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Westwood Brewing in Rathdrum, Idaho, made its debut in 2017 and has been pleasing patrons with their unique upscale pub fare served in its renovated historic 130-year-old space. Offering arched windows, rustic brickwork and stunning mountain views, the relaxed and casual family friendly restaurant is filled with living history, thanks to owners and brothers Spencer and Shaun Howell and their wives Danielle and Jenny, who took great pride in restoring the building while keeping its history alive. While creating a relaxed and historic atmosphere to their restaurant, quality has always been at the forefront of each meal served. Not only are all meats smoked fresh in-house, but steaks and Alaskan sockeye salmon are cut fresh daily. The prime rib is certified angus and the burgers are ½ pound prime beef. From the hand-dipped haddock to scratch-made dressings, sauces and desserts, the quality is sure to satisfy. The food is complemented by 16 rotating drafts that include seasonal offerings, a cider and a silky smooth nitro. In addition to the enjoyable atmosphere, great food and drink, they offer events nearly every day of the week. If you’re looking to take a break from the cold, enjoy some hot food and cold brews and have a great time, Westwood has you covered. Football fans can enjoy the big game Sundays on 12 screens, and for Monday Night Football, guests can enjoy happy hour with deals on cold drinks and crowd-pleasing appetizers. Taco Tuesday offers $3 pub tacos and $3 margaritas all day! Each week, Wednesday Trivia starts at 7pm and Friday Karaoke starts at 9pm. Saturdays feature their prime rib dinner starting at 4pm, with live music filling the restaurant at 7pm. In addition, each month they feature a Burger of the Month as well as new monthly cocktails. Its living history, signature dishes and fun happenings have fast made Westwood Brewing Company a local favorite. If you haven’t had the chance to stop in, now’s the time. What are you waiting for? Westwood Brewing Co. Rathdrum 8162 W. Main St. 208.712.3423 WestwoodBrewing.com #local #rathdrum #foodandbeverage #businessspotlight

Walking through the streets of Downtown Sandpoint on a weekend night, you may be surprised at what you hear coming from various establishments throughout the area. Music of all genres fill the streets from places such as The 219 Lounge, The Hive, Pend d’Oreille Winery, MickDuff’s Beer Hall, Trinity at City Beach, Di Luna’s, The Back Door and more. And it’s not just your everyday wanna-be star that is performing; these are well-known musicians on a regional, and some national, level who delight the locals and tourists with their amazing talent. The 219 Lounge is a leader in the music scene here. While it has hosted music since it first opened 84 years ago, it was three years ago when it began to host bands on nearly every Friday and Saturday evening throughout the year to a packed house. A year ago, the “Niner” as it is known by locals, added Wind Down Wednesday, which features live music with locally and regionally acclaimed musician Truck Mills. “The addition of mid-week music along with half-priced bottles of wine and featured cocktails is a midweek draw during the early evening hours. We have a different guest musician playing with Truck every Wednesday, and this past summer we did a solo or duo music series every Thursday evening during July and August. Occasionally, we will book bands on other evenings during the year,” said Mel Dick, who along with his wife Claudia own the 219. At The 219 Lounge, they have hosted Karaoke every Tuesday evening from 9pm to midnight for nearly a decade. In fact, they were recently named as No. 1 out of the five top places in the country that you wouldn't expect to find great karaoke. The other four locations were all in major cities in the U.S. And it’s not just the local favorites such as Devon Wade, Bum Jungle, Miah Kohal, Bridges Home, Harold’s IGA, Bright Moments Jazz, Muffy and the Riff Hangers, Still Tipsy and the Hangovers and many other local favorite musicians and bands that draw crowds each week. This year The 219 hosted bands and singer/songwriters from all around the U.S. including Seattle, Missoula, Bozeman, Omaha, Los Angeles, Minnesota, New York, Texas, Portland, Southern Idaho and Maine, to name a few. “We have so much good music that runs the spectrum from rock 'n roll, jazz, blues, Latin, Indie, ska, bluegrass/newgrass, Celtic, folk, Americana, funk, country and Southern rock,” said Mel. “Some are pure cover bands while others play only original music.” With such an eclectic schedule of musical entertainment, Mel said both their live music and popular comedy shows attract a very wide spectrum of guests. “It is not uncommon to have a crowd of 21 to 60-plus years of age for just about any of our events,” he said. For more information on The 219’s lineup, go to their website 219.bar. On the same block as The 219 Lounge is The Hive, which for the past five years has also been host to a thriving music scene. Jeff Grady, a music enthusiast, purchased the Pastime building and began an extensive renovation before reopening in August of 2014. Since that time, The Hive has hosted many amazing musical events including what has now become the traditional “Aftival”—musical entertainment that takes place at The Hive following the concerts at the annual Festival at Sandpoint each August. With two full-service bars, four mezzanine-level VIP booths and state-of-the-art sound and light systems, The Hive is host to the Annual Halloween Bash, a New Year’s Eve Ball and various concerts throughout the year. Some of the acts that have graced the stage at The Hive over the past year include JJ Grey and Mofro, Leftover Salmon, Anders Osborne, Sam Bus and Who’s Bad?–the Michael Jackson Tribute Band. It’s a venue that is unique, fun and worth the visit! Check out their website, LiveFromTheHive.com, for information and a calendar of their events. Along Cedar Street in Downtown Sandpoint, you will also find places such as Pend d’Oreille Winery, The Back Door and MickDuff’s Beer Hall, all of which host musical entertainment on a regular basis. Pend d’Oreille Winery, located at the corner of Cedar Street and Third Avenue in the beautifully renovated Belwood Building, is host to live music during the winter months every Friday evening from 5 to 8pm. They also have live music during special events on Saturdays such as the 2nd Saturday Art Walk. “Our most popular local bands are Mike Wagoner and Sadie, Jake Robin, One Street Over and Brian Jacobs,” said Kylie Presta, who along with Jim Bopp owns Pend d’Oreille Winery. “Musical guests usually represent folk, pop, alternative and country styles.” Pend d’Oreille Winery also brings in musicians from out of town, such as Tom Catmull and Britchy from Missoula. And if you are looking for a beautiful place to relax on a Sunday, Pend d’Oreille Winery welcomes local and experienced pianists for Piano Sundays. “Piano Sundays are becoming our most attended events,” said Kylie. “Scott Kirby, Bob Beadling, Peter Lucht and Annie Welle are four of our most popular pianists.” Just down the street is The Back Door, which opened in the fall of 2017. Located next to Baxter’s on Cedar, The Back Door has hosted several musical guests on Friday and Saturday throughout the year. Its quaint setting is a great place to enjoy all genres of music including pop, rock, country folk and Americana. Whether it is summer out on the lawn or inside on the dance floor, MickDuff’s Beer Hall is a great place to enjoy music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They host many local favorites include Devon Wade, Brian Jacobs & Chris Lynch, and The Beat Diggers in addition to regional artists. Regardless, there is always a packed house with room to dance if you want to move to the music. Just across Fifth Avenue in the Granary District, you will find Matchwood Brewing Company, which opened in October 2018. Husband-and-wife owners Kennden Culp and Andrea Marcoccio, along with their entire crew, have a deep appreciation for talented artists bringing music and high performances for the community to experience together. “We believe music can foster positive community change, prompt dialogue and increase laughter,” said Andrea. “It is our goal to provide artists with an authentic experience both making positive, face-to-face connections with our guests and neighbors as well as honor and appreciate the time, commitment and creativity behind the art forms being performed.” From creating a warm and intimate setting to working with sound specialists, Andrea said that