Northwest Sizzle Spring/Summer 2017

ALL COVERS: SP - TrINITY AT CITY BEACh CDA - the porch SPOKANE the elk public house townshend cellar max at mirabeau downriver grill PLANTE Family Farm AREa 51 taphouse at the onion UNDERCOVER MASSELOW’S STEAK HOUSE MOTHER RED LION Summer at the link Hotel RL Spokane at the Park

Local Eats, Entertainment and Lifestyle Magazine

SPRING/SUMMER 2017

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NORTHWESTsizzle.com

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INSIDE FRONT COVERS ARE IN SEPERATE “INSIDE FRONT COVERS” FILE SP - ASPIRE DENTAL CDA - PILGRIMS SPOKANE - SPENCER’S

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NORTHWEST Sizzle

Modern Northwest Cuisine • Hospitality Focused • Multipel Venues • Award Winning Chef • Offsite Catering

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Pillars of Architerra Homes

Neighborhoods

We aspire to create neighborhoods of enduring value where people want to live. Neighborhoods that focus on how people live, rich with features and amenities that add value to our homeowners as well as the surrounding community.

Features include parks, play areas, open green spaces, schools, trails and walking paths.

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Innovation

We seek out and embrace innovation. Examples of innovation include technology, house design, land development and new products that will ultimately result in an enhanced customer experience.

Quality

We strive to ensure quality is infused throughout everything we do. We define this as quality of materials, quality of workmanship, quality of the homebuyer experience and quality of service. We don’t just say quality, we live it.

Ethics

We promise to always act in an ethical manner, whether we are dealing with our customers, subcontractors, fellow employees, or community members. We always ask the question, “What is the right thing to do?” and then do it!

Architerra Homes, NORTHWEST Sizzle LLC | 1859 N. Lakewood Drive, Suite 200 | Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 | www.myarchiterra.com

I can help you find your dream.

Experience. Top Selling Agent in Kootenai County for 29 consecutive years.

John Beutler Cell 208.661.2989 C21JohnB@aol.com

NWSelectRealEstate.com 1836 Northwest Blvd.

Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

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FEATURES RECENT OPENINGS Don’t be afraid to try something new and enjoy the immense variety our region has to offer.

PLANTE FAMILY FARM Local family serving the community fresh, wholesome foods.

SUSTAINABLE INVESTING Seeking to invest in companies that are making a difference in the world.

SUMMER AT THE LINKS Running across moose, elk and deer is not uncommon while golfing in the Northwest.

WINE TIME A toast to Northwest wines and local wineries.

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Spring/Summer 2017

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UNDERCOVER MOTHER When the desire to eat out conflicts with your basic mommy instincts, and how one mother handled it.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT What’s cool, fun and coming to the Northwest this summer.

A TASTE WORTH THE TRIP No matter what time of year, there is always plenty to explore in the Inland Northwest.

138 143 156

208.265.2000 41SouthSandpoint.com

Delicious Food & Fun Cocktails Boat Up / Take-Out (seasonal hours)

41 LAKESHORE DR. SAGLE, IDAHO NEXT TO THE LODGE AT SANDPOINT

at

sushi bar

208.265.2001 ShogaSushi.com northwestsizzle.com

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EDITOR’s NOTE NORTHWEST SIZZLE

READERS’ CHOICE WINNER

VOTE

FOR YOUR FAVES

TODAY Visit NorthwestSizzle.com

and vote for your favorite restaurants!

What’s sizzlin’ in your neck of the woods?

Local Eats, Entertainment and Lifestyle Magazine

THE COLD, WET, SNOWY WINTER is behind us, and the sights, sounds and smells of the spring and summer months are upon us—as well as the warmth, sunshine and blue skies.

It’s the perfect time to get outdoors and explore all our area has to offer when it comes to incredible dining and wining destinations, shopping, entertainment and outdoor activities.

From North Idaho to Spokane, Washington, there is an abundance of things to do and places to see, and here at Northwest Sizzle, we want to share with you all that is great in our local communities; give you a taste of our way of life.

In this, our Spring/Summer issue of Northwest Sizzle, we have compiled all that’s great in the Inland Northwest—from Sandpoint to Spokane—and have beautifully displayed it all in one attractive publication. Now it is easier than ever to find not only area restaurants, wineries and specialty shops, but premier businesses and entertainment, as well as the plethora of activities that are at our disposal. It’s time to get exploring, and all you need is right at your fingertips in the pages of Northwest Sizzle.

The mountains, trees, lakes and rivers welcome both locals and visitors alike. For those of us who live in these parts and who call this home, we are truly blessed by the splendor and serenity that surrounds us each and every day. This is truly Northwest living, and we are grateful. And this is the time so many look forward to—especially after this past winter we experienced for five long months! It’s a breath of fresh air. Hiking, camping, boating, swimming, summertime sports, marathons and triathlons, outdoor festivals, summer concerts, fairs, amusement and water parks … they’re all right here! Be sure to check out this issue’s calendar of events, featuring some of the biggest and best annual area happenings that await you.

There is a deep appreciation for this place we are proud and honored to call home. Our lifestyle is reflected in everything from our food and hospitality, to our businesses and local philanthropies. We strive to make our home unique and welcoming, and we hope that you find our generosity here warm and inviting. Stay a while, explore, enjoy … you won’t be disappointed.

“When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.” - Tecumseh

Jillian Chandler | jillian@livinglocal360.com

Visit NorthwestSizzle.com and sign up for our eNewsletter!

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Local Eats, Entertainment and Lifestyle Magazine

northwestsizzle.com MARKETING

Director of Marketing | Janine Ramsey 208.292.9212 | janine@livinglocal360.com Idaho Sales & Marketing Director Jessica Kimble jessica@livinglocal360.com

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor | Jillian Chandler Staff Writer / Editor | Patty Hutchens patty@livinglocal360.com

DESIGN

Creative Director | Whitney Lebsock Designer | Maddie Russo

SOCIAL MEDIA/EVENTS Media Manager/Events Maddie Russo maddie@livinglocal360.com

ACCOUNTING/OPERATIONS

Director of Operations | Jessica Herbig Managing Partner | Kim Russo Executive Director | Steve Russo

Distribution Colin Anderson

Photography

Keith Boe, Danielle Bopp, Angie Dail Lauren Denos, Sheen Dunn, Lisa Turner Brad Frerkson and Jamie Sedlmayer

VIDEO PRODUCTION Pulse Productions

Local Eats, Entertainment and Lifestyle Magazine

NORTHWEST SIZZLE is brought

to you by NorthwestSizzle.com. If you would like to advertise with us please call 208.292.9212 or email info@livinglocal360.com.

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Northwest Sizzle is published bi-annually and distributed freely throughout the Northwest. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Northwest Sizzle is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine.

Northwest Sizzle is produced and published by Living Local 360 and no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission of the publisher.

NORTHWEST Sizzle

WHAT’S INSIDE NORTH IDAHO

Sandpoint

Trinity at City Beach Forty-One South & Shoga Sushi Bar

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Tork Electric

32 34 36

Hayden

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Sandpoint Furniture

The Grill at Avondale

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American Institute of Clinical Massage The White House Grill

79 80

The Oval Office

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Wine Time Townshend Cellar

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Latah Creek Wine Cellars

Candle in the Woods

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Pend d’Oreille Winery

Affordable Custom Builders Moon Time & The Porch Public House Sweet Lou’s Restaurant UVA Italian 315 Restaurant at the Greenbriar Inn Calypsos Coffee & Creamery

50 51 52 54 56 58 60

Tony’s On the Lake

62 64

The Bluebird

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Kootenai Family Dental

Fisherman’s Market Grill & Sushi Bar Grabbagreen

®

Angelo’s Ristorante Bistro on Spruce

68 70 72 74

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La Cabana

Avondale Dental

Coeur d’Alene

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Post Falls

Tips for Tasters

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85 86 88 90 94

FESTIVAL AT SANDPOINt northwestsizzle.com

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CONTINUED

Spokane Area

Spokane Valley MAX at Mirabeau

Downtown Spokane Europa Restaurant & Bakery Scratch Restaurant & Rain Lounge The Onion Taphouse and Grill Tamarack Public House Dry Fly Distilling Geno’s Traditional Food and Ales Hotel RL Spokane at the Park The Satellite Diner & Lounge

North Side

100 104 106

108 110 111 112 114 116

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The Flying Goat Republic Pi

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1898 Public House

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YOUR COFFEE FIX

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98

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Downriver Grill

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CRAVE FOOD & DRINK CELEBRATION

Kendall Yards

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Yards Bruncheon

124 125

Wandering Table

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Veraci Pizza

South Hill

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The Blackbird Tavern + Kitchen

128 129

Casper Fry

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Hugo’s On the Hill

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Manito Taphouse

West Side The Elk Public House Masselow’s Steakhouse

134 135 136

n #5

no t. Ver M h t Sou ne 2727 Spoka 6 3-976 7 4 ) 9 (50

Moon

Reuben

Burger

1931 W est P acific , Spok (509)

, n St o t l i Ham 1414 N pokane S 7 -908 8 6 3 ) (509

Smash

ane 363-19 73

Burger

check out specials & full menus at:

www.wedonthaveone.com Find us on Facebook

Right by Th e Elk 509-624-54 12

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recent openings

Relic Smokehouse & Pub

Hogwash WhiskEy Den

Inland Pacific Kitchen

Terra Blanca Winery and Estate Vineyards

SOMETHING NEW 16

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Eating out can be a great deal of fun when you approach some new places now and then!

Terra Blanca Winery and Estate Vineyards

Farmhouse Kitchen and Silo Bar

PEOPLE OF THE NORTHWEST LOVE TO DINE OUT AND ARE ON A CONSTANT LOOKOUT FOR SOMETHING NEW AND INNOVATIVE.

I

n a time and age when we are obsessed with the latest, greatest and newest, it’s not surprising to see local entrepreneurs opening new restaurants, cafes, bars, tasting rooms and food trucks on a monthly basis. People of the Northwest love to dine out and are on a constant lookout for something new and innovative.

One of the trendiest new places in Spokane is the old Washington Cracker Building. The unassuming outside and location next to the railroad tracks make it easy to walk right past, but what has transformed inside is pretty amazing. That includes recently opened Inland Pacific Kitchen. Here, the kitchen is placed directly in the center of the room so guests can see their meals being prepared.

The menu is typically small plates, and it changes over completely every four to eight weeks. There are always a half-dozen vegan options on the menu as well.

MoonDollars Bistro

After dinner, head to the basement of the building and enjoy a cocktail at Hogwash Whiskey Den. While you can drink other spirits here, Hogwash is truly about its namesake, featuring whiskeys from all over the globe and unique twists on standard cocktails. The menu features rare ingredients, and each cocktail is prepared in front of you by local, well-respected bartenders.

If it’s wine you’re in the mood for, stop by the downtown tasting room that Terra Blanca Winery and Estate Vineyards recently took over across from the Knitting Factory Concert House and adjacent to Tamarack Public House. The Benton City-based winery has been in operation since 1992 and is thrilled to be sharing its wines with Spokane. You’ll find lighter Rosés and Rieslings as well as bolder Cabs and Syrah.

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Farmhouse Kitchen and Silo Bar

Crossing the border, you’ll find the reopening of an old favorite in Post Falls. MoonDollars Bistro is conveniently located near several medical facilities and auto dealers, making it a popular lunch destination. There is a different special each day with a menu focused on sandwiches and burgers.

There are more great places set to open soon in Downtown Coeur d’Alene. Castaway Cellars, a local boutique winery, is dedicated to crafting high-quality wines by carefully selecting vineyards that meet their high standards and share their commitment to great wine. Their new tasting room, opening Spring 2017 in the Coeur d’Alene Resort Shops, will not only be a venue to showcase their wines but to hold special events, pairings and classes.

Set to debut this summer is family owned Rustic.

There’s nothing frozen here as the owners believe in serving fresh, delicious and affordable food. You’ll find scratch-made breads and pizza dough while dining in the ultra-casual environment.

A cozy all-wood interior is what you’ll find at the Relic Smokehouse & Pub. With seating for around 50, you’ll want to get there early. Barbecued meats, smoked salmon and brisket as well as shrimp and oysters cover the impressive menu.

reasonably priced comfort foods, barbecue and sandwiches, and a smaller dinner menu is available inside the adjacent Silo Bar. New places are always popping up, so keep a sharp eye out as you cruise your favorite local communities.

Don’t be afraid to try something new and enjoy the immense variety our region has to offer.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO TRY SOMETHING NEW AND ENJOY THE IMMENSE VARIETY OUR REGION HAS TO OFFER.

Rustic

Heading north to Sandpoint, fans of Chef Adam Hegsted can find his newest creation at the Farmhouse Kitchen and Silo Bar. Located in Ponderay right off Highway 95, the unique building is not hard to miss. Inside you’ll find a warm and inviting restaurant where the food again takes center stage. Dinner at the farmhouse includes a menu of

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CASTAWAY CELLARS

YOUR

ADVENTURE STARTS HERE!

D SAN PO

INT

INT

GO

O

vacation home specialists 208.946.0901 www.GoSandpoint.com steve@gosandpoint.com f/gosandpoint

PREMIER VACATION RENTAL HOMES Whether you’re here for the weekend, or here for the summer, Go Sandpoint Vacation Homes are the perfect jumping off point for an adventure-packed summer. northwestsizzle.com

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FEATURE

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By Ji�ian Chandler

NORTHWEST Sizzle

Photos by Lauren Denos

Plante PLANTE FAMILY FAMILY FARM Local Localfamily familyserving servingthe thecommunity communityfresh, fresh,wholesome wholesomefoods foods Coeur d’Alene couple Michael Plante and Miranda Foster are nourishing the bodies and souls of many in the Coeur d’Alene community. For the past three years, they have dedicated their time and energy to start their own family farm—Plante Family Farm— which encompasses a plot in Dalton Gardens, along with three more plots in Coeur d’Alene proper.

The CSA farm, Community Supported Agriculture, is a farming model in which their customers purchase a whole season’s worth of vegetables in the spring, and then visit the garden each week during the summer months to pick up an eclectic box of freshly picked mixed vegetables. This year, Plante Family Farms has increased their CSA shares from 30 to 50, allowing for more members of the community to partake in this

beautiful and personal farm-to-table process.

“Offering more shares in our land base this feeds a family of four to feeds a couple and a

reflects the increase season. A full share five, and a half share child,” says Michael.

Michael has called Coeur d’Alene home his entire life, with the exception of a two-year stint in Seattle when he was a young boy. Growing up, his parents planted a garden every year, and Michael is continuing the tradition. With a background as an electrician, welder and compost-based landscaper, he decided to start farming the year his son was born, making farming his full-time profession.

“Mandy and I wanted to raise him around something wholesome and meaningful,” he says.

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YUM. YUM. Mandy is originally from Columbia Falls, Montana, where she was raised on her family’s small cattle ranch. “I came here to visit family in the Spokane area and ended up falling in love with Coeur d’Alene!” she says. During the week, she works as a dental assistant, but once home, she spends her late afternoons and weekends tending to the various tasks that need to be done in the garden.

Due to the Coeur d’Alene climate, there is a limited gardening season, yet it is a year-round job, beginning in January. Michael and Mandy start the year off by setting goals and deadlines for the year and plan their daily work calendar for the growing season. From there, they acquire the ingredients needed for the seedling mixture, which they mix and fill trays, seed them and wait for them to come up. Once sprouted, they transfer them to larger pots, followed by transplanting them outside. Once the plants are outside, the days consist of properly caring for them until they produce. Harvesting is done with great care so as not to negate any of the couple’s hard work..

According to Michael, an average day in early spring consists of turning the lights on the seedlings, watering them, inspecting for any problems like aphids, adjusting the plants the right distance from the lights, followed by building the beds at the main garden.

Now until October, it’s a full eight hours a day of work for him, with Mandy coming out every afternoon after work and on the weekends.

So what can you find growing at Plante Family Farm? Offerings change throughout the season. In spring, it’s primarily kale, mustard greens, lettuce, spinach and arugula. Once it becomes too hot for those to prosper, the time has come for the main summer vegetables to thrive, such as tomatoes, cukes, peppers, zucchini and beans. Once late summer arrives, Michael plants all the spring vegetables again for their winter harvesting.

“Since we are primarily a CSA farm, we grow an average of 30 different vegetables, and some fruits, at any given time,” Michael says.

“Our weekly baskets usually consist of kale, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets, arugula—our trademark green—and hot-weather items such as peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes in the peak of summer.”

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SPOKANE VALLEY’S

AWARD WINNING RESTAURANT

take it to the max

• Weekend Brunch Menu

• Ladies’ Night Every Thursday

• Happy Hours Daily 3-6 & 9-Close

• Live Rockin’ Blues Music Fri. & Sat.

• Late-Night Dining

• Private Dining / Banquets

• 50% off Bottle of Wine Wed. & Sun.

• Courtyard Patio Dining

1100 N. Sullivan Rd. - Spokane Valley - (509) 922-6252 OPEN DAILY MON - THURS 6 AM - 1 AM / FRI & SAT TILL 2 AM / SUN 12 AM MAXatMirabeau.com

Epicurean Delight Award Winner 2006

Outstanding Hors d’oeuvre

2007

People’s Choice Best Restaurant

2008

Outstanding Entrée & Dessert

2009

People’s Choice Best Restaurant

Washington Restaurant Association Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year 2014 Sizzle Fork-in-Cork Award Winner Favorite Wine List 2014, Power Lunch for Making Deals 2006, 2008, 2009, For a Cocktail and a Bite to Eat 2010

2015

Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015

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Michael and Mandy choose to grow gourmet vegetables, selecting varieties for flavor first. One of Michael’s favorites is Oxheart carrots, which grow to be a pound a piece! As he notes, just one carrot will make a whole glass of juice. For Mandy, Marketmore 76 cucumbers are a favored product. “They are just so tasty, and they produce like you wouldn’t believe,” she says.

At any given time, there is an abundance of lettuce, spinach or kale that makes for delicious salads for their CSA customers. At the farm, they consistently sell arugula in 10-pound boxes to several area restaurants, which can add up to hundreds of pounds weekly!

Through trial and error over the past few growing seasons, the couple has found that celery and watercress can be discouraging to grow, while beets, carrots and kale “feel right at home here.”

Having confidence in his products, Michael decided to introduce himself to area chefs, leaving samples for them to try at their restaurants. He has since built business relationships with Chef Scott Miller of Seasons of Coeur d’Alene, Chef Jason Rex of Collective Kitchen and Chef Angelo Brunson of Angelo’s Ristorante, who all purchase various produce items from Michael throughout the season. One of the most popular items purchased is arugula.

“Having arugula harvested the day it’s

FEAST...

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“I love how much appreciation there is for what we do from chefs.”

HOME GROWN delivered is a major selling point,” he says.

He adds: “I love how much appreciation there is for what we do from chefs. They know the only way for a restaurant to beat its competition is with better ingredients, and I like being a part of the good-food movement.”

Produce from Plante Family Farm can be purchased at area farmers markets during the warmer months. Stop by the Kootenai County Farmers Markets on Wednesdays in Downtown Coeur d’Alene on Fifth Street off of Sherman Avenue, or swing on by their booth on Saturdays in Hayden on the corner of Highway 95 and Prairie Avenue.

A few times throughout the season, you will also find them at the market in Plummer.

“Farming is something we take pride in; being a part of the world’s oldest continuing profession,” says Michael. “It is an inheritable art to pass down to our son. He could be growing his future gardens from the generations of seeds saved from our farm!”

When not farming, Michael enjoys creating meals at home with his family using his farm’s bounty of fresh produce. “We do a lot of stir frying and grilling,” he says.

“And roasted beets are out of this world.”

When not in the garden, you will also find Michael, Mandy and their 3-year-old son Joby continuing to spend their free time outdoors playing at the park, fishing out on the lake or foraging for wild mushrooms in the forest.

OUR CUISINE IS YOUR NEXT BIG CRAVING

DOWNTOWN CDA

209 L AKESIDE AVE. (208) 664-8008 SEASONSCDA .COM northwestsizzle.com

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SANDPOINT IDAHO Forty-One South

As you cross the Long Bridge into Sandpoint, you will quickly discover why this quaint town has been recognized as the most beautiful small town in America.

By Colin Anderson AS YOU CROSS THE LONG BRIDGE into Sandpoint, you will quickly discover why this quaint town has been recognized as the most beautiful small town in America. Situated on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint is home for an eclectic mix of individuals from around the globe and offers an abundance of opportunity to get out and enjoy the beauty of the Inland Northwest. Add to that the collection of distinctive and delicious dining opportunities, Sandpoint is unmatched.

Tork Electric

Sandpoint Furniture

If you want to enjoy a meal overlooking the water, Trinity at City Beach in Downtown Sandpoint is a great spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Offering an array of locally sourced food, the atmosphere is always fun and festive.

South of the Long Bridge is Forty-One South, also situated on the water’s edge. Whether it is summer on the patio or cozying up to the wood-burning fireplace in the chill of winter, Forty-One South offers incredible food as well as breathtaking sunsets year round. Next door to Forty-One South you will find Shoga Sushi Bar, which is extremely popular with locals and visitors alike.

Year round, this town of approximately 8,000 is active with everything from its annual winter carnival each February, which includes fireworks on Schweitzer Mountain, to the Lost in the 50’s car show where you’ll find some of the most impressive classics in the Northwest on display.

For more than three decades, the Festival at Sandpoint, which takes place each August, has brought thousands to War Memorial Field to enjoy eight nights of music. With names such as Ziggy Marley, Ben Harper, The Avett Brother, Counting Crows and Kenny Loggins, the organizers of this event bring a vast array of talent to this town to the delight of many.

Trinity at City Beach

Schweitzer Mountain Resort is a year-round playground and offers several opportunities to go downhill skiing or boarding, tubing, crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Summertime brings a chance for mountain biking, huckleberry picking and enjoying a cold beer on a sunny deck. When you leave Schweitzer, you will want to be sure and make Sweet Lou’s in Ponderay one of your stops. A sports bar and restaurant with multiple TVs, Sweet Lou’s offers something for the entire family.

Sandpoint also offers an opportunity to enjoy some award-winning wine at Pend d’Oreille Winery. Now in its 22nd year, the winery is home to a tasting room and gift shop. They often host local musicians on the weekends and are located in the historic Belwood Building in Downtown Sandpoint.

Come and experience Sandpoint for yourself. If you want to stay more than a day, be sure to check out GoSandpoint.com for vacation rentals!

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Waterfront Views, Live Music, Full Bar...

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

58 bridge street at city beach, sandpoint, idaho | 208.255.7558 www.trinityatcitybeach.com

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TRINITY AT CITY BEACH Trinity at City Beach offers an unforgettable dining experience

By Patty Hutchens • Photos by Lisa Turner

A

taste of something local. That is what you will experience when you visit Trinity at City Beach in Sandpoint.

For the past 13 years, Trinity at City Beach, owned by Justin and Shaunavee Dick, has been one of the premier restaurants in the community offering a variety of timeless food, a beautiful view and superior customer service.

Located inside the Best Western Edgewater Hotel since it moved there from First Avenue in 2009, Trinity at City Beach is open year round for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with the exception of Christmas day.

With a menu driven by their loyal customers, Trinity at City Beach is a place in tune with not only its customers but local purveyors as well.

Several years ago, Justin became connected with many of the local farmers and has increasingly gone to them for fresh lettuce, vegetables and more, allowing Trinity at City Beach to offer the freshest local ingredients and support the local economy at the same time.

In addition to using local purveyors for much of its food, Justin says they also offer wine from local wineries including Pend d’Oreille Winery and Small House Winery, as well as beer from

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Laughing Dog Brewery and MickDuff ’s, coffee from Evan’s Brothers Coffee and spirits from Mill Town Distillery.

“One can really feel the thriving community aspect of using local purveyors at our restaurant,” says Justin.

Described as modern-American cuisine that is heavily French based, he says both his executive and sous chefs are classically French trained and put a modern spin on the classic dishes. “They are very open to new ideas,” says Justin of his chefs, who can also accommodate dietary restrictions.

“You can get as trendy as you want [in the restaurant business], but a few years down the road, it’ll be passé,” Justin says of his desire to offer timeless and consistent food while still being able to change it up with the seasons.

In addition to a wide selection of wine and craft beer, Trinity at city Beach also offers a full bar. They often partner with local wineries to host wine dinners, pairing fine wine with each course of one’s meal—just one of many special events hosted by Trinity at City Beach throughout the year.

“One can really feel the thriving community aspect of using local purveyors at our restaurant.”

SPOTLIGHT With the quality of food and the breathtaking views, Trinity at City Beach is a perfect venue for holiday parties. If you have a large group, the bar or dining area is available to rent.

many locals attend these events, many of them have tourists returning time and time again, something Justin and his staff look forward to, like reconnecting with old friends.

While it is clear that Justin Dick and his staff are great supporters of the local economy with their choice of local purveyors, they also open their hearts and donate much back to the community they call home. Some of the many events they support throughout the year include the Scenic Half Marathon, the Long Bridge Swim and the CHAFE 150, which raises money for children in the school district on the autism spectrum. “We also work closely with other restaurants like Tango to put on events such as the Heart Ball for Bonner General Health Foundation,” says Justin. And while

One of the many things that add to the ambiance at Trinity at City Beach is the musical entertainment they offer. In the summer months, diners are treated to live music Thursday through Sunday, and during the winter they can enjoy Bruce Bishop each Friday evening from 6 to 9pm.

Justin, who moved to Sandpoint several years ago from Colorado, said he could not think of a better place to follow his passion.

“We have an eclectic Inland Northwest cuisine

Trinity at City Beach Sandpoint 58 Bridge St 208.255.7558 TrinityAtCityBeach.com among Sandpoint, Coeur d’Alene and Spokane,” he says, adding that customer service, fine cuisine and music are all intertwined to create a one-of-a-kind experience. “Food is only one part of a restaurant experience.”

Trinity at City Beach is open Sunday through Thursday from 7:30am to 9pm and Friday and Saturday from 7:30am to 10pm.

A Taste of Our Menu BREAKFAST

LOUNGE MENU

Prime Rib Hash Veggie Hash Benedicts Scrambles Breakfast Sandwiches French Toast Pancakes Hot Teff Cereal

American Classic Burger Root Vegetable Burger Fish & Chips Pulled Pork Nachos Portuguese Clams Steamed Mussels

LUNCH Hatch Green Chili Sandwich Pecan Chicken Salad Blacken Chicken & Brie Salad Corn & Crawfish Chowder Pulled Pork Enchiladas TCB BLT Grilled Caesar Salad

DINNER MENU Cedar Plank Salmon Premium Choice Midwestern Angus Prime Rib Idaho Ruby Rainbow Trout Filet Mignon Gorgonzola Shrimp Portobello Mushroom Ravioli

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Dine Happy A FOODIE FRAME OF MIND

We have options for your commercial business needs.

Give us a call today.

208.263.2169 Toll Free: 1.800.392.0762

Owned by Jodie Corless & Stefanie Nostdahl 476394 Hwy 95 N Ponderay, Idaho 83852 www.pendoreilleinsurance.com Sandpoint’s Largest Locally Owned & Operated Independent Agency Agency Name

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Forty-One South Trinity at City Beach With a breathtaking view of Lake Pend Oreille and the surrounding mountains, Trinity at City Beach offers not only a great atmosphere but a menu that has people coming back for more. They locally source much of their produce and serve coffee, wine, beer and alcohol from local purveyors as well. Their menu of American cuisine offers a modern spin on many classic dishes and changes with the seasons, offering something for everyone.

To add to the atmosphere is musical entertainment each Friday evening in the winter and Thursday Sunday during summer. TrinityAtCityBeach.com Sandpoint - 58 Bridge Street 208.255.7558 Fresh Seafood, Steaks & Salads $$

Shoga Sushi Bar Shoga Sushi is a Sandpoint favorite for locals and tourists alike. Offering the finest in sushi and Japanese cuisine—nigiri, sashimi, specialty rolls and plenty of non-sushi appetizers and entrées to choose from! Entrées feature popular hot items such as orange chicken, beef and broccoli, grilled salmon and an American Kobe burger. Whether you sit out on the patio or right up at the sushi bar, you can’t miss the breathtaking sunset cascading over Lake Pend Oreille. Located next to Forty-One South and the Lodge at Sandpoint. Hours vary by season. ShogaSushi.com Sagle - 41 Lakeshore Dr. 208.265.2001 Asian & Sushi $-$$

Sweet Lou’s Restaurant and Bar Join Chad, Meggie and their sweet son Lou at Sweet Lou’s Restaurant and Bar. Enjoy Manny’s beer-battered onion rings, hand-cut top sirloin or the crowd favorite—grilled PB&J with locally made huckleberry jam. With dedication toward strong service and quality ingredients, you won’t be disappointed. There is also a full bar featuring 16 draft beers, most of them made right here in the Northwest. Add to that the 20 HDTVs, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy the game. Free WiFi is available. Come hungry, stay late and eat well.

Open daily 11am - 10pm, with happy hour 4 - 6pm.

Find them on Facebook.com/SweetLousPonderay.

SweetLousIdaho.com Ponderay - 477272 Highway 95 208.263.1381 Inventive American Fare $-$$

Pend d’Oreille Winery Sandpoint’s own award-winning winery has pleased palates for 22 years using select vineyards from Idaho and Washington. Just ask for them by name: Pend d’Oreille (say “pond-er-ay”) wine please! Visit the winery for a tasting and tour, and sip and shop their unique gift shop. Also enjoy live music Friday nights. Pend d’Oreille wines are available at most area restaurants and wine markets, or at their Downtown Sandpoint store.

Open daily. POWine.com Sandpoint - 301 Cedar St. 208.265.8545 Light Bites & Salads $$

Forty-One South Forty-One South is North Idaho’s premier upscaledining restaurant with breathtaking views from the shores of Lake Pend Oreille. Located at the south end of the Long Bridge in Sandpoint, Forty-One South has become a popular spot for locals, tourists and business travelers. A relaxed lodge setting and exceptionally friendly service paired with innovative modern-American cuisine makes for one of North Idaho’s premier dining experiences.

Enjoy mouthwatering cuisine, drinks by the fire, outdoor seating and gorgeous sunset views. Located right next door to The Lodge at Sandpoint and Shoga Sushi. Hours vary by season. Reservations are recommended. 41SouthSandpoint.com Sagle - 41 Lakeshore Dr. 208.265.2000 Modern-American Cuisine $$-$$$

Farmhouse Kitchen and Silo Bar Enjoy farm-fresh food, seasonally inspired. At the Farmhouse Kitchen, they offer brunch served daily 7am to 3:30pm. Menu items include fresh apple donuts, deviled eggs, corned beef hash, the BNG (buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy) caramelized banana pancakes, chicken and waffles and much more! Dinner is served daily 3:30pm to close and features items that are sure to impress!

From the grilled meatloaf, smoked steelhead trout and the blackened Alaskan pollock tostadas, to the roasted mushroom burger, curried carrot soup and slow-cooked brisket, all can delight in this flavorful menu. Silo Bar, open daily 11am to close, features poutine, fish and chips and the beer-battered onion, to name a few. FarmhouseKitchenAndSiloBar.com Ponderay - 477227 Highway 95 N. 208.255.2603 Farm Fresh & Seasonally Inspired $-$$

Full service bar with craft cocktails

Farmhouse Kitchen & Silo Bar

Farm to Table brunch and dinner featuring fried chicken and barbecue

Farmhouse Kitchen & Silo Bar 477227 Highway 95 N Ponderay, ID 83852

Conveniently located next to Hotel Ruby in Ponderay - HotelRubyPonderay.com Part of the Eat Good Group family of restaurants - EatGoodGroup.com northwestsizzle.com www.FarmHouseKitchenAndSiloBar.com • info@farmhousekitchenandsilobar.com • 208-255-2603

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SPOTLIGHT

A Taste of Our Menu

FORTY-ONE SOUTH DUCK CONFIT Juniper-cured duck leg and thigh pan seared and topped with cranberryorange compote, served with wild rice pilaf and fresh vegetables

FORTY-ONE SOUTH & SHOGA SUSHI BAR Exquisite waterfront dining

By Jillian Chandler

F

ine dining is not only about exquisite food preparation but the ambiance of where the food is served. Restaurant Forty-One South hits on all marks with its delicious American cuisine and unmatched views overlooking Lake Pend Oreille. Even on a wintery day, the restaurant invites you in to experience the coziness of its rustic beamed ceilings and real wood-burning fireplaces. The wisteria-draped decks and terraces tucked into the hillside under the pines are the perfect spot to catch a gorgeous sunset.

Live music fills the air on a regular basis, with local talent performing one to two nights a week and more during the summer months.

The addition of Shoga Sushi Bar, located right next door, offers guests a completely different dining option with its own indoor and outdoor dining spaces. The menu offers a fresh variety of nigiri, sashimi and specialty rolls as well as plenty of Asian-inspired entrees, such as the chicken teriyaki or beef and broccoli.

Owner Cassandra Cayson and her staff are ready to impress their dining guests from the moment they walk through the door, as they offer not only one, but two unparalleled dining experiences.

Who wouldn’t want to stop in this beautiful lakeside retreat after a long day of skiing to cozy up by the fire and enjoy some comfort food? Or take a break during a day of summer boating,

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pull up to the private docks and enjoy a cocktail on the patio?

Forty-One South and Shoga pride themselves on building relationships with the locals and tourists alike. Both restaurants focus on accommodating each guest’s tastes and preferences above all.

Hours do vary by season, so it is recommended to call ahead.

CHECK OUT OUR VIRTUAL TOUR!

The Lodge at Sandpoint Sagle 41 Lakeshore Dr. Forty-One South 208.265.2000 41SouthSandpoint.com Shoga Sushi Bar 208.265.2001 ShogaSushi.com

STONE HARBOR CRAB BISQUE East Coast-style bisque with Dungeness crab, cream and sherry WILD SOCKEYE SALMON Grilled wild Sockeye filet with a citrus hatch chile glaze, grilled on a locally sourced Wildwood Grilling cedar plank, served with wild rice pilaf and fresh vegetables SMOKED FILET MIGNON 8oz. Filet Mignon mesquite smoked and grilled, topped with béarnaise and white truffle tomato salad, served with whipped potatoes and fresh vegetables DELICIOUS HOMEMADE DESSERTS!

SHOGA SUSHI BAR SASHIMI, NIGIRI, TRADITIONAL AND SPECIALTY ROLLS GREEN GODDESS ROLL Tempura asparagus, cucumber and cream cheese topped with avocado, wasabi mayo, daikon sprouts and green onion BOMBAY ROLL Tempura shrimp, cucumber, pickled carrot and sprouts topped with avocado, yellow curry, cilantro, green onion, peanuts and sriracha ORANGE CHICKEN Marinated chicken flash fried and tossed in a zesty ginger orange sauce with peppers, Chinese chilies, snow peas and finished with sesame seeds and green onions, served over steamed rice WAGYU PUB STEAK Grilled Snake River Farms American Wagyu, topped with a misocaramelized garlic compound butter, served with steamed white rice and sautéed vegetables

ARCHITECTURE

DESIGN STUDIO

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Imported From Absolutely...

...Nowhere

Experience the look of simplicity and the feel of cabinet maker quality.

Crafted by the Amish in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

SANDPOINT FURNITURE A bold departure from the ordinary

By Patty Hutchens

W

hether you are remodeling or building, you want your home or office to be a reflection of your unique taste and personality. At Sandpoint Furniture, located on the campus of Ponderay Design Center in Sandpoint, you will find everything you need in beautiful home interiors. Much more than just a furniture store, Sandpoint Furniture is family owned and operated and has been helping customers furnish their homes with high-quality, unique furnishings for more than 70 years.

spaces and coordinate finishes,” explains Annie.

“There is a big difference between someone who calls themselves an interior decorator and someone who has the professional title of interior designer.”

Looking for ways to get a better night’s sleep?

Sandpoint Furniture’s “sleep shop” carries more than 35 comfort levels of mattresses with top name brands including Beautyrest, Tempurpedic and iComfort.

Designers are required to earn a degree from an accredited university or college, work in the field for a required number of years under a licensed professional, and then pass a series of tests to earn their certification. This ensures that whatever they put together not only looks great but is safe for the people using the space.

To view the store in the comfort of your home, visit SandpointFurniture.com and take their virtual tour. It won’t be long before you are grabbing the car keys and making the beautiful drive to Sandpoint to experience what many have known for decades—Sandpoint Furniture is unique, different and worth the drive.

They carry everything from handcrafted Amish furniture, “imported” from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to bold, bright colors that are evident the minute you walk into their showroom. Sandpoint Furniture has it all. They take pride in featuring as many American-made furnishings as possible and are knowledgeable about the features and benefits of each brand.

Their reputation for providing high value, high style and high quality is something of which many throughout the Inland Northwest are becoming aware. Simply stated, they are a cut above the mainstream furniture stores.

Interior designers are responsible for the health, safety and wellness of the individuals using the spaces they put together. They take into consideration every detail in designing a space, like making sure that appropriate wall sconces are selected so that when a person is walking by they can’t bump into it or hit their head when they stand up.

