Recently Reviewed

by Inlander Staff & r & Max at Mirabeau & r & Fine dining shows up even in a hotel restaurant located next to the Sullivan Road/I-90 on-ramp. And you know the Mirabeau Park Hotel is dedicated to total service, because the more than 100 items on the menu here are available all the way from 6 am (every day) to 2 am (on the weekends). Try the basil crab cakes ($12), the hot spinach salad ($6), the caprese salad ($7, with mozzarella, basil and tomato), the New Zealand rack of lamb ($28, with pankoo peanut crust and passion fruit demiglace) or the seared sesame-crusted ahi tuna with yakisoba noodles ($24). Call 922-6252. (Reviewed 7/14/05, LM)





Latah Bistro & r & 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. 4241 S. Cheney-Spokane Road Call: 838-8338. (Reviewed 4/28/05, LM)





Empyrean Coffee Shop and Caf & eacute; & r & Featuring Shop coffee, Fery's food and Sweetwater breads Empyrean (in the old Luminaria space) serves quick foods and beverages in a sophisticated yet warm and inviting atmosphere. The sandwiches are $5.50, salads, $3.95. There are mini pizza bagels (with pepperoni, sausage or veggie) for $2.50 and a selection of amazing-looking desserts. The sausage-and-cheese-stuffed bagel pocket was heated panini-style and served with Fery's famous chicken and spinach pasta salad. 154 S. Madison St. Call: 456-3676 (Reviewed 6/23/05, MC)





Lindaman's & r & Lindaman's breakfasts offer a refreshing change of pace with excellent service and a relaxed atmosphere. Breakfast orders are taken at the coffee and wine bar. Items include pastries ranging from muffins ($1.95) to blackberry strudel ($2.25). The Express Eggs ($3.95) come in three different varieties: Mexican (with hominy, guacamole, cheddar and tomatoes), the bacon-and-eggs and fresh herb. Other choices include granola, yogurt and fruit. The delicious egg creations come with biscotti but the oatmeal coffee cake ($2.25) or the almond-infused tea cake ($2.25) both make an amazing complement. 1235 S. Grand Blvd. Call: 838-3000 (Reviewed 3/3/05, SB)





Caife Cistin & r & 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)