Watercraft rental store opens, cafe adds Mexican flair, Idaho’s barbed wire on NPR
Two Coeur d’Alene places have added new dimensions as the tourist season tries to survive the wet spring. You just have to keep telling yourself that summer starts Monday.
What has been Bella Rose Bakery Cafe is changing to Cafe Bella Rosa at 213 Sherman Ave. New owner Alex Galindo is gradually adding Mexican dishes to the place’s original fare of bakery items, desserts, salads and sandwiches. Made completely with fresh ingredients, the additions already include red and green salsas and special soups. New items will be added as new equipment arrives for their preparation.
A native of Oaxaca, Mexico, Galindo came to North Idaho from Yakima. He retained Bella’s five employees. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. Phone (208) 667-9640.
Azteca adds Kiko’s Cantina
A full bar called Kiko’s Cantina has been added to Azteca Southwest Grill in the Village at Riverstone condominium and retail development off Northwest Boulevard.
With a complete drink list including tequila and, of course, beer and wine, Kiko’s is in a portion of the restaurant that changes from family fare to the cantina atmosphere at 4 p.m. Seating is at tables and a high-top bar, in booths and on the patio.
With a complete Mexican menu, owners Carla and Kiko Barajas and partner Hector Ramos Jr. opened Azteca in August 2007. With the bar, Azteca hours were extended to midnight Monday through Thursday, 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 11 p.m. Sundays. Phone (208) 676-0200.
Cedars of Idaho expands south
Specializing in “all things cedar,” Cedars of Idaho has expanded from its Sandpoint origin to a parcel at 3027 W. Hayden Ave. The business is behind the front building of Rainbow Restorations.
At the corner of U.S. Highway 95 and Bronx Road north of Sandpoint for 19 years, Cedars of Idaho offers fencing, decking, siding, paneling, shingles and tongue-and-groove boards in all grades. Not all of the products are available at the new location, but they can be ordered there.
“It’s amazing the number of products that can be made from one species of wood,” said owner Tom Clark. “It’s the best wood for exterior use because it’s naturally insect and rot resistant. Customers in Coeur d’Alene have asked us to have a yard in Kootenai County for years.”
In the cedar business for 35 years, Clark came to North Idaho from Michigan in 1976. His employees are Lenny Guerreo in Hayden, phone (208) 818-1098 for an appointment, and Michael Artherhults in Sandpoint, phone (208) 263-1208.
JAWS opens off Fourth Street
Boat and personal watercraft rentals are offered by JAWS (Just Add Water Sports), now open in the rear of the former Beaudry Motors building at 1701 Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene.
Owner Renee Zhong said the watercraft are delivered to customers at the Third Street dock on Lake Coeur d’Alene.
“Recreational motorsports rental is a niche market here,” she said. “Now tourists can have a fun and memorable experience while they’re at the lake.”
Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Phone (208) 765-8333. Check www.cdajaws.com.
This week’s tidbits
•Watch for details on the Super 1 Foods store opening in Sandpoint this summer.
•The former Mik-N-Mac’s bar at 406 Fourth St. has a new name, 9 Below, and owner, Chad Tosh. The name comes from the nine descending steps into the place. Special music is featured at 9 Below.
•The Prairie Home Companion show on National Public Radio was a big hit during its live program at the Spokane Arena last Saturday. Host Garrison Keillor referred to Coeur d’Alene, St. Maries and Lake Coeur d’Alene during the show. At one point he joked that people move to Idaho to have five acres that they fence with barbed wire where they hang scriptural signs.