When you visit the Sandpoint Furniture complex, Interior Designer Annie Nye can help you thoughtfully design your home from dreamy kitchens and baths to selecting unique and functional pieces that are created by talented artisans. Her expertise is a huge asset to so many of Sandpoint Furniture’s customers and clients.

“Interior designers don’t go to school to learn how to wear scarves and drink wine. We go to school to learn about how to design interior 34

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Also part of the Ponderay Design Center campus are Carpet One and Selkirk Glass and Cabinets, encompassing 22,000 square feet of beautifully designed cabinets, countertops, flooring and lighting to help you visualize your dream kitchen and bath.

Looking for a special sofa? Their full Flexsteel Gallery and Showroom is the only one of its kind in North Idaho and provides customers with not only a vast variety of styles from which to choose but also better pricing on high-quality sofas and chairs. Sandpoint Furniture offers its customers more than 1,000 top-grain leathers and fabrics to tailor your new sofa with—making the options uniquely personal and virtually limitless.

Sandpoint Furniture Ponderay Design Center 401 Bonner Mall Way 208.263.5138 SandpointFurniture.com

Sandpoint Furniture is the ONLY Flexsteel Factory Gallery Store in North Idaho!

HOME LIFE happens

is where

1,979

1,589

$

NOW $ Was $2,119 Dylan Leather Chair

NOW Was $2,649 Dylan Leather Sofa

Building our reputation for featuring...

High Value. High Style. High Quality.

$ $

1,999

NOW Was $2,679 Thornton Fabric Sectional as Shown. Choice of Fabrics!

NOW

1,619

Was $2,159 Rose Leather Power High-Leg Recliner with Power Headrest

2,089

$

Was $2,779 NOW Miles Leather Power Reclining Sofa

We’re Unique! We’re Different! And We’re Worth the Drive!

Take Our Virtual Tour at Sandpointfurniture.com 401 Bonner Mall Way, Ponderay, Idaho

263-5138

SANDPOINT FURNITURE STORE HOURS:

Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Closed Sunday

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TORK ELECTRIC Living and working in paradise

By Jillian Chandler • Family photo by Brad Frerkson

W

hether you are looking for an electrical contractor for your commercial, industrial, residential or emergency backup needs, Tork Electric in Sandpoint is the place to turn.

Owners and husband-and-wife team Dan and Brissa Peterson have deep roots in Sandpoint going several generations back. Both born and raised in Sandpoint, they only ever left the area to attend college, with the intent of coming back. And they did, continuing the legacy with their daughter Josephine, who was born in Sandpoint one year ago.

Dan and Brissa are the proud local owners and operators of Tork Electric, an electric contractor service located right here in Sandpoint; Dan the master electrician and Brissa the administrative manager. Priding themselves for being a small-town company with the ability to take on big-town projects, Tork Electric has a knowledgeable and experienced workforce capable of taking on large projects, with skills ranging beyond custom homes. The company has completed small hydro plants, aircraft manufacturing buildings, communication towers, large office

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spaces and emergency backup systems for not just the home but for medical offices and large businesses.

“When we finish a custom home or large commercial project and sit back to look at what we have accomplished, it’s pretty amazing,” Brissa says. “You start with nothing sometimes; and in the end have a beautiful, unique, fully operational project. We take great pride in our work.”

When Tork Electric is done with your space, it won’t just be functional but it will look great too. They make sure that all switches and outlets are lined up perfectly, all electrical conduits are bent just right so the sweeps look uniform, light fixtures line up, and more. “In the end, when we look at what we did, we are proud of it,” adds Brissa. “We are honored to put our name on it.”

Another rewarding part of running Tork for Dan and Brissa is that they are employing people and helping them to support their families. To them, their employees truly are like family. And in fact, two of them are!

Dan’s brother, Derrick, and father, Rick, work with them. Dan and Brissa’s daughter spends

many mornings at the shop with Mom and Dad, taking part in the morning meetings.

The Petersons don’t look at their employees as working for them but with them. And as Brissa notes, “Grandpa Ricky and Uncle Derrick love getting to see her. And the crew loves it, too!”

Also on the Tork Electric team are the three Noble brothers: Ryan, Eric and Tyler. Brissa grew up living next door to the siblings. Over the years, they have remained friends, both personally and now professionally. In fact, each one of the Petersons’ employees has become more than an employee; they have all built personal relationships. “We enjoy spending time with our employees,” says Brissa. “We go to concerts, go out to dinner together and have barbecues. I know most employers would say this is a bad idea, but for us it’s hard to resist.

We genuinely are friends with our employees.

We care about them and their families and want the best for them.”

At Tork Electric, you will find a company with determination. They have been a part of a handful of projects in town including The Hive, Kochava and Quest, which were under extremely tight deadlines. But with their determination and hard work, the electric

With its great small-town feel, combined with the large manufacturing businesses that provide employment to so many people, Sandpoint is a unique town with wonderful businesses and an incredible community.

contractors at Tork repeatedly pull through and get the job done. They will even go the extra mile and work seven days a week when necessary.

The Petersons care about their business and their community.

They participate in PBCA (Panhandle Builders Contractors Association) and donate financially to PBCA and the CHAFE 150.

The Petersons truly value owning a business in Sandpoint and recognize that they really do live in paradise. And many would agree. “Between the lake, downtown and the ski mountain, it doesn’t get any better,” says Brissa. With its great small-town feel, combined with the large manufacturing businesses that provide employment to so many people, Sandpoint is a unique town with wonderful businesses and an incredible community.

“We love what we do, we love helping people and we love our community,” says Brissa. “We feel so fortunate to have been able to open our business right here in Sandpoint. Not everyone is lucky enough to live and work in Sandpoint, and we don’t take that for granted.

“Every day when I drive across the Long Bridge, I think to myself how lucky I am that I get to live and work here,” she adds. “We get to be a part of other people coming to Sandpoint and building their dream home. I hope they too drive across the Long Bridge and realize how fortunate they are to be part of such a special community.”

Tork Electric, Inc. Sandpoint 208.290.2793 TorkElectric.com northwestsizzle.com

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Finest waterfront estate on the Point, never before offered.

Make your family memories in this exquisite home crafted with highest attention to detail and designed to capture extraordinary lake views. Host your gatherings in the cathedral-like central great room with exposed beams and a massive rock fireplace.

The huge kitchen is fit for multiple chefs with central island, double ovens, butler’s pantry, and informal dining area. Guests are treated to five luxurious bedroom suites with fireplaces and individual baths. When you’re ready, retreat to your main floor master suite with walk-in closets and a private living room.

Inside spaces transition seamlessly to outdoor covered decks, landscaped grounds, new dock and sandy beach. Oversized, heated, three-bay garage includes a high-clearance door and adjacent indoor shop/hobby room. Less than five miles from Sandpoint behind a gated entry, the home is sited for maximum privacy.

$2,790,000

Carefree Condo overlooking the Marina in Hope.

After a day on the water, come home to granite counters, hardwood floors, gas fireplace, open floor plan and majestic views from your private end-unit at Holiday Shores. Leave the work to the Association and savor your time here on the Lake.

Offered furnished.

$339,900

1 acre waterfront parcel on the Pend O’Reille River with 126’ of frontage and amazing views for miles. Level building site with paved road, community water system, boat slip, private owner’s beach & boat launch in a very quiet setting. Gorgeous estate homes in the area. Bring your home plans and your boat - your dreams are realized here.

$205,000

40 acre classic farm less than 5 miles to Sandpoint with incredible panoramic views. Historic farm house with separate living unit, large old red barn, 4 car garage, and hookups for a second home included. Idyllic setting with potential for subdivision.

$575,000

Century 21 RiverStone

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Year-round waterfront vacation home, just 10 miles to Sandpoint. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, newly remodeled kitchen, open floor plan, crow’s nest master suite and commanding views. All on a county maintained road with paved driveway & 3-car garage in a private, treed setting with gently sloping lawn, dock and over 115’ of frontage.

$595,000

The jewel of Schweitzer Mountain. Old World architecture poised to command amazing views from the resort to the lake. No expense spared, no detail overlooked. Heated stone and walnut floors, 3 gorgeous stone fireplaces, lux individual suites and balconies on three levels. Prime location secluded from noise and crowds with 4-season trails. $1,299,900

DOES YOUR INVESTMENT STRATEGY REFLECT YOUR PERSONAL VALUES? Edward Jones financial advisor, Ken Wood, discusses this new trend

By Patty Hutchens

I

t has been a trend in our everyday life for a while now and is growing in popularity.

Through sustainable living, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of how they can live an environmentally and socially responsible life. From green building to locally sourced food, those who practice sustainable living are doing their best to reduce their carbon footprint and preserve the Earth’s natural resources.

Restaurants are making a conscious effort to bring “farm to table” offerings to their menu. The result is fresh food that also has a positive impact on their local farmers.

For decades, our homes became bigger while our families became smaller, but that has changed with the tiny-home movement.

People are opting to bike or walk as opposed to driving to destinations a short distance away. Recycling and composting have done much to reduce waste. These are all things that many people do each day to achieve their goal of sustainable living. But are you aware that you can also practice sustainable living when it comes to investing your hard earned money?

While many of us think of the words “conservative” or “aggressive” when it comes to our investment strategy, sustainable, responsible and impact investing is a strategy that is gaining momentum in the investment world.

Just what does it mean to be a “sustainable investor”? Naturally, one seeks for strong financial performance in his or her investments, but they also look for investments that have a positive impact on society or our environment.

People seek to invest in companies that are making a difference in the world, either through giving back to the community or supporting programs that benefit our society.

In the following interview, Ken Wood, a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Sandpoint, addresses many questions people have about this growing trend. northwestsizzle.com

39

What is socially responsible investing (SRI)?

Social responsible investing (SRI) is known by a lot of terms, including “green,” “ethical,” “sustainable” or “mission” based investing. Essentially, it involves taking someone’s personal values and aligning those with their investment strategy.

It has been an expanding trend over the past 15 years as more people choose to invest with their heart as well as their head. In fact, the 2016 report by US SIF Foundation on sustainable investment trends indicated that $1 out of every $5 under professional management in the U.S. is allocated to SRI, and the market for SRI investments has increased 33 percent since 2014.

Why would someone consider social responsible investing?

SRI appeals to a variety of people. Yet, their underlying reasoning for pursing this type of investment platform is because they want to align their moral values and beliefs with their money.

In some cases, I find clients are seeking to avoid specific companies or industries. For example, I had a client whose mother had passed away from lung cancer after years of smoking. As such, she didn’t want any of her hard-earned money invested in tobacco-based companies.

For other clients, they see it as a way to reward companies that pursue and adopt ethical and sustainable business standards. Every person I meet with has their own reason and story for wanting to pursue this investment strategy.

How is SRI applied in developing an investment portfolio?

It really starts with a conversation around their personal principles and goals. The components of a well-diversified portfolio include a combination of equities and bonds built around an individual’s investment objectives and tolerance for risk. I spend a lot of time asking questions to both existing and potential clients about what they want their portfolio to accomplish. We try our best to eliminate companies and industries that are not in alignment with the individual’s moral values. Then, we try to find areas that an investor might be passionate about that could be suitable, long term investments for their portfolio.

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What are the risks involved with investing in this manner?

I want to make it very clear that there is always some level of inherit risk when investing. With that being said, when it comes to investing in socially responsible investments, there are some specific risks that people need to be aware of. First, sustainable investing often has many subjective qualities, and may mean different things to different people. This can result in a sustainable investment not aligning with all of a client’s desired qualities.

Second, investments may not always receive high-sustainability scores from third-party evaluators, even if the fund is marketed as sustainable. Finally, certain sustainable funds have a narrow focus, which results in less diversification than we would generally find appropriate.

Where can I learn more about investing in SRI? Sustainable investing is becoming more prevalent as an investment strategy, and there are various resources available to those wanting to learn more about it. The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment, located at USSIF.org, has a variety of articles and information regarding this subject. In addition, CR Magazine (TheCRO.com) publishes an annual report called the Best Corporate Citizens list, highlighting companies that perform well in seven distinct categories such as environmental, philanthropy and corporate governance. Finally, I would encourage anyone interested to talk to a financial professional about their specific goals and investment objectives.

www.edwardjones.com

Investing is about more than money.

PEOPLE SEEK TO INVEST IN COMPANIES THAT ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD, EITHER THROUGH GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY OR SUPPORTING PROGRAMS THAT BENEFIT OUR SOCIETY.

We Understand

Commitment.

As a financial professional, I have a For decades, Edward Jones has been committed to providing legal duty and afinancial strong desire to help Contact Edward solutions and personalized service your to individual clients take care of their money so that they Jones financial advisor investors. can pursue the life they envision. I could not for a one-on-one can relythat on us for: endorse an investmentYou platform didn’t appointment to discuss assist my clients in achieving their individual • Convenience what’s really important goals. From the extensiveLocations research that I have in the community and face-to-face meetings done, I am convinced that it is not necessary to you: your goals. at your convenience to sacrifice your own values for investment • A Quality-focused Investment Philosophy performance. A properly constructed, welllong-term approach that focuses on quality investments diversified portfolio can beAsocially responsible, and diversification sustainable and provide comparable investment performance to conventional portfolios over a • Highly Personal Service long period of time.

Ken Wood

2016 Report on Sustainable & Responsible Financial Advisor Financial Advisor .

Investing Trends, 11th, 12-12. (2016). Retrieved 477100 Highway 95 Suite B 477100 Highway 95 Suite B April 02, 2017, from www.ussif.org.

Ponderay, ID 83852 .

There are various investment vehicles available to suit an individual investor’s needs. These include individual stocks and bonds, exchange-traded funds specific to SRI and various mutual funds. Many mutual-fund companies have even emerged that provide only religious-based and/or socially conscious specific funds.

Make your Make your financial financial future a future a priority.

Make your priority.

Ken Wood financial Ken Wood future a priority.

Investment guidance tailored to your individual needs

Disclaimer: Diversification does not guarantee a visit today. profit or protect against loss.Call Past or performance is not a guarantee of future results.

What kind of investment options are available?

At Edward Jones, we stop to ask you the question: “What’s important to you?”

Without that insight and a real understanding of your goals, investing holds little meaning.

Do I have to sacrifice potential returns if I want to follow a valuebased investment approach?

208-255-2613

Ken Wood Financial Advisor 477100 Highway 95, Suite B Ponderay, ID 83852 208-255-2613

Ponderay, IDFinancial 83852 Advisor .

208-255-2613 477100 Highway 95 Suite B www.edwardjones.com Ponderay, ID 83852 208-255-2613 www.edwardjones.com

Ken Wood

Financial Advisor .

477100 Highway 95 Suite B Ponderay, ID 83852 208-255-2613 www.edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

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North Idaho Life

Live the

Your Local Real Estate Agent

North Idaho Life

Beautiful Waterfront and Lakeview Living

Always at your service Know, Like & Trust

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North Idaho’s Favorite Realtor Keith Boe, REALTOR® 250 Northwest Boulevard #105 Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 Office: 208-209-5450 Cell: 206-390-9090 Email: Keith@NorthIdahoLife.com www.NorthIdahoLife.com

Candle in the Woods

Avondale Dental

HAYDEN IDAHO

The Grill at Avondale

With a small-town feel, there are many who have come to call this area home.

By Colin Anderson MUCH OF THE GROWTH in the Coeur d’Alene area has been in Hayden and Hayden Lake, and it is understandable just why that is! With a small-town feel, there are many who have come to call this area home.

But it’s not just the population that is growing; so is the culinary scene, which is a mixture of family friendly, casual and fine dining. Not only that, there are many opportunities to enjoy some specialty shopping in the Hayden area as well.

Near Honeysuckle and Government Way is where you’ll find Hayden’s main street and the long-established Hayden hang out, Sargents Restaurant and Lounge. Mexican delights are offered at Rancho Viejo and Toro Viejo. A bit further north on Miles Avenue sits The Porch Public House, which offers beautiful views of the golf course and delicious menu items prepared from scratch as well as fine wines, craft beer and a full bar.

The Hayden Lake Country Club and The Grill at Avondale—which is open to the public—at the Avondale Golf Club keep the golfers and the neighborhood happily well fed. The world-famous Clark House is a

stunning beautifully restored elegant country inn overlooking Hayden Lake. This is the place to reserve for a truly special event.

Gourmet Way offers one-of-a-kind kitchenware and gadgets, and you can find a plethora of imported brews, wines and gourmet foods at Daanen’s Delicatessen on Prairie Avenue. If you are looking to enjoy a cocktail, stop in one of the latest additions to the Hayden area, The Tipsy Pine. With happy hour daily from 3 to 6pm, they will entice you with a variety of cocktails and beer in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

During the spring and summer months, there is no shortage of outdoor fun the City of Hayden is host to. From the annual Kite Festival held the end of April, the Bike Rodeo in June, Hayden Triathlon and Hayden Days in July, and all summer long you can enjoy the weekly Hayden Summer Concert Series, free to the public, held at McIntire Family Park.

Be sure to check out this ever-growing part of the Coeur d’Alene area!

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SPOTLIGHT

The Grill at Avondale Dine and let loose • By Jillian Chandler • Photos by Lisa Turner

T

he Grill at Avondale, a neighborhood pub and restaurant, is a hidden gem that reflects the history of Avondale Farms on which the restaurant is located. The restaurant offers a rustic “barn chic” atmosphere decorated with barn doors and fixtures, which create a warm and relaxed environment. The menu offers a variety of home-style comfort foods and signature entrées.

What started out as a small bar with a limited menu known as “the Dale“ by members has now turned into one of the hottest dining spots in Hayden Lake. Open to the public, The Grill at Avondale treats guests to a menu with a variety of homemade comfort foods such as artisan pizzas and pastas that exceed expectations. In addition to the regular menu, Chef Jono Morrison creates a weekly fresh sheet, where diners can choose entrees like the maple pecan-glazed salmon or the seared pork tenderloin with a mustard caper sauce.

“Guests are surprised at the quality of our dishes and how affordable we are,” says Randy Folk, general manager. “Our prime rib on Friday and Saturday evenings is as good as you will find anywhere. We cure and smoke our

own meats, which is the key to our success.”

According to Randy, “The transformation of the restaurant was at the core of redefining our brand. Breaking away from being known as a golf-course restaurant was our primary focus.

We have established ourselves as the place to go in Hayden Lake. Our goal has been to provide a fun place for our guests to wine and dine and let loose at an affordable price, which I believe we have accomplished.”

He and his staff constantly hear guests say, “I had no idea this restaurant was open to the public,” and “We can’t wait to come back!”

Adjacent the restaurant is the newly decorated pub which is a great place to watch a sporting event and enjoy a cocktail. The pub has a full bar featuring cocktails, more than 25 beers and an extensive wine selection. “One of the best-known secrets by locals and members are the size of their drink pours, which are very generous, and no one goes away disappointed.”

During the spring and summer months, as of April 1, The Grill at Avondale is open daily at 8am.

The Grill at Avondale Hayden 10745 N. Avondale Loop 208.772.5963 AvondaleGolfCourse.com 44

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Sizzlin’ Selections

Hayden’s Favorite Neighborhood

Lounge & Dining Spot

Heritage Meats and More At Heritage Meats and More, they showcase more than 100 heritage meats including beef, pork, lamb and chicken. All meats come from animals that are pasture-raised and range free, grass fed (when possible), hormone and antibiotic free, ensuring the highest quality at reasonable prices.

They offer smoked meats, ready for sandwiches or by themselves. Also find more than 200 hot sauces and barbecue sauces, and see what they have brewing with more than 46 beers on tap!

Menus change daily, so be sure to check back often for mouth-watering meats, delicious sauces and beers right for everyone’s tastes. Find them at Facebook.com/OKBCustom or on their website.

HeritageMeatsAndMore.com Hayden - 8827 N. Government Way 208.449.6150

The Porch Public House A beautiful golf-course view without the cost of joining the country club makes The Porch an ideal setting for a delicious meal any time of year. They offer a full menu of sandwiches, salads, soups and specialties prepared from scratch without the high price of fine dining, and the region’s finest cocktails, microbrews and wines to accompany your meal.

Feel at home in the comfortable pub-style dining room or the fantastic outdoor dining area. Open daily at 11am year round, The Porch keeps the kitchen cooking up delicious food late every night.

For more information including specials, menu, photos and directions, please visit their website.

WeDontHaveOne.com Hayden - 1658 E. Miles Ave. 208.772.7711 Pub & Grill $-$$

Candle in the Woods As seen on Food Network, Candle in the Woods’ memorable and delectable wine dinners are held by reservation only, or can be booked for private group parties. Dinners are “family style” with one sitting per evening. These prix-fixe menus are eight to 10 course, one-of-a-kind small-plate dinners, with each course paired with a different wine from their 4,000 bottle award-winning wine cellar. Dinners begin at 6:30pm and usually run until 10:30pm. They also do event catering, cooking classes and special event parties. Visit their website and sign up for updates and invitations or send an email to dave@permoevents.com.

CandleInTheWoods.com Athol - 11805 E. Nunn Rd. 208.664.0135 Fine Dining $$$

The Grill at Avondale Avondale Bar and Grill restaurant offers casual bites, hearty dishes and simply delicious beverages that will not disappoint. Items like the maple pecan-glazed salmon or the seared pork tenderloin with a mustard caper sauce can be found on the menu. Pair your meal with a great cocktail, draft or bottled beer, or a glass of wine. If you are looking for a restaurant in Coeur d’Alene, drive 10 minutes to this award-winning restaurant in Hayden Lake.

AvondaleGolfCourse.com Hayden - 10745 N. Avondale Loop 208.772.5963 Contemporary, Steaks & Comfort Food $-$$$

l l i r he G

TAvondale 10745 N. Avondale LP. Hayden Lake, ID 208.772.5963 Banquet & Wedding facilites available.

Call to inquire

www.avondalegolfcourse.com northwestsizzle.com

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AVONDALE DENTAL Serving the community for more than 40 years

By Jillian Chandler

I

f you are looking for a premier dental facility in the region, look no further.

Avondale Dental has been providing state-of-the-art dentistry and its uniquely legendary service for more than 40 years.

Avondale Dental offers its patients a unique and beautiful setting right here in North Idaho.

Nestled among the trees alongside the 10th green at Avondale Golf Course, the one-of-akind serene setting is unparalleled.

The boutique dental office has been serving the Inland Northwest for more than four decades and has grown to be one of the largest and most sophisticated operations in the region.

“We offer all dental services from Invisalign, implants, cosmetic dentistry, full-mouth reconstruction and general family dentistry,” says owner Dr. Kory J. Wilson, DDS, who joined the Avondale team 10 years ago. In 2012, Avondale Dental welcomed the addition of Dr. Katherine Quinn Martin.

At Avondale Dental, they offer some of the most talented providers in the entire region, who are part of the most foremost continuing education continuums in all of the country and have a network of mentors in all disciplines of dentistry. This allows them to provide you with the most advanced services under one roof. Dr. Martin is part of the Spear Study Club which is an internationally recognized advanced dentistry teaching center. Dr. Wilson’s Invisalign mentor from Manhattan, New York, does more Invisalign than anyone in the country. And due to the size at Avondale Dental, they can regularly collaborate to continue to offer patients the best care and service available.

Housed in one of the oldest buildings in Hayden Lake—which Dr. Jim Robson originally purchased from his great aunt and was known as Aunt Erma’s General Store—

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“To be connected with our community, and to play our part in helping people with their dental and overall health, their smiles and ultimately their happiness and prosperity, is a great honor and responsibility we take seriously.”

According to Dr. Wilson, “Health care is rapidly changing, and while most dental offices are slow to react, we are forward-thinking and adaptive. We are always looking for ways to

providers are among the most highly skilled in all phases of dentistry,” says Dr. Wilson.

Dr. Robson is from Kellogg, Idaho, and has been a practicing dentist in the Hayden community for more than 40 years, while Dr. Wilson and Dr. Martin are from Coeur d’Alene, where they both attended Lake City High School.

“It was a priority for both of us to return to and serve our hometown community,” says Dr. Wilson. “Our deep roots are why we are so committed to the growth and prosperity of the Coeur d’Alene area, being heavily involved in many community programs like Boys and Girls Club, EXCEL Foundation, Leadership Coeur d’Alene, Coeur Group, and Idaho State Dental Association Leadership positions, among others. be better, more advanced and stay ahead of our peers to truly offer a unique and special experience each and every time to our patients.”

Their patients care about their dental health and put trust in the staff and doctors at Avondale Dental to help guide them to the best decisions for their oral health. The doctors only recommend and perform procedures to keep healthy, functional and beautiful smiles.

“We strive to treat you differently than you are used to at the other health-care offices, and our

“We love community! It is truly why we do what we do,” he adds. “To be connected with our community, and to play our part in helping people with their dental and overall health, their smiles and ultimately their happiness and prosperity, is a great honor and responsibility we take seriously.”

The local business community is a closely knit group who shares in innovation and creativity to offer truly superb services and products to better the lives of those who live there.

Dr. Wilson and his team attribute their success at Avondale Dental to the hardworking and dedicated staff. Avondale Dental’s longtime team truly cares about the people it serves, as well as the overall success of the business.

“Because of our tenured success,” says Dr. Wilson, “we continue to attract the very best talent to support our mission. And we wouldn’t be able to be as successful as we are without the best family of patients anywhere.”

Avondale Dental Hayden 1683 E. Miles Ave. 208.772.4066 AvondaleDentalCenter.com

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CANDLE IN THE WOODS Private dining excellence

By Jillian Chandler • Photos by Lauren Denos

O

ut in the woods in Athol, Idaho, just 20 minutes from Coeur d’Alene, lucky food and wine enthusiasts will find a beautiful log home; light beaming through the windows like a candle in the woods. Step in, and you will be greeted with friendly hospitality and an experience that won’t soon be forgotten.

Owner and chef Dave Adlard, as seen on Food Network, along with his wife and business partner Lisa, are the couple behind this private-dining establishment. Unlike a walk-in restaurant, the pair host reservation-only dinners, and take reservations for private group dinners for four to 20 people. Dave creates an original, highend, eight to 10-course small-plate menu, with each course perfectly paired with a wine to complement that specific dish.

This concept is unlike any other in the area.

Guests are treated to a “prix-fixe” chef ’s dinner, specially designed for the evening. Though there are some signature appetizers and dishes that Dave has created over the years, not one meal has been duplicated in its entirety in the 10 years since they first started hosting these private dinners. Even the table settings are unique for each event.

Wines for the dinners come from their diverse 4,000-bottle wine cellar, in which each wine has been hand selected by Dave. Many of the 1,800-plus label wines are unique and rare or from small, little-known wineries from around the world, allowing Dave a variety of interesting options to offer his guests. The cellar also houses many local and regional wines from Idaho and Washington. Candle in the Woods received one of only two “Best of Wine Spectator” awards in Idaho, and one of only a small handful in the entire Northwest. It has been

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featured in Wine Spectator and several newspapers regionally and nationally.

and we have never received less than a five-star review. We are honored and humbled by it.”

“There are inexpensive wines that have become guests’ favorites because they pair so well with the food, and then there are some high-end treats,” says Dave. “And I love using local wines.

Every dinner always has local wines on the list, as well as well-known favorites from California, Bordeaux, Italy and Spain, to name a few.”

For guests who want to take advantage of the whole evening, they have a limited “Dinner and Bed” option, where they can spend the night in one of the beautiful cabin bedrooms and be treated to a wonderful brunch the next morning.

In between courses, guests can get up from the table and watch and interact with Dave in the open kitchen while he prepares the next course, or they can entertain themselves in the game room, where they can play pool, foosball and darts, and their famous house game “BATC.” (You have to experience it for yourself to understand the fun!) Once the dinner is over, guests are welcome to head outside by the fire pit, or even take a dip in the hot tub to finish off the evening, if they so choose.

“This is an experience they’ll never forget,” says Dave. “It’s a very memorable dining experience,

So how does one get invited to such an incredible evening? People can sign up to be part of Candle in the Woods’ emailing list. Approximately every four weeks, Dave sends out an invite to those on the list. The first 16 people to respond reserve their seat at the chef ’s table. It’s that simple. Dave also posts upcoming dates on their website, and folks can phone in to secure their spot.

Those interested in having their own private dining event at Candle in the Woods can make reservations, and Dave will create a special menu catered to them. To add to the special night, he works closely with a local limo ser-

Candle In The Woods Athol 11805 E. Nunn Rd. 208.664.0135 CandleInTheWoods.com

vice, and guests can reserve a limo to take them to and from the event. He is also available for off-site catering, private meals and personal cooking classes at your home.

Dave truly has a gift for pairing food and wine, all while creating a fun, interactive atmosphere for his guests. Treat yourself to this exceptional food and wine experience at the Candle in the Woods. It will be an evening to remember.

SPOTLIGHT

For a Dinner to Remember A Taste of Our Menu STEAK S’MORES Tender slivers of tenderloin over chocolate, graham cracker and melted chocolate. A huge favorite!

BLUE FIN TUNA TARTARE Super fresh tuna with avocado and mango salsa TUSCAN PORK Served over mushroom risotto LOBSTER RAVIOLI IN SAMBUCA CREAM Delicious, mouthwatering!

LAMBSCICLES In port wine demi-glace over prosciuttowrapped asparagus CREME BRULEE-STUFFED POACHED PEAR In crème Anglais sauce

Fine Private Dining for Individuals or small groups

To Make Reservations Contact Us 11805 E Nunn Road Athol, Id. 83801 208-664-0135 dave@permoevents.com CandleInTheWoods.com northwestsizzle.com

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Bistro on Spruce

Accent Floors

COEUR D’ALENE IDAHO

Grabbagreen®

Tony’s On the Lake

People are drawn to this community in part because of its beauty, but also because of the friendliness of the people.

By Colin Anderson WALKING DOWN SHERMAN AVENUE in Coeur d’Alene, it is easy to get lost in the magic of this town. People are drawn to this community in part because of its beauty, but also because of the friendliness of the people. And then there is the diversity of mouthwatering culinary experiences—simply amazing.

On Lakeside Avenue, just one block off Sherman Avenue, one can stop in and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and a bite to eat at Calypsos Coffee and Creamery. The friendly owner, Todd Jenicek, will greet you, and here you can enjoy breakfast, which is served all day long, and freshly made soups, sandwiches and salads. Just up the block from Calypsos, you will find Uva Italian, where you can enjoy hearty authentic Italian food prepared from scratch.

One of the newest additions to the downtown area is Sweet Lou’s Restaurant and Tap House. Like its sister restaurant in Sandpoint, Sweet Lou’s offers great food, a wide variety of beers on tap and TVs visible from every seat to enjoy your favorite game. Coeur d’Alene’s midtown also offers some places not to miss. 315 Restaurant at the historic Greenbriar Inn on Wallace Avenue offers martinis, tapas and dinner, as well as rooms for a special overnight stay. Head north on Fourth Street to find midtown favorites, The Bluebird and Angelo’s Ristorante.

Riverstone, a luxury development near the intersection of Interstate 90 and Northwest Boulevard, offers a variety of restaurants, unique shops and Regal Cinemas. While there, be sure and stop by The Culinary 50

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Stone gourmet food and kitchen mecca, along with their Chop Shop and Bakeshop. They offer tastings, cooking demos and classes with local chefs.

Restaurants eager to entertain you here include Anthony’s Restaurant, Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery, Azteca, Sushi I and Grille from Ipanema, just to name a few. In the mood to shop? Riverstone offers a variety of boutiques and stores for your enjoyment.

But there is much more to enjoy on your visit to Coeur d’Alene. Coeur d’Alene is home to Ironman Coeur d’Alene. Each summer, athletes from all over the world come to compete in this intense competition. If you enjoy the arts, then Coeur d’Alene will leave you fulfilled. Since 1967, Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre has been delighting audiences with fullscale Broadway shows. Art on the Green, held on the campus of North Idaho College, is a favorite of artists and visitors alike. For nearly 50 years, this is a much-loved tradition for many in this area.

The beauty of Coeur d’Alene draws people outdoors and entices them to enjoy all the recreational opportunities. With Silver Mountain Resort just a short drive away, people can ski or board in the winter and hike and mountain bike in the summer. You can even enjoy an indoor waterpark year round, making it a perfect family getaway.

What are you waiting for? Plan a trip to Coeur d’Alene soon!

FROM

AFFORDABLE CUSTOM BUILDERS

Concept

Making your dream home a reality

By Jillian Chandler

C

oming from a ski town in the Colorado mountains, Brandon Johnson relocated to North Idaho more than 20 years ago. “When I saw the abundant lakes and public land, I packed my things and relocated within three weeks’ time,” says Brandon. “I knew this was my ‘forever’ place.”

Since 2001, Brandon, owner of Affordable Custom Builders located in Coeur d’Alene, has been building beautiful custom homes— and relationships—in this lake and mountain community.

“I get my greatest satisfaction in helping families make smart decisions about their future home purchase,” says Brandon.

“That purchase is typically the largest, most important financial decision they will ever make. I feel like I’m largely responsible for their financial future by the advice I give them and the budgets I protect.”

“As a customer, the more of your vision you can share with your builder, the more accurate of estimates you will receive,” says Brandon.

He strives for proactive production through communication. His team works hard to keep communication flowing between all parties to expedite construction timelines. They welcome customers to be involved in their project by managing or performing various aspects of their build.

TO

Reality

“As our project begins, we work hard to over communicate to our customers by employing an online construction management system we call Diamond-Vu. This gives customers complete access to construction schedules, budgets, product selections and even daily project photos from the convenience of their smartphones, tablets or computers,” says Brandon. “This transparency is extremely rare in the construction world, and we find it vital to increase the trust between builder and client, while reducing errors and timelines.”

In addition, projects are designed to exceed building codes. Affordable Custom Builders goes above and beyond its clients’ expectations. If you’re in the process of looking to build your dream home, Brandon and his team will bring that vision to fruition.

Brandon prefers to keep his company small and intimate; one of the reasons there are fewer than nine employees. This allows for more direct and personal relationships between his staff and clients. At Affordable Custom Builders, they truly care! They care about your budget, your relationship and the impact of your project on the environment. Brandon and his team only accept projects they believe will exceed customer expectations, timeline and budget.

When not in the office or on site working, Brandon spends his time hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, dirt biking, camping and hiking with friends and family. During the slower seasons, you can find him cheering on the Seahawks and Zags. Brandon has truly made Coeur d’Alene home.

Affordable Custom Builders Downtown Coeur d’Alene 401 Sherman Ave. Ste. 207 208.666.4141 AffordableCustomBuilders.com

208.666.4141

Affordable Custom Builders.com

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MOON TIME AND THE PORCH PUBLIC HOUSE Longstanding restaurants who value their employees and customers

By Jillian Chandler • Photos by Lisa Turner and courtesy of Moon Time and The Porch

F

riends and owners John Grollmus and Brad Fosseen had a vision: to open their own restaurant in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and in 1996 they did just that.

At that time, Coeur d’Alene had limited options when it came to dining out, and Moon Time opened the doors to something a bit different than the town was used to.

“Initially, right out of the gates, we didn’t do so well,” says John. “Brad and I would joke that we built a really great place for our family and friends to hang out.” There were a few variables that played into the situation. There was road work on Sherman Avenue that went from Seventh Street past Moon Time during the first summer they were opened. But as John recalls, after the road work was done and Moon Time had settled in, business turned a corner.

And once their one-year anniversary hit, they started seeing more diners, and from then on, the clientele grew exponentially.

“One of the things we’re most proud of is that Moon Time seems to appeal to people from all walks of life,” says John.

Any local will tell you Moon Time is a very casual, comfortable place to hang out. It’s like its own community. There are customers who have been going there for 20 years, who are still seeing the same staff who has been working there nearly or just as long. “It’s great watching families grow up, to see our young employees

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grow into adulthood; the regulars who came in with their babies, who are now old enough to order a beer at the bar,” John says.

Throughout the years, Moon Time has always offered its guests consistency. Offering great food at a reasonable price, paired with excellent service and a familiar face has always been their goal. Guests get what they have come to expect.

The menu, from the start, has featured unique and upscale pub food bringing a variety of items from many different cultures together.

From the gumbo, to the lamb burger to the tacos; there are a lot of flavors for guests to choose from. Each Thursday, there are two new weekly specials offered.

One item you’ll always find guests talking about is the roasted corn pasta, which originally started out as a side dish for their chicken Caesar soft taco. After people kept asking for it, they decided to make it a staple menu item.

“I think the thing that makes us different is our unique menu,” says John. “We are always trying to do stuff you won’t find anywhere else.”

John and Brad care about the success of their restaurants, but even more importantly, they care about their employees. They are not blind to the realities of life, and it is important to them to take care of those who work for them.

That is just one reason they try to pay better than any other restaurant in the area.

Manager and chef Chris Schultz of Moon Time has been invaluable to the restaurant almost since its inception. He was hired when Moon Time was just three months young and has been with them ever since. As John says, “Chris is an essential asset. He runs the show.”

SPOTLIGHT As for the bar, it may not have the biggest tap selection in town, but know that the beer is always rotating and fresh. There is a lot of time and energy put into selecting just the right brews for their 19 handles to complement the food. And there is always a rotating beer special. As for the wines, guests can choose from a wide variety, including Washington wines.