Matchwood Brewing will be an authentic place to perform, watch and listen. “In addition, while conducting our apprenticeship at Imagine Nation Brewing Company, we watched firsthand the power of diversity in music performance and seek to engage community members with unique musical and performance talents as much as possible,” she said. At Matchwood Brewing there will be both local and regional artists performing on weekdays, weekends and for specialty events, all in a family friendly environment. Andrea said they look forward to launching a summer series of outdoor concerts at the historic Molasses Tower stage with the grain elevator as a beautiful backdrop in 2019. Be sure and check them out at MatchwoodBrewing.com. After living in the Sandpoint area for a number of years, Mel Dick shares that he is excited to see how the music scene is emerging not just at The 219 Lounge but many venues throughout town. “Sandpoint has developed a great music scene ranging from great singer/songwriters and bands performing at local restaurants, bars, pubs and breweries to top-notch bands playing at Schweitzer during ski season and festivals and national acts playing the Festival and the Hive,” said Mel. “I believe The 219 and others have led a renaissance of the late-night scene in Sandpoint, and we are becoming a destination for great music on a year-round basis, not just during the annual Sandpoint Music Festival. We have some great local bands and musicians.” This is just a sampling of what one can experience when it comes to music in Sandpoint. There are many businesses that have done much to make Sandpoint a great music venue over the years including Di Luna's, Trinity at City Beach, Eichardt’s, MickDuff's Beer Hall, Schweitzer Mountain, Arlo's, Forty-One South, Pend d’Oreille Winery and The 219 Lounge, all of which have hosted local and regional musicians and bands for years. In addition, The Hive and the Festival at Sandpoint have put Sandpoint on the scene with the national acts they bring to town. And one can't forget the great music that the Panida Theater hosts. Come and explore! It may be a small town, but the music culture is global. #local #featurestory #sandpoint

It’s the place where you build your life, your family and create lifelong memories. Your home is the foundation of all that happens in your life, and it’s also likely the largest financial investment you will ever make. The process of buying or selling a home is exciting; but the reality is that it can also be stressful. With The Davies Real Estate Team of NextHome Living the Northwest, clients are finding that the experience is one they actually find enjoyable. The Davies Real Estate Team includes licensed agents Tom and Lisa Davies and their assistant, licensed agent Keanon Naumann. Their success is rooted in their desire to provide customer service that far exceeds their clients’ expectations, with a mission to provide 7 Star Service. You’ll find The Davies Real estate Team to be: REliable - You can rely on their integrity, hard work, advanced technology and personalized service in every detail of your real estate transaction. Over 25 years of professional business experience and marketing will result in making you money and saving you time. REsponsive - The Davies’ customer-driven business history means they understand the value of quick response when you contact them. It can make the difference between getting your dream home—or not; selling your current property—or not. They know it matters. You can count on fast, personalized service every time, all the time. RElationship Oriented - In real estate, properties are the commodity, but it’s the relationships that drive the Davies’ business vision. They listen; really listen to your needs and desires. They’ve been there, so they can relate. Buyers and sellers become lifelong friends. It’s not just another sale or listing; it’s a commitment beyond that—a foundation for business. Studies demonstrate that 85 percent of buyers and sellers say they would use their agent again. Only 24 percent do. Why? Follow through. The Davies Real Estate Team are Zillow Premier Agents and have buyers from all over the country call on them to assist them in finding the perfect home in North Idaho. When clients arrive from out of town, the team provides concierge service, picking up their clients at the airport in Spokane and arranging local accommodations. Several of their clients have purchased property in North Idaho without ever actually visiting the area, thanks to the team’s ability to provide exceptional photography, videos and drone footage to potential buyers. Read what one of their clients recently stated in a Zillow review: “It’s a cliché to say that a company treats you like one of their family, but that is exactly how Lisa, Tom and Keanon made me feel. They were exceedingly generous with their time and expertise and worked tirelessly until we found the exact right fit for me. I could not be happier with the experience I had while working with them. They turned what can be a tiresome, frustrating search into an enjoyable adventure. They have a deep knowledge of the region and never failed to share it with me. Their help was key in allowing me to quickly get a feel for the pros and cons of each property. Best home buying experience I have ever had!” - David R., Buyer REsources - As a residential real estate team fully supported by NextHome Living the Northwest, The Davies Real Estate Team has the most advanced tech support and marketing resources available to serve your needs. They handle the details and take the pressure off so you can make a clear and concise decision. It’s not just the customized strategic plan that sets them apart. They focus on success through exceptional service based on your needs to surprise and delight you at every stage of the process. Today’s homebuyers begin their search for properties and information on the Internet. The Davies Real Estate Team’s listings go into three Multiple Listing Services—Selkirk, Coeur d’Alene and Spokane. This gives your home unparalleled exposure to all key homebuyer-searched websites. The top two ways to sell or buy a home are Internet 86 percent and agent 79 percent. At NextHome, the focus is to maximize your property’s exposure to the fastest growing segment: mobile. Strategic marketing equals results marketing. NextHomes’ expertise was recognized in a recent article in Forbes Magazine where they interviewed chief strategy officer, Keith Ronson, who addressed that it is critical to understand where the market is trending so realtors can better position both buyers and sellers when it comes to negotiation. REsults - “How soon can you sell my house and for how much?” “How many homes will we need to see before we find one with our ‘must-haves’ and within our budget?” If you are looking for answers to these questions, talk to The Davies Real Estate Team about their unique approach to get the results you want. Their mission is to display your home with the ultimate professional photography, staging and drone footage to sell your home. For The Davies Real Estate Team, it’s all about providing expertise, exceptional personalized service and building relationships. Be sure to stop by and see them on the corner of Superior Street and First Street as you enter Sandpoint. Unlock your NEXT adventure! The Davies Real Estate Team NextHome Living the Northwest 101 W. Superior St. Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 208.920.9062 IdahoPanhandleRealty@gmail.com IdahoPanhandleRealty.com #local #realestate #sandpoint #businessspotlight

With the hustle and bustle of life, it is important not to forget to slow down and take time to appreciate those around us. Enjoy your family and friends by gathering for a meal, spending uninterrupted time conversing and connecting. This is the humble—yet essential—foundation that The Culinary Stone was built on: getting people back to the table. In 2014, Brad and Sandra Gunn partnered with Sandy Volkar and introduced their culinary lifestyle marketplace to the Coeur d’Alene community. Here they invite you to come to the table, inspire you to cook and share a meal with those most important to you. “Eating together, and eating well, should be a daily activity—not just for special occasions,” says Sandra. The largest kitchen supply store in the area, discover specialty foods, cheese and Italian meats, and wines from around the region—and world—in the 5,500-square-foot space. Explore new flavor combinations at the Spice Bar, or be introduced to nouveau Coeur d’Alene Olive Oil Co. olive oils. Stop by their neighborhood boutique deli for artisan deli meats and cheeses, and homemade sausages, and don’t forget about their café featuring artisan breads, European pastries and cakes. Stop by the deli any time of day, take a seat and enjoy great food. Try their delicious gourmet sandwiches, salads and homemade soups—all made to order! In addition, The Culinary Stone has everything you need to outfit your kitchen with the greatest in unique and handy kitchen gadgets, cutlery and dinnerware, pots and pans and cookbooks, perfect for the home chef and entertaining company. Each week, area chefs invite you to pull up a seat and learn to create new delicious meals that you can share with others, all while engaging with new friends. They also hold weekly wine tastings, so you can explore new wines to pair with your meals at home. Enjoy an experience you won’t find anywhere else … at The Culinary Stone. The Culinary Stone Coeur d’Alene at Riverstone 2129 Main St. 208.277.4116 CulinaryStone.com #coeurdalene #local #foodandbeverage #businessspotlight

