Solstice owners decide it’s time to move on
(1332 N. Liberty Lake Road, Liberty Lake, 509-892-5901)
Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, when the sun remains suspended above the Northern Hemisphere before the tilt of Earth’s axis sends it southward again. That being said, after the June 23 passing of Solstice Restaurant in Liberty Lake – three days after this year’s longest day – area residents’ suppertimes are bound to darken a bit.
Owners Heather Wilhelm and James Malone shared a dream three years ago. They left their jobs at the old Winged Lion – he was the chef; she was a manager – to start a restaurant. They took over a small space in a strip mall and started on a culinary adventure.
The two turned the space into a slice of heaven, where people could kick back with some vino and tasty gourmet eats.
“We wanted them to have a quaint neighborhood restaurant where people could come in, no matter what way they’re dressed, and relax and have a glass of wine,” Wilhelm said.
Now locals will have to look elsewhere for their R&R. Wilhelm and Malone have passed the space on to a couple from Anchorage, Alaska, who plan to open an Asian-theme restaurant.
Wilhelm and Malone are moving on to other things, though they’re not quite sure what yet.
“We knew that we weren’t going to sign another lease in this strip mall,” Wilhelm said. “Our ideal would be to open a restaurant in a quaint house, maybe with a cool patio. Nothing has popped up that we’re really excited about. We just need to see if anything pops up, and we’ll decide if we’re going to do something or not.”
Malone says he’s gained culinary expertise over the years, and might use that to snag another gig in the area. He’s even considering finding a job overseas.
“I have some ideas,” he says. “Right now I guess I’m being kind of picky. We’ve dedicated the last three years of our lives to this place, and it sounds nice to have the summer off.
“I’d like to take what I’ve done, go off and learn something greater and be inspired.”
The pair plans to give customers a worthy sendoff by adding a last run of Copper River Salmon to its fresh sheet starting today. Malone hopes the passing of Solstice won’t bring anyone down.
“You know, no fear,” he says. “We’ve just got to let this one go.”
Chic-a-ria the German Inn and Pub
(1812 W. Francis Ave., 509-326-2214)
Jeff Snyder bought Chic-a-ria from original owners George and Una Weimer in March. Fans of the 12-year-old restaurant need not worry that he’s going to make too many changes. He promises he won’t subtract from the German-American menu.
He plans to add some menu items, though. House-smoked meats will be a focus, with smoked salmon, whole turkeys, hams, steaks, and possibly even smoked crab and lobster as new additions. Snyder also plans to expand the list of German-style dishes on the menu. He has begun offering full-service catering, too.
Live music and comedy acts are in the works for the summer, as well as extended dining hours for the longer days ahead.
Brix under new ownership
(317 Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene, 208-665-7407)
When Frank Cruz-Aedo was hired in March as general manager of Brix restaurant, he knew he didn’t need to change the look of the place. The modern, upscale décor always has been a hit with locals and visitors. But according to Cruz-Aedo, the menu needed help.
New Executive Chef Joe McCarthy has spent the past couple of months creating a new menu that’s more affordable and focuses on the best elements of a chophouse with a gourmet Northwest flair, Cruz-Aedo said. All produce, herbs and meats are from local distributors, and the wine list specializes in wines from the Northwest and California.
The downstairs nightclub will remain a classy, low-key place to relax by the fireplace with a cocktail from the bar or enjoy a smoke in the enclosed cigar lounge.
Apex Cellars wine dinner at Spencer’s
(322 N. Spokane Falls Court, 509-744-2372)
Wine connoisseurs and culinary enthusiasts will have a chance to celebrate Sunday.
Apex Cellars will hold a five-course wine dinner at Spencer’s at 5:30 p.m. The menu items, including a seared carpaccio of beef filet and a lamb porterhouse and seafood mousse stuffed John Dory with Champagne saffron sauce, each will be paired with selections from Apex Cellars’ latest list of offerings.
Tickets are $75 per person, tax and gratuity included.