Those looking for entertainment won’t be disappointed. Each Thursday, Moon Time offers live music starting at 9pm showcasing local artists and touring acts. Thursday is also dollar pint night. This is a weekly favorite of both locals and visitors alike!

With Moon Time being a neighborhood favorite for Coeur d’Alene diners, John and Brad wanted to bring a similar concept to the Hayden community. In 2003, they opened The Porch Public House in Hayden Lake. They found the perfect neighborhood location to bring another great community restaurant to the people. The Porch features many similar menu items to Moon Time, with some that are distinct to its locale. One big difference is that it offers a full bar and cocktails.

John and Brad also own The Elk Public House, El Que, Two Seven Public House and Geno’s Traditional Food and Ales in Spokane.

With all of the success these friends and business partners have secured in the restaurant business, Brad says what makes him truly proud is that guests keep coming back and have become friends. And through all the years and six restaurants later, John and he are still friends.

When in Coeur d’Alene or Hayden and looking for a great neighborhood pub, pull up a chair at Moon Time or The Porch. They’re ready to serve you the best!

Moon Time East Coeur d’Alene 1602 E. Sherman Ave. 208.667.2331 The Porch Hayden 1658 E. Miles Ave. 208.772.7711 WeDontHaveOne.com northwestsizzle.com

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SPOTLIGHT

SWEET LOU’S RESTAURANT All in the family

By Jillian Chandler • Photos by Angie Dail & Courtesy of Sweet Lou’s

I

n 2011, Chad and Meggie Foust decided to leave the fast-paced lifestyle of Seattle and move “home” to Northern Idaho.

Their dream was to raise their son Lou in a small town surrounded by natural beauty.

When the chance arose to open a waterfront restaurant in Hope, Idaho, the timing could not have been more ideal. They left their jobs and relocated to Sandpoint.

“It was a big jump,” according to Meggie, “but it was the perfect opportunity for Chad to fulfill his dream of running his own restaurant, while I could spend more time at home with our son.”

The casual waterfront restaurant featuring American fare opened its doors for seasonal dining in April 2011. Named after their son, Sweet Lou’s takes a simplistic approach; guests are greeted with a smile and provided with great food, drink and service. Their concept was quickly embraced, and just a year later, the husband-and-wife team opened their second location—Sweet Lou’s Restaurant and Bar in Ponderay.

This log cabin-style restaurant is where you will find home-style comfort food, made with high-quality ingredients, served in generous portions, all at a reasonable price. Add 20 HDTVs for great game viewing and a full bar featuring specialty drinks made with Moonshine and 16 beers on tap to the mix, and you’ve found the recipe for Sweet Lou’s success.

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This past year, Chad and Meggie decided to close the doors to the original Hope location and expand Sweet Lou’s to Downtown Coeur d’Alene. In November 2016, Sweet Lou’s Restaurant and Tap House introduced itself to the neighborhood. Open daily, the offerings, service and standards remain consistent with their Ponderay location. You will find the same delicious menu paired with 32 beers on tap and a great wine selection, offered in a casual space that has a more modern and industrial look, but still offers that “welcome to my home” hospitality. And yes, the game will be on for your enjoyment here, too.

Chad is a very hands-on leader and oversees everything from the front of the house to the back of the house, which leads to great service and consistent quality on the plates they put in front of you.

“We are excited to be bringing our model to Coeur d’Alene,” says Chad. “Ninety-five percent of what we offer is made in house. We hand batter each onion ring, cut every steak and smoke all of our salmon, pork and ribs— including bison ribs—right in the kitchen.”

Meggie is a Coeur d’Alene native and is looking forward to being able to give back to the community that raised her. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without our friends and family in Coeur d’Alene,” she says. “It is an honor to have the ability to serve them our favorite dishes.”

Sweet Lou’s SweetLousIdaho.com Coeur d’Alene 601 E. Front St., Ste. 101 208.667.1170 Ponderay 477272 Highway 95 208.263.1381

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Now serving

you at two GREAT LOCATIONS!

ly * hand-cut Steaks * family friend bs * ri ed ok sm wild salmon

- Sweet Lou Says -

"Come hungry, Stay late, Eat well!" www.sweetlousidaho.com Sweet lou’s restaurant & tap house >> 601 FRONT Ave. 208.667.1170 DOWNTOWN COEUR D’ALENe

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Sweet lou’s restaurant & BaR >> Ponderay, Idaho 208.263.1381 Next tonorthwestsizzle.com Holiday Inn Express 55

SPOTLIGHT

UVA ITALIAN Serving up pasta, pizza, wine and more!

By Jillian Chandler • Photos by Sheena Dunn

U

va Italian, located in Downtown Coeur d’Alene, invites all of their guests to enjoy their high-quality Italian cuisine without the high price. The hospitable Italian family style dining experience is unrivaled in the area. Every menu item is made from scratch using Old-World recipes. A few items that can always be found on the menu are the chicken marsala, Steve’s baked pasta and salmon risotto; dishes that are hard to find anywhere else. The marsala is rich and creamy, and more buttery and gravy like than the traditional method.

When it comes to each meal that is made and served to the guest, owner and chef Steve Van Zeveren gives nothing but the best, with the menu always evolving, always fresh. From the lasagna, meat sauce and marinara, to their Caesar dressing and tiramisu, it’s all made in house from scratch. The aromas and flavors speak for themselves.

The pizza is simple but offers something different than what’s offered elsewhere. Made New York-style, the dough is made fresh daily, topped with their homemade sauce and the best ingredients, baked in their stone-deck ovens. Guests can’t help but notice the crust has a distinctive texture and flavor; crispy and chewy all in one bite. Heaven. The food is not only delightful, but affordable. “We want our guests to have a really nice meal in a beautiful yet comfortable atmosphere, all at a great value,” says Steve.

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The large wine bar offers a superb wine list, with each wine hand selected by General Manager Lisa Lopez. Like the food, the wine is high in quality but offered to guests at a great value. With 30 glass pours, the largest in the area, nothing goes to waste, as Lisa makes homemade sangrias, both red and white.

Though they don’t have liquor, they make their own session cocktails using wine and beer. The cosmopolitans, made with white port, are a must try!

Steve and Lisa host monthly wine dinners at the restaurant for up to 35 people, with specially prepared menus to pair best with the wines served. A wine club is in the works with different levels of membership, and they are in the process of renovating the back room and transforming it into a wine lounge.

Uva treats each guest with the same great service. The restaurant offers 90 seats in the main dining room and side rooms, and 50 seats for private dining, with accommodations for meeting space. Steve, Lisa and the rest of the staff strive for one thing: to ensure each and every customer leaves happy. Through great food and wine, value, approachability and exceptional service, they are doing just that. Take a seat at Uva and experience it for yourself.

UVA Italian Downtown Coeur d’Alene 309 E. Lakeside Ave. 208.930.0573 UvaCDA.com

When it comes to each meal that is made and served to the guest, owner and chef Steve Van Zeveren gives nothing but the best, with the menu always evolving, always fresh.

Fresh Eats Anthony’s Restaurant Opened summer of 2016, Anthony’s at Coeur d’Alene is located in the Riverstone community and features a scenic waterfront setting. Offering two outdoor fireplaces and a spectacular view of Riverstone, Anthony’s is a dining destination not to miss. They offer the freshest seafood, from their own seafood company, great steaks, pasta and salads, all complemented by fresh-from-the-farm local produce, Northwest wines and microbrews.

Open for lunch and dinner daily, Sunday Thursday 11am - 9pm, Friday - Saturday 11am 10pm. Anthonys.com Coeur d’Alene at Riverstone 1926 W. Riverstone Dr. 208.664.4665 American & Seafood $$-$$$ Calypsos Coffee and Creamery At Calypsos you’ll find a combination of amazing coffee, which they roast on site, ice cream, fantastic food and live music on a regular basis. They display artwork from local artists, have a play area for the kids and offer free Wi-Fi and a Smart Room for meeting rentals! Calypsos was recently listed as one of the top 10 Coolest Coffee Shops to visit in Idaho! Located in Downtown Coeur d’Alene just one block from City Beach, Calypsos is open daily, Monday - Thursday 7am - 8:30pm, Friday 7am - 9pm, Saturday 8am - 9pm, Sunday 8am - 4pm.

CalypsosCoffee.com Downtown Coeur d’Alene 116 E. Lakeside Ave. 208.665.0591 Cafe & Coffee House $ ChocoPerfection Sugar Free Chocolate ChocoPerfection has been named “Best Tasting Sugar-Free Chocolate” since 2007. ChocoPerfection is naturally sweetened from chicory root fiber and no maltitol. ChocoPerfection was created for diabetics, those seeking weight loss on a low carb or keto diet and for chocolate lovers who do not eat sugar. You can find ChocoPerfection at Pilgrim’s and Natural Grocers in Coeur d’Alene, at the Flour Mill in Hayden or order online with free shipping.

ChocoPerfection.com 800.332.1773 Fisherman’s Market, Grill and Sushi Bar At Fisherman’s Market and Grill, you can dine in or take out. Find fresh fish and shellfish, as well as smoked fish on their market side. The grill offers you a fun menu of seafood: everything from eight choices of fish and chips, eight choices of specialty tartars, fish tacos, salads, steamers, catfish and oyster po’ boys, and much more! And don’t forget about the sushi bar! They offer a selection of beer, wine and sake, too. Seasonal outdoor dining is available. Open Monday - Saturday 11am - 8pm.

FishermansMarketCdA.com North Coeur d’Alene 215 W. Kathleen Ave. Ste. A 208.664.4800 Seafood, Sushi & Fish Market $-$$ Moon Time Established in 1996, Moon Time quickly became a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Serving some of the best food around in a comfortable pub-style atmosphere, you’ll want to visit as often as possible. The menu offers soups, sandwiches, pastas, salads and other specialties prepared from scratch daily, along with a fantastic selection of micro-brewed beers and fine wines by the glass and bottle. Open daily at 11am, the kitchen is open late every night. Be sure to stop in Thursday night for live music featuring national and local artists.

For more information including photos, menu, specials and directions, make sure to visit their website. WeDontHaveOne.com East Coeur d’Alene - 1602 Sherman Ave. 208.667.2331 Pub & Grill $ 315 Restaurant at The Greenbriar Inn 315 is an exciting and unique concept for North Idaho offering a full dinner menu and tapas using fresh and seasonal food. With more than 50 hand-crafted martinis, they use the best natural ingredients for flavors that really pop! Also find great wine, beer and a variety of non-alcoholic drinks. Guests can choose to dine in the large dining room, comfortable lounge or at the bar.

During the warmer months, deck and patio garden seating is abundant. They offer specials nightly and food and drink pairings weekly. Stop in to enjoy live music on Tuesday night! Open Tuesday - Saturday 3:15pm - close. 315MartinisandTapas.com Midtown Coeur d’Alene - 315 Wallace Ave. 208.667.9660 Tapas, Dinner, Martini & Wine Bar $-$$ Uva Italian Located in the heart of Downtown Coeur d’Alene, Uva features Italian recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Family owned and operated, they take pride in serving food from scratch, using only the freshest ingredients and utilizing organic and locally sourced products.

Try the chicken marsala, delicious homemade meatballs or made-to-order pizza. Follow up with the delicious tiramisu, guaranteed to be the best you have ever tasted. They can accommodate both large and small groups. Stop in for lunch or supper.

Open Monday - Saturday 11am - 9pm, Sunday 4 9pm. UvaCdA.com Downtown Coeur d’Alene 309 Lakeside Ave. 208.930.0573 Italian $$-$$$

Visit us in our beautiful downtown location!

Family-Owned, Authentic Italian Scratch Cooking.

Gluten-Free options as well!

309 Lakeside Ave. Coeur d’Alene (208) 930-0573

Serving Lunch & Dinner

Monday - Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday 4pm-9pm www.UvaCda.com northwestsizzle.com

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315 Restaurant at The Greenbriar Inn Coeur d’Alene’s unique bed and breakfast and restaurant

By Jillian Chandler • Photos by Jamie Sedlmayer

SPOTLIGHT

Casual Fine Dining at the Greenbriar

315 Restaurant at the Greenbriar Inn Coeur d’Alene 315 Wallace Ave. 208.667.9660 315MartinisAndTapas.com shady porch is ideal for fair-weather dining.

To add to the ambiance, live soft music plays every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evening.

T

he Greenbriar Inn opened its doors back in 1985 in a beautiful historic 1908 building just a few blocks from Downtown Coeur d’Alene. For more than three decades, owners Bob and Kris McIlvenna have welcomed their guests into their warm and inviting inn offering six suites, each with its own distinct look, mixed with antique and replica furnishings.

“We have strived to remain as true to its original structure as possible, with a nod to modern conveniences,” says Kris. There are many antiques mixed with more modern comforts, providing guests a cozy and eclectic atmosphere.

What started as catering to the Catering is the in North Idaho

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a bed and breakfast added mix in 1986. Greenbriar largest independent caterer and has won many awards

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over the years. Greenbriar has gone through three major remodels, the latest being the 315 Restaurant, which Bob and Kris opened in 2008 with a martini and tapas bar.

Today, the 109-year-old inn greets you with its simplicity and elegance the moment you walk through the door. The restaurant sits on the main floor, featuring a flavorful and diverse menu of starters, tapas and entrées. In addition, you can choose from a selection of handcrafted martinis and cocktails, beer and wine, and nonalcoholic beverages and cocktails.

Take a seat at the stylish bar and order from the modestly priced wine list, or dine at a table near one of the two fireplaces. During the warmer months, there is an option to dine under umbrella tables outside on the deck that surrounds the dining room with garden view, or the brick patios in the front of the house. The

For those looking to enjoy a night at the inn, Greenbriar has several overnight packages to choose from. From the One-Night Getaway to the two-night Romance Weekend packages, both including roses, champagne or wine, movie tickets, dessert and a dining credit at the restaurant, to the Elopement Package providing the guests with one-hour use of the facility, an on-site minister, champagne toast and $50 dinner credit. Overnight visitors are provided with a second-floor lounge and deck and all of the things one would expect from an upscale hotel.

Looking for dinner and a romantic overnight stay? Look no further than the Greenbriar Inn.

Palate Pleasers Angelo’s Ristoranté Only eight blocks from Downtown Coeur d’Alene, Angelo’s is the local favorite with a taste of homemade, authentic Italian cuisine! Join them for fresh, organic, handcrafted food, with many gluten-free offerings in a variety of dishes including pastas. They also offer an extensive wine selection and warm romantic décor. Full-service catering and private dining rooms are available, as well as seasonal outdoor dining. Reservations are highly recommended. Stop in for Dinner for Two and a Bottle of Wine, where you can choose from 15 entrées and 10 bottles of wine for only $65. Open Monday - Thursday 4 - 9pm, Friday - Sunday 4 10pm. AngelosRistorante.net Midtown Coeur d’Alene - 846 N. Fourth St. 208.765.2850 Authentic Italian & Organic $$ Iron Horse Bar and Grill Locally owned and operated and a local favorite since 1972, The Iron Horse is the No. 1 cocktail lounge in Idaho. Open for lunch and dinner daily, with breakfast served Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy the best in food and spirits in the restaurant, lounge or out on the patio. They offer entertainment all week long, with a DJ on Tuesday and Thursday, and live music Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy downtown, the lake, City Park, Tubbs Hill and the Iron Horse. Tradition counts, so when in Coeur d’Alene, join the locals at the Iron Horse; a great place to drink, eat and have fun!

IronHorseBarAndGrill.com Downtown Coeur d’Alene 407 Sherman Ave. 208.667.7314 American Fare & Cocktails $-$$$ TONY’s ON THE LAKE Tony’s is a landmark in Coeur d’Alene, serving Italian-inspired cuisine. A beautiful five-minute drive from the Sherman Avenue Exit off I-90, they offer a full-service bar, extensive wine list, outdoor seating, docks for boaters and art by Terry Lee. Visit the website for complete menu and seasonal hours. TonysOnTheLake.com East Coeur d’Alene 6823 Coeur d’Alene Lake Dr. 208.667.9885 Italian $$$

Live music on Tuesdays!

r u o y t Star t a g n i n eve

briar e Green ing at th in D e in F Casual

Open 3:15pm - Close Tues. - Sat. 208.667.9660 315 Wallace Avenue Coeur d’Alene, ID

315MartinisAndTapas.com

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SPOTLIGHT

Calypsos Coffee and Creamery

Local coffee shop gives back in many ways

By Patty Hutchens

W

ith a passion for what they do and the amazing support of the community, Calypsos Coffee and Creamery on East Lakeside Avenue in Downtown Coeur d’Alene has been a favorite spot of both locals and tourists for a decade. Just voted one of the top 10 Coolest Coffee Shops to visit in Idaho, the menu offer more than just the incredible breakfasts and locally made pastries, which are served all day long; Calypsos offers freshly made soups, salad and sandwiches. And if you are looking for one of the best cups of coffee around, Calypsos has it.

their coffee for as long as others typically do, with the end result a smooth product with a little more caffeine.

Owned by Todd Jenicek, along with his wife Maria-Cristina, Calypsos is the only coffee shop in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Hayden Lake area that roasts their own coffee in house which allows them to control their product. “We currently roast beans from 10 different countries, and we offer several single origin and coffee blends for retail purchase,” says Todd. “We can also roast specifically for your business or event and private label.”

Part of Calypsos’ charm is their desire to give back to the community. They are eager to support and promote local artists and nonprofits, even displaying some local artists’ creations for sale. And many nonprofits have hosted fundraisers at Calypsos. “We feel that is one of the best ways we can give back to the community,” says Todd.

Their signature espresso blend is made up of coffee from four different countries, and they rotate different countries and blends that they serve as their daily drip. “That’s so people can find out what might make their taste buds dance,” says Todd. Calypsos does not roast

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The large family friendly space is like a living room, perfect to come relax and stay for a while. There is a small play area for the kids. And with an on-site meeting room and catering available, it is the perfect place to host meetings or events. They also offer a stage and sound system perfect for entertainment. On Monday evenings, one can enjoy an open mic night, and there are several times throughout the year when various musicians perform.

Calypsos is celebrating 10 years in business this year, something Todd and Maria-Cristina credit to their incredible staff and patrons.

As Todd says, “We just want our customers to know how much we really appreciate them. They have so many choices, and we are enthused that they continue to choose us!”

Calypsos Coffee and Creamery Downtown Coeur d’Alene 116 E. Lakeside Ave. 208.665.0591 CalypsosCoffee.com

Great Food Sweet Lou’s Restaurant and Tap House This past November, Downtown Coeur d’Alene got a lot sweeter with the addition of Sweet Lou’s Restaurant and Tap House. Featuring the same great food and service as their Sandpoint location, guests will be treated to family recipes, focusing on familiar American-fare entrees with a twist. Try the ribs (pork or bison) that are smoked in house. The unique burger menu features 10 different burgers that are made from freshly ground top sirloin and topped with decadent eats such as smoked pulled pork, hand-battered onion rings or fresh jalapenos. Along with an extensive menu and casual atmosphere, Sweet Lou’s has 32 beers on tap to enjoy while you are watching your favorite game on one of their 24 4K TVs. Come hungry, stay late and eat well. Find them on Facebook.com/ SweetLousCdA. SweetLousIdaho.com Downtown Coeur d’Alene 601 E. Front St. Ste. 101 208.667.1170 Inventive American Far $-$$ Tim’s Special Cut Meats The only old-fashioned butcher shop in town offering a variety of retail meats—all-natural, hormone- and antibiotic-free Angus beef, chicken, Idaho lamb and pork, USDA-inspected elk and buffalo. They also have a variety of custom-smoked sausages, hams and bacon, jerky, fresh sausages, deli meats, seafood, dairy products including farmfresh eggs, raw unpasteurized cow and goat milk, as well as spices, marinades, sauces, rubs, local beers, wine and more. Let Tim’s help you choose a great steak to barbecue tonight or prepare a special-order item such as rack of lamb or seasoned prime rib.

North Coeur d’Alene 7397 N. Government Way 208.772.3327 The Bluebird The owners of Syringa Japanese Café and Sushi Bar bring you The Bluebird, a midtown eatery. Highquality ingredients and locally sourced products are used in every dish, from the pickle plate, pork belly, and Cougar Gold macaroni and cheese, to the duck confit sandwich, wild-caught Pacific halibut and Northwest bouillabaisse. The menu is unique, enticing and delicious. Stay local. Support local. Eat and drink local. Live local. Open Tuesday - Thursday 4 - 9pm, Friday - Saturday 11am 10pm, Sunday 11am - 9pm; closed Monday. Find them at Facebook.com/MidtownBluebird.

Midtown Coeur d’Alene - 816 N. Fourth St. 208.665.3777 Eclectic $$

Chinook Steak, Pasta and Spirits Located at the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel in Worley, Idaho, Chinook highlights the best of the Northwest, including King Salmon from the Puget Sound, beef sourced exclusively in Washington, Columbia River steelhead and wild local huckleberries. The menu caters to a variety of tastes, with offerings of wood-fired pizzas and Old-World rustic-style pastas, all with thought given to affordability and five-star quality.

Open Thursday - Sunday 5 - 8:30pm, with the Lounge open Thursday - Sunday starting at 4 pm.

CdACasino.com Worley - 37914 S. Nukwalqw 800.523.2464 American Fine Dining $-$$$ Bardenay Restaurant and Distilling It all comes together with their handcrafted cocktails paired with an innovative menu featuring delicious Northwest cuisine, served in a uniquely Idaho atmosphere. Bardenay produces vodka and Eagle-made gin, lemon vodka, strawberry liqueur and banana liqueur on site. The cocktails are complemented with a menu featuring an array of appetizers, satays, tacos, soups and salads, sandwiches and burgers, and entrees. It’s the perfect place to meet friends or colleagues for drinks and appetizers or stop in for lunch or dinner and enjoy the casual Northwestern-style cuisine.

Open Monday - Thursday 11am - 10pm, Friday - Saturday 11am - 11pm, Sunday 10am - 10pm.

Bardenay.com Coeur d’Alene at Riverstone 1710 W. Riverstone Dr. 208.765.1540 Northwest & Spirits $-$$$ Seasons of Coeur d’Alene Fresh Grill and Martini Bar Seasons is a local favorite in the heart of downtown, featuring amazingly affordable, absolutely delicious and always fresh, creatively crafted cuisine. Guests will enjoy dining in the intimate dining room, vibrant bar, quiet fireplace lounge or trellised patio.

Come for their happiest of hours daily 3 - 6pm.

Or enjoy one of the specialty nights including Shellfish Tuesday, Ladies Night Wednesday and Thursday Night Burgers and Brews, or handcrafted cocktails and microbrews in the Martini Bar anytime. Free parking and Wi-Fi available. Open daily at 11am. Seasons offers online reservations.

SeasonsOfCdA.com Downtown Coeur d’Alene 209 Lakeside Ave. 208.664.8008 Seasonally Inspired Food & Drink $$

f Calypsos Coffee & Creamery  @calypsoscoffee

• Coffee Roasted On Site • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner • Meeting Room Available • Live Music • Free Wi-Fi CalypsosCoffee.com

116 East Lakeside Avenue

208.665.0591

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KOOTENAI FAMILY DENTAL Serving and connecting with the community

By Jillian Chandler • Photos by Jamie Sedlmayer and courtesy of Kootenai Family Dental

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t Kootenai Family Dental, patients receive more than just the best care in full-service family and cosmetic dentistry; they will find a caring and personal staff who genuinely cares about their patients’ wellbeing and who are willing to go above and beyond to best educate their patients when it comes to their oral health.

Servicing North Idaho communities, they pride themselves as a full-service family and cosmetic dental office, providing care for all ages. Implants, complete smile restorations, crowns, veneers, dentures, partials and bridges, and Invisalign, as well as all of the normal preventative dental care provisions are offered.

At Kootenai Family Dental, they recognize that all of their patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. The experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free and rewarding dental experience each and every time you visit their practice.

Owner and doctor, Alexis LaRose, received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Loma Linda, California, graduating in the top 10 percent of her class and awarded a certificate of merit for

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achievement, proficiency and promise in the field of oral medicine. As there are constant changes in dental technology, she pursues continuing education offerings locally and nationally in order to stay at the leading edge of knowledge to ensure patients always receive the highest level of care.

Associate Dr. Marie Smith also has a passion for helping people, and she is grateful that she is in a profession that allows her to have a direct impact on people’s lives and health.

This is exactly what she is doing at Kootenai Family Dental. She earned her undergraduate degree in biology from Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, receiving her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry.

Doctors Alexis and Marie ensure their patients get the best care possible. They interact and engage with their patients, creating real relationships, and offering all parties involved a rewarding experience.

“It’s an amazing feeling, being able to work with people you genuinely care about, from our patients to our awesome team,” says Dr. Alexis.

Alexis and her husband Nick, who manages

the office at Kootenai Family Dental, moved to Coeur d’Alene four years ago from Billings, Montana. They were in search of a practice and found just what they were looking for at Kootenai Family Dental. They wanted to stay in the Northwest, to be part of a vibrant community and a place to put down roots and raise a family. They knew they had found home.

“Not a lot of places offer the quality of life we have here,” says Nick. “We truly believe we found paradise. We love where we live.”

The small town allows them to truly get to know the people in the community. They enjoy seeing their patients around town, which allows them the opportunity to further check in with them about their previous dental visit and making sure their oral health is thriving.

“Our true purpose is to be servants to our community and patients, with the goals of getting our patients the care they need and to educate them on preventing avoidable issues,” Alexis says.

On a daily basis, Nick and Alexis’ goal is to leave work each day looking forward to returning and working with their patients. And it’s their goal that their staff and patients feel

“Our true purpose is to be servants to our community and patients, with the goals of getting our patients the care they need and to educate them on preventing avoidable issues.” the same way. “We want to make sure we work with a team that we love and patients that we love, and that they know that,” according to Nick.

Dr. Alexis is an intellectual, but she is personable as well.

When patients first meet her, they trust and connect with her. Alexis and the staff enjoy taking the time to make personal connections and relationships with their patients, which allows them to better serve their needs and know that in the long run, this truly makes a difference.

When it comes to their youngest patients, they want to make the experience as pleasant as possible, and they do whatever they can to make them comfortable and happy. For no cost, parents can bring in their children 3 and younger for a Happy Visit, where they get to sit in the chair and the dentist does an informal checkup. This helps to ease their fears and to ensure they are prepared and confident for when it comes time for their first dental appointment. A big part of this visit is also to educate parents about how to best care for their kid’s teeth and avoid many future problems.

Nick and Alexis are big advocates of Christian education, heavily sponsoring Lake City Junior Academy, and are very passionate about that. Recently, they performed their first smile makeover, in which people applied with written letters explaining how the makeover would better their lives.

One lucky applicant was chosen and given a complete smile makeover; $20,000 worth of dental cosmetics all performed at no charge. They look forward to offering this service again in the future. This June, to thank their patients and community for voting Kootenai Family Dental Best Dental Office for 2016’s Best Of awards, presented by the North Idaho Business Journal, Nick and Dr. Alexa are giving away a cruise for two to say, “Thank you.”

At Kootenai Family Dental, they firmly believe that if they take care of their patients, everything else will take care of itself. Patients are the priority; everything else falls into place after that.

Coeur d’Alene 1420 Lincoln Way, Ste. 200 208.664.8283 KootenaiFamilyDental.com

DENTAL OFFICE

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SPOTLIGHT

TONY’s ON THE LAKE Coeur d’Alene dining at its best

Tony’s On the Lake East Coeur d’Alene 6823 E. Coeur d’Alene Lake Dr. 208.667.9885 TonysOnTheLake.com

By Jillian Chandler

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beautiful five-minute drive from town will take you to Tony’s on the Lake, where diners will be treated to delicious Italian-inspired cuisine, fine wines and classic cocktails, and impeccable service, accompanied by stunning lake views from its deck.

Opening back in 1952 as Tony’s Supper Club in a former brothel called Jeanette’s Club, Paul and Bonnie D’Alessandro purchased the restaurant in May 2004 and renamed it Tony’s on the Lake when they reopened it July 1 of that year. At Tony’s, Paul, Bonnie and their daughter Cheyenne have created a family owned restaurant, following a long tradition of cooking beginning with Cheyenne’s great grandparents, who immigrated from Tuscany in 1901.

Executive Chef Cheyenne, a 2003 graduate from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, also studied in Florence, Italy, at the Apicius, and learned Italian cuisine from family members during her extensive trips to Italy. Her goal is to keep the food traditionally simple, preparing food the way she learned in Italy, hoping guests can appreciate the tradition that has gone into making their dinner. The menu offers many staple items, such as the house-pulled fresh mozzarella appetizer, house-made gnocchi and veal osso buco; all

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local favorites and most certainly worth a taste.

Wines from Italy, Washington, California and Oregon grace the wine list, even offering their own private label cabernet and chardonnay from Coeur d’Alene Cellars, YNOT (Tony spelled backward). If it’s a classic cocktail you’re in the mood for, Hadley Long, bar manager, and the rest of the bartending staff are well trained, and each drink is made with passion and care.

General Manager Alicia Main joined the Tony’s family in June 2016 and brings nearly two decades of restaurant experience to Tony’s, with her most recent ventures managing Tito’s Italian Grill and Fire Artisan Pizza in Downtown Coeur d’Alene.

The excellent service is a reflection of their experienced staff ’s professionalism and their desire to help each other to make sure every guest feels like a friend or part of the family by the time they leave.

If you appreciate great food and are looking for a romantic night out or an evening for the whole family to enjoy, Tony’s has a table waiting for you. “It is important to us at Tony’s that we are the place where life slows down and no one is in a hurry,” says Alicia. “At Tony’s, you are family, and we want you to feel that way.”

The excellent service is a reflection of their experienced staff’s professionalism and their desire to help each other to make sure every guest feels like a friend or part of the family by the time they leave.

CHECK OUT OUR VIRTUAL TOUR!

Fun Eats MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill and Pub Enjoy an array of dishes that are always flavorful and fresh, and served up in heaping portions.

The acclaimed gourmet pizzas are offered on a variety of crusts—original, thin and gluten free— with toppings from classic pepperoni to pesto, ricotta and sun-dried tomatoes. Other popular menu offerings include hearty sandwiches, fresh salads with house-made dressings, pastas that will wow your taste buds, juicy all-beef burgers, and a savory home-style entrée selection. To complement the menu, select from a variety of craft beers, fine wines and spirits. Open daily 11am - close for lunch, dinner and happy hour.

MacKenzieRiverPizza.com North Coeur d’Alene - 405 W. Canfield Ave. 208.772.5111 American Family Casual & Pizza $-$$ The Culinary Stone Welcome to the culinary lifestyle marketplace, where gourmet living meets everyday prices.

Discover specialty foods from around the world and the region, outfit your kitchen, and learn how to “live to eat”. Located at the Riverstone Shopping Center, they offer everything from gourmet foods, cheese and Italian meats, wine tastings, cooking classes and kitchen supply. Be sure to take advantage of the Chop Shop, as well as the Italian Bakeshop featuring European pastries, cakes and artisan breads. Open Monday - Saturday 10:30am - 6pm, Sunday noon - 5pm. CulinaryStone.com Coeur d’Alene at Riverstone - 2129 Main St. 208.277.4116 Specialty Shopping & Wine Pilgrim’s Market Locally owned and operated since opening in 1999, Pilgrim’s Market is the Inland Northwest’s hot spot for the finest natural and organic foods, local products, health education and more. For the health-seeking “green” consumer wanting to support local food growers and retailers, Pilgrim’s is a homegrown, locally owned alternative to massive foreign-owned national chains. Pilgrim’s 25,000-square-foot store offers everything from organic produce to gourmet cheese, beer and wine, bulk foods, bakery, meat, deli, supplements, and an education and event center. Located just minutes off I-90, Pilgrim’s is a frequent destination for locals and a must see for the health-conscious traveler.

PilgrimsMarket.com Midtown Coeur d’Alene 1316 N. Fourth St. 208.676.9730 Organic Shopping, Deli, Wine & Beer

Grabbagreen® Seventy percent of their signature dishes are designed to be organic. The menu includes breakfast, lunch and dinner selections where you can “grab” your own. How it works: Select your grain or green base, followed by a protein, five nutrients (choice of fresh veggies, egg, goji berry, blueberry), a dairy and herb, then complete your creation with one of the house-made sauces (vegan and made with clean ingredients). Additional menu items include smoothies, wraps, freshpressed juice, acai cups, elixirs, healthy snacks and more. They also offer juice cleanses/detoxes. Make Grabbagreen part of your daily routine. Eat clean, Grabbagreen. Open daily. Grabbagreen.com North Coeur d’Alene 405 W. Neider Ave. Ste. 108 208.277.9700 Fresh Organic Salads, Wraps & Smoothies $$ Bistro on Spruce Located in north midtown at the corner of Fourth and Spruce, Bistro on Spruce offers fabulous wine selections at excellent prices, and owner Chris Mueller and his staff deliver sensational food and service. The ever-evolving menu is something to keep you coming back for more. Opt for a wonderful lunch, weekend breakfast and dinner menu, or stop by for the best happy hour/tapas menu served weekdays and Saturday 2:30 - 5:30pm.

Take advantage of Tuesday’s 40-percent off Bottled Wine Night. During the warmer months, enjoy alfresco dining on the beautifully landscaped patio.

Large private parking lot. BistroOnSpruce.com Midtown Coeur d’Alene 1710 N. Fourth St. 208.664.1774 Northwest Fusion $$ Abi’s Artisan Ice Cream and Cafe Located in Downtown Coeur d’Alene, Abi’s is treating locals and visitors alike to superior ice cream with bold flavors. Locally owned and operated, they use the freshest and most flavorful products possible to create all of their own ice creams and sorbets in house. Taste the difference that a locally sourced and produced all-natural product can provide! They also create gourmet hot chocolates, espressos, pour-over coffees, fresh baked cookies and other specialties. Abi’s is a peanut- and tree-nut free facility (Abi is allergic) and provides dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan ‘ice cream’ options. Open daily! AbisIceCream.com Downtown Coeur d’Alene 112 N. Fourth St. 208.930.0699 Ice Cream & Sweet Treats $

ITALIAN INSPIRED

CUISINE

Lakeside dining, full service bar, docks for boaters!

6823 E. Coeur d’Alene Lake Dr. (208) 667-9885 TonysontheLake.com

Only 3.8 miles from Downtown Coeur d’Alene

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SPOTLIGHT

THE BLUEBIRD

Midtown’s new neighborhood eatery

By Jillian Chandler

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he Bluebird, a midtown eatery, opened its doors just one year ago, yet it is already gaining a large following that is bound to grow. The owners of Syringa Japanese Café and Sushi Bar, and former owners of the Garnet Café, have delivered a casual neighborhood bistrostyle restaurant offering a cozy rustic interior, with reclaimed warm rustic wood and metal, with vintage pictures adorning the walls. It can seat 42 patrons and an additional 10 at the bar. During the summer months, diners can enjoy the outdoor patio, which seats more than a dozen.

Husband-and-wife team Viljo and Autumn Basso knew they wanted to open another restaurant, and when it came to location, there was no question that midtown was the place for them. “We have always been attracted to the area,” says Autumn. “We love the neighborhood with its fun eclectic shops and various thrift stores all around us, plus the neighboring local restaurants like Capone’s,

Angelo’s and Kelly’s. It seemed like a perfect fit.”

The menu has been inspired by the couple’s 20 years of culinary travels and adventures.

Seasonal as much as possible, the menu items change frequently with specials offered weekly, allowing diners to try something new each time they visit. The big hit thus far has been the wild parmesan-crusted halibut with ratatouille.

To accompany the deliciously unique menu, Krista French, The Bluebird’s sommelier, has put together an outstanding wine list with amazing selections from all over the world.

Combined with the talents of Jamie McIntosh, the beer program manager, who has compiled and continues to bring in a great selection of beers, ciders and sours, guests can’t go wrong with their selection.

The Bluebird has found its home. And the neighborhood has welcomed it with open arms. “Our goal was to open the kind of restaurant we like to dine at and bring more dining variety to Coeur d’Alene,” says Autumn. And guests are eating it up.

816 N. 4th Steet

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

208.665.3777

Open Tues-Sunday

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The Bluebird Midtown Coeur d’Alene 816 N. Fourth St. 208.665.3777

Anthony’s at Coeur d’Alene

Anthony’s at Spokane Falls

On the Water at Riverstone 1926 W. Riverstone Drive Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815

Overlooking the Spokane Falls 510 North Lincoln Street Spokane, WA 99201

For Reservations Call: (208) 664-4665

Your Local Family-Owned Seafood House www.anthonys.com

For Reservations Call: (509) 328-9009

Hungry?

One-of-a-Kind Authentic New York Pizza Daily Lunch Specials Beer on Tap Great Atmosphere 920 N Hwy 41 - Post Falls www.natesnewyorkpizza.com Like us on Facebook for News, Events & Specials!

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Fisherman’s Market Grill & Sushi Bar Enjoy the freshest seafood in town

AN’S MARK HERM ET FIS G RIL

L AND SUS H

I

By Jillian Chandler

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hen you first enter Fisherman’s Market, Grill and Sushi Bar, you feel like you’ve been transported to the Pike Street Market in Seattle. Conveniently located at 215 W. Kathleen Ave. makes Fisherman’s Market the easy and smart choice for finding highquality seafood; sure beats a drive to the coast!

