Cheers to my OFFICIAL first blogger event. Kinda cool to be invited to experience a local event because I’m considered a blogger. Hey, it’s the small joys in life I live for.
Last week I was invited to a special blogger event at Rumbi Island Grill in Boise. I’ve never heard of Rumbi Island Grill, but it reminds me of a tropical-themed restaurant I frequented in Florida (Pollo Tropical for all my east coast readers).
After somewhat getting lost looking for Rumbi (it’s uniquely situated on Fairview Blvd, where you have to turn into a strip mall, it was easy to find once I got into the complex. Through the large windows facing the parking lot, I can see Rumbi Island Grill takes its island theme to a new level. I also saw leis, bright colors, and lots of children running around.
I walked in and greeted with smiles. Karly (the marketing coordinator who invited me) gave me a white lei after I told her I was the blogger behind Boise Bucket List. She walked me over to the display table which showed all the yummy meals I’ll be tasting.
I can’t eat all of this! I thought. At least they have to-go boxes.
After putting my coat down on a chair, I do what any blogger does: people-watch and take in my surroundings. I believe most of the bloggers present were “mommy-bloggers” or family-centric bloggers. The tables were properly equipped with child-friendly activities (crayons, coloring — you know, the standard) and covered with the tablecloths you can easy color on. I also noticed the bright decor around Rumbi; it definitely gave me that tropical vibe & made me forget I was in dreary Boise, ID.
After snapping some photos, an outgoing woman stopped by to say hello. Heidi, who happens to follow my IG page and the woman behind my invite, introduced herself and personally welcomed me to this event. She told me food will be coming out soon, and for me to enjoy!
After the Little Kahunas were fed (which, by the way Rumbi has a good selection for kids meals), the Big Kahunas were served.
O-M-G: that looks tooooo good! (when the Sweet Pork Salad was being served).
Once I got my food, I immediately snapped a photo to capture its presentation. Soon thereafter I grabbed my fork and dove right in!
Let me just say, I’m not particularly in the mood for chilled salad if it’s cold outside. But this salad? OMG it was amazing. The jalapeno dressing (something I’ve never had before) gave it that extra kick and bold flavor. The sweet pork (sorry vegans!) mixed with layers of crispy greens, rice cooked in coconut milk, black beans & corn all topped with shredded tortilla shavings trumped similar salads I’ve had in the past.
After slowly chipping away at my salad (slowly because I wanted to enjoy EVERY bite), the staff brought out the Sweet Pork Tacos.
Now, I sure love food but damn — I can’t be stuffing my eyes before my belly. I’m on this health conscious focus now. So, I did the 2nd best thing which was immediately put it in a to-go box.
Fun Fact: the to-go box is made from 100% biodegradable materials. The olive green colored bottom of the box caught my eye, prompting me to ask Karly if the box was made from some special material.
After letting my food digest, I decided to head home. Prior to leaving, Karly gave me the cutest party favor bag: filled with temporary stickers, erasers, brownies, and 2 additional coupons. Talk about WINNING!
Definitely add this place to your foodie #boisebucketlist.
#aloharumbi2017
Boise Bucket List 