Keeping it simple and soulful
By Jillian Chandler
Photo courtesy of Vicino Pizza
Naomi Boutz, the woman behind the successful Vine & Olive Wine Bar and Eatery in Coeur d’Alene’s Riverstone, has opened a second restaurant in the Riverstone neighborhood. Opened in early October, eager diners can now partake in delicious eats at Vicino Pizza.
“We’re keeping things simple and soulful just like Vine & Olive,” says Naomi. “We may be a casual pizzeria, but we take food, beer and wine very seriously.”
Naomi credits Vicino’s conception to V&O chef Josh Pebbles, as he pitched the idea when he noticed the vacant restaurant space, which already included a wood-fire pizza oven. He will expand his responsibilities to include executive chef at Vicino as well.
Chef Josh is not new to the pizza scene, as he opened a Neapolitan-style pizzeria once before in the Bay Area, but credits his most valuable experience to celebrity chef Akasha Richmond. “Chef Josh was the chef de cuisine at two of Akasha’s restaurants, one being a true Italian restaurant with their own pizza oven and fresh pasta,” says Naomi. “That's where he learned even more about the importance of protein, ash and hydration levels in order to create the perfect pizza.”
Several salads and appetizers will be available to accompany the Neapolitan-style pizza as well, like meatballs with Nonna sauce (a recipe from a restaurant in Italy that’s been open for 300 years where Chef Josh trained), fritto misto and tiramisu. Guests will also find an all-Italian wine list—the only one of its kind in Coeur d’Alene! “Manager and Sommelier Krista French has put together a very thoughtful and dynamic wine list,” smiles Naomi. There are six tap handles and 20 different bottled beer options as well.
The new space offers seating for 77 indoors, with outdoor seating for another 20—which will be available come spring. The black-and-white farmhouse style eatery features five TVs and will be offering NFL Sunday Ticket during the football season. Vicino is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with take-out and to-go available as well.
At both V&O and Vicino, you will find a team focused on keeping things consistently simple but soulful. From the food and wine to the service, Naomi, Josh and the rest of the staff are passionate about what they do—and it shows.
Whether you choose to take a seat at Vine & Olive or Vicino Pizza, your palate is sure to rejoice!
Vicino Pizza
2385 N. Old Mill Loop, Coeur d’Alene, ID
208.758.7997
Vine & Olive Eatery and Wine Bar
2037 N. Main St., Coeur d'Alene, ID
208.758.7770
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