Recently Reviewed

by Inlander Staff


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)





Kim Do Vietnamese Restaurant -- Kim Do makes it easy to enjoy authentically prepared Vietnamese dishes -- and great service, too. The family-run restaurant is cheerful, very tidy and spotlessly clean. Each table is outfitted with a stainless steel spoon/fingerbowl/chopstick caddy and a stunning array of condiments. Menu items include appetizers, noodle soups, rice dishes, noodle dishes and can be ordered by number. The fresh spring rolls (2 for $2.50) are terrific, translucent rolls filled with shrimp, noodles and vegetables and served with peanut sauce. The Pho Ga noodle soup ($5.50) is satisfying, but the real slam dunk may be the bun thit nu'ong cha gio ($6), a diverse rice vermicelli noodle dish with grilled sliced pork, deep-fried egg rolls, bean sprouts and lettuce. 2018 N. Hamilton St. Call: 487-7700 (9/2/04, MC)





The Bite Me Caf & eacute; -- The diverse and value-packed menu here has a noticeable south-of-the-border influence with breakfasts (served all day), burgers, sandwiches, fish and chicken baskets, burritos, tacos, sides and appetizers. The breakfast burrito (a large grilled flour tortilla stuffed with eggs, cheddar cheese, hash browns and ham, bacon or sausage for $4) was bursting with quality, tasty ingredients and was rendered even better with the addition of the homemade medium salsa. The #2 biscuits and gravy meal (with one biscuit, hash browns and two eggs for $4) was flavorful and quite filling, with eggs that were actually "over medium" as requested. The two-egg breakfast sans meat (with hash browns and toast only) at $3.75 is a home run deal. Service is conscientious and courteous. 113 W. Indiana Ave. Call 326-0359. (MC)





Herbal Essence -- The restaurant's interior walls are a deep cabernet and are highlighted by colorful artwork. Sparkly candles add romance. The clever, surprising menu here mixes and matches a variety of ingredients and flavors. Seafood stuffed 12-oz. ribeye ($24) was enormous and beautifully presented, with mashed potatoes forming a peak with a sprig of fresh rosemary on top. Sauteed squash added color and crunch, and the stuffing was deliciously rich in crab, shrimp and cheese. The coconut-crusted gulf prawns ($17.35) in a Key West sweet-and-sour sauce consisted of six jumbo prawns coated in coconut batter and pan-fried to a golden brown. The sauce was more sweet than sour and went well with the prawns. Our server was very attentive. 115 N. Washington. Call 838-4600. (LM)





Publication date: 11/25/04