People assume content creators only like things when they’re free.

Incorrect.

Here are 15 things I’d willingly hand over my hard-earned money for, even without the free meal and the awkward photoshoot of my food.

THE HIGHEST COMPLIMENT I CAN GIVE A BUSINESS IS THAT I’D PAY FOR IT WHEN NOBODY’S WATCHING …

the chicken skewers from alyonka russian cuisine

We love pretty much everything on the menu from Alyonka Russian Cuisine … this is such a special Boise restaurant … but the chicken skewers are by far my favorite … and don’t forget to order the honey cake for dessert … which made my best desserts in Boise list.

idaho ice cream potato at westside drive in

This ‘made famous’ dessert called the Idaho Ice Cream Potato is as cute as it is tasty … found at Westside Drive In, although I’ve only experienced it at the Western Idaho Fair Food section … and I loved every bite!

honey glazed brussel sprouts from siren song winemaker’s loft and bistro in eagle

There’s a brand new rooftop wine bar and bistro in downtown Eagle called Sirensong Winemaker’s Loft and Bistro … This beautiful rooftop showcases views of downtown Eagle, indoor café seating, fire pits, and darling umbrella tables on the extensive outdoor patio! The chef here is FANTASTIC and my husband and I were so impressed with the shareable menu … and by far our favorite item was the Honey Glazed Brussel Sprouts … if you love brussel sprouts, I urge you to go try these babies.

coconut guava fizz no alcohol mocktail from pig latin

I don’t drink alcohol, but I still love a fancy refreshing drink with dinner … when restaurants not only offer mocktails, but treat them as important as the cocktails, I take notice! I especially love the coconut guava fizz mocktail at Pig Latin … I hope they never take it off the menu … and if they already have, I hope they bring it back.

tableside baked potato cart at hemlock boise

Potatoes in Idaho … so original … not so fast … this tableside baked potato cart is legit and a must order / experience in Boise. From watching it be made, lit on fire, and topped with broken potato chips to the first bite … it’s all well worth it, promise. The potatoes they use are so big, you are definitely going to be set up for a ‘that’s what she said’ joke …

chicken caesar wrap from loving lefse food truck

Loving Lefse is a favorite food truck in Boise … and soon they are opening a storefront!! I don’t know if the chicken caesar wrap will always be available, but if it is available when you go, it’s a must order!

The Burgers from Sear and Savor Food Truck

The Sear and Savor food truck serves up the most delicious smash burgers!!! They have different burger styles like: Dirty, The OG, and the Smoke Show. My family was seriously impressed by the flavors … if you’re looking for a solid burger, check out their food truck schedule and make plans.

The Chai Tea Latte at Bond and Bevel in caldwell

I love a good chai tea latte and Bond and Bevel in Caldwell does this drink very well … it’s not too sweet, not too syrupy … it’s just right and a great option if you don’t want all the caffeine or flavor of coffee.

coffee and donuts from the lively

This dessert at The Lively is exquisite in every way … from the display to the bites that follow it’s something you want to back for after you have it … the Coffee and Donuts described on their menus is: Coffee Pot de Crème, Coffee & Fernet Ice Cream Brown Butter Beignets, Salted Caramel … in other words: it’s delicious.

croissants from janjou patisserie

This seems like a no-brainer to me … want a croissant in Boise? JanJou Patisserie is the place to go … go early so you can be first in the long line of fans …

The Wild Flower Mocha from Hidden Grounds Organic Coffee

If you are looking for organic coffee in Boise, Hidden Grounds is where you’ll want to go … and when you go, order the Wild Flower Mocha … it’s both beautiful and delicious.

Hot ROck Filet at Coa Del Mar

Date night anyone?? Coa Del Mar is located in Eagle and this waterside restaurant is one of the most memorable, special, delicious, beautiful, and romantic dining experiences I have ever had in Idaho … hands down!!! Everything we tried was amazing, but I highly recommend ordering the hot rock for dinner … anything that is lit on fire at my table gets my vote.

Volcanic Farms Pies

When you drive up to Volcanic Farms Pies and Produce in Horseshoe Bend, you might think “skip” … but that’s only if you’ve never heard of them before or tasted their delicious fresh baked pies … the place inside is simple … think of a farmer’s market tent, but inside … the pies are offered in single slices or a full pie … we decided to get singles because we wanted to try more than one kind. We decided on apricot, strawberry-rhubarb, and cherry. SO DELICIOUS … a definite MUST TRY.

Sourdough Monkey Bread at Burread Bakery

Top something with whipped cream, I’m usually in … top something with a banana, I am 100% OUT … until Burread Bakery ‘tricked me’ and I had no clue … when I ate the sourdough monkey bread I had no idea the topping was a banana and I ate it, loved it, and wanted more … it was later when I was making this blog post that I read on their menu the topping (which I devoured with pleasure) was a banana … go get one, you won’t regret it. Their whipped cream is top notch … and so is everything else at their Boise bakery.

The Signature Warm Butter Cake at Fork

Last but definitely not least … the Signature Warm Butter Cake from Fork … this cake is so good it melts in your mouth. It made my top Boise desserts list without even having to try … highly recommend getting some.