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If you look closely inside Westwood Brewing in Rathdrum, you’ll still see remnants of a fire that could have leveled the building. Instead, it stands tall today and is where you’ll find one of the more unique menus in the area. The building that is now home to a thriving restaurant—named in honor of the original town name—was built in 1887, and at times housed a bank and a hardware store. When the building came up for sale, brothers Spencer and Shaun Howell and their wives Danielle and Jenny saw a place to build their dream. “We all instantly fell in love with the building from first sight,” says Danielle. “The arched windows, rustic brickwork and mountain views are stunning. Once inside, the historic bar, old bank vault and woodwork had so much character.” While renovating a 130-year-old building presents unique challenges, the Howells were able to get their restaurant and bar up and running in less than a year, and it’s living history and signature dishes have fast made it a local favorite. “Each wall and piece of décor has some sort of focal point or historical aspect. We love visiting with our patrons and sharing the building and town history,” says Danielle. While creating a relaxed and historic atmosphere to their restaurant was paramount, the Howells knew that providing high-quality dishes at reasonable prices would be key to seeing sustained success. As self-described foodies, they expected quality when they went out to eat before opening Westwood Brewing. This means you’ll find only prime, choice and certified Angus meats, many of which are smoked in house. Salad dressings, dips and sauces are also all made from scratch, and each includes a unique twist to classic recipes. For starters, try the Smoked Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Egg Roll, topped with chipotle aioli sauce and green onion and served with house barbecue sauce. If you like a potato stuffed to the gills, the Westwood Potato is smothered with cheddar ale sauce and jicama corn relish, topped with smoked pulled pork, pickled jalapeños and cotija cheese and garnished with bacon crumbles, sour cream and cilantro. Burgers each weigh in at a half pound and are served with everything from brown whisky sauce and ghost-pepper aioli to a burger that’s fully submerged in the deep fryer. Salmon, cod and certified aged Angus steaks and prime rib are mainstays on the dinner menu. The bar includes 16 rotating and regional drafts that include seasonal offerings, a cider and something on silky smooth nitro. With a name like Westwood Brewing it was only a matter of time until namesake beers would be appearing as well. The Howells have been working with a local brewery on custom beers that will be featured this summer and only available at Westwood. They also hope to have their own micro system up and running in the fall and pouring house-made ales shortly thereafter. “We want to restore and expose every historic and unique aspect of the building, so this had taken longer than expected. However, the plans are moving along nicely, and we cannot wait to unveil the brewery on site,” Danielle says. Westwood Brewing is relaxed and casual, filled with living history, and the meal is one you won’t soon forget. Westwood Brewing Co. Rathdrum 8162 W. Main St. 208.712.3423 WestwoodBrewing.com Link to Issue #rathdrum #foodandbeverage #businesstobusiness #businessspotlight #local

A taste of something local. That is what you will experience when you visit Trinity at City Beach in Sandpoint. For the past 10 years, Trinity at City Beach, owned by Justin and Shaunavee Dick, has been one of the premier restaurants in the community offering a variety of timeless food, a beautiful view and superior customer service. Located inside the Best Western Edgewater Hotel, Trinity at City Beach is open year round for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with the exception of Christmas day. And when tourist season is over, Trinity is still thriving with locals and numerous community events. With a menu driven by their loyal customers, Trinity at City Beach is a place in tune with not only its customers but local purveyors as well. Several years ago, Justin became connected with many of the local farmers and has increasingly gone to them for fresh lettuce, vegetables and more, allowing Trinity at City Beach to offer the freshest local ingredients while supporting the local economy at the same time. In addition to using local purveyors for much of its food, Justin says they also offer wine from local wineries including Pend d’Oreille Winery and Small House Winery, as well as beer from Laughing Dog Brewery and MickDuffs, coffee from Evans Brothers Coffee and spirits from Mill Town Distillery. “One can really feel the thriving community aspect of using local purveyors at our restaurant,” Justin says. Described as modern-American cuisine that is heavily French based, he says both his executive and sous chefs are classically French trained and put a modern spin on the classic dishes. “They are very open to new ideas,” says Justin of his chefs, who can also accommodate dietary restrictions. Justin’s desire is to offer timeless and consistent food while still being able to change it up with the seasons. The menu at Trinity at City Beach is not only full of variety and consistently delicious, but it is also accommodating to special diets including those who suffer from allergies, are gluten free, vegetarian or vegan. In addition to a wide selection of wine and craft beer, Trinity at City Beach also offers a full bar. They often partner with local wineries to host wine dinners, pairing fine wine with each course of one’s meal—just one of many special events hosted by Trinity at City Beach throughout