Opened in 2003 in Hayden Lake, Idaho, by John Grollmus and Brad Fosseen—the duo behind Moon Time in Coeur d’Alene—the Porch Public House offers diners exceptional food, brews, cocktails and service, all complemented by a beautiful golf-course view. It’s the perfect setting to dine and imbibe with friends, family or co-workers any time of year no matter what the occasion. With Moon Time being a neighborhood favorite for Coeur d’Alene diners since 1996, John and Brad decided to bring a similar concept to the Hayden community. The Porch features many similar menu items to Moon Time, with some that are distinct to its locale. From the delicious sandwiches, salads and soups to scratch-made specials, you’ll be treated to great food at even better prices. In addition to the selection of great regional brews and wines, The Porch offers a full bar and the area’s finest cocktails to accompany your meal. Whether you choose to dine in the comfortable pub-style dining room or enjoy the view from their outdoor dining area, you’ll feel like you’re at home. At The Porch, the values are consistent with those implemented at Moon Time. The owners and staff have a relationship built on mutual respect and friendship. “We value each employee personally, not just taking the time to say thanks every day, but also to know about their families, friends and significant others, and ask questions to know what is happening in their personal lives,” says John. With all of the success these friends and business partners have secured in the restaurant business, Brad says what makes him truly proud is that guests keep coming back and have become friends, and he has a staff who sees to it. Every neighborhood should be so lucky, and thanks to John and Brad, Hayden Lake is one lucky place. The Porch Public House Hayden 1658 E. Miles Ave. 208.772.7711 WeDontHaveOne.com #hayden #businessspotlight #foodandbeverage #local

A gathering place for locals and tourists alike, Pend d’Oreille Winery is the perfect place to enjoy fine wine and create special memories. The unique Downtown Sandpoint winery is owned by Jim Bopp and Kylie Presta, both of whom have several years of experience in the winemaking business. “I’m an artist, and you have to be to do what I do,” says Jim. Kylie started out as a chemist analyzing the wine and quickly became involved in the winemaking process. Consistency and quality are two of the many reasons Pend d’Oreille Winery has received countless awards and the respect of many wine drinkers over the past two decades. The refillable wine bottles remain popular, with approximately 600 refilled on a monthly basis. And while they have customers throughout the country to whom they ship, they are grateful to those in their hometown who support them on a regular basis. The music provided at the winery on Fridays and an occasional Saturday draws performers from all over the Northwest including Seattle and Missoula, as well as many local performing artists. The winery is also host to Trivia Night the last Thursday of the month beginning at 5:30pm. They also offer monthly Paint ‘n Sip classes and host a Second Saturday Artist Feature that features a different local artist each month. In addition to the opportunity to taste a variety of incredible wine, the Tasting Room has small bites available including a charcuterie board. And for those who prefer, there is locally crafted beer available. Jim and Kylie express deep gratitude to their families as well as the customers who have supported them in this venture. “It’s very humbling to see people returning again and again,” says Jim. “It’s a gift to not only be able to own and operate this winery but to be able to live in Sandpoint as well.” Pend d’Oreille Winery Sandpoint, Idaho 301 Cedar St. 208.265.8545 POWine.com #businessspotlight #sandpoint #foodandbeverage #local

It’s amazing to find such a dynamic art culture in this small town in the Pacific Northwest, but Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, has it going on. The arts are essential to creating a healthy, vibrant and safe community. The role of the Arts & Culture Alliance is to foster creative outlets for artists, challenge convention and inspire new thinking. The Coeur d’Alene Arts & Culture Alliance leads the way with its support of the arts in all forms, including 23 regional arts organizations. With the many opportunities here, there is always something to do and never a dull moment. Following are the events created by the Arts & Culture Alliance: ArtWalk is a very popular event. From 5 to 8pm every second Friday in April through December, hundreds of people stroll through downtown and enjoy local and nationally acclaimed artists. Supporting galleries, shops, restaurants and businesses provide a lively and free family friendly experience. While a great tourist draw, this is also a time for the local community to come together. Music Walk follows in the winter months from 5 to 8pm every second Friday in January, February and March. Also a free event, Downtown Coeur d'Alene rings with live musical performances from many of the area’s talented musicians! Music for the Wise brings entertainment to those at various assisted living facilities and retirement residences who may not have the opportunity to enjoy live performances, particularly during the winter months. Local musicians and choral groups perform for the enjoyment of all who attend. It is amazing to see the positive effect of music on the elderly, particularly those with memory issues. Music has a powerful impact on the human psyche and memory retrieval. Kids Draw Architecture is held annually in the fall, with aspiring young artists and architects working directly with local experts. They learn to draw while at the same time discovering how our community’s architecture and art represents us as a culture. Thanks to a generous grant from the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, this year’s Kids Draw was held at the Cataldo Mission. This was not only a great opportunity for the drawing experience, but thanks to the Tribe’s historian, Raymond Brinkman, the kids learned about the historic significance of the site. Transportation was provided by the Coeur d’Alene Casino for a record 36 kids and 15 volunteers. Samples of the kids’ artwork will be produced as notecards for sale. The Riverstone Summer Concert Series has been growing each year in popularity. Held every Thursday in July and August in beautiful Riverstone Park, audiences can enjoy a free professional concert of a variety of genres from local and regional performers. What could be better than a beautiful summer evening in a lovely setting listening and dancing to great music? The Coeur d’Alene Artist Studio Tour is an opportunity for the general public to visit local artists’ open studios. Held in early June, the tour showcases the talents of many artists who may not be represented in local galleries, while providing a fun, engaging and interactive experience for those who are interested in witnessing the creative process. Held each year during October, Art from the Heart is a community-wide celebration of the arts held in honor of National Arts & Humanities month, bringing awareness to our community about the wonderful opportunities in the arts that are available. The Arts & Culture Alliance, with the help of local artists, puts on the Art in the Making event at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Plaza Shops—another great opportunity for the general public to experience art in action. And the annual Mayor’s Awards in the Arts is held at the Hagadone Event Center honoring those who have contributed to Coeur