Until nine months ago I was a confirmed beer drinker, and was very happy with my choice. Then it happened. A friend introduced me to her “pleasure” - wine. She thoroughly enjoyed a glass of “vino”, so I thought I’d give it a try. Surprise, I liked it. Then I realized that there were so many varieties based on the grape used in making the wine, the growing season of the grape, climate and the region where the grapes are grown. So much to learn. So much for a simple red or white!
I started my journey into learning the ABC’s of wine and how to select that “perfect” one only to find that wine selection is very personal and often chosen by personal taste, the palette, vintage, region, etc. Not everyone has a taste for wine, but for most novice wine buyers or tasters the learning process can be a bit overwhelming. I enjoy relaxing with a glass of wine now, but by no means am I an expert. However, I don’t want to find myself in an uncomfortable social situation without any knowledge of choosing, serving, or sipping a wine. So, the following are hints that have helped me progress with my new “pleasure”.
Grapes? Wines?
There are over 5,000 different grape varieties, but experts only consider nine to be “classic”. These are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Reisling, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Since the early 90’s, California Syrah has become a favorite on restaurant wine lists. Australian versions, Shiraz, are also very popular. An impression of pepper is a common characteristic in Syrah, also in Zinfandel.
Semillon, the popular white wine of Australia is made into outstanding dry wines, and a drop of Chardonnay is often added to the blend. In the United States it’s typically blended with Sauvignon Blanc to help round it out. Toast is associated with Chardonnay and Semillon and also can be a sign that the wine was aged in new oak barrels.
Can I “pour and sip”?
Normally, red wines are ready to drink right when they’re poured. However, very old or very young wines may need some time to release their aromas. Vigorously swirl the wine in the glass to speed the process.
Forget to cool your wine?
Did you forgot to put that bottle of white wine in the refrigerator before dinner? It’s definitely okay to stick it in the freezer for 10 minutes because no harm will be done to the wine.
Screw top vs. Cork
This is a hotly debated topic. Traditionally, corks are used for wine. Screw tops make wine seem “cheap” to a lot of consumers. However, the truth is that screw tops actually keep more air out of the wine, which leads to better storing once the bottle has been opened. But, as far as aging goes, corks allow for the perfect amount of breathing. Because screw tops are a relatively new device there is no telling how it will affect the aging process. The new screw top is said to help maintain the consistency of wine long term. Corks are said to leak.
What is a wines “body”?
A wine’s “body” is the combination of alcohol and fruitiness. Pay attention to how it feels in your mouth. A wine high in alcohol will feel warmer. A wine low in alcohol will feel cooler and refreshing.
What wine will I drink with my meal?
The most important food and wine pairing rule of all: Drink the wine you like with the food you like; there are no wrong answers if you enjoy the match. The main concept behind pairings is that certain elements (such as texture and flavor) in both food and wine react differently to each other and finding the right combination of these elements will make the entire dining experience more enjoyable. However, taste and enjoyment are very subjective and what may be a ”textbook perfect” pairing for one taster could be less enjoyable to another. While there are many books, magazines and websites with detailed guidelines on how to pair food and wine, most food and wine experts believe that the most basic element of food and wine pairing is understanding the balance between the “weight” of the food and the weight (or body) of the wine. Heavy, robust wines like Cabernet Sauvignon can overwhelm a light delicate dish like a quiche while light bodied wines like Pinot Grigio would be similarly overwhelmed by a hearty stew.
Still need help?
For brunch, select a wine similar to those you’d choose for a picnic. If egg dishes are involved, go with sparkling wine.
A formal dinner calls for special wines. Cabernet Sauvignon or other full-bodied reds, oak-aged Chardonnay, or higher quality or aged bottling of either hue. Of course, the most best wines of all are the ones that you like.
Should I buy an expensive wine?
Not necessarily. 80% of the time you’re not going to enjoy them any more than a bottle costing less than $10 retail. If you have a stuffy nose, spend very little on wine. 80% of taste is smell (through the back of your mouth, not the front of your nose) and if you’re nose isn’t up for it, you won’t be either.
