Local and Fresh: A Match Made in Heaven

In the heart of Boise, Idaho, there is a restaurant that has captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and out-of-town visitors alike. Fresh Off the Hook, a charming seafood eatery, stands as a testament to passion, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Purchased by Gary Andrew from David Bassiri in May 2021 during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, Fresh Off the Hook has a rich history dating back to its establishment by David in 1996.

For Gary, Fresh Off the Hook holds a special place in his heart. His initial encounter with the restaurant was as a customer, accompanying his mother-in-law after she had her hair done. The fact that this was her favorite restaurant spoke volumes about the quality of the food and the warmth of the atmosphere. It was during this visit that Gary had the fortuitous opportunity to meet David, who recognized his passion for the establishment and generously offered to sell it to him. Fresh Off the Hook became Gary’s first venture into the restaurant industry, a dream come true that he cherishes every day.

At the helm of this culinary gem is Ali Whipple-Dowling, the general manager, who has been an integral part of the restaurant for an impressive seven years. Her husband, Eric, works diligently as a skilled cook, ensuring that every dish served is a masterpiece of flavor and presentation. The dedication of Ali, Eric, and the entire team is apparent in every aspect of the dining experience at Fresh Off the Hook.

One of the standout qualities of Fresh Off the Hook is its remarkable staff, including long-time employees such as Amber, who has been serving customers with a warm smile for nine years, and Sean, a talented cook with eight years of experience. Their loyalty to the restaurant speaks volumes about the positive work environment fostered by the management and the sense of camaraderie that exists among the team. It is evident that Fresh Off the Hook is a place where employees thrive and take pride in their work, and this is reflected in the exceptional service they provide.

What truly sets Fresh Off the Hook apart from other establishments in the area is its unique approach to tip pooling. The restaurant believes in the power of collective responsibility, as all employees share the tips equally. This ensures that every staff member is invested in the dining experience of every customer, creating a welcoming and attentive atmosphere. Customers appreciate this inclusive model, knowing that their satisfaction is not dependent on a single server, but rather on the collaborative effort of the entire team.

Furthermore, Fresh Off the Hook’s reputation extends beyond the local community. Visitors from the bustling Bay Area and seafood-savvy Seattle flock to this restaurant, knowing that they will be treated to a culinary experience that rivals even the most renowned seafood joints in their own cities. The knowledge and expertise showcased in every dish at Fresh Off the Hook is a testament to the team’s commitment to sourcing the freshest ingredients and executing each recipe with precision. In an effort to continue to keep up with the growing customer demand, the team is currently working hard on a second location!  

Aside from its delectable seafood creations, Fresh Off the Hook is known for a delightful surprise that awaits customers at the end of their meal. The restaurant offers complimentary sherbet, a refreshing and palate-cleansing treat that leaves a lasting impression. This small gesture perfectly encapsulates the attention to detail and the desire to provide an exceptional dining experience that has become the hallmark of Fresh Off the Hook.

Fresh Off the Hook in Boise, ID, embodies the essence of a thriving local restaurant. With its passionate and dedicated team, commitment to collective responsibility through tip pooling, and a reputation that extends beyond its city limits, this seafood haven has rightfully earned its place in the hearts and palates of its customers. Whether you’re a local or a visitor from afar, Fresh Off the Hook promises to put a smile on your face.

When it comes to finding the ideal location for a lunch meeting, Coa De Jima, a Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of Boise’s Historic District, stands out as an exceptional choice. Beyond its reputation as an inspiring celebration of Latin heritage, land, and culture, Coa de Jima offers a lunch vibe that is unparalleled in its appeal. From the moment you step through its doors, you are enveloped in an ambiance that is both invigorating and relaxed, making it the perfect setting for productive and enjoyable business discussions.

One of the key factors that makes Coa de Jima an ideal lunch meeting destination is its innovative cuisine. The restaurant takes Mexican dining to new heights, presenting a fresh perspective that combines traditional flavors with modern twists. Whether you’re in the mood for tantalizing tacos, savory enchiladas, or refreshing ceviche, Coa de Jima offers a diverse menu that caters to a variety of tastes. Each dish is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every bite is a culinary delight. The lunch menu features a selection of lighter options, allowing for a satisfying meal that won’t leave you feeling weighed down during the rest of the day’s activities.

What sets Coa De Jima apart from others is the visionary culinary genius of Chef Enrique Martinez. With his extensive experience and creative prowess, Chef Enrique has designed a menu that showcases the true essence of Mexican cuisine while infusing it with his unique artistry. Having served as the Executive Chef for the Castoro family for 25 years, Chef Enrique’s expertise is unquestionable. His exceptional talent was further recognized when he held the prestigious position of Executive Chef at the renowned “Towers” restaurant in the five-star Surf & Sand Hotel in Laguna Beach, California.

