Fisherman's Market reviewed by Kim Washko

Fisherman’s Market and Grill, 215 W Kathleen Ave, Coeur d’Alene, 664-4800

A passion for art and children inspired Kim Washko to open Hands to Art, and it’s a passion that keeps her inspired. As well as being a business owner she is also part of the Contemporary Ceramic Art Association.

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.

Kim Washko

Who‘s 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.

Michael D's reviewed by Karen Ouren

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.

Karen Ouren

Who is 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

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.

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

Jamie Lynn Morgan

Who is 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.

Thai Bamboo reviewed by Shelly Zollman

Thai Bamboo, 2010 N 4th St, Coeur d’Alene, 667-5300

You can take the girl out of the city but you can’t take the city out of the girl. Since relocating from the Seattle area with husband Kevin in 1999, Shelly Zollman has missed the diverse ethnic cuisine they had become accustomed to. “We love this area,” said Shelly “and are really glad to see a few new ethnic dining choices.” Mexican Food Factory and Babak Kabab are family favorites for their authentic food preparation and great value “but my new personal favorite restaurant is Thai Bamboo” she said.

“We frequent Thai Bamboo for their lunch specials,” Shelly said. “My favorites are phad thai noodles, phad phak, which is sautéed vegetables and chicken in oyster sauce, or the phad khing, also veggies and chicken but with a ginger-flavored sauce.”  She added, “business lunches work well in their ample booths and it’s always a hit when family is in town to order several ‘family style’ dishes.”  The variety and quality compared to Thai restaurants from the Seattle area also impress Shelly. “The sauces and seafood choices are all fresh and flavorful. Heaven to me is a little bit of many dishes with some jasmine rice and phad thai.”

Shelly described the Thai Bamboo, conveniently located on 4th Street near I –90, as “a little escape from the mundane.”  The starry ceiling in the main dining room, bamboo and Asian art features, as well as the neon extravaganza of the Galaxy Lounge might be “a bit over the top, but they transform the dining experience into a complete sensory vacation.”

Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., it offers micro brews, margarita drink specials and take out specials.


About Thai Bamboo:
Thai Bamboo’s food is naturally low in fat and calories. All dishes are cooked fresh-to-order so all the flavors and nutrients are left intact. Most dishes can be ordered from mildly spicy to very spicy-hot.

Shelly Zollman

Who is Shelly Zollman? 

Shelly is co-founder and lead designer of Zolmedia.com, a web design and development firm in Coeur d’Alene. She is an active commodore for the Coeur d’Alene Chamber and enjoys an occasional down time jam session of Guitar Hero with children Maya and Jaeger.

Cafe Carambola reviewed by Art Elliot

Cafe Carambola, 610 W. Hubbard #110, Coeur d’Alene, 208-676-8764

When not enjoying all of the outdoor activities that this area offers, North Idaho’s Green Builder of Choice, Art Elliot, CEO of Shelter Associates, Inc., enjoys a nuevo Latino fusion lunch at Cafe Carambola. “It’s a great place to gather with friends and family,” Art says “and it’s a perfect spot for lunch with a taste of business.”

The inside seating is limited to a half-dozen tables with a few tables added outside in summer months, all of which are continually filled with noon-time diners. Art recommends getting there early to beat the faithful regulars. Cafe Carambola’s location in Harbor Plaza on Northwest Boulevard is convenient “from downtown, midtown and Riverstone,” Art explains. “Call ahead for carryout and you’ll be at one of the downtown parks or beaches in minutes.”

Art recommends the Tortas (sandwich) La Poteña, which has a chipotle drizzle, pinto beans, chipotle crema, pickled jalapeño, pico de galla, queso fresco and chicken, pork or beef. “My goal is to only eat half but I can rarely resist the second half,” he said. His beverage of choice is one of the Aquas Frescas, Mexican style fresh fruit coolers “that are the perfect drink to go with lunch.”

He echoes others in appreciating the friendly and efficient service provided by chef/owner Colomba Aguilar and the small staff. Art’s son, Colin, worked one summer in their kitchen so “now Trudy and I get to benefit from what Columba taught him!”

When asked what the specialty of the house is, Art replied, “their entire menu is a specialty of the house.”

About Cafe Carambola:

This is one of the most-popular yet best kept secret lunch places in Coeur d’Alene. Open weekdays only from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In the summer months, many of the fresh vegetables come directly from the owner’s garden.

Art Elliot

Who is Art Elliot? 

