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)





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, Post Falls. Call 208-773-9510. (Reviewed 11/11/04, SB)





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)





Stadium Pizza Parlor -- For over 25 years, this family-owned Northwest Spokane neighborhood pizza joint has been serving great food with a personal touch. And the menu is full of choices: pizzas, calzones, soups, sandwiches, pasta and an impressive array of appetizers. The large two-item calzone ($6.30) -- filled with cheese, black olives and onion -- was massive, beautifully golden brown with a substantial rolled crust and lots of fresh fillings. The Reuben sandwich ($6.20) was light and crisp and generously packed with tender corned beef, kraut and melted Swiss. The atmosphere is casual and the service is prompt and friendly. And there's a full bar next to the restaurant. 4423 W. Wellesley Ave. Call 327-1551. (Reviewed 2/10/05, MC)





Publication date: 2/17/05