Bloglander

Like last year, the Inlander and Visit Spokane invited a handful of local public figures to dine out for Inlander Restaurant Week and tell us about the experience. Read more responses and stories here.

The biggest change to Inlander Restaurant Week after its inaugural year in 2013 was the expansion into Idaho to include Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene. Two of our celebrity diners went to restaurants on the Idaho side of the border, and answered questions about the experience.

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Sammy Eubanks

Musician Sammy Eubanks and his wife dined at Satay Bistro in Coeur d’Alene. Eubanks says that with a little research, it’s easy to find the amazing restaurants in the area, and the cost is more reasonable that you’d expect.

What kinds of food did you love as a kid, and what kinds of restaurants and cuisines do you prefer today?

Normal kid stuff: burgers, fries, fast food type meals. Today I like a real good sit down meal with my wife. Tastes vary from BBQ to steakhouse fare.

What did you and/or your dining companion choose from the pre fixe menu?

My wife had the Filet Mignon, and I had the Chilean Sea Bass. We both started with Korean Chicken Lettuce Wraps, which were unbelievable. (In larger portions would be a great entree.) The taste and presentation was outstanding. For dessert she had the Mousse Trio, and I had the Bread Pudding. Both were very good.

How would you describe Restaurant Week to your friends and family?

A great way to find and enjoy restaurants in our area that we might not otherwise think of. There were several other restaurants on the list we had to choose from that we will be trying as well.

What was your favorite thing about your Restaurant Week dining experience?

Being with my wife, of course, and trying something new. I learned there are more options than I realize. It’s going to be longer than a week for us.

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Satay Bistro

Another first-course option at Satay Bistro: "Chicken Lollipops."

Actress Ellen Travolta Bannon dined at Beverly’s with her husband, Jack Bannon, and her visiting brother, Sam Travolta. She praised the atmosphere and wine selection, as well as the food.

What did you and/or your dining companion choose from the pre fixe menu?

Sam and I started with the Lobster Corn Dogs. Wow, just fabulous. Jack loved the Caesar Salad. Jack and I had the Chicken Mushrooms and Truffles — we are big mushroom fans, so our palates were very satisfied. The Creme Brule, rich yet light, and the Chocolate Molten — mmmmm, warm cake, chocolate oozing out, with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream. Just right.

It is hard to beat the ambience at Beverly's high above Lake Coeur d’Alene — what a view. The restaurant is well appointed, first class, and the service is just wonderful. We had a grand evening. We are planning on visiting other restaurants this week and feel Restaurant Week is a must.