Don’T Bet On Casino Dining
A recent trip to the Coeur d’Alene Casino was deja-vu-esque. Like a trip to the Las Vegas of old, say circa 1987, when 50-cent shrimp cocktails and $4 steaks were still part of the draw.
OK, so the meals weren’t all that cheap at the Casino’s High Mountain Steakhouse. But they were served in a setting that reminded me of the old-time Vegas casino dining rooms — bright and noisy. The only thing missing were the Keno runners.
The food wasn’t fancy, but it was solid. And, even though it was crazy-busy — Wayne Newton was performing that night — the plates came out pretty darned quick. Well, except mine. I ordered a ribeye steak, but the flustered waitress brought me a prime rib instead.
That meant I got to try a bite of everyone else’s dinner while I waited for my steak the second time around.
An $8.95 New York special was fine, but was overcooked. (If you like meat cooked medium rare, you are better off ordering it rare in the Inland Empire.)
A salmon filet was nicely prepared, moist and flaky, but was pretty bland.
The prime rib, however, was flavorful and tender — and cooked pink, as ordered. This slab o’ beef can also be ordered blackened with Cajun spices and it comes in several sizes for between $10.95 and $14.95.
Speaking of size, the baked potatoes at this steakhouse are absolute monsters. They looked impressive, with sour cream and real bacon on the side. But I ordered garlic mashed potatoes, so I could only admire the bakers from afar.
When my steak finally arrived, with profuse apologies from the server, it was OK, once I hacked away the fat and gristle. The specialty of the house (so says the menu), at $15.95, should be better.
Good thing we ordered the fresh strawberry shortcake. The meal had a happy ending.
The High Mountain Steakhouse also serves breakfast and lunch and a Sunday brunch. They don’t take reservations, unless it’s for a large party.
Chew for a good cause
The Spokane Food Bank’s “Taking a Bite Out of Hunger” will showcase goodies from more than 30 restaurants, caterers and beverage purveyors.
This annual fundraiser, held Wednesday from 6 until 9 p.m., features an eclectic menu ranging from a pesto torte made by Europa to gyros from Azar’s.
Other participating eateries are Aracelia’s, Longhorn Barbecue, Clinkerdagger, Fugazzi Bakery, Great Harvest, Luna, Rock City Grill, The Ram and Tony Roma’s.
Desserts will be provided by Percy’s Cafe Americana, Cyrus O’Leary Pies, Mary Lou’s Ice Cream, The Olive Garden, Perkin’s, and Spencer’s.
There will be a selection of beer, wine and soft drinks and coffee from Craven’s and 4 Seasons.
It’s a wander-and-graze-type setup.
Tickets are $35 apiece, $60 for a couple. To purchase tickets, call 534-6678.
Late for dinner?
At a downtown Spokane bar, I overheard a couple grumbling they had been turned away for dinner at a nice place at 8:30.
Yeah, this town rolls up early most nights, but this was a Saturday. A quick telephone query revealed that closing time varies widely at Spokane’s upscale eateries.
Paprika recently changed its last seating on the weekends from 8:30 until 9, but chef-owner Karla Graves said most people still want the prime time reservations. (Take note, folks, not everyone can be seated at 7.)
At Fugazzi, the last seating on Saturday evening is 9:45.
The kitchen at Cafe 5-Ten closes at 9 on weekends.
At Clinkerdagger, the last seating is at 9:45.
Patsy Clark’s stops serving at 8:30 on Saturdays, but sometimes stays open later on holidays.
Spencer’s stops serving at 11. Milford’s welcomes diners until 10. So does Luna.
No matter where you go, when you’re eating late, it’s always a good idea to call and check whether you can get in. It beats driving all the way there only to be disappointed.
Dinner and a show
The Rockin’ B Ranch near Liberty Lake will kick off its summer season of Cowboy Supper Shows on June 4.
The evening includes some pre-dinner exercise — horseshoes and ropin’ — all you can eat vittles and a show in the tradition of Sons of the Pioneers and Gene Autrey.
The menu includes barbecued beef with sauce on the side, baked potato, “trail music” barbecue beans, applesauce and Texas sheet cake.
The whole shebang is $15.50 for adults, half-price for kids under 11. For reservations, call 891-9016.
Chow down.yum
Zagat, one of the most widely read eating guides in the country, has just jumped into the Internet fray with one of the coolest sites around.
It’s got comprehensive listings for some of the world’s most famous food cities, including Paris. (Unfortunately, Seattle’s not included yet.)
And the listings are divided into types of cuisine, price categories, neighborhoods. That means you can do a search for a raw bar (an ultra-trendy vegetarian restaurant), on the Left Bank in Paris that has meals for 200 francs. (Yes, there actually is such a animal.)
Check it out at zagat.com.
THE DISH Chia Pet sushi Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine eating a creature featured on one of the tackiest commercials ever. But there I was munching on a Chia Pet at the Suki Yaki swell sushi bar. This roll is so named for its colorful coating of slivered green onions wrapped around a spicy tuna center. Wrapped up tight by skilled sushi chef Kevin Miyamoto, this Chia didn’t need any watering. Though I did swig a Sapporo to temper a wad of wasabi, the green Japanese horseradish that can clear your sinuses lickety split. Next time I belly up at the Suki, I’ll go for a different critter — the spider roll.