Small Plates

Big flavor in sharing-friendly servings

click to enlarge Small Plates
Young Kwak
Halibut at Ruins

315 Martinis and Tapas Located in the historic Greenbriar Inn, 315 Martinis and Tapas is an elegant yet casual answer to fine dining. Open at 3:15 pm Tuesday through Saturday, small plates feature everything from sesame-encrusted yellowfin tuna to coconut curry shrimp and a bruschetta that's hard to beat. In the summer, the outdoor seating is the place to be. The cold months mean snuggling up for bites by the fireplace — not a bad option, either. 315 Wallace Ave., Coeur d'Alene • 208-667-9660 • 315martinisandtapas.com

Bistro On Spruce Bistro on Spruce is a lovely little neighborhood bistro located in Coeur d'Alene's happening midtown. This is where discriminating locals come to find a menu that's incredibly diverse, with offerings like smoked salmon ravioli, shrimp and grits and stuffed poblano peppers, and an atmosphere that begs you to linger. Look for the $4 tapas menu (Monday through Saturday), or go crazy and spring for some of the $5 small plates. 1710 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene • 208-664-1774 • bistroonspruce.com

Ruins What Ruins lacks in size it more than makes up for in big flavors and a killer vibe. The menu changes weekly here, so one day you might delve into some salmon and beets with a side of shredded brussels sprouts, and the next it might be a perfectly sized cheeseburger with house-made pickles, or scallops with king oyster mushrooms. Don't be afraid of change; embrace it at Ruins, along with a tasty craft cocktail. 825 N. Monroe St. • 443-5606 • facebook.com/ruins.spokane

Safari Room The little sibling of the Davenport's Peacock Room, the Safari Room mimics the Gilded Age splendor of the original while projecting a Hemingway-style masculinity. The drink menu is huge; the top-shelf selection is extensive. The food offerings span breakfast, lunch and dinner; as you'd expect from The Davenport, the quality is exceptional. 111 S. Post St. • 789-6800 • davenporthotelcollection.com

Satay Bistro One of Coeur d'Alene's best dining experiences is located, improbably, between Taco Bell and the Long Ear music store. Satay offers a wide selection of wines, an upscale fusion menu and plenty of elegance. You can enjoy trademark satays (meaning skewered, grilled meat) like filet beef with shiitake mushroom demi-glace or Red Chili Scallops. They also serve a range of salads, pasta dishes and steaks, and the menu is always evolving, making return visits a must. 2501 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene • 208-765-2555 • sataybistro.com

The Wandering Table  Chef Adam Hegsted brings the concept behind his traveling supper club to a location in Kendall Yards, where the restaurant's tapas-style menu of small plates lets diners experience a variety of flavors and venture a bit outside their comfort zone. The chef's tasting menu option lets guests name the amount they want to spend per diner, and a customized menu is created on the spot. 1242 W. Summit Pkwy. • 443-4410 • thewanderingtable.com


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