Basque-ing in Boise
Some 15,000 descendants from the region bordering France and Spain form a Boise so tight it even has its own language: Euskara. Meeting attendees can immerse themselves in the culture along the “Basque Block,” which includes the Basque Pub and Eatery, a market, an underground handball court, and the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, which is housed in an original 1874 Basque boarding house and is the only Basque museum in the country.
At America’s first restaurant distillery, Bardoney, groups can watch vodka, gin and rum being made.
In July, the block celebrates the feast day of St. Ignatius with Basque music, dance, sports and food.
Fresh Food, Low Lights
Idaho’s excellent growing climate helps produce 13 billion pounds of potatoes a year. With a focus on fresh and local ingredients, Boise’s restaurants spread a table that features a variety of enticing options. At the Fork Restaurant, a short walk from the state Capitol downtown, all dishes include key ingredients sourced nearby and throughout the Northwest. Its private dining room is equipped with audiovisual capability and a 110-inch screen.
The wine cellar at the Red Feather Lounge accommodates groups of 10 to 18 people for meals or up to 35 for a reception. From 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, the Red Feather joins with Bitter Creek Alehouse, which offers 39 craft beers, for Low Power Happy Hour. Lights and prices go down to reduce Boise’s carbon footprint.
Boise, Idaho
Location: Southwest Idaho
Access: 10 miles from Boise Regional Airport
Meeting Space:
Boise Centre on the Grove, Grove Hotel, Riverside Hotel, Red Lion Downtowner
Accomodations: 3,800 in metropolitan area
Off-Site Venues:
Basque Block, Morrison Center for Performing Arts, Boise Art Museum, Egyptian Theatre, Coolwater Creek Event Center, Idaho Botanical Garden, Old Idaho Penitentiary, Stueckle Sky Center at Boise State University, Jack’s Urban Meeting Place
Contact Info:
800-635-5240
www.boise.org