the year. With the quality of food and the breathtaking views, Trinity at City Beach is a perfect venue for parties. If you have a large group, the bar or dining area is available to rent, and they will also do both on- and off-site catering. While it is clear that Justin and his staff are great supporters of the local economy with their choice of local purveyors, they also open their hearts and donate much back to the community they call home. As the most community-active restaurant in Sandpoint over the last decade, Trinity at City Beach has worked with and supported every major nonprofit throughout the Sandpoint area including CHAFE 150, Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce’s Beerfest, Ride Idaho, Spokane to Sandpoint Relay, Scenic Half Marathon, Leadership Sandpoint’s Cinco de Mayo, Sandpoint Rotary’s WaCanID Bicycle Ride, Mountain States Chili Cook-Off, Shriners Club of Sandpoint Huckleberry Pancake Breakfast, Community Assistance League Wine Pairing Dinner, Dine out for a Cause - Bonner Community Food Bank, Idaho Conservation League Pend Oreille Bay Trail Fun Run and Panhandle Alliance for Education. And while many locals attend these events, many of them have tourists returning time and time again, something Justin and his staff look forward to, like reconnecting with old friends. One of the many things that add to the ambiance at Trinity at City Beach is the musical entertainment they offer. In the summer months, diners are treated to live music Thursday through Sunday from 6 to 9pm. Justin considers it a privilege to work in such a wonderful community and is grateful to all who have supported him throughout the years. “We have an eclectic Inland Northwest cuisine among Sandpoint, Coeur d’Alene and Spokane,” he says, adding that customer service, fine cuisine and music are all intertwined to create a one-of-a-kind experience. “Food is only one part of a restaurant experience.” Trinity at City Beach is open Sunday through Thursday from 7:30am to 9pm and Friday and Saturday from 7:30am to 10pm. Trinity At City Beach Sandpoint 58 Bridge St. 208.255.7558 TrinityAtCityBeach.com Link to Issue #sandpoint #foodandbeverage #businesstobusiness #businessspotlight #local

As you know, we’ve been enjoying a long period of steadily rising stock prices. Of course, this bull market won’t last forever—and when it does start losing steam, you, as an investor, need to be prepared. Before we look at how you can ready yourself for a new phase in the investment environment, let’s consider some facts about the current situation: • Length – This bull market, which began in 2009, is the second-oldest in the past 100 years—and it’s about twice as long as the average bull market. • Strength – Since the start of this long rally, the stock market has produced an average annualized gain of 15.5 percent per year. While these figures are impressive, they aren’t necessarily predictive—so how much longer can this bull market continue to “stampede”? No one can say for sure, but there’s no mandatory expiration date for bull markets. In fact, they don’t generally die of old age but typically expire either because of a recession or the bursting of a bubble, such as the “dot.com” bubble of 2000 or the housing bubble of 2007. And right now, most market experts don’t see either event on the near-term horizon. Still, this doesn’t mean you should necessarily expect an uninterrupted streak of big gains. Some signs point to greater market volatility and lower returns. To navigate this changing landscape, think about these suggestions: • Consider rebalancing your portfolio. If appropriate, you may want to rebalance your investment mix to ensure you have a reasonable percentage of stocks—to help provide the growth you need to achieve your goals—and enough fixed-income vehicles, such as bonds, to help reduce your portfolio’s vulnerability to market volatility and potential short-term downturns. • Look beyond U.S. borders. At any given time, U.S. stocks may be doing well, while international stocks are slumping—and vice versa. So, when volatility hits the U.S. markets—as it surely will, at some time—you can help reduce the impact on your portfolio if you also own some international equities. Keep in mind, though, that international investments bring some specific risks, such as currency fluctuations and foreign political and economic events. • Develop a strategy. You may want to work with a financial professional to identify a strategy to cope with a more turbulent investment atmosphere. Such a strategy can keep you from overreacting to market downturns and possibly even help you capitalize on short-term pullbacks. You could invest systematically by putting the same amount of money in the same investments each month. When prices go up, your investment dollars will buy fewer shares, and when prices drop, you’ll buy more shares. And the more shares you own, the greater your potential for accumulation. However, this strategy, sometimes known as dollar cost averaging, won’t guarantee a profit or protect against all losses, and you need to be willing to keep investing when share prices are declining. During a raging bull market, it’s not all that hard for anyone to invest successfully. But it becomes more challenging when the inevitable volatility and market downturns appear. Making the moves described above can help you keep moving toward your goals—even when the “bull” has taken a breather. Ken Wood, Financial Advisor Ponderay 477100 Highway 95 Suite B 208.255.2613 EdwardJones.com Link to Issue #sandpoint #businessspotlight #businesstobusiness #financialandlegal #local #tradesandservices

FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL April 6 & 7 Downtown Coeur d'Alene 2018 marks the first annual Food and Wine Festival at The Coeur d’Alene Resort. The two-day festival will feature wine tasting seminars, cooking classes by award-winning chefs, intimate luncheons and hand-selected wine pairing, and two unforgettable chef dinners. Read more... 6TH ANNUAL SWEETHEARTS' BALL April 7 Downtown Coeur d'Alene The annual Sweethearts’ Ball celebrates the lives of children in the greater Northwest who battle cancer-related illnesses. The evening includes dinner, live and silent auction, raffle prizes, guest speakers, photo booth, DJ and dancing. Formal attire and mask required at entrance. Read more... Directory The Northwest Sizzle directory is a comprehensive search tool to help you find your next best meal. For some of the greatest eats around town, click here.... HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS APRIL 6 7TH ANNUAL COWBOY BALL You won’t want to miss the lineup of talent at the 2018 Cowboy Ball, held at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds 5:30 to 10:30pm. Bill Bozly will open the night with his acoustic talent. The evening also includes dinner, live auction and a party with Jacque Jolene and the Last Chance Band! Read more. Read more... APRIL 7 NINE PINT COGGIES Celebrate National Tartan Day with The Nine Pint Coggies rocking to a Celtic beat at the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center! This Scottish fiddle band plays the ancient to contemporary music of Scotland and beyond with jugs, reels, strathspeys, waltzes, pokas, airs and lively, lovely music for all occasions. Read more... APRIL 8 REQUIEM! Chorale Coeur d’Alene presents Requiem at Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox. The 70-member Chorale is accompanied by piano, organ and chamber orchestra and presents two non-traditional settings of the beloved requiem, Gabriel Faure’s Requiem in D minor and Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living. Read more... APRIL 11 FRIED CHICKEN & LOCAL BEER DINNER Twilight Cider Works owner and cider master, Will Jordan, is bringing some specially crafted ciders to Wandering Table for your delight to pair up with the best Southern fried chicken meal with all the fixings; a collaboration of chef-owner Adam Hegsted and Wandering Table Executive Chef Dan Gonzales. Read more... For more happenings this week ... CLICK HERE To read the Fall/Winter issue of SIZZLE .... CLICK HERE #newsletter

IT’S BEEN MORE THAN a decade since First Avenue in Downtown Spokane became home to Scratch Restaurant, when it opened its doors to enthusiastic diners in November 2017. And to the delight of its guests, Scratch has been serving up delicious cuisine and an incredible experience ever since. Connie Nacarrato is at the helm of the fine-dining restaurant with a “big city” feel, offering an intimate space featuring a beautiful menu filled with fresh, local scratch-made cuisine unlike any other in town. The inventive and creative ideas continue to flourish 10 years later. As the name indicates, all items on the menu are made from scratch. Diners will find signature dishes including the calamari, Scratch’s signature salad, hot pot and the seafood trio, as well as hand-cut steaks and fresh fish. Don’t leave without trying the lemonade cocktail. As Connie says, “I am very proud of the fact that we have a great product, along with an amazing staff, and that we are still thriving along with all the new restaurants.” Connie’s desire for bringing her guests an unmatched dining experience is shared by her employees, who are just as proud and passionate about Scratch as she is. The staff cares about the restaurant and each other; they are like family and treat their guests like family. There is a core group of staff members who have been long-standing Scratch employees. Executive Chef Owen Cruz has been at Scratch and wowing guests with his culinary expertise since Scratch first opened. Sous Chef Silvano Hernandez has worked personally with Connie for the past 17 years, transitioning with her from Mamma Mia’s to Scratch, having been with the Scratch team from the beginning. Richard Gomez and Penny Harper, both dishwashers, have been with the restaurant 10 years; General Manager Steve Kessler, 10 years; Mari Bork, bar manager, nine years; Kayce Loman, assistant manager, eight years; and Heather Parm, bartender, seven years. Connie believes that the success of Scratch over the years is due to her—and her staff’s—passion. “I truly believe it is because we love what we do, and it reflects in all aspects of the restaurant,” she says. Connie and her team have a table set and are ready to serve you. Scratch Restaurant Sample Menu: LUNCH BBLT Braised pork belly, romaine lettuce, cured bacon, roasted garlic aioli FISH TACOS Fish of the day, crème fraiche, pico, guacamole, jalapeno cilantro slaw, fried corn tortilla Fried Oyster Po Boy Fried oysters, shredded romaine lettuce, roma tomatoes and remoulade, served on a hoagie roll Signature Salad Baby spinach, bacon, brie, apples and candied walnuts with house-made pomegranate vinaigrette Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Fresh mozzarella, boursin, brie, parmesan, pears, hickory bacon, fresh basil DINNER Gnocchi House-made potato dumplings, Italian sausage, marinara, bell peppers, onions, spinach and mushrooms Cedar Plank Salmon Wild-caught salmon, cilantro lime honey, heirloom tomato and mango salsa, pea shoots, ginger beer-infused basmati rice with seasonal vegetable Osso Bucco Braised pork shank, horseradish mashed potato, blackberry demi-glace and seasonal vegetable Ultimate Seafood Trio 7 oz. Atlantic lobster tail, seared scallops and prawns served with lemon cream sauce, parmesan risotto, served with seasonal vegetable Tenderloin 7 oz. filet, blackberry demi-glace, rosemary butter, macerated blackberries, served with seasonal vegetable Scratch Restaurant Downtown Spokane 1007 W. First Ave. 509.456.5656 ScratchSpokane.com Link to Issue #spokane #local #foodandbeverage #businesstobusiness #businessspotlight

