UNFORTUNATELY CLOSED – The Fork at Lakeside – A Coeur d’Alene Gem

 

Trying a new restaurant is always an interesting experience, especially with good friends. Recently I had the opportunity to dine at The Fork in Coeur d’Alene. What a wonderful experience!

The Fork is located in the building that once housed Takara’s. Parking is not a problem in that there is a pay lot directly across from the restaurant. Usually free parking is available on the street nearby.

The new owners, Monica and Will Scott have completely renovated and redecorated the interior of the restaurant. The décor is very “classy” without being stuffy or off-putting. The distance between tables and the table arrangement lends to the dining experience. The background music is barely noticeable but also lends itself to the total experience.

The menu is well balanced and varied. The various preparations are substantial and imaginative. The specials are changed frequently, perfectly prepared and plated and capitalize on the seasonal fresh ingredients available. Prices are moderate for a fine dining restaurant.

Click Here for the current menu for The Fork

We began with choosing wine from the very well appointed but not ostentatious wine list. Outstanding wines are also available by the glass. The staff is very knowledgeable regarding the various wines and will gladly offer samples to assist the diner in their selection.

 

Butter leaf lettuce, apple vinaigrette, bleu cheese dressing topped with diced tomatoes, fire-roasted red peppers, peppered bacon, gorgonzola crumbles and chives, finished with a balsamic reduction drizzle

Chef and co-owners Will and Monica Scott are both  “foodies” and are accomplished Chefs. Will puts his culinary expertise and years of experience to work in the preparation and plating of his creations designed to delight their guests and diners.

Lobster Bisque

The King’s Fork
Chef Will’s Black Angus grain-fed tenderloin medallions topped with dungeness crab and  bearnaise sauce. Sided with mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus

 

Parmesan Encrusted Halibut – A Special

The Grand Fork
Handcut 12 oz Ribeye topped with garlic herbed butter, accompanied by grilled
asparagus and sided with our gorgonzola wild mushroom sauce

 Sea Bass Risotto
House-seasoned grilled sea bass served atop asparagus and wild mushroom risotto,
topped with fresh shredded asiago cheese

New Orleans
Sauteed crawfish, andouille sausage, blackened chicken, wild mushrooms and onions tossed
with fettuccine and cajun cream sauce topped with diced tomatoes and scallions

 

Pork Osso Buco! Bone-in Pork Shank, smoked/braised served with house mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus.- A Special

White Chocolate raspberry swirl cheesecake!

As anyone who follows this blog, even casually knows, I am a very tough critic of dining establishments. Some might even say “picky and overly critical.” All things considered, The Fork at Lakeside is the best dining experience at this time in North Idaho. It takes attention to detail, knowledgeable caring food preparation, outstanding table service and a well thought out menu and wine list to impress me. I’m impressed!!!

I would like to see Chef Will turn his attention to a couple of classic deserts – Key Lime Pie and New Orleans Style Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce. The “classics” when prepared by a Master Chef are always a treat. Also a well thought out Cheese and Fruit Plate for those, that for various reasons might not partake of the rich desert offerings.

My recommendation: Go to The Fork at Lakeside for any special occasion or just go and simply by dining there – make it a special occasion!!!

The Fork at Lakeside also has live entertainment on certain nights of the week. Check them out on Facebook for updated schedules and specials.

Below is a link to a short segment on The Fork at Lakeside on KHQ television:

http://www.khq.com/clip/10494186/nw-deals-the-fork-at-lakeside-a-new-american-fine-dining-experience-in-cda

A Coeur d’Alene Breakfast Institution

Most of the time when the word institution is used to describe an eating establishment it’s not a good thing. The establishment becomes more of a “must try” restaurant instead of a really special, vibrant and fun place to eat. Michael D’s in Coeur d’Alene is special, vibrant, fun a wonderful place to experience – and EAT! It’s one of the few places that I know of where long-time locals AND tourists go for breakfast (and lunch). Michael DePasuale has a long history as a man who enjoys food and drink and more than that, enjoys providing others the best food and service imaginable. As a foodie serving others Michael is always on the lookout for something different that will appeal to his diners. Enter the new “Paleo” section of his menu:

I had to try the Paleo Waffle with eggs and sausage. It was great! I thought it might taste like sawdust and shredded paper but it didn’t – it actually looked and tasted wonderful.