d’Alene’s art culture. Every first Friday of the month, the Arts & Culture Alliance hosts Arts Buzz, which provides a networking opportunity for nonprofit arts organizations, artists, performers and anyone interested in the arts. This is a valuable resource for our arts community, allowing us to share events and talents, give advice and seek collaboration opportunities. It continues to grow and draw current and new members excited to be a part of the art scene. The annual fundraiser, Mardi Gras Krewe d’Alene, bridges the gap in the Arts & Culture Alliance’s funding, allowing for expansion in programming and increasing the quality of art experiences. The fourth annual Mardi Gras Krewe d’Alene will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2019, at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Plaza Shops on Sherman Avenue. With a New Orleans-style cook-off between local restaurants, attendees sample the best foods and vote on the People’s Choice Award, while a team of professional chefs choose the Chef’s Award. Traditional street entertainment makes for a lively evening, followed this year by a full-on drag queen show. Why have so many art experiences and events? The arts have a positive economic impact on our community. With the help of the Americans for the Arts economic impact calculator, arts organizations can easily calculate their individual economic impact. The Arts & Culture Alliance generates just over $1 million in our local economy. With audiences spending an average of $31.47 per person per event, every dollar invested in the arts generates $12 back into the community. What a great investment. Visit AmericansForTheArts.org for more information on the positive impact the arts have on our economy. Consider supporting your local arts organization. The investment is worth it. For more information, visit ArtsAndCultureCdA.org. #local #featurestory

There is a lot to be thankful for living in the Northwest, but the truth is during the winter months we may long for some sunshine and warmer weather. When the days are short, the temperatures are chilly and gray drizzle makes things just wet enough to mess up your day, we remember the wonderful islands of Hawaii where it’s almost always 80 degrees and sunny. As a couple that has a serious travel bug, it’s rare we visit the same place twice. But after our first trip to the island of Kauai, we were back again this past May, less than two years later. There are slices of paradise on each of the Hawaiian Islands, but for those looking to step out from behind the all-inclusives, dinner shows and crowded Waikiki and add some adventure to your vacation, the north shore of Kauai simply can’t be beat. In and around Hanalei Bay you will find some of the most spectacular beaches and scenery in the world. You can surf, snorkel, scuba, hike, bike and fly. This truly is a remarkable island, and your visit will bring you a new-found appreciation for nature. His Perspective As a traveler, I like to see and experience as much of an area as I can because who knows if I’ll ever be back again. Relaxing on the beach is always part of the trip, but I can only lounge for so long before wanting to find the next experience. This might be my favorite thing about Kauai. You can drive up and down the North Shore, find plenty of places to explore, and if you feel like a little beach time, just pull over and plop down your chair and towel. Kauai is known for adventure both by sea and land. One of my favorite excursions we’ve taken is something you wouldn’t likely come across at the concierge desk. Our group of four hired a local by the name of “T” to take us into the center of the island and float down a century-old irrigation canal originally created to bring water from the mountains to the taro fields and pineapple plantations in the valleys below. The drive was on one of the roughest and craziest roads I have ever been on with washed out sections the size of a Mini-Cooper. We passed through the area where they shot the entrance to Jurassic Park, and we were soon riding boogie boards down a 2-mile canal. We passed through several pitch-black tunnels and ended at a beautiful swimming hole. Another great land adventure is hiking the first two miles of the Kalalau trail. This trail begins where the road literally dead ends. It’s an 11-mile hike that wraps around the famous Na Pali Coast which you can also tour by sail boat, zodiac, kayak or helicopter. This hike is rated a difficulty 9.5 out of 10 by the Sierra Club, but the first two miles are doable if you are in decent shape and have hiking experience. Permits are needed to go further than two miles, but thousands of people make the 11-mile trek each year to camp out at Kalalau Beach — one of the most beautiful beaches and backdrops you will ever see. The trail is steep and rocky, and you traverse streams that can swell at a moment’s notice. Both times we’ve done this hike it has down poured for a short time making for an even wilder experience. Back in the water, you’ll find a colorful array of fish snorkeling at Ke’e beach, excellent surf and boogie boarding waves in the picture perfect two-mile crest beach of Hanalei Bay, and will more than likely come across giant sea turtles snorkeling at Anini Beach. Having such an immense turtle swimming just feet away from you is really an amazing experience. Like other vacation destinations, there are plenty of restaurants from grab-and-go to upscale fine dining, and shops carrying trinket souvenirs to fine art. You’ll notice that only a couple bars stay open past dinner, but after a day of exploring and sunny beaches, most retire early instead of seeking out the nightlife. If you get the chance to visit this island, enjoy the beaches, but don’t be afraid to step out and find your own adventure. Her Perspective When my husband and I settled on a vacation to the island of Kauai and began to talk to friends and colleagues about our trip, one of the most common things we heard from other visitors of the island was “Kauai is incredible.” After having visited the island twice, I agree. The Hawaiian island of Kauai is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The island has natural presence that truly must be seen to be believed. Kauai served as the backdrop to many famous movies (Jurassic Park and Blue Hawaii for example) so you likely have seen this spectacular place before without even realizing it. If you are in search of a tropical paradise that comes complete with stunning, high lush green mountain peaks that seem to always be draped in a shroud of mist and that are contrasted against a coastline of white sand beaches and rolling turquoise blue ocean waves, look no further than Kauai. The “Garden Island” is the perfect backdrop for burying your toes in the sand and your nose in a book while the ocean crashes to the shore. You can boogie board, surf and drink beer from your cooler while you get far too much sun and apply too little sunblock. You will probably have more than one encounter with some of the most colorful chickens you have ever seen, as they inhabit the island and seem to be its most numerous residents. These free-range creatures will probably be your morning alarm clock too. They seem to be lurking everywhere, including outside your window. Impressive sunrises on the island make for a perfect excuse for getting up early for a run, taking a yoga class on the beach, or walking down to the nearby beach to stand in the ocean and watch the sun come up for the day. Opting for a vacation rental by owner over a hotel will usually include the perks of having a little more privacy, a lot more space, and typically a cache of beach gear to let you create your own experience. Plus, if you have a kitchen, it can easily be stocked. The island boasts multiple farmers markets, with one happening most nights of the week. The markets are a great chance to be amazed at how much better things grow in the tropical climate (hello giant onions!) and to find and try fruit not typically found at your regular Pacific Northwest farmer’s market (hello papayas!). Creating your adventure, not your style? There are also tons of resources and companies that will ensure your vacation has just the right amount of zip-lining, surfing, fishing, snorkeling or whatever you enjoy. If you are looking to have rocking party where you stay up late and hop from club to club, this is not the place for you. And no one is going to walk up to you and try to sell you some trinket you don’t need. Kauai’s charms are much more natural and serene – and when you leave you’ll find yourself planning the next trip before you get home.

