Spring brings new businesses to North Idaho’s economy
It must be spring the way things are blossoming. In the economic sense, owners of new businesses are taking advantage of previously empty spaces, the upcoming tourist season and other possibilities where they see a future. Right now we have so many places for inclusion in this space that we’ll run the food items this week and the “stuff” items next week.
Working on the success they have had with their Syringa Japanese Cafe on Fourth Street, Viljo and Autumn Basso this week (probably Tuesday) are opening Garnet Cafe, a breakfast place at 315 E. Walnut Ave. Handy to the Bassos because it’s right behind Syringa, this building previously was the home of Anthony’s Midtown Bistro.
Standard breakfast fare with the addition of some unique breakfast items will be the emphasis at Garnet. (Note that the Bassos both grew up in this area and named their places after Idaho’s state flower and gem). They use quality ingredients and organic products whenever possible. He attended culinary school in Portland, and they worked in Seattle restaurants before returning to North Idaho in 2002 and starting Syringa in 2006.
With eight to 10 employees, Garnet has seating for 43 customers inside and a seasonal patio. The décor includes the work of local artists. Hours are 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Phone (208) 667-2729. Check www.facebook.com/garnetcafe.
Hall opens Backwoods Grill
Also known for his expertise with recipes and cooking surfaces, Anthony Hall (of his prementioned Midtown Bistro) now has the Backwoods Grill at Ponderosa Golf Course on the east-central outskirts of Coeur d’Alene.
The new place offers breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. The restaurant seats 96 customers with outdoor room on the deck.
Originally from the San Francisco Bay area, Hall came to North Idaho in 1989 with his family. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and worked in several states before returning to North Idaho with his wife Michelle.
The Backwoods Grill has six employees. Phone (208) 664-1101.
Pilgrim’s Market adds Gourmet CDA
Personal shopping, catering and delivery services are the specialties of Gourmet CDA, a new division of Pilgrim’s Market at 1316 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene.
“Our goal is to get to know the area’s visitors and their culinary preferences and take care of their gourmet grocery needs with a simple phone call,” explained Joe Hamilton, owner of Pilgrim’s Market. “The business is designed to serve the seasonal visitors and homeowners who can enjoy their vacation time more when they don’t have to spend as much time shopping and cooking.”
The plan is for customers to come into the store and set up their personal shopping preferences. Pilgrim’s specializes in local and organic produce, groceries, beer and wine, deli items, exotic meats, direct-shipped seafoods, pre-made meals and items that are allergy-free or for special diets.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Phone (208) 664-9500. Check www.gourmetcda.com.
This week’s tidbits
•Not all food news is positive. The Fourth Street Pantry in downtown Coeur d’Alene has closed, as has Parkside Bistro & Pub on Mullan Avenue next to Coeur d’Alene City Park.
•But the following news is positive. The Post Falls Pita Pit at the northeast corner of state Highway 41 and Mullan Road has reopened, having changed from franchise to corporate ownership. With 15 employees, hours are 7 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Phone (208) 773-7200.