Why a wine glass?
Drink wine from crystal wine glasses. Fill the glass about 1/3 full. Then, learn to swirl. Practice by placing the glass on the table, hold at the base of the rim of the glass, and move around in a small clock-wise circle. Swirling aerates the wine and brings the aromas up. Finally, quickly smell.
Wine Ratings?
Treat wine ratings with a huge grain of salt. Everyone has different tastes, and this includes wine. Be adventurous in your wine choices.
Who can help me?
Ask for advice from someone more knowledgeable about wine than you.
Wine tastings?
Start going to wine tastings and wine classes. When there, drink all of the same varietal (such as pinot noir) together, rather than jumping from grape to grape. Never wear perfume or cologne to a tasting, nor a white shirt/blouse, or lipstick. Don’t be afraid to spit...all of the serious tasters do that.
How do I sharpen my wine tasting skills?
Get in the habit of jotting down a few quick notes whenever you taste an interesting wine – or one that you just didn’t like.
What to buy?
Is it red or white? Start sampling wines from a particular region. This is a great way to learn more about wine and it’ll help to clarify your wine-buying and tasting in the future. Try buying three or four bottles of the same region. Stick to either red or white, then select from different wineries and from different vintages.
Hopefully these hints will assist both you and I to become more knowledgeable about our new found “pleasure”. I know there is a lot more to learn, but this has been a great start for me. So, the next time we see one another let’s lift our glasses and say “Cheers”.
Article by Brent Thomas
brentt@gmail.com
Tony's On The Lake reviewed by Gary Ghramm
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| Tony’s On The Lake, 6823 E Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive, Coeur d’Alene, 667-9885 |
Tony’s is a warm Italian restaurant with a rich heritage of Italian cooking that brings to the Inland Northwest a cozy restaraunt with something on the menu for everyone. Gary’s favorites at Tony’s? “The scallops are wonderful for a starter and the tenderloin is absolutely great. They cook it to perfection.” “Tony’s location just can’t be beat. Located on a beautiful spot on Lake Coeur d’Alene, the atmosphere is cozy, particularly in the winter sitting in front of the warm wood fireplaces. And the incredibly friendly service.”
Tony’s is owned by the D’Alessandro family; Paul, Bonnie, and daughter Cheyenne. Paul’s grandparents emigrated from Tuscany in 1909 and passed on their love of cooking to their future generations. Cheyenne studied in Florence and graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Paul owned a very successful restaurant, Americo’s Trattoria Italiano, in Sacramento, California from 1976-1986. Architect and old friend Rann Height saw the potential in Tony’s and convinced Paul to relocate to Coeur d’Alene. With Rann’s vision, Tony’s on the Lake has been completely remodeled. It is a jewel in our community.
With it’s incredible hospitality, comfortable and warm dining room ambience and delicious authentic italian inspired cuisine, it is a favorite of locals. In the summer, many of Tony’s customers can be seen arriving by boat to moor them at the newly updated docks.
About Tony’s On The Lake
Tony’s fine Italian restaurant is tucked away on the east side of beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene just east of downtown. Their current Fall Hours are: Wednesdays through Sundays, bar & appetizers at 4PM, dinner Service at 5 PM.
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| Gary Ghramm |
Gary Ghramm is the Owner of BeeHive Homes in Coeur d’Alene and Pinehurst. He is an elder with the LDS Church, and likes to spend his free time with his family which boasts eight grown children and 23 grandchildren.
Fisherman's Market reviewed by Kim Washko
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| Fisherman’s Market and Grill, 215 W Kathleen Ave, Coeur d’Alene, 664-4800 |
Kim and her husband Jim have recently become empty nesters and one of their favorite new past time’s is “dating,” and one of their favorite places to go is Fisherman’s Market and Grill on Kathleen in Coeur d’Alene.
The Fisherman’s Market has a casual friendly atmosphere. “It’s like bringing the Oregon Coast to North Idaho” remarks Washko. Owners Bob and Jennifer Palm and their son Matthew all work at the restaurant and are usually seen behind the counter. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, the fare includes fish and chips, salads, and snacks.