This is the only place in Coeur d’Alene where you can sit down, enjoy a fresh seafood meal with a cold beer or glass of wine, and then bring home the freshest seafood and prepare it at home for yourself or a dinner party later.

A huge glass cooler displays the wide selection of wild-caught fish, shellfish and in-house smoked fish, with fresh fish overnighted from Hawaii. Restaurant menu items feature fresh catches, and among the most popular are fish tacos and the crowd-pleasing sellout— the coconut-crusted snapper special. From

calamari and eel to salmon, tuna and shellfish, Fisherman’s Market has it all. Shop, dine and take out, all at Fisherman’s Market.

With their full sushi bar, the freshest wildcaught fish at the counter has drawn fans from around North Idaho offering a quick sushi lunch, perfect on a shopping excursion or during a busy work day. The sushi menu has all the regular favorites and a few local creations such as the Idaho roll—containing salmon, green onion, avocado and cucumber.

Not only can you enjoy sushi in the restaurant, but you can call ahead and have them build a custom platter to take home as well!

Skip the six-hour drive to Seattle and enjoy the same fresh fish right in town. Stop by the Fisherman’s Market, Grill and Sushi Bar, open Monday through Saturday 11am to 8pm, to fulfill your seafood and sushi fix!

A Taste of Our Menu SALMON FISHWICH Grilled salmon, lettuce, tomato, red onion and traditional tartar on a sesame-seed bun OYSTER OR CATFISH PO’ BOY Lettuce, tomato, red onion and Cajun mayo served on a hoagie roll FRESH CRAB SANDWICH Fresh Dungeness crab, lettuce, egg and Louis sauce served on a hoagie roll FISH AND CHIPS Choices include Alaskan cod, mahimahi, wild salmon, catfish, Alaskan halibut, black tiger shrimp, small oysters, clam strips or calamari strips, served with traditional coleslaw and your choice of two tartars 68

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POKI TUNA Raw ahi and julienne vegetables tossed in a spicy Asian dressing 1 LB. STEAMER Manila clams, beer, butter and choice of garlic or Cajun spices POSEIDON ADVENTURE Fried cod, prawns and calamari atop baby spinach, sundried tomatoes, capers and lemon-pesto dressing SHRIMP OR CRAB LOUIS Chopped romaine, tomato, cucumber, egg, croutons and Louis dressing TASTE OF BAJA Fish or shrimp taco plate with two tacos topped with shredded cabbage, cilantro, salsa, cotija and jalapeño cream, served with rice and beans

Fisherman’s Market North Coeur d’Alene 215 W. Kathleen Ave. 208.664.4800 FishermansMarketCdA.com

Shopping, Dine In, Take Out 208.664.4800 Monday - Saturday 11am-8pm

! r a B i h s ut our Su

Check o

MAN’S MARKET HER FIS I G RILL A N D S U S H

215 W. Kathleen | Coeur d’Alene Locally Owned & Operated

AbisIceCream.com 112 N. 4th St. - CDA 208.930.0699

Open 7 days a week!

Small batch ice creams & sorbets, espresso, gourmet hot chocolate, and fresh baked cookies. + PEANUT & TREE NUT FREE FACILITY +

northwestsizzle.com

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SPOTLIGHT

Organic fast casual restaurant offering 100% gluten free, non-gmo, organic and local whole foods.

GRABBAGREEN® Eat locally and clean

By Jillian Chandler • Photos by Keith Boe

C

hristina Horton has always enjoyed preparing and eating good foods, but it wasn’t until a series of events that her passion for quality food and clean eating manifested itself, not only into her home life, but professionally as well.

It began when her father was diagnosed with cancer. Shortly after, Christina’s young son received an Autism diagnosis. With all of the treatment advice she was given, Christina decided to start researching on her own and was surprised to find that most diseases begin in the gut, which in turn needs to be healed in order for these conditions to begin their own healing process. Christina immediately put her family on a very restrictive diet, spending hours in the natural grocers and specialty stores searching for the right ingredients, then preparing and cooking healthful meals at home.

She soon realized the limited options available when it came to dining out while trying to maintain their healthful diet. “I was looking to pick up something to eat for my family that was comparable to the same quality ingredients I might get at home; where I didn’t have to worry about what was hiding in our food.”

405 W Neider Ave (and Hwy 95) Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815 (208) 277-9700 www.grabbagreen.com 70

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Then she discovered Grabbagreen®. “I knew it was something I needed. It is something we all need; healthy food on the go that can accommodate our modern lifestyle.” This was the beginning of a new endeavor.

Christina and her husband and partner Ben opened Coeur d’Alene’s Grabbagreen® this past November. A national franchise with deep roots invested in each local community it inhabits, the restaurant incorporates locally sourced food whenever possible. Ben and Christina have been inspired to fix the broken

food system and connect people with their local farmers. Grabbagreen® is enabling them to do just that. And the local community is eating it up.

“There is a wonderful awareness in this area of the way we need to eat for healing or maintenance. It seems Grabbagreen® is a perfect fit to Coeur d’Alene.” She adds: “Grabbagreen® has been incredibly well-received by those who have found us. We are a healthy alternative to fast food with no bad choices on the menu, and we can accommodate many dietary restrictions.” And, she and Ben are excited to be the first Grabbagreen® with a hydroponic system to grow their own food on site!

The menu features 100-percent whole foods, which are prepared fresh daily in house. Items are gluten-free using non-GMO ingredients.

A majority of their offerings are organic—70 percent of their signature dishes are designed to be organic. “I am honored to be part of the change in making fast food healthy,” says Christina.

Grabbagreen® North Coeur d’Alene 405 W. Neider Ave. Ste. 108 208.277.9700 Grabbagreen.com

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ANGELO’s RISTORANTE Organic fine dining in Coeur d’Alene

By Jillian Chandler • Photos by Jamie Sedlmayer

SPOTLIGHT

Angelo’s Ristorante Midtown Coeur d’Alene 846 N. Fourth St. 208.765.2850 AngelosRistorante.net

D

Walk into Angelo’s, and you will feel like you’ve found a little piece of Italy. The aromas, the atmosphere, the staff; Italian is at the heart of everything Angelo’s has to offer its guests.

The steaks, veal, chicken, pasta dishes, seafood, shellfish, fresh vegetables—they are all organic, and guests can taste the difference. From the chicken sotto cielo, lobster ravioli and gorgonzola port wine steak, to the veal picatta, spaghetti with meatballs or Italian sausage and crab cakes, the menu offerings are true Italian and of the highest quality. Angelo loves cooking and creating food for his guests, as well as entertaining. Diners can taste the passion and care put into each dish Angelo prepares for them. The food has earned Angelo’s Ristorante North Idaho Business Journal Best of 2016 and Spokane Coeur d’Alene winner for Best Italian 2016.

Chef Angelo Brunson is the one behind the food, and his dishes are inspired by flavor, quality of ingredients, primarily organic and non-GMO products. “The best tasting food and wine is grown organically, hands down,” says Angelo.

The restaurant seats 70 inside and 30 out on their patio. If you’re looking to find a unique place to hold a private party, Angelo’s will help in providing an unforgettable experience for you, your family and friends. If you are looking to learn a little Italian cooking yourself, Angelo

iners who are looking for an authentic Italian dining experience, look no further. Angelo’s Ristorante opened its doors in 2004, offering the Coeur d’Alene community a full Italian menu made using only the finest in ingredients, a majority of which are organic.

This destination restaurant not only offers fine cuisine but friendly service, a great atmosphere and Italian wines to complement it all.

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is available for in-home cooking classes, and he is available for catering your event off site.

He also offers wine dinners at the restaurant throughout the year.

“Life is too short not to eat at Angelo’s at least twice before you die!” says an Angelo food critic. Adds Angelo, “We are what we eat, drink and think! Buono!”

• Largest kitchen supply store in the area • Deli Lunches • Cooking Classes • Corporate Gifts • Specialty Ordered Cakes • Specialty Coffee • European Pastries Authentic Italian Cuisine Best Steak in Town Natural Organic Ingredients

Complimentary Wine Tastings Wednesdays 4:30-6:00

Dinner for 2

& a Bottle of Wine

$65*

208.765.2850 Reservations Recommended

*Choose from 15 Entrees & 10 Bottles of Wine.

846 N. Fourth St. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho AngelosRistorante.net

2129 Main Street at Riverstone

208.277.4116 www.culinarystone.com northwestsizzle.com

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SPOTLIGHT

Bistro on Spruce A Coeur d’Alene favorite midtown dining destination

By Jillian Chandler • Photos by Keith Boe

S

erving Coeur d’Alene’s midtown community for nearly a decade, Bistro on Spruce is a delightful retreat to all who enter, and it’s just a short drive north from downtown on the corner of Fourth Street and Spruce Avenue.

The restaurant scene has seen remarkable change during the past 10 years, and owner Chris Mueller strives to continue to appeal to his guests by continually offering them what they’re looking for: personal service, delicious comforting food and a sense of community.

And that is exactly what you will discover at Bistro on Spruce.

Inventive Fare, Tapas, Draft Beer, and Fine Wines Lunch, Dinner, & Weekend Breakfast 1710 N. 4th St. at Spruce Ave. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Off I-90 Exit 13 (208) 664-1774 BistroOnSpruce.com f/BistroOnSpruce 74

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The restaurant features an ever-evolving menu featuring Northwest fresh and modernAmerican fusion cuisine by Chef Jesse Nickerson and the Bistro culinary team. This is complemented by the warm, cozy environment, with its natural light, wood finishes, large private booths, wine bar that offers views of the chefs in the kitchen, an indoor fireplace and beautifully landscaped outdoor patio. And unlike downtown, there’s no need to stress about finding a place to park; there’s ample parking available in their large private parking lot.

Monday through Saturday, 2:30 to 5:30pm, happy hour offers tapas selections to mix and match. On the Tapas menu—or as Chris would

say, terrifically affordable pleasingly appetizing snacks—you’ll be treated to choices like the tempura calamari, Bistro onion rings or frites, beef and fungi polenta and pretzel bun slider.

Every Tuesday, stop in for dinner and enjoy 40-percent off any bottle of wine. And for all of you wine lovers, don’t forget to ask about the Bistro Wine Club.

During the summer months, Bistro on Spruce hosts its Jazz al Fresco live music events. What’s better than enjoying a cool glass of Chardonnay out on the lovely outdoor patio accompanied by live jazz?

Weekend breakfast offerings range from the crepes, hotcakes and French toast to the Idaho Benedict, smothered breakfast burrito, corned beef hash, and biscuits and gravy. On the lunch menu, be sure to try the Spruce Street Reuben, hotcake sliders, mahi mahi tacos or beer-battered halibut tacos, shrimp and grits, and linguini and clams. If it’s dinner you’re looking for, you can’t go wrong with the portbraised lamb shank, fresh halibut, wild Alaskan salmon, mushroom ravioli, shrimp and grits or gumbo.

Delicious food, a happy hour unlike any other and the best wine prices in town, all complemented by a staff who is always ready and willing to serve you with excellence … what are you waiting for?

Bistro on Spruce Midtown Coeur d’Alene 1710 N. 4th St. at Spruce Ave. 208.664.1774 BistroOnSpruce.com

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POST FALLS IDAHO The White House Grill

During summer, you’ll find locals boating the Spokane River into Lake Coeur d’Alene, taking in exciting racing at Stateline Speedway and enjoying Post Falls Days during July.

By Colin Anderson American Institute of Clinical Massage

La Cabana

SMALL TOWN DINING, big city cuisine. That is what you will find in Post Falls, located just across the border from Spokane. With restaurants that feature dishes from around the world, you can enjoy everything from French cuisine at Fleur de Sel and Mediterranean dishes served at The White House Grill to Northwest cuisine at The Oval Office. If Mexican is what you crave, visit La Cabana Mexican Restaurant or the Fresh Mexican Grill.. For those who have a craving for Asian food, Fu-Ki Japanese Teppanyaki will be beckoning you. Some of the hometown favorites include Old European, Moon’s Mongolian Grill and Rancho Viejo.

If you enjoy waterfront dining, you won’t want to miss Mallards Restaurant at Templin’s Resort on the Spokane River. Located in The Highlands Day Spa is Fleur de sel that offers a hillside view overlooking the beautiful city lights.

Looking to warm up with a tasty cup of coffee? Try Post Falls Coffee Co. For later in the day, stop by Enoteca for some of the rarest bottles of beer and wine available in the region. With craft beer becoming increasingly popular, visit Selkirk Abbey Brewing on Seltice Avenue, just east of Post Falls, or Downdraft Brewing Co. With so much to do in this increasingly popular town, it is no wonder people are flocking to Post Falls. During the warmer months, Q’emiln Riverside Park hosts free outdoor concerts and is a family friendly venue. If you are looking to take in some of the arts, check out The Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center at the Old Church, a community center offering an art gallery and a community hall available for special events and celebrations.

During summer, you’ll find locals boating the Spokane River into Lake Coeur d’Alene, taking in exciting racing at Stateline Speedway, and enjoying Post Falls Days during July. Headlining rock bands stop off for a massive summer concert at the Greyhound Events Center, and people are always out running or riding their bikes on the popular Idaho Centennial Trail.

Come and experience all that Post Falls has to offer!

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Eat and Sip

The Oval Office The owner of White House Grill brings you a quaint bistro that makes delicious Northwest cuisine with a foreigner flair. Come enjoy the Oval Office’s famous martinis like the Dirty Monica and Cosmopolitician, and enjoy great steaks, seafood and pastas they know you will love! Check out the fine scotch and wine lists, and take advantage of happy hour 3 - 6pm and 9pm - close, with awesome martinis and tasty appetizers. Find them on Spokane Street off I-90 Exit 5. Open Monday Friday 11am - 11pm, Saturday - Sunday 3 - 11pm.

WhiteHouseGrill.com Post Falls - 620 N. Spokane St. 208.777.2102 Bistro & Martini Bar $-$$$ White House Grill If you want to feel like you’re in the Mediterranean drinking Ouzo and eating a crazy amount of garlic, just drive to the White House Grill in Post Falls and join in the fun of their crazy and noisy—but at the same time romantic—restaurant. They offer a full bar with 12 beers on tap, and guests can enjoy seasonal outdoor dining on the patio. “You love garlic; we love you!” Find them on the corner of Spokane Street and Seltice Way off I-90 Exit 5.

Open Sunday - Thursday 11am - 10pm, Friday Saturday 11am - 11pm. WhiteHouseGrill.com Post Falls - 712 N. Spokane St. 208.777.9672 Mediterranean $-$$ Fleur de Sel Located at the Highlands Day Spa, treat yourself to a little piece of dining heaven, as Fleur de Sel brings a taste of France to its guests in Post Falls. From snails in puff pastry and rillette, to duck confit and chicken and truffles, Chef Laurent (a 2017 semi-finalist nominee for the James Beard award) creates exquisite dishes both in taste and sight, while wife and co-owner Patricia greets guests with a smile and open arms. A glass of wine from the beautifully chosen wine list, or an elegant cocktail, is the perfect accompaniment to any dish. A private

Comfort.

Class. Style.

dining room is available for business meeting and parties. Open Tuesday - Saturday 5pm - close.

Visit their website for upcoming wine dinners.

Fleur-de-Sel.weebly.com Post Falls - 4365 Inverness Dr. 208.777.7600 French Fine Dining $-$$$ La Cabana Post Falls’ original and favorite authentic Mexican fresh-made food served in a friendly and festive south-of-the-border restaurant. Diners will find all of their favorites on the menu, from burritos and tacos, tostadas and fajitas, to specialty Mexican entrees such as the camarones la cabana and tamale and chile relleno. There is also a menu just for the kids! A warm and casual atmosphere with friendly service, La Cabana awaits you. Stop in and taste for yourself! Or order to go! Open Monday - Thursday 11:30am - 9pm, Friday - Saturday 11:30am - 10pm, Sunday noon - 9pm.

Post Falls - 604 E. Seltice Way 208.773.4325 Mexican $ Nate’s New York Pizza Locally owned and operated, Nate’s New York Pizza has something for the entire family. Guests will find a variety of options on the menu featuring house specialties, pizza (including build your own), calzones, strombolis and foot-long sandwiches (Philly, chicken parmesan, combination and meatball). Even better, they offer a rotating craft beer selection on tap, bottled beers and a nice wine selection. If you’re hungry, they have 24-inch pizzas available to satisfy the heartiest appetites!

Nate’s is available for pick up and catering. Open Wednesday - Saturday 11am - 8pm, Sunday noon - 7pm. Find them online at Facebook.com/ NatesPizza.

Post Falls - 920 N. Highway 41 Ste. 1 208.773.6697 Pizza, House Specialties, Beer & Wine $-$$

477326 Highway 95 North Ponderay, ID 83852

208.255.4500 northwestsizzle.com

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SPOTLIGHT

A Taste of Our Menu ARROZ CON CAMARONES Shrimp, garlic, bacon, tomatoes, bell peppers and onions, sautéed in our signature Cabana sauce, all on a bed of rice with cheese on top and served with tortillas on the side TAMALE AND CHILE RELLENO Pork cooked in red sauce, rolled in cornmeal, topped with a red enchilada sauce and cheese, served with an Anaheim pepper stuffed with cheese, rolled in an egg batter and topped with our signature Cabana sauce and cheese

LA CABANA

CHIMICHANGA A large deep-fried flour tortilla stuffed with your choice of beef or chicken, served with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream and guacamole

Authentic Mexican cuisine

CAMARONES LA CABANA Shrimp, mushrooms and red potatoes sautéed in a green sauce and topped with melted cheese, served with three tortillas

By Jillian Chandler

W

hen it comes to Mexican restaurants, they can all seem the same. But at La Cabana, fresh ingredients and attention to detail are important to keeping their loyal fans coming back for more. With three locations in Post Falls, Rathdrum and Spokane Valley, owner Felix Cabrera is dishing out the love for authentic Mexican cuisine!

The freshly sizzled fajitas, grilled pollo, carne asada and shrimp, and fresh guacamole will make you think you were south of the border!

Menu offerings include an array of Mexican specialties, from house-made tamales, chile

SUPER CABANA BURRITO A 12-inch flour tortilla filled with your choice of beef, chicken or pork, beans, cheese, lettuce and mild salsa, topped with enchilada sauce and cheese, served with beans, guacamole and sour cream

The causal, warm, fun and festive atmosphere is perfect for families, lunches with business associates or friends, and celebrations of any kind! The grande margaritas and coronaritas are so delicious, you’ll want another!

MI CASITA TACOS Three soft corn tortillas with carne asada, fresh pico de gallo and cheese, served with two peppers and guacamole

With a combination of delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine and sincere Mexican hospitality, La Cabana is one of a kind.

Three Convenient Locations!

Open May 2017!

Post Falls 604 E. Seltice Way 208.773.4325

Fresh Mexican Grill Build your own custom tortas, tacos, burritos and more!

Rathdrum 15837 Westwood St. 208.687.4900

Fresh Mexican Grill Post Falls - 780 N. Cecil Rd. 208.777.1280

Spokane Valley 6915 E. Sprague Ave. 509.922.2632

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rellenos and chimichangas, to burritos, tacos, tostadas, chorizo con huevos and a variety of house specialties. There’s even a fun kids’ menu that is sure to make any kid happy. If you don’t have time to dine in, you can order to go.

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ACAPULCO SHRIMP Shrimp, Anaheim peppers, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms and garlic sautéed with mild salsa, melted cheese on top, served with three tortillas POLLO EN SALSA An 8 oz. sliced chicken breast, tomatoes, onions, green bell peppers, mushrooms, cilantro and garlic sautéed in our signature Cabana sauce, topped with cheese, served with three tortillas STEAK TIJUANA Sliced steak, onions, bacon, mushrooms, bell peppers and cilantro smothered in our red enchilada sauce, serve with three tortillas on the side

DO YOU WANT TO HELP OTHERS?

American INSTITUTE OF CLINICAL MASSAGE

Become a Licensed Massage Therapist

Train to become a licensed massage therapist

By Jillian Chandler

L

ydia Benson is leading the team of remarkable educators and administrators at the American Institute of Clinical Massage in Post Falls. A 1999 AiCM graduate, she was hired as a pathology instructor in 2010 and also taught kinesiology. In December 2013, she became director and currently operates the ACCSC Accredited Massage Therapy Certification Program, where students practice their handson skills in a supervised clinical setting on campus and offer discounted rates to the public.

Here, Lydia dedicates her time to ensure the program is achieving—and exceeding—the demand for qualified massage therapists.

The Washington and Idaho approved 785-hour program is completed in 12 months. AiCM currently has 26 students enrolled with a new class starting in July. The school is located on the lower level of the beautiful Highlands building in Post Falls, Idaho. AiCM offers multiple financial options for the student to graduate debt free!

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the massage therapy field is projected to grow at an astounding rate of 22 percent until the year 2024. Now is the perfect time to start training to

become a licensed massage therapist. Since June 2015, AiCM’s recorded Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) rates are 100 percent, meaning not one student has failed the licensing exam in the last two years.

The student population at AiCM is between the ages of 18 and 60 and encompasses an array of students; those who are coming right out of high school to seasoned business people who desire a career change. The school enrolls professionals already in medical-related fields who want to add massage therapy to their current resume, such as personal trainers and nurses.

“We have a lovely blend of people, male and female, who are here to learn a trade and be able to work almost anywhere,” says Lydia.

Students not only learn to perform a very solid massage, but they will also have achieved the academic and occupational skills necessary to work in various health-care settings including chiropractic offices, physical therapy offices, resorts, spas and private practice.

“The personal growth that happens for each student during the year at our school is tangible and magnificent to be a part of,” says Lydia.

American Institute of Clinical Massage Post Falls 4365 Inverness Dr. 208.773.5890 AiCM.edu

www.aicm.edu Follow T @AiCM_School f aicm.massage.school

208.773.5890 We provide medical massage training and luxurious spa treatments too! northwestsizzle.com

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THE WHITE HOUSE GRILL AND THE OVAL OFFICE Two reasons people love to dine out in Post Falls

By Jillian Chandler THE WHITE HOUSE GRILL

2

016 marked the 20th anniversary of The White House Grill and its garlicky goodness it has been dishing up to the Post Falls community. Raci Erdem, chef and owner, has been bringing the flavors of the Mediterranean to eager diners for two decades, and guests continue to fill restaurant seats to partake in the cuisine.

The casual restaurant offers a comfortable and relaxed family friendly environment. Patrons of all ages are invited to take a seat at this fun and loud—but by no means obnoxious—restaurant. Mediterranean music fills the air, as does the aroma of garlic. Seafood, vegetables, pasta and lamb dishes fill the menu, complemented by a full bar featuring handcrafted cocktails, 12 beers on tap, an extensive wine list featuring

A Taste of Our Menu

many wines from Walla Walla, and a beautiful scotch list, hand selected by Raci himself.

Raci looks forward to guests coming into the restaurant, not just for the food and drink, but to enjoy the overall experience The White House has to offer. “Our job is to put you in a great mood with some cool music, delicious food and awesome drinks, all for a great value that you won’t find at any chain restaurant,” he says.

Every year since they’ve opened, The White House Grill continues to keep their seats filled.

From day one, they have offered the same freshness, quality of food, good prices and fun environment. “Our goal is to continue just that and have another beautiful 20 years,” says Raci.

TURKISH PLATE An old favorite! Grilled and sliced marinated lamb set over lightly fried eggplant, topped with tzatziki sauce, served with seasoned rice and garlic green beans SPRING BOWL Marinated chicken breast sautéed with fresh vegetables, garlic and garbanzo beans, served over rice and finished with red chili flakes and feta cheese MIXED GRILL Grilled Chilean sea bass, tiger prawns and curry chicken, placed over our house rice, served with garlic green beans

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The White House Grill Post Falls 712 N. Spokane St. 208.777.9672 The Oval Office Bistro & Martini Bar Post Falls 620 N. Spokane St. 208.777.2102 WhiteHouseGrill.com

THE OVAL OFFICE

I

n 2006, Raci opened his second restaurant—The Oval Office. Here, the cozy bistro-style eatery is loud and busy, bustling like a big-city restaurant with an upscale appeal.

Patrons can enjoy small plates and entrees from around the world. Menu items like the baked brie in filo with spicy honey, to the Mediterranean-style clams are a must! Combined with the great steaks, seafood and ever-changing fresh fish selection, there’s something to appeal to any taste, and guests keep coming back for more. The menu stays consistent throughout the year, so guests know that the next time they return, they will always find the same great food.

Here, guests will be treated to a full bar featuring great beer, wine and specialty cocktails.

They offer an ever-changing cocktail list, and they introduce new martinis regularly. Unlike any other martini list, it features politically inspired specialty martinis, from the refreshing Obama’s Mama, made with Absolut Ruby Red with X-Rated, grapefruit and orange juice, The Hillary (you don’t have to trust her, just trust

A Taste of Our Menu

them), cold and tangy made with St. Germain, gin and sparkling lemon San Pellegrino, to the Trump Mule, a Moscow mule made with tequila instead of vodka. At The Oval Office, they’ll always love their tequila and Mexicans! There’s something on the menu for anyone looking for a good martini and a good time!

The Oval Office is known for its happiest of happy hours in the Northwest, offered twice daily: 3 to 6pm and 8 to 11pm. With all martinis and appetizers offered at a fraction of the price, it’s the best time to head over to The Oval Office.

The new community fireplace on the large outside patio can seat 12 around it. As long as it’s not raining outside, guests have the option to dine and imbibe outside. Plans are in the works to add a European-style awning, so guests can enjoy patio dining year round.

This American bistro with a foreigner chef touch is reason alone to take a drive to Post Falls and make a visit to The Oval Office. Martini anyone?

SPOTLIGHT

CURRIED MUSSELS One pound of mussels with spinach, onion and fresh tomatoes simmered in a spicy curry sauce, served with grilled rustic bread CIOPPINO An Oval Office classic, with seafood stew in a spicy basil tomato broth, served with grilled bread NEW YORK GANGSTER Blackened New York steak, pan seared and topped with a mushroom gorgonzola cheese sauce

This is why locals drive from Spokane and Coeur d’Alene to Post Falls !

WHITE HOUSE 712 N. Spokane St. (208) 777-9672

OVAL OFFICE

620 N. Spokane St. (208) 777-2102 WhiteHouseGrill.com northwestsizzle.com

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GOLF 2017 Northwest

SUMMER AT THE LINKS

Golf season ha arrived

WHILE THE GOLF SEASON is shorter here than other parts of the country, the Inland Northwest is still home to some very impressive courses. As soon as the snow melts, you’ll find locals out stretching their legs, and when the temperatures creep back into the 40s in the fall, many simply bundle up and keep on playing. Summer is prime time, and be sure not to miss these four area courses while the weather is ideal.

The Idaho Club Sandpoint, Idaho TheIdahoClub.com Just a short drive from Downtown Sandpoint, you will find Idaho’s only Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. A challenging yet scorable course for consistent players, you’ll find natural beauty at every turn. The course is tucked along mountainsides, and you’ll cross several bodies of water during your round.

It’s not uncommon to run across moose, elk and deer during early morning or late-evening rounds. With only a few dozen homes surrounding the course, you’ll feel like you’ve been transplanted into the middle of the Idaho wilderness.

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By Colin Anderson

It’s not uncommon to run across moose, elk and deer during early morning or late-evening rounds.

NOW OPEN EXCLUSIVELY TO EVERYONE. From the ponderosa pine-lined fairways to one of Spokane’s favorite new restaurants, this eighteen-hole escape will challenge and reward golfers with a one-of-a-kind experience. And it’s no longer a members-only affair.

Limited public play resumes in April, so call now to reserve your tee times.

509.466.9813 | 2010 W. Waikiki Road in northern Spokane | kalispelgolf.com

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Avondale Hayden Lake, Idaho AvondaleGolfCourse.com

Kalispel Golf and Country Club Spokane, Washington KalispelGolf.com

Circling Raven Worley, Idaho CdaCasino.com/golf

Avondale is a membership club that is also open to the public. The course is a favorite of locals and plays host to many tournaments both professional and charitable. Architects kept a good deal of native pines standing when creating the course, giving it a more intimate feel. After your round, order some great food at the 19th hole or just sit on the deck and grab a cold one with your friends.

For the first time in more than 100 years, the country club in far North Spokane is being played by non-members thanks to the acquisition of the course by the Kalispel Tribe. First opened in 1898, the course is wellknown for its meticulously kept fairways and greens that reside along the Little Spokane River. Guests of Northern Quest Resort & Casino can now book stay-and-play packages that include an overnight stay in the hotel, dining credit at the 1893 Public House and a round of golf with all transportation included.

When guests finish a round at Circling Raven, they are blown away at what they just experienced. The course has been named one of Golf Digest’s “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” three years in a row. The 620-acre area includes woodlands and wetlands, and with several long cart rides between holes you’ll have extra time to take in the beautiful surroundings. Stayand-play packages are also available through the Coeur d’Alene Casino, which owns and operates Circling Raven.

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WINE TIME

A Toast to Northwest Wines

Taste the remarkable wines our local wineries are pouring

O

ur area is flourishing with wineries from Sandpoint to Spokane, offering wine lovers some of the best wines around.

Starting with North Idaho’s winery offering, you’ll find wines that critics and wine enthusiasts everywhere rave about. More than that, you’ll often find the vintners who craft the wine themselves and learn the stories behind the wines. With numerous accolades from the Idaho Wine Competition, the Great NW Wine Competition and more, if you are someone who enjoys fine wine, you no longer have to travel far to experience winery tours and tasting rooms; the wine scene in North Idaho is plentiful and unique.

Pend d’Oreille Winery is just one of many stops you want to put on your North Idaho winery excursion.

In Sandpoint, many come from near and far to experience Pend d’Oreille Winery. Now in its 22nd year, Pend d’Oreille Winery has been producing award-winning wine and providing visitors with the best experience possible. Coeur d’Alene also offers a multitude of experiences for the wine lover. Coeur d’Alene Cellars offers much more than just an opportunity to experience their fine wine; attend one of their events such as interactive wine and theater experiences.

Heading west to Spokane, the wine scene is plentiful and unique.

Washington State is one of the most noteworthy growing regions in

winemaking these days, and locally, Spokane wines are truly making a big splash not only in the local, regional and national wine scene, but internationally as well. Though the grapes aren’t grown here, Spokane wines are made from many of the prized vineyards of the Columbia Valley and Walla Walla appellations. Several Spokane wineries are big winners at both world-class tasting competitions and with the locals who trek to their favorite wineries to pick up their wine-club selections or attend events put on at the wineries.

Latah Creek Wine Cellars in Spokane Valley offers their award-winning wines for tasting or purchase and has a unique gift shop. Situated high above and overlooking the Spokane River and valley below, you’ll discover Arbor Crest Winery at the Cliff House Estate. This is a beautiful place to drink in the view—and wine, all while enjoying one of their summer concerts. This is one of Spokane’s premier winery experiences.

Downtown, Barrister Winery is housed in a 100-year-old brick building on the west end and offers entertainment and monthly art shows. ENVY Cellars and Bridge Press, both housed in the Foresters of America Hall at the corner of Pacific and Browne, offer wine to delight the masses.

If you enjoy wine as much as we do, you won’t be disappointed with all of the local offering found right here in North Idaho and Spokane, Washington. Cheers to great wines produced right here in the Inland Northwest! It’s time to get tasting. northwestsizzle.com

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Townshend Cellar SPOKANE’S BIG SMALL FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED WINERY

By Jillian Chandler • Photos by Lisa Turner and courtesy of Townshend

T

ownshend Cellar, like vines in a vineyard, has grown, matured and strengthened over the years. In the beginning, winemaker Don Townshend was producing just four wines with an annual case production of 1,000.

Today, those numbers have increased to nearly 30 wines and 20,000 cases annually.

Over the past year, there have been a few big changes for Townshend Cellar. Don and his sons, Brendon and Michael, reopened the tasting room on Green Bluff in July 2016, after more than a year closure. The tasting room is open weekends, Friday through Sunday,

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noon to 5pm, and is open year round. Also, the wine production facility was moved from its former location in the Spokane Industrial Park to a building closer to town, near Spokane Community College.

Recently, Don has stepped back a bit from the family winery, while his sons have become more active in the daily management of the business. Michael manages the tasting room and marketing efforts, as well as the Diamond T Wine Club, which has been revived over the last few months. Brendon is managing the production side of the winery, overseeing all

the processing steps of winemaking until the final product is bottled and labeled. He is also serving part time in the Air National Guard.

As for the patriarch of the family and business, Don is still assisting with the blending and giving the final nod of approval on all of the wines before they are bottled. He looks forward to being able to fully pass the baton to his sons in the coming years.

Being in the family business has been a very positive experience, Michael says. From a young age, Don involved Brendon and Michael in the winemaking and business processes,

individual barrels and combine them all together for something truly amazing,” he adds. It requires patience, time and, most importantly, an experienced palate. They continue to only use small oak barrels for aging, which Don has done from day one. This practice allows for very specific control of the wine from vine to bottle. T3, Vortex and Red Table have undoubtedly been the best sellers over the years.

They have aided in defining the brand. These wines offer an approachable price point, making them affordable and easily accessible in the community.

“We really take pride in being approachable as a business,” says Michael. “For the wine enthusiasts and for those just beginning to learn about wine, we hope that we can provide a great experience when our wine is served.”

The motto at Townshend has been to create stellar Northwest wines at a price point that would allow everyone to enjoy a bottle or glass of wine with a meal and find a flavor they truly enjoy.

Townshend Cellar Tasting Room Colbert - 8022 E. Greenbluff Rd. 509.238.1400 TownshendCellar.com

Now that the Townshend Cellar team has settled in at their new production facility and the tasting room is reopened, they plan to focus on refining their operation and improving efficiency in order to ensure they continue to meet the demand for their product.

Uncompromised quality is what Townshend Cellar is known for and has been dedicated to giving its customers since its very first bottle.

which has allowed them to learn and develop new skills throughout their lives.

“My biggest admiration for my father is for his work ethic that is beyond anyone’s I have ever met,” says Michael. However, trying to match this work ethic can be a difficult aspect of working together, which Michael admits can be exhausting at times. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to provide customers with some of Spokane’s best wines.

The vintage reds are some of their favorites to produce, as these wines allow them to capture the essence of the specific varietal and vintage.

There’s a “mad scientist” aspect of it, Michael says. “Blending red wine requires you to be able to hold on to positive characteristics of certain varietals or even as specific as northwestsizzle.com

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Latah Creek Wine Cellars Q&A with owner and winemaker Mike Conway

By Jillian Chandler Q: How did Latah Creek Wine Cellars begin?

A: Back in 1972, upon my departure from the Air Force, I took a job at Gallo Winery in California. After five years in the microbiology departments at Gallo and Franzia Brothers wineries and three years as an assistant winemaker at Parducci Winery, I was given the opportunity to start a new winery in Washington State.

In 1982, after an amazing start in the Washington wine industry, my wife Ellena and I decided to venture off on our own and start Latah Creek. Here we are, 34 years later, with our daughter Natalie, and a very successful winery. Today, Latah Creek is one of only a few second-generation, family owned and operated Washington wineries.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge?

A: Competition. When we moved to Washington State in 1980 and opened what was the first winery in Spokane, there were a total of 18 wineries in the state. When we established Latah Creek in 1982, there were 35 wineries in the state. Today, we have more than 25 winery options in Spokane alone and more than 900 in the state.

Q: What aspect of Latah Creek makes you most proud?

A: Nothing makes us more proud than seeing someone truly enjoy one of our wines. We take a lot of time and effort to make worldclass wines, and when someone smiles after taking their first sip, it all becomes worthwhile.

Q: What do you see for the future of winemaking with daughter Natalie?

A: In 2008, we established our Reserve Red program. Since then we have always had three or four Reserve red options—a multivariety blend and multiple small-lot varietal bottlings. Natalie likes to use these small-lot reds to introduce consumers to unusual, not normally seen wines. She hopes to add varietals like Nebbiolo, Mouvedre and Barbera to the Primitivo, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Tempranillo wines already bottled. I look forward to continuing the tradition of operating a small single-family business and am comforted in knowing it will be in good hands with Natalie.

Q: Has your focus or wines changed since your beginnings in 1982?

A: Our focus has always been making award-winning wines at affordable everyday prices. This has not swayed one bit. What has changed is our wine lineup. For the first decade, we produced primarily white wines, with an occasional red. This changed in the ‘90s with regular red releases. Today, our wine offerings are near a 50/50 split between red, white and reserve.

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Latah Creek Wine Cellars Spokane Valley 13030 E. Indiana Ave. 509.926.0164 LatahCreek.com

Bridge Press Cellars Join Bridge Press Cellars downtown in their beautifully restored historical building. This working winery features award-winning wines, available for tasting, a bistro, patio and event center. The Bridge Press wines include: 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley, top 100 Wine of Washington State Seattle Met Magazine; 2012 Merlot, Seattle Gold Wine Award, Great Northwest Wine of the Week; 2013 Cabernet Franc, 91 points Wine Enthusiast, Seattle Gold Wine Award; 2013 Evil Queen Red Blend, 2015 Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc and 2015 Dry Rosé. There’s no fee for joining the wine club, and members receive discounts off all wines by the bottle and free tastings. BridgePressCellars.com 509.838.7815 | Downtown Spokane - 39 W. Pacific Ave.

