Because we just don't have the room for all of us to talk about all of the food we've partaken, we decided to pick our top two — and tell you why we think you should pick them, too.

Jeanne Huff, editor: The Ruben at Das Alpenhaus and Niçoise Salad at Wild Root

No. 1: The Ruben

Ribbon-like layers of pan-seared, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef piled inches high on toasted German rye topped with a skirt of homemade sauerkraut and a just-right slathering of mustard and mayo — now that's what I call a sandwich. Just one bite and my eyes rolled heavenward in gastronomic ecstasy. If you've been looking for that perfect Ruben, look no more, Das Alpenhaus has your number. One caveat: don't go in your Sunday best; with so much on the inside, you just might dribble some on your outside. My sandwich was a glorious mess before it was all over — and worth every drip.

No. 2: Niçoise Salad

I have loved Salade Niçoise even before I ever put a forkful to mouth. I mean, it's so French! Whenever I find it on a menu, I have to order it. I remember the first time it was at Mathieu Choux's Le Café de Paris in downtown Boise. When it closed, Choux moved to focus on his Gaston’s Bakery — and my Salade Niçoise days met a long dry spell. Thank you, Wild Root, for once again casting that spell with seared wild ahi tuna, baby french beans, pickled red onion, tomatoes, hard boiled egg, olives and mixed green, dressed in a golden balsamic vinaigrette. One of my favorite things about this salad is it comes deconstructed — that is, all parts are separated into their own places on the dish so you can take a bit of this with a bite of that and create your own gustatory map.

Emily White, reporter: The Forager at Wild Rood and the Schnitzel sandwich at Das Alpenhaus

No. 1: The Forager

When I stepped past the construction and into Wild Root, my skeptical eyes were not expecting much. After briefly scanning the menu, I elected for yet another sandwich. Honestly, there was not a lot of thought going into my process, especially since there were no pictures of "The Forager." 

Not only was I impressed, but I was … well … the only expression I can think to use is that this sandwich blew me away. Not only was it deliciously packed with every good veggie available on this earth, it was beautifully light — something hard to accomplish when parmesan cheese is involved. To be specific, the sandwich's ingredients were: mushrooms, pickled zucchini, bell peppers, onion, kale, and parmesan on a locally-made demi baguette. 

Delicious is an understatement. This sandwich is probably one of the best I have ever had the pleasure of devouring, and it is by far the best veggie sandwich I've ever digested.  

No. 2: The Schnitzel sandwich

Jeanne really wanted to order the Schnitzel sandwich — she'd had it before — but stepped down from her desired order when no one from Boise Weekly was craving the Ruben sandwich (see her review). Naturally, I volunteered as tribute immediately. If the Schnitzel was Jeanne's favorite, that was reason enough for me to try it. And I must say, it was not disappointing. 

If you've ever been to Disneyland and ordered the Not So Little Chicken Sandwich at Avengers Campus, you'll be prepared for this sandwich. The fried pork loin was humongous, tender and surprisingly light. Served on a pretzel bun with lettuce, tomato, cucumber and red onion, the sandwich is doused with mustard and I'm not complaining. All around the table, mustard was the hero of the day. (Although I will say, there was one bite of my sandwich that only tasted like mustard and while it was good, I wanted to be experiencing all the flavors all the time, not just mustard.) I also liked the crispy lettuce in my sandwich, and could've had more even. It balanced out the mustard and pork loin combination, making the sandwich feel more light. However, the sandwich was so good that I refused to only eat half of it. I left the deli feeling very full.  

My biggest critique is likely an uncommon one, but it must be said: my upper palate took a bit of a beating from the extra-crunchy coating. I only have one question: where was my tongue? Because it should have been covering for me.

Kate Noden, intern/reporter: Bratwurst on Brotchen at Das Alpenhaus and BBQ Pork Sandwich from Don & Charly’s

No. 1: Bratwurst on Brotchen

If the cuckoo clocks and the strains of German tunes weren’t enough to get you through the door at Das Alpenhaus — the bratwurst sure is. After scouring the handwritten chalkboard menu, which typically is an unmistakable sign you’re about to get a delicious handmade meal, I easily honed in on the bratwurst. This bratwurst was nestled in a warm brotchen, which is a baked bread roll and topped with mustard.

As we waited for our freshly made lunch, we explored the store’s intriguing offerings. The aisles were filled with German goodies of pickled white asparagus, herring filets, curry ketchup, tubed mayonnaise, and quite the impressive selection in their “Beir and Wein" area. It was the perfect atmosphere to transport you away from Boise and into a little glimpse of Germany.

As soon as I took one bite, I was already letting the table know I won the best meal for this lunch bunch. Don’t let the smaller presentation fool you, this bratwurst delivered a powerhouse of flavor and satisfaction. Each bite of the juicy, savory grilled sausage paired perfectly with the airy texture of the roll. And let’s talk about the mustard on top — it was tastebud heaven. I am not usually one for mustard, but this condiment masterpiece had me hooked from the first bite. I devoured the entire meal without leaving a single trace — a true testament to its irresistible appeal. This bratwurst was truly a delight, or as the Germans would say, köstlich!

No. 2: BBQ Pork Sandwich

With its vibrant green wallpaper and expansive front windows — which are ideal for people-watching — Don & Charly’s seems like the perfect place to pop in during your busy day for a quick lunch. I looked at the menu for less than a second before knowing exactly what I was going for: The BBQ Pork sandwich. This sandwich has slow-roasted pork, which is marinated in their homemade barbecue sauce, and topped with purple cabbage slaw and homemade pickles. My mouth was watering before the sandwich could hit the table. The tender pork marinated in the homemade barbecue sauce was the perfect mix of hickory and sweet. And those housemade pickles? Oh. my. Word. These juicy pickles were cut into full-length slivers to ensure the taste of the flavor in each bite. I chose the cucumber flavor but you can also choose from jalapeno or pepperoncini to add some spice, or if you're in the mood to get crazy, you can add them all. I always appreciate a bit of crunch in my sandwich to add texture, and the slaw accomplished this perfectly while maintaining freshness. All this delectable delight is packed onto a freshly baked baguette perfectly crisped on the outside. Can’t forget, it comes with a bag of chips! If you find yourself at Don & Charlys, do yourself a favor and order the BBQ Pork sandwich — you won’t regret it.