In addition to many great selections on the menu the omelets that are available will bring you back week after week to try them all. You will not be disappointed.

Take a look at these creative and delicious offerings:

Micheal’s also offers a great meeting room for groups who want outstanding food and service while meeting. The room also serves as additional seating for restaurant patrons.

While you’re there be sure and have some of the best coffee served in this area and buy in one of Michael D’s mugs, my new favorite coffee mug.. Michael D’s is located at 203 E Coeur D’Alene Lake Dr, Coeur d’Alene, at the east end of Sherman. Not far from downtown CDA.

Great Food – Great Restaurant – Great Service and most of all a GREAT Host!!!

The Breakfast Nook – a Great Place to Eat in Coeur d’Alene

It’s one of my most favorite times of the day – breakfast. In the Coeur d’Alene area we are lucky to have a couple of great places for breakfast. The Breakfast Nook is certainly one of them. For me great food (homemade), great service and cleanliness are essential. The Breakfast Nook rates a “10” in every category. Daily Specials are excellent AND a good value.

One of the keys to a great eatery is the day-to-day, hour-by-hour involvement by the owners and or a committed manager. At The Breakfast Nook the owners are there almost all the time – one in the dining room and one in the kitchen.The cleanliness and the food prep evidence their almost obsessive involvement of all aspects of the restaurant. A look behind and under the counter tells the tale.

The menu choices are varied. They are open 6am to 2pm, Monday – Saturday and 7am to 2pm on Sunday.

Some of my favorites on the menu are: the cinnamon roll, razor clam, eggs and toast and hash browns, the petite steak and eggs for breakfast. My wife likes the garden omelet.

The seafood here is as fresh as it gets. I’m an Alaskan and I insist on the freshest seafood. I’ve had crab, shrimp and razor clams within an hour of pulling them from the sea – the seafood at the Breakfast Nook is that fresh!!! Speaking of fresh, the hash browns are NEVER frozen and always fresh. Eggs are perfectly cooked to order. The omelets are light and fluffy and again, always made with all fresh ingredients.

An important part of any dining experience is comfortable seating. The Breakfast Nook offers counter service, booths and table service. All three option have very comfortable seating and seats – well padded.

The service is top-notch. Coffee and water seem to magically appear provided by a well trained, polite wait staff. Food is brought out promptly and fresh. It doesn’t sit under a heat lamp. Come to think of it, I don’t even think they have one.

If most diners knew what goes on under the counters and in the kitchens of most restaurants they’d run from the establishment screaming and never return. I’m a clean freak, especially when it concerns what and where I eat. The Breakfast Nook is honestly the cleanest restaurant, including places the diners don’t see, I’ve ever seen.

If you want a real treat try their crab omelet, often offered on the weekend – depending on the availability of the freshest crab.

The quantity as well as the quality of the food served at The Breakfast Nook is legendary. The “petite” section of both the breakfast menu and the lunch menu are a welcome corner for those of us who frequently find ourselves overwhelmed with “too much.”

A must try is the fish and chips – fresh, large portions of perfectly fried fish and great french fries – all non-greasy and great tasting.

I gladly give The Breakfast Nook my highest rating!!! I know of a few restaurants that compare (fortunately two of them are in the Coeud d’Alene area), but none surpass this great eating establishment. I usually am there for breakfast but their lunch is equally wonderful.

Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort, Paradise Montana

One of the best things about living in Coeur d’Alene is that there are so many different and interesting things to do within a relatively close distance to our “home base.”