Liberty Lake Wine Cellars

Liberty Lake Wine Cellars is a boutique winery featuring wines from the Red Mountain AVA. Focused on producing big, bold reds and dry, crisp whites, each award-winning wine is handcrafted for premium quality. The tasting room’s comfortable atmosphere will make it hard to leave. Unwind with a glass of wine and stay all afternoon. Open Friday 4 - 8pm, Saturday - Sunday 1 - 5pm. Visit their website for upcoming events.

LibertyLakeWineCellars.com

Making

Award-Winning Washington State Wines

SINCE 1982

509.255.9205 | Liberty Lake - 1018 S. Garry Rd.

Townshend Cellar Tasting Room Located on scenic Green Bluff, Townshend Cellar is dedicated to producing small lots of quality wines, ports and dessert wines. Find Townshend Cellar on Facebook for updates and look for Townshend Cellar wines at your favorite restaurants and stores. They look forward to seeing you soon at their Tasting Room! Call or visit the website for hours of operation. info@townshendcellar.com • TownshendCellar.com 509.238.1400 | Colbert - 8022 E. Greenbluff Rd.

Latah Creek Winery and Gift Shop Since 1982, it’s been the family’s commitment to delight wine lovers with the best of Washington State, while making their award-winning wines affordable. Two generations later, the father/daughter winemaking team continues to deliver a unique experience with each and every bottle. Every time a bottle is uncorked or a glass is poured, they promise love at first sip.

Located just minutes from Downtown Spokane, visitors are offered the chance to sample Latah Creek’s award-winning and reserve wines while browsing through one of the most unique gift shops in the area. The winery is open daily 9am - 5pm.

LatahCreek.com 509.926.0164 | Spokane Valley - 13030 E. Indiana Ave.

Cougar Crest Estate Winery Tasting Room

Cougar Crest Estate Winery offers world-class wines from the world-class vineyards of Walla Walla. Established in 2001, Cougar Crest is one of the finest wineries in the region. Their goal is to ensure that Cougar Crest is the steward of the land and of the winery. Sign up for the wine club to get special discounts on all online purchases, and also purchases made in the tasting room.

Open daily, Sunday - Thursday noon - 6pm, Friday - Saturday noon - 8pm. CougarCrestWinery.com 509.241.3850 | Downtown Spokane - 8 N. Post St., Ste. 6

Latah Creek Wine Cellars & Gift Shop 13030 E Indiana Ave Spokane, WA 509-926-0164 Family owned and operated by Mike & Ellena Conway and Natalie Conway-Barnes

Open Daily 9am-5pm LatahCreek.com

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Pend d’Oreille Winery

Passing on the tradition of excellence

By Patty Hutchens

There will continue to be small plates available in the tasting room, and the ever-popular weekend music will continue, making it the perfect place to kick off your evening of fun.

Being environmentally conscientious remains an important value at Pend d’Oreille Winery. “The refillable bottle is one of the ways in which we are providing customers a way to minimize the impact they have on the environment. Every month we refill about 600 bottles of wine,” says Steve.

W

hen Pend d’Oreille Winery first opened 22 years ago, it quickly became known for its award-winning wine and fun atmosphere. That tradition continues today and is being passed on from owners Steve and Julie Meyer to Jim Bopp, who is now the head winemaker at the Downtown Sandpoint winery.

Jim first discovered his passion for winemaking in 1998 when he took a semester break from college and worked for Steve during harvest and bottling the 1997 vintage. After graduating from the University of Idaho with a teaching degree, Jim lived in Boise for a short time before he and his wife returned to his hometown of Sandpoint.

“I called Steve, and in 2007 I started working at Pend d’Oreille Winery and have been here ever since,” says Jim, who introduced his own private label in 2009, Cottage Island Wines. His signature wine is Deadhead Red made from the Petit Verdot grape.

Jim says he thoroughly appreciates the process of winemaking and likens it to an art form. “I enjoy watching the process unfold, and it’s so rewarding when someone is sitting at the bar and says how much they love the wine.”

Jim is grateful to Steve for all he has taught him about winemaking. While much will stay the same under Jim’s supervision, he says it is always exciting to introduce new varietals as well. “It’s fun to keep it interesting and changing,” he adds.

As Steve and Julie Meyer step back from the day-to-day operations of Pend d’Oreille Winery, Steve will continue to produce his Meyer wine, a favorite of many. “Julie and I will miss being involved but are really looking forward to continuing to be part of this community,” says Steve.

There are a few other changes that have also taken place at the iconic location on Cedar Street. As of April 1, the Bistro Rouge restaurant closed. While they are hoping someone will come along to open a restaurant there, Steve says they are not in a hurry and will know when the right person comes along.

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Their grapes are grown primarily in the Columbia River Basin with the white grapes harvested in Southern Idaho. “Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are our biggest sellers, but we also produce Pinot Gris, Albarino and Riesling in the whites. Our reds include Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Mouvedre and Mablec,” Steve adds.

Pend d’Oreille Winery will continue to host wine dinners quarterly throughout the year, working with Chef Stefhanie, who is leaving the winery but is staying in the area. Also on the schedule each April is the Blend Your Own Bistro event, a chance to come and be a winemaker for a day. “That is always a fun and popular event,” says Jim. Entertainment plays a large part in the Pend d’Oreille Winery experience.

Live music on weekends, including popular musicians Bridges Home, One Street Over and Britchy, draws large crowds.

When you go, be sure to visit the winery’s gift shop, where you can find items that include logoed wine glasses and wine openers, clothing and items for the table that everyone will talk about well into their next meal.

While you are there, stop in and say hello to Jim Bopp and his crew. They will love to share a glass of wine and their knowledge of the winemaking process.

Colter’s Creek Winery and Vineyard Visit Colter’s Creek and sample wines made from Lewis-Clark Valley grapes. Featuring wines from their estate vineyard as well as other Idaho vineyards, at Colter’s Creek they craft several wines to engage a wide range of wine drinkers. Stop by the tasting room where you’ll find local wines, wines on tap, refillable bottles, local microbrews and a small-plate menu. Come to taste, stay to eat.

For current hours, visit their website. ColtersCreek.com 208.276.3342 | Juliaetta, Idaho - 308 Main St.

301 Cedar St. SandpOint, ID Pend d’Oreille Winery

Sandpoint’s own award-winning winery has pleased palates for 22 years using select vineyards from Idaho and Washington. Just ask for them by name: Pend d’Oreille (say “pond-er-ay”) wine please! Visit the winery for a tasting and tour, and sip and shop their unique gift shop. Also enjoy live music Friday nights. Pend d’Oreille wines are available at most area restaurants and wine markets, or at their Downtown Sandpoint store. Open daily.

POWine.com 208.265.8545 | Sandpoint - 301 Cedar St.

Sip - Award Winning Wine Angelo’s Ristorante Only eight blocks from Downtown Coeur d’Alene, Angelo’s is the local favorite with a taste of homemade, authentic Italian cuisine and is complemented by a vast wine selection and warm romantic décor! Their extensive wine list includes a large selection of reds and whites featuring wines from Italy, California and Washington.

They even offer a small offering of organic wines to choose from.

Stop in for Dinner for Two and a Bottle of Wine, where you can choose from 15 entrées and 10 bottles of wine for only $65.

Open Monday - Thursday 4 - 9pm, Friday - Sunday 4 - 10pm.

AngelosRistorante.net

Made lOcally

Taste - DELICIOUS SMALL PLATES

ShOp - Unique Gifts from arOund the U.S.

208.765.2850 | Midtown Coeur d’Alene - 846 N. Fourth St.

Heritage Meats and More See what’s brewing with more than 46 beers on tap! From IPAs and dark beer, to pale ales and lighter beer, fruit beer and ciders, they have something for every taste. Find monthly specials for beer on tap, by the bottle or can, and wines by the bottle. They also offer more than 100 heritage meats including beef, pork, lamb and chicken, including smoked meats. All meats come from animals that are pasture-raised and range free, grass fed (when possible), hormone and antibiotic free. They also have more than 200 hot sauces and barbecue sauces. Find them at Facebook.com/ OKBCustom or on their website. HeritageMeatsAndMore.com 208.449.6150 | Hayden - 8827 N. Government Way

Candle in the Woods

As seen on Food Network, Candle in the Woods memorable and delectable wine dinners are held by reservation only, or can be booked for private group parties. Each course is paired with a different wine from their hand-selected 4,000 bottle awardwinning wine cellar. Many of the 1,800-plus label wines are unique and rare, and in addition, the cellar houses many local and regional wines from Idaho and Washington as well. Visit their website and sign up for updates and invitations or send an email to dave@permoevents.com. CandleInTheWoods.com 208.664.0135 | Athol - 11805 E. Nunn Rd.

208-265-8545 www.powine.com • OPEN DAILY northwestsizzle.com

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wine time.

BARRISTER WINERY

Arbor Crest Winery Located atop a 450-foot cliff with exquisite views of the city, the Arbor Crest Winery Cliff House Estate has become a destination for exceptional wines and memorable public events. Arbor Crest offers awardwinning wines made using the best of Washington State fruit sourced from some of the oldest and most respected vines in the state. Their family values, wonderful wines and beautiful surroundings have remained unchanged since the winery’s founding nearly 30 years ago. Join the Wine Club and enjoy specials deals off wines, along with invitations to exclusive events, free concert tickets, complimentary tastings and other special privileges. Open Monday Sunday noon - 5pm. ArborCrest.com

Robert Karl Cellars

Barrister Winery

Taste Barrister Winery’s award-winning wines!

Nestled away in a 100-year-old brick building located in the historic Davenport Arts District, Barrister is home to not only a full-production winery, but an unforgettable experience for all who enter. Enjoy wine tasting, offered daily noon - 5pm, with winery tours available by appointment. Open First Friday 5 - 10pm with artist reception, bistro buffet and live music. Book the winery for your wedding, reception, rehearsal dinner, corporate event or holiday party.

BarristerWinery.com 509.465.3591 | Downtown Spokane 1213 W. Railroad Ave.

509.927.9463 | Spokane Valley 4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd.

Physician-winemaker Joe Gunselman, while nestled in an old fire station in the Historic Warehouse District, focuses on Bordeaux-style wines, with grapes grown in Horse Heaven Hills, and has received national recognition for their Claret and Cabernet Sauvignon. Robert Karl has been rated one of the Best New American Wineries. Open Thursday - Friday 2 - 5pm, Saturday noon - 4pm.

RobertKarl.com 509.363.1353 | Downtown Spokane 115 W. Pacific Ave.

Northstar Winery Welcome to Northstar Winery, where they focus on Bordeaux wines blended to perfection. Visit them to taste their incredible wines, or join the Wine Club—a perfect way to explore these highly rated Washington wines while enjoying exclusive events and experiences. Sign up for the Northstar Blending Experience, a unique hands-on opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the art and craft of blending Northstar wines. Open Monday - Saturday 11am - 5pm, Sunday 11am - 4pm.

NorthstarWinery.com 509.525.6100 | Walla Walla - 1736 J.B. George Rd.

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EMVY Cellars Winery EMVY Cellars invites you to visit them at their downtown winery in the historic Foresters of America Hall at the corner of Pacific and Browne for their wine making and award-winning wines, tasting and to book your special events. All of EMVY’s grapes are sourced from some of the top vineyards in Walla Walla and the Columbia Valley region. Fruit for the Devotion is strictly sourced from the prestigious vineyards of Seven Hills and Pepperbridge in the Walla Walla Valley appellation.

EMVYCellars.com 509.838.7815 | Downtown Spokane 39 W. Pacific Ave.

Our Passion...

Order Robert Karl at your favorite restaurant and visit our family winery in Downtown Spokane from 2:00-5:00 pm Thursday & Friday and Noon to 4:00 pm on Saturdays.

115 WEST PACIFIC AVE. | SPOKANE, WA (509) 363-1353 OR (888) 4CLARET (425-3728) INFO@ROBERTKARL.COM | ROBERTKARL.COM northwestsizzle.com

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Ice ice baby. Ice wine for the win!

A Lil’ History Harken back to Franken, Germany, during a particularly cold winter in 1794. Winemakers were forced to create a product from the grapes available for harvest. The resulting wines from that vintage had incrediblly high sugar content, along with great flavor. Thus, the technique became popularized in Germany. By the mid-1800s, the Rheingau region was making what the Germans called eiswein.

Making Ice Wine The secret to ice wine is processing frozen grapes at around 20°F (-7°C).

The frozen grapes are brought into the winery where they are transferred into a grape crusher and then into a grape press. Only about 10 to 20 percent of the liquid in these frozen grapes is used for ice wine, and because the juice is so sweet, it can take anywhere from three to six months—a long, slow, finicky fermentation—to make ice wine. When it’s all done, wines have around 10-percent ABV and a range of sweetness from around 160 to 220 g/L of RS. Grapes Used to Produce Ice Wine The grapes that grow well in cold climates make the best ice wines, and these include: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Chenin Blanc and Vidal Blanc. Cabernet Franc ice wines are rare, with a brilliant orange-ruby hue, but can be found with relative ease in Ontario, Canada.

True Ice Wine True ice wine requires a cold climate where grapes are harvested frozen on the vine. Fortunately, in Canada, Germany, Austria and the U.S., dessert wines are not allowed to be labeled as ice wine if grapes are commercially frozen. You will see these products usually labeled as “iced wine”

or simply “dessert wine.” So, if you’re looking for true ice wine, be a wary shopper and read the labels or look up the production information.

Pairing Food with Ice Wine As ice wine is a dessert wine with explosive fruit flavors and on the high-sweetness end of the spectrum, you’ll want to pair it with somewhat subtle desserts containing enough fat to balance the taste profile. If you prefer more savory late-night snacks, a great pairing option with ice wine would be softer cheeses.

A few desserts that pair well with ice wine: cheesecake, vanilla pound cake, ice cream (particularly coconut ice cream), fresh fruit panna cotta and white chocolate mousse.

UPCOMING TASTINGS Wine Tasting on the Spokane River with Pangaea

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May - August Pangaea’s Spokane Wine Tasting adventure starts in Downtown Spokane and features local Spokane wines. Your wine-tasting river float includes tonguesinging appetizers paired with wine that complements the scenery. This is a one-of-a-kind Spokane wine tasting adventure in Washington. Sit back, relax and taste the Spokane sunshine as you sip and taste the wines that have made the Yakima Valley famous! You must be 21 and older to attend. Wine Tasting Adventure Times: 10:30am - 1:30pm & 3:30 - 6:30pm. Call 406.239.2392 for reservations.

Red Lion Hotel River Inn Downtown Spokane 700 N. Division St. NORTHWEST Sizzle MontanaRiverRafting.com/Wine-Tasting-Spokane/

Vintage Spokane

July 23rd, 2017 Vintage Spokane: A Wine and Food Affair, highlights the award-winning and up-and-coming wineries throughout the Northwest, each offering samples of their amazing wine. Join them Sunday, July 23, at The Davenport Grand Hotel, 4 to 8pm, and sip wines from more than 50 of the region’s most celebrated wineries. Vintage Spokane is Spokane’s largest summer wine and food event.

VIP: 4 - 8pm. General Admission: 5 - 8pm.

Davenport Grand Hotel Ballroom Downtown Spokane 333 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

VintageSpokane.com

I TEM #137 ©2014 N ORTHSTAR W INERY, W ALLA W ALLA WA 99362

JOIN US FOR THE BLENDING EXPERIENCE! A unique experience in Washington wine country, the Northstar Blending Experience will give you a hands-on opportunity to immerse yourself in the art of blending world-class wine and take home your own custom blend.

N O R T H S TA R W I N E R Y 1 7 3 6 J B G E O RG E RO A D WA L L A WA L L A , WA 9 9 3 6 2 509-525-6100 / 866-486-7828 N O RT H S TA RW I N E RY. C O M / B L E N D I N G E X P E R I E N C E

Drink Specials From 3-6pm Every Day 9225 N Government Way Hayden, ID (208) 635-5836

40 Different Varieties of Wine In-house! northwestsizzle.com

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Max at Mirabeau

SPOKANE VALLEY A cruise down Sprague or Broadway and you are inundated with food choices from all over the world.

By Colin Anderson VISITORS TO THE SPOKANE VALLEY can expect to find the same wide range of food choices as just about any other region in and around Spokane. The Spokane Valley Mall encapsulates many of these choices.

Hop Jacks serves up burgers and sandwiches paired with beer in an icy cold mug. One of several Azteca locations is situated in the mall and serves up authentic Southwestern-style dishes. Chain restaurants dot the area offering shoppers a quick bite during a day of heavy shopping.

Across Interstate 90 and inside the Mirabeau Park Hotel you’ll find one of Spokane Valley’s most talked about restaurants. MAX at Mirabeau serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is a very popular happy-hour spot, also offering live music and dancing starting at 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. A cruise down Sprague or Broadway and you are inundated with food choices from all over the world.

Hungry enough for a buffet but not looking for the standard fare? HuHot Mongolian Grill lets you build your own noodle dishes mixed with meats and fresh-cut veggies as well as mild to extra spicy sauce, and go back for more as many times as you’d like!

Flamin’ Joe’s wings are a Spokane staple, and if you’re an Oakland Raiders fan, this is your sports bar during football Sundays. Ron’s is a local

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quick burger favorite; nothing fancy here, just good old all-American standards.

Across the freeway along Trent Avenue, a number of bars cater to the railroad and manufacturing workers of the area. If you’re looking for inexpensive strong drinks and bar bites, this is the spot for you. Off the Argonne exit you’ll find Longhorn Barbecue’s Valley location as well as Timber Creek Buffet.

A trip up to Arbor Crest Winery offers sweeping views of the city and, not to mention, great wine. English Setter, Twelve String and Hopped Up are a few of the microbreweries with tasting rooms throughout the Spokane Valley.

Heading a little further east you will come to Liberty Lake. Located halfway between Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, this city surrounding a small lake has one of the best Asian restaurants (Ding How), meat markets (The Butcher Block at Hay J’s) and sports bar (True Legends).

The area is large, but the drive is short to experience all that Spokane Valley has to offer.

Food and Drink

MAX at Mirabeau Park Hotel & Convention Center Find eclectic cuisine, an award-winning menu, steaks, chops, seafood, salads, burgers and more than 100 other menu items at MAX, along with a wine list boasts more than 500 labels; a perfect match for everything on the menu. The lounge menu features more than 75 of the most eclectic and innovative cocktails and martinis from Retro to Nouveau. Enjoy two happy hours daily, an award-winning A La Carte Brunch featuring multiple Benedicts and fabulous Bloody Marys and Mimosa specials every day, live rockin’ blues weekends, private dining rooms, courtyard dining and more! Late-night dining with a full menu is offered until close. Open daily at 6am.

MAXatMirabeau.com Spokane Valley - 1100 N. Sullivan Rd. 509.922.6252 Eclectic $-$$$ le catering Le Catering features the best Inland Northwest producers and products cooked by award-winning chefs who strive to create a great experience for each and every guest. Le Catering’s goal is to serve their guests beyond their expectations. Le Catering Co. is locally owned by Chef Adam Hegsted as part of the Eat Good Group. Their restaurants include Wandering Table, Yards Bruncheon, Gilded

Unicorn, Farmhouse Kitchen and Eat Good Café.

With a combination of the best chefs and managers from across the Northwest and beyond, they create a unique experience and build memories for a lifetime. Call to set up your special event.

Liberty Lake - 24001 E. Mission Ave. 509.720.5412 LATAH CREEK WINERY AND GIFT SHOP Since 1982, it’s been the family’s commitment to delight wine lovers with the best of Washington State, while making their award-winning wines affordable. Two generations later, the father/ daughter winemaking team continues to deliver a unique experience with each and every bottle.

Every time a bottle is uncorked or a glass is poured, they promise love at first sip. Located just minutes from Downtown Spokane, visitors are offered the chance to sample Latah Creek’s award-winning and reserve wines while browsing through one of the most unique gift shops in the area. The winery is open daily 9am - 5pm. LatahCreek.com Spokane Valley - 13030 E. Indiana Ave. 509.926.0164

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A Taste of Our Menu

MAX at Mirabeau Excellence in food, wine and service and the most happening happy hour in town!

By Jillian Chandler • Photos by Keith Boe

T

welve years of award-winning excellence is no surprise when talking about MAX at Mirabeau.

This Spokane Valley restaurant has been catering to diners with its extraordinary breakfast, lunch and dinner for more than a decade, offering nothing less than an unforgettable experience that keeps bringing locals and visitors back for more.

Whether it’s an informal lunch, drinks after a round of golf with friends, or that once-a-year anniversary date night with the love of your life, MAX will cater to you. The entire staff strives for guest satisfaction, doing all in its power to offer up an unforgettable experience.

MAX is known for its extensive offerings, with five menus offering more than 100 menu items served 20 hours a day, all scratch made in house. Everything is made from raw ingredients, eliminating pre-packaged, premade ingredients, allowing them to more easily accommodate guests’ dietary needs and preferences. Starting with raw ingredients allows for the chefs to deconstruct and reconstruct existing dishes to cater to those

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needs. MAX can tailor itself to any type of person who comes in ... the doors are open to everyone, and the restaurant can accustom itself to anybody and everybody.

To keep the menu bright, MAX chefs are constantly exploring new flavors and experimenting with new dishes and ingredients, along with perfecting existing menu items. And the chefs and cooks don’t stop there; once the food is prepared, each dish is plated so that it is visually appealing before the guest ever tastes it. As General Manager Andy Rooney says, “From recipe conception to plate presentation, the staff and management have to be passionate about the product they are presenting to the customer.” The MAX staff is sure to bring its passion to each plate that is prepared and served.

Joining the team at MAX is Shawn Matlock as the new food and beverage manager. He has an extensive background in culinary management and has an overabundance of commitment to bringing only the best product to every single guest while developing the team from within.

The MAX offers cocktail specials every day of the week.

More than just great food, it is complemented by its bar program, which has blossomed over time, and includes new fresh cocktails with their own handmade syrups. The MAX offers cocktail specials every day of the week. You may find yourself stopping in on Wednesday for half-off bottles of wine, and then joining friends Sunday for a chance to build your own Bloody Mary at the extensive Bloody Mary bar.

The atmosphere is another draw. When you sit down and look around at environment and décor, you feel comfortable; it is what you make it.

Happy hour at MAX is bar none. Offered daily, 3 to 6pm and again 9pm to 2am in the lounge, patio and outside courtyard, guests are sure

SPOTLIGHT AHI TUNA SEARED RARE Indian spice, wasabi soy aioli, ponzu glaze

HUMMUS AND CHILI GRILLED PITA Tahini-chickpea paste, balsamic tomatoes, roasted garlic

FLAT TOP SLIDERS Boursin cheese, garlic aioli, roasted red pepper coulis

STEAMED EDAMAME Flash seared, sake, sea salt and chile arbol

SMOKED SALMON AND RICOTTA WON TONS Roasted squash, shitake, ginger plum sauce, kecap manis

STEAMED MANILA CLAMS Lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, sweet basil, garlic, white wine

BEEF TERIYAKI SATAY Skewered on grilled golden pineapple, toasted sesame COCONUT CHICKEN SATAY Spicy Thai peanut sauce, sesame spinach, saifun basket

WALNUT CRUSTED BRIE CHEESE Imported brie, crispy crust, garlic herb cranberry gastrique SWEET CUMIN CRUSTED CALAMARI Cilantro, jalapeños, chipotle garlic aiolo

CHIPOTLE AND ANCHO CHILE SHRIMP SKEWERS Broiled, napa-chayote slaw, mango salsa, crisp taro root

MAX CHEESE FRIES Half pound of MAX fries, garlic feta fondue, balsamic reduction

to be delighted with a great food menu and drink. Besides happy hour, there is a special each day of the week: Maxed Out Monday, Tap Beer Tuesday, Wine Wednesday and Sunday, Thursday Ladies’ Night and Martini Friday. Don’t miss the Bloody Mary Bar during Saturday and Sunday Brunch from 9am to 2pm. And of course, every Friday and Saturday night they have live music featuring rockin’ jazz 9pm to 1am both nights with no cover charge.

Whether it is the food, the atmosphere, the service or just for doing good business, they have repeatedly stood as a symbol of excellence. MAX has won The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for nine years running, consistently winning the Spokane Sizzle’s Fork-

in-Cork Award, Spokane Living’s Spokane Valley Best Restaurant of the Year, nabbing The Washington Restaurant Association’s Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year and the multiple Epicurean Delight Awards for various dishes through the years.

No matter if you are a local, a traveler or a family getting away for a vacation, there are more than enough reasons to be drawn to MAX. It’s a concept; it’s a uniquely different concept. Dining at MAX is an experience you must try for yourself.

MAX at Mirabeau Park Hotel Spokane Valley 1100 N. Sullivan Rd. 509.922.6252 MAXatMirabeau.com northwestsizzle.com

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DOWNTOWN SPOKANE Scratch Restaurant and Rain Lounge

You won’t go two blocks in downtown before you find somewhere to quench your thirst or satisfy your hunger.

By Colin Anderson UNLIKE MOST MAJOR METROPOLITAN AREAS, you won’t need an Uber or cab to get everywhere you want to go in Downtown Spokane. Traffic is moderate, and with so many restaurants, cafes, the arena and live music venues, you don’t have to go far to find what you’re looking for.

The Satellite Diner and Lounge

Europa Restaurant and Bakery

The Kendall Yards neighborhood just north of the Spokane River continues to grow and is a favorite hangout among locals. A weekly night market on Wednesdays, May through October, brings locals and visitors together to check out local artists, craftsmen and farmers.

Grab a slice of wood-fire pizza at Veraci, enjoy more upscale dining at Central Food or share small plates and craft cocktails at Wandering Table.

For dinner with a view of the Spokane Falls, you can’t beat Anthony’s, and down the street you’ll find gourmet dining at Clinkerdagger as well as unique local shops inside the historic Flour Mill, right across from the Spokane Arena.

Looking for your favorite team, a burger and a beer? Try 24 Taps, where it’s all about uniquely crafted brews. Fast Eddie’s, The Globe, Borracho Tacos and Tequileria and The Post Street Ale House will all have your team on multiple screens. Classic downtown restaurants include the newly renovated Restaurant at Hotel RL and its creative and enticing new menu; O’Doherty’s Irish Grille, where you’ll have trouble finding a spot to tack your dollar on the wall; and Churchill’s Steakhouse, offering dry-aged steaks and an incredible wine list.

If you’ve heard about the surge in wineries located in Spokane, download “The Cork District” app, and let the map guide you to more than a dozen downtown tasting rooms and several more outside of town.

Chef Chad White of “Top Chef ” fame returned to his Spokane roots to open Zona Blanca, the city’s first ceviche bar located in the same building with a pair of up-and-coming microbrewers. Speaking of beer, Orlison Brewing, Iron Goat Brewing and River City Brewing are all within walking distance of each other for those who enjoy sampling.

You’ll find riverfront seating at No-Li, Spokane’s most famous brewery, and a trip into the Steam Plant for dinner or a drink puts you inside the building that once powered all of downtown, with much of its history still preserved. After a concert, show, Chiefs or Empire game, grab a late-night bite at the Satellite Diner and Lounge or one of the many food trucks that stay open until the wee hours of the morning.

You won’t go two blocks in downtown before you find somewhere to quench your thirst or satisfy your hunger.

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Celebrating 10 years, in the heart of downtown Spokane 415 W. Main Ave. (509) 624-2253 Breakfast, Lunch, Pastries, Coffee, Beer & Wine Mon.-Fri. 7:45am - 4pm Saturday 8:30am - 4pm Sunday 8:30am - 2pm Madeleines-Spokane.com

Open for Lunch and Dinner Mon.-Thurs. 11:30 am - 10:00 pm Bar closes at 11:00 pm Fri. & Sat. 11:30 am - midnight Bar closes at 1:00 am Basement Bar Wed.-Sat. 4:00 pm - close Bar Food Menu 4:00pm-8pm Closed Sunday

Spokane’s Finest Whiskey Selection 415 W . Mai n Avenue

(509) 863-9501

DurkinsLiquorBar.com

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Bon Appétit

+ GOURMET BURGERS + SANDWICHES, PIZZA, SALADS + 51 TAPS OF DELICIOUSNESS

Dry Fly Distilling Washington’s first distillery since prohibition is making award-winning vodka, gin and whiskey.

All of their spirits are carefully made from local products “from farm to the bottle.” They offer tours by appointment, tastings including mini cocktails at their new Tasting Room, and bottle sales. Come see how it is all made! Open Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm for bottle sales/production and Tuesday - Saturday noon - 8pm at the Tasting Room ... unless they’re fishing, and then none of these hours can be trusted, so you better call first.

DryFlyDistilling.com Downtown - 1003 E. Trent Ave. 509.489.2112 The Blackbird Tavern + Kitchen Discover an eclectic menu with Southern influences. The restaurant features a wood-fired grill and smoker and in-house charcuterie, along with a full bar with four wines on draft, 34 beers on tap and a selection of more than 155 bottled beers. The outdoor patio seats more than 100, and the banquet rooms are perfect for that special occasion. The Blackbird is a 3 Star Certified Green Restaurant. Open Monday - Thursday 11am - 9pm, Friday 11am - 10pm, Saturday 8am - 10pm, Sunday 8am - 9pm. Find The Blackbird at Facebook.com/ BlackbirdSpokane, @TheBlackbirdGEG on Twitter or visit their website. TheBlackbirdSpokane.com Downtown - 905 N. Washington St. 509.392.4000 New American $$

51 TAPS / 2 LOCATIONS 302 W. RIVERSIDE (509) 747-3852 7522 N. DIVISION (509) 482-6100 AREA51TAPHOUSE.COM THEONION.BIZ 102

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Gilded Unicorn Gilded Unicorn is a modern-American classic restaurant featuring handcrafted foods and drinks located in the historic Montvale Hotel in Downtown Spokane. The restaurant showcases local, seasonal food and drinks from the Northwest and beyond created into new-fashioned flavors that hit you in the soul. The food is fashioned from nostalgic comfort foods everyone has enjoyed but with a slightly modern twist, brought back to life using fresh ingredients and an explosion of flavors.

Open Sunday - Thursday 3:30 - 10:30pm, Friday - Saturday 3:30pm - 1:30am. GildedUnicorn.com Downtown - 310 S. Monroe St. 509.309.3698 Modern-American Comfort $-$$

Area 51 Taphouse at the Onion Bursting with 51 taps of deliciousness, Area 51 Taphouse at the Onion offers daily happy hour 3 6pm and additional daily specials 3pm - close. Try the Taphouse-inspired chalkboard foods. Become a member of their exclusive Mug Club, join them at their beer dinner events, and attend the “Meet the Maker” brewers night. Check out the constantly changing tap beers, tap wines and their own Area 51 Makers Mark Root Bourbon on tap. You may come for the beer, but you will stay for the fun.

Open Sunday - Thursday 11am -11pm, Friday Saturday 11am - midnight. Area51Taphouse.com Downtown - 302 W. Riverside Ave. 509.747.3852 Gastropub $-$$ Frank’s Diner Proudly serving Travelers since 1906 - Voted Best Breakfast for decades! Enjoy Frank’s 120-year-old family hot cake recipe, extra thick Daily’s bacon, legendary chicken-fried steak, and five fresh gravies and grilled onions to choose from each day at no charge. Enjoy giant malted waffles, quarter-pound sausage links, buttermilk biscuits and gravy, artisan bread bowl soups and chowders, and more. Their chefs cook whole turkeys and choice top rounds of beef daily to make their amazing sandwiches.

Open daily 6am - 9pm. FranksDiners.com Downtown - 1516 W. Second Ave. 509.747.8798 Casual Dining $-$$ The Onion Taphouse and Grill The Onion was honored by being voted Best Taphouse in 2016. The Onion was honored by being voted Best Taphouse in 2016. The Onion chefs cook whole turkeys and choice top rounds of beef daily to make their legendary sandwiches.

They only purchase fresh local beef for the amazing burgers served on handmade Brioche rolls. Enjoy artisan pizza, fresh pasta, center-cut steaks, fresh seafood and kid friendly. Open Sunday - Thursday 11am -11pm, Friday - Saturday 11am - midnight.

Visit their website. TheOnion.biz Downtown - 302 W. Riverside Ave. 509.747.3852 Casual Dining $-$$

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SPOTLIGHT

Europa Restaurant & Bakery A passion for food and service

By Jillian Chandler • Photos by Danielle Bopp

R

eading cookbooks as if they were novels, devouring each and every page, gives one just a small glimpse into the life of Chef Jeff Engels and his lifetime passion for cooking.

Developing a love for food at a young age, Jeff, like many young aspiring chefs, got his first restaurant job in the kitchen at age 15. His passion for cooking ultimately became a career, and at just 22 years old, he had earned his place as executive chef at a Seattle-based restaurant.

Fast forward to present day, and you’ll find Jeff, alongside his wife and business partner Aja, wining and dining patrons at Europa Restaurant and Bakery, a Spokane favorite for more than 34 years.

The couple purchased the longstanding restaurant, which originally opened back in 1982, in 2013. Both Jeff and Aja, seasoned restaurant veterans, had worked at Europa prior to purchasing it—a dream come true. Guests can find Jeff in the kitchen, pouring his heart and soul into preparing fresh, authentic food for their guests, while Aja leads in welcoming guests with attentive and friendly service.

Throughout the years, Europa has been received well, retaining loyal customers supporting the restaurant and coming back for more; and that has continued with Jeff and Aja as owners.

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“We feel lucky to be taking care of Europa,” says Aja. “It’s a legacy.”

The menu offers fresh-made pastas, from the crab spaghetti, pork cheek ravioli and goat cheese gnocchi, and Europa staples for nearly 35 years to include the sweet red pepper tortellini, baked spaghetti with meat sauce and chicken marsala. And don’t forget about the bakery, where their fresh pizza dough, bread and amazing desserts, like the raspberry white chocolate cheesecake, cookie dough pie and double chocolate mousse, are prepared and baked.

Each month, patrons are invited to partake in a five-course dinner paired beautifully with five wines to complement each dish. Expect the cuisine to be fresh, innovative and sometimes adventurous! Ostrich, kangaroo, bison, shark, sweetbreads and goat have all been featured.

And the wines will not disappoint either.

Wines from Italy, France, Spain and Portugal, to some closer to home—California, Oregon and Washington, have been presented. These dinners are an opportunity to explore new and exciting flavors from around the world.

In addition to the great food, Europa is cozy and comfortable, allowing guests a relaxing dining experience. Top that with a dedicated restaurant staff that is attentive and friendly, and you have a recipe for success.

Europa Restaurant and Bakery Downtown 125 S. Wall St. 509.455.4051 EuropaSpokane.com

Guests can find Jeff in the kitchen, pouring his heart and soul into preparing fresh, authentic food for their guests, while Aja leads in welcoming guests with attentive and friendly service.

Tasty Selections Geno’s Traditional Food and Ales Geno’s joined the family of pubs that include The Elk and Two Seven in Spokane, Moon Time in Coeur d’Alene and The Porch in Hayden in 2014.

The menu includes favorites like The Elk’s famous traditional Reuben sandwich and Moon Time’s 74th St. gumbo, but additional items include the Cuban pork sandwich and the Geno’s chicken wings. French fries are offered as a side item, along with the ever-popular and addicting roasted corn pasta. Open Sunday - Wednesday 11am - 11pm, Thursday - Saturday 11am - midnight. Check out the full menu online. WeDontHaveOne.com Downtown - 1414 N. Hamilton Ave. 509.368-9087 Pub & Grill $-$$ Scratch Restaurant and Rain Lounge Since 2007, Scratch has been wining and dining Spokane with locally sourced cuisine, spirits and wines. Scratch strives on providing extensive food and drink menus that are ever evolving. The seasonal menu features locally sourced ingredients including fresh fish and high-quality meats. Let the friendly and well-educated staff take care of you. For something more casual with the same incredible dining experience, Rain Lounge next door offers 30 signature cocktails plus the Scratch food menu.

Onsite catering is offered in the banquet room or off site at your desired location. Open Monday Friday 11am - close, Saturday 4pm - close. Check out the menu online. ScratchSpokane.com Downtown - 1007 W. First Ave. 509.456.5656 Contemporary & Fine Dining $-$$$ Durkin’s Liquor Bar Dine and imbibe at the swank and hip Durkin’s Liquor Bar, the newest restaurant from the family that brought you Madeleine’s and Casper Fry, and recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of six vital and contemporary restaurants to dine at in Spokane. It offers a thoughtfully curated vibe, skillfully executed lunch and dinner menus and a well-appointed main bar, with a cocktail menu that pays homage to the classic craft cocktail. A second, dimly lit, full bar is tucked away in the basement; an intimate and nostalgic tribute to the bygone prohibition era. Find an extensive collection of whiskey, bourbon and gin, the perfect basis for cocktails carefully crafted by the knowledgeable staff of bartenders. Just steps away from the Davenport Grand Hotel, Durkin’s is open for lunch, dinner and late night; closed Sundays.