With just about every variety of terrain no more than a couple hours away, the arc from Spokane to Sandpoint is among the finest places in the country for winter recreation. It’s so good, in fact, that expert climber Jess Roskelley wouldn’t live anywhere else. “The reason I have lived here my entire life is because it’s the center of a lot of areas to go climbing or skiing,” Roskelley said. And so much more. Options for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and other well-known recreations abound in the Inland Northwest. “Spokane: You can fly in from anywhere in the world,” said Alf Cromwell, Selkirk Powder’s director of marketing, “and within that day you can be skiing crazy cool stuff.” But if you’ve grown tired of that usual slate of options, consider the more extreme sports available to those who want to push their limits—at just about any altitude. Heli-Skiing One of the most exclusive extreme sports opportunities in the region is to heli-ski your way through the Selkirk Mountains. A helicopter picks you up and your group basically can decide where you want to be dropped off. And then you ski. “Imagine you’re on a ski lift. You’re deposited at the top and have the choice of a few runs. Heli-skiing is like that but on steroids,” Cromwell said. “You go where you want to go. … You have this portable ski lift at your disposal to ski runs wherever you want that are appealing to your eye and ability level.” In short, you get exclusivity. Which comes at a price: $1,975 per person. “It’s that amazing, romantic adventure that’s irresistible,” Cromwell said, “and for those who are bold enough, they will be rewarded with world-class snow and ease of access.” Selkirk Powder runs excursions out of Sandpoint Airport from March 2 through April 14. Ice Diving Not for the beginner, ice diving offers the chance to explore lakes at their most serene. Guides start by cutting a triangular hole in the ice and shoving the triangle down and under to form an opening. Then, divers take the plunge, tethered to a line at the surface. Guides mind the line while the divers—including a safety guide—explore the underside of the ice. “It’s a bit thrilling,” said Phillip Graf, who has been leading such dives for almost two decades for Omni Divers in Oregon. “When you get underneath the ice you can look up and see the bubbles forming.” The sediment normally in the lake settles in the cold, still water, so you can see more clearly than on a hot summer day. You can also touch the bubbles and play with them, like the Mercury effect, Graf said. He’s even done some water skiing along the underside of the ice. Local outfitter Jake Powlison of Jake’s Diving—which, along with Atlantis Aquatics, offers dives in the Inland Northwest—cautioned that this is only for advanced divers. “It adds another aspect of excitement because you can’t go straight up, you can’t punch through the ice,” Powlison said. “It’s exciting. When you jump in, there’s an adrenaline rush for sure.” Guides: Jake’s Scuba Adventures in Coeur d’Alene, Atlantis Aquatics in Spokane, Omni Divers in Oregon/Washington/Idaho Terrain Parks Skiers and snowboarders looking for a place to hone their jumping and maneuvering skills can look to the area’s various terrain parks. Schweitzer Mountain Resort has three, of varying levels of difficulty, from beginner to expert. Skills developed in the terrain parks transfer well to other parts of the mountain, said Matt Conger, marketing coordinator at Schweitzer. “It’s a really good way to hone some skills for getting comfortable in the air on a man-made built feature with the proper takeoff and landing,” Conger said. “Then you can go, ‘OK, that cliff isn’t so scary.’” They also offer another way to enjoy the mountains when the powder isn’t fresh or the ski conditions aren’t ideal for the slopes, Conger said. “The terrain park is one of those things that’s always there.” Safety is paramount, he said, so those who want to enjoy the Stomping Grounds, Schweitzer’s largest park, are required to complete some basic safety and etiquette training. Ice Climbing For those willing to go a little bit farther—or to pay close attention to conditions nearby—ice climbing in this region is some of the world's best. “We’re a really pretty day’s drive from the best place in the world to ice climb,” said Roskelley, who has climbed ice around the globe. “Ice climbing is basically when there’s either frozen waterfalls or snowmelt or the rain water table leaks through cliffs, and as soon as it ends up freezing up, guys like me decide to go hang out on it.” Much like any form of rock climbing, climbing ice takes proper equipment and training. But if people are willing to watch the ice at local places, such as Banks Lake near the Grand Coulee Dam, or are willing to drive six hours into Canada, the reward is worth it. If you’re new to climbing on any surface, Roskelley recommends learning at a gym and doing some rock climbing first, “and working your way up to using sharp metal objects” like ice picks. People can also look into ice climbing guides, classes and outfitters. Motorized Snow Biking Take a dirt bike, remove its tires and add snowmobile treads. That’s how you end up with motorized snow biking, or Snow BikeCross, a recent addition to the X-Games as an official event. Timbersled, a company that began in Sandpoint and was bought by Polaris three years ago, is a pioneer in the industry. It sells various kits to convert motorbikes to snow bikes. Various dealers in the area are able to outfit those who are interested. As for where you can use them, the general rule is to follow regulations for snowmobiles. So, people should check with parks and other locations before riding. #local #featurestory

Anyone driving I-90 west of Spokane has surely noticed the massive construction site near the airport. There are only so many companies out there that would build a facility of such size in our neck of the woods, and already having 50,000 employees in the state of Washington, Amazon was the prime suspect. Spokane’s worst-kept secret was confirmed this past summer, as the online retailer announced it is constructing another fulfillment center. This will be the fourth such center in the state, soon to join existing centers in DuPont, Kent and Sumner. According to Amazon, the facility will create 1,500 full-time jobs, and the number could swell to around 2,000 total jobs near the peak holiday seasons. “We’re excited to open a new state-of-the-art fulfillment center in Spokane and to continue innovating in our home state,” said Mark Stewart, Amazon’s vice president of North America Customer Fulfillment. “Washington is known for providing great opportunities for jobs and customer experience, and we are grateful to the dedicated local and state officials and teams who came together to support Amazon in bringing a new fulfillment center to Eastern Washington.” Amazon employees at the more than 600,000-square-foot fulfillment center will work alongside Amazon Robotics to pick, pack, label and ship items to customers such as games, housewares, school supplies and pet toys. With more and more consumers choosing Amazon’s Prime service, the facility was necessary to continue to meet the demands of guaranteed two-day shipping around our region. State-of-the-art technology combines human and robotic elements to ensure as smooth a process as you will find. "We are excited to have Amazon join our business community with a significant financial investment and new employment opportunities,” said Al French, Spokane County Commissioner for West Spokane. "Amazon is another Fortune 100 company to see Spokane as a critical part of their success and want to be part of Spokane's growth." Additional income opportunities are also likely to come along with the building of the new fulfillment center. Amazon is actively building its own distribution network to have more control over how and when packages are received. The company is using a model similar to Uber or Lyft, in which those with a working vehicle can sign up for a block of time to deliver packages without having to commit to full-time employment. Called Amazon Flex (Flex.Amazon.com) drivers choose a block of time they are available, pick up their assigned deliveries and make the drop. Depending on demand and workload, hourly rates can range anywhere from $18 to $25 per hour, according to the company. Amazon Delivery Service Partners are also being recruited around the country (Logistics.Amazon.com). This service is intended for entrepreneurs who want to start up their own business