Shogun Sushi Chef On The Move; Beverly’s Goes Back To The Beach

Fri., Aug. 16, 1996

By Leslie Kelly lesliek@spokesman.com

The popular sushi chef at the Shogun, Kou Moua, has left, reportedly to start his own place.

“Cow,” as his loyal regulars call him, was known as much for his gift of gab as for his superb sushi. He will be missed.

“I’ve eaten sushi all along the West Coast and Kou makes some of the best I’ve ever eaten,” said sushi afficiando Doug Olson, owner of Harry O’s.

Kou’s replacement is Steve Ball, who did a fine job the night I stopped by to sit in the tiny sushi bar. I enjoyed the eel, the spicy tuna roll and the delicate yellowtail.

But my favorite wasn’t even on the menu. It was a house specialty called the volcano, which is basically an order of California rolls topped with an “eruption” of sauteed scallops. It takes those crab, avocado and cucumber-stuffed rolls to a new delicious dimension.

Look for an expansion of the sushi bar at The Shogun in the coming months.

I’ll keep you posted about where sushi master Kou lands.

They’re lining up

I keep hearing great things about a new little Mexican restaurant in Coeur d’Alene.

Casa Maria at 13th and Sherman is already attracting crowds of people hungry for authentic Mexican food, people willing to line up for a table.

One enthusiastic reader wrote that although the menu is small, “the food is in a class by itself.” Another reader called to say she hasn’t eaten Mexican food this good since leaving California.

Sounds like it’s worth checking out.

Will Frankie Avalon attend?

Beverly’s is having a beach party - with a gourmet twist, of course.

On Sept. 1, diners will hop on a boat and cruise to the Coeur d’Alene Resort’s private beach for a deluxe cookout. The Labor Day weekend bash includes a social hour, dinner and dancing to the reggae beat. It’s part of the resort’s 10th anniversary celebration, which includes a golf tourney and microbrew dinner on Sept. 23 and a special Asian menu prepared by executive chef Rod Jessick.

Tickets for the barbecue are $45. For reservations, call (208) 765-4000, extension 7143.

By the dock of the bay

Rockford Bay Resort has expanded its menu since last season after new owners remodeled and added a full kitchen.

Now, patrons can choose from a selection of burgers and sandwiches. And there are also entree-size salads and dinners that include a New York steak, Longhorn ribs, a teriyaki chicken breast, fettucine with marinara and chicken fried steaks. Most prices are well under $10.

The resort is located at 8700 W. Rockford Bay Road, south of Coeur d’Alene. Call (208) 664-6931 for additional details.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: HOT OFF THE GRILL Since the Tandoor closed a few years ago, Spokane has been sadly lacking an Indian restaurant. However, anyone in need of a curry fix should check out a dish at the II Moon. While that restaurant is best known for chef Steve Quinones’ nouveau Mexican creations, the Dire Straits takes a detour through curry country. It’s a grilled chicken breast topped with a savory curry sauce and pieces of dried fruit. It’s not vindaloo hot, but just spicy enough.

This sidebar appeared with the story: HOT OFF THE GRILL Since the Tandoor closed a few years ago, Spokane has been sadly lacking an Indian restaurant. However, anyone in need of a curry fix should check out a dish at the II Moon. While that restaurant is best known for chef Steve Quinones’ nouveau Mexican creations, the Dire Straits takes a detour through curry country. It’s a grilled chicken breast topped with a savory curry sauce and pieces of dried fruit. It’s not vindaloo hot, but just spicy enough.