College - Idaho Falls, Idaho

College in Idaho Falls, Id November 2008
208-524-0875

Located in the historic old town section of Idaho Falls, just a block from the falls; College offers “ingredients and techniques from around the world”. A small dining area offers intimate conversation but also can accommodate parties of 6 or larger. They have an impressive wine list to be purchased by the glass or bottle.
First courses include Yukon Gold potato chips with melted gorgonzola cheese or a pouch of goat cheese with pistachios and port soaked cherries and figs, or perhaps some smoked duck of foire gras on grilled Texas toast to name a few.
Second courses offer a traditional Caesar salad, or an organic mixed field green salad or maybe a homemade lobster bisque and of course the soup du jour.
Entrees include grilled filet of beef, braised Colorado lamb shanks, oven roasted quail, lobster ravioli or fresh fish of the day. You can also dine on locally raised buffalo rib eye with pinot sage jus or they offer a vegetarian creation upon request. Prices start for first course at $7.50-`$13.00, second courses start at $7.00 -$9.00 and entrees are from $17.00 to $34.00 with the fish at market price. To round out the dinner you can opt for a selection of three sides of curried vegetable couscous, petite beans or roasted corn and cilantro mash.
You are welcomed by an amuse bouche creation of the chef to start your palate thirsting for more. We sampled the Yukon Gold potato chips and large shrimp sautéed with garlic, shallot and basil. Both courses were delicious, the chips with the melted cheese was a unique combination and created a taste sensation for your mouth. The shrimp snapped when bitten and the garlic shallot infusion with the basil created a wonderful aroma and taste treat. Second course we chose the Caesar salad, although not dressed at table side it still represented a good Caesar.
Entrees included the braised lamb shank, which you could cut with a fork and the taste with the cumin yogurt was superb. I must mention that the shank its self was of good size and satisfied my son’s appetite. I chose the special of the day which was a wild mushroom stroganoff which I whole heartedly enjoyed. The entrees are large enough to satisfy most appetites but you can always add one of the sides to round out your meal.
College offers “Passport Dinners” the chef’s choice from various countries, perhaps an Italian night or maybe a Latin flavored offering. These usually run around $45.00 per person and although reservations are not necessary you must call to secure a place for the evening. You can come anytime during normal dinner seating. These dinners are from early spring through summer only.