Years ago I had occasion to travel to Polson Montana for an annual vintage skeet shoot. On the way, and only 99 short miles from Coeur d’Alene, we passed Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort, located on Route 135 a little more that 20 miles north of St. Regis on I90 along the Clark Fork River.

The hot springs were the initial and biggest attraction for us. There are 6 pools for soaking and swimming.  The 4 soaking pools range in temperature from 60 to 106 degrees. The swimming pools typically range from 80 to 95 degrees F.  All pools are monitored for cleanliness and temperature every 3 hours and adjusted as necessary. The water is natural, chemical free and flows through continuously. The pools are emptied and cleaned every other day.


Quinn’s has many options for overnighting –

The Canyon Cabins
All these cabins are duplexes & each side rents separately. There are now 22. They offer standard cabins, deluxe couple’s cabins, and deluxe family cabins. There are 12 standard cabins that are pet-friendly. These standard cabins are the only pet-friendly rooms on the resort.

The Glacier Lodge
This is a beautiful two-story adult only building, features a locally built Montana saw mill-blade chandelier in the cozy lobby. Standard Lodge Rooms have a custom log King Bed. Sorry, these rooms are NOT pet-friendly.

Golden Eagle Suites
Situated on the riverside of the resort, this duplex building has a beautiful covered wrap-around porch. Each 2-Room suite has a bedroom with a Queen Bed, desk & chair. The spacious living area has a Queen Bed, a love seat/sleeper, a recliner, table & chairs, tv, coffee pot, private bath, refrigerator & microwave, bottle of wine & non-alcoholic beverages, special treats, & 2 pool/bath robes, & more. Luxury bed & bath linens and soft fluffy pool towels are also included. The flame flickering cast iron fireplace unit is a cozy touch for any cool evening or morning in. Sorry, these suites are NOT pet-friendly. These suites require a 2 night minimum reservation.

Mountain Side Suites
These Adult only Deluxe Suites are situated on the canyon side with beautiful views from the covered front porch which is complete with a bench porch swing.

River Side Cabins
These Adult only Deluxe Cabins are located by the Clark Fork River with gorgeous views from the covered front porch which is complete with a bench porch swing that overlooks the river and canyon mountains.

The Tavern

Quinn’s Tavern is a warm and cozy bistro & bar that offers a wide selection of drinks as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner items a la carte. The Tavern offers a large selection of domestic and international beers. For the wine connoisseurs there are over 100 different wines from which to choose!

The Restaurant – Harwood House Restaurant

The menu is varied and interesting. The wine list is well balanced and extensive if not exhaustive. We selected an Amacaya Cabernet/Malbec blend from the wine list. Nice wine, good value and reportedly one of the favorites of the owner.

Salads arrived at the table on chilled plates. Chilled forks and a small basket of interesting bread would have made for perfection.

I ordered the Breast of Duck – Grand Marnier. My dining partner chose the Linguine Alla Puttanesca, linguine with a light spicy tomato sauce, with Italian sausage, onions, Kalamata olives, asparagus and fresh basil. Both dishes were well prepared, served and plated.

The duck breast was fork tender, very flavorful and not overcooked. I love good duck breast and I must say, this duck breast was prepared perfectly. I sampled the Grand Marnier sauce that I asked be served on the side. It was good but the duck itself needed no sauce – it would have only detracted from a fantastic dish.

The Linguine Alla Puttanesca was perfectly prepared and served.

For dessert we chose the Caramel Cake and the Crème brûlée. The Caramel Cake was sweet and sticky – just the way is should be. It was made better with the fresh black coffee as a compliment. It would have been best with a freshly pressed espresso. Sadly The Harwood House does not have an espresso machine – no espresso – no lattes. Unfortunately the Crème brûlée did not measure up to even the lowest standard. While the sugar coating was perfectly browned and the custard beneath was nice and cold, it was also curdled. This is easily corrected by tempering the egg mixture slowly.

