Team behind some of Boise’s hottest restaurants opens new neighborhood spot
Wylder Hospitality Group is not a company that naps between meals.
Less than a year after opening Rosa taqueria in Garden City, the Boise food-and-drink juggernaut has unveiled another new concept: Sidequest.
Describing itself as a “neighborhood restaurant serving up housemade pasta and focaccia sandwiches on the Boise Bench,” Sidequest is Wylder’s seventh Treasure Valley dining spot. In a lightning-quick transition, Sidequest took over the former White Rabbit space at 4 N. Latah St.
Sidequest might not be as high-profile as Wylder Hospitality Group standouts such as its eponymous pizzeria, The Wylder, or American-dining concept Percy, a rock star on Yelp. But Boiseans who have grown familiar with the locally ubiquitous brand over the past nine years will expect something above average.
Open from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 4 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Sidequest offers a limited menu of pasta and sandwiches, along with starters and a weekly special (Branzino, $32, for example).
Starters range from Tuna Crudo ($21) and Meatballs alla Vodka ($15) to Crispy Artichoke Salad ($15) and Seasonal Panzella ($14).
Pasta is made in-house and dished up in four varieties: Spaghetti Pomodoro ($20, add meatballs for $8), Mafaldine Cacio e Pepe ($24), Rigatonia alla Vodka ($21) and Chitarra al Limone ($21, add shrimp for $13).
There are five sandwich choices, all made on airy sourdough focaccia. A few highlights include the Sidequest ($18, serrano ham, stracciatella cheese, pistachio pesto), Italian Beef ($18, top round roast, house giardiniera, sport peppers, au jus) and Spanish Toastie ($17, serrano ham, truffle cheese).
Feeling like dessert? Tiramisu ($11) and Chocolate Budino ($11) are options.
Sidequest sells dozens of wines by the glass and bottle, along with a handful of “low-ABV” cocktails. There’s also beer ($6 draft, $5-$8 bottles).
Sidequest just opened, so feedback is limited to three five-star Google reviews — two that clearly know precisely who they’re dealing with.
“Another great job executing by the team,” wrote one.
Added another: “We love this family of restaurants, so of course Sidequest did not disappoint!”
David Rex, managing partner of Wylder Hospitality Group, did not immediately respond to an interview request. But diners should expect business to heat up this spring.
In early January, Rex told the Statesman that he had warm-weather plans for Sidequest’s outdoor area.
“The real draw to that restaurant,” he said, “is the patio’s really cool.”