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.

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.

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.

Toro Viejo reviewed by Jeff Conroy

Toro Viejo, 117 N 2nd St, Coeur d’Alene, 667-7676

“It is a good bet that the members who founded the St. Thomas Conference in the spring of 1946 had no idea of how the seeds they planted would take root in the mountains of North Idaho. How proud they would be if they could see how their simple idea of taking care of the homeless, elderly, and hungry has grown. How proud they would be to count the meals that have been served, the people who have been helped and the lives that have been changed over the last 60 years. How proud they would be of the thousands of selfless volunteers who have followed in their enormous footsteps.” These are the words of Jeff Conroy, Executive Director of Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Coeur d’Alene.

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.

Jeff Conroy

Who is 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.

Capone's Pub reviewed by Steve Roberge

Capone's

Steve Roberge, District Manager of Waste Management of Idaho, has much day-to-day civic and professional responsibility so when he has free time he enjoys a place reminiscent of the classic television show, Cheers.

“Capones in Post Falls is an inviting and friendly place where, like Cheers, everyone knows your name,” he said. “I expect to see “Norm” sitting at the end of the bar.” Or maybe by the fireplace.
Eight large screen televisions tuned to the sport of the season and an eclectic decor of sports memorabilia belie the better-than-bar-fare menu, which is served from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.
Steve and his wife, Denise made a recent visit a family affair with their son, Ryan, daughter, Michelle and granddaughter, Ellie Maya. That night’s meal for the Roberges included a veal and beef meatball sandwich smothered in provolone and tomato sauce, a Philly steak sandwich with onions and peppers, a homemade house pizza and cheese bread with three choices of marinara sauces. Steve appreciated the service of waiter Jeromy Hebert, “he seemed genuinely happy that we were there.”

A big fan of dark beer, Steve enjoyed a Moose Drool draft and a Rogue Mocha Porter which he describes as a “meal in itself.” At their full-service bar Capone’s boasts 41 revolving taps ... more taps than tables, according to their website. They have the best selection of microbrews on tap in the Northwest.

Owners Tom and Teresa Capone are hands-on proprietors, which gives the pub a friendly vibe. They opened the flagship Capone’s in mid-town Coeur d’Alene in 1991 so this second location in Post Falls benefits from years of doing it right in a neighboring town. Already Capone’s has built a loyal following for the newest pub.


About Capone’s / Post Falls:
The second Capone’s opened in Post Falls in 2006 and not long after was destroyed by arson fire. Rebuilt and reopened in 2008, their football season special includes breakfast and Bloody Marys on Sunday mornings.

Steve Roberge

Who is Steve Roberge?
Steve is president of the Dalton Gardens City Council and past president of the Coeur d’Alene Rotary Club. He enjoys riding his Harley and long walks with his dog, Pabst Blue Ribbon.

Oval Office reviewed by Peter Smith

The Oval Office, 620 N Spokane St, Post Falls, 777-2102

As a busy attorney, husband and father, Peter Smith likes to keep things simple. The Oval Office in Post Falls fits the bill, especially for “date nights” with his wife, Anna in the cozy and warm ambiance. The Oval Office Bistro and Martini Bar is a spin-off from the wildly popular White House Grill, sharing an owner, Raci Erdem, but not the level of garlic as used by the White House.

Peter lists his favorite appetizer as the sweet potato fries ... crinkle cut slabs of soft sweet potatoes. He enjoys the Moroccan Spinach Salad with the cinnamon undertone in the balsamic vinaigrette. The marinated Naughty Seabass is slightly spicy and topped with a caramelized frangelico-walnut sauce. “Awesome,” Peter declares.

Although the dinner menu is expansive ... from steaks, lamb chops, seafood, chicken and pasta, it’s the appetizer or tapas menu that is popular with the after-work crowd. The Honey Brie is served in phyllo cups and topped with spicy basil honey; Skinny Secretaries are grilled asparagus topped with lemon olive oil and parmesan cheese. The FuFu Pizza is homemade pesto, feta and parmesan with sun-dried tomatoes baked on a pita.

But the star of the show at the Oval Office is served in a stemmed glass. With two dozen different martinis to choose from, there’s something for everyone. The presidential-inspired names are inspired, as well. Peter recommends his favorite, the Ronald Reagan. “For the scotch lover, it’s the Oval Office’s Rob Roy made with Dewars Scotch,” he notes. Other martinis worth trying are the “Marilyn Monroe” - made with red raspberry pucker,  “The Intern” - Godiva white and dark chocolate and Absolut and the “Woodward and Bernstein” - another dessert choice with Frangelico and Kahlua and Stohli Vanilla.
Peter has no trouble marking his ballot when he visits the Oval Office, “we can always find something that we’re craving.”


About The Oval Office:
The Oval Office is located in the former White House Grill building and fittingly celebrates two years of operation in November 2008, a presidential election year.

Peter Smith, IV

Who is Peter Smith, IV?
Peter, an attorney with Lukins & Annis, is active with the Post Falls Rotary Club, serves on Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency and as president of the First District Bar Association. He adores his two-year-old daughter, Bella, in addition to running and skiing.