"A pioneer in Boise’s dining scene, the Modern — located in a tastefully updated former Travelodge in Boise’s Linen District — became a catalyst for creative mixologists and a platform for James Beard-nominated chef Nate Whitley and others. During the pandemic, owner Elizabeth Tullis made the tough decision to shut down the popular restaurant, but the dining room reopened in 2021, now led by husband-and-wife team chef Kelly Grindstaff and bar manager Ariel Vazquez. A recent menu featured crispy octopus, locally raised curried beef brisket, and Idaho trout. Tullis also owns Txikiteo down the street, which offers Basque-style sandwiches, salads, and pintxos." - Scott Ki, Scott Wink