I would also recommend that, as is the custom at most fine dining establishments, a nice basket of fresh bread and butter be placed on each table – without charge.

Our dinning experience at the Harwood House was, with a couple of small exceptions, wonderful. The friendly staff, the ambiance and beautiful log structure of the dinning room made our evening truly memorable.

I would highly recommend Quinn’s Hot Springs for a truly memorable “mini-vacation”  or side trip to anyone in or around western Montana, eastern Washington or north Idaho. It’s a great place to stop for a night or two on the way to or from Glacier National Park.

P.S. They also serve a great breakfast!

FORTUNATELY Closed – New York Bagel Cafe’ & Deli – Save Your Time & Money!

Round bread does not a bagel make. I often tire of hearing New Yorkers claiming the best this and the best that. One of the few areas that I must admit they have the rest of the country beat is their bagels.

Recently the New York Bagel Cafe opened in the shopping mall across from the medical center on 95. My prediction is it won’t last long. We went there for lox and bagels with cream cheese, onions and tomatoes and a good cup of deli coffee or a latte. Our first impression was that the interior was very sterile, more like a doughnut shop. We perused the menu and while impressed with the choices were not impressed with the price for lox & bagels.

Undeterred we forged ahead and ordered. If there is anything that a cafe calling itself the New York Bagel Cafe’ and Deli should be able to produce is a good lox and bagel. Unfortunately we were sorely disappointed. We were told that the bagels were made and boiled in New York and shipped here frozen and then baked in the store. I have eaten more than my share of really good bagels – these are not them. These were large, stale tasting and “bready” in a loaf of bread sort of way. The quantity of cream cheese, tomato and onion were more than adequate. The service was reasonably friendly and prompt but the bagel itself seemed like it had been cut with a cookie cutter from a loaf of day old bread. On another note, when a bagel is served, each portion should consist of one top half (with the most “goodies” on it and one bottom half). Much to my dining partners’ chagrin she got two bottoms and I got two tops. I did give her one of my tops!

The latte/espresso machine was non-functional and the actual deli case reminded me of my refrigerator the day before shopping day – almost empty. The regular coffee in the pump vacuum bottle was bitter, burnt and stale. Unfortunately we ended up making a breakfast of the onions, cream cheese and tomatoes and leaving most of the disappointing bagels.

The total bill for a bad experience was as follows:

My advice is save your money and your time – avoid the New York Bagel Cafe’ & Deli.

Major Disappointment at The Porch in Hayden

As much as I love eating at one of my favorite restaurants, I hate finding that they have slipped into the “not recommended” category.

Today I had occasion to have lunch at The Porch in Hayden. I have reviewed this restaurant/pub very favorably on this blog. Please take a look at the earlier review. Unfortunately I must update my review in the interest of fairness and full disclosure to the readers of this blog. I try to be be honest, even when it hurts – and today it hurts.

We didn’t come in to review the restaurant. We just wanted to visit The Pub, kind’a like an old friend. There were a couple of small parties on the screened-in porch, two servers and one other couple seated at the tables inside.

I ordered the lamb sandwich, corn pasta and a cup of 74th Gumbo and an ice tea. The gumbo was good and the bread served on the side was fresh, but from there things went downhill fast.

The quantity and quality of the lamb was horrible. In the past the quantity of lamb, if not generous is at least substantial. Today’s sandwich contained barley half the normal amount of lamb and all of it was at least well done if not dry. Much of it was actually crispy. The taztziki was very thinly spread on the bun – not nearly enough. The sandwich was basically a small amount of overcooked lamb on a roll. Not the delicious, juicy, well cooked, plated and served lamb sandwich to which we’ve become accustomed to at The Porch. A major disappointment!

The corn pasta, one of the unique delights of The Porch was dry and shriveled as though it had been prepared sometime ago. Not appetizing, next to inedible.

