About – Saltbrush

About Us

Saltbrush was born out of a passion for food, wine and gathering friends together. Partners Neil Grant and Erik Johnson met at a local wine event in Boise in 2020 and immediately discovered their shared background in the restaurant industry. Neil owned and managed three restaurants in his native South Africa while Erik, who grew up in Boise, spread his wings as an executive chef in the California wine country. What started as a friendship grew into developing a shared vision of creating a space that has a warm, accessible ambiance with world class cuisine and wine. Saltbrush was created to provide Boise with elevated dining uniquely combined with a warm inviting feel.

We are commited

Neil Grant

Owner

Erik Johnson

Executive Chef & Partner

George Dufresne

Chef de Cuisine

Sarah Wareham

General Manager & Chief Bottom Line Enforcer

Liz Batkin

General Manager & Keeper of the Wine Cellar

Liz Batkin - Boss Lady

I am motivated by uncomfortably long hikes, travel with my sweet husband Steve, and great food. I love to write, cook, garden, make art; anything that involves working with my hands and some creative juice. My last meal would be enchiladas with New Mexican red chile. My favorite wines to get guests excited about, are the stunning Tuscan wines made by Giovanna Morganti at Le Boncie.

Sarah Wareham - Boss Lady

I love exploring near and far with my husband or just hanging out at home with my furry friends, Clara and Leo! I enjoy snow sports, hiking in the foothills, reading about food and wine, and cooking healthy, delicious food. My idea of the ultimate dining experience is eating fresh seafood, grilled vegetables and prosciutto on the Amalfi Coast while sipping on a crisp Ravello Bianco.

George Dufresne - Chef de Cuisine

I am all about experiencing the most out of life with my lovely wife and children. Traveling and any exploration of cultures, places, and history interest us. We hike, bike, garden, dance, see live music, fish, and cook together. My last meal would be my grandmother’s Lengua en salsa Roja and my favorite wine is a simple crisp Albariño.

Erik Johnson - Executive Chef & Partner

I enjoy traveling and exploring other cultures and landscapes with my family. We are a musical family, and you never know when the guitars will come out and we get to work on our harmonies together. We love when it turns into a jam session with friends and family.

I love cooking for friends and family even on my days off and having conversations over food and wine never gets old. It’s the main reason that I love restaurants. A summer afternoon spent in my mom’s garden and cooking something familiar yet creative is an ideal day.

My last meal would be a cold seafood platter with freshly shucked oysters. My desert island wine would be an amazing Kabinett Reisling from the Mosel.

Neil Grant / Owner

I love to have a good time, hospitality and having fun is what makes me tick. Never sweat the big things, life is too short. I love to travel and experience new places, food and people. I will travel around the world to watch Rugby. My last meal would have been anything my grandmother cooked! Desert island wine is anything as long as it’s served at the right temperature!