Art is CEO of Shelter Assoicates, Inc., past Chairman of the Board of the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce and is currently Chairman of the State of Idaho’s Contractors Registration Board. Art and wife, Trudy, have been Coeur d’Alene area residents since 1981.

Fort Ground Grill reviewed by Dustin Ainsworth

Fort Ground Grill, 705 W River Ave, Coeur d’Alene, 664-6186

Mixing business with pleasure is a common mantra for many professionals lucky enough to call North Idaho home. Dustin Ainsworth, Marketing Representative is no exception. Since his arrival to Coeur d’Alene in 1993, Dustin has enjoyed the four seasons to their fullest. Many of Dustin’s clients have become friends and join him snowmobiling, fishing, golfing and wake boarding.

The fact that the owners of Fort Ground Grill are clients of Dustin’s make it even better that it’s one of his favorite establishments. Some may recall this location was formerly known as the Fort Ground Tavern, where for decades the Gray family served up a mean cheeseburger, but many like Dustin are just as enamored with the new digs that reopened as The Fort Ground Grill in 2006.

The interior design is warm yet modern and still authentic to its historic past displaying historical city of Coeur d’Alene photos and art pieces. 
Dustin said, “It’s a great place for a business lunch or with friends. An Arnold Palmer (half lemonade and half ice tea) along with the Cougar Bay salad, a combo of mixed greens, candied walnuts, pears, cranberry raisins, feta and maple vinaigrette topped with chicken breast, is one of the best lunches in town and worth checking out.“

Big screen televisions add another element to this upscale pub where, according to Dustin, “with clients or with friends, one of the best servers anywhere, Diane, always makes the experience a pleasure.  She also makes a great red-beer on Sunday mornings during football season.”

This blend of elegance, casual fare and versatile family to sports bar atmosphere make it much more than your average grill.

About Fort Ground Grill:
Open at 7 a.m. daily and located on River Avenue in the historic Fort Ground District adjacent to the North Idaho College Campus, Fort Ground Grill offers a full service bar, breakfast daily until 3 p.m. and a breakfast, lunch and dinner children’s menu.

Dustin Ainsworth

Who is Dustin Ainsworth?
Dustin is a Marketing Representative for Kootenai Title Company. He is a founding member of The Coeur Group, Coeur d’Alene Public Library Foundation, Coeur d’Alene Association of Realtors and an Elder Help board member, A Rotarian and Kroc Center Street Team member.

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.

Ciao Mambo reviewed by Roberta Larson

Ciao Mambo, 8166 N Government Way, Hayden, 208-772-9555

Native-born Coeur d’Alene resident Roberta Larsen surrounds herself with a large and eclectic circle of friends and fellow community volunteers so it’s no surprise that her choice of restaurants she describes as “high decibel with conversation, pottery clanging and a general bustle of activity.”

Ciao Mambo is one of the area’s newest restaurants but has gained an enthusiastic fan base in six months. Located at the entrance to the new Hayden City Center in the Hayden Creek Plaza, the plaza’s waterfalls welcome diners. With vaulted ceilings and segmented seating areas, the ambiance is like Sunday dinner with a large Italian family. In fact, Roberta and her husband, David enjoy taking friends and family for a night out.

“This Continental Divide version of all food Italian requires almost weekly visits to savor everything from appetizers to zzzzzpizza!” declared Roberta. “The bar seating facing the kitchens whets our appetite and love of pizza. We can watch incredible pizza tossing and react with oohs and aahhs. It’s a grand show!”

The Larsens agree on their favorite appetizer, Calamari Fritti, battered and fried squid with spicy garlic marinara sauce. On a recent visit they ordered pasta to share, Gamberi Fra Diavolo, with grilled shrimp in a spicy roasted garlic marinara served with al dente spaghetti which they rated with “bellissimo!” and praise for their “delightfully lively” server, Nicki. “The presentation was beautiful,” said Roberta. The menu is ala carte so if you’re ordering an appetizer, salad and nibbling on the delicious bread, Roberta suggests sharing the entree`.

According to the Larsens, the wine list is extensive and affordable, the Italian pinot grigio a favorite. The bar has a full array of spirits and wonderfully inventive cocktails. Roberta sums up the ambiance with this observation, “Sitting in the bar area at 5 p.m., when Ciao Mambo opens, is an especially lovely way to end the work day. The west facing windows take full advantage of our glorious, gorgeous sunsets.”


About Ciao Mambo:
Ciao is pronounced “chow.” It’s an informal Italian salutation, meaning either “goodbye” or “hello.”  The Hayden restaurant opened in April 2008, following the success of the original Ciao Mambo in Whitefish, Montana.

