Palm Court expands offerings
The Palm Court restaurant at the Davenport Hotel has expanded its menu and its name.
Lighter fare and small plates designed by Chef Matthew Young debuted last week at the restaurant, which will now be called The Palm Court Grill. The dishes designed to appeal to smaller appetites and thinner wallets.
“We wanted to broaden the appeal of our restaurant,” said General Manager Lynnelle Caudill in a news release. “Guests looking for something lighter or less expensive can now find a variety of salads, small plates and appetizers.”
Among the new offerings, which start at $9, Young created a tortizza (a cross between a tortilla and a pizza) and gourmet sweet onion rings, dipped in his signature (secret) seasonings. New dessert temptations, from pastry chef Mark Van Hise, include a chocolate sundae topped with the hotel’s signature soft peanut brittle. The desserts begin at $5.
The change was made official last week with new awnings and signs. The items are an addition to the fresh seafood, salads, steaks and desserts on the popular menu. Prime rib and Crab Louis remain among the dishes offered at the hotel.
Sunset picnics
Even if you don’t have time to pack a picnic you can enjoy a summer sunset at Arbor Crest Wine Cellars.
Chef Mike Lindsay of Pepper’s Catering has joined the Sunday Sunset Concerts with a selection catered foods. He’s often grilling something for a rotating menu for those who would prefer to let someone else do the cooking. Lindsay offers a Chicken Caesar wrap and salad. This week he’s offering barbecued brisket with a berry barbecue sauce. German dogs with sauerkraut are also a favorite.
The winery opens its exquisite grounds, 4705 N. Fruithill Road, on Sundays for free sunset concerts during the summer. The fun begins at 5:30 and lasts until sunset. No pets and no one under 21 are allowed.
Buy a bottle of Arbor Crest wines and enjoy the view.
Jill Rider, who oversees events and the tasting room at Arbor Crest, said there are some 700 to 900 people there each week. Sterling Savings Bank recently became a sponsor of the concerts. Music is provided by local artists.
The concerts will be held outside through September, then the music moves into the new indoor tasting room through October.
For a complete list of performers, go to www.arborcrest.com.
CdA’s Cold Stone opens
Cold Stone Creamery will open its first store in Coeur d’Alene this week.
Pick premium ice cream, frozen yogurt or sorbet and your favorite toppings and crew members will fold the yummies into your dessert on a frozen granite stone so that it stays creamy. Warning: They’ll also serenade you while you wait in line.
The store opens Aug. 26 at 2396 Old Mill Road in Coeur d’Alene and the store will celebrate its grand opening all weekend. For more information, go to www.coldstonecreamery.com.