A big draw to the Fisherman’s Market is it’s sushi bar with dozen’s of varieties of rolls and signature speciality, the Caterpillar Roll which consists of freshwater eel, cream cheese, avocado, cucumber, tobiko, and sweet eel sauce, people can find something to satisfy their individual tastes as well as find a healthy alternative to the usual restaurant fare.
Along with the Taste of Baja menu and sushi bar they offer numerous varieties of tartar sauce, beer, wine, and sake. The market has been steadily growing a loyal clientele, and has become the place to go in Coeur d’Alene for fresh fish.
Kim likes the central location with easy access and plenty of parking. “The food is the draw. I love their Sushi Bar, and their Salmon Caesar Salad and Fish Tacos are unbelievable!” Don’t just take Kim’s word for it, try them yourself. And if you’re in a rush, they offer take out. Tell them Kim sent you.
About Fisherman’s Market & Grill
The Fisherman’s Market opened in 2007 and offers many varieties of fresh fish daily. You can eat in the restaurant or have them wrap some up for you to take home. They are centrally located and open Monday thru Saturday from 11am to 8pm.
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| Kim Washko |
Kim Washko has been the owner of Hands to Art for 8 years and has been married to her husband Jim for 24 years. She loves the outdoors and some of her favorite activities are running, kayaking, and camping. When not working at Hands to Art she is very active with the Junior Miss program.
Fleur de Sel reviewed by Tom Malzahn
Fleur de Sel, 4365 E Inverness Dr, Post Falls, 777-7600
“My first career allowed me to fly airplanes for the United States Marine Corps for twenty years. I truly wondered if a second career could be as rewarding and my answer is “YES”. Now, Tom Malzahn, Kootenai County Treasurer, is managing our money.
When Tom’s not directly involved with tax payer issues, it’s life with his grandkids. With three in Spokane Valley and one in Priest River, Tom proclaims “they’re what you live for.” When the kids aren’t around, he participates in the Post Falls Rotary or is out golfing at his favorite golf course, the Highlands. You’ll also find him enjoying his favorite restaurant Fleur de Sel. “Patricia (owner and hostess) always welcomes us with a hug” Malzahn says. “The restaurant is very, very warm inside - a place I really like to be”.
The restaurant offers outdoor seating in warm weather, and according to Tom “the view is the best, well, maybe Beverly’s during the day, but definitely Fleur de Sel at night with the lights of the city. I would eat anything on the Fleur de Sel menu.” With a variety of French fair, the menu changes with the seasons. The wine list is extensive and offers something for every taste and to compliment the menu items.
Although Tom would eat anything off their menu he and Cathy do have some favorites. Crab and Potato Beignets or the Pommes Frites are shared for their Appetizer, then the Shrimp, Avocado, and Mozzarella Salad , “very fun salads”, and finally for their main course Tom enjoys the Leg of Lamb or Pork Tenderloin, “the seasoned flavors melt in your mouth”, while Cathy prefers trying their fish specials.
Owners Laurant and Patricia Zirotti moved to Post Falls from Billings, Montana and have since created an experience that all their faithful patrons enjoy. While Patricia mans the front of the restaurant, Laurant mans the back as the Head Chef. With a menu that is high class but affordable it’s a great customer service experience, and with the elegant but casual atmosphere the Zirotti’s are a duo to be reckoned with.
“My first career allowed me to fly airplanes for the United States Marine Corps for twenty years. I truly wondered if a second career could be as rewarding and my answer is “YES”. Now, Tom Malzahn, Kootenai County Treasurer, is managing our money.
When Tom’s not directly involved with tax payer issues, it’s life with his grandkids. With three in Spokane Valley and one in Priest River, Tom proclaims “they’re what you live for.” When the kids aren’t around, he participates in the Post Falls Rotary or is out golfing at his favorite golf course, the Highlands. You’ll also find him enjoying his favorite restaurant Fleur de Sel. “Patricia (owner and hostess) always welcomes us with a hug” Malzahn says. “The restaurant is very, very warm inside - a place I really like to be”.