Roberta Larson

Who ‘s Roberta Larson?
Roberta was born in Coeur d’Alene and is a self-described non-profit volunteer and activist. Her involvement includes serving on the boards of the Arts and Culture Alliance, Coeur d’Alene Library Foundation and Friends of Head Start.

Daanen's Delicatessen reviewed by Brandie Chapman

Daanen’s Delicatessen, 8040 N Wayne Blvd, Hayden, 772-7371

Brandie Chapman is a working wife and mother so her choice for dining out is decidedly family-friendly. According to the dictionary, a delicatessen is a shop were prepared cooked meats, smoked fish, cheeses, salads and relishes are sold. Add over 500 wine selections and 250 brands of beer, dinner entrees to take out or to dine in and you’ve got Daanen’s Delicatessenin Hayden.

“It’s the perfect spot for families on the run,” said Brandie, who enjoys Daanen’s for lunch and dinner. “I’d eat breakfast there, too, if they served it!” When the Chapmans are on the go from sporting events or the kid’s activities, a sandwich from Daanen’s is just the ticket.

Brandie has a hard time pinning down a favorite menu item but settles on the Landjagger. “I bet Mark and Irene Daanen have heard some pretty funny pronunciations,” laughed Brandie. She said her usual is a half turkey on a hoagie roll with lettuce, tomato, sweet hot mustard and plenty of peppercinis, topped off with a bag of Jalapeno chips and a cookie.

“Irene makes the BEST chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies,” Brandie proclaims. “We refer to it as “The Cookie.” They’re delicious and if you get one right out of the oven there is nothing better.”

Daanen’s has a great selection of import beers, micro brews and fine wines, says Brandie, who also uses the services of the business’ catering side. As a Realtor she hosts many open houses, “I always call on Irene to help me with the food. The meat and cheese trays are perfect for entertaining,” she said. “I always ask for extra Landjaggers! The food is delicious and Mark, Irene and their staff always make it so easy for me.”

Brandie and her family attended Daanen’s Octoberfest event which she described as “a blast.” But you don’t need a German-themed holiday to enjoy the celebratory atmosphere of Daanen’s year ‘round.

About Daanen’s Delicatessen:

Daanen’s is located just off Government and Prairie. Friday evenings feature wine-tasting with themed flights and a lesson about the vintages directly from Mark. They also make any variety of sandwiches for party trays, including miniature versions of all of their deli favorites.

Brandie Chapman

Who is Brandie Chapman?

A lifelong resident of Hayden Lake and Coeur d’Alene, Brandie Beebe Chapman is the mother of twins, Ryan and Reiley, married to Mike. She’s a Realtor for Century 21 Beutler & Associates.

Cafe Carambola reviewed by Haze Bauman

Café Carambola, 610 W Hubbard #110, Coeur d’Alene, 208-676-8764

Hazel Bauman spends her day with both grownups and children as the Superintendent of Schools for Coeur d’Alene’s District 271. So when she wants to enjoy a quick and convenient lunch, Cafe Carombola is at the top of the list. The location in the Harbor Plaza on Northwest Blvd. is handy for social or business connections and the lighter fare is ideal for the midday. “The food is so good!” Hazel sums up.

The inside seating is limited to a half-dozen tables, which are continually filled with noon-time diners, and Cafe Carombola’s take-out business is brisk for office workers in the area.
The draw for Hazel is much like for other fans of the fresh Latin-inspired menu, the homemade daily soups and salads. Her favorites are the Incan Quinoa salad and squash coconut soup. The refrigerated salad display is as gorgeous as it is delicious. Vibrant colors and unique combinations of ingredients year ‘round create both a visual and culinary treat. “The food is amazing and fresh, and different from any other local ethnic restaurants,” observes Hazel. She echoes others in appreciating the friendly and efficient service provided by chef/owner Colomba Aguilar and the small staff.

A variety of beverages, including Hazel’s favorite, Agua Frescas, are available but a must-try is the unique “Jamaican.” It’s a Mexican tea made from Hibiscus flowers ... a cold, burgundy-colored sweet tea that provides a perfect contrast to the spices of the house specialty tamales and the variety of tortas, which are sandwiches served on a crusty, grilled bread roll. The Torta Mexicana is a favorite, featuring slow-roasted pulled pork, salsa and goat cheese.

If you enjoy their inspired-from-Mexico/Cuba/Argentina and Peru fare as much as Hazel does, try one of the cooking classes the cafe offers. Superintendent Bauman gives Cafe Carambola an A+.