In addition to the above, we had three to four flies on and around our table for the full hour that we were there. I suspect had we been out on the porch we would have seen less flies!

I should have quit with the ice tea and gumbo.

The server while reasonably attentive in the beginning of our visit became just a memory once our food had been served.

When I finally got my check, I asked if the manager was available. ( I believe it is always important to bring a exceptionally good or as in this case – bad experience to managements attention. It is a service to a good restaurant to let them know when they’ve “missed the mark.”) It’s the only way they can improve.

The manager came over and I told him about my bad experience. He was sorry to hear of our bad experience and offered to replace the bad food. I told him thanks but we were running out of time for lunch but that I just wanted to let him know so that he could improve the service/food in the future. I asked him to take my credit card and prepare my bill.

He responded that he would not charge us for the meal. Wrong response. I do not critique restaurants to get free meals. I believe it is essential that readers of this blog have trust in the honesty of my reviews. For an owner or manager to offer to “comp” a meal and for a reviewer to accept a comped meal instead of writing an honest review is to destroy the objectivity and reputation of the reviewer.

Since he would not charge my card, I left more than enough cash on the table.

We will try The Porch again. I’ll let you know what I find.

As of this writing I cannot recommend The Porch and am personally very disappointed.

CLOSED – The Chef in the Forest – GO THERE – You’ll Love It!!!

Recently I had occasion to dine ant The Chef in the Forest located on Hauser Lake. The original restaurant burn d to the ground a few years ago. There were rumors that it was to be sold, and even that it would not be rebuilt. After my recent visit I am truly thankful that the original owners did persevere and rebuilt the area landmark.

The building itself has been lovingly rebuilt in the image of the original structure, including the location and the color scheme. The interior space are very inviting. One might even say romantic. The bar and dining area are spacious and well planned.

Old Building

New Building

Interior of Restaurant

As we entered we were immediately met and seated and provided with menus and a very interesting wine list. Our server was knowledgeable, professional, attentive and friendly – the perfect combination. We ordered a pair of vodka martinis up, with a twist. They were perfectly prepared and served.

The menu is varied and interesting and very reasonably price for a “fine dining” experience. Appetizers include Escargot, Crab Cakes and Cajun Prawns.

We ordered our entree’s and salads. The salads were fresh and served on a chilled plate with a chilled fork. A bread course is always served with a very well crafted pate’ and chilled butter.

I ordered the Roast Duck which is actually 1/2 duck. When I review a restaurant and any manner of duck is on the menu I always order it – for two very important reasons: a. I LIKE duck and duck is not easy to prepare properly. Often duck is cooked until it’s bone dry throughout and then a sauce is slathered over the duck to hide the sawdust like consistency. I asked that the brandied raspberry sauce be served on the side. That way can I taste the duck without “camouflage.” The duck at Chef in the Forest was perfectly prepared and very flavorful, moist with crisp skin. If you like duck, you’ll love this offering.

Other menu selections include sauerbraten as well as many other unique dishes.

Vegetables were well prepared and served. The service at Chef in the Forest is one of the best things about the restaurant. The food is very good but the service is excellent. This is due in no small part to the fact that the owners are an integral part of the operation of the restaurant.

  The tables are well spaced providing an intimate dining experience for a couple. The setting across the street from Hauser Lake is peaceful and quiet. Parking is easy – one handicapped space is set aside on the right hand side of the building as you are facing it.

Prices are moderate for a fine dining experience. Cocktails are reasonably priced and generous.

I would recommend Chef in the Forest to anyone visiting our area or to locals for a break from some of the “in-town” establishments. It’s easy to find and a short drive from Cda or Spokane. Do call for reservations and you won’t be disappointed. (Unfortunately as of this writing their website is down. www.chefintheforest.net/ ) When it comes back up you can review the menu, hours, and specials.

You CAN Get a Chicago Style Corned Beef Sandwich in CDA!!!

