Our Online "Everybody-wants-to-be-a-Critic" Survey!

One of the most glowing reviews that came in through our Web site came from Don Bowerman of Council Bluffs, Iowa, about Michael D's Eatery in Coeur d'Alene.

"My wife, Tina, and I were passing through the area on our way to Salem, Ore., for the International Airstream Rally. ... We couldn't be happier that we stopped in. The food was great, but the clam chowder is 'to die for'! Mo's Restaurants in Oregon, where we intended to take some of our fellow Airstreamers to dinner during the rally for some of Mo's 'world-famous' clam chowder, can't and never will hold a candle to the unbelievable taste, texture, etc. of Michael D's chowder. I only wish they would ship this stuff UPS so I could keep it stocked in my freezer at home!!! Folks, I have eaten clam chowder at restaurants around the globe ... fact. Boston, San Francisco, Sydney, Rio, London; you name the place. You can take it to the bank that the clam chowder at Michael D's is the best I have ever had anywhere, at anytime!"

We think ... you better get down to Michael D's Eatery to try it before they run out!

And another ... about Mangia, which was formerly in the Spokane Valley Mall and has recently moved to Post Falls. Yay for making Post Falls even more of a culinary destination! He said that his server, Josh, treated him like "royalty," and the prices were great considering the high quality of the food. He considers it exceptional and would recommend it to others.

"Having heard tell of this new 'great' restaurant Mangia (Italian for eat), I reserved a table and also informed the restaurant staff of our wedding anniversary. We were greeted as VIPs and escorted to a candlelit table in the back. We enjoyed a perfectly cooked calimari appetizer (not rubbery). I had clam linguini in a wine sauce, my wife had a seafood alfredo (huge variety of fresh seafood); both were extremely rich and savory. Best we've had in a very long time. I could also comment on the ridiculously low lunch prices, flavorful wine, massive pieces of garlic bread or our incredible dessert. But fantastic food asside, the service was also a a rare treat; prompt and genuinely gracious. This was the single best meal we have had in the last 15 years. Food and service every bit as good, or better, than the couple high $$$ restaurants we have in the Spokane area. Highly recommended!" - D. Freeman, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Just a Sampling of some of the Out of Town Reviews Submitted to us ...

Latah Bistro, Spokane

(south on Hwy 195 towards Pullman, Wash.)

The curb appeal : "Very welcoming."
The service : "Great. Excellent food and wine knowledge. Top-notch sevice."
The drinks : "Great wine list."
The bill : "Reasonable priced and well worth it. "
Overall Rating : "Great. Will be returning and recommending."
The Review : "The atmosphere is clever and conforting. The Trout dish was innovative, rich and fantastic! Wine list had great variety and value. Our server was one of the best we have ever had. He recommended a chocolate sampler for dessert, and it was delightful. Overall, one of the best dining experiences we have had, and we are frequent visitors from New York. We will be back."
- Edward T. Townsend

We think they have one of the best restaurant Web sites ever. You will find it (and a map) online at LatahBistro.com.

The sheer distance on this following one really impressed us. Here's a reader's favorite hometown restaurant:

5 North Square Italian Restaurant

(north end of Boston, MA)

"I go all the time, and my family knows everyone there. I grew up going there. You will never have a better meal than the meal you will have at 5 North Square. I'm so sure that you will love it there."
- J. Hunt

She went on to guarantee that they are the best restaurant ever. We found them online at 5NorthSquare.com, just in case you want to check out the menu before you fly to Boston for dinner!

Mizuna - Spokane

Attraction: Saw it in the Spokane Sizzle
The Curb Appeal: Great. That's the reason I had to get in there. It looked like a great atmosphere.
The First Impression: Absolute perfection.
The Servers: Genuine, open, knowledgeable.
The Drinks: Spot on!
The Bill: Best value for money in Spokane.
Overall Rating: Great!
I dine out frequency: Six or more times a month.
A Dinner to Remember: Have not done dinner yet ... However, it will be my first pick soon!
- Rene

Chef in the Forest – HAUSER LAKE, IDAHO (NEAR POST FALLS)

"We hadn't been to Chef in the Forest in years, but after reading about it in the Idaho Cuisine [Northern Edition] restaurant guide, I remembered how much we had enjoyed the restaurant in previous years. I made surprise reservations for Father's Day, and we had a fantastic time! We finished the evening off with drinks at Rainbow Inn and then went to Curley's. What a night for big time Idaho Cuisine fun!"
- Erna

G.W. Hunters Restaurant and Steakhouse - Post Falls

"Had a wonderful dinner. I tried Elk for the first time, and it was great! They have some wild game that you can't get at most places. And, they have good desserts - the crème brulée was delicious. Our server was very nice, and she did a great job. I recommend Hunters. It was a great dinner at a reasonable price."
- Ben

Café Trinity - Sandpoint, Idaho

"Great, great, great, can't wait to go again!"
- Karlei

Angelo's Ristorante - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

"This is my favorite! I love this place! This is the most authentic Italian tastes I have had in the USA."
- Gina

The Wine Cellar - Downtown Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

"Our anniversary is September 4th, and every year, we celebrate it while having dinner at the Wine Cellar. Last year, our 39th anniversary, was no different ... except, when we arrived, Jimmy Duncan, the owner, greeted us, saying, "Must be anniversary time. I have your favorite table waiting." Which, he did. Our dinner was outstanding; the wine complementary as was the dessert. But what made the evening special was, before we left, every one of the servers had been made aware that it was our anniversary, and each one of them had quietly stopped by our table to express congratulations. Where else can one go and receive such an unexpected surprise? "
- Gary

Latah Bistro - Spokane, Washington

Attraction: Friends
Curb Appeal: The Latah Bistro sits across from Tidyman's Grocery store. The location is well outside of downtown, which you will either find great or a real drag. The restaurant itself is located in a strip mall, but definitely does not let that affect the look.
First Impression: The hostess was busy seating customers but was quick to apologize and let us know that our table was not available, but that if we wanted to sit at the bar we could be seated immediately.
The Servers: Our server (the bartender) was great. He let us know what the specials were as well as what he personally liked.
The Drinks: Latah Bistro has a terrific wine menu, which is surprising given the size of the restaurant.
The Bill: We were properly billed, but it was expensive. My tuna was a little over cooked, which makes the bill a little harder to take. For the most part, the restaurant is reasonable.
Overall Rating: The service was good, the decor was terrific and the food was good.
I dine out frequency: 1-6 times a month
- Stefen, Spokane

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