Over the last two decades, Pend d’Oreille Winery has been a gathering place for locals and tourists alike. Whether one is listening to music, meeting up with friends or having a romantic night out, it’s the perfect venue to enjoy fine wine and create special memories. The unique Downtown Sandpoint winery was acquired by Jim Bopp and Kylie Presta in December of 2017. The pair purchased the business from founders Steve and Julie Meyer, who were also responsible for purchasing and renovating the beautiful space that is home to the winery. “Steve and Julie set the foundation and created this beautiful space,” says Kylie. Kylie and Jim have been part of the Pend d’Oreille Winery team for several years—Jim for 10 and Kylie for five. Both have a passion for winemaking and the creativity that goes into the process. “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. Both agree that it is important to maintain the consistency and quality that has earned Pend d’Oreille Winery countless awards and the respect of many wine drinkers over the past two decades but also look forward to bringing new things to the palates of their customers. 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 that support them on a regular basis. To show their appreciation, they do as much as they can to support many causes throughout the community either through their Sip ‘n Shop events or donating to certain fundraisers. In addition to live music each Friday evening, the winery is host to Trivia Night the last Thursday of the month beginning at 5:30pm. They also offer monthly Paint ‘n Sip classes and recently introduced the Second Saturday Artist Feature. “We typically also have music for this event,” Kylie says of the increasingly popular event that features a different local artist each month. Both Kylie and Jim were raised in the area and are grateful for the opportunity to pursue their passion in such a wonderful community. They are joined by a staff of eight, who they say make the perfect team. 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. In addition to the opportunity to taste a variety of incredible wine, the Tasting Room also has small bites available including a charcuterie board. And for those who prefer, there is locally crafted beer available. Pend d’Oreille Winery’s gift shop features many wine-related items and accessories, perfect gifts for that wine lover in your life, as well as creations by local craftsmen. Jim and Kylie express deep gratitude to their families for the support they have shown them in taking on their new venture, and they look forward to connecting even more with their customers as time goes on. “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 Downtown Sandpoint 301 Cedar Street 208.265.8545 POWine.com Link to Issue #local #sandpoint #foodandbeverage #businesstobusiness #businessspotlight

ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE March 17 Downtown Spokane Each year, The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick put together one of the most fun and entertaining parades in the region. Everyone has just that wee bit of Irish, so come out in full spirit. This is one event you won't want to miss. The fun begins at noon. Read more... ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE March 17 Downtown Coeur d'Alene Grab your pals, dress in green from head-to-toe and get ready to celebrate this Irish adventure Coeur d’Alene style! Brought to you by the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association, the annual St. Patrick’s Parade will begin at 4pm on Sherman Avenue. Read more... Directory The Northwest Sizzle directory is a comprehensive search tool to help you find your next best meal. For some of the greatest eats around town, click here.... HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS MARCH 16 - 17 MAX'S ST. PADDY'S DAY TRADITION Be sure to stop in at MAX at Mirabeau in the Spokane Valley for their St. Patrick’s Day Tradition all weekend long, where you'll enjoy $1 corned-beef slider, $2 draft green beer, $3 Guinness bottle, $3 Irish coffee, $7.90 Emerald Rain Martini and the $9.90 Irish Derby! Read more... MARCH 16 21ST ANNUAL STUDENT ART SHOW All are welcome to attend POAC's 21st Annual Student Art Show. Held at Power House Gallery, the show features works created by students all across Bonner County, with many of these artworks going on to state competitions, but you have the chance to see the first public viewing. Read more... MARCH 16 THE SORENSON AUCTION & SOIREE Parents, businesses and the community come together to embrace the creativity and distinction of a special little school! Held at the Coeur d'Alene Resort, mingle, enjoy a feast, libations and live music while, you’re also paving a path to success for kids – their very own Yellow Brick Roads. Read more... MARCH 17 ST. PATRICK'S DAY FUNDRAISER Enjoy live music by Rick Dorin and Steve Rush, Irish cocktails, green beer, complimentary Irish appetizers, raffles, prizes and more, all to benefit 24 Hours for Hank. Ballast Point Brewing and Southern Wine and Spirits will also be on site to help serve up a selection of newly released beers and Irish cocktails. Read more... For more happenings this week ... CLICK HERE To read the Fall/Winter issue of SIZZLE .... CLICK HERE #newsletter

