New take on Mexican offered at Carambola
Mexican restaurants are not lacking in the Coeur d’Alene area. Each one claims something special to shine above the others – freshness, affordability, decor, location, parking, customer service or maybe certain spices, sauces or marinades.
Cafe Carambola, which opened Wednesday in Harbor Plaza on Northwest Boulevard, operates from a different angle. It’s not typical Mexican dishes – burritos, tamales, tacos, etc. – that Carambola emphasizes. It’s sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts with a Latin flair.
Colomba Aguilan, who owns the cafe with her sister, Liliana Vernon, says their menu offers a fusion, a mixture of different tastes from different cultures. It includes daily specials made from what’s fresh and available, maybe a new recipe, or a new version of an old one. All fresh items come from a local garden, she said.
The three specialty sandwiches – the Cuban, Mexican and American – are examples. Each has its own sauce made with pineapple, tomato and mango respectively.
Customers can also build their own sandwiches.
Different soups are made each day. Breakfast options include scones, fruit salads and avena (creamy oats with fruit).
Desserts include pastel de tres leches, a special cake, and arroz con leche (rice pudding).
The sisters originally are from Northern Mexico. Vernon came to North Idaho eight years ago after marrying a resident, and Aguilan arrived four months ago from the Yucatan Peninsula. She attended the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco.
With inside and outside dining, takeout and catering, Cafe Carambola is open from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday with evening hours planned for late August.
Delivery will be added in late September.
Carambola means starfruit, a tropical fruit the sisters will offer when available. Phone 676-8784.
Myhre’s Custom Framing moves
Mary Myhre formerly had Boulevard Express Deli where Carambola is now. And her Myhre’s Custom Framing, which was next door, has moved to Appleway Plaza, a U-shaped minimall across from Schucks Auto Parts.
Her front-room display area has a design area with a large variety of mats and frames. Equipment includes a computerized mat cutter for special designs. Myhre has 15 years experience in the business.
Originally from Roseburg, Ore., she came to North Idaho 29 years ago. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment. Phone 667-7827.
American Eagle to East Sherman
An August opening is planned for American Eagle Kitchens & More in the former Northwest Furniture store at 1311 Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Moving from an office space on Indiana Avenue to the 5,000-square-foot showroom, the business offers cabinetry from five manufacturers, countertops, lighting, flooring, plumbing fixtures, decorative hardware, windows, doors and millwork (moldings and trims). Owners Rick Hixson and Jeff Marlow originally are from Spokane and were employees at the former Coeur d’Alene Pay ‘n’ Pak store on Appleway. They plan a party in a booth at the North Idaho Fair.
Sunrise contractors to build
Yes, general contractors build things and/or have things built. In this case, it’s their own building. Sunrise Development Northwest, a builder of custom homes, should be in a new, 6,000-square-foot building at 3786 N. Huetter Road (one block north of Seltice Way) in November.
The facility will include office and warehouse space for Sunrise and space for lease, possibly to subcontractors such as a cabinet or door shop.
Owner Charles Treat said the centrally-located area eventually could become a contractors’ square.
Originally from Scottsdale, Ariz., he came to North Idaho from California in 1995 after visiting the area and enjoying the quality of life. Call 640-3115.
Tidbit
•The ground-scraping just north of Coeur d’Alene Monument on Government Way is for two four-plex residences. Each building will be 4,800 square feet with the units each having three bedrooms.