Of Facebook and foodies and cast iron skillets ...

Finex cast iron cookware on display at Rush's Kitchen Supply in Idaho Falls.

If you’re the type of person who says, “$200 for a cast iron skillet? You’ve got to be kidding!” rest assured that you’re in good company.

Alex Constantino of Rush’s Kitchen Supply said he had the same thought when he was recently approached by a sales representative from Finex Cast Iron Cookware Co., a Portland, Ore., company that makes artisanal cast iron cookware. While he agreed to take on a few pieces to see how they do -- they are on display at the front of the 345 Lindsay Boulevard store -- he’s says he’s still wrapping his head around the idea that someone might spend four times as much money on a Finex skillet as they would on a Lodge skillet at C-A-L Ranch.

Of course, Rush's has its share of “gotta have” customers, who will spend top dollar on Le Creuset or All-Clad cookware. And cast iron is the latest foodie obsession. What brought me into the store for a look was a story in the New York Times that I saved on my iPhone, Fashioning Cast-Iron Pans for Today’s Cooks.

I suppose this is how commerce works in the 21st century: Knowing from my posts and clicks that I am interested in food and cooking, Facebook routinely puts New York Times food stories in front of me. I save the links. I suppose I am still old-fashioned in that I went to a brick-and-mortar store like Rush’s. I could have looked on Amazon.com or eBay. But I like to keep business local when I can. For his part, Alex seemed amazed that it was a New York Times story that got me in the door.

Did I buy a Finex skillet? No, not on the spot. But they are gorgeous. Each pan is handcrafted and takes about 12 hours to make. They come pre-seasoned, with care instructions. I mentioned it to my wife, because my birthday is less than three weeks away. Overall, the 10-inch skillet with lid appealed the most. The 12-inch skillet was so heavy that a person could develop a truly monstrous tennis forehand from using it.

"Destination Idaho" to have special screening in Idaho Falls June 13

The film is being shown all around the state this month.

There will be a special Idaho Falls screening Wednesday, July 13, of “Destination Idaho,” a 65-minute “hybrid” documentary by award-winning filmmaker Karen Day.

The screening at 7 p.m. at University Place is open to the public and free. Seating is first-come first-served.

The film was produced by Airstream Adventures Northwest, Idaho Historical Society, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and many tourism partners statewide. According to the press release, it is intended to be “a visual journey that will inform and inspire audiences to value and visit the great Gem State by presenting the best things people don’t know about Idaho.”

It includes personal interviews and historical footnotes, offering a family-friendly picture of the Gem State beyond stereotypes and lovely landscapes. North to south, east to west this film shows why Idaho and Idahoans are unique. The original soundtrack is even by Idaho musicians.

Production was financed by enrollment of State, Federal and private stakeholders, including Idaho State Historical Society, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Idaho’s National Parks, Boise CVB, Sun Valley Resort and Shore Lodge to name a few among 50 participating statewide entities.

Follow the event on Facebook here: Destination Idaho.

C-A-L Ranch to break ground on new flagship store on Hitt Road

C-A-L Ranch Store, a company whose history has been part of the Idaho Falls community for more than 50 years, has plans to break ground Monday at 10 a.m. on a new flagship store on Hitt Road just north of Wal-Mart.

The company was founded in 1959 by Clinton Murphy and his sons Allen and L. Wayne Murphy. After searching across Montana for a place to start their farm and ranch retail business, they decided to turn south and try their luck in Texas. On their way, however, they stopped in Idaho Falls and decided it would be an ideal base of operations.

After one year, the company outgrew its 1,800-square-foot building on the corner of Curtis Avenue and West 18th Street, relocating to a building in front the stockyards on Yellowstone Highway. In that same time, the company spread to 26 stores across Idaho, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. In 1972 it moved to its current location on Anderson Street, where it has sold hundreds of products ranging from ranch and farm supplies to home décor and western apparel.

Although the Murphy family eventually sold the company to longtime Idaho Falls resident and C-A-L Ranch employee Jerry Ward, they have continued to take part in C-A- L Ranch. Allen Murphy’s son, Shane Murphy, facilitated the new location’s sale through his real estate business, Venture One Properties.

The new store, to be built by Tom Stuart Construction, will serve as C-A- L Ranch’s flagship store, more than doubling the current location’s size. It will feature 70,000 square feet of retail space. In addition to the new retail facility, C-A- L Ranch plans to construct a 30,000-square-foot corporate headquarters building on Curlew Drive behind the new store. The office is to be built by Guardian Homes.

Idaho Falls' SnakeBite named Idaho's "Most Iconic" restaurant

When I read that an Idaho Falls had been named "Most Iconic" by PureWow.com, my first guess was it had to be Scotty's because of its flying saucers. But no, it turns out it was downtown's SnakeBite. The writeup is pretty barebones, and there is no mention of the fish tacos, but to be ranked alongside In-N-Out (California), Katz's Delicatessen (New York) and Dogfish Head (Delaware) has got to be good for business, right? Congratulations to Todd and Gina Thoulion and their crew.

The Most Iconic Restaurant in Every Single U.S. State: Dinner with a side of history

Hospice of Eastern Idaho home ready to celebrate first anniversary

Hospice of Eastern Idaho, the area’s only non-profit hospice, will mark this summer the first anniversary of its in-patient hospice home opening in Ammon, at 1087 Curlew.

The home has enhanced end-of-life life care in southeast Idaho by making available a comfortable homelike atmosphere for up to 6 patients at a time. This option is available to hospice patients in need of short-term pain and symptom management, and to patients whose caregiving needs can not be adequately managed in their homes. Admissions may also be provided for family caregivers in need of short-term respite relief.

Many patients typically return to their places of residence after symptoms are under control, while others will experience their final days receiving palliative comfort care in this homelike setting.

There are 67 patients currently being served in their homes by Hospice of Eastern Idaho is 67. Referrals typically come from area hospitals, doctors and individuals familiar with the program. Consultation visits to are free of charge.

Financial support for this project is in progress. Individuals or businesses wanting to make a tax deductible contribution or memorial donation to the Hospice Home may do so online at hospiceofeasternidaho.com, or by mailing a check to Hospice of Eastern Idaho, Inc. 1810 Moran St. Idaho Falls, ID 83401.

For further information please contact Celeste Eld, executive director, or Lisa Long, community outreach, at 529-0342.