All right, I am not reinventing the wheel here. We have all made or been subject to trying this holiday soup. However, this rendition of a great classic may get you an extra slice of Grandma’s long-awaited fruit cake … umm… never mind. Try this recipe—trust me. Ingredients: 3 lbs. butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cubed 1 large carrot, diced 1 tbsp. Garam masala 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 tbsp. unsalted butter 1 yellow onion, diced 4 medium cloves garlic, rough chopped 5 cups chicken stock 1 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped 1 bay leaf Kosher salt to taste 1/2 lemon (If not using the suggested garnish, squeeze into finished pot of soup.) Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat squash and carrots in olive oil, Garam masala and bake on baking sheets until browned, about 30 minutes. In a stock pot, cook butter over medium-high heat until brown. Add garlic and onions and cook on low for 5 minutes. Add browned squash and carrots. Deglaze and scrape roasting pans with some chicken stock and add to stock pot. Add all chicken stock to pot with bay leaf and simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Use a stick blender or blender and blend until soup is smooth. Return to heat to serve. To garnish, mix one part sour cream to one part buttermilk. Spoon on top of each serving or use a squeeze bottle for restaurant “fanciness." #recipes

SPIFF February 2-9 Bing Crosby Theatre & Magic Lantern, Downtown Spokane Bing Crosby Theatre & Magic Lantern, Downtown SpokaneSpIFF is an intimate festival where filmmakers and audiences engage the art of cinema, bringing a small, selective offering of world-class films all screened in the heart of Downtown Spokane. Read more... HOSPICE WINTER WINE TASTE February 3 Hayden Lake Country Club This elegant black-tie affair features gourmet creations from the area’s finest chefs, where attendees can sample from hundreds of hand-selected specialty wines. Read more... Directory The Northwest Sizzle directory is a comprehensive search tool to help you find your next best meal. For some of the greatest eats around town, click here.... HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS FEBRUARY 3 SPOKANE SYMPHONY POPS Join the Spokane Symphony and conductor Jorge Luis Uzcategui as they present Spokane Symphony Pops featuring singer-songwriter Judy Collins. Collins has inspired audience for five decades, singing traditional and contemporary folk standards and her poignant original compositions. Read more... FEBRUARY 4 SUPER BOWL LII PARTY It's the big game and time to party! The 219 and Bob Witte of KPND host Super Bowl 52 beginning at 3:30pm. The Niner will be serving up great beer and other drink specials, and Edelwagen food truck will be serving burgers and more., plus tons of prize giveaways! Read more... FEBRUARY 6 CREPES COOKING CLASS Casual or elegant, sweet or savory, crêpes are delicious, easy and fun to cook. Join Chef Patricia Hebert-Jenks at The Culinary Stone and learn to make a savory salmon crêpes gâteau (cake), stuffed crêpes with a delicious bechamel sauce, cheese, and sweet crêpes for dessert. Read more... FEBRUARY 7 FIRST WEDNESDAY WINE TASTING On the first Wednesday of every month from 5 to 7pm, join MAX at Mirabeau for their complimentary hors d'oeuvres and wine tasting from their featured winery of the month (with purchase of an appetizer, soup, salad or entree). For wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres only, there will be a $3 charge per guest. Read more... For more happenings this week ... CLICK HERE To read the Fall/Winter issue of SIZZLE .... CLICK HERE #newsletter

ELEVATE 2018 January 12 Hagadone Event Center, Coeur d'Alene This is North Idaho’s premier networking event. Start your 2018 off right with complimentary valet, a red carpet entrance, 30 Under 40 recognition, a live band, appetizers and a cash bar. Read more... NORTHERN LIGHTS AT SCHWEITZER January 13 Schweitzer Resort, Sandpoint The night starts off with a torchlight parade down Jam Session at 6pm in the village, followed by a massive fireworks show in the village, then music and partying up in Taps afterward! Read more... Directory The Northwest Sizzle directory is a comprehensive search tool to help you find your next best meal. For some of the greatest eats around town, click here.... HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS January 22 "I DID IT MY WAY" OPENING RECEPTION Artist Harold Balazs recently passed away. This show features more than 130 pieces representing the seven decades of Harold’s work. Enamels, paintings, drawings, sculpture, and mixed media assemblages will be on display, ready for purchase. Read more... January 13 MAC &CHEESE FESTIVAL Attendees will enjoy a comfort-food-filled day tasting different cheesy dishes, prepared by local Coeur d'Alene chefs, with perfect craft beer pairings. And ... they'll get to vote for their favorite dish to help award the People’s Choice trophy! Read more... January 13 & 14 BRIDAL FESTIVAL This weekend, the Northwest's premier bridal festival returns to the Spokane Convention Center. Get inspired with ideas for decor, venues and catering by visiting nearly 200 booths. And Elegant fashion shows showcase the latest styles and colors. Read more... January 17 COOKING CLASS Start the new year off right with Chef Michelle, 6 to 8pm at Gourmet Way, as she teaches you tricks to assemble the tastiest winter Buddha bowls ever. Winter brings a plethora of new seasonal ingredients to spice up this nutritious meal. Read more... For more happenings this week ... CLICK HERE To read the Fall/Winter issue of SIZZLE .... CLICK HERE #newsletter