DurkinsLiquorBar.com Downtown - 415 W. Main Ave. 509.863.9501 Finer Dining $-$$

Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops has set the bar high for steaks! Locally sourced USDA Prime and natural steaks and chops are seared to perfection in their 1600-degree infrared broiler. But it’s not just beef that will bring you to Spencer’s. The menu offers sensational seafood, a variety of innovative entrees and delectable desserts. Spencer’s Lounge offers a great selection of handcrafted martinis, fine wines, beers and spirits along with inspired appetizers. Open every day for lunch and dinner with happy hour 4 - 6pm that you are sure to enjoy! Check them out online. OpenTable.com/ SpencersforSteaksandChops.com Downtown - 322 N. Spokane Falls Court 509.744.2372 Fine Dining $$-$$$

Europa Restaurant & Bakery

Wild Sage Bistro Locally sourced Northwest cuisine: Wild Sage presents extraordinary fare presented with real flair.

Featuring the timeless cuisine of Executive Chef Charles Connor, this cozy award-winning bistro has been a local favorite for more than 10 years.

Discover a fine selection of handmade cocktails, regional wines and beers to enhance your meal.

Wild Sage is known for their gluten-free dining.

Watch for their second-floor addition in spring of 2017. Open daily at 4pm, with reservations welcomed and recommended. See what people are saying about Wild Sage on TripAdvisor, and visit their website for their current menu selections.

WildSageBistro.com Downtown - 916 W. 2nd Ave. 509.456.7575 Contemporary $$-$$$ Madeleine’s Cafe and Pâtisserie Madeleine’s reopened in their charming new location in 2015, and this year will celebrate their 10th anniversary. Located beside the owner’s newest endeavor, Durkin’s Liquor Bar, and just a few steps from the Davenport Grand Hotel, Madeleine’s is pleased to offer their high-quality, award-winning, handcrafted French pastry, savories and espresso drinks, created using only the freshest ingredients and traditional methods.

Beer, wine and a sunny private courtyard make this the ideal spot to gather. Open seven days a week for full cooked-to-order breakfast menu, savory lunch specials and everything in between.

Madeleines-Spokane.com Downtown - 415 W. Main Ave. 509.624.2253 French Pastries, Breakfast & Lunch $

125 S. Wall St. Spokane, WA 99201 (509) 455-4051 Sun. - Thurs. 11am - 10pm Fri. - Sat. 11am - 11 pm

EuropaSpokane.com

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Scratch Restaurant and Rain Lounge Still keeping it fresh 10 years later

By Jillian Chandler

SPOTLIGHT

Scratch Restaurant & Rain Lounge Downtown 1007 W. 1st Ave. 509.456.5656 ScratchSpokane.com

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n November of 2007, a delicious addition was made to First Avenue in Downtown Spokane—Scratch Restaurant. With seasoned restaurant veteran Connie Nacarrato—former owner and operator of Mamma Mia’s restaurant—at the helm, the contemporary fine-dining restaurant with a “big city” feel welcomed enthusiastic diners by offering them an intimate space featuring a beautiful menu filled with fresh, local scratchmade cuisine unlike any other the city had seen before. The inventive and creative ideas continue to flourish a decade later.

he was a chef at the former Fugazzi at Hotel Lusso. Sous Chef Sil Hernandez has worked personally with Connie for the past 16 years, transitioning with her from Mamma Mia’s to Scratch, having been with the Scratch team from the beginning.

From day one, Scratch’s menu has never been stagnant; it changed as the seasons changed, allowing the chefs to create dishes inspired by the available fresh and local ingredients.

Owen Cruz has been the executive chef of the restaurant for the past four years and has been wowing guests with his culinary expertise at Scratch since it first opened. Prior to Scratch,

Connie’s desire for bringing her guests an unmatched dining experience is shared by her employees, who are just as proud and passionate about Scratch as she is. The staff cares about the restaurant and each other; they are like family and treat their guests like family.

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As the name indicates, all items on the menu are made from scratch. Diners will find signature dishes including the calamari, Scratch’s signature salad, hot pot and the seafood trio, as well as hand-cut steaks and fresh fish. Don’t leave without trying the lemonade cocktail.

“As my mother told me when I first started

in the restaurant business 33 years ago,” says Connie, “if you wouldn’t eat it because it wasn’t the best quality that you could get, then neither would your customers.”

Right next door to Scratch is Rain Lounge, which Connie opened in 2008. Rain is an extension of Scratch, where guests can order signature craft cocktails and seasonal drinks from the full bar, food from the full Scratch menu, along with a happy hour menu Monday and Tuesday all day, and Wednesday-Saturday 4-6pm and 9pm-close. This is a great spot to unwind and enjoy a cocktail and bite to eat in a less formal setting.

Connie and her team have a table set and are ready to serve you.

Food is Life

1009 W. 1ST AVE. (509) 456-5656 Best Happy Hour in Town

Europa Restaurant and Bakery Tucked beneath the railway trestle between First and Second avenues on Wall Street, Europa has been a downtown destination for more than 34 years. Their on-site bakery provides fresh bread, desserts and pizza crust. The menu offers a selection of gluten-free items and diverse and extensive wine and martini lists. Happy hour is offered twice daily and all day Sunday with live music 6 - 8pm. Enjoy $6 weekday lunches! The banquet room is perfect for parties, rehearsal dinners and meetings, and catering and delivery are available. A great date spot, ask about the restaurant’s “secret notes.” Open daily at 11am. EuropaSpokane.com Downtown - 125 S. Wall St. 509.455.4051 Italian, Greek, Specialty Pizza & Bakery $-$$ Tamarack Public House Located next to the Davenport Historic Hotel and Bing Crosby Theater in a beautifully restored 1892 brick building, Tamarack is a full-service restaurant, bar and event venue. Guests are greeted with a 32-tap selection, full bar and craft cocktails.

Fresh locally sourced menu items are carnivore to vegan, featuring prime steaks, wild seafood, Kobe burgers and focaccia pizzas. Enjoy business lunches, romantic dinners and happy hour (15-percent off full menu 3 - 6pm). Watch the game in the Loft Bar with friends, or dine in the amazing outdoor courtyard. Plan your event for business, socials, parties and weddings at Tamarack Public House, the place to relax, share and enjoy.

Downtown - 912 W. Sprague Ave. 509.315.4846 Gastropub $$

Anthony’s at Spokane Falls Enjoy fresh seafood with the best view dining in Spokane! Overlooking the grandeur of the upper Spokane Falls, they offer the finest in fresh Northwest seafood, from their own seafood company, in the heart of downtown. Enjoy warmweather dining on the expansive deck, where the rush of water can be heard as you enjoy cocktails, lunch or dinner. Anthony’s also offers a selection of great steaks, pasta and salads, all completemented by fresh-from-the-farm local produce, Northwest wines—including many selections from Spokanearea wineries—and microbrews. Banquet facilities are available for your special celebration. Offering lunch Monday - Saturday 11:30am - 3pm, Sunday 11am - 2:30pm; dinner Monday - Thursday 4 9:30pm, Friday - Saturday 4 - 10:30pm, Sunday 3 - 9pm. Anthonys.com Downtown - 510 N. Lincoln Ave. 509.328.9009 Seafood & American $$-$$$ Satellite Diner and Lounge This friendly, fun and experienced staff is waiting to serve you! Located downtown, walking distance from Riverfront Park, the Convention Center and many hotels, the Satellite offers a full menu 21 hours a day from 7am - 4am daily, with a great home-style cooking menu and a full cocktail lounge with TVs for enjoying games and more!

Come in and see why they were voted Best Casual Dining by the Washington Restaurant Association, Best Late-Night Dining by the Inlander and Irish Business of the Year, as well as the Spokane Sizzle Fork-in-Cork Award for Diner Worth its Salt.

SatelliteDiner.com Downtown - 425 W. Sprague Ave. 509.624.3952 Diner Casual $-$$

Happy Hour is 4 - 6 pm & 9 - Close Serving late night menu & full Scratch dinner menu until closing

RainSpokane.com 1/2 PRICE BOTTLES OF WINE WEDNESDAY

1007 W. 1ST AVE. (509) 456-5656 Daily Drink & Food Specials Rotating Local Seasonal Menu

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The Onion Taphouse AND Grill Spokane’s finest in food and tap products!

By Jillian Chandler • Photos by Keith Boe and courtesy of The Onion

I

t is hard to believe that The Onion was first introduced to Downtown Spokane 38 years ago and has been one of Spokane’s local iconic restaurants ever since. It is now the oldest and most respected locally owned and operated fullservice Landmark restaurant in the Spokane area.

Since 2001, Ken Belisle has been the managing partner for Landmark Restaurants. Landmark owns and operates both Onion Taphouse and Grills and both Frank’s Diners in Spokane. Today, Ken and his wife Christy, along with their regional manager Sonja Halverson, are setting the tone and pace of The Onion Taphouse facilities. The founder, Mr. Larry Brown and his wife Jan, are enjoying retirement but remain proud supportive partners.

The Onion Taphouse and Grill continues to bring fresh, natural, local products to its guests over the years. With the explosion of local craft breweries, The Onion wanted to expand its taps featuring fresh local craft products. Thus, Area 51 Taphouse at The Onion was born.

To accommodate the enormous amount of rotating inventory a 51-tap system would require, an extensive remodel was completed at The Onion’s north side location in December 2014, followed by the completion of the downtown location, which opened in December 2015.

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The Onion’s Area 51 Taphouse differentiates itself by supplying its customers with the finest on-tap beverages daily by using a distinctive and massive 45-rotating tap handle “Fresh Sheet.” To handle this gargantuan daily task, Ken and Sonja entrusted full-time managing beer guru and longtime Onion crew member Bill Matthews with a full-time job of scouting, testing and coordinating the nearly 1,000 kegs they rotate through each year. In addition, their custom-built tap system allows The Onion’s “beer aficionados” to feature not only the finest and freshest ales and lagers in the market today, but barrel-aged barley wine, specialty beers, ciders, barrel-aged white wine, hard-alcohol spirits and even cask-conditioned gourmet root beer on tap. The combination brings a whole new array of flavors that many of their guests have never experienced before.

With this level of product management sophistication, Area 51 is able to rotate 45 taps of fresh ale, while pouring cask-conditioned wines and even 100-percent nitro-pushed bourbon and seasonal spirits at the same time. Each product “vessel” is individually calibrated with the perfect blend of CO2 and nitro according to the brew master’s specifications. The brewers who sell to The Onion Taphouse know that the Area 51 tap system mirrors the same quality as the brewery itself.

“To accomplish our goals, we just couldn’t settle for a standard off-the-shelf tap system,” says Ken.

SPOTLIGHT “We met with countless brew masters and equipment specialists before establishing what we needed our tap system to accomplish. In the end, Perlick from Milwaukee put together our amazing 51-tap system. This is the tap house the brewers drink beer in,” adds Ken. “At the North Division Onion, we even have a glycol Frost Rail designed by Steve Emtman’s construction team, Defender Development. The Frost Rail is built right into the concrete bar, keeping guests’ beverages the perfect temperature.”

old-fashioned way.

It may seem a bit overwhelming at first glance to make a selection from the 51 taps, the premium liquor bar with a large assortment of local small-batch bourbons, and the huge range of craft non-alcoholic beverages, but it gives their guests the opportunity to stop in and try something new every day of the year!

They also have a soda fountain featuring some of the best premium hand-dipped hard icecream milkshakes, floats and malts made the

Families are welcome throughout both locations, with banquet space and private dining areas available for a wide range of events. Both The Onion food and Taphouse menus are available to all guests.

With all of the excitement surrounding the tap house, The Onion chefs also have their work cut out for them as they constantly seek fresh, natural, local and sustainable products from the Inland Northwest. Goal one has always been to exceed every guest’s expectations with thoughtful, kind service, excellent food made fresh and all served up in a fun, clean and exciting facility.

With so many restaurants to choose from, The Onion Taphouse and Grills are truly local treasures celebrating their 38th year in Spokane.

The Onion Taphouse and Grill Downtown 302 W. Riverside Ave. 509.747.3852 North Side 7522 N. Division St. 509.483.3300 TheOnion.biz/ Area51Taphouse

A Taste of Our Menu CRISPY BUTTERMILK CHICKEN AND WAFFLE SANDWICH Fresh-malted Belgian waffle stuffed with crispy beer-battered chicken, smoked bacon, white cheddar cheese and maple butter, served with choice of fresh fruit or fries and fresh raspberry sauce BIG DADDY LOBSTER SANDWICH Lobster and rock crab cake fried crispy with red pepper, shredded cabbage and garlic habanero pineapple aioli CHIPOTLE BLACK BEAN BURGER Spicy black bean roasted corn patty, fresh greens, tomato and habanero pineapple aioli SPICY CHICKEN OAHU BURGER Grilled chicken breast, spicy habanero pineapple aioli, jalapeñocilantro-pineapple chutney, Mae Ploy chili pepper and mozzarella cheese on a handmade brioche bun SEAFOOD ARUGULA SALAD Lobster and rock crab salad with grilled avocado, baby arugula, spinach, tomato, onion, Asiago cheese and lemon horseradish vinaigrette

KUMO’S BBQ SMOKED PORK Lean local beef, BBQ-basted pulled pork, applewood-smoked bacon, cheddar, crispy onion straws and chili pepper aioli BACON STUFFED POTATO TOTS Benny Boy’s house-made large crispy potato tots stuffed with smoked bacon, tossed in sea salt and served with warm Cougar Gold shallot cheese sauce MAHI MAHI FISH TACOS Grilled mahi mahi, habanero pineapple aioli and cabbage slaw in grilled flour tortillas TAPHOUSE GARLIC STEAK USDA center-cut Eastern Washington top sirloin steak stuffed with roasted garlic, and then bacon wrapped and topped with whole shallot butter BEER BATTERED PRAWNS AND CHIPS Jumbo prawns hand dipped in ale batter and fried crispy, served with house-made sauces CHECK OUT OUR VIRTUAL TOUR! northwestsizzle.com

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TAMARACK PUBLIC HOUSE A Taste of Our Menu

GRILLED FOCACCIA AND DIP TRIO Cilantro green hummus, tzatziki and tapenade STEAMED CLAMS AND MUSSELS Simple and delicious, served in broth, served with grilled bread and option of adding two grilled jumbo wild prawns BEET AND GOAT CHEESE SALAD Mixed greens, roasted beets, fresh herb goat cheese, candied pecans and balsamic citrus vinaigrette FRESH MUSHROOM AND PARMESAN Sliced button mushrooms, shaved parmesan cheese with lemon juice dressing, served atop mixed greens BLEU FOCACCIA PIZZA Bleu cheese crumbles, fontina, hand-cut prosciutto, granny smith apples, candied pecans and honey drizzle BOURBON CHICKEN FOCACCIA PIZZA Bourbon BBQ sauce, smoked chicken, bacon, fresh cilantro and fontina cheese

BAVARIAN BRATWURST Locally made bratwurst with apple cider kraut and amber ale mustard, served on a french roll with side options VEGAN FIELD ROAST Sundried tomato field roast, lettuce, tomato, marinated red onion, garlic aioli and smashed avocado on 9rain deli bread with side options CHEF’S PRIME GRADE STEAK ENTRÉE USDA Prime steak, char grilled and topped with fresh herb compound butter, served with roasted red potatoes and grilled broccolini WILD SEAFOOD ENTRÉE Grilled salmon and two grilled jumbo prawns, served with jasmine rice, lemonpecan butter and grilled broccolini LOADED CHICKEN NACHOS GRILLED COBB SALAD

Tamarack

Public House Amazing Space Ultimate Experience

Lunch & Dinner Event Venue

912 W. Sprague Ave Downtown Spokane, WA 99201 509-315-4846 110

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Fresh Crafted Menu 32 Tap Handles Full Bar Craft Cocktails Wine

SPOTLIGHT

NEW TASTING ROOM!

Dry Fly Distilling Spokane’s world-class, award-winning distillery

By Jillian Chandler

W

ashington State had not seen a distillery for nine decades when friends Kent Fleischmann and Don Poffenroth, while out on a river in Montana “enjoying” a bottle of vodka, had an idea—to start their very own distilling company right here in their hometown of Spokane. Combined with the fact that the area had remarkable agricultural resources to offer, the pair knew they had a winning plan.

“Jumping off the entrepreneurial cliff was the hardest, yet most satisfying thing to do,” says Kent.

Both left their full-time corporate jobs and drafted a bill that would make distilling legal in Washington state, not only providing Spokane with a new local distillery, but the entire state with a new industry.

The transition was quick; Kent and Don started exploring the idea in 2006, and just one year after the initial idea had emerged, Dry Fly Distilling was incorporated. The first product they produced was their vodka, closely followed by gin. Today, they make nearly a dozen whiskeys, most of which have yet to be bottled. All spirits are aged in 53-gallon American oak barrels, which according to Don, is a tried-and-true traditional approach to producing world-class spirits.

In the beginning, Kent admits it was difficult for them to produce a consistent, quality product, which they did refine fairly quickly

when it came to the vodka and gin. When it came to the whiskey, it was a much more difficult process due to the barrel aging.

“We are very happy with where our spirits are now,” says Kent. “And the best things we have done have yet to see a bottle.”

Over the years, Dry Fly has competed against some of the best in the world, earning more national and international awards for its product quality than any other small distillery in the United States.

Years of hard work and “a bit of silly luck” have brought Dry Fly Distilling to where it is today. They are excited about market-based collaborations, such as the Locally Crafted Bar at the Spokane Arena that features local libations such as One Tree cider, Townshend Cellar wine, Iron Goat beer and Dry Fly spirits.

Don and Kent truly believe that the Spokane community is responsible for the continued success of their operation. As Don says, “Spokane defines Dry Fly.” The pair looks forward to continuing their relationship with their home community through special events and classes. And of course, the Dry Fly team is always developing concepts and future versions of Dry Fly. The local community is excited to taste what’s next.

Dry Fly Distilling Downtown 1003 E. Trent Ave. 509.489.2112 DryFlyDistilling.com northwestsizzle.com

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GENO’s TRADITIONAL FOOD AND ALES A little piece of restaurant heaven

By Jillian Chandler • Photos by Keith Boe

SPOTLIGHT

Geno’s Traditional Food and Ales Downtown 1414 N. Hamilton St. 509.368.9087 WeDontHaveOne.com

G

eno’s has long been a University District icon, known over the years as an Italian eatery. The change in ownership in October of 2013 brought Geno’s into the popular family of pubs that include The Elk and Two Seven in Spokane, Moon Time in Coeur d’Alene and The Porch in Hayden. Though the menu has changed, Geno’s is continuing its long tradition of good food and friendly service in neighborhoods where guests are welcomed by a casual feels-like-home atmosphere.

The menu includes some of the same favorites known in their other pubs, like The Elk’s famous Reuben sandwich (guests have the choice of a gluten-free bun for all sandwiches) and Moon Time’s 74th St. gumbo, but the menu is adorned with items that are unique to Geno’s, such as the Cuban pork sandwich and Geno’s chicken wings with your choice of three sauces. Each one of these neighborhood pubs

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have their own qualities that keep the locals coming back for more. For a new twist on this menu, Geno’s has French fries—which none of the other restaurant locations have—thanks to the fryer, in addition to the ever-popular, and addicting, roasted corn pasta.

the kitchen stays open late, until 10pm Sunday through Wednesday and 11pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Geno’s is a great spot to meet up after the game, or for that matter, any event taking place at the Spokane Arena, thanks to its close proximity.

Staying in tradition with the other pubs, Geno’s menu appeals to the masses not only in taste but in price. Menu items range in price from $5 for a cup of the 74th St. gumbo to around $10 for most salads, burgers and sandwiches, with entrees maxing out at $13.95 for the ravioli.

No one leaves Geno’s hungry or broke. Geno’s is a perfect place to unwind and support the Gonzaga Bulldogs, with plenty of TVs to watch the games, great tap selections, cocktails, and of course, the tasty food and good company they are known for.

With the success its sister restaurants have seen over the years, Geno’s is already establishing itself as another neighborhood gem the community is quickly embracing.

During the warmer months, guests can enjoy outdoor dining on the patio, and take note,

SPOKANE AT THE PARK

S T AY C U R I O U S RESTAURANT & BAR | PACIFIC NORTHWEST CUISINE OUTDOOR LOUNGE & DINING | SUMMER CONCERT SERIES THE LIVING STAGE | VICTROLA COFFEE BAR

HOTEL RL SPOKANE AT THE PARK 303 W NORTH RIVER DR | SPOKANE | 509-326-8000

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @HotelRLSpokaneRestaurant

HOTEL-RL.COM/PARK-SPOKANE northwestsizzle.com

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HOTEL RL SPOKANE AT THE PARK Bringing a new look…and flavor…to Spokane

By Jillian Chandler • Photos by Lauren Denos

O

ver the years, Spokane has continued to change with time, and this evolution is reflected in the dining and entertainment scene more than ever before. 2017 has marked big changes for Hotel RL by Red Lion Spokane at the Park, which has been focusing on rebranding its name, hotel and restaurant to offer Spokane locals and visitors alike an unforgettable experience starting with the moment a guest walks through their doors.

With more than 30 years in hotel management with Hilton Hotels—and three years right here in Downtown Spokane—Michael Fear, RL Spokane’s general manager, has been steadfast in fashioning the food and beverage offerings at the hotel and expanding guests’ options when it comes to menu choices.

The newly renovated restaurant and bar overlooks the updated communal lobby and

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Riverfront Park, offering guests a rustic casual feel. The patio allows guests to sit back and relax as they take in views of the Spokane River and Centennial Trail. With the addition of a fireplace and outdoor heaters, patrons can enjoy outdoor dining more than ever before. In addition to the renovation, Hotel RL has introduced a new chef to its team— Ricky Webster, corporate executive chef. A native to California with an impressive 15year restaurant resume, Ricky is bringing his flavorful and creative style to the table; and guests are eagerly taking a seat.

Ricky relocated from Los Angeles to Spokane just this past February for this incredible job opportunity. And it was easy to say yes. As someone who enjoys the outdoors, Ricky was impressed with all the area has to offer.

“I’m very outdoorsy and love hiking, camping and fishing. Add to that the quality of life here

that I could not achieve in LA as far as being able to purchase a home and grasp the local environment,” he says. “I wanted a vegetable garden and chickens for eggs. Here, I can do the things I’m passionate about.”

And Ricky’s No. 1 passion is food; providing good, wholesome, flavorful foods, sourcing ingredients as locally as possible to serve his guests. During the winter months, Ricky explains the difficulties he encountered sourcing locally, but in turn, discovered local purveyors not just in the Spokane area, but Idaho, Oregon and Montana.

The Restaurant at Hotel RL features regionally inspired menu items from the more standard fare to the adventurous. “This is trout country, so I created a play on fish and chips using trout,” says Ricky. The fish is paired with Old Bay-seasoned house-made kettle chips, a perfect pairing.

At the restaurant, Ricky celebrates the smaller plates, as well as shared plates. “We fill the table with food, and everyone can pick and choose and enjoy a little bit of everything,” says Ricky.

From the Thai beef lettuce wraps and street tacos, to the mac and cheese bacon burger and Pacific Northwest salmon, the menu is diverse and bright, incorporating that Mediterranean flavor into many of the dishes.

When it comes to what Chef Ricky enjoys most about his job, he says, “It is really about taking care of people—both those who work with me in the back of the house to our front-of-thehouse guests—and getting to be creative and showcasing what people haven’t yet seen. I enjoy teaching people, expanding their minds and culinary horizons, all while getting to do what I love.”

All of their eggs are Wilcox organic and freerange, and all meat is Pacific Northwest beef, which Ricky is proud to serve and celebrates what our area has to offer. For desserts, Ricky has chosen local ice cream made right here in Spokane at Mary Lou’s. “It’s a wonderful iconic ice cream shop, and this gives them the opportunity to represent us and vice versa,” says Ricky. The Pacific Northwest flank steak has been well-received, and at an incredible price, it’s an approachable option for any guest.

To add to the experience at Hotel RL, they have added a Living Stage. “This is a neighborhood friendly performing space providing local performers an arena to showcase their creativity to local audiences, as well as video fed to other Hotel RL guest rooms across the country,” says Michael. “The stage is a venue for people to share their creativity and awareness, whether it be poetry, music or political conversation.”

Series, held just off of the Centennial Trail.

The 13-week series, featuring the best local performers—as well as some nationally touring acts—begins mid-June, with music every Friday and Saturday night. Even better, guests can now enjoy a meal in front of the stage with tableside seating, or grab a complimentary blanket, get a boxed lunch or dinner and a beer, and sit on the lawn to enjoy the show.

Relax, dine and stay a while at Hotel RL Spokane.

This year also marks the third season of the hotel’s free Outdoor Summer Concert

2017 Free Outdoor Summer Concert Series JUNE 16: Peter Rivera (Original Rare Earth Lead Singer) with the Stepbrothers JUNE 17: Fat Lady (R&B)

JULY 28: Eclectic Approach (Dance, Pop, Garage Rock)

JUNE 23: Soul Proprietor (Nine-Piece R&B Band)

AUGUST 4: Curtis Salgado (Award-Winning Blues Legend)

JUNE 24: Spare Parts (Classic Acoustic Rock, Motown, Country)

AUGUST 5: Anni Piper (First Lady of Australian Blues)

JUNE 30: Sammy Eubanks (Spokane Blues Favorite)

AUGUST 11: Randy Hansen (The Classic Rock Experience)

JULY 1: Atomic Jive (Eight-Piece R&B/Swing Band)

AUGUST 12: Doo Wah Riders (High-Energy Country with a Cajun Twist)

JULY 7: Garrett Bartley (Country Rock) JULY 8: Working Spliffs (Rock and Reggae) JULY 14: Bumper Jacksons (Roots Jazz, Country Swing, Street Blues)

JULY 29: Robin Barrett and Coyote Kings (Blues Rock)

AUGUST 18: David Raitt and Baja Boogie Band (Raitt Family Heritage of R&B Performers)

JULY 15: Adrian Xavier (Reggae Party!)

AUGUST 19: Ryan Larsen Band (High-Energy Country)

JULY 21: Smash Hit Carnival (Eclectic Pop Rock Show Band)

AUGUST 25: British Export (Beatles Tribute Band)

JULY 22: Sarah Brown Band (Voted Best Female Blues Vocalist)

AUGUST 26: British Export (Beatles Tribute Band)

Hotel RL by Red Lion Spokane at the Park Downtown 303 W. North River Dr. 509.326.8000 RedLion.com/Park-Spokane

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SATELLITE DINER & LOUNGE What’s On The Menu?

SATELLITE SCRAMBLE Three eggs, diced ham and German sausage scrambled together with hash browns and served with choice of toast and cheese, gravy or both

EGGS BENEDICT English muffin with thinly sliced ham and two eggs, smothered in hollandaise sauce and served with hash browns; vegetarian option with sautéed spinach, mushrooms and tomatoes HOT MESS Chopped bacon, sautéed mushrooms and onions on a bed of hash browns, covered with hollandaise sauce and topped off with two perfectly seasoned eggs BISCUITS AND GRAVY BREAKFAST One large homemade biscuit smothered in sausage gravy, served with two eggs and choice of patty sausage, links or bacon REUBEN SANDWICH Corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut grilled to perfection, served on thick marbled rye

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STEAK GORGONZOLA SALAD Six-ounce sirloin charbroiled and served on mixed greens with roasted red peppers and green onions, with creamy gorgonzola dressing on the side SATELLITE BURGER Double meat, double cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato and red onion NANA’S MEATLOAF SANDWICH Thick slices of homemade meatloaf on a grilled hoagie roll and melted cheddar, mayo, lettuce and tomato PHILLY STEAK SANDWICH Thinly sliced sirloin sautéed with red onion, topped with melted provolone cheese and served on a grilled baguette CHICKEN FRIED STEAK BREAKFAST Served with a loaded baked potato and Texas toast BACON CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE Yes, bacon!

Also serving locally roasted Roast House Coffee and a great selection of pies and other homemade delights

NORTH SIDE SPOKANE Traveling north out of downtown, you can encounter everything from quaint old neighborhoods to sparkling new commercial subdivisions and just about every variety of food as well.

+ GOURMET BURGERS + SANDWICHES, PIZZA, SALADS + 51 TAPS OF DELICIOUSNESS

By Colin Anderson TRAVELING NORTH out of downtown, you can encounter everything from quaint old neighborhoods to sparkling new commercial subdivisions and just about every variety of food as well. Along bustling Division Street, you’ll notice a large number of Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Mexican choices. Go a little further and you’ll end up at Tomato Street, where family style Italian is on the menu. Just behind Tomato Street on Francis is Deleon’s Foods. Here you will find hard-to-find Mexican specialties for your home, handmade chips, salsa and guacamole to go, and a deli. Deleon’s has a Cinco de Mayo parking lot party in the spring and a Hatch Chile Festival at the end of summer.

If you’re looking for something different than the standard pepperoni pizza, try the Flying Goat, where ingredients like truffle oil, softcooked egg, bratwurst and kale find their way onto your pizza. Across the street is Downriver Grill, offering great scratch-made food in a casual environment.

A popular neighborhood with locals is the Garland District. Here there is an eclectic mix of shops, bars and restaurants and, at the center of it all, the Garland Theater. The historic theater shows digital movies, hosts weddings and events, and does a series of old thrillers leading up to Halloween. Attached is Bon Bon, a tiny bar serving up unique creations that you can bring into the theater with you.

Despite a fire in 2011, the Milk Bottle and Ferguson’s Café are as popular as ever with lines forming for brunch each weekend. In the Five Mile Shopping Plaza west of Division off Francis, you’ll find longtime favorites and a couple new popular destinations. Five Mile Pizza has been serving up pies to families and birthday parties for years. Across the street, The Boiler Room brings a hip modern look to the neighborhood, and Waddell’s expansion to a north side location brings sports fans out for their favorite game and a pint of Waddell’s brew made on site. Further north, Poole’s Public House is the watch-party destination for many local college teams. North of the “Y” and near Whitworth University, you’ll find excellent sushi at Wasabi Bistro and the north side O’Doherty’s location.

The Kalispel Tribe and Northern Quest Resort & Casino recently purchased the Spokane Country Club. Guests of the resort can now play at the Country Club, but you don’t need to be a guest or member to dine at 1898 Public House. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beautiful course.

North Spokane is thriving with its local hotspots.

51 TAPS / 2 LOCATIONS 302 W. RIVERSIDE (509) 747-3852 7522 N. DIVISION (509) 482-6100 AREA51TAPHOUSE.COM THEONION.BIZ northwestsizzle.com

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DOWNRIVER GRILL, THE FLYING GOAT and REPUBLIC PI A restaurant medley to complement the neighborhood

By Jillian Chandler

T

he Spokane dining scene wasn’t always as captivating as it is today. Thirteen years ago that changed with the debut of Downriver Grill in North Spokane. At that time there were two dining choices, the casual or the highend dining experience and nothing in between.

Downriver opened a new segment, offering guests an experience that was all inclusive—an affordable fine-dining experience where customers could come in casual after a day on the golf course or dressed up for that special date night. They would all be offered the same high-end experience and service, without the formal setting or steep prices.

Downriver underwent its first major remodel in 2012. “We strived to update the atmosphere with our community in mind,” says Jonathan Sweatt, coowner. The dark wood and modern lighting, paired with the grey and blue hues, is inviting and soothing and reflects a more contemporary chic dining experience.

To accompany the experience, the menu includes fine ingredients, sourced in state, using specialty local companies, which Executive Chef Tyler Gardner and his chefs source the best in meat, seafood and wild mushrooms, along with other seasonal fruits and vegetables that become available.

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While 60 percent of the menu is constant with local favorites, the restaurant offers seasonal menu items throughout the year, and a fresh sheet is offered every two weeks. The Downriver also offers happy hour every day and all day on Wednesdays (which features their popular “Chef ’s Burger-of-theMoment”), and gourmet breakfast on the weekends.

“Our guests come in and taste some of the best foods the Pacific Northwest has to offer,” says Juli Norris, co-owner. In addition, “We use cuttingedge culinary techniques and the highest quality ingredients possible, while keeping the goal in mind of making our food affordable and approachable.”

The restaurant continues to grow its loyal following while maintaining the goals set forth from the beginning.

Jon Sedas, bar manager, creates handcrafted cocktails, incorporating fresh, local, seasonal ingredients, like peaches and cherries from Greenbluff and herbs from their ever-growing patio garden. The wine and beer lists focus on the Pacific Northwest, with 90 percent of wines from Spokane and Walla Walla wineries.

Through the food, wine and even the art from local artist Ben Joyce adorning the walls, Downriver expresses the importance of connecting with

SPOTLIGHT the community. With 13 years serving the neighborhood, Downriver has continued to nurture its relationships in the community, which has embraced them like family.

In 2010, the property across the street from Downriver Grill became available and soon became the Flying Goat. The neighborhood was ready for yet another gathering place to complement the area restaurants. The decision was made to specialize in artisan pizzas and brews. The craft beer scene was just beginning to emerge in Spokane; Jonathan knew it was the perfect time to jump on board. They started with a 15-tap beer selection and cellared beers aging until they are ready for optimal drinking.

They also offer local house wine by Townshend Cellar.

With its modern rustic decor, 90 percent of the reclaimed wood in the restaurant came from a grain elevator in Ritzville. It offers patrons a cozy and inviting space, even with its industrial look.

Every item on the menu is prepared in house and fresh, from the sauces for the pizzas to the salad dressings. The handmade dough is made fresh each morning. The meat is smoked right there at the restaurant, processing 250 pounds of pulled pork per month for their Dalton pizza and pulled pork sandwiches. “We have a standard that we commit to and stay with,” says Executive Chef Darrin Gleason. Consistency is another important element to the cuisine for Darrin and his crew. “I don’t think people realize that everything is done from scratch.

“Our guests come in and taste some of the best foods the Pacific Northwest has to offer.”

Nothing is premade or prepackaged.”

The Flying Goat filled a niche in the North Side neighborhood, and the South Hill was now beckoning Jonathan for an artisan pizza spot of its own. Jonathan and his family grew up on the South Hill, and he had wanted to open a restaurant there for the past 20 years. The right property became available at the right time, and Republic Pi was opened in April of 2015.

To create the atmosphere they had envisioned, the remodel included an exhibition-style kitchen and expanded bar seating. The unique look in the restaurant was created with a special wood finish technique known as Shou Sugi Ban, where the wood used was charred then scraped clean. A highlight at the restaurant is a beautiful community table made from beams which can seat up to 14 people and can be reserved for private parties. Once again, they offer a gathering place for the local community.

The menu offerings include an array of distinctive and delicious appetizers, salad entrees, sandwiches and of course unique artisan pizzas. Craft cocktails are available, along with a wine list of Italian, Californian and

Pacific Northwest wines, and 21 taps including seasonal brews from local Perry Street Brewing.

Republic Pi is the perfect meeting place for a late-night snack and cocktail.

Through the years and openings, the entire team at all three restaurants is focused on giving Spokane a better culinary experience, a flavor you won’t find at any other place and people who enjoy keeping their standards high.

In addition, Jonathan, Juli, Darrin and the rest of their team support the community in other ways, participating in charitable events such as the Guild School, Gleason Fest, The ISAAC Foundation, Big Table and Cancer Can’t. “We are in the hospitality industry because we’re here to serve the people and support our local community,” Jonathan says.

Photos by Lisa Turner

Downriver Grill The Flying Goat North Side North Side 3315 W. Northwest Blvd.

3318 W. Northwest Blvd.

509.323.1600 509.327.8277 DownriverGrillSpokane.com TheFlyingGoat.com

Republic Pi South Hill 611 E. 30th Ave. 509.863.9196 RepublicPi.com northwestsizzle.com

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For the Foodie

#1

ing!

18 Years Runn Downtown Spokane 1516 W. 2nd Ave. (509) 747-8798

North Spokane 10929 N. Newport Highway (509) 465-2464

Open 6 am - 9 pm Daily

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Downriver Grill Located in the cherished Audubon Park neighborhood, Downriver offers a delicious dining experience focused on the seasonal bounties of the Pacific Northwest. Family owned and operated since 2003, this award-winning restaurant serves the best in fresh and local food, as well as exquisite local Washington wines, handcrafted cocktails and microbrews. Enjoy daily and weekly menu specials, flavorful sauces from scratch, delicious sandwiches, the best in seafood and steaks, and decadent house-made desserts. Open daily 11am - 9pm, with breakfast served Saturday Sunday 9am - 2pm, happy hour daily starting at 3pm and all day Wednesday. Reservations are recommended, walk-ins are always welcome.

DownriverGrillSpokane.com North Side - 3315 W. Northwest Blvd.

509.323.1600 Contemporary Northwest $$-$$$

chefs cook whole turkeys and choice top rounds of beef daily to make their amazing sandwiches.

Open daily 6am - 9pm. FranksDiners.com North Side - 10929 N. Newport Hwy. 509.465.2464 Casual Dining $-$$

The Flying Goat The Flying Goat is an eclectic pub nestled in the quaint Audubon Park neighborhood, specializing in handcrafted Neapolitan-style pizza and craft beer. The Goat is not limited to just pizza; try a great appetizer, salad or sandwich. With an awardwinning beer selection, they have 14 tap handles plus one cask-conditioned ale, and an extensive list of bottles of craft beer. If you are ordering take out, you can also buy beer or wine to go to enjoy with your delicious pizza! TheFlyingGoat.com North Side - 3318 W. Northwest Blvd.