The restaurant offers outdoor seating in warm weather, and according to Tom “the view is the best, well, maybe Beverly’s during the day, but definitely Fleur de Sel at night with the lights of the city. I would eat anything on the Fleur de Sel menu.” With a variety of French fair, the menu changes with the seasons. The wine list is extensive and offers something for every taste and to compliment the menu items.
Although Tom would eat anything off their menu he and Cathy do have some favorites. Crab and Potato Beignets or the Pommes Frites are shared for their Appetizer, then the Shrimp, Avocado, and Mozzarella Salad , “very fun salads”, and finally for their main course Tom enjoys the Leg of Lamb or Pork Tenderloin, “the seasoned flavors melt in your mouth”, while Cathy prefers trying their fish specials.
Owners Laurant and Patricia Zirotti moved to Post Falls from Billings, Montana and have since created an experience that all their faithful patrons enjoy. While Patricia mans the front of the restaurant, Laurant mans the back as the Head Chef. With a menu that is high class but affordable it’s a great customer service experience, and with the elegant but casual atmosphere the Zirotti’s are a duo to be reckoned with.
About Fleur de Sel
In the same building as the Highlands Day Spa, Fleur de Sel serves gourmet French inspired dishes. Reservations are recommended. The restaurant owners, Laurent and Patricia Zirotti, moved to Post Falls from Billings, Montana and opened the restaurant in 2008.
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| Tom Malzahn |
Who is Tom Malzahn?
Tom Malzahn has been the Kootenai Treasurer for nine years. He’s a member and past president of the National Association of County Treasurers and an active member in the Post Falls Rotary.
Michael D's reviewed by Karen Ouren
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| Michael D’s Eatery, 203 E Coeur d’Alene Lake Dr, Coeur d’Alene, 676-9049 |
Karen Ouren is a stylist at Lather Salon on 4th Street. Her husband Ron Ouren, an icon in the banking industry, is the VP/SR Relationship Service Officer with Panhandle State Bank. They are both enjoying their six grandchildren after raising their three children here in Coeur d’Alene.
Between her work, her passion for cancer programs (especially Pancreatic because she lost a sister), community activities, love of cooking, and the time she finds to exercise, every now and then she sneaks a breakfast out.
Karen loves to cook, so she is very fussy and critical about where she eats and likes to go to places where the food is really good. “Breakfast is one of my favorite meals”, and her favorite place for breakfast is Michael D’s. “The food is always consistent and there is plenty of it! The service is good, the food is always excellent, and it’s a fun place to see lots of local faces.” Because both she and Ron are health conscious, the menu items they choose are healthy. Karen chooses the Veggie Omelet. “It’s “excellent, very healthy, and they’ll serve fruit instead of hash-browns.” And it’s always oatmeal for Ron.
Michael D’s is owned by Michael DePasquale who was born in Warren, Rhode Island in 1960, the fourth son of Margherita & Phillip DePasquale. Michael showed his calling, asking Santa for a Suzie Homemaker Oven at an age his peers were playing with G.I. Joe and dirt bikes. While still wet behind the ears Michael showed his interest in chickens, adopting a magnificent Rhode Island Red which he taught to chase Frisbees and cackle on cue. Michael and Big Red left home to seek their fame and fortune and ended up in Coeur d’Alene where he opened Michael D’s on November 8th, 1998.
Michael D’s serves breakfast all day and features omelet’s with names like Seclusion, Adventurous, Bashful, Yawner, and Shameless, too name a few, along with the usual breakfast fare. Lunch features several sandwich options and a variety of salads to choose from. One of the salads is appropriately named “The Rhode Island Red”.
About Michael D’s Eatery
After years of work the dream of Michael D’s Eatery was hatched (no pun intended!) This year they will celebrate their 11 year anniversary. They are open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week from 6am to 2pm.
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| Karen Ouren |
Karen Ouren has been a stylist for 40 years as well as a local business owner. A resident of Coeur d’Alene for 45 years, she and husband Ron have raised two daughters (both of them are stylists) and one son.