(SEE UPDATE BELOW) Last week I was invited to have lunch with some good friends. They suggested Herbie’s Deli Shop in Coeur d’Alene just across from the Fairgrounds on Government Way. The exterior belies the large bright interior. The tables are not crowded next to each other allowing for conversation and ease of seating. As soon as we arrived we we met and served drinks and provided menus and information regarding the specials and other choices.

The sandwich selections sounded very interesting. In addition homemade soups are offered daily and specials, including soups are changed monthly. Herbie’s provides take home menus, monthly special calendars and weekly special flyers.

I ordered a classic corned beef sandwich on rye. The homemade soup of the day was ordered as well as well as a pastrami sandwich (in place of the tuna melt which was not available), a salad and a rueben. My dining party was completely impressed with every selection. I only have two minor suggestions – not complaints – replace or offer in addition to the “marbled” rye, an authentic rye. The wonderful corned beef is TOO good to be served with less than an authentic rye bread. While the dill pickle was very good, don’t slice it into small slivers. Serve at least 1/2 of a top quality dill pickle that stands up to a great corned beef!

The service was great. I met one of the owners who obviously has a real passion for crafting and serving wonderfully and carefully prepared food to diners. What more could one ask for? Oh yeah – price. As you can see from the menu above, the prices are very reasonable.

(UPDATE: After eating at Herbie’s Deli I had occasion to travel to Chicago where I actually compared the corned beef sandwiches at Herbie’s and The Berghoff Restaurant in the downtown Loop area of Chicago. The Berghoff is a a very famous old line Chicago German restaurant. It’s reputation is impeccable. The food is amazing. Here’s what I was served at The Berghoff:

MY score: The Berghoff Corned Beef: “A+”. Herbie’s Corned Beef: “A”.)
Serve Herbie’s sandwich on authentic rye and a big dill pickle the we’ll add a “++” to Herbie’s rating.

Do yourself a favor and get over to Herbie’s for a great sandwich, salad or panini. Please post this on fb and send them a twitter!!!

CLOSED – The Copa Restaurant in Hayden – A Taste of Tuscany

CLOSED MAY 1, 2013 DUE TO BAD MANAGEMENT BY MANAGERS AND OWNERS – WHAT A SHAME!!!

The Copa in Hayden is not as well known as it should be. Its décor is a beautiful example of what can be accomplished in a relatively small space with the artful application of glass, wood and tile. It instantly reminds one of a small, intimate restaurant in Tuscany.

We were enthusiastically greeted at the door and immediately seated at a cozy table by the massive fireplace. Our host welcomed us, provided us with menus, and took our drink order. While our drinks were being made, we looked over the dinner menu. From the more pedestrian mac & cheese to the eclectic prosciutto stuffed chicken, the offerings are interesting and varied.

Our drinks arrive – vodka martinis, up with a lemon twist. While the martinis were very generous, (unlike some restaurants on the lake), in addition to the lemon twist, each martini was served with green olives, which were neither ordered nor desired. Upon request, our host immediately and carefully removed the olives. The martinis were skillfully and carefully crafted –and delicious! Unless requested drinks should be prepared classically. “Vodka martinis with a twist” are made with a hint of vermouth, the vodka of choice and a lemon twist – nothing more.

Prior to ordering, the server told us about the many specials offered that evening, among which were oysters on the half shell and pan seared duck breast with a mole sauce preparation. For starters I selected the half dozen oysters with a raspberry mignonette. Diners that order oysters almost always want to know what variety of oysters are being offered. In this case it was oysters from Fanny Bay, BC. The shells of Fanny Bay oysters are beautifully fluted, as one should expect for a tray-raised oyster. Unfortunately during the shucking process small bits of shell were propelled into the oyster. This can be avoided by using a commercially available oyster shucker called the Aw Shucks.

The oysters themselves were exceptional but sadly the raspberry mignonette, instead of being served on the side, was spooned over each oyster.

