Temperatures have driven diners outdoors and plants up out of the soil, both seeking sun after that last blast of chill from early spring. Downtown Coeur d’Alene is a mecca of menu options, with numerous places offering outdoor dining. Try COLLECTIVE KITCHEN PUBLIC HOUSE, CRICKET’S RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR, and TITO’S ITALIAN GRILL AND WINE SHOP. Casual fare can be had at PITA PIT and ROGER’S ICE CREAM & BURGERS, both, or head uptown for CAPONE’S SPORTS PUB & GRILL and BISTRO ON SPRUCE and watch the world drive by.
You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course’s FLOATING GREEN RESTAURANT, which is open for breakfast through dinner year-round.
And you don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy dining at the Coeur d’Alene Resort, which also offers lakeside patio service from their WHISPERS LOUNGE. Try a refreshing huckleberry cocktail and a light bite of appetizers. Also check out the BLACKWELL HOTEL at Eighth Street and Sherman Avenue for live music and adult beverages on Thursday evenings in the summer.
If you’d prefer to do the dining — and the cooking — at your place, remember that both locations of the KOOTENAI FARMERS MARKET are now open, with fresh produce and artisan goods from local vendors (as well as flowers, plant starts and handcrafted goods). The Wednesday evening market at Sherman Avenue and Fifth Street is from 4-7 pm, while the Saturday market at Highway 95 and Prairie Avenue in Hayden runs from 9 am-1:30 pm (kootenaifarmersmarkets.org).
Need a little help on what to cook? Sign up for a cooking class with CULINARY STONE, like “German Barbecue” with chef Jonathan Siegler on May 22 or learn a classic Latin American dish, like ceviche, with chef Colomba Zavala on May 31. While there, check out the selection of wines, artisan meats and cheeses and other culinary items. Visit culinarystone.com/classes or call 208-277-4116.
Once you know how to make ceviche, you’ll want fresh fish. Go to FISHERMAN’S MARKET AND GRILL where you can also get amazing seafood cooked to order. And while it’s debatable that local fish would work well in ceviche, you can’t go wrong with pan-fried trout you catch yourself. Get a little help from your friends at FINS & FEATHERS TACKLE SHOP.
Whatever your style of dining — indoors, outdoors, do-it-yourselfers — Coeur d’Alene has you covered.
Upcoming Events
Bye Bye Birdie
MAY 17-27
This American classic tells the story of the people of Sweet Apple, Ohio, who are caught up in a frenzy when rock and roll superstar Conrad Birdie swings through town. Parents complain, girls swoon, boys fret and no one is left the same. Tickets $23-$25; Lake City Playhouse; Friday-Saturday, 7:30 pm; Sunday, 2 pm.
Retro Prom Party
MAY 18
Get to a thrift store, or dust off your high school prom getup and then shake it to RFB Band playing your favorite 80’s and 90’s covers, with some house music spinning in between sets. This decidedly un-stuffy fundraiser is raising money for Bike CDA, which promotes a safe and active bike culture. Tickets $5 in advance and $7 at the door; Evans Brothers, 504 E. Sherman Ave.; 7 pm to late.
Broadway on a Boat
MAY 23
Enjoy a preview of Coeur d’Alene Summer Theater’s summer lineup aboard a beautiful sunset cruise on the lake. Actors from Forever Plaid, Guys and Dolls and Legally Blonde will perform numbers from their shows. Tickets $30 per person; boarding begins at 5:30 pm; cruise departs Third Street docks at 6 pm
