Mongolian Barbecue opening Wednesday

Several weeks ago readers were promised upcoming items on at least three Asian restaurants in Coeur d’Alene. And some fans have whined, “Where is that stuff on the Asian restaurants?”

OK. I have two out of three today, and I’ve whined to the third source that I need his stuff so it should be coming soon.

Mongolian Barbecue will open Wednesday in its spiffy new Northwest-style building in the southwest corner of Government Way and Neider Avenue (across from Safeway). The buffet restaurant seats 78 customers inside and will have a patio for 28 more during nice weather.

Owners Dave and daughter Alisa Jensen started the stir-fry-specialty place 10 years ago on the Government Way side of the Albertsons Mall. Customers fill their bowls with many options of veggies, noodles, meats and seafood and choices of 14 sauces that clever lads cook on a stainless steel grill and flip back into the bowls while you watch. Of course, rice is offered with each serving with options of beverages.

Hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays. Originally from Bonners Ferry, the Jensens have 12 employees.

Phone 664-8782.

Thai Bamboo on Fourth

Construction will start soon on the Thai Bamboo Restaurant in the northeast corner of Fourth Street and Annie Avenue. With indoor seating for 116 customers plus a banquet room and patio, it should open August.

The design and décor of the 4,250-square-foot main floor will include many items from Thailand, including hand-carved marble tables.

The building also will have a basement for storage and an office on the second floor.

Owners Tom and Matavee Burgess have three Thai restaurants in Spokane with a Web site at www.thaibamboorestaurant.com. The menu has nearly 70 items, including appetizers, side dishes, soups, salads, combos, main dishes and beverages (with wine and beer). Most meals are $9 to $14. The business also will sell bamboo plants and handmade Thai gifts.

“It will be a showcase restaurant,” Tom Burgess said.

“We’ll be adding fish items that we currently don’t have in our Spokane places.” Burgess met Matavee, of Thai origin, at a Thai restaurant in Seattle. Coeur d’Alene hours will be 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily. They’ll have 12 employees.

Existing stores relocate, expand

“Country Faire Flowers and Candy has moved to 4055 Government Way (opposite the fairgrounds). The store sells flowers, candy and gifts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The Web site is www.myfsn.com/countryfaireflowers. Phone 667-7370.

“Celtic Moon moved from Coeur d’Alene’s Old City Hall building to 1604 N. Fourth St. (next to King’s Pizza). The store sells metaphysical supplies, Eastern religious products, incense, candles and gifts. Other options include a massage therapist, a reflexologist and a conference room. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Phone 765-4546.

“Painted Pony has opened a second store at 501 W. Appleway, Coeur d’Alene. This store and the existing shop at 190 W. Hayden Ave. resell children’s clothing, baby furniture and toys. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Phone 667-7669.

This week’s tidbits

“It’s nice to see most of the litter gone along the freeway.

What’s sad is how fast it reappears. Litter cleanups are great activities for service clubs. Kids could get pledges for how many bags they fill. Check with the proper authorities first

“I usually don’t write about espresso shops because they come and go so fast. Some do fantastic businesses with lines of cars. Tuesday I counted six at the shop on Best Avenue and eight at the Riverstone Starbucks.

“Whew! A few banks finally have adjusted their outdoor clocks to Daylight Saving Time. Displaying no time is better than the wrong time.

“Be very wary of tax-prep Web sites. Some allow credit card payments for only certain amount options.