Chandlers reopens today; Treefort lineup gets finalized

If you’re craving a juicy rib-eye at Chandlers Steakhouse on Valentine’s Day, you’re out of luck.

They’re booked full — “and then some,” owner Rex Chandler jokes.

But if you’re jonesing for a Chandlers fix sooner than that, all you have to do is make a reservation. Boise’s top fine-dining restaurant, which closed Jan. 1 to remodel, plans to officially reopen Monday, Feb. 6.

“The renovation’s been going great,” Chandler says. “The contractor’s done just an incredible job through all this weather and challenges.”

Chandlers will celebrate a decade at 981 W. Grove St. at Hotel 43 this spring. Chandler decided it was a good time to reinvest and prepare for future growth.

The project did not come cheaply. A kitchen upgrade drove the decision. But diners can look forward to a modernized version of Chandlers’ interior, including an airier lounge. A late-night supper menu and late-night jazz program will kick off in mid-February.

Chandlers is a perennial favorite in the Idaho Statesman’s Best of Treasure Valley readers poll. Last year, Chandlers won Best Local Fine Dining and Best Local Steakhouse and placed in other categories including Best Local Restaurant Service and Best Local Seafood Restaurant.

Treefort lineup arrives

The suspense is over. Treefort Music Fest revealed its third and final wave of bands Thursday. It’s officially time to make plans to see your favorite indie acts from around the nation and globe — and start researching bands you’ve never heard of in your life.

Angel Olsen, Chastity Belt, Mimicking Birds and Y La Bamba are among the names revealed this week that will perk up the ears of dedicated festivalgoers. Olsen, a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter, used to sing back-up for Bonnie “Prince” Billy. Her 2016 album, “My Woman,” finished at No. 12 in the Village Voice’s annual Pazz & Jop music critics poll.

Previously announced performers that are generating excitement this year include Mac DeMarco, The Growlers, The Bouncing Souls, STRFKR, Deafheaven, WHY?, Touche Amore and Dead Meadow.

Check out Treefortmusicfest.com for the entire lineup.

At first glance, this year’s Treefort poster will be almost as notable for bands it does not include as ones it does.

Boise groups Youth Lagoon and Built To Spill, who topped the bill in 2016, are absent this time around. Treefort was Youth Lagoon’s final American performance last year before calling it quits — for good. As for Built To Spill? The venerable Boise band is still alive and kicking — just not performing at Treefort for the first time in the festival’s six-year history. (Built To Spill members Jim Roth, Brett Netson and Jason Albertini are expected to gig at Treefort in other projects.)

Finn Riggins won’t rock Treefort, either — notable since that group includes Treefort festival director Eric Gilbert.

Their absences provide more room for emerging acts, not to mention internationally known Boise outfit Magic Sword — another of the higher-regarded performers announced this week.

Treefort takes place March 22-26 in various Downtown Boise venues. Five-day general wristbands are $165 but rise in price March 1. Online: Treefortmusicfest.com.

Entertainment notes

▪  Note: The following is an update on the print version.

If there’s one thing Boise loves, it’s a restaurant patio.

So we have to be stoked about the new Willowcreek Grill and Raw Sushi coming to 205 N. 10th St. by spring.

Downtown Boise is about to have a new outdoor sushi patio.

“A counter where we’ll have a sushi guy,” owner Brian McGill explains. “He’ll be inside, but the bar will be open to the patio. So you can actually sit at the bar and have the sushi guy in front of you.”

You know that outdoor beer bar at 10 Barrel Brewing Co.? Similar concept.

“Sushi on the patio — it just involves the guest more,” McGill says.

Inside, Willowcreek Grill also will have an open kitchen. Patrons will be able to watch food being prepared.

McGill says his dual-concept restaurant — tentatively scheduled to open March 6 — essentially will have the same menu as his Willowcreek Grill and Raw Sushi at 2273 S. Vista Ave., which will remain operational after the second location debuts.

“I think we’re trimming down just a couple items on the sushi for Downtown,” McGill says.

McGill also plans to offer a $6.99 grab-and-go lunch available from a cooler in the lobby out front. “Wrap, sandwich, salad — whatever’s in there that day,” he says. “Quick lunch. That’s where Downtown is. Everybody, they have 40 minutes for lunch. They’re in a hurry.”

Downtown’s Willowcreek Grill and Raw Sushi will be in the former home of McGill’s restaurant The Dish, which closed in September of 2016 after a three-year run.

Check facebook.com/willowcreek.boise for updates.

▪  Meridian resident Lipine Mataafa, who appeared Jan. 27 on CBS’ “The Price is Right,” racked up prizes amounting to nearly $10,000, according to the show’s publicist. Among those were a computerized Mak-cass telescope and accessories, a Beachcomber 321 Leep hot tub with cover, AZ patio heaters and Fecido bath towels.

▪  ESPN Boise recently changed its FM signal from 96.5 to 99.1 to improve the sports station’s signal.

▪  Nominations have begun for this year’s Best of Treasure Valley. Go to IdahoStatesman.com/BOTV to nominate your favorite musician, restaurant or business. The top nominees will be listed on the final ballot when voting begins this spring. Winners will be announced June 23 in a special section.

This story was originally published February 3, 2017 at 9:23 AM with the headline "Chandlers reopens today; Treefort lineup gets finalized."