509.327.8277 Pizza & Beer $-$$

1898 Public House Located in North Spokane at the Kalispel Golf and Country Club, 1898 Public House offers guests stunning views combined with an exciting menu certain to please any taste. The culinary team takes pride in preparing classic foods with a fresh twist while using the finest ingredients. From handpressed gourmet burgers and house-cured bacon to lobster mac and cheese, dining at 1898 will be an exciting culinary tour for your palate. A full bar and rotating tap list of 16 regionally sourced beers complement any meal or happy hour adventure.

Open Sunday - Thursday 4 - 9pm, Friday - Saturday 4 - 10pm, Sunday 9am - 2pm for brunch, with a daily Happy Hour 4 - 6pm. 1898PublicHouse.com North Side - 2010 W. Waikiki Rd. 509.466.2121 Comfort Food $-$$$

Area 51 Taphouse at the Onion Bursting with 51 taps of deliciousness, Area 51 Taphouse at the Onion offers daily happy hour 3 6pm and additional daily specials 3pm - close. Try the taphouse-inspired chalkboard foods. Become a member of their exclusive Mug Club, join them at their beer dinner events, and attend the “Meet the Maker” brewers night. Check out the constantly changing tap beers, tap wines and their own Area 51 Makers Mark root bourbon on tap. You may come for the beer, but you will stay for the fun.

Open Sunday - Thursday 11am - 11pm, Friday Saturday 11am - midnight. Area51Taphouse.com North Side - 7522 N. Division St. 509.482.6100 Gastropub $-$$ Frank’s Diner Proudly serving travelers since 1906 - Voted Best Breakfast for decades! Enjoy Frank’s 120-year-old family hot cake recipe, extra thick Daily’s bacon, legendary chicken-fried steak, five fresh gravies and grilled onions to choose from each day at no charge. Enjoy giant malted waffles, quarter-pound sausage links, buttermilk biscuits and gravy, artisan bread bowl soups and chowders, and more. Their

The Onion Taphouse and Grill The Onion was honored to be voted Best Taphouse in 2016. The Onion chefs cook whole turkeys and choice top rounds of beef daily to make their legendary sandwiches. They only purchase fresh local beef for the amazing burgers served on handmade Brioche rolls. Enjoy artisan pizza, fresh pasta, center-cut steaks, fresh seafood and kid friendly. Open Sunday - Thursday 11am -11pm, Friday - Saturday 11am - midnight. TheOnion.biz North Side - 7522 N. Division St. 509.482.6100 Casual Dining $-$$

MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill and Pub Enjoy an array of dishes that are always flavorful and fresh, and served up in heaping portions.

The acclaimed gourmet pizzas are offered on a variety of crusts—original, thin and gluten free— with toppings from classic pepperoni to pesto, ricotta and sun-dried tomatoes. Other popular menu offerings include hearty sandwiches, fresh salads with house-made dressings, pastas that will wow your taste buds, juicy all-beef burgers, and a savory home-style entrée selection. To complement the menu, select from a variety of craft beers, fine wines and spirits. Open daily 11am - close for lunch, dinner and happy hour.

MacKenzieRiverPizza.com North Side - 9225 N. Nevada St. 509.413.1043 American Family Casual & Pizza $-$$

sh.

Service Perfected

BOAT | RV | FULL SERVICE STORAGE | DETAILING WINTERIZE | SUMMERIZE | PICK-UP | DELIVERY

Neapolitan Style Artisan Pizza Northwest & Italian Wines Hand-crafted Cocktails 21 beers on tap 208.265.BOAT (2628) www.biglakerecreation.com biglakerecreation@gmail.com

Neapolitan Style Pizza & Craft Beer

ons day Sun

50 9 . 8 6 3. 9 19 6 6 1 1 E a s t 3 0 t h Ave RepublicPi.com

Award Winning Menu Local Wine & Beer Hand-crafted Cocktails 509.327.8277 ~ 3318 W. Northwest Blvd TheFlyingGoat.com

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local. seasonal. fresh.

Gluten-free Options Happy Hour Everyday Breakfast on Sat & Sun

5

509.323.1600 ~ 3315 W. Northwest Blvd DownriverGrillSpokane.com

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1898 Public House Recreating the classics…with a twist

By Jillian Chandler

SPOTLIGHT

1898 Public House North Side 2010 W. Waikiki Rd. 509.466.2121 1898PublicHouse.com

C

ooking as a young boy with his father, Executive Chef Tyler Schwenk’s love of food started at an early age, but his passion for the culinary arts truly took sail after his time spent traveling across the world while working as a sous chef on a luxury yacht.

Now at the helm of the North Side’s best new restaurant, 1898 Public House, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for Tyler. His journey started out as many chefs’ do. At age 14, he was hired at The Coeur d’Alene Resort as a stock boy and, from there, worked his way up from dishwasher to pantry and banquet preparation, and from cook to kitchen supervisor. While cooking for a year on that luxury yacht, Tyler created incredible cuisine based on the freshest ingredients at each port of call. Upon his return, he devoted time to refining his craft, learning new techniques such as butchering, curing meats, making artisan cheese and learning the art of gastronomy. He became the sous chef at

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Beverly’s, where he was later promoted to chef de cuisine.

Located at the historic Kalispel Golf and Country Club, you can now find Tyler at 1898 Public House, where he has taken the reins as executive chef, creating exciting foods that you won’t find everywhere else. The diverse menu is one-of-a-kind, offering a fresh twist on everything from Asian and Mediterranean, to classic American cuisine. From comfort foods to unique combinations, there’s a little bit of everything to cater to any taste.

“My goal is to have people come out here, see a great unique menu, and be reminded of their childhood,” says Tyler. Menu items such as the lobster corn dog, lobster mac and cheese, lollipop lamb chops and a modern root beer float accomplish just that.

Tyler and his team do as much as they can to support local agriculture, sourcing ingredients

from local independent farmers as much as possible, revolving around seasonality.

They grow many of the herbs they use at the restaurant on the property.

Chef Tyler wants to deliver that “wow!” factor to the guest, not only in flavor but in presentation as well. “Chefs are creative; that’s what we do,” he says. “To visually plate it and make it look like a piece of art; our plates are the canvasses we work with.”

The cuisine is complemented by a large, regionally inspired craft beer selection, diverse wine list and handcrafted cocktails, as well as the inviting and comfortable atmosphere and stunning panoramic golf-course views.

If you want to experience a five-star dining experience, look no further. 1898 Public House is the place to be for great food and drink, topnotch service and an unmatched view.

Wandering Table

Veraci Pizza

Kendall YARDS SPOKANE

Yards Bruncheon

From tacos to wood-fired pizza and grass-fed burgers, they’ve got something for everyone.

By Jessica Herbig INTRODUCING KENDALL YARDS, the lesser known but fastgrowing premier urban neighborhood. This awesome, quaint little section of town features scenic views, diverse businesses, quality homes and walking-friendly streets. It’s fast becoming a favorite hangout among locals, with a weekly night market on Wednesdays, going May through October, that brings locals and visitors together to check out local artists, craftsmen and farmers.

At the Night Market, they have everything you need for dinner and entertainment! A large variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, cheese, honey, pastured eggs and meat, too. Choose from baked goods, pickles and jams, or you can take home a gorgeous bouquet or select the perfect plant to grow your own. All of their wonderful items are grown, baked or crafted by the vendors who sell them. Everything is local, in season, and much is organic. They also host a gathering of street food vendors. From tacos to wood-fired pizza and grass-fed burgers, they’ve got something for everyone. Enjoy the weekly music in the market and many special events, including the Rock the Nest concerts during July and August.

of the local fare includes heavy hitters such as Veraci Pizza, with their wood-fired napoleon-style pizza, that can be found at the Kendall Yards Night Market.

The Wandering Table and Yards Bruncheon also make their home in Kendall Yards. Both are part of the Eat Good Group, and their constantly evolving menus always hit the perfect spot when you choose a night out with them.

When you want to truly experience the area that is Kendall Yards, you can stop in at the Yards Bruncheon any time of day, because you’ll never be late for brunch there! You’ll experience home with their selection of carefully curated comfort foods and leave ready to tackle the rest of your adventure on the run!

Make Kendall Yards your next stop when you’re out exploring Spokane.

You won’t be disappointed and you’re guaranteed to leave fulfilled.

Explore the wild beauty of the Spokane River Gorge and some of the area’s best local restaurants when you visit Kendall Yards. A sampling

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VERACI PIZZA Dishing up delicious wood-fired pizza in Kendall Yards

By Jillian Chandler

SPOTLIGHT

Veraci Pizza Kendall Yards 1333 W. Summit Pkwy 509.389.0029 VeraciPizza.com

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wners Seth and Laura Carey are dishing up delicious pizzas to the Kendall Yards neighborhood in Spokane. They started out in July 2009 serving up tasty pizza delights from their mobile oven at The Liberty Lake Farmers Market, Downtown Coeur d’Alene market and South Perry Farmers Market, and within five years added additional events including the Green Bluff Fall Fest, frequent outings at the Hop Shop on the South Hill, as well as many private events.

After years of a successful restaurant on wheels, it was time to go big and find a permanent restaurant location. Without the advantage of prior restaurant experience, the couple was in for the challenge. “We knew going from a mobile business to a brick and mortar would be challenging, but I’m not sure there’s any way to truly prepare for such a jump,” says Laura.

“Add on to that, we had a ‘surprise’ third child who arrived three months prior to opening,

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and we were a bit overwhelmed for most of 2014.“ Despite the setbacks, the couple opened their brick and mortar location in Kendall Yards that same year. The family friendly casual space is perfect for big sports fans, as there’s always a game on one of their TVs. From prom groups and sports enthusiasts, to concert goers, couples and families, Veraci caters to all. The menu consists of appetizers, salads, wood-fired thin-crust pizzas with vegetarian and glutenfree options, and desserts. The six rotating draft beers—often from local breweries—as well as the wide selection of bottled beer and wine are a perfect match with the cuisine.

The most popular items are the Caesar salad and Spicy Tony pizza with their spicy red sauce topped with Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, provolone and Veraci’s threecheese blend. Those looking for a delicious gluten-free dough option are in luck! They

make their own in house. House specials are rotated every two weeks, and various menu changes are made seasonally, incorporating seasonal items purchased from local farmers markets.

The restaurant seats 80 inside, with an additional 40 seats outdoors on the patio. “We have a beautiful view of Downtown Spokane and the Spokane River from our patio, which is in high demand during the warmer seasons,” says Laura. “We really feel that our view belongs to the citizens of this community, so we love that we get to share it with everyone!”

Stop by Veraci Pizza on a Wednesday evening when the Kendall Yards Night Market is running, and you will see that Kendall Yards has a vibe unlike any neighborhood in the area. “There is truly something special that is happening here,” Laura says.

Veraci Pizza

How Hot is that Oven?

“We fire our gourmet pizzas with apple wood, in screaming oven temperatures around 1,000 degrees.”

Veraci Pizza At Veraci Pizza in Kendall Yards, you’ll find gourmet pizzas fired with apple wood from Yakima Valley baked in oven temperatures around 1,000 degrees! This means each pizza pie is cooked in fewer than two minutes! Veraci Pizza features a delicious ultra-thin artisan crust made from their secret recipe. Each batch of dough is hand prepared and topped with only the freshest and highest quality natural ingredients. Put these all together, and you’ll discover the most delicious pizza you’ll ever experience. You can also find them at various farmers markets throughout the region during the summer months. They cater too! Open daily 11am - 9pm. VeraciSpokane.com Kendall Yards - 1333 W. Summit Parkway 509.389.0029 Artisan Pizza $-$$ Yards Bruncheon At Yards Bruncheon, they have extended the weekend to all week by offering brunch every day!

The menu features comfort food from all over using local farms and producers in the season.

They have fun and want their passion for good ingredients to shine without too much fuss. Most of the foods are made in house including their pastries, which are some of the best around. They also feature some of the best coffees and teas from

around the world. Don’t miss out and come enjoy the eatertainment! Open daily 7am - 3:30pm.

TheYardsBruncheon.com Kendall Yards - 1248 W. Summit Parkway 509.290.5952 Brunch $-$$ Wandering Table At Wandering Table, the chefs have an insatiable appetite for cooking and creating food and use a variety of techniques from around the globe.

Enjoy meals inspired by the season using local ingredients, still warm from the sun, from the farmer you work with or from a day of foraging.

They seek the best products and honor those who grew them by serving them to people in a way that makes food memorable, creating great experiences, traditions and communities. You’re invited to one of the most interesting and unique dining experiences in the Inland Northwest. Open Tuesday - Saturday 11:30am - 11:30pm, Sunday - Monday 4 - 11:30pm.

TheWanderingTable.com Kendall Yards - 1242 W. Summit Parkway 509.443.4410 Modern-American $$-$$$

open

11am - 9pm 7 days a week

509.389.0029 www.veracispokane.com 1333 West Summit Pkwy Spokane, WA in Kendall Yards

f veraci.spokane northwestsizzle.com

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SOUTH HILL SPOKANE

By Colin Anderson

WHETHER AT THE BOTTOM or the top of Spokane’s South Hill, you’ll find an amazing variety of cafes and casual dining all within a 15-minute drive of each other. Below 14th Avenue, many of the restaurants cater to staff and visitors at the two largest hospitals in Spokane. Quick bites include Qdoba and Subway, but there is also Lindaman’s, which has been providing gourmet-to-go meals that change daily for more than 30 years! Great sushi can be found at Ginger, and the Park Inn is a favorite local watering hole.

Casper Fry

Manito Tap House

To the west, Perry Street, which 10 years ago consisted mainly of minimarts and rundown auto shops, is now a thriving foodie community that draws guests from all over the region. During summer, weekly farmers markets bring fresh food to the surrounding neighborhood.

Grab a pizza for two at South Perry Pizza, authentic Southern cuisine and cocktails at Casper Fry, or a craft beer at Perry Street Brewing Company. Street fairs and events happen here year round.

On South Hatch is Wisconsin Burger, the unofficial home of Green Bay Packer Fans on Sundays during the fall months. Heading further south up and along 29th Avenue, the options become almost too numerous to count. The Two Seven, a sister restaurant of the Elk in Brown’s Addition and Moon Time and The Porch in North Idaho, is famous for fantastic sandwiches. Hogan’s Diner offers nostalgia and hearty breakfasts, and Linnie’s Thai will make it as spicy as you want.

If you want to dine at any of the immensely popular restaurants at 29th and Grand, be sure to get there early. Manito Tap House features an impressive array of tap beers to complement food made from scratch.

Republic Pi serves up very unique thin-crust combos and is also well stocked in regional craft beer and creative cocktails. Called the best Asian food in Spokane by many, Gordy’s Sichuan Cafe seats only a couple dozen, but those who get in are treated to a menu of mild, medium and hot traditional Sichuan cooking. The dumplings are out of this world.

Between 37th and 57th avenues, the scene has continued to evolve since the new Target shopping complex opened. Mainstays like Twigs and Waddell’s continue to produce excellent food while Poole’s Public House opened a second location, and Rock City Grill moved out of the mall and into the space Famous Ed’s once occupied. New chains like Mod Pizza, Ezell’s Famous Chicken and Jersey Mike’s Subs offer lunches on the go.

South Perry Pizza

From top to bottom, you’ll find just about any flavor on Spokane’s south side.

Fleur de Sel Artisan Crêperie From the owners behind Fleur de Sel French restaurant in Post Falls, owners Laurent and Patricia Zirotti have brought a piece of France right here to Spokane. Fleur de Sel Artisan Crêperie offers guests a variety of delectable French crepes served all day. Guests can select from an assortment of sweet or savory crepes, such as the Monte Cristo, bison meatloaf and horseradish, salmon and capers, and lemon curd. All of their crepes are made with non-GMO flour, buckwheat and milk, with gluten-free and vegan options available. Open Monday - Friday 7am - 3pm, Saturday - Sunday 9am - 3pm.

FleurdeSelCreperie.com South Hill - 909 S. Grand Blvd.

509.242.3725 French Crepes $ 126

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Fabulous Food Republic Pi Republic Pi, the newest addition to the Downriver Grill and Flying Goat family of restaurants, brings an eclectic offering of appetizers, fresh salads and Neapolitan-style pizza from their 800-degree applewood-burning oven to the Manito neighborhood community. The menu also features craft cocktails, 21 beers on tap and an extensive wine list including Italian and Pacific Northwest varietals. Dine in or order take-out from the menu or beer list. Come see and taste why Republic Pi was created of the people, for the people—a true gathering place on the South Hill. RepublicPi.com South Hill - 611 E. 30th Ave. 509.863.9196 Pizza & Beer $-$$ Casper Fry Enjoy an array of dishes that are always flavorful.

Casper Fry opened its doors with the intent and purpose of bringing the community together to eat and drink in a unique and hospitable environment.

Named by Wall Street Journal as one of six restaurants to dine at in Spokane, a lot of thought and years of Southern culinary experience have gone into the Southern-inspired menu, taking a modern approach to creating authentic Southern dishes, and sourcing locally whenever possible.

Skilled bartenders are known for their classically crafted cocktails, and the whiskey program is on point. Meals are prepared in a solid fuel-burning Josper oven which infuses the food with a rich and

distinctive smoky flavor. Open Tuesday - Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday - Sunday for brunch and dinner. CasperFry.com South Hill - 928 S. Perry St. 509.535.0536 Southern Classic & Comfort $-$$ Hugo’s on the Hill Hugo’s on the Hill is an upscale bowling alley and restaurant, with 16 bowling lanes featuring laser lights and projectors with music videos, 50-seat dining room, three private lounges and a game room. Choose from the huge selection of appetizers, entrees, pizza, soups and salads, snacks and sliders. Beer, wine and cocktails are available as well. Looking to book a party? Hugo’s has got you covered. This is the South Hill’s one-stop fun place.

Open Monday - Thursday 11:30am - midnight, Friday 11:30am - 2am, Saturday 9:30am - 2am, Sunday 9:30am - midnight. HugosOnTheHill.com South Hill - 3023 E. 28th Ave. 509. 822.7149 Inventive Pub Fare $-$$ Manito Tap House You won’t find just any ordinary pub food here.

Creative house-made from-scratch appetizers, soups and salads are on the menu, as well as burgers, wraps, steaks and vegetarian fare, and desserts such as the ancho chile brulee round out the menu. To accompany the great food, they

offer 50 beers on tap, 60-plus beer bottles, a 40plus bottle wine list focusing on Northwest wines and full cocktail menu. MTH is a 4-Star Certified Green Restaurant. Open Sunday - Thursday 11am - 10pm, Friday - Saturday 11am - 12am. Find them at Facebook.com/ManitoTapHouse or visit their website. ManitoTapHouse.com South Hill - 3011 S. Grand Blvd.

509.279.2671 Gastropub $$ South Perry Pizza Enjoy artisan pizza in historic South Perry. South Perry Pizza offers the community an inviting atmosphere where guests enjoy handmade artisan pizza. From the prosciutto pizza, artichoke, wild mushroom and pesto, to the sausage and spinach and sopressata salami pizza, there’s no shortage of options. Also enjoy delicious and creative salad offerings, hummus and flatbread. Gluten-free crust is available, and be sure to take advantage of the 7-inch lunch pizzas until 4pm daily, halfoff bottles of wine on Tuesdays and happy hour 3 - 5pm. Open Tuesday - Sunday 11:30am - 9pm.

SouthPerryPizzaSpokane.com South Hill - 1011 S. Perry St. 509.290.6047 Artisan Pizza $-$$

Neapolitan Style Artisan Pizza Northwest & Italian Wines Hand-crafted Cocktails 21 beers on tap 50 9 . 8 6 3. 9 19 6 6 1 1 E a s t 3 0 t h Ave RepublicPi.com local. seasonal. fresh.

northwestsizzle.com Neapolitan Style Pizza

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SPOTLIGHT

Manito Tap House and The Blackbird Tavern + Kitchen Satisfying customers while keeping It green

By Jillian Chandler

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their neighborhood community garden. You can’t get much fresher than that! The menu changes seasonally, with a new fresh sheet offered every two weeks.

Manito Tap House was the first restaurant or bar in Spokane to clean their draft lines according to the Brewers Association’s Draft Quality Manual. They have 50 tap handles of which 80 percent are rotating, more than 70 bottles of rare beer, an entire serving staff of Certified Beer Servers and a Certified Cicerone.

Beer is taken seriously at Manito Tap House.

With the success of Manito Tap House, Patrick and Denise decided to open a second restaurant, The Blackbird Tavern + Kitchen, in summer of 2015. Like its sister restaurant, The Blackbird is a Certified Green Restaurant with a 3 Star rating. Everything on the menu is from scratch using local and regional ingredients as much as possible, and they have the same standards for beer service including draft line cleaning and staff education. The interior of The Blackbird is more upscale than Manito, with a mix of old and new decor utilizing materials from the dairy that came before it.

The food is primarily based on Chef Molly Patrick’s Southern-Georgian roots, with traditional Southern food menu items and Southern-fusion creations. To complement the

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The Blackbird Tavern + Kitchen Downtown 905 N. Washington St. 509.392.4000 TheBlackbirdSpokane.com

anito Tap House blew up the Spokane restaurant scene in fall of 2011. Opened by owners Patrick McPherson and Denise Hanson, their goal was to bring the best beers to Spokane beer drinkers, paired with a food menu featuring elevated pub fare to meet the quality and standard of the beer, all while aiming to maintain an eco-friendly gastropub.

And they have done just that.

Manito offers patrons a relaxed neighborhood vibe while serving upscale pub food, made from scratch, utilizing local and regional purveyors whenever possible. Their beef comes from Gebbers Cattle in Brewster, Washington, and is hormone and antibiotic free, while some of the produce comes from the local cooperative, Linc Foods, as well as from Manito’s plot at

Manito Tap House South Hill 3011 S. Grand Blvd.

509.279.2671 ManitoTapHouse.com

One distinct way Manito stands out against all area restaurants is the fact that they are a 4 Star Certified Green Restaurant. Manito Tap House and The Blackbird are the only Certified Green Restaurants in Spokane!

food, guests can choose from more than 150 rare and imported bottled beers.

Even with the growing success of both Manito and The Blackbird, Patrick and his staff continue to build their businesses on customer service, continually striving to do better and offer excellence! As he says, “I’m proud of our staff, our dedication to beer and quality food, and our Certified Green Restaurant status.”

Manito Tap House and The Blackbird are the only Certified Green Restaurants in Spokane.

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CASPER FRY Q&A with Deb Green

By Jillian Chandler

SPOTLIGHT

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Casper Fry South Hill 928 S. Perry St. 509.535.0536 CasperFry.com

hat was the inspiration behind Casper Fry? Casper Fry was a Southernborn Baptist minister who lived and preached in the South Perry neighborhood where the restaurant is located.

He was my great grandfather, and the great, great grandfather to my children, who are my partners.

How would you describe the atmosphere?

We are very detail oriented. With the exception of the chairs, every piece of furniture and fixture was custom made for us by local artisans. It’s warm, but industrial; lots of dark wood, metal and the original brick. The lowvintage lighting and smells of smoke from the charcoal-burning Josper oven all add to the ambiance.

When were you first inspired to open the restaurant, and how long did it take from concept to opening?

Our restaurant Madeleine’s had been open for a few years, and we knew we wanted to do something more and keep challenging ourselves. Knowing that we had a deep-rooted and rich history in the neighborhood, it seemed the perfect fit. It took just over a year from concept to finish. Knowing that our intent was to pay homage to my great grandfather, it became a rather visceral journey for us. We learned so much about our family history and ourselves in the process.

What influences can be found in the cuisine?

The menu is definitely Southern inspired.

Our chef and sous chef cooked together for many years in New Orleans. The food is very authentic. We are also fortunate to partner with nearby farmers and ranchers to locally source as much as we can.

What was the goal in opening this restaurant?

To provide not only our neighbors but the city with a unique and hospitable dining experience. It also became very important to us throughout the process to contribute to the uplifting of our neighborhood.

What audience does Casper Fry appeal to?

A very wide array of people, however, we’re a family owned restaurant, so we mostly cater to families. Lots of people from our South Hill neighborhoods, but guests come from all over.

We are unique for Spokane in what we do, so

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What is your favorite dish on the menu?

Personally, the molasses-brined pork chop. It’s served with Creole-mustard mashed potatoes, corn maque choux and red-eye gravy. For my son, I would say the jambalaya, but for many, it’s the shrimp and grits.

we appeal to a lot of different people.

What are you most proud of when it comes to the restaurant?

I’m most proud of my family—my kids who are my partners. They’ve grown to be very good people, and we work hard together almost every single day. There is not a single task that they would ask any staff to do that they wouldn’t get in there and do themselves.

What defines success to you?

A couple things, really. Providing an experience, a meal and a cocktail that has our guests leaving happy and wanting to come back. Having them know that we’ve done everything we could, on a number of levels, to take care of them while they are with us. Also, providing jobs for 60 local people. That means a lot to us, and we take our responsibility to our employees very seriously, and we take pride in the fact that we’re helping to build our community.

What are you looking forward to when it comes to the future of Casper Fry? It’s important to never give up, never stop trying to be better. We’re excited about the team we have right now, and we’re looking forward to making many more friends and filling the seats of Casper Fry with happy people.

French dining at it's finest!

Private Room Available

POST FALLS Tuesday - Saturday at 5pm until close Closed Sundays and Mondays Reservations are recommended

4365 Inverness Dr. Post Falls, ID 83854 (208) 777-7600

www.fleur-de-sel.weebly.com

Artisan Pizza in Historic South Perry

Casual, warm, friendly, quick-serve restaurant

SPOKANE Open Every Day

909 S Grand Blvd.

Spokane, WA 99202 (509) 242-3725

www.fleurdeselcreperie.com

Gathering place for neighbors, friends, & family.

1011 S Perry St, Spokane, WA 99202

(509) 290-6047

www.SouthPerryPizzaSpokane.com

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16 Vintage bowling Lanes “Suite-style” with leather couches full bar dining room seats 50 people

HUGO’s ON THE HILL A perfect pair: upscale bowling and dining

three private lounges

By Jillian Chandler

H

ugo’s on the Hill originally opened back in the 1950s. This one-of-akind establishment on the South Hill offers patrons a fun experience they won’t find anywhere else in Spokane. With a remodel in 2009 and owners Chris and Alex Schwartz at the helm, they’ve created the recipe for a successful business to play and dine.

The space houses a 16-lane upscale bowling alley with modern décor, offering a bowling alley unlike any other in the area. Cosmic-lit lanes, four 16-foot projectors that play your requested music videos, a game room with pool, skee ball and arcade games, and to top it all off, a full-service restaurant and bar round out Hugo’s. Be prepared to wine and dine in comfort with the suite-style leather couches.

This will be the most luxurious bowling experience you will ever encounter.

The menu offers scratch-made American fare, but this isn’t just any other bowling alley cuisine. Appetizers include coconut prawns,

scratch-made menu

smoked chicken-stuffed mushroom caps and fried ravioli. Entrée items like jambalaya, baseball-cut New York steak and parmesancrusted Hugo’s halibut are guaranteed to satisfy your hunger and your palate after a game of bowling.

game room with billiards, big buck hunter, arcade power putt, golden tee, pinball & skeeball

What is bowling without beer? Hugo’s has stepped up its game, with 20 beers on tap to choose from, with choices rotating almost daily. They also offer a seasonal drink menu, drink specials, happy hour every day and all day on Sunday.

Hugo’s also features a game room with four TVs—with a total of 25 throughout the building! They also have three private rooms available, perfect for big events and parties.

All ages are welcome. Experience the fun and food at Hugo’s Monday through Thursday 11:30am to midnight, Friday 11:30am to 2am, Saturday 9:30am to 2am and Sunday 9:30am to midnight. What are you waiting for?

www.hugosonthehill.com

3023 E. 28th Avenue Spokane, WA 99223 Hugo’s on the Hill South Hill 3023 E. 28th Ave. 509.822.7149 HugosOnTheHill.com

Located in the Lincoln Heights Center Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11:30am-12am Friday: 11:30am-2am Saturday: 10:30am-2am Sunday: 10:30am-12am northwestsizzle.com

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WEST SIDE SPOKANE Masselow’s Steakhouse

By Colin Anderson

AS YOU HEAD WEST out of Downtown Spokane, your food choices definitely don’t end. Start your day off at Frank’s Diner where you’ll be seated inside a more than 100-year-old Union Pacific Railcar. As a testament to its popularity, Frank’s goes through 30,000 eggs each month! Continuing west you’ll find the eclectic vibe of Browne’s Addition. The narrow neighborhood is a mixed bag of new apartments and beautiful turn-of-the-century homes. Each summer, Artfest takes over nearby Coeur d’Alene Park, and Elkfest closes down a couple of blocks for several days of live music. The intersection of Pacific and Cannon is where you will find food and drink.

The Elk serves up scratch-made sandwiches and rotating specialties, and right behind it the El Que has a more Mexican-focused menu.

Italia Trattoria boasts an impressive menu of traditional Italian dishes, Pacific Avenue Pizza offers a quick bite, and Browne’s Tavern has patio and multi-level seating inside the converted old home.

About five minutes from the Spokane Airport you will find Airway Heights, a community largely supported by the servicemen and women at nearby Fairchild Air Force Base. Many have traveled the world and developed a taste for different foods, and restaurant owners have built several options that cater to those tastes. Sala Thai serves up traditional Thai dishes with traditional Thai spice, meaning hot! “Charlie” owns Sushiyama restaurants in Airway Heights and Downtown Spokane, and although the décor won’t take your breath away, the fish will.

Charlie drives to Seattle weekly to purchase his fish himself, and there is always something you won’t find on any other menu in town.

You can’t miss Northern Quest Resort & Casino as you drive along Highway 2. Besides a massive casino with slots, tables and off-track horse wagers, Northern Quest offers several food options. The buffet features different themes each night, a food court offers quick bites, and Epic has a 30-foot by 10-foot screen which is always showing the game of the day. Northern Quest’s flagship restaurant, Masselow’s Steakhouse, is at the top of the Spokane restaurant hierarchy serving only the best cuts of steak and fresh seafood. For those needing a bite before hopping on their flight out, Longhorn Barbecue is one of the oldest barbecue joints in town and famous for its smoked sausages. The Rusty Moose is located just outside the Hilton Garden Inn and is a favorite for business travelers.

The Elk Public House

The Elk Public House Spokane’s not-so-secret neighborhood restaurant located in the heart of Historic Browne’s Addition, the Elk Public House features fresh salads, soups, sandwiches and pastas all made from scratch. Find a great selection of microbrewed beers, wines by the glass and original cocktails served in a comfortable pub-style atmosphere. They also feature some of the region’s best outdoor seating. Open daily at 11am. For menu, specials and more, visit their website.

WeDontHaveOne.com West Side Spokane - 1931 W. Pacific Ave. 509.363.1973 Pub & Grill $-$$ 134

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West of Spokane, the scenery might flatten out, but your taste buds won’t!

Masselow’s Steakhouse Masselow’s Steakhouse features an impressive variety of Prime-grade Midwestern steaks and an excellent fresh seafood selection. The steaks are prepared simply with cracked pepper and sea salt, then char-grilled to your preference. The ingredients are all personally sought, sourced and tasted to meet the chef’s highest standards, so that you get only the best of the best on every plate. Open for breakfast daily 7am - noon, dinner Monday - Saturday 5 - 10pm, Sunday 5 - 9pm. NorthernQuest.com/Resort/Dining West Side - 100 N. Hayford Rd. 509.481.6020 Steak & Northwest $-$$$

SPOTLIGHT

THE ELK PUBLIC HOUSE Every neighborhood should be so lucky

By Jillian Chandler • Photos by Keith Boe

I

n 1999, Spokane was treated to the opening of the Elk Public House in the Historic Browne’s Addition. Based on the idea of a traditional English public house, such as its sister restaurant Moon Time that opened in 1996 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, it quickly became a Spokane favorite.

Walking into this pub, you will notice the diversity of its patrons, defining the nature of the term public house: an 85-year-old couple seated near a 21-year-old who’s sitting across from a group of businessmen.

Consistently good food and atmosphere along with friendly service and menu items offered at a reasonable price, these things appeal to everybody, no matter what their age or financial status. The establishment offers a comfortable and inviting welcometo-my-house environment, which is laid back, not pretentious.

What keeps people coming back for more you ask? The traditional Reuben, thanks to the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives show, which featured the Elk back in 2010. Two more customer and staff favorites are the Sante Fe chicken sandwich and Mediterranean grilled lamb sandwich.

The legendary roasted corn pasta is a musthave accompaniment. People from all over Spokane have been coming to the Elk to enjoy their delicious pub fare.

In 2008, the owners opened the Two Seven Public House in Lincoln Heights on the South Hill. Their El Que, just behind The Elk, opened December 2009, and serves unique Mexican fare accompanied by more than 70 delicious tequilas. Most recently in 2014, the group opened Geno’s Traditional Food and Ales near Gonzaga University in the Logan Neighborhood. Those living nearby are the first to enjoy their delicious brand of menu items accompanied by French fries, which are not offered at any of their other restaurant locations.

The owners credit consistency, without overextending themselves, to their restaurant success. Having three owners among a total of six establishments, including the Porch Public House in Hayden, Idaho, they are able to each focus on particular aspects of the restaurants.

John, Brad and Marshall are all equally involved and spend a lot of time in the restaurants ensuring everything is running smoothly and continuing in the right direction. They don’t get too caught up in little details, but focus on the big picture, offering quality food served in the spirit of a comforting gathering place. Their common philosophy behind the food is to make it from scratch, price it affordably and serve it with a smile.

The Elk Public House West Side 1931 W. Pacific Ave. 509.363.1973 WeDontHaveOne.com northwestsizzle.com

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Masselow’s SteakHouse A culinary team at its finest

By Jillian Chandler

SPOTLIGHT

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here’s a magical, yet undefinable, quality about dining at Masselow’s Steakhouse inside Northern Quest Resort & Casino. While the food is consistently spectacular, it’s the true passion of the culinary team that makes the overall experience extra special. Guests are treated to not only the finest in food and wine, but memorable hospitality.

Originally from a small farming community in Iowa, Chef Tanya Broesder grew up with a love of food, learning to can, pickle, bake and butcher at a young age.

“One of my earliest and fondest childhood memories,” says Tanya, “was baking with my grandma during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.” Tanya would also spend part of each summer working at her grandparent’s restaurant, clearing tables, talking to guests and prepping at the salad station.

While in high school, as other classmates were mapping out their future plans of college and careers, Tanya was still uncertain of her path after graduation. While browsing online, she came across an advertisement for culinary school. It was at that moment she realized that cooking was her passion and culinary school her destination.

She went on to graduate from the Western Culinary Institute and Le Cordon Bleu in

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Masselow’s Steakhouse West Side 100 North Hayford Rd. Airway Heights 509.481.6020 Masselows.com Portland, earning an internship at the former Fugazzi in Spokane. Today, as the chef of Masselow’s, Tanya pours her training and her heart into every dish she prepares, whether it’s experimenting with new and unique ingredients, or adding her own touch to one of her grandmother’s decades-old recipes.

It’s a collaborative effort between Tanya and her culinary team at Masselow’s to create foods that will excite and inspire. They work together to nurture each other’s ideas. They teach each other. They ask questions. They encourage one another. And they seek the same goal—to offer patrons something extra special that can’t be found anywhere else. A simplistic approach allows guests to truly savor the flavors of the quality foods that are served.

Guests will find a menu full of well-loved staple items, but the Chef ’s Playground—a monthly specialty menu—introduces diners to unique creations. And it gives the culinary team the opportunity to experiment with new foods and flavors.

To complement the cuisine, Eric Cook, Masselow’s manager and sommelier, will illuminate your taste buds with his carefully chosen wine selection. With a 600-bottle wine list, there are entry-level wines for the beginning wine enthusiast and selections for a more seasoned palate.

“Eric definitely has the wine knowledge, and we learn from each other when it comes to food and wine,” says Tanya.

With years of experience as a server, bartender, wine clerk and wine teacher, Eric achieved the status of sommelier, honing his craft over the years at some very distinctive Northwest venues, including the Spokane Country Club, the Davenport Hotel and the Coeur d’Alene Resort. Eric joined the Masselow’s team in 2014, where he continues to share his extensive knowledge and love of wine with guests.

Many of the friendly and talented Masselow’s team members have been with the restaurant since its opening in 2010. They all have a love for what they do and are grateful that it’s more than just a job. They take pride in having a sense of ownership at Masselow’s.

The finest in cuisine, paired with exceptional service and a welcoming atmosphere, gives Masselow’s guests a genuinely warm feeling of hospitality. Treat yourselves to a date night, or plan a fun group meetup; Masselow’s is worth sharing with your favorite people.