In addition to its delectable cuisine, Coa de Jima boasts an impressive array of hand-crafted cocktails that are sure to impress both colleagues and clients alike. The skilled mixologists at Coa de Jima take pride in concocting unique and flavorful libations that perfectly complement the vibrant flavors of the food. From classic margaritas with a twist to innovative signature cocktails, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Sipping on a refreshing beverage while engaging in meaningful discussions adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the lunch meeting experience.

As if that wasn’t enough, Coa De Jima’s ambiance is carefully curated to create a full sensory experience. The walls of the restaurant are adorned with captivating artwork that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. The combination of Latin antiques, antiquities, and one-of-a-kind local art creations sets the stage for a stimulating and inspiring environment. The tastefully designed interior provides a balance between sophistication and comfort, making guests feel at ease while also fostering an atmosphere of professionalism.

Being located within Boise’s Historic Downtown District adds an extra touch of charm and character to your lunch meeting. The district is a vibrant hub that blends the old-world charm of beautifully preserved buildings with the modern energy of the city. After your meal, take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets, exploring the boutique shops and art galleries that surround Coa De Jima. The historic setting provides an inspiring backdrop that can spark creativity and foster meaningful conversations.

Coa De Jima is the epitome of the perfect lunch meeting destination. With its innovative cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, captivating ambiance, and impeccable service, it offers a lunch vibe that is both invigorating and conducive to productive discussions. The combination of Latin flair, a well-curated menu, and a charming location in Boise’s Historic District creates an atmosphere that is ideal to impress clients, engage in team-building discussions, or simply enjoy a delicious meal while networking. Whatever the occasion, Coa De Jima is guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable lunch meeting experience.

As the sun rises over the canyon and the city of Twin Falls, Idaho, the team at Advanced Dental Care are already busy, preparing for another day of creating smiles and changing lives. Advanced Dental Care, a family-run practice with over 45 years of unwavering dedication, has been recognized as the statewide winner for an impressive four consecutive years.

What began as a modest practice in 1976 has flourished into a thriving enterprise with 21 highly skilled team members. Over the past five years alone, Advanced Dental Care has experienced remarkable growth, expanding their team from a mere six members. However, their distinction lies not only in their size but in their unwavering commitment to innovation and the utilization of cutting-edge technology to provide exceptional care to their patients.

Dr. Rencher, one of the practice’s esteemed lead dentists, explains, “We utilize technology that allows patients to see and comprehend the potential outcome of their dental treatment before it is even undertaken. Medical diagnostics have progressed significantly in the past decade, and we believe dental care should be no different.” While many dentists struggle to keep pace with the rapid advancements in technology, Dr. Rencher and his team remain at the forefront, determined to offer the very best to their patients.

Their pursuit of excellence extends far beyond technological advancements. Dr. Rencher and his team actively seek out renowned mentors in their field, investing over 200 combined hours of personalized one-on-one training annually to ensure they deliver the highest standard of care.

 And the team takes a personalized approach to dentistry, ensuring that every patient receives a comprehensive diagnosis and is presented with an array of treatment options tailored to their specific needs.

However, Advanced Dental Care’s commitment to their community extends beyond providing top-notch dental care. They also help those in need. “We are always looking to give back to the community through donating dental treatment to veterans and the underserved people of the Magic Valley,” says Dr. Rencher. “We find great joy in giving and helping those in our community and fostering a better place to live.” Dr. Rencher and his wife, Jodie, are also proud to provide opportunities to their team members to be the very best in their field and to see them grow personally to become respected leaders.

The team’s dedication to patient health and comfort has not gone unnoticed. Advanced Dental Care’s achievements include being recognized as the statewide winner for four consecutive years and earning the title of the #1 Invisalign Dentist in Idaho last year. Yet, for the team, the true measure of success lies not in the trophies and accolades but in the countless lives they have transformed and the radiant smiles they have created. Their commitment to making a difference in the lives of their patients, their team members, and the wider community is their ultimate reward.

As the sun sets on another day at Advanced Dental Care in Twin Falls, Idaho, their passion for excellence continues to burn brightly. With their unwavering dedication to innovation, personalized care, and community service, they stand as an inspiring example for dental practices nationwide. Changing lives one smile at a time, the team at Advanced Dental Care will continue their tireless efforts to create a better and brighter future for all those they have the privilege to serve.

