Boise has a new lunch destination. Park it here and try these 3 delicious sandwiches
Downtown Boise has always had a lot to celebrate.
The addition of Cherie Buckner-Webb Park last year at the corner of Bannock and 11th streets added to it, providing a relaxing and communal hub in the city’s center. It only made sense that welcoming vendors would be in its proximity. Coffee drinkers can grab a cup or an espresso at Broadcast Coffee, and the new Parkside Market right next door to that is an Epicurean delight.
Parkside Market opened its doors on New Year’s Day. Started by Rigby native and former Boise-area Realtor Zack McAllister, it’s a quaint meeting spot that serves delicious grub — namely, sandwiches. Specialty sandwiches. Those that bring flair with them, with quality ingredients and booming flavor.
Some might consider Parkside to be a little spendy for lunch. Vegetarian and vegan sandwiches and wraps range from $7.99 to $8.99, and the fine meat-based meals are $11-$14. But the portions don’t disappoint, and neither do the many bites you will take.
With that in mind, here are the three sandwiches you need to try at Parkside.
1. The Roast Beef Bliss ($12.50)
It really is bliss.
This sandwich features all of my favorite flavor and texture components. Stacked high on a locally made ciabatta roll is a generous helping of well-cured roast beef, with a decadent blue cheese spread, peppery arugula, a tangy golden ale-based mustard and caramelized balsamic-marinated onions.
The combination on this sandwich is a great punch straight to the taste buds. And it by no means is a light lunch. In fact, it’s so filling and rich, it might best be followed by a walk around the block. But it’s worth it — so worth it.
The acidity of the mustard combines perfectly with the creaminess of the blue cheese and onions, and it all pairs well with the fresh, light sharpness of the arugula and light smokiness of the roast beef. The soft ciabatta absorbs a bit of all the flavors, providing a nice chew and a great sandwich experience.
2. The Jambon-Beurre ($13.50)
This crusty-breaded treasure features a sweet, imported ham, an herbaceous chive butter, pungent Camembert cheese, arugula and a sweet fig jam. It comes on a fresh French baguette. And it’s all wonderful, especially to enjoy on a warm spring day.
In fact, this light yet flavorful sandwich would be the ultimate picnic treat. It travels well, and it’s not messy. As for how it breaks down, the saltiness and flavor of the cheese mix well with the sweetness of the fig jam and the ham. It’s very well-rounded, and the crustiness of the bread complements the tenderness of what’s packed inside.
3. The Tasty Turkey ($12.50)
This is the closest thing to a club sandwich that the Parkside offers. It’s a classic combination of flavors and ingredients, and it will hit you in a familiar culinary spot.
Aside from the outstanding turkey, it features crispy bacon, a rich gouda cheese, savory avocado, mixed greens, tomato, red onions and a herb aioli spread on a soft and spongy ciabatta roll. For me, the avocado and bacon put the sandwich over the top. The salty, smoky flavor of the bacon and the rich creaminess of the avocado assist the rest of the ingredients nicely. Simply put, this sandwich is a crowd-pleaser.
Parkside also offers wine, cheeses and imported items, and its owner said he’s excited to be part of downtown Boise. McAllister also told me he’s looking forward to expanding the menu, including a porchetta sandwich and possibly a veal cutlet.
In the meantime, go in for the tasty sandwiches that are already available. You can thank me later.
Parkside Market: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Saturday.
This story was originally published March 24, 2022 at 12:40 PM.