YOU DON’T NEED A RARE OCCASION. Because it’s always steak night here. Come take your pick from an impressive menu of USDA Prime steaks and an excellent fresh seafood selection. Then find your perfect pairing with an expertly curated wine list featuring over 325 regional and international wines. Full menu and reservations at masselows.com.

NORTHERNQUEST.COM | 877.871.6772 | SPOKANE, WA northwestsizzle.com

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FEATURE

UNDERCOVER MOTHER When the desire to eat out conflicts with your basic mommy instincts, and how one mother handled it.

BY JESSICA HERBIG

Photo by Lisa Turner

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e love to eat out. I LOVE TO EAT OUT. I don’t know a person in their right mind who doesn’t love to eat out on occasion. I knew when the company I work for purchased Sizzle, I’d want to try all these places that would be mentioned. Sadly for my “love to eat out” budget, I’m also a mom to two growing boys. Take two adults, multiply that by a thousand, and you get approximately the amount of food we will consume— and therefore pay for—when we eat out. It makes you want to stay in, order pizza and binge watch Netflix more often than not.

For all you parents out there, there is hope! Mr. Husband and I were able to sneak out on a number of occasions, without the hungry bottomless pits, to some of our local restaurants, and I’m here to tell you I was pleasantly surprised at the local offerings. I even found myself thinking, “The boys could eat here. It says ‘monstrous portions’ right there at the bottom of the menu. We’d be fine!”

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One of our favorite places to dine at, mainly because it’s closest to home for us, is Trinity at City Beach in Sandpoint. We’ve taken the boys there for lunches in the summers, and it has all gone well. There were minimal shattered dishes, and at times got in and out using less than one bottle of ketchup.

On this occasion, we went out with some adults. (I know, I was excited too!) The second best thing was that we stopped in when they were offering the lounge menu. In case you don’t know, the lounge menu is this magical piece of paper offering samples of their lunch and dinner menus, along with some mediumpriced fare, perfect for taking the kids who just don’t appreciate a good beurre blanc.

TRINITY AT CITY BEACH

TrinityAtCityBeach.com Reservations and Walk-Ins 208.255.7558 58 Bridge St. Sandpoint, ID 83864

315 MARTINI & TAPAS

315MartiniAndTapas.com Reservations and Limited Walk-Ins 208.667.9660

FISHERMAN’S MARKET

315 Wallace Avenue Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

FISHERMAN’S MARKET

FishermansMarketCDA.com Walk-Ins 208.664.4800

Fave Trinity at City Beach Pulled Pork Enchiladas

315 Martini & Tapas

5-Course Valentine’s Dinner

Fisherman’s Market Clam Chowder & Sushi

The Onion at Downtown Burgers, Beer, Wine and More

My favorite item on Trinity’s lounge menu is the pulled pork enchiladas.

When they brought them to the table, I couldn’t help but think, “This looks like a hot mess. Boy One wouldn’t touch these with a 10-foot pole; Boy Two would be on his third plate.” My second thought as I took my first bite was, “Oh Lordy, these are delicious.” The pork shoulder is smoked in house and smothered with salsa verde, cilantro citrus crème fraiche, house-made mole and jicama slaw. It’s the perfect upscale comfort food, and I found myself fending off Mr. Husband’s fork until my plate was clean. My last thought upon eating it was, “Top it off with a side of sweet potato fries, or as Boy Two calls them, ‘orange straight fries but not carrots,’ and the boys will happily dine here!”

215 W. Kathleen Ave. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815

THE ONION DOWNTOWN TheOnion.Biz Walk-Ins 509.747.3852

302 W. Riverside Spokane, WA 99201

I worked my way through high school and college in restaurants, so some restaurant etiquette is deeply ingrained in me. Twenty-percent tip, “Please” and “Thank you,” and neatly cleaning up our table as much as possible before we leave for the wait staff are just a few of those things.

Sometimes it’s not worth the hassle to bring young kids into a nice restaurant for just those reasons. When we do, my mama heart soars when they use their manners to politely ask for more of their drink or say “Thank you” for their meal.

Even with their better-than-average table manners, when Mr. Husband and I were able to slip away on Valentine’s Day weekend to dine and stay at The Greenbriar Inn, we gladly waved goodbye while trying to maintain a sad face until out of visual distance from the boys. All the while, I had dreams of a quiet night’s sleep and the best Valentine’s Day dinner I never had to cook myself dancing in my head.

Besides being in perfect company, and accompanied by some awesome live music, the food at 315 Martinis and Tapas at The Greenbriar was literally to die for. My last meal would include the strawberry trifle and the tiramisu we ended our night on, if I had to choose. The 315 did a five-course Valentine’s dinner menu the Saturday before Valentine’s northwestsizzle.com

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Day and again on Valentine’s night. Mr. Husband opted for the steak skewers, artfully prepared with a gorgonzola cream, and I went the seafood route with perfectly seared scallops over a bed of lemon risotto with a white fragrant dressing that I still have dreams about.

As far as the kids go, I’d like to say that I didn’t think of them, but at our table there was room for four, and I kept noticing myself glancing over to see if they needed help cutting their steak, since we’re the parents who taught their kids the art of the steak knife early in life. Self-sufficiency is key to dining out with kids; otherwise my perfect scallops would have gotten cold while I tended to their plates, which is a definite turn off.

Course one opened with a strawberry and white chocolate salad with a champagne dressing, followed by the vegetable egg rolls that are a regular offering on their menu. Our aperitif came as course three when we downed champagne shooters to cleanse the palate before our main course showed. I’ve told you about the main dishes, so I won’t repeat myself, but dessert was something else. Had my kids been there I would have blamed them for cramming it down so fast, but this time it was all on me. Overall, I loved that my meal was so satisfying, and I felt I could have brought the boys with minimal fuss and maximum enjoyment, if the overnight date with the grandparents had fallen through.

Let’s talk about a place that we bring the kids regularly! Fisherman’s Market, located behind Super 1 on Kathleen Avenue, has clam chowder on the menu.

Who cares what else they have, because my kids will eat that by the bucket load. Throw in some crusty sourdough bread and they’re sold. We could order for

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them, leave them there and just come back once in awhile to pay the chowder tab, and they’d probably never even know it. I’ve never done that, but I could.

I love that it’s walk-up ordering. Our normal plan of attack involves me standing in line to order as they lay claim to a coveted table. You must be quick, because whenever we stop in they are packed and tables are in short supply.

While the kids inhale chowder, Mr. Husband and I enjoy sushi. Their sushi tastes so fresh, but it’s probably because I’m staring directly at raw fish in their display cases as I’m eating it, and I’m perfectly alright with that. This is the place to get sushi-grade fish in the area. Fisherman’s is it for me. Take note: They’re closed on Sundays. Whenever we go to Coeur d’Alene on a Sunday, we stop by the parking lot, and every time we do, we get a quick reminder.

It’s a ritual: Pull in, see it’s closed, the kids and Mr. Husband grumble a bit, and we turn around to find a new lunch spot.

I was in Spokane recently because I had overworked my computer laying out the latest round of magazines and my keyboard stopped working. We passed a little place called The Onion on Riverside and vowed to come back there for lunch. It ended up being the perfect atmosphere to take the littles. High-backed booths to shield their shenanigans from view, and there was a low murmur throughout the crowd the whole time we were there, which would have pleasantly masked their inside voices, which aren’t so inside.

On this occasion, we didn’t have the boys, because I was hoping to get in a little shopping, which didn’t happen, after we were done with the Apple Store.

When our order of appetizer onion rings came out, I

THE ONION DOWNTOWN • Photo by Kieth Boe

THE ONION AT RIVERSIDE • Photo by Kieth Boe

FISHERMAN’S MARKET

wanted to do what they would have done and hold them up to my face and peer through the giant holes. I could swear they hand picked the biggest onions they could find just for the shock and awe factor.

Our plate was overflowing with bacon-wrapped onion rings bigger than a softball, and they had the best bourbon barbecue sauce to dip them in! I wasn’t so sure that I wanted to order lunch after that complete and well-balanced meal, but we forged on, determined to try out some of the interesting lunch choices and drinks.

Had the boys been there, they would have been pulled directly to the burger section of the menu, but the foodie mom in me had to try the epicurian mac & cheese and a glass of their hard apple cider to wash it all down. I was glad for their to-go boxes when we left that day, because I ate entirely too much food, and I’m positive that we will be back with the boys to check it out again!

This is just a small sampling of the meals we’ve enjoyed, with and without the ravenous—yet polite—offspring we’ve managed to bring forth into the world.

These restaurants can all be found within the pages of Sizzle, and I love saying they won’t disappoint. I’m already looking forward to my next adventure. Like with the four mentioned here, I’ll be seeing them through my kids’ eyes and filing them away for the moment when I have to chance to introduce the boys to the wonderful culinary offerings in our area.

I couldn’t stop looking over to see if they needed help with their steak knives.

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Order tickets online:

FestivalAtSandpoint.com

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with the Spokan

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2017

Festival

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at

35TH YEAR

Calendar of Events APRIL APRIL 12: FOOD SERVICES OF AMERICA FOOD EXPO The FSA Food Expo offers some of the best ways to get exclusive deals and access to information and services to help your operation grow. Held at the Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., join Food Services of America, 9am to 5:30pm, at the premiere food-service event in the Inland Northwest. Learn the latest trends in labor-saving entrĂŠe offerings, sample new items and menu ideas, meet with hundreds of vendors, talk with industry experts on how to build your business and more!

FSAFood.com

APRIL 22: SIP, SWIRL AND SAVOR 2017 marks the 10th anniversary of this spectacular event! Held once again at Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute in Spokane, 4000 W. Randolph Rd., Sip, Swirl and Savor is a decadent event that benefits the Inland Northwest Culinary Academy and the CCS Foundation. INCA students showcase their education by preparing and serving a gourmet, fivecourse dinner paired with award-winning wines.

Throughout the evening, bid on marvelous live and silent auction items, including trips, collectible fine wines, private dinners, tickets to exclusive events and much more! CCSFoundation.org

APRIL 28: FESTIVAL AT SANDPOINT WINE TASTING, DINNER AND AUCTION Held at the Bonner County Fairgrounds in Sandpoint, 4203 N. Boyer Rd., join The Festival at Sandpoint for this Festival FUNdraising Extravaganza! The event begins at 5:30pm and features unlimited tasting of more than 150 premium wines, five-star dinner catered by Dish, musical entertainment by Still Tipsy and the Hangovers, raes, silent and live auction, and the announcement of the 2017 Festival lineup! Tickets are $95 per person and includes dinner, wine tasting, souvenir wine glass, entertainment and more! FestivalAtSandpoint.com

~

summer

FUN ~

MAY MAY 7: BLOOMSDAY RUN Each year, Spokane is host to the beautiful Bloomsday Run, presented by the Lilac Bloomsday Association. This year marks the 41st year of this event, taking place 9am to 1:30pm. The 7.46-mile course is family friendly and open to all runners, walkers, wheelchairs, assisted wheelchairs and strollers. Online registrants have until Sunday, April 23, to take advantage of the $18 entry fee. For those registering afterward, the fee will increase to $35.

BloomsdayRun.org

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MAY 13-14: SPRING BARREL TASTING Spokane wineries host this raise-a-glass worthy event each spring during Mother’s Day weekend. Make a day of it—or weekend—and stop by participating wineries and enjoy all of the incredible wines these local Washington wineries have to offer. A great way to celebrate Mom over the weekend … exploring and tasting all of what Spokane has to offer! And it doesn’t hurt to fit in a little shopping in between tastings.

Find participating wineries online. CorkDistrict.com

~ springtime fun ~

2017

Courtesy of Inside Right Wrist

JUNE

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MAY 18-21: LOST IN THE ‘50S

JUNE 2-4: MAC’S ARTFEST

Dust off those penny loafers and saddle shoes and prepare to enjoy a very special Sandpoint tradition.

It’s a time of year we all look forward to, no matter what our age; a time to turn back the clocks to a simpler time. This is a community favorite not to be missed! Sandpoint’s 32nd Annual Lost in the ‘50s features terrific musical acts each night with concerts and dances. The four-day event includes Rock ‘n’ Roll Heaven, a vintage car parade, street dances, show and dance, car show, Aspirin Rally-Run and more! Don’t miss all the action! Sandpoint.org/lostin50s

Artists from all over the Inland Northwest will gather in Coeur d’Alene Park in Browne’s Addition for the 32nd annual ArtFest. This three-day annual community event, held the first weekend of June at Coeur d’Alene Park in Browne’s Addition, offers fun for the entire family. Attendees will enjoy three days of art, live music, great food and more. More than 150 of the most talented artists from around the Northwest will be there with their creative works, packaged gourmet foods and handcrafted projects on display. Buy handcrafted works directly from the artists, and create your own special art at the Make it Art Kids Fair. NorthwestMuseum.org

JUNE 9-11: ELKFEST

JUNE 15-18: CRAVE! FOOD AND DRINK CELEBRATION

Elkfest is unlike many area music festivals with its grassroots approach, very little outside sponsorship and a reputation for being Spokane’s best—and only—real neighborhood party each summer on the streets of the historic Browne’s Addition neighborhood in Spokane. ElkFest is free to enjoy from the street, with a $2 cover to come in their beer gardens or restaurants. Bands this year include: Afrolicious, The Donkeys, Dustin Thomas, Marshall McLean Band, Lanford Black, Shakewell, Folkinception, Nat Park and the Tunnels of Love, Griffey, Kalaj, Fat Lady, The South Hill, River City Roots and The Rub. The Seven 2 Draw Off will also put on live art battles! ElkFestSpokane.com

Crave Northwest is the Inland Northwest’s premier food and drink celebration. Held at CenterPlace at Mirabeau Point Park, 2426 N. Discovery Place in Spokane Valley, Crave is a unique culinary event showcasing the creative talents of visionary chefs from around the Northwest. Savor the creative talents of award-winning chefs, specialty food purveyors, winemakers and craft drink providers.

Culinary highlights include a grand tasting tent, global street foods carnivale, seafood bash, fire and smoke fare and Father’s Day brunch. CraveNW.com

JUNE 17: THE POUR WINEMAKER’S DINNER & AUCTION

JULY 16-17: CAR D’ALENE

JUNE 17: 10TH ANNUAL CHAFE 150 GRAN FONDO

This is a classic car weekend—just in time for Father’s Day—featuring 1975 and pre ’75 cars and trucks in the heart of Downtown Coeur d’Alene. To kick off the weekend fun, there’s the Car d’Lane Cruise Friday evening, 6 to 9pm, so head out to Sherman Avenue to enjoy the show. Saturday, 8am to 4pm, cars will be lining Sherman Avenue and on display for all ages to enjoy. Check out the beauties, talk to the owners, enjoy vendors and more! Awards will be presented in multiple categories starting at 4pm.

CdADowntown.com

The ride starts and finishes in beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho, on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille after winding into Montana through lush river valleys of the Cabinet Mountains. CHAFE 150 treats riders to seven fully stocked break stops, professional ride support, a larger-than-life after-ride party and prizes for top fundraisers. This event is staged by the Sandpoint Rotary Club to assist students in the Lake Pend Oreille School District on the autism spectrum.

One in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder. CHAFE150.org

An evening of wine, dine and purpose, The Pour is one of Washington’s most delicious wine events.

The wine begins flowing at 5:30pm on the beautiful grounds of Arbor Crest Winery in Spokane, where wine lovers join forces to raise funds to benefit Providence Adult Day Health and the B.E.S.T. child psychiatry program at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. The event offers a spectacular evening of incredible auction packages, gourmet food and the finest vintages. The Pour includes a pre-dinner grand tasting as well as a selection of wines that are perfectly paired with four delectable courses. ThePour.info

JUNE 24-25: HOOPFEST

JUNE 25: SCHWEITZER SUMMER CELEBRATION

JUNE 25: IRONMAN 70.3

Whether you are a player, a volunteer or a fan, Spokane Hoopfest has a place for you to enjoy the energy of more than 14,000 games played throughout the weekend. Hoopfest is the largest 3-on-3 outdoor basketball tournament on Earth. That means more than 6,000 teams, 3,000 volunteers, 225,000 fans and 450 courts spanning 45 city blocks! Few things capture the heart of a community and even fewer have become a movement like Spokane Hoopfest.

SpokaneHoopfest.com

The grand opening weekend for Schweitzer Mountain Resort and the unofficial kickoff to summer for Sandpoint and Bonner County, Schweitzer’s Summer Fest, gives those in the community the opportunity to sample all of what’s great about Sandpoint. Local restaurants, retail stores, beer and wine producers, artists and musicians will all be at Schweitzer for the day! Their summer amenities will be in full swing, including the zip line, climbing wall and mountain biking. In addition, unlimited rides on the Great Escape Quad will be free! And, enjoy free chairlift rides 11am to 5pm. Schweitzer.com

Held in scenic Coeur d’Alene, athletes begin their day with 1.2-mile swim in the clear waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Next, athletes take on the challenging 56-mile bike course boasting with turns, followed by the run that loops along the shores of the lake. This race follows the same course as IRONMAN Coeur d’Alene (which takes place in August), with athletes completing one loop of each discipline instead of two. This makes IRONMAN 70.3 Coeur d’Alene accessible to a broader audience and allows athletes to prepare on the same course if they are racing IRONMAN Coeur d’Alene. IRONMAN.com

JULY JULY 8: HAYDEN TRIATHLON The City of Hayden is proud to host the 7th Annual Hayden Sprint Triathlon, with its 1/2-mile swim, 12mile bike ride and finished off with a 3.1-mile run.

The race venue features breathtaking scenery, with a challenging but friendly course. After the race, unwind at beautiful Honeysuckle Beach on Hayden Lake. All proceeds from the race are donated to worthy area charities that include kids’ sports, music and theatre, educational programs and any worthy recipient in need of funding. HaydenTri.com

JULY 15-16: SCHWEITZER’S 3RD ANNUAL NORTHWEST WINEFEST

JULY 21-22: JULYAMSH 2017

JULY 23-25: RYPIEN FOUNDATION HOPE CLASSIC

Join Schweitzer at their third annual Northwest WineFest! The two-day festival is held on the Schweitzer Village Lawn and features great bands, great wine, great food and great fun! With multiple bands playing throughout the weekend paired with more than a dozen regional wineries offering dozens of wines, a craft beer tent, barbeque, arts and crafts vendors and activities for the entire family. Souvenir wine glass and tasting tickets can be purchased on site for you to get sipping. Vote for your favorite white and red wines, then purchase bottles of your favorites to take home. Schweitzer.com

The 2017 JulyAmsh will be held at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, 4056 N. Government Way in Coeur d’Alene. Admission is just $10 for this incredible event; free for children 12 and younger.

This two-day cultural event is filled with NativeAmerican activities for all to enjoy, bringing people together and signifying the spirit of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe in celebration of heritage, diversity and culture. This is a rare opportunity to view the beauty of these diverse native cultures through their traditional crafts and performances of tribal dancing and music. JulyAmsh.com

After 17 unbelievable years, the Zak!Charity Open, a premier charity event in the Inland Northwest, was officially passed to the Rypien Foundation last summer. Now the Rypien Foundation Hope Classic, they are continuing the tradition established by the Zak!Charity Open and still helping local children as the event has from the start. The two-day event kicks off July 23 with the Hope Lights the Way Dinner and Auction at Northern Quest Resort and Casino’s Pend Oreille Pavilion, 100 N. Hayford Rd. in Airway Heights, followed by the golf tournament at Kalispel Golf and Country Club, 2010 W. Waikiki Rd. in Spokane on July 24. RypienFoundation.org northwestsizzle.com

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AUG 4th

The B-52’s Games • Clowns • Musical Petting Zoo

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AUG 6th

Family Concert

FESTIVAL ATSANDPOINT THE

AUG 10th The

AUG 11th

Iration • The Wailers

AUGUST 3 - 13, 2017

HeadAnd TheHeart

AUG 13th Grand Finale “Nordic Nights”

George Thorogood and the Destroyers

AUG 12th

Spokane Symphony Orchestra Gary Sheldon Conducted by

Tien Hsieh Soloist

ro Ck Party tour

For more information and tickets visit us at

www.festivalatsandpoint.com or call: (208) 265-4554 northwestsizzle.com

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AUGUST AUGUST 3-13: FESTIVAL AT SANDPOINT

AUGUST 4-6: ART ON THE GREEN

Sandpoint puts on one heck of a live music experience and has for the past 34 years. Each year, a variety of popular musicians, from country and rock to blues and orchestra, play in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Already announced this year are country-star Jake Owen and classic rocker George Thorogood and The Destroyers. Attendees can buy a season pass to see all shows or choose to attend one or more of the events.

Ticketed guests are also allowed to bring in their own food and beverages into the venue, adding to the feel of a backyard get-together. FestivalAtSandpoint.com

For 49 seasons, artists from all across the Northwest have been flocking to Coeur d’Alene for a spectacular weekend of arts and crafts. Held on the beautiful campus of North Idaho College, adjacent to Lake Coeur d’Alene and the Spokane River, this is a summer favorite for the artsy and creative types.

Paired with the Taste of the Coeur d’Alenes at City Park and the Coeur d’Alene Street Fair on Sherman Avenue, you’ll find more than 250 booths of artistry, food, crafts, home decoration and inspiration. All three celebrations are connected to each other and easily walkable. ArtOnTheGreenCdA.com

Miles Fresher Partnering with local farmers, ranchers and food providers who support our Northwest communities and pave the way to ensure the food supply is here for generations to come

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Photo by Nils Nilson AUGUST 11-13 & AUGUST 18-20: SANDPOINT ARTISTS STUDIO DRIVE

AUGUST 23-27: NORTH IDAHO FAIR AND RODEO

Come celebrate the artistic community in the greater Sandpoint area at the annual Artists’ Studio Drive, where the public is invited to visit the working studios of painters, sculptors, jewelers, potters, glass artists and more. The Sandpoint area is filled with many artists who work in a variety of mediums. See where these artists create first hand while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Lake Pend Oreille and the surrounding mountains as you tour the studios. This event is free. ArtTourDrive.org

There’s nothing that says family fun quite like a carnival. Each August, the Kootenai County Fairgrounds is host to the annual North Idaho State Fair, a five-day event with rides, food and fun!

Featured attractions this year include the largest carnival in the state, the butterfly encounter with thousands of butterflies, youth circus with more than 100 performers, children’s theatre with marionettes and hand puppet performances, stilt walkers, allaboard express train and more! And don’t forget about the grandstand shows and the animals!

NorthIdahoStateFair.com

Courtesy of the MAC

AUGUST 26: PRIEST LAKE TRIATHLON

AUGUST 27: IRONMAN

Swim, bike, run in magnificent Priest Lake. Swim course starts in front of the Hills Resort Lodge, 4777 W. Lakeshore Rd. in Priest Lake, on the very South end of the beach. The U-shaped course consists of a 1,500-meter swim (three 500-meter sections around the large swim buoys with the exit located on the south side of the furthest north dock). This is followed up with the 40-kilometer bike road course and 10-kilometer run. The event is followed by an awards party at Hill’s Resort Beach.

PriestLakeRace.com

Coeur d’Alene has been host to the IRONMAN Triathlon for years, and it is still voted as many of the triathletes’ favorite race courses around. This classic race takes place in the pristine heart of Coeur d’Alene. Athletes begin their day with a two-loop, 2.4-mile swim in Lake Coeur d’Alene, followed by the challenging two-loop, 112-mile bike course and completed with the 26.2-mile run that loops along the shores of the lake. This is an event you won’t want to miss. Get out there and support these incredible and inspiring athletes. IRONMANCdA.com

AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 4: PIG OUT IN THE PARK Held during Labor Day Weekend at Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. in Spokane, 2017 marks the 38th annual Pig Out in the Park! Open daily 11am to 10pm, this favorite six-day food and free music festival offers a tasty menu of food and fun, with 44 food booths, 225 menu items, great food, cheap prices, three adult beverage gardens, special hours with $4 bites (3 to 5pm and 9 to10pm daily), 85 free concerts on three stages featuring national, regional and local artists, and the Pig Out’s largest ever arts and crafts fair and public market under the Pavilion.

Fun for the whole family. SpokanePigOut.com

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summer

SUN ~

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 8-17: SPOKANE COUNTY INTERSTATE FAIR Held at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. in Spokane, the annual Spokane County Interstate Fair is a perfect way to end the summer in grand style. The 10-day event begins the Friday after Labor Day each year, and as one of Spokane’s largest annual events, the Interstate Fair strives to be a place where one can visit the past, explore the future and enjoy the wonders of the present in a single location. Attendees will enjoy amusement rides, live music, animals, exhibits, food, grandstand entertainment (rodeo, demolition derby, truck and tractor pulls and freestyle motocross) and much more! SpokaneCounty.org/fair/sif

SEPTEMBER 23-24: VALLEYFEST ValleyFest offers events at three locations: CenterPlace Regional Event Center (2426 N. Discovery Place in Spokane Valley), Mirabeau Point Park (13500 Mirabeau Parkway in Spokane Valley) and Plantes Ferry Sports Complex (12308 E. Upriver Rive in Spokane). The weekend festivities include hot air balloon launches, pancake breakfast, car show, Mobius Planetarium, fishing at the falls, beer, wine and food garden including Valley Ale Fest, live music and entertainment, outdoor movie, TotFest, family bike ride and more! ValleyFest.org northwestsizzle.com

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CELEBRATE TASTE & FLAVOR AT CRAVE The Inland Northwest’s premier food and drink celebration will be held June 15-18 at CenterPlace, a state-of-the-art 54,000-squarefoot foot event facility at Mirabeau Point Park in Spokane Valley, Washington. Presented by the City of Spokane Valley, CRAVE is a unique event that will showcase the creative talents of visionary chefs, culinary professionals and craft-drink providers.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! WWW.CRAVENW.COM

ADAM HEGSTED CRAVE’s Culinary Director and 2016 James Beard Nominated Chef

FEATURING THE BEST OF THE BEST Savor the creative talents of awardwinning chefs, specialty food purveyors, winemakers and craft drink providers at CRAVE!

CRAVE WILL SPOTLIGHT LOCAL AND REGIONAL TALENT, AND FEATURE DEMONSTRATIONS BY A PANEL OF INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED CHEFS.

TASTE THE NORTHWEST From fresh seafood and ranch-raised meats to farm-to-table produce and inventive desserts, a wide variety of local, regional and international flavors will be featured. Culinary highlights include a Grand Tasting Tent, Global Street Foods Carnivale, Seafood Bash, Fire & Smoke Fare, and Father’s Day Brunch.

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Attendees will have the opportunity to interact directly with chefs, drink providers and culinary professionals in small classroom settings to larger presentations on the main stage.

Featured Chefs

JEREMIAH TOWER

BRUCE SHERMAN

Stars, San Francisco

North Pond Restaurant, Chicago

Internationally renowned chef Jeremiah Tower rocketed to culinary fame in the 1980s with his highly acclaimed Stars restaurant in San Francisco, and later branches including Napa Valley, Seattle and Singapore. He is noted as an icon of “California Cuisine” and a pioneer of farm-to-table dining. Tower recently served as executive chef at New York’s Tavern on the Green and is the author of numerous books, including Start the Fire, Flavors of Taste and California Dish. His first cookbook, New American Classics, won a James Beard Foundation Award.

Born and raised in Chicago, Chef Bruce Sherman is noted for creating broadly influenced, subtle, seasonal flavors. Highlighting organic, local ingredients and utilizing influences from his travels in Paris, Southeast Asia and London, he produces contemporary French-American cuisine. Sherman has been honored seven times by Food & Wine Magazine as one of America’s “Best New Chefs,” and was nominated by the James Beard Foundation in the “Best Chef: Great Lakes Region” category. North Pond has been awarded a Michelin star in the guidebook each year from 2014 through 2017.

RICK MOONEN

RM Seafood & RX Boiler Room, Las Vegas New York native and Culinary Institute of America graduate, Chef Rick Moonen is a famous advocate for sustainable fishing and seafood. His undying passion for conservation has made him an expert in the subject and an educator and role model for other chefs. He is the author of Fish Without a Doubt, a practical guide to buying, preparing and cooking a wide array of sustainable fish, and is a contributing editor for Food & Wine Magazine.

Moonen has made numerous TV appearances, including the Oprah Winfrey Show, Top Chef Masters and Top Chef Las Vegas.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Thursday, June 15 Seafood Bash 6 - 9pm Friday, June 16 Grand Tasting 1 - 5pm Street Food Market 6 - 9pm

Saturday, June 17 Grand Tasting 1 - 5pm Fire & Smoke 6 - 9pm Sunday, June 18 Father’s Day Brunch 11am-2pm

Lodging & Stay-and-Play Packages available.

Check out CraveNW.com for more information.

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CRAFT DRINKS

GET SOCIAL

At CRAVE, you’ll sip and sample from a bountiful array of liquid refreshments provided by a distinguished group of brewmasters, coffee roasters, winemakers, distillers and mixologists.

Innovative social and educational experiences will also be offered at CRAVE, providing attendees an opportunity to interact directly with chefs and exhibitors, including seminars, hands-on classes, wine pairings, cocktail tours and chef-hosted parties.

Tasting Highlights Veuve Clicquot Champagne Maison Veuve Clicquot, luxury champagnes from Riems, France.

Distinguished and iconic, this famed champagne house has been producing exceptional champagnes celebrated the world over since 1772.

Roast House Coffee Roast House is a small, passionate craft coffee company and the Inland Northwest’s premier purveyor of sustainably grown, organic, ethically traded coffees. Specialty brews and handmade coffee creations from Roast House will entice and enliven the CRAVE experience.

BENEFITTING

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NoLi Brewery Northstar Winery Sample varietals from Northstar Winery as part of the CRAVE tasting experience. Established in the early 1990s, Northstar has guided the creation of worldclass Merlot-based wines that demonstrate the potential of the variety in Washington state.

Spiceologist Spiceologist is the world’s most innovative spice company, featuring a tantalizing lineup of gourmet rubs, salts and more than 100 whole and ground spices - all designed to enhance and elevate the flavors of your favorite foods.

Born and raised in Spokane, CRAVE sponsor No-Li Brewhouse is locally owned and community minded, crafting beers with no boundaries: innovative beers brewed with locally sourced ingredients.

In addition to various tasting opportunities at CRAVE, No-Li is producing a special-edition beer to commemorate the inaugural event.

Idaho Springs Foods Idaho Springs Foods sturgeon and caviar will be a tasting highlight at CRAVE’s Seafood Bash. From family owned aquaculture farms in Southern Idaho utilizing pristine natural spring water, this sturgeon and caviar has a remarkably clean, fresh flavor.

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Your Coffee Fix

Where Hospitality Meets Great Coffee love people x love coffee

Indaba Coffee Indaba Coffee is the place where hospitality meets great coffee. Opened in 2009 and located inside the Walnut Corners Building, the coffee shop, with its cozy neighborhood feel, offers just the right mix of class and comfort. At any given time, you might see a group students studying, city council members meeting and a homeless man walk in for a glass of water. It’s truly a gathering place where all are welcome and humbly served. Founder Bobby Enslow has been recognized with an AGORA Award for his community service, Bronze Best of the City Award for Coffee Roasters, and voted one of Spokane’s Best Baristas. Open daily at 7am.

IndabaCoffee.com West Central Spokane 1425 W. Broadway Ave. 509.443.3566 Coffee Shop $ Calypsos Coffee and Creamery At Calypsos you’ll find a combination of amazing coffee, which they roast on site, ice cream, fantastic food and live music on a regular basis. They display artwork from local artists, have a play area for the kids, offer free Wi-Fi and a Smart Room for meeting rentals! Calypsos was recently listed as one of the top 10 Coolest Coffee Shops to visit in

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Idaho! Located in Downtown Coeur d’Alene just one block from City Beach, Calypsos is open daily, Monday - Thursday 7am - 8:30pm, Friday 7am - 9pm, Saturday 8am - 9pm, Sunday 8am - 4pm.

CalypsosCoffee.com Downtown Coeur d’Alene 116 E. Lakeside Ave. 208.665.0591 Cafe & Coffee House $ Indaba Coffee Since opening its downtown location in the historic Bennett Block building in the summer of 2015, Indaba Coffee has been a well-received additional to the community. The coffee shop greets guests with a modern yet welcoming feel.

The use of clean lines and colors along with accents of live plants and raw textures helps bring the space to life. You’ll find this location bustling with foot traffic. Located just one block from Riverfront Park and surrounded by excellent shopping and food, make Indaba your launch point to an amazing day downtown. Open daily at 7am. IndabaCoffee.com Downtown Spokane - 210 N. Howard St. 509.443.3566 Coffee Shop $

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A Taste W�� �e Trip A drive from Sandpoint to Spokane offers many delights

By Patty Hutchens NO MATTER WHAT TIME OF YEAR, there is always plenty to explore in the Inland Northwest. A day trip through North Idaho and Eastern Washington offers a fun way to experience the sights of the area, sounds of entertainment and tastes of the food, wine, brews and spirits that make our part of the world unique and fun.

If you begin your day in Sandpoint, you won’t want to leave without a hearty breakfast. On the shores of Lake Pend Oreille and adjacent to City Beach, Trinity at City Beach offers an extensive breakfast menu that includes a variety of Benedicts, scrambles, wraps and sweet potato pancakes, to name a few. And Trinity at City Beach offers not only great food,

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but a breathtaking view of the mountains and water as well.

As you head out of Sandpoint and cross the Long Bridge, you will find an awe-inspiring retreat at Forty-One South in Sagle. Housed in the Lodge at Sandpoint, this restaurant is nothing less than impressive, as you dine indoors or out on the patio overlooking Lake Pend Oreille. There is nothing quite like the evening sunset here. So grab a glass of wine and sit back and relax. There’s no need to rush.

Afterward, continue on your journey and head south on Highway 95. A stop in Hayden to enjoy some of the unique shops will offer a great opportunity to explore this town that

just a jaunt away!

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has grown significantly over the past few years.

After your shopping excursion, unwind at The Porch Public House with its beautiful golfcourse view; a neighborhood favorite of the Hayden community.

When you first arrive in Coeur d’Alene, you’ll want to swing by the newly opened Grabbagreen®; the fast healthy stop for eating green and clean! Delicious food that’s good for you too, you’ll try it once and keep coming back for more. Choices are fresh and mostly organic. As you head south, Downtown Coeur d’Alene offers many choices for shopping and refreshments. Calypsos Coffee and Creamery on Lakeside Avenue is a great place to grab a cup of coffee and get a feel of the local

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vibe. Complete with comfy couches, chairs and artwork, the atmosphere is similar to entering a friend’s home.

One of Downtown Coeur d’Alene’s newest additions, Sweet Lou’s Restaurant and Taphouse, is a great place to stop for lunch. With 32 beers on tap and a menu of salads, steaks, seafood, sandwiches, appetizers and their popular grilled PB&J made with bacon and North Idaho’s famous huckleberry jam, there is something for everyone.

Also located downtown is Seasons of Coeur d’Alene Fresh Grill and Martini Bar offering microbrews, appetizers, salads, burgers and more for your mid-day enjoyment as well as everything from salmon to sirloin to pasta for dinner—and of course an assortment of martinis!

While in Downtown Coeur d’Alene, take a stroll along the water or on the boardwalk, and make a stop to McEuen Park, a 22.5-acre park located on Front Street. McEuen Park offers a great play area for the kids, an off-leash dog park for your four-legged companion, a waterfront concession stand, tennis and pickleball court and basketball courts. While there, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to take a leisurely hike around Tubbs Hill.

Are you ready to continue your adventure? Head west to Spokane where entertainment, shopping, music and the wine scene abound! The options are abundant, and depending upon your situation, there is everything from places for a romantic evening out to a girls’ night or a fun evening with the family.

With locations both downtown and on the north side, The Onion Taphouse and Grill has locally sourced beef for their popular burgers and offers fresh pasta, seafood, pizza and more. Family friendly and a popular happy hour spot, you won’t want to miss an opportunity to experience this Spokane tradition!

If you are seeking an intimate setting for a romantic dinner, Spencer’s in Downtown Spokane will not leave you disappointed. Handcrafted martinis and a vast selection of fine wines, beers and spirits are the perfect prelude to a fabulous dinner. While known for their excellent steak, you can also find amazing seafood at this popular restaurant.

Whether you have the kids or enjoying an adultonly outing, don’t pass up Veraci Pizza in the Kendall Yards neighborhood. Their wood-fired pizza, made famous at area farmers markets, with its delicious thin crust and delightful toppings, will make you feel young again. And the view!

Grab a seat out on the patio to enjoy a slice as you take in the incredible views of Downtown Spokane and the Spokane River. Also located in this neighborhood is a culinary destination that is unlike any in the area. The Wandering Table brings diverse yet fun food to the local community to gather and enjoy the flavors Spokane has to offer. The food here speaks for itself, with seasonal offerings writing the menu. Whether an adventurous eater or the type to play it safe, The Wandering Table is a perfect choice for any taste.

What are you waiting for? Explore all that the Inland Northwest has to offer!

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The IPE on our deck overlooking our lake in Minnesota is stunning! Jamie at Lumber Marketing Services provided an excellent product! The LMS product had a beautiful grain far superior to the local product. The service from LMS was perfect delivering exactly the right amount and on time and the price was excellent. I couldn’t be happier, and love the look and feel of our new deck.

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