RESTAURANTS MONTEREY CAFÉ PIZZA Maybe it’s the brightly colored island theme, but there’s something about Monterey that beckons us to come in, sit all day, drink beer, eat pizza and sing karaoke. It’s a breezy, friendly place that’s open for lunch, dinner and late-night snacking, and you can sing karaoke there any night of the week. Choose from a massive menu of pizzas, like the savory Beach Comber, with creamy garlic sauce, ham, bacon and pineapple. Also watch out for Monterey’s amazing specials, like half-off pizza day. 9 N. Washington St., Spokane • 868-0284 • facebook.com/montereycafe.spokane • $
The Rypien Foundation 8th Annual Winemakers’ Dinner
MOON TIME PUB Moon Time isn’t located in the heart of Coeur d’Alene’s bustling Sherman Ave. And that’s part of its charm. This is where in-the-know locals come for a relaxed English-style pub experience replete with a deep beer, cider and wine menu and exceptional pub grub like the Mediterranean Lamb Burger ($10.50) or the Mango Fish Cakes ($12.95). 1602 Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho • 208667-2331 • wedonthaveone.com • $$ YOUNG KWAK PHOTO
Celebrating the Cellars Winemaker’s dinners educate about wine, showcase chefs, even support worthy causes
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tart your year of wine appreciation in February and benefit Cancer Care Northwest with MOSTLY MERLOT (cancerpatientcareg.org), a gourmet affair at the Spokane Club. Continue an 18-year tradition by bidding on the opportunity to be part of next year’s wine selection committee. In March, the RYPIEN FOUNDATION (markrypienfoundation. org, 747-2424) and Manito Golf and Country Club connect to raise funds and awareness of childhood cancer. Typically two Walla Walla wineries are featured, paired with chef Jim Wolters’ five-course meal. In 2013, more than 180 guests at $275 per couple raised a record $160,000, all earmarked for Foundation programs. In April, COMMUNITY COLLEGES OF SPOKANE (501 N. Riverpoint Blvd., ccs.spokane.edu/foundation) transforms Spokane Community College’s student union building into “An Evening in the Vineyard.” For $125, SCC Inland Northwest Culinary Academy student chefs join their instructors to provide a standout four-course meal. LINCOLN CENTER (1316 N. Lincoln St., thelincolncenterspokane. com) welcomes wineries to their Monroe Ballroom every quarter. Sponsored by their Connoisseur’s Club, enjoy chef Bradley Emery’s cuisine coupled with wine from a range of regions and varietals for just $55. Year-round, look for winemaker’s dinners at your favorite restaurants including SANTÉ RESTAURANT & CHARCUTERIE (404 W. Main St., santespokane.com) and MASSELOW’S (110 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights, northernquest.com). In Coeur d’Alene, remember THE CELLAR (317 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene, thecellarcda.com), SEASONS (209 Lakeside Ave., seasonsofcda.com) and BISTRO ON SPRUCE (1710 N. 4th St., Coeur d’Alene, bistroonspruce.com). — CARRIE SCOZZARO
MORNING SUN BAKERY & BEAN BAKERY Inside the cozy Morning Sun Bakery & Bean, you are greeted by a collection of baked goods — muffins, tarts, croissants, cookies, coffee cakes, Danishes and cinnamon rolls in three types: cream cheese, caramel pecan and glaze. The chocolate croissants are cake-like and get more than just the drizzle treatment; they’re chocolate-infused. And of course there’s the bean portion: They have espresso, drip coffee and pour-over, all brewed from Roast House coffee, Spokane’s organic fair trade roasting company. 5602 N. Wall St., Spokane • 241-3871 $ THE MUSTARD SEED ASIAN You can still get your favorite dishes like the Shrimp Osaka and Bong Bong Chicken, but after more than 20 years in business, The Mustard Seed isn’t resting on its laurels. This year they added quite a few new pan-Asian dishes to their menu, including the Ahi Tuna appetizer ($10.95), Chicken Teriyaki and Green Beans ($12.95) and Pad Thai Noodles with shrimp or chicken ($12.95/$10.95). Make a reservation during Spokane Restaurant Week in February, when we’re guessing their chefs will be trying out even more new dishes. NorthTown Mall, 4750 N. Division St., Spokane • 483-1500 • mustardseedweb. com • $$ NEATO BURRITO MEXICAN Not to stereotype places or anything, but Spokane’s hip folk know that Neato Burrito, tucked off First Avenue across from The Davenport, is where it’s at, and by that we mean more than just seriously amazing burritos. “The food is fresh, hot, local, healthy, cheap and
yummy,” says Inlander reader Kate Robbins, who works as a GED instructor. “So are the staff and ambiance,” Robbins adds. She also loves Neato for the variety of cool culture-y things happening there, from local art on the walls to poetry slams, pub science nights and regular live music. 827 W. First Ave., Spokane • 847-1234 $ NECTAR RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR ECLECTIC The twinkling glow of candles on tables with fresh flowers gives Nectar an almost ethereal atmosphere. The food, however, is what truly makes this a delightful spot. The ever-changing menu features gourmet items made using local ingredients, allowing you to treat yourself without breaking the bank. 105 W. Sixth St., Moscow, Idaho • 208-882-5914 • moscownectar.com • $$ NEXT DOOR ESPRESSO SANDWICHES Just like a next door neighbor, Next Door Espresso knows your style and your routine. Located next to the Spokesman Review and the Federal Courthouse, this little gem is a central location for a lunch out of the office. Grab an herbal tea, a fresh sandwich, or a warm cup of soup and sit down in this simple coffeehouse. 903 W. Riverside Ave., Spokane • 455-7175 • nextdoorespresso.com • $ NO-LI BREWHOUSE PUB GRUB No-Li’s beer tends to get all the attention, winning a slew of awards the past year, but its big, solid selection of pub grup deserves some props, too. Planked baked brie smothered in balsamic vinegar glaze. Black bean nachos. Located within walking distance of Gonzaga’s campus, No-Li’s patio on the banks of the Spokane River is one of the best patios around. 1003 E. Trent Ave., Spokane • 242-2739 • nolibrewhouse.com •$ OLD EUROPEAN BREAKFAST This breakfast and lunch house takes pride in their made-from-scratch goods. Whether you like your morning meal French, Scandinavian or German, Old European has you covered. Think Swedish crepes, Dutch babies and German pancakes. The orange juice is always fresh squeezed. And while breakfast is served all day, Old European has a nice, big lunch menu. 7640 N. Division St., Spokane • 467-5987 | 1710 E. Schneidmiller Ave., Post Falls, Idaho • 208-777-2017 | 455 S. Grand Ave., Pullman • 334-6381 oldeuropeanrestaurant.com • $ ONE LOVE GAS STATION FINGER FOOD Finger food is taking on a new meaning in North Spokane with Ethiopian restaurant One Love, tucked in the corner of the Conoco on the Newport Highway. Owned and operated by mother and son Mentwav Hailu and Bruk Tafere, natives of Ethiopia, the restaurant is very traditional — there are no utensils, but there is a customary hand-washing ceremony. A signature dish is yebere siga
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