Recently Reviewed

by Inlander staff


Anthony's Homeport -- Anthony's has brought its Seattle style to Spokane, settling into one of the best spots in town, the former Salty'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 outstanding. Reservations recommended. 510 N. Lincoln St. Call: 328-9009 (Reviewed 10/28/04, LM)





The Beachouse -- Located just a mile or two from downtown Coeur d'Alene, the Beachouse makes the most of its faux nautical d & eacute;cor. The menu consists of basic pub fare, glammed up for an upscale crowd. There's a Cashew Chicken Salad ($8), a Crab Salad Sandwich ($9) and a Bacon Brie Buffalo Burger ($10). The Beachouse Tacos ($8) -- marinated mini-shrimp and whitefish in lightly fried corn tortillas -- were oily but delicious and served with perfect garlic mash potatoes. The Beyond the Reuben ($9) -- with stone-ground mustard and shredded cabbage in place of the usual Thousand Island dressing and sauerkraut -- was tasty but not the Reuben experience our tasters were looking for. Service was polite, if not terribly speedy or competent. 3204 N. Coeur d'Alene Lake Dr., CdA. Call: (208) 664-6464 (7/1/04, SB)





Lenny's -- Lenny's is not fancy -- in fact, in a former life it was a drive-in burger joint-- and the tiny dining room makes for tight quarters. Service is brisk, the menu is vast and dinner entrees include your choice of soup or salad. (The homemade minestrone is a real treat.) The requisite spaghetti with meatballs or Italian sausage ($10.50) is here along with more interesting fare such as the chicken ziti primavera ($12.50) and the Halibut Lenny ($16) stuffed with shrimp, crab, mussels, and clams. The zesty pollo arabiata ($12.50) had spaghetti tossed with sliced chicken breast, prosciutto, fresh Italian parsley, artichoke hearts and lots of freshly sliced mushrooms. The shrimp scampi pesto ($14) featured saut & eacute;ed shrimp, fresh basil, olive oil, garlic and Parmesan in a very bland light cream sauce. 1204 First St., Cheney. Call: 235-6126. (LM)





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 and flavorful 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)





Publication date: 1/27/05