Recently Reviewed

by Inlander Staff


Bonsai Bistro -- The Bonsai Bistro (housed in a renovated concrete building just across the street from the Coeur d'Alene resort) is a fun restaurant with a cool concept and pan-Asian foods that range from mild and comfortable to fiery and stylish. The interior is understated, with warm earth tones complementing the chic lighting. The ginger chicken and broccoli ($12) is lovely, with the bright green steamed broccoli ringing the plate around a mound of tender chicken in a delicate ginger sauce. The crispy beef Szechuan ($13) is hot and tingly, with lots of julienne carrots and celery, green onions and bean sprouts in a spicy sweet and sour soy sauce. Service by the helpful staff is excellent. 101 Sherman Ave., CdA Call: (208) 765-4321 (Reviewed 9/30/04, LM)





Moxie -- Moxie is back with a sophisticated new look and location, with a menu that features Chef Ian Wingate's signature fusion creations, which lean toward the Asian: wok-seared spiced orange stir-fry and coconut jasmine rice available with steak ($12), ahi tuna ($12) chicken ($10) duck ($12) tofu and eggplant ($10) and prawns ($14). Sweet ginger-glazed Rogue River salmon ($18) and sesame seed seared yellow fin tuna ($18) are also on the menu. And fear not, for good ol' American cuisine (charbroiled chipotle-glazed meatloaf ($14) with mashed potatoes) is represented. The flat iron steak ($16) was a succulent success, cooked as ordered, with a delicate miso teriyaki glaze and sweet chili-glazed vegetables. 816 W. Sprague. Call: 456-3594. (Reviewed 8/19/04, LM)





Caife Cistin -- OK, so maybe Ireland isn't really known for its rich, fresh coffee beans, but Post Falls' Caife Cistin is known for offering a variety of the region's best roasters. The caf & eacute; is comfortable and decorated with art by local students. The latte we ordered was clean and bright with none of the murky burned beans essence that sometimes mars even the most conscientious latte. The Americano -- made from Portland Roasting Company's finest -- was also an above-par coffee concoction. The baked goods -- many supplied by Spokane's Sweetwater Baking Company -- include bagels, muffin tops, cookies and a variety of bars. In addition to the coffee, Caife Cistin offers Evivva Yerba Mate and a variety of specialty tea products. 2600 E. Seltice Way, Suite E. Call: 208-773-9510 (Reviewed 11/11/04, SB)





Cap'n Juicy's Super Duper Weenies -- A hot dog is a hot dog is a hot dog, right? Not at Cap'n Juicy's, where you walk up to the order window and choose from creations featuring the standard-sized all-beef New York deli-style dog, or, for about a buck more, one of the quarter-pounders -- kosher hot dog, kosher Polish sausage, Longhorn German sausage and Red Hook Beer-basted bratwurst. The $2.69 New York Coney (with chili sauce, mustard and onions over a kosher dog) is satisfying with mildly spicy meat sauce and sweet, diced onions. The $2.69 Reuben Classic (sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and special mustard over a Polish sausage) came with a blanket of kraut-laced melted real Swiss filling the bun gap above a moist Polish sausage. Big and juicy they are, so grab lots of napkins. 114 N. Howard St. Call 455-6750 (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 in Spokane and is broken down into appetizers, salads, sandwiches and specialties. There is also a fine selection of tap beers, wine and hard liquor. The Pork Burrita's ($8.95) roasted chunks of tender, mildly spicy pork filled a large, crispy flour tortilla that had been folded once and grilled and topped with shredded lettuce, tomato-onion salsa and sour cream. It was huge and came with a generous portion of ranch-style (cooked, not refried) black beans. The Salmon Cakes ($9.25) were moist on the inside and crispy outside, topped with a soothing light sour cream/dill sauce, and the bacon and smoked cheddar potato cakes were sublime. The service is efficient and accurate. 1658 E. Miles Ave., Hayden Lake, Idaho. Call (208) 772-7711. (MC)





Anthony's Homeport -- Anthony's has brought its Seattle style to Spokane, settling into one of the best spots in town, the former Satly's above the Spokane Falls. Seafood and freshwater fish dominate the menu. The $23 Northwest Duet (wild king salmon in a sweet pepper beurre blanc and Alaskan halibut) was perfectly cooked and flavorful. The $25 yellow fin ahi was marinated in a ginger soy sauce, chargrilled medium rare and served with homemade pineapple chutney. Soup or a salad is included with all dinners. Service is capable though not, as yet, outstanding. Reservations recommended. 510 N. Lincoln St. Call: 328-9009 (LM, reviewed 10/28/04)





Publication date: 12/02/04