FOOD | SAMPLER
ITALIAN LUIGI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 245 W. Main Ave. | 624-5226 The sauces, dressings and minestrone here are made from scratch daily, with traditional Italian favorites like fettuccine Alfredo and heart-healthy primavera filling the menu. Sure, Luigi’s is a classic Italian eatery, but it’s also known to think outside of the box, especially with its salmon lasagna. The meatball sandwich with salad makes a great lunch or even a dinner. In the bar, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the era when Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe defined the word “class.” MAMMA MIA’S 420 W. Francis Ave. | 467-7786 It’s all home-style southern Italian at this north-side dining room, with sauces, pastas and breads made from old-time family recipes. The menu has plenty of munchable appetizers to keep families happy, alongside traditional pastas, pizzas and meat entrées (we love the garlic chicken). Mix and match any of their pastas and sauces for a new combination each time. They offer a few cheap, hearty lunch options, too: Italian sub sandwiches, pizzas and calzones. ITALIAN KITCHEN 113 N. Bernard St. | 363-1210 Terra-cotta floor tiles, etched glass, heavy draperies, dark wood and kitschy Italiana set the mood for traditional Italian-American favorites. For lunch, the meatball sandwich is delightful. For dinner, check out the restaurant’s two tasty kinds of gnocchi, incredible lasagna and delicious ravioli, plus steaks, chicken and seafood. If you’re feeling adventurous, try building your own pasta. Desserts are few but mighty, including burnt creme and classic tiramisu. And don’t forget the dark, high-ceilinged, old-wood bar next door.
ARLO’S RISTORANTE 330 N. 1st Ave. | Sandpoint 208-255-4186 Sandpoint, Idaho, seems like the last place you’d find world-class Italian cuisine. But thanks to the people at Arlo’s, that’s not the case. Next time you’re heading out to our neighboring state, you need to taste this eatery’s food and find out why so many locals love it. The restaurant has recently added a gluten-free menu, while maintaining its favorites such as flatbread pizzas and a mussel dish. FERRARO’S FAMILY ITALIAN 11204 E. Sprague Ave. | 928-2303 Authentic Italian family recipes from owner and chef Pat Ferraro, who originally hails from Casole Bruzio, Italy, make dinner at Ferraro’s like a quick gastronomical trip to Europe. Mildly spicy broth chock-full of peas, celery, tomato, green beans, kidney beans and tiny pasta team up to make Ferraro’s delicious minestrone, and the signature dish, spicy Chicken al Diavolo with peppers and spices, will make your mouth water and your tongue tingle. TITO’S ITALIAN GRILL AND WINE SHOP 210 E. Sherman Ave. | Coeur d’Alene 208-667-2782 Tito Macaroni’s is all grown up. Dropping the “Macaroni” from its name, it has become Tito’s Italian Grill and Wine Shop. Gone are the white, butcher-paper table coverings, crayons and the self-serve bottle of wine reminiscent of Tomato Street. Now, Tito’s is creating a fine dining experience with a casual atmosphere. In their place are real tablecloths, candles and a wine shop with 125 labels. The new everyday menu features plenty of small plates, salads, brick-oven pizzas and a smattering of entrees that allow for varied appetites.
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THE EAGLE HAS LANDED AT WASHINGTON TRUST BANK Get your official EWU Alumni Association Credit and Debit Card — only at Washington Trust Bank. Visit watrust.com/ewuaa for more information.
JULY 18, 2013 INLANDER 35