Sign of the times

Connie’s the fat pig

LEFT TO RIGHT: AT CONNIE’S, DON’T MISS THE PRIME RIB OFFERED EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT; THE PFRIEM PASSIONFRUIT BEER AT FAT PIG IS A TASTE SENSATION; THE IDAHO CLUB ‘S TOMAHAWK PORK CHOP IS NEW ON THIS WINTER’S MENU.

DISHwith Trish Gannon The local

The Clubhouse at the Idaho Club (151 Clubhouse Way, east of Sandpoint on Highway 200) is always expanding its menu and trying new dishes. For a hearty meat filler, check out their filet au poivre, cowboy ribeye or tomahawk pork chop; for something lighter, try the mustard crusted sea bass and pair it with a wild mushroom risotto. The Clubhouse is open for lunch Wednesday through Sunday, and dinner Wednesday through Saturday through the fall. Check for winter hours.

DiLuna’s Cafe (207 Cedar St.) has you covered for breakfast and lunch, plus it features a recently expanded gift shop. Cafe favorites include their loaded vegetable hash with butternut squash, carrots, broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, greens and roasted potatoes, all topped with Provolone. Or try their signature Reuben, a slow-roasted corned beef stacked with fresh sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a house-made thousand island dressing, all piled onto a grilled, marbled rye. DiLuna’s also offers catering for your big events, or take-out or delivery for your evening at home, and is open Fri-Mon, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Keep an eye on their calendar at www.dilunas.com for special evening music and food events.

At Matchwood Brewing Company (513 Oak St.), they’ve launched a new menu for winter and fall. The pulled pork totchos, beer-battered chipotle fish tacos, and new Tall Boy burger are proving to be a hit already. They also brought back their famous Reuben and Beer Pretzel “to stave off the pitchforks from when we temporarily removed it this summer,” said owner Andrea Marcoccio, plus they’ve added desserts.

Over at Sweet Lou’s (with locations in Ponderay, Athol, and Coeur d’Alene), they’ve added more hearty meals for guests to enjoy while snuggling into winter. Try their extremely tender and juicy pork ribeye, grilled and topped with an apple and cranberry compote. Or chow down on a hand-cut, 6-ounce certified Angus beef filet mignon that is wrapped with bacon. For those still eating on the lighter side, despite the cold season, they’ve released a new salmon and grilled peach salad that is topped with goat cheese, grape tomatoes and sliced almonds. And when the chill gets to you... try their new hot buttered rum,

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Up on Schweitzer Mountain, spokesperson Sean Mirius said their goal is to have “