Restaurant Notes

Sat., May 27, 2000

Information on the following area restaurants was provided by staff writer Leslie Kelly.

WOLF LODGE INN

(Wolf Lodge Bay, Coeur d’Alene, 664-6665) The original Wolf Lodge - which opened in 1971 - is still the best. Not just the best steakhouse, but one of the best restaurants in the region, simply because it delivers a true Old West experience. Wally Wickel sold the place to his nephew Tom Engle a few years ago. Engle made some rather revolutionary changes, including adding other cuts of meat besides sirloin, adding a baked potato option and replacing the old picnic benches with knotty pine booths. The steaks are so juicy and perfectly cooked - actually medium rare, which is a rare feat indeed. You can taste the smoke through the highly charged seasonings. These days, diners get their fill of places built around phony charm. The Wolf Lodge is genuine.

BEVERLY’S

(The Coeur d’Alene Resort, 765-4000, Ext. 23) Beverly’s is one of the region’s premier special occasion dining spots. Its incredible view, gracious service and quietly elegant decor provide a fitting backdrop for an impressively broad menu. Steaks and the like are nicely balanced with more inventive dishes. The offerings change seasonally at Beverly’s. Remarkably, every table in this two-level dining room has a view of the water. The place is elegant, but comfortable at the same time. Service is top drawer - from the warm greeting at the entry to the knowledgeable advice of the sommelier, who reigns over a large, award-winning wine cellar. Beverly’s is open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended, especially in summer.

CAPERS BISTRO

(315 E. Walnut, Coeur d’Alene, 664-9036) Capers has introduced local diners to such exotica as harissa (a fiery African spice paste) and dishes brightened with preserved lemons. Marilyn Nergord’s eclectic menu features food from warm weather climes. And it’s served with style by her genial hubby Steve in a pretty little dining room. Attention given to detail is evident when chewing on a piece of freshly baked bread or sipping one of the robustly seasoned soups. The restaurant is open only for dinner, from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

CEDARS FLOATING RESTAURANT

(Blackwell Island, Coeur d’Alene, 664-2922) Diners can go casual at this landmark restaurant, with a burger or salad bar ordered a la carte. Or, they can sample some of the best seafood around. There are at least six choices nightly. They’re simply prepared with sauce on the side, with the kitchen taking care not to overcook. The menu also offers a variety of shellfish, pasta dishes and steaks. Desserts are made in-house. There is a new chef in house, as of December. Smoking is allowed in the bar.

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