About Café Carambola:
This is one of the most-popular yet best kept secret lunch places in Coeur d’Alene. Open weekdays only from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In the summer months, many of the fresh vegetables come directly from the owner’s garden.

Hazel Bauman

Who is Hazel Bauman?
Hazel is a 35-year resident of the Coeur d’Alene area, involved in Rotary, the EXCEL Foundation and the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband, David Rawls, share a unique professional path. He’s a former superintendent of schools in Coeur d’Alene.

The Porch reviewed by the Damianos

The Porch, 1658 E Miles Ave, Hayden, 772-7711

Leslie and Phil Damiano love living in Hayden Lake and having a favorite restaurant within golf cart driving distance. They both enjoy lunch or dinner in the casual surroundings of The Porch, which is tucked among the trees on the north side of Avondale golf course and features an outdoor dining deck that spans the seasons.

The Porch has a great variety of wine by the glass or by the bottle. "We were looking for a special red wine a friend of ours had introduced us to. The bartender, Josh checked with his suppliers and the next time we were there he had five bottles of Beaudreaux Cellars waiting for us!" said Leslie.

The Damianos praise the service along with the cuisine, singling out the "great" wait staff of Nicole, Elizabeth and Robin as very family friendly, an important feature since they often dine with their children. Phil’s menu favorite is the lamb sandwich and Leslie regularly orders the pan-seared salmon cakes with sour cream dill sauce.

The Fresh Sheet changes every few days and features a soup, sandwich and main entree’. Specials are indeed special... including portabella mushroom raviolis in a smoked tomato cream sauce or grilled rockfish and rosemary red potatoes. On the regular menu, the bacon-smoked cedar potato cakes are popular as is the roasted garlic and onion bread appetizer.

Phil and Leslie credit local owners, John Grollmus, Brad Fosseen and Jeff Meagher and their hands-on management style for creating a restaurant with outstanding service and exceptional culinary quality.

Leslie sums it up well, "We enjoy the ambiance of the friendly atmosphere...we always see friends and acquaintances there and you never feel like a stranger."

About The Porch: 
The business’ website address is www.wedonthaveone.com but they do, in fact, have a website. The Porch, 1658 E. Miles Avenue in Hayden Lake, posts weekly specials online. Grollmus, Fosseen and Meagher also own the popular Sherman Avenue pub, MoonTime.

Phil and Leslie Damiano

Who are Phil & Leslie Damiano?
Leslie and Phil are both lifelong Coeur d’Alene residents and graduates of Coeur d’Alene High School. Phil is GM of Coeur d’Alene Garbage/Post Falls Sanitation and homemaker-mother-of-five Leslie is the self-described CEO of "Damiano, Inc."

Emery's reviewed by Erna Rhinehart

Emery's, 1000 W Garden Ave, Coeur d’Alene, 769-7763

Erna Rhinehart has a deep appreciation for North Idaho and all it has to offer. She enjoys anything outdoors...hiking, traveling, gardening as well as her numerous civic leadership roles. Her love for community is intertwined with her passion for education.

Erna is employed by North Idaho College, so it came as no surprise when asked what her favorite restaurant would be she replied with pride, “Emery’s Restaurant—NIC’s culinary student-run lakefront restaurant.” Emery’s is named after Emery Hedlund, a former state representative from St. Maries who played a pivotal role in getting funding for several of NIC’s buildings in the 1970s.

Opened in 1994 as a student learning lab, Emery’s menu is very eclectic. The variety and frequent change provides students with an in-depth cooking experience, while practicing their culinary techniques.  “The soups—everything from carrot, squash, bean to tomato basil—are out of this world. Entrees range from tempura halibut, a fusion wrap, crab cakes, to some phenomenal pasta dish,” says Erna. “The homemade desserts are always top of the line. Everything from homemade flavored sorbets and gelatos, to puddings, cakes, strudels, mousse, and more!” The beverage selection is somewhat limited but that is outweighed by the restaurant’s strengths. Its fresh ingredients, great service, made-from-scratch cooking, and great prices (an entire lunch runs about $7) make Emery’s a true community treasure.

Erna recommends reservations that can be made by calling 769-7763. “If there’s a downside to Emery’s it’s that it’s only open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from mid-September to late April. Chef Rick Schultz and Jeff Jenkins do a fantastic job preparing our students for the real world. By the end of the year, they run the restaurant as true professionals,” she said.

