In 2007, we photographed Adam Hegsted at Coeur d'Alene's Brix Restaurant for a story on his award-winning Taste of Spain dish. Seven years, numerous national awards, and several restaurants later, Hegsted is back at the restaurant, which changed its name to the Cellar in 2010. He's not just the chef, though; he's the owner, having recently purchased it from Tom and Patricia Power.
Hegsted revamped the menu toward shared plates, similar to The Wandering Table, one of two restaurants he opened this spring in Spokane. Bites and Tastes are priced per piece: bacon-wrapped dates, jalapeño poppers, salt-roasted escargot ($2 each) or sockeye salmon cakes ($3). Order dishes like baby kale with shaved celery and candied lemon ($6/$12), charcuterie ($5/$18), bouillabaisse ($8/$12) as half or full plates.
Look for numerous specials — Pints & Pies (pizza and beer, $10), Drink Your Glass Off ($5 wine, $20 house bottle), Taco Tuesdays, a daily happy hour from 2-6 pm — as well as live music at this charming downtown local favorite.
The Cellar • 317 E. Sherman Ave. • Coeur d'Alene • Tues-Sun, 4 pm-close; Sat-Sun 11:30 am-4 pm • TheCellarCDA • 208-664-9463