but don’t have a lot of capital or equity to do so. Startup costs are as little as $10,000, and Amazon provides branded delivery vans, uniforms and consistent schedules while the owner of the business focuses on building and managing their team of employees. Carriers are encouraged to expand their fleet to several delivery vehicles, and six-figure incomes are very possible. In the fall, Amazon announced it would be upping the minimum wage to all workers to $15 per hour. Many of the fulfillment center jobs will be in this range, but there will also be several management-level positions as well. A concern amongst citizens is the potential to see large increases in home and rental prices with an influx of new industry heading to town. The Spokane real estate market is currently in a seller’s market with quite low inventory and has been for sometime according to Ken Sax, designated Broker at Keller Williams Spokane and 2018 president of the Spokane Association of Realtors. “As a result, we have seen consistent price increases with demand being greater than inventory. Think back to 12th-grade economics class and learning about supply and demand,” he said. Another factor in the rise in home prices is individuals and families moving in from areas such as Seattle, Portland and California, where home prices are much steeper. “This places additional demand on our already low inventory, which continues putting an upward pressure on our prices,” said Sax. While the facility will employ many at or around the $15-per-hour rate, many managerial and professional jobs will also be available. People in these positions are more likely to look at purchasing a home, whether they are already a Spokane-area resident or moving here from another location. As inventory continues to remain low, Sax expects that the completion of the Amazon fulfillment center will aid in prices continuing to rise. “I expect the completion of the Amazon facility to do the same thing … put upward pressure on our prices as demand continues to increase.” It isn’t just home owners who are battling to find housing, but renters are also having a difficult time securing homes, condos and apartments. Average rent continues to rise with a two-bedroom apartment coming in at around $920 per month. Occupancy has been historically low as well, hovering under 3 percent for much of the past few years. Individuals working full time at Amazon’s base pay would make around $31,000. For the employee to rent the average two-bedroom apartment in Spokane, they would need to devote 29 percent of their pre-tax income to rent. The federal definition of being “moderately to severely cost burden’” is set at 30 percent. Developers are constructing new complexes in the north, south, valley and Kendall Yards, and most units are being scooped up before the complex is even completed. Sax feels that additional workers will put additional demand on the rental market as well. “The same supply-and-demand dynamics work the same in the rental arena. And in the rental market, we see demand being greater than inventory. Therefore, my feelings here are the same as in the sales arena,” he said. The news is good for sellers, however. Anyone who picked up a home during the recession or those who bought in the peak pre-recession have likely regained their value and should have plenty of equity to work with if they are looking to upgrade. While inventory is low and there is competition out there, The Spokane County Association of Realtors feels that many homeowners are listing too high and might have unrealistic expectations of their home’s value, even in a seller’s market. “As a result, we are seeing more and more sellers sitting on the market since they are overpriced. Then the perception by many is that the market is shifting because they’re seeing their neighbor’s house not selling when in fact, the house isn’t selling because it’s overpriced,” said Sax. He recommends finding an experienced Realtor and listening to them as they understand market dynamics. In the case of buyers, Sax said now is not the time to low-ball offer and make huge demands from sellers. Those sellers will often move off from these offers and wait for one more to their liking. As in any market he recommends being pre-approved for your mortgage so you are able to show the seller you are serious. There are many factors that go into the ebb and flow of a housing market. The state of the economy, interest rates, unemployment, inventory and even what time of year. The opening of Amazon’s new fulfillment center is simply another factor to consider whether you are looking for a first home, an upgrade or looking to downsize. Spokane is growing and currently shows no signs of slowing down. With a Fortune 100 company placing a major employment center in the city’s backyard, local officials are hopeful that more companies will notice what the city has to offer and bring additional professional jobs to the region. There will be impacts felt from this facility for years to come, and what exactly those will be are still to be determined. #local #featurestory #spokane

When it comes time to building a home, many are focused on countertops, flooring and other finishes that will bring to life their personality through the design of their home. But why not dare to be different? Adding some unique characteristics and features to your home, while they can be implemented later, are typically much easier (and less expensive) to do from the outset. Here are just a few of the things area builders and architects have done in recent years to add character to the homes they design and build. • For Creekside Construction in Coeur d’Alene, they recently completed a home that utilized its garage rooftop as a patio—something that is a perfect solution if you have limited yard space or live in the heart of the city yet love to relax outside during the warm weather months. Some of the best benefits of a rooftop patio include beautiful sunsets and privacy. Want even more privacy? White lattice planted with vines will add to a wonderful outdoor entertaining space! If you enjoy gardening, don’t let the idea of a rooftop patio discourage you. Decorate the area with containers and add plants, vegetables, and more to your outdoor space. • Creekside Construction also recently completed an interesting project, a “hangar home”—a home above an airplane hangar. For many private pilots this is a dream come true, allowing them to get up in the morning, have a cup of coffee and maybe take off to places far away for lunch or dinner before returning home for the evening. For many in North Idaho, this has become a very popular feature as we see more and more people calling this area their home away from home. • Matt Kerr and Eric Owens are partners at Sayler • Owens • Kerr Design Studio in Sandpoint and are involved in many unique projects. Living in North Idaho, much of their work also involves making the most of the natural beauty of the great outdoors and utilizing it both indoors and out. In what they refer to as the Loon Lake Residence, they designed a bridge that spans from the parking area across a shallow, tree-filled ravine leading to the front door of the home. “The owners wanted it to feel light even though the span required steel,” said Matt. “We used an open grate for the floor of the bridge so as you walk across you can look down into the ravine and see the undergrowth. This inspired the owners to ask for an organic railing to complement the experience of being in the tree canopy.” Matt and Eric sketched out a four-foot section of overlapping branches and let the metal fabricator go from there. They then created the down-light handrail which not only illuminates the bridge but also the landscape below. • Another home designed by Sayler • Owens • Kerr sits on the Pend Oreille River and has a unique design of a tree column in the interior. “The owners are huge Greene & Greene Brothers fans (influential early 20th century American architects) and modeled many elements of the house after the Greene Brothers’ Gamble House in Pasadena,” said Matt. “One of the elements of craftsman-style architecture is the relationship between nature and the built environment, and the owners wanted to bring something organic, some reference to its place on the land. We chose a tree to work with the rock chimney to anchor the living room on this rock cliff in a forest. Once we proposed a natural log column (also at the entry), the owners took that idea and ran with it, creating what looks like an existing tree that we built the house around.” • North Idaho has amazing places that capture some of the most breathtaking views around. And who wouldn’t want to wake up each day to a view of the mountains and water? While it’s not affordable for everyone to live right on the shoreline, Bruce Wickboldt of Sandpoint Builders recently completed a screen room on Glu Lam stilts, giving the owners of the property breathtaking views of the mountains and water. “It’s like a tall forest lookout tower overlooking the Pend Oreille River,” said Bruce of the unique construction. • Design ideas do not have to stop at the flooring and fixtures. A few years ago, Aspen Homes designed a home with a copper ceiling in the kitchen. “We really wanted to spice it up,” said Zetta Stam, who along with her husband Todd owns Aspen Homes in Coeur d’Alene. While it is not an inexpensive feature, Zetta shares that there are many ways to integrate this look that are most cost effective than utilizing true copper. With knock-off tiles that have the appearance of copper, many with different unique finishes, this can be a great option for people on a limited budget who would like to incorporate this into their home. • Feeling a little rushed in the morning while getting ready for work but still want to catch some of the morning news? By integrating a TV behind your mirror that is fully accessible with the remote, you can do both at the same time. This is becoming an increasingly popular feature and one that is relatively easy to achieve. The TV in this design by Aspen Homes is housed in the master closet adjacent to the master bathroom. Its components are hidden but easily accessed through a compartment in the closet. • Whether it is the ocean waves or the trickling of a waterfall, the sound of water can be soothing. While we all cannot have beachfront homes, we can bring the sound of water into our home through an interior water feature. This feature by Aspen Homes is one that many home owners have incorporated into their home not only for the soothing sound of the water but also as an artistic feature as well. • Brandon Johnson of Affordable Custom Builders in Coeur d’Alene shares that his company’s most recent fresh ideas have come from Millennials wanting to show their love for man’s best friend. “We learned that 89 percent of those Millennials who bought a home this year owned a pet,” said Brandon. “So we decided to incorporate a couple pet-friendly ideas into their lives. We started with some pocket doors made for dogs but of course would work well for those with toddlers, too. Since adopting these concepts, most of our clients we share these ideas with add a similar feature to their custom home.” • Affordable Custom Builders also had a request to incorporate a safe doggy door access. “We really liked this idea because it allows the pets to enter at their own will but prevents intruders from gaining access to your home without ending up in ‘the klink’ themselves,” said Brandon. “It’s essentially a kennel location under a utility room cabinet base. Very simple, yet functional, and looks great!” • Another increasingly popular feature in North Idaho is a request for hidden gun rooms or vaults. Brandon said they generally hide these rooms with bookshelves, and they require a fairly complex hinge mechanism and some serious structural reinforcement, but in the end it provides the homeowners peace of mind. Building or renovating a home provides a unique opportunity to explore various ways to meet your needs with adding something functional, artistic or simply an expression of your own personality with distinctive features. If these or other ideas inspire you, be sure to contact a builder or architect and find out more! They can help you estimate the cost and even provide you with other inspiration. Go ahead … dare to dream! #local #featurestory

Syringa Japanese Café and Sushi Bar has been satisfying locals since 2007, and since day one, owners Viljo and Autumn Basso have been serving guests the best sushi and modern Japanese cuisine North Idaho has to offer! High-quality, fresh ingredients and wonderful flavors are used in each dish they serve. With a flare for originality and excellence, this quaint little restaurant has set itself apart from the rest. “We feel so blessed to be a part of this amazing community,” says Autumn. “We are fortunate to have a crew that is passionate about great service and providing our customer with a quality product.” In 2016, the husband-and-wife team opened The Bluebird, a midtown eatery, which quickly gained a large following that continues to grow. Viljo and Autumn have delivered a casual neighborhood bistro-style restaurant offering a cozy rustic interior, with reclaimed warm rustic wood and metal, and vintage photographs decorating the walls. The Bluebird is an eclectic Northwest bistro—the menu inspired by the couple’s 20-plus years of culinary travels and adventures. Seasonal as much as possible, the menu items change frequently with specials offered weekly, allowing diners to try something new each time they visit. “We have a daily scallop special and the tater tot poutine (Cougar gold cheese sauce, pork belly and green onion),” says Autumn. “Our fried chicken (breast, thigh, leg and wing with honey miso glaze and pickle) is a must try. And you can’t pass up dessert. Kayla Carey, the manager of our White Pine Coffee Shoppe, makes the desserts for The Bluebird, and she just works magic.” To accompany the deliciously unique menu, The Bluebird has an outstanding wine list offering incredible selections from all over the world. In addition to the wine, they have a great selection of beer, ciders and sours. The Bluebird has found its home in Coeur d’Alene’s midtown, and the neighborhood couldn’t be happier. “Our goal was to open the kind of restaurant we like to dine at and bring more dining variety to Coeur d’Alene,” says Autumn. And guests continue to eat it up. When it comes to what makes both Syringa and The Bluebird distinct, Viljo says, “At each place, we’ve had the ability to create, in our small place, a friendly local neighborhood vibe. The food is unique, the customers are unique and the employees are unique.” More is on the horizon for Viljo and Autumn, as Syringa will make its new home in its bigger location just up the street at 1710 N. Fourth St., in the former Bistro On Spruce location. Set to open by 2019, Autumn says she loves the new restaurant space, and they plan to “Syringa-fy” it. “We hope the transition to the bigger place is fairly seamless for our customers,” she says. “We are still going to be a local neighborhood restaurant with the same friendly faces.” The new location offers guests ample parking, has more seating and a private banquet room, which Autumn says they hope to rent out in the future. She adds, “We’re really excited to be next to Slate Creek and the Corner Bar!” They will continue to host beer and winemaker dinners (at both Syringa and The Bluebird), and customers can keep up with upcoming events on their Facebook and Instagram page. Whether you take a seat at Syringa or The Bluebird, Viljo, Autumn and their staff are ready to serve you and help create a memorable—and delicious—dining experience. The Bluebird Midtown Coeur d’Alene 816 N. Fourth St. 208.665.3777 MidtownBluebird.com Syringa Japanese Café & Sushi Bar Coeur d’Alene 1401 N. Fourth St. 208.664.2718 SyringaSushi.com Syringa Japanese Cafe & Sushi Bar New Location Coming Winter 2018/2019! Coeur d’Alene (Corner of Fourth and Spruce) 1710 N. Fourth St. #coeurdalene #local #businessspotlight #foodandbeverage