Creating wines is more than just a job for husband-and-wife team Joe and Rebecca Gunselman. It is their passion and a lifestyle that they love. In 1998, Joe and Rebecca were living in Virginia when they made the decision to start the winery. And when it came to where they would establish Robert Karl Cellars, they chose a location where some of the best grapes in the world are. “We believe it is right here … specifically in Horse Heaven Hills,” says Rebecca. “We moved to Spokane in 1998; it’s where the day job is!” as Joe is a physician. At Robert Karl Cellars, they believe the best wines require the best grapes, which is why they chose the Horse Heaven Hills AVA—where the terroir, climate and the Colombia Valley’s angled slopes come together to create the most ideal growing conditions in the world. The pair has been making wines since 1999, receiving accolades from their very first vintage. When it comes to what they find most rewarding, Rebecca says, “Handcrafting the very best wine we can and having folks acknowledge it by ordering it in restaurants or joining the wine club.” Rebecca attributes their success to their passion for the business and the finished wine. Out of all of the accolades Robert Karl Cellars has received over the years, the most meaningful to the couple was in 2004. “The 2001 Claret (our first effort) received the Best Red Wine and Best of Show at the Washington Wine Competition,” states Rebecca. Most recently, their 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon won a gold medal at the 2018 Cascadia International Wine Competition. When it comes to all of the wines Robert Karl Cellars has made over the years, Rebecca says her favorite to drink is the Gunselman Bench Cabernet Sauvignon. “It’s a great expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from Horse Heaven Hills.” Now that summer has arrived, the 2017 Sauvignon Blanc is an ideal choice to enjoy while the sun is shining and the air is warm. The wine is crisp with vibrant lemon zest, gooseberry and citrus finishing with cleansing lively acidity. And the Rosé of Cabernet Franc, lightly chilled, will complement almost anything. When people visit the winery, they will usually be greeted and lead through the tasting by Rebecca herself. She invites you to visit the tasting room Thursday and Friday 2 to 5pm and Saturday noon to 4pm. 2018 will mark Joe and Rebecca’s 20th vintage, so be sure to stay tuned for more vintages of great Washington wines from Robert Karl Cellars. Robert Karl Cellars Downtown Spokane 115 W. Pacific Ave. 509.363.1353 RobertKarl.com Link to Issue #spokane #local #foodandbeverage #businesstobusiness #businessspotlight

Any local will tell you Moon Time is a very casual, comfortable place to hang out. It’s like its own community. There are customers who have been going there for more than 20 years who are still seeing the same staff who has been working there nearly or just as long. Friends and owners John Grollmus and Brad Fosseen have seen to it, since day one, that Moon Time gives their guests consistency. Offering great food at a reasonable price, paired with excellent service and a familiar face has always been their goal. Guests get what they have come to expect. The menu, from the start, has featured unique and upscale pub food bringing a variety of items from many different cultures together, paired with a carefully selected 19 beer handles and a wide variety of wines, which complement the food. John and Brad care about the success of their restaurants, but even more importantly, they care about their employees. They are not blind to the realities of life, and it is important to them to take care of those who work for them. That is just one reason they try to pay better than any other restaurant in the area. “I think it’s important that both Brad and myself spent our whole lives working in restaurants. That experience helps us to make the kinds of decisions which employees appreciate as they come from a perspective which understands the employee,” says John. “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.” In addition, they offer health insurance and retirement to their employees, even before the government mandated that they do so! Managers get paid vacation, and all employees who have been with the company for at least one full year receive an annual bonus at the holidays. Longtime Moon Time employees include: Chris Schultz (chef/general manager, 21 years), Phil Messner (cook, 20 years), Adam Roth (cook, 18 years), Brandon Hills (server/bartender, 14 years), LeeJa Junker (server/bartender, 13 years), Liz Smith (server/bartender, 14 years), Lark Patton (server/bartender, 12 years) and Michelle Hall (server/bartender, 12 years). Chris has been invaluable to the restaurant almost since its inception. He was hired when Moon Time was just three months young and has been with them ever since. As John says, “Chris is an essential asset. He runs the show.” As Chris adds, “It’s very nice to have that tight-knit group of awesome people [to work with] for laughter and support. It means a lot to me. Also, the pay isn’t too bad either.” With Moon Time being a neighborhood favorite for Coeur d’Alene diners, John and Brad decided to bring a similar concept to the Hayden community and opened The Porch Public House in 2003. The Porch features many similar menu items to Moon Time, with some that are distinct to its locale. One big difference is that it offers a full bar and cocktails. 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. At The Porch, guests have seen many of the same faces for more than a decade: Lucas Tracey (chef, 13 years), Josh DeSomma (general manager, 15 years), Nicole VanSlate (server/bartender, 14 years), Sara Edge (server/bartender, 10 years), Eric Smith (cook, 17 years), Kevin Wynne (cook, 14 years), Troy Roland (cook, 11 years), Blake Williams (cook, 12 years) and Ashley Stainbrook (cook, 12 years). 