Recently Reviewed

by Inlander Staff


Latah Bistro -- Just south of town along Hwy 95 is where you'll find the Latah Bistro, a new neighborhood restaurant located in a strip mall across from a Tidyman's. The interior is surprisingly comfortable and chic. And the appetizers, salads, pizzas and pastas are anything but ordinary. The entrees include salmon and a pork tenderloin grilled brochettes over lemon-oregano risotto, feta cheese and spinach ($19). The pan-roasted duck breast with roasted cabbage, mashed potatoes and pomegranate puree ($21) was delightful, all the comfort you'd expect, with the pomegranate puree adding a bit of exotic sophistication. Knowledgeable and courteous staff. 4241 S. Cheney-Spokane Road Call: 838-8338. (Reviewed 4/28/05, LM)





El Gallo Giro -- El Gallo Giro is fast food in the only way you want food to be fast -- that is, rapidly prepared. You sacrifice nothing in terms of quality or authenticity. Lots of choices and cheerful service, too. The Gallo Giro tacos (in a rice and beans combo for $6.50) are terrific: tender seasoned meat (your choice) in delicate white corn tortillas with a squirt of lime and a drizzle of freshly made hot sauce. The carne asada burrito ($4.50) is big, dusted with cheese and bathed in a rich red enchilada sauce. It was nicely balanced. And try the selection of hot sauces. 305 S. Thor St. 535-0142 (Reviewed 4/21/05, MC)





Coeur d'Alene Brew Pub -- The dozen (or more) Coeur d'Alene Brewing Company ales are distinctive and clean tasting. To go along with all those cool pints, the comfortable CdA brewpub has a diverse and interesting menu featuring salads, soups, sandwiches, wraps, pasta, even fish tacos. The $8.50 Alehouse Sandwich -- made with quality ingredients like sliced turkey breast, bacon, provolone, lettuce, red onion and roasted pepper aioli on sourdough -- is hefty and satisfying. The $11 fish and chips (coated in Lakeside Ale batter), however, are so-so. A pleasant atmosphere and good service come standard. Corner of Second Street and Lakeside Avenue, Coeur d'Alene. Call (208) 664-2739 (Reviewed 4/7/05, MC)





The Porch Public House -- The Porch's rustic yet sophisticated log cabin ambience is most inviting and compliments its Hayden Lake neighborhood. The menu resembles the Elk's and is broken down into appetizers, salads, sandwiches and specialties. The Pork Burrita's ($8.95) roasted chunks of tender, mildly spicy pork filled a large, crispy flour tortilla that had been folded once, grilled and topped with shredded lettuce, salsa and sour cream. It was huge and came with a generous portion of black beans. 1658 E. Miles Ave., Hayden Lake, Idaho. Call (208) 772-7711. (MC)





Rocky Rococo -- Rocky Rococo has been serving Spokane's pizza needs for 18 years, and here's why: The location and atmosphere are great, the pies are uniquely tasty deep-dish numbers, the staff is cheerful and the salad bar is probably the best you'll find downtown. For lunch, the unlimited salad bar for $6 is a good option, but so is the #3 special (a regular slice of your choice with a trip to the salad bar and a medium soda) at $6.39. A "slice" here is a sturdy rectangular slab of crunchy-chewy crust topped with a sweet and tangy sauce, melted cheese, and your choice of toppings. 520 W. Main Ave. Call 747-1000. (Reviewed 3/10/05, MC)





Publication date: 05/05/05