Jaime L.
Yelp
I had the absolute pleasure of being invited to Hemlock's pre-launch dinner in downtown Boise, and it just so happened to fall on our 3-year anniversary, which made it feel that much more aligned and special.
From the moment we walked up to the glowing marquee lights and stepped into the velvet-and-leather glow of the entryway, it felt like a whole vibe...moody, elegant, and cinematic in the best way.
The drinks? Next level.
We started with the Capitol Martini, which came with a literal cloud of martini brine air floating on top. It was delicate, salty in a perfect way, and honestly made the whole experience feel extra.
The Appaloosa Pear was one of my favorite- light, gingery, with pear and maple undertones and this subtle mint finish that made it super refreshing. Think fall meets spa water meets cocktail bar.
The Mountain Bluebird was such a surprise, made with local huckleberry, lemon, and egg white. It had this smooth citrusy foam on top with a floral, almost ethereal finish that paired beautifully with the salad.
And to close out the night, the Carajillo- which has espresso, Licor 43, chai tea, and maple syrup. If you love an after-dinner drink that leans rich and smoky but still has that creamy coffee finish..this is the one. That one sip was like... exhale.
Let's talk food.
To start, we shared the Steak Tartare, layered over crispy duck fat potatoes and topped with a quail egg. Not only was it gorgeous on the plate, but the texture contrast of the warm crunch underneath and the chilled tartare on top? Unreal. Hands down the best tartare I've had in Boise, and maybe even beyond.
Next came the Wedge Salad, which I expected to be a classic but their version completely elevated it. The blue cheese dressing was dill-forward, herby, and surprisingly light. The cherry tomatoes, red onions, and thick-cut bacon brought balance without overpowering.
For our main, we split the 16 oz Prime Ribeye, cooked medium rare, and topped it with their creamy, house-made Peppercorn Hemlock Steak Sauce. The meat was tender and flavorful, and that sauce added the perfect kick of warmth and richness.
And the Shells & Cheese with lobster? Just indulgent. Buttery, cheesy, creamy, with lobster flavor folded throughout. It's one of those comfort food sides that are a must to indulge in!
Every dish had intention behind it. Every drink had depth. And the entire space, from the dramatic lighting to the signature branding, felt like the kind of place you come back to for anniversaries, celebrations, or just when you want to feel like you're somewhere that gets it.
We left full, cozy, and genuinely excited for what Hemlock is bringing to downtown Boise. And im not gonna lie, I'm still dreaming about that steak tartare!