About Emery's:
Located on the North Idaho College campus, Emery’s is on the second floor of the Hedlund building overlooking Lake Coeur d’Alene. Emery’s has an unbeatable waterfront view with easy access and parking.

Erna Rhinehart

Who is Erna Rhinehart?
Erna is the Director of Communications and Marketing for North Idaho College. She’s held board of director positions for Idaho Public Television, the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations and former board member for the Excel Foundation. She and her husband Ron Cole have two sons and have been residents of Coeur d’Alene since 1983.

Beverly's reviewed by Jim Hail

Beverly's, 7th Floor, Coeur d'Alene Resort, 208.765.4000

Jim Hail doesn’t need to search the yellow pages for a favorite restaurant. He can even tell you the month and year his top choice opened. In May 1986, with the grand rebirth of The Coeur d’Alene Resort on the north shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, Beverly’s debuted as the signature fine dining at the hotel.

"I love the ambiance and the picture-postcard setting overlooking magnificent Lake Coeur d’Alene," Jim states. Combined with a state-of-the-art display kitchen, the views in either direction are stellar.

Jim lunches there frequently for business while evening dinners are just the ticket for out-of-town guests, "Beverly’s has the "WOW" factor." He also enjoys romantic dinners with his wife, Joy.

When asked to name a favorite wine Jim answers with a question of his own, "Favorite? There are literally thousands of selections on the Beverly’s wine rack, who can decide?"

The menu changes seasonally but Jim recommends Beverly’s Caesar salad topped with firecracker prawns all year. His current favorite dinner selection is Spring Pea Salad and Prime Tenderloin of Beef served with horseradish mashed potatoes. While he declares every item on the Beverly’s desert cart as extraordinary, Jim’s favorites are beignets ( a dough square, deep-fried and covered with confectioners sugar) and Bananas Foster, served Beverly’s style.

Idaho potatoes, wild huckleberries and morel mushrooms are just a few of the Northwest reasons Beverly’s remains a favorite for guests from around the country, around the world and for locals like Jim Hail.

About Beverly's:
Located on the 7th floor of The Coeur d’Alene Resort, Beverly’s is named for hotel owner Duane Hagadone’s late mother. Since opening 21 years ago, Beverly’s has consistently been ranked as one of America’s top 5-Star restaurants.

Jim Hail

Who's Jim Hail?
Jim has lived in North Idaho since 1980. A former newspaper publisher and editor, Jim founded Hagadone Directories, Inc. in November 1987 and today serves as company president and co-owner.

The Porch reviewed by John Young

The Porch, 1658 E Miles Ave, Hayden, 208.772.7711

John Young loves living in Hayden Lake so having a favorite restaurant in the neighborhood is a treat. John and his wife, Connie both enjoy the casual surroundings of The Porch, which is tucked among the trees on the north side of Avondale golf course and features an outdoor dining deck that spans the seasons. The Youngs meet friends there for lunch and dinner, but equally as oft en take the family for dinner. "Lunch at The Porch is always great, but you can add a glass or bottle of wine with dinner, so it’s a toss-up for us," John says when asked which time of day he prefers to dine there. "Red wine is without a doubt my drink of choice with dinner. The Porch has a great variety of wine by the glass or by the bottle."

The fact that John doesn’t have a favorite dish at his favorite eatery is part of the charm of the place. "There isn’t any one item that I prefer, which is probably the main attraction of The Porch," explains the local builder. "Depending on what sounds good, I can order fish, pasta, a sandwich or one of their many specials." Recent specials were indeed special... portobello mushroom raviolis in a smoked tomato cream sauce or grilled rockfish and rosemary red potatoes. On the regular menu, pan-seared salmon cakes with sour cream dill sauce and bacon-smoked cedar potato cakes are popular as is the roasted garlic and onion bread appetizer. John credits local owners, John Grollmus, Brad Fosseen and Jeff Meagher and their hands-on management style for creating a North Idaho-style restaurant with outstanding service and exceptional culinary quality.

About The Porch: 
The business’ website address is www.wedonthaveone.com but they do, in fact, have a website. The Porch, 1658 E. Miles Avenue in Hayden Lake, posts weekly specials online. Grollmus, Fosseen and Meagher also own the popular Sherman Avenue pub, MoonTime.

John Young

Who's John Young?
John lives in Hayden Lake and is the "Young" of Polin-Young Construction. He’s active in Rotary Club of Coeur d’Alene, Concerned Businesses of North Idaho, the EXCEL Foundation and the North Idaho College Foundation Board.