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.

315 Martinis, Tapas and Dinner reviewed by Ali Shute

315 Martini, Tapas & Dinner, 315 Wallace Ave, Coeur d’Alene, 208-667-9660

As a busy graphic designer, gardener and wine aficionado, Ali Shute appreciates the ambiance of 315 Martinis, Tapas & Dinner, located in the historic Greenbriar Inn at 315 Wallace Ave. in downtown Coeur d’Alene. “I have always been a fan of owner and award-winning caterer, Kris McIlvenna” Ali says. “She has created a warm, inviting establishment. I feel very comfortable, even going there by myself.”

Ali doesn’t typically frequent 315 Martinis, Tapas & Dinner alone. “I usually meet my girlfriends for an afternoon of wine, laughter, and good food”, she says. “We take a cab there and have someone pick us up.” She and husband, Kevin, also enjoy going for dinner to relax and listen to music.

“The seared ahi tuna salad... mmmmmmmm good!” Ali exclaimed when asked to select her favorite dish. “The tuna melts in your mouth!” She also likes the “delicious” spiced shrimp. The restaurant has a good wine selection, which includes some of Ali’s favorites. “Plus, they have my husband’s favorite beer, Moose Drool,” she said.

When Ali feels like indulging in a martini, she chooses the lemon splash that she describes as “very good, especially on a hot afternoon out on the patio with some light jazz in the background.”

Live music is featured at 315 on Friday and Saturday nights. In summer months guests enjoy the outside deck and listening to musicians in the gazebo. Tuesday nights are “open mic night” with smooth jazz and blues. Different specials are offered each night of the week. Purchase a “Club 315” membership and relish additional special events and discounts all year.

Ali sums up the dining experience at 315 Martinis, Tapas & Dining. “It’s like being at home, but having someone else do the work.”

About 315 Martini, Tapas & Dinner:

The Greenbriar Inn was built in 1908 and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Lodging is available on the upper floors and the inn is available for weddings and events. In addition to catering services, the area’s premier cooking classes are on-site.

Ali Shute

Who is Ali Shute? 

Ali founded Art on the Edge and served as Director for many years. She is a current Kiwanis member. She and husband, Kevin, have been Coeur d’Alene area residents for 30 years. They have three adult children; Byron, 23; Conor, 21; Maegan, 19.

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.

Wolf Lodge Steakhouse reviewed by Mike McDowell

Wolf Lodge Steakhouse, 11741 E Frontage Rd, Coeur d’Alene 664-6665

Mike McDowell, our Kootenai County Assessor, laughs as he recalls the days 30- plus years ago when his current favorite dining spot was called Walley’s Wolf Lodge Tavern and they had a donkey that drank the beer tank over-flow. Things have changed and today McDowell, a fourth-generation Coeur d’Alene native, speaks highly of the Wolf Lodge Steakhouse just east of Coeur d’Alene.

Established in 1939 as a convenience store and converted to a steakhouse in the 1970s, Wolf Lodge has provided a taste of the old west for generations. Its specially seasoned steaks are grilled over an open fire of seasoned tamarack. According to Mike, cooking over the wood embers adds a “smoky hint to the tender, succulent beef.” The complete menu also includes Rocky Mountain Oysters for those looking for something different.

“We almost always head to the Wolf Lodge for special occasions” says Mike. “They provide a casual dining experience coupled with excellent food and friendly service. We always begin with their great selection of hors d’oeuvres.” Wife Kathy is particularly fond of the tiger shrimp while Mike leans toward the mushrooms, which he emphasizes are “really, really good.”

For the main course, Mike’s favorite is the 14 oz. ribeye steak. On occasion he orders the 24 oz. Porterhouse which he says is “unbelievable.”  He has yet to finish one and always leaves with a “doggy bag” ready for another meal at home. Mike also enjoys the Sweet Dough Twists with honey and Buckaroo Beans that accompany each meal. Kathy loves their fresh fish and particularly enjoys the halibut.

When it’s time for desert Mike laughs as he says, “Desert? Anyone in our group rarely has room for any!”

About Wolf Lodge Steakhouse:

Wolf Lodge is located approximately 8 miles east of Coeur d’Alene off I-90 exit 22. Head north then turn right on Frontage Road. Travel 1.25 miles to the steakhouse. Reservations are recommended.

Mike McDowell

Who is Mike McDowell? 

Mike is the current Kootenai County Assessor. His community service also includes past city councilman, member of the Coeur d’Alene Chamber Commodores and Panhandle Kiwanis. He and his wife Kathy are natives of North Idaho.

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.

The Cedars reviewed by Sharmon Schmitt

The Cedars Floating Restaurant, 1 Marina Drive, Coeur d’Alene, 664-2922

Community involvement is an understated description for the lifestyle of Sharmon Schmitt. From chambers of commerce to the Make A Wish Foundation, she’s an ardent supporter of area non-profit and business organizations. The time she has to spend with family and friends is also precious for this busy lady. Treating out-of-town guests to an evening of outdoor, on-water dining at the Cedar’s Floating Restaurant is a favorite way to relax and enjoy their company. Besides the incredible one-of-a-kind location that’s easy to get to,  “the service is always the best...everyone there remembers who you are,” says Sharmon, “that among other things, make it sure to never disappoint.”

The Cedars, an actual floating restaurant built on pods of concrete encased in styrofoam and weighing more than 1.2 million pounds, has been located at the mouth of the Spokane River since 1965. It has survived a number of floods and weather damage on Lake Coeur d’Alene, with the current building replacing the old one in 1991.  Built intentionally as a circular structure by its original owner, the views from any table are stunning. The full service lounge has an impressive appetizer menu featuring Smoked Idaho Trout and Cedars Oysters (complemented by a red chili and artichoke tartar) as well as sumptuous summer drink specials.

Sharmon and her guests enjoy the famous Cedars salad bar, along with an award winning wine selection and gourmet entrees. “Steak with peppercorn sauce is one of my favorites, along with crème brulee for dessert, although I rarely have room for that!”

Cedars has access from the lake with spacious side tie docks available during summer months. Its “resort casual” atmosphere make it a favorite boaters’ destination for a special evening out. “I’ve been a Cedars fan for 25 years. There just isn’t anything that matches the incredible food, breathtaking views and special atmosphere at the Cedars Floating Restaurant. It’s a treat at any time of year,” says Sharmon.

About The Cedars:

The Cedars Floating Restaurant is open 7 days a week at 3pm for cocktails and 4pm for dinner. Their outdoor patio is open during summer months providing a unique dining experience. 

Sharmon Schmitt

Who is Sharmon Schmitt? 

Sharmon’s 35 year career with Avista Utilities includes her current position as Commercial Industrial Account Executive. She is an avid gardner and enjoys camping. She resides in Coeur d’Alene with her husband, Dr. Don Schmitt.