In September 2016, Rocky and Andrea McDowell embarked on a journey that would not only transform their own lives but also create a close-knit community of individuals striving for greatness. CrossFit AMROCK was born out of a simple need: a place for Rocky and Andrea to work out after their previous CrossFit facility closed its doors. Little did they know that their search for a new fitness home would lead them to build a family of like-minded individuals who shared their passion for personal growth.

Rocky and Andrea have always wanted to help others become the best version of themselves. CrossFit had a profound impact on their own lives, and they felt a responsibility to pay it forward. This desire to see people change their lives for the better fuels their dedication to the CrossFit AMROCK community. Witnessing someone transform their life brings them immeasurable joy and happiness.

What sets CrossFit AMROCK apart is not only their commitment to fitness but also the strong bond they share as a family. Rocky and Andrea affectionately refer to their members as the AMROCK family. It’s a fitting name because within the walls of their gym, individuals from all walks of life come together to support and uplift one another.

The AMROCK family is as diverse as it is inspiring. The coaching team at CrossFit AMROCK consists of retired military personnel, mothers, fathers, scientists, corporate managers, people of faith, and those embarking on their second careers. Despite their different backgrounds, each employee shares a common thread: a love for fitness and a genuine desire to help every member of the community achieve their personal goals.

Idaho is ingrained in the DNA of CrossFit AMROCK. The McDowells and their team wholeheartedly embrace everything this beautiful state has to offer. The great outdoors beckon to be explored, and the opportunities to use fitness as a tool for adventure are endless. However, what truly sets Idaho apart are its people. The residents of this state are known for their warmth, kindness, and strong sense of community. The AMROCK family is a testament to this, and they extend a heartfelt invitation to all fellow Idahoans to join in the fun.

At CrossFit AMROCK, age, shape, and size hold no limitations. Every workout is tailored to match your current abilities, ensuring that you feel supported and empowered on your fitness journey. The beauty of AMROCK lies in its inclusivity — you don’t need to be fit to start CrossFit. Here, they welcome everyone as individuals, recognizing that each person has their own unique strengths and challenges. The focus is not on comparisons but on personal growth and improvement.

The sense of camaraderie and encouragement that permeates CrossFit AMROCK is remarkable. Members cheer each other on during workouts, celebrate achievements together, and genuinely care about one another’s well-being. This support extends beyond the gym walls, as the AMROCK family revels in hearing about how everyone enjoys their lives outside of fitness.

In just a few short years, CrossFit AMROCK has blossomed into a vibrant, personable community that embodies the spirit of Idaho. It is a place where sweat, determination, and laughter intertwine, creating a bond that extends far beyond physical fitness. Rocky, Andrea, and their team have created something special: a family united by a common goal of self-improvement and a passion for life.

So, whether you’re a seasoned athlete or taking your first steps toward a healthier lifestyle, CrossFit AMROCK welcomes you with open arms. Step inside and be prepared to experience the transformative power of a supportive community that will guide you toward becoming the best version of yourself.

No other “best of” contest cares about getting it right as much as Idaho’s Best does, period. What sets Idaho’s Best apart is our relentless aim to find and recognize the very best companies and places that Idaho has to offer.
We’re able to find the best because we do it differently:
» No pay to play — participation is free.
» You choose the nominees; we don’t.
» Online reviews help determine the winners.

Gone are the days of the glorified popularity contest that allows companies to win with an endless supply of duplicate votes provided by employees. With Idaho’s Best, tricksters are unable to manipulate the results!

STEPPING UP OUR GAME

Did you know? To reduce errors, we have implemented the following:
#1: Text Message Registration
To reduce duplicates, our voting software utilizes text message verification. This security feature is a great boon to maintaining the integrity of your vote.
#2: BBB Partnership
Could a company truly be named the “best” if they’ve lost their accreditation with the Better Business Bureau? No, and neither should companies with negative BBB ratings.
Thanks to our local BBB office, which provided access to its expansive company data, we were able to filter out those that came up short.

HOW IT WORKS

There are three stages to Idaho’s Best, all of which may increase a contestant’s chances of winning:

Nominations
January 2 – January 13, 2023 — We launched by opening up the nominations to anyone living in the Idaho. Word spread quickly and in just 11 days we saw many more nominations than last year pour in from all over Idaho.
Voting
February 20 – March 8, 2023 — After determining the top nominees in each category, we opened up the voting round with our software.
Nominees didn’t mess around either. Many got the word out to their customers on social media. Some hung banners and window clings to attract the vote. In the end, we came away with the top three finalists in each category.
Reviews
March 9, 2022 to March 8, 2023 — In reality, the contest started before it even started! We counted the reviews and ratings for each finalist from the previous twelve calendar months.
Announcing the Winners
April 18 and 19, 2023 — Once all the data was in, we added the vote total to the review score for each finalist. This final score determined the winners.
Winners were announced at our awards ceremony in Boise. We had such a wonderful time, and really enjoyed getting the chance to meet so many of you. Thank you!

