location several months ago — and really enjoyed my experience. So, how did this experience stack up?
Where is Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery at Boise Airport?
You’ll find it just past security. Veer to the right. (It’s opposite Einstein’s Bagels in the little plaza and viewing area.)
Food and Beverage Review
I ordered a Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned to wet my whistle. It was fine — but a little sweet, thanks to the muddled maraschino cherries and oranges. (I’m not a fan of muddled fruit in my Old Fashioneds. I’ll order a fruit salad if I want one. 🙂 ).
I opted for the Charbroiled Chipotle Marinated Chicken Breast Sandwich. It’s described as a “Smokey chipotle and garlic marinated chicken breast with smoked mozzarella, sun-dried tomato mayonnaise and grilled yellow onion.”
Mayonnaise isn’t my thing; I asked Bethany, my server, to hold it.
I literally laughed out loud when my sandwich arrived.
The chicken portion was tiny. Like, nice appetizer masquerading as a main, Bardenay. Geez.
That said, the chicken morsel tasted quite good. The chipotle marinade provided a little heat — but nothing too crazy. I love smoked cheese — and enjoyed the smokey mozzarella.
Unsurprisingly, the Idaho potatoes made for delicious french fries.
Here was the final damage:
That’ll teach me to order cocktails at an airport restaurant or bar! I should’ve stuck to water. Oh, well.
I paid the tab with my American Express® Gold Card because it earns 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.).
Final Approach
Bethany was a star and provided great service. The chicken and fries were delicious. But the chicken portion itself was a joke — and really spoiled my impression of this Bardenay location. I’m in Boise once or twice a year — and probably won’t back to Bardenay for anything more than fries.
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Did you go to the Famous Idaho Potatoes Bowl game?
Nope. I surprised some family members.