Science has yet to prove the theory, but anyone with taste buds will tell you there's a direct correlation between the rise of the thermostat and an increased craving for cool treats.

So, the opening of Golden Spoon, a frozen yogurt shop in Boise's Overland Park Shopping Center, is well-timed.

Boasting a rotating cast of 50 flavors with a selection of 33 toppings, Golden Spoon had a soft opening on June 11.

The shop, the first Golden Spoon in Idaho, will celebrate its grand opening on July 4 and 5 by offering customers free small sundaes.

The cold and creamy frozen yogurt comes in multiple forms, from sundaes ($1.95-$3.70) and cones ($2.70-$3.70) to pints ($4.20) and quarts ($6).

On a recent Tuesday, flavors included Heath bar, Fudgesicle, cappuccino, raspberry cheesecake, strawberry and vanilla.

With the exception of the Heath bar, which has 1 percent fat, all Golden Spoon flavors are fat-free.

Franchise owner Lucy Stolpe said the shop rotates 16 to 18 flavors a month (10 flavors are available daily), but traditionalists should not worry.

"We always have vanilla and some kind of chocolate," she said.

Toppings (45 cents to 90 cents) cater to a wide range of taste buds. Ice cream parlor standards like fruit, hot fudge and peanuts sit side-by-side with marshmallows, Snickers, and crushed graham crackers.

Flavor combinations are endless, repeat visits almost given. Indecisive? Employees are encouraged to experiment with new concoctions and make recommendations to customers.

Hit up Family Night each Monday from 6 to 10 p.m. and get two-for-one savings.

Golden Spoon, which started in Southern California in 1982, has 85 locations in the West (plus one store in Tokyo). It plans to expand to 120 stores by early 2009.

The Boise shop is at 7103 W. Overland Road, Boise. Summer hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Call 375-5957 for more information.

BAKE FOR THE CURE AT THE FAIR

Got a good bread recipe? Then fire up the oven and enter the Bake for the Cure contest at the Western Idaho Fair, a benefit for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast cancer group.

Contestants are required to use Fleischmann's Yeast in their recipes for traditional (requires kneading) and batter bread (no kneading) styles, which will be judged in separate categories.

Prizes of $150 for first, $75 for second and $50 for third in the traditional category, and $100 for first place in the batter bread category, will be awarded.

Breads will be judged on flavor, presentation and texture. Any flavor or shape is permitted, so long as the recipe uses Fleischmann's Yeast.

For each entry, Fleischmann's parent company ACH Food Cos. will donate $10 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure charity.

For more information, including official rules, call 376-3765 or visit www.idahofair.com.

LA CANTINA SOCIALE GRAND OPENING

La Cantina Sociale, 707 W. Bannock St., Boise, will have its grand opening Friday and Saturday, June 27 and 28.

The market and wine bar, which specializes in imported Italian food and drink, had a soft opening in May after moving from its original location on Cole Road.

Owner Giuseppe Veneziano said there will be "tons of wine, food and snacks" during the celebration.

WINE AND HISTORY

The Grape Escape will host a First Thursday wine tasting and historical presentation from 5 to 8 p.m. July 3 in the basement of the Mode Building, 800 W. Idaho St., Boise.

Sample Idaho wines while hearing Boise State professor and local historian Todd Shallat's "Chinese Anthony and the Legend of 8th Street," which includes tales from Downtown Boise's past. The presentations will start at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

MORTIMER'S GIFT CARDS GOOD AT FRANCO LATINO

With the recent closing of Mortimer's, owner Jon Mortimer is offering holders of Mortimer's gift cards a chance to redeem them at his other restaurant, Franco Latino, 775 S. Rivershore Lane, Eagle.

Franco Latino has a series of special events in July, beginning with a Thursday Night Wine Flight featuring five wines from Kunde Estate from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on July 3. The cost is $15.

The restaurant also has live music on the patio from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

8TH STREET WINE CO. UNVEILS NEW MENUS

New menus have been launched at 8th Street Wine Co., 405 S. 8th St., Suite 100, Boise.

The revamped lunch menu features more entree salads, new entrees and the "fastest and most affordable lunch menu we have offered yet," according to owner Erik McLaughlin.

The new dinner menu includes an expanded small plate menu and more entree selections.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Call 426-9463 for more information.

To submit dining-related news, e-mail foodnotes@idahostatesman.com.