Congrats to all the Top 3 finalists and winners of this year’s awards. It’s quite the accomplishment and you should be proud of yourselves!

Ballots for the 2023 Idaho’s Best are in, and it looks to be a phenomenal success. The businesses and attractions that were up for voting in their respective categories were nominated by Idaho residents in January and February. Those that received enough nominations earned their spots on the ballot.

Tens of thousands of votes were cast to show support for businesses and attractions in our community. We were overwhelmed with the enthusiastic response and can’t wait to share the finalists of each category.

What Happens Now

We want the Idaho’s Best Awards to be as fair as possible, so our team is working hard to calculate the results and verify the findings. We use a scoring system that relies on a combination of votes and reviews from Google and Yelp.

Count Ballots

Who had the most votes? Other contests are prone to spamming, duplicate votes, or cheating. Idaho’s Best only counts unique votes for each category. We even use text message verification for each ballot. While technology makes counting easy, we still need to verify the results.

Check with the BBB

Idaho’s Best has partnered with the Better Business Bureau to certify our finalists. The top vote-getters must also not have a negative grade with the BBB in order to become a finalist (no rating is still okay). Their rating system utilizes a grading scale just like you used in school, going from an A+ down to an F, graded on 17 different factors. This rating represents a business’s overall trustworthiness and their good-faith efforts to address customer concerns.

Count Reviews

Idaho’s Best isn’t like most “Best of” contests, which simply count votes. We realize that the community has already been showing their support for the “best” by leaving reviews all year long, so we’re going to count every 5-star review published on Google and Yelp within the last 12 months.

Calculate Score

While votes and reviews signify great work in the last year, overall ratings on Google and Yelp tell us how nominees have done long term. The mean rating from these platforms will be used in conjunction with 5-star reviews and votes to determine the winners.

Number of Votes + Number of 5-star Reviews + Average Rating = Score

Announce Winners

Winners will be announced at the Idaho’s Best Awards Ceremony on April 18 + 19, 2023. Finalists will be invited to purchase tickets for the celebration. The banquet includes a red carpet entrance, photos, and other special prizes and opportunities.

Thank You

We’re grateful to everyone for the support and participation in this year’s Idaho’s Best awards. It’s been a lot of fun, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s contest!

Hello Idaho! We’re back for another year of recognizing the best businesses and places in our wonderful state.

Who Selected Our Nominees?

Ultimately our nominees were selected by Idaho residents. The determining factors were the nominations received in January and the candidates’ Google reviews throughout the previous year.

We were overwhelmed with the number of nominations we received this year, over 2,500 MORE nominations than we received in 2022!

Now, Idaho residents can show their support again by voting for their favorite candidates online. Voting is open from February 20 – March 8, 2023.

Hump Day Giveaway!

Back by popular demand is our Hump Day Giveaway where we hold a weekly voting contest and announce a new winner each Wednesday. For every new voter you refer after registering your own ballot, you’ll be entered into a weekly drawing for a nice prize.

The first prize up for grabs is from Code Red Towing. They’re giving away $250 to TopGolf and a $50 Uber gift card. We’ll have new prize every week, so keep the referrals coming!

And the Winner Is…

After voting closes on March 8, we’ll announce the finalists as soon as we have confirmed the results and checked each candidates BBB grade. (No grade is okay, but a bad one is not!) But that’s not where it ends.

In addition to votes, the winner of each category is also determined by their Google reviews from the previous 12 months. Combining the vote total with the review score will give us our winners. We’ll first announce the winners at the Idaho’s Best Awards Ceremony in Boise, currently scheduled for the evenings of April 18 + 19, 2023. Then, we’ll publish the results online and in our Idaho’s Best of 2023 Magazine.

For more details, the latest information can be found on our How It Works and FAQ pages.

Thanks for your support and participation!

If you’re on the ballot for Idaho’s Best of 2023, congratulations! As a nominee, you earned your spot by having a good mix of nominations and reviews. Out of tens of thousands of Idaho businesses that were nominated, we narrowed it down to 2,678 nominees that will move on to voting.

So what should you do now? You should claim your nomination.

You may ask, “Why do I need to claim my nomination if I’m already on the ballot?” That’s a fair question and it’s what brings us to the point of this blog.

