RICH AND SAVORY
Charley's Grill & Spirits
The Ultimate Stack
Menu says: "A creative blend... our five-cheese mac 'n' cheese stacked on Parmesan toast, topped with our stuffed meatloaf, drizzled with sweet chili sauce. Served with sautéed seasonal vegetables."
We say: There's nothing wrong with being an adult and wanting to order mac 'n' cheese at every opportunity. So go for it and try this indulgent, adult-friendly version of the dish, made even more classic with the pairings of toast and meatloaf. Wait — that says stuffed meatloaf!
The Cellar
Wild Mushroom and Pork Pie
Menu says: "Braised pork with wild mushrooms and vegetables, baked in a crock and topped with puff pastry."
We say: This is going to conjure memories of your mom's chicken pot pie, but this filling features some slow-cooked goodness we're guessing you didn't get as a kid.
No-Li Brewhouse
No-Li Chili "Frito Pie"
Menu says: "Spin Cycle tri-tip chili layered on tortilla chips with avocado salsa."
We say: No one in their right mind would, nor should, turn down this definition of overindulgent comfort/bar-food. Pair it with a No-Li beer or taster tray and your taste buds will be blown away with pleasure.
VEGETARIAN
Geno's Traditional Food & Ales
Smoked Jalapeño Corn Chowder
Menu says: "Smoked jalapeños, poblanos, corn, potatoes, onions, garlic, vegetable stock and cream, garnished with cheddar cheese."
We say: Corn chowder is normally so delicious you forget it doesn't have any clams. Hot peppers make this version even better.
Italia Trattoria
Roasted Celery Root Lasagna
Menu says: "Layered with caramelized leeks, Pecorino potatoes."
We say: This dish is bold enough to make root vegetables the star of the show. It sounds perfect for a cold winter's night.
Saranac Public House
Vegan Cannoli
Menu says: "Fried pastry dough, vegan ricotta, shaved chocolate, walnuts and candied orange rind."
We say: Now even vegans can utter the classic Godfather line: "Leave the gun, take the cannoli."
SEAFOOD
Anthony's
Wild Alaskan Silver Salmon
Menu says: "Roasted on an alder plank and finished with smoked sweet red pepper beurre blanc."
We say: Salmon cooked on a cedar plank is reason No. 397 why living in the Northwest is the bee's knees.
Bonsai Bistro and Sushi Bar
Nigiri Sushi Assortment
Menu says: "Includes maguro (tuna), sake (salmon), hamachi (bonito) and walu (escolar)."
We say: This is actually a first course at the Coeur d'Alene pan-Asian restaurant with some of the best ambiance in the region, and looks like a perfect way to kick off a night out.
Manito Tap House
Fish & Chips
Menu says: "Tempura halibut, vinegar salt fries."
We say: There are a lot of fancy seafood dishes available during Restaurant Week, but you shouldn't pass up a mainstay like fish and chips, especially from somewhere with a solid culinary reputation like Manito Tap House.
MEATY THINGS
Rio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse
Full Churrasco Dinner
Menu says: "All you can eat, made-from-scratch side items. Tableside carved skewers including New York steak, tri-tip, top sirloin, Australian lamb, chimichurri steak, Asian pork, spicy pork, garlic chicken, chimichurri chicken."
We say: Being a carnivore never seemed like a better idea.
Spencer's for Steaks and Chops
Snake River Farms American Kobe Butcher's Cut
Menu says: "Minted chimichurri, saffron crispy fingerlings, oyster mushrooms and onions."
We say: Spencer's knows a thing or two about steak, and you can't go wrong with Kobe anything.
Central Food
Beef Cheek Bourguignon
Menu says: "Five-hour, red-wine-braised Wood Ranch beef cheek, garlic mashed Olsen Farms potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts."
We say: You have to appreciate the locally sourced ingredients here, as well as the fact that they put five hours into this hunk of deliciousness.
DESSERT
Boiler Room
Ice Cream Sandwich
Menu says: "Espresso almond fudge ice cream sandwiched between two housemade double-chocolate Nutella cookies. Finished with raspberry compote and chocolate-covered, fire-roasted coffee beans."
We say: A coffee lover's dream, this sandwich is nothing like the artificial vanilla treats of your childhood.
Casper Fry
Lavender Crème Brûlée
Menu says: "Rich, lavender-infused custard, caramelized sugar, fresh whipped cream (gluten-free)."
We say: It's the traditional French dessert... on spring break.
MacKenzie River Pizza
Kentucky Bourbon Bites
Menu says: "Bourbon-soaked pound cake deep-fried and dusted with powdered sugar. Served with caramel bourbon and raspberry dipping sauces."
We say: Is it possible to get a little tipsy just reading the above description? Either way, we're ready to dip away.♦