Most of us who are willing to pay twelve dollars for six oysters enjoy the flavor of the oyster and like to be able to choose whether or not to “adorn” the oyster with a mignonette or horseradish. (The raspberry mignonette WAS very good!) For those readers interested in oysters a great resource can be found at: Wall Street Journal Oyster Guide.

My dining partner selected the small Caesar salad for a starter. It was classic, well prepared and attractively served.

For our main courses we order the pan seared duck breast with mole sauce and the vegetarian lasagna with meat sauce. Both selection were delicious, attractively plated and well served.

After we enjoyed our main courses, the server told us about the various desserts being offered. I chose the bread pudding. The bread pudding was a “wet” or “dry” preparation. Wet being more “custardly.” He said it was more dry. He also pointed out it was served with ice cream and berries. I asked if the berries and ice cream could be served separately. I wanted to sample the bread pudding without ice cream or berries to judge the quality of the bread pudding alone. It was wonderful. My dining partner agreed. My only suggestion would be that the great classic bread pudding be served with an equally classic whiskey sauce ala New Orleans.

My one suggestion for The Copa Restaurant in Hayden would be this: Things like vodka martinis, oysters and bread pudding are classics, whether referring to preparation or service, they are best prepared and served classically. To change them is akin to adding a disco beat to a Mozart sonata.

I would highly recommend The Copa in Hayden with the proviso that it is a “work in progress” I understand that the chef has just revamped the lunch menu. While on the subject of “works in progress,” I would recommend that whoever is working on the website, finish the job and keep the menu on the website and keep it updated. I would also recommend that they feature their specials and the chef and his talents.

Here’s an easy map to find The Copa. Happy dining.

Hay J’s Bistro – Liberty Lake WA – Easy to Miss!!!

If you don’t know it’s there you’ll drive right past. That would be a shame. Hay J’s Bistro is another bright spot in the Coeur d’Alene/Spokane area. Just off I90 go north as you get off for Liberty Lake and look for a gas station in a strip mall next to the Pepper Tree Hotel – Hay J’s is next door.

The interior is very nicely decorated. The menu is obviously put together by someone who knows and appreciates good food. The restaurant itself is managed by people who understand fine dining. The menu itself is extensive without being confusing. The print is a bit small, especially for someone who forgot his or her reading glasses! The selection of wines and beers is impressive. Hay J’s, in addition to the restaurant, has a very nice, very cozy full bar.

We arrived in the middle of the lunch rush. Every table was filled. I ordered a Caesar salad starter and the Parmesan halibut with rice and broccoli. The server was helpful and knowledgeable. We had enough time to order but were not rushed. Considering how busy Hay J’s was, it was a credit to a professional kitchen staff that the food arrived at the table at a decent pace and was well served.

The salad was not the high point of the meal – too much grated Parmesan cheese and a very weak Caesar salad dressing. I doubt if an anchovy had ever been within a football field of the salad or dressing. The halibut was wonderful. First of all it was very well plated – very attractively presented. The fish itself was tender and flavorful. The sauce was smooth and added to the halibut as opposed to covering the delicate flavor of halibut. The rice was cooked to perfection as was the broccoli – not crunchy (raw) but rather cooked by someone who loves broccoli – dark green and just right.

While I didn’t sample desert, I did sneak a peak at the dessert menu. (I will be back for coffee and dessert at a later date.)

I would highly recommend that you try Hay J’s Bistro – it may become one of your favorites.

A couple of small criticisms – the décor is beautiful. The entire establishment is clean and well maintained. The restrooms are also nicely decorated and very clean. The beautiful furniture that the vessel sink is set on has no closed area underneath and cleaning supplies as well as a toilet brush are clearly visible – easily fixed!

Put a tasteful sign on the office door – I watched as at least a half dozen guests opened the door to the office looking for the restrooms.

Hay J’s is open seven days a week and is open for lunch and dinner. The actual street address (for GPS friends) is 21706 E. Mission Ave, Liberty Lake, WA.