Claiming Your Nomination Helps Idaho’s Best Verify Your Business Information

You would be shocked, SHOCKED I tell you, if you knew how much effort our team spends checking information to make sure we are as fair and accurate as possible. Besides having the business name and category right, we’re comparing information and addresses across Google, Facebook, Yelp, the BBB, and your websites for all locations in Idaho to make sure that all of your votes and reviews are credited correctly.

But we’re not asking for your pity (we did this to ourselves!), just for your help.

When you claim your nomination, you have the opportunity to help us get it right. You’re able to verify that your business name, location(s), and contact information are correct.

Claiming Your Nomination Establishes a Point of Contact

Some of our nominees are sole proprietors, forging their own path with the unique skills they possess. Others have an empire across Idaho, with dozens or even hundreds of employees in our state. Either way, all of you are important to our community and it would be great if Idaho’s Best knew who to give this award to on behalf of your business.

Idaho’s Best might be the most popular “Best of” awards in Idaho business (OK, it definitely is), and we think we’re pretty awesome, but we aren’t going to assume that you’re automatically going to know the pertinent info for our awards. Claiming your nomination helps us notify the right person when your business is nominated or becomes a finalist.

Claiming Your Nomination Helps Us…and You!

It’s true! Claiming your nomination for Idaho’s Best can make it better. High levels of engagement drive the adjustments we make year-to-year. We do the best we can to compare like with like to achieve a level playing field.

Categories with few nominations and even fewer claimed nominations get less attention. They may be absorbed by another category or disappear altogether.

Categories with a lot of competitors and claimed nominations are likely to get more attention. This doesn’t mean they’re scored differently, but that it’s more likely we’ll add categories that are more narrowly defined, giving every business in that group better odds and a fairer shake.

Claiming your nomination can even give you an edge when you need it. Ties in scoring aren’t frequent, but when they occur the nod goes to a company who claimed their nomination if their opponent did not. Claimed Nomination > Unclaimed Nomination

We Care About Your Privacy

You can see the complete Idaho’s Best privacy policy here. We want you to know that we won’t share any information you provide when you claim your nomination (or make nominations, or vote) with any other party or organization unless you request it. Our email notifications are strictly opt-in and are only used for communications regarding Idaho’s Best so we can let you know about important dates or events.

“What makes Idaho’s Best the BEST?”

Good question! The Idaho’s Best Awards aim to recognize the best businesses in each region of Idaho and the Gem State as a whole. Using a combination of 5-star reviews, online ratings, and votes, we recognize Idaho’s best businesses across nearly 300 categories. You can read more about how the awards work right here.

No one cares about getting it right more than Idaho’s Best does, period. We are relentless in our pursuit to find and recognize the best places, companies, and organizations in Idaho. We’re able to find the best (with your help) because we do it differently:

•          No pay to play — participation is free. While we couldn’t do it without our sponsors, they are still held to the same scoring standards as any business in Idaho’s Best.

•          You choose the nominees and do the voting, not us.

•          Online reviews help determine the winners.

The Idaho’s Best Awards take place in three stages — nominations, voting, and reputation scoring. We don’t only recognize the best overall, but also the best for each of four regions of Idaho.

Central Idaho – Twin Falls, Mountain Home, McCall, Ketchum, Jerome, Burley
Eastern Idaho – Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Driggs, American Falls
Panhandle – Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Moscow, Lewiston, Sandpoint
Treasure Valley – Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Emmett, Payette

Phase 1: Nominations

Anyone who lives in Idaho can nominate a business or organization for Idaho’s Best; you can even nominate yourself! Nominations take place online from January 2 – 13, 2023. Remember; the more nominations you get, the better. The top nominees in each region will progress to the voting round.

Phase 2: Voting

After the nominees have been determined and notified, it’s time to get out the vote. The voting period is February 20 – March 8, 2023. Any Idaho resident with a mobile phone can cast their vote for as many categories as they like, but only one vote for each category. Voting is done through our website and ballots are secured through SMS verification.

Every Wednesday during the voting period we’ll be giving away great prizes via our “Hump Day Giveaway”. Those who referred other voters via our voting application will be automatically entered to win; every referred voter is an additional entry.

Phase 3: Reputation

The top vote-getters for each category in their region will move on as finalists. We’ll announce this as soon as we can after tallying and confirming votes. Finalists are then scored for their online reputation. Specifically, we’ll capture the previous 12 calendar months of reviews leading up to March 8, 2023.

Announcing the Winners

Once all the data is in, we’ll announce the winners at our Idaho’s Best Awards Ceremony, which will occur over two nights on April 18 – 19, 2023 in the Boise area.

Now let’s kick this party off with some nominations!