There’s definitely no shortage of new restaurants cropping up all across North Idaho; from Coeur d’Alene to Post Falls, Hayden to Sandpoint, get out and explore the new flavors the area has to offer. Here is just a sampling of some of the new favorites that have opened or changed ownership during the past year. Stop in for a visit and taste for yourself what all the excitement is about.
FRANKLIN'S
SATAY
THE GARNET LAKE CDA WATERFRONT
RECENT OPENINGS COEUR D’ALENE
Rob Elder is in his element. Gone are the days of the Hot Rod Café; in with the days of Satay Bistro. Rob was the owner of the now closed Hot Rod Café in Post Falls, which was immensely popular for the formula of restaurant that it was. But Rob’s heart is in the more refined style of cuisine, and he has been able to bring the idea of the restaurant he’s always envisioned to life. Opened in September 2012, Satay—French for small kabob—offers an eclectic menu infusing Asian, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Chef Anthony Buttice is a young and creative chef who has worked at Beverly’s, Tito’s and restaurants in Walla Walla, Wash., area, including a four-star pasta house. He and Rob came together for the menu, the art, the experience. The restaurant seats 44 in the main room, 30 at the bar and 35 on the patio. The highlight of the restaurant is its wine cellar with its onyx floors and 500-bottle collection, many from the Walla Walla area and Colombia Valley, including Woodward Canyon, Walla Walla Vintners and Pepper Bridge. Rob is continually evolving the cellar list and adding to his incredible wine
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collection. Don’t be fooled by its upscale appearance, as Satay is truly the neighborhood bistro, appealing and accommodating to all. It is a place to stop in for a casual lunch, a drink at the bar, an evening with friends, a meal with the kids. Live music fills up the restaurant on Friday and Saturday evenings, adding to its already inviting atmosphere. You will find Satay Bistro just north of the I-90 freeway. 2501 N. Fourth St. (208) 765-2555 Chef Everett Fees, with partners Justin and Angeline McLane of McLane Farms, purchased The Garnet Café from Viljo and Autumn Basso in January 2013. The breakfast and lunch café is still serving up incredible—and unforgettable—dishes, with menu items scratch made, fresh daily, in house. From the Biscuits and Gravy, Pancakes and French Toast, to Corned Beef Hash and Green Eggs and Ham; most everything they offer on their one-of-a-kind menu is all-natural—with an eye on sustainable and non-GMO—with many of the foods used from the McClane farm. You can taste the difference! Angeline makes the Chevre and yogurt that is served at the restaurant, and they serve local Bumper Crop Coffee. 315 Walnut Ave. (208) 667-2729
There are once again new owners at Franklin’s! Though new to this restaurant, Joe and Crystal Kubista are definitely not new to the business. Joe has worked in restaurants since age 14, starting as a dishwasher at family owned restaurants and working his way up to cook over the years. Crystal has experience in the front of the house while in college. The pair wanted to own their own restaurant, and when Franklin’s became available, they seized the opportunity. One thing they knew for sure is that they wanted to keep the history of Franklin’s alive. Lucky for you, you will still find the same great hoagie menu, omelets, burgers and other sandwiches, along with the Biscuits and Gravy the restaurant has been known for over the years. One thing they have added is a beer and wine license, with plans to have a beer garden during special event happenings. 501 Fourth St. (208) 664-3998 Chef Jason Rex is bringing gourmet ice cream back to Sherman Avenue, along with his own inventive house-made fire-grilled pizzas! The owner of Scratch has opened Scratch Creamery and Pizzeria in the former location of Sweet B Cupcakes on Fifth Street directly behind Scratch Restaurant.