the best seasonal ingredients on a menu that reimagines classic dishes and comfort food in creative ways at unexpected reasonable prices. Pay attention to what is on the fresh sheet and don’t miss the blackened Mahi Tacos (anytime) or the amazing Buttermilk Chicken (at dinner). Among the sandwiches, the Pepper Cristo is a fine choice. There is live music several nights a week in the massive bar and a banquet room that seats up to 65. Open daily from 11 am to 10 pm with seating in the bar until midnight. 209 Lakeside Avenue in Coeur d’Alene. (208) 664-8008. www.seasonsofcda.com $-$$$ Vintages @ 611. Vintages wine bar and restaurant offers eclectic American fare in a cozy, upscale atmosphere at the heart of Spokane’s South Hill. Choose an appetizer from the extensive selection (try the Toasted Hearts) and pair it with a glass of wine, or go straight for the Prime Rib or Succulent Scallops. Other choices include pasta dishes, seafood and salads. Outside patio dining coming soon. Late night menu on Friday and Saturdays until 12A.M. Open Tues-Thurs 11-10, Fri-Sat 11-12. 611 East 30th Avenue in Spokane. (509) 624-3203. Wild Sage. Tucked into a classic 1911 brick building on 2nd and Lincoln, Wild Sage offers an intimate dining setting and memorable food with real flair. The atmosphere combines class and warmth. Executive Chef Charlie Connor presents regionally influenced Northwest cuisine using only the finest locally sourced products. Try the Yukon Taquitos, the Crisp Bacon & Blue salad or the Cioppino. Be sure to finish with a slice of the “Soon to be Famous” Coconut Cream layer cake with lilikoi sauce. This award-winning bistro is known for it’s in-house bakery and an amazing array of gluten free options. Also make a point to order something from their “scratch bar”, either with or without alcohol. They use only fresh juices and house infused flavored liquors. Dinner seven nights a week, opening at 4 pm. 916 W Second Ave in Spokane. (509) 4567575. www.wildsagebistro.com. $$-$$$ The Wine Cellar. Reviewed April 2011. The door up on Coeur d’Alene’ main street to this intimate basement grotto is easy to miss, but don’t. This bistro, wine bar, and live music venue embodies generosity with hearty Italian and Mediterranean fare at incredibly reasonable prices, warm and welcoming staff, and a killer space that feels like a retreat from the time pressures of life outside. Don’t miss the amazing Mac and Cheese on the appetizer menu and factor in that every entrée comes with a salad and bread. 313 E Sherman Ave in Coeur d’ Alene. Mon to Thur 4:30 – 10 pm, Fri and Sat 4:30 to midnight. Closed Sun. (208) 6649463. www.coeurdalenewinecellar.com. $-$$.
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BREAKFAST AND LUNCH SPECIALTIES Apple Spice Junction. This deli is tucked in behind the Lewis and Clark gymnasium on Spokane’s near south side. Apple Spice offers both dining on site and a box lunch delivery service that specializes in sandwiches with homemade breads. Salads, soups, and baked treats are also on the menu. Try the turkey avocado sandwich or the mandarin chicken salad. You can also stop by Apple Spice for breakfast on your way downtown and find everything from pastries and fruit to gourmet eggs and seasoned potatoes. 10am-3pm M-F. 514 S Washington St. (509) 456-2162. www.applespice. com $ Big Red’s Chicago Style Cuisine. Reviewed June 2012. This food trailer serves up possibly the best cheesesteak in town along with a formidable Chicago Dog (with all the fixings), and an Italian Beef with a fiery relish made by owner and operator Curtis Bytnar. Feel like fries? Big Red’s offers you the choice of sweet potato or regular, and the regular can come topped with garlic, cheese, or both chili and cheese. Located in the parking lot of the St. Matthew’s Institutional Baptist Church at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Government Way west of downtown Spokane. Open Mon, 11 am – 3 pm; Tues – Sat, 11 am – 5 pm. Closed Sunday. (509) 991-2359. $
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509.324.2424 In The Flour Mill 621 W Mallon Spokane Spokane CDA • September • 2013
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