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. When in Coeur d’Alene or Hayden and looking for a great neighborhood pub, pull up a chair at Moon Time or The Porch, where the staff is ready to serve you the best! Porch Sample Menu: Roasted Garlic & Onion Bread French bread slices loaded with oven-roasted garlic, onion and butter served hot; add melted gorgonzola cheese Kale & Brussels Sprouts Salad Thinly sliced fresh kale and Brussels sprouts tossed with Parmesan cheese, almonds and a classic vinaigrette Santa Fe Chicken Sandwich A 6 oz. breaded chicken breast topped with roasted poblano peppers and melted Monterey jack cheese, served on a grilled bun with mayo, honey cream cheese, red onion and lettuce Idaho Ruby Red Trout Lightly breaded, pan-seared and oven-finished trout topped with a lemon cream sauce, served with bacon/smoked cheddar potato cakes, garnished with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge Chicken Caesar Soft Taco Tender grilled chicken breast tossed with romaine lettuce, fresh tomatoes and their famous Caesar dressing stuffed into a warm flour tortilla, served with roasted corn pasta salad Classic Reuben This delicious favorite features corned beef, house-made sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese and thousand island dressing on grilled rye bread Southwestern Taco Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with black beans, tortilla chips, red onions, fire-roasted corn, Monterey jack cheese and a creamy barbecue/chipotle pepper dressing Salmon cakes Two hand-formed Coho salmon cakes pan seared, oven finished and drizzled with lemon/dill sour cream, accompanied by bacon/smoked cheddar potato cakes and a cucumber salad Moon Time Sample Menu: Spicy Curried Cashews Oven-roasted cashews tossed with yellow curry and other spices. Goes great with a pint of cold beer! Swimming Angel A traditional Thai dish featuring steamed spinach, a grilled chicken breast and Moon Time’s spicy peanut sauce served over rice; accompanied by toasted bread and a sweet and sour cucumber salad Moon Burger A 6 oz. lean, hand-formed patty, char-grilled and topped with melted cheddar and caramelized onions, served with mayo, lettuce and tomato on a toasted bun Mediterranean Lamb burger A rosemary-infused lamb burger char-grilled and served on a grilled bun with melted goat cheese, oregano pesto mayo and grilled vegetable relish Caesar salad House-made dressing, made without raw eggs, tossed with crisp romaine, parmesan cheese and croutons Roasted Garlic & Onion Bread French bread slices loaded with oven-roasted onion, roasted garlic and butter and served hot; add melted gorgonzola cheese Santa Fe Chicken A 6 oz. breaded pan-seared chicken breast topped with roasted poblano peppers and Monterey Jack cheese, served on a grilled bun with honey cream cheese, mayo and red onion 74th St. Gumbo Inspired by Seattle’s finest Ale House. Chicken, sausage, shrimp and vegetables in a traditional sauce served over rice. It’s spicy!!! Moon Time East Coeur d’Alene 1602 E. Sherman Ave. #116 208.667.2331 The Porch Public House Hayden 1658 E. Miles Ave. 208.772.7711 WeDontHaveOne.com Link to Issue #local #foodandbeverage #businesstobusiness #businessspotlight #coeurdalene

LOST IN THE '50s May 17 - 20 Sandpoint Sandpoint’s 32nd Annual Lost in the ’50s features terrific musical acts each night with concerts and dances. The four-day event includes Rock n’ Roll Heaven, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, a vintage car parade, street dances, show and dance, car show, Aspirin Rally-Run and more! Don’t miss all the action! Read more... NORTHWEST SPRING FEST May 19 & 20 Coeur d'Alene Celebrate spring at the annual Northwest Spring Fest at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds! The weekend fun kicks off at 10am both days and includes a monster truck show, dock dogs, fair food, animal exhibits, talent contest, archery and fly tying for all ages, music and much more. Read more... Directory The Northwest Sizzle directory is a comprehensive search tool to help you find your next best meal. For some of the greatest eats around town, click here.... HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS MAY 19 KIDS DAY IN THE PARK Don’t miss out on the first annual Kids Day in the Park this Saturday from 10am to 2pm at McEuen Park in Downtown Coeur d’Alene. This fun-filled event includes free activities, bounce houses, pickleball, kids golf, fly casting, an educational Tubbs Hill Walk and more! Food specials will also be available. Read more... MAY 19 MIMOSA & TEA BRUNCH Join the Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center to celebrate the royal wedding with an elegant brunch of bottomless mimosas, a variety of teas, scones and British delights. Wear your wedding best for a chance to wine prizes, and Cloud Nine Bridal will be on site showing off the season’s most beautiful gowns. Read more... MAY 22 GERMAN BARBECUE COOKING CLASSE Learn the secrets to making the perfect German potato salad, discuss the many methods to cooking sausage and debate over the best beer for cooking and drinking with your German barbecue. And ... make your own beer cocktails using light beer mixed with soda! This class is sure to be delicious! Read more... MAY 23 KENDALL YARD'S NIGHT MARKET The Night Market in Kendall Yards is open for the summer season 5 to 9pm each Wednesday. Many of the farmers and vendors from last year's market are returning, along with some new ones. While you're there, be sure to grab a bite from one of the fabulous restaurants Kendall Yards has to offer. Read more... For more happenings this week ... CLICK HERE To read the Summer 2018 issue of SIZZLE .... CLICK HERE #newsletter