The White House Grill For more than two decades, Raci Erdem, chef and owner, has been bringing the flavors of the Mediterranean—and its garlicky goodness—to eager diners, and guests continue to eat it up! Serving the Post Falls community for 22 years, The White House Grill offers a comfortable and relaxed family friendly environment, where patrons of all ages are invited to take a seat at this fun and loud—but by no means obnoxious—restaurant. Mediterranean music fills the air, as does the aroma of garlic. Seafood, vegetables, pasta and lamb dishes fill the menu, complemented by a full bar featuring handcrafted cocktails, 12 beers on tap, an extensive wine list and a beautiful scotch list—hand selected by Raci himself. Raci looks forward to guests coming into the restaurant, not just for the food and drink, but to enjoy the overall experience The White House has to offer. “Our job is to put you in a great mood with some cool music, delicious food and awesome drinks, all for a great value that you won’t find at any chain restaurant,” he says. Since day one, The White House Grill has offered the same freshness, quality of food, fun environment and good prices. And every year since first opening, the seats continue to be filled. Join them for lunch and dinner daily starting at 11am and open late. The Oval Office With the success of The White House Grill, Raci decided it was time to open a second restaurant, and The Oval Office was born in 2006. Here, the cozy, romantic bistro-style eatery is loud and busy, bustling like a big-city restaurant with an upscale appeal. Here, patrons can appreciate flavors from around the world with the small plate and entrée offerings. Start your night off right with the baked brie in filo with spicy basil honey; the Mediterranean-style clams are a must! Combined with the great steaks, seafood and ever-changing fresh fish selection, there’s something to appeal to any taste, and guests keep coming back for more. The menu stays consistent throughout the year so guests know that the next time they return they will always find the same great food. Don’t be surprised though—you may just find a few new items on the menu. When it comes to libations, guests will be treated to a full bar featuring great beer, wine and specialty cocktails. Unlike other martini lists, it features politically inspired specialty martinis, from The President to The Impeachment. There’s something on the menu for anyone looking for a good martini—and a good time! The Oval Office is known for its happiest of happy hours in the Northwest, offered twice daily. With all martinis and appetizers offered at a fraction of the price, it’s the best time to head over to The Oval Office. The community fireplace on the large outside patio can seat 12 around it, where guests have the option to dine and imbibe outside. The European-style awning allows patio dining year round! Open Monday through Friday 11am to 11pm and Saturday and Sunday 3 to 11pm, it's the perfect spot for late-night dining. This American bistro with a foreigner chef touch is reason alone to take a drive to Post Falls and make a visit to The Oval Office. Martini anyone? WhiteHouseGrill.com The White House Grill Post Falls 712 N. Spokane St. 208.777.9672 The Oval Office Bistro and Martini Bar Post Falls 620 N. Spokane St. 208.777.2102 #businessspotlight #postfalls #local #foodandbeverage

When you walk into Forty-One South, you instantly feel the warm and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant sits on the shore of Lake Pend Oreille and offers incredible views, delicious American cuisine and a true North Idaho feel with its rustic beamed ceilings and real wood-burning fireplace. In the summer, you can enjoy outside dining from their spacious patio area, and no matter what time of year, there is no better place from which to take in the incredible sunsets over the mountains and water. While all this may lead one to think that an evening at Forty-One South is only for that romantic night out or certain special occasions, the truth is that it is a favorite of many families as well. With a children’s menu that will appeal to the younger members of the family, Forty-One South’s innovative cuisine offers both unique and traditional food choices including their popular Stone Harbor crab bisque, warm goat cheese appetizer, smoked filet mignon, wild sockeye salmon as well as pasta just to name a few. And for those who love to enjoy some comfort food on occasion, you cannot pass up the “Lakeshore” burger or the buffalo meatloaf. Their exquisite food preparation coupled with the ambiance of Forty-One South makes it an experience that has both locals and tourists returning again and again. They have a full bar as well as a bar menu for those wanting to stop in for a cocktail and appetizer or light meal. With a menu that changes with the seasons, Forty-One South is not only the perfect place to enjoy a memorable night out, but they also host many special events throughout the year. Their monthly wine dinners throughout the winter season are especially popular. Guests enjoy a five-course dinner accompanied by a hearty wine to complement each course. Featuring a different winery every month, the wine dinners are always a sellout, so reservations are required. If you are looking to host a celebration, Forty-One South also provides in-house and off-site catering for small and large groups including weddings, birthdays, business meetings and holiday parties. They also have a private dining room available. Cassandra Cayson has owned Forty-One South for just over eight years and has earned a reputation for providing not only excellent food and spirits but also exceptional service as well. With the success of Forty-One South, it was no surprise when Cassandra opened a second restaurant in 2012, Shoga Sushi Bar, right next door to Forty-One South. Offering customers an alternative option, the menu at Shoga offers a variety of nigiri, sashimi and specialty rolls as well as many Asian-inspired entrees such as the chicken teriyaki or beef and broccoli. Cassandra and her staff pride themselves on building relationships with the locals and tourists alike. The chefs use only the freshest ingredients and source them from as many local sustainable farms as possible. Both restaurants focus on accommodating each guest’s tastes and preferences above all. Hours do vary by season, so it is recommended to call ahead. The Lodge at Sandpoint Sagle - 41 Lakeshore Dr. Forty-One South 208.265.2000 41SouthSandpoint.com Shoga Sushi Bar 208.265.2001 ShogaSushi.com #local #foodandbeverage #sandpoint #businessspotlight

Decisions, decisions. Are you in the mood for a USDA Prime grade ribeye steak, a juicy cheeseburger with all the fixings or some mouthwatering Kansas City-style barbecue? At Northern Quest Resort & Casino, the dining options continue to multiply, providing more than a dozen exciting choices all in one world-class entertainment destination. The latest additions to Northern Quest include Riverbank Taphouse, Qdoba Mexican Eats, Ben & Jerry’s and M&D, a new dining and movie theater combination unlike anything else the Inland Northwest. So if you’re having trouble deciding what you’re hungry for, head to Northern Quest where there are delectable options to suit your every mood! Riverbank Taphouse (NEW!) At Riverbank Taphouse, located just off of the main casino floor, you’ll find 52 taps that feature a variety of craft and domestic beers, hard ciders, wines and a dozen rotating seasonal options. The menu features a delicious assortment of flatbreads, sliders and charcuterie. Enjoy their sweet and spicy popcorn, roasted mushrooms or the mega-sized homemade pretzel with beer cheese dip. Qdoba Mexican Eats (NEW!) Serving a variety of Mexican food options, the menu features burritos and salads filled with fire-grilled steak, chicken, slow-roasted brisket and ground beef, along with daily fresh-made pico de gallo and hand-mashed guacamole. Ben & Jerry’s (NEW!) Indulge in your favorite Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavors, along with milkshakes, ice cream cakes and more! Thomas Hammer (NEW!) Serving inspired roasts and coffee drinks pulled by highly skilled baristas, get your pick-me-up at Thomas Hammer’s newest location just off the casino floor. M&D (NEW!) This unique and exciting movie theater and dinner combination brings a whole new level of fun to Northern Quest. Reserve your seat for a popular “New Release” movie and join them for lunch or dinner before, during or after your movie. Dine from a full menu of options in the restaurant including Kansas City-style barbecue, Middle Eastern-inspired falafel and fresh seafood. If you’re dining during a movie, select easy-to-eat hand-held options from their “Dark Menu,” including sliders, pizzas and more. And don’t forget to visit the dining venues Northern Quest guests have come to know and love. There’s something for everyone at Northern Quest Resort 7 Casino! Masselow’s Steakhouse - USDA Prime Grade steaks and fresh seafood The Lounge at Masselow’s - Enjoy craft cocktails and world-class wines EPIC - Enjoy burgers and pub fare while watching their 30x10 foot LED HDTV Fai’s Noodle House - Vietnamese Pho, plus stir fry and sake River’s Edge Buffet - More than 100 fresh daily options for lunch and dinner Fatburger - Fresh-made burgers, crispy fries and hand-scooped ice cream shakes The Deli - Made-to-order sandwiches, pizza and stromboli Northern Quest Resort & Casino 877.871.6772 NorthernQuest.com #local #coeurdalene #foodandbeverage #businessspotlight