Toro Viejo reviewed by Jeff Conroy
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| Toro Viejo, 117 N 2nd St, Coeur d’Alene, 667-7676 |
When he is not being a champion for the Homeless, Jeff enjoys golfing, reading, and relaxing with his wife Jeannette at their favorite restaurant, Toro Viejo located at 2nd and Lakeside in Coeur d’Alene.
Toro Viejo offers fine Mexican dining and is proud to offer home style cooking at very reasonable prices. “It’s the best Mexican food in town” according to Conroy. “It’s good, it’s inexpensive, and the service is unbelievable. The staff is always friendly. They always remember your names, your kids, and what they’re doing”. Jeff’s favorite meal is definitely the Fajita Quesadilla. He does, however, have difficulty finishing it after “gorging” himself with the chips and salsa provided while he waits for the main course. Jeannette prefers the Chicken Taquitos. “I’ve NEVER had a bad thing. Everything we’ve ordered has been excellent”. And for dessert...”you have to have the flan!”
With their excellent food, clean friendly atmosphere and good service Toro Viejo is not just Jeff’s favorite, but the favorite of many local residents.
About Toro Viejo
Toro Viejo is an Authentic Mexican Restaurant with four locations; Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Hayden and Rathdrum. With menu prices hovering around $10.00, and a never ending supply of chips and salsa, it’s a great place to take the family for an inexpensive dinner out.
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| Jeff Conroy |
Jeff is the Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul in Coeur d’Alene. He has been married to Jeannette for 23 years and they have three children. Jeff is an active member in Sunrise Rotary and is currently attending Gonzaga University to earn a Doctorate in Leadership Philosophy.
Scratch reviewed by Jamie Lynn Morgan
Jamie Lynn Morgan moved to Coeur d’Alene from Montana nineteen years ago and met her husband Tom on the very first night she moved to town. They now are raising their three children here and both are local business owners.
When Jamie is not promoting local tourism businesses or volunteering she and Tom like to get out and enjoy many of the local restaurants in the Coeur d’Alene area. “Trying to pick just one favorite restaurant is very hard for me” Jamie says “I like each one for a different reason. But, if I have to pick just one it would be Scratch.”
Scratch was opened in Coeur d’Alene in 2009 and is the sister restaurant to the one in Spokane, Washington. Partners Connie Naccarato and Jason Rex marry passion, vision and expertise to provide the ultimate dining experience at Scratch. Jason Rex is one of Spokane’s most revolutionary chefs whose cuisine has been heralded by local and national media since his earliest days in the kitchen. His contemporary American fare at Scratch perfectly marries the highest quality seasonal ingredients with his highly skilled and nuanced use of complementing and contrasting flavors and textures.
Serving lunch and dinner, the lunch menu features items like the Grow Up Grill Cheese, Panini’s, and a variety of wraps, burgers, and sandwiches. Dinner has a mix of seafood, steaks, and pasta dishes. Some of the dinner items you will find are a Gluten Free Stir Fry, New Zealand Rack of Lamb, and the ever popular Surf and Turf.
Since Scratch is a fairly new addition to the restaurant scene in Coeur d’Alene Jamie says that to choose a favorite from the menu is something she finds hard to do “I am still working my way through the menu and so far everything has been so delicious. I can’t pick just one entree item, but their Signature Salad is to die for. Tried to recreate it at home...let’s just say it was not the same.”
About Scratch Coeur d’Alene
Located at 501 Sherman Ave, Coeur d’Alene Scratch is open six days a week for dinner from 3:00pm to 10:00pm Monday-Thursday and until 11:00pm on Friday and Saturday. Lunch is served Monday-Friday from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
Scratch Restaurant and Lounge, 501 Sherman Ave, Coeur d’Alene, 930-4762
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| Jamie Lynn Morgan |
Jamie is the owner of NW Marketing 411. She specializes in Relationship Marketing for the tourism industry. She is an active participant in the North Idaho Tourism Summit and a member of the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce Membership Outreach Committee.
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