Remodeled Tony’s offers diners a view
Although Coeur d’Alene is known for its location, it’s amazing how few restaurants have a lake view. One of the newest is one of the first.
Tony’s on the Lake reopened last weekend on Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive on Bennett Bay about halfway between the city limit and Higgins Point. The place had been just Tony’s for many years after originally being a lakefront bordello called Jeannette’s in the 1940s.
It was revamped last summer by new owners Paul and Bonnie D’Alessandro. During the winter, the restaurant was completely redone with new floors, two fireplaces, an open kitchen and a deck that will open by June. It’s all no-smoking with every table having views of the lake. A chef’s table gives diners a close-up view of the kitchen process.
Originally from Sacramento, the D’Alessandros discovered Coeur d’Alene through architect Rann Haight, who told them about Tony’s being for sale when he was designing a new restaurant for them in California. They checked it out, bought it and moved here last summer.
Their daughter Cheyenne runs the kitchen with far more than her Italian heritage. She was trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., and trained for two years in Italy. The menu is mostly Italian, with special meats, pastas, homemade mozzarella and gnocchi (potato dumplings).
Tony’s seats about 100 inside the dining room and lounge and 40 on the deck. It is open from 5 to 10 p.m. daily and will add lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in June. It has about 30 employees. Phone 667-9885.
Bella Rose opens today
A quaint décor with special foods is the charm of Bella Rose, a bakery, cafe and coffeehouse that opens today at 213 Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene.
Open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday (and adding Sundays in the summer), Bella Rose offers pastries, desserts, soups, green and pasta salads, quiche, panini, grilled sandwiches and beverages. Wine, beer and live music are planned for the future.
Owners are Thea Drake and Marylin Body, who came to North Idaho from Santa Cruz, Calif. Thea went to culinary school in Park City, Utah. One of their relatives discovered Coeur d’Alene when he was in Spokane for a bowling tournament many years ago.
They have 10 employees to serve about 45 customers at tables inside and on the sidewalk. Phone 667-9640.
Creative fun at Whiz Kids
Educational and creative toys are the emphasis of Whiz Kids. The 2,200-square-foot toy store opened last week between Albertsons and Rite Aid in Prairie Shopping Center.
Owners Susan Peterson and Peter Christensen also have Children’s Corner Bookshop stores in River Park Square and NorthTown mall in Spokane. The have four employees here. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Phone 772-9442.
Grand openings
George Gee Cadillac, Isuzu will celebrate its grand opening from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Highway 95 and Dalton Avenue, Coeur d’Alene. The event includes food, beverages, live music and, of course, a wide inventory of shiny cars.
The Liberty Lake dealer bought the business last year when former owner Dan Barton retired (along with the Oldsmobile brand he sold). With a revamped showroom, coffee bar and expanded service departments, the business has about 40 employees.
Demonstrations and a chance to meet the staff are featured at the open house of Coeur d’Alene Hand Therapy & Healing Center from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The business recently expanded and moved to 2448 Merritt Creek Loop in Riverstone on Northwest Boulevard. The staff includes occupational, physical and massage therapists.
A new facet is partnering with a University of Idaho project of assistive technology such as use of a large-handled spoon, a bath bench and a voice-activated computer.