I was looking forward to dinner at Chandlers not only because they have a reputation for exceptional food, but also because I had been hearing about the legendary 10 Minute Martini they serve. Curious, several of us ordered them and waited dutifully. At the end of the evening, bartender Pat Carden joined us table side and told us the history of the drink. We feasted on true Idaho fare: Ruby Trout a la “Gravlax” as the starter, pan-roasted Snake River Sturgeon with a jade rice risotto, Lava Lake Lamb Loin with a polenta soufflé, American Kobe Beef with roasted garlic potatoes and baby carrots all topped off with a lemon curd tartlet with huckleberry sauce. Chandlers feels like it’s been around forever. The atmosphere is cozy and their wine list impeccable. Each course was paired with a different Idaho wine: 3 Horse Ranch Reserve Rosé with the trout, Cinder “Dry” Viognier with the sturgeon, Vale Wine Company Syrah with the lamb, Koenig Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah blend with the beef and Ste. Chapelle’s late harvest Riesling with the tartlet. I have gotten more than my share of raised eyebrows when I mention Idaho wine, but each wine paired beautifully with the dish it accompanied and I was duly impressed. The 10 Minute Martini? Smooth as silk. I’ll let bartender Pat tell you the story of how it came to be.