MANITO TAP HOUSE, located on the South Hill, celebrated their sixth anniversary this past fall. Opened by owners Patrick McPherson and Denise Hanson, this 4 Star Certified Green Restaurant has been treating patrons to the best beers paired with a food menu featuring elevated pub fare to meet the quality and standard of the beer, all while aiming to maintain an eco-friendly gastropub. Guests will find 50 tap handles of which 80 percent are rotating, more than 70 bottles of rare beer, an entire serving staff of certified beer servers and a certified cicerone. Beer is taken seriously at Manito Tap House. In 2017, CraftBeer.com (the Brewers Association’s website) named Manito Tap House the Best Beer Bar in Washington State. Manito offers patrons a relaxed neighborhood vibe while serving upscale pub food, made from scratch, utilizing local and regional purveyors whenever possible. The menu changes seasonally, with a new fresh sheet offered every two weeks. With the success of Manito Tap House, Patrick and Denise decided to open a second restaurant in the summer of 2015, The Blackbird Tavern + Kitchen. Like its sister restaurant, The Blackbird is a Certified Green Restaurant with a 4 Star rating. After nearly three years in business, The Blackbird is reinventing the atmosphere and cuisine to offer Spokane a truly traditional taste of the South. “We said from the start we wanted to change concepts every few years,” says Patrick. “[We] have the energy and expertise with our team that we want to take [The Blackbird] to another place and try something different.” With a love and passion for barbecue, both Patrick and Executive Chef Molly Patrick, a native of Macon, Georgia, the new menu will offer traditional smokehouse barbecue from the South (including brisket, pork, jackfruit, hot links, spare ribs, chicken and more), and wood-fired smokers will run at The Blackbird 24 hours a day. To complement the new menu, guests will still be treated to more than 150 rare and imported bottled beers, with the same standards for beer service as Manito. In addition, guests will walk into a louder, less formal, casual and fun restaurant. Patrick, who is a certified cicerone and publican, is in charge of the cellar as well as writing the beer menus at both locations. Beers are cellared at both locations as well as an off-site temperature-con trolled cellar. “We have so many great beers—some of which we had to drive to the breweries to pick up. We also are cellaring a firkin (cask beer) from Great Britain that will be 10 years old on Manito Tap House’s 10th birthday. We can’t wait to crack that in four years!” “Our knowledgeable staff and our beer selection certainly sets the Manito Tap House apart. At both locations, we require all of our servers and bartenders to be Cicerone ®Certified Beer Servers. At the Blackbird, some of the things that help differentiate us are our cocktail program and our new wood- fired Southern cuisine. Our bartenders infuse about 20 different liquors, anything from strawberries to cardamom.” He adds, “We’re most proud of the fact that we try to not cut corners, whether it’s with food or beer. Integrity is paramount to everything we do.” What are you waiting for? Head to Manito Tap House or The Blackbird Tavern + Kitchen for the best beer—and food—in town. Manito Tap House South Hill 3011 S. Grand Blvd. 509.279.2671 ManitoTapHouse.com The Blackbird Tavern + Kitchen Downtown 905 N. Washington St. 509.381.2473 TheBlackbirdSpokane.com Link to Issue #foodandbeverage #businesstobusiness #businessspotlight #local #spokane

STEAM PLANT RE-OPENS January 22 Steam Plant Kitchen + Brewery, Downtown Spokane After six months of extensive renovations, the doors of the Steam Plant will once again be open for business. The menu has been recreated with a focus on handcrafted, authentic foods and brings back lunch service for the first time in 10 years. Take a seat and see, and taste, the changes for yourself! Read more... BRIDAL FAIR & WEDDING EXPO January 18 Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center, Post Falls 10am to 4pm, you have the opportunity to visit with some of the area’s premier wedding vendors while touring Post Falls’ gorgeous historical JACC, with the center’s director on site to check your event dates and book your dream wedding that day. Don't miss out. Read more... Directory The Northwest Sizzle directory is a comprehensive search tool to help you find your next best meal. For some of the greatest eats around town, click here.... HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS January 18-21 RV SHOW & SALE The 30th Annual Inland Northwest RV Show and Sale is happening now at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center. Six gigantic dealers, 10 huge Fairground’s Buildings packed with RVs! Tent trailers to motorhomes ... hundreds of RVs, brands, styles and accessories to choose from! Read more... January 18-20 BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is nothing short of spectacular, and this year’s screening at Sandpoint's Panida Theater is sure to thrill with three nights of film showings including mountain culture, mountain sport and lots of humor. Enjoy completely different films each night. Read more... January 19 FAMILY CONCERT: GENERATIONS OF DISCOVERY Head to the Kroc Center for Coeur d'Alene Symphony's Family Concert: Generations of Discovery, featuring Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture, Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty Waltz, Side-by-Side play along with North Idaho Youth Symphony and winners of the symphony’s Youth Melody Contest. Read more... January 20 THIRD ANNIVERSARY PARTY Noon to 8pm, help Daft Badger Brewing as they celebrate their third anniversary! Live music will be playing all day, they’ll be grilling up Philly steak sandwiches outside and will have a bonfire to help keep you warm. And of course the event wouldn’t be complete without great brews. Read more... For more happenings this week ... CLICK HERE To read the Fall/Winter issue of SIZZLE .... CLICK HERE #newsletter