Breakfast Nook set to open at last

After plenty of delays, the new Breakfast Nook should open sometime next week in the former Cheers (originally A&W) location between Third and Fourth streets at Poplar Avenue in Coeur d’Alene. Only this time it’s not really a nook.

Owners Paul and Robin Wiles opened the first Coeur d’Alene Breakfast Nook three years ago in the original Rustler’s Roost building on Sherman Avenue. They opened a second Nook at 115 W. Seltice, Post Falls, just before they closed the Sherman location when it was to become the machinery staging area for the construction of the Parkside condominiums.

Now, finally, they’re into the new spot. The reason it’s not a nook is because it’s 4,300 square feet; the main dining area holds 78 customers (also with a breakfast bar), and the back room holds about 50. It will be used for meetings on weekdays and the huge Sunday overflow.

Offering breakfast and lunch, the menus have many selections, with traditional breakfasts and sandwiches as well as items with a West Coast seafood influence including crab (great in omelets and eggs Benedict), razor clams and calamari.

Originally from Portland, the Wileses came from Bend, Ore., after finding Lake Coeur d’Alene on the Internet by searching for lakes in the Northwest.

“We had a boat,” Paul said. “We planned to check out Coeur d’Alene for one day. We stayed four and two days later bought the restaurant.” It’s their 13th eatery.

Hours are 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 to 2 Sundays.

“I like to do steak and special menu stuff, but I don’t like to stay open late,” Paul said. The new Breakfast Nook will have about 15 employees. Phone (208) 667-1699.

Bambino’s up next

Not that he needs more to do … but already up to his ears in olive oil with his successful Angelo’s Ristorante on Fourth Street, Angelo Martini Brunson is adding Bambino’s Pizza & Gelato.

With an October opening planned, the upscale place will be in a revamped brick building that formerly was a laundromat at Fourth Street and Reid Avenue. Bambino’s will physically include French doors, windows with awnings, an exhibition kitchen and a baby grand piano.

The lunch-dinner menu will feature pizza and gelato (Italian sherbet), flatbreads, appetizers, gnocchi (dumplings), salads, sandwiches, pastas, seafood, espresso, beer and wine. Ten to 15 employees will serve about 25 customers inside daily, with a patio to be added next year.

Originally from Seattle, Brunson came to North Idaho in 2000 from Big Bear, Calif. He has 22 years’ experience in restaurant work.

Susie Q’s also on Fourth

The merchandise in Susie Q’s antiques, furniture and décor store is not junk – especially in the tasteful way Susie Marte displays it. She opened the boutique in an old bungalow that formerly housed Angel Aides at 901 Fourth St.

Variety is an asset to the store as she has items offered in displays from six vendors and, although she’s particular about the choices, she also takes consignments. Every nook and cranny contains items that somehow “fit” their spaces. The kitchen includes kitchen items as well as goodies and beverages that she uses to entice customers.

Originally from Yreka, Calif., she came from Bakersfield, Calif., after she discovered North Idaho while visiting relatives 14 years ago. She also owns and operates Castle Cleaning.

Hours at Susie Q’s are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Phone (208) 765-8460.

Tidbits

“Since Fourth Street is the focus this week, let’s hope it’s not on the CdA City Council’s agenda. They’ve mulled changing Third and Fourth streets into two-way streets. These are streets used by locals, not tourists, and they’re great as one-ways for getting into town in the mornings and out in the afternoons. Besides, Third Street’s commercial outlets are mostly offices (that you don’t drop in on a whim), and Fourth Street has businesses that you do stop at for whatever on the way home.

“Don’t forget the North Idaho Fair this week. Another option is visiting the 6,000-square-foot, $2.3 million Sundance House off Interstate 90’s Mullan Trail exit. Check out www.customhomeshowcase.com.

“Here’s some more watering down of your money. Despite 95-degree weather, taxpayer sprinklers have been on afternoons at Coeur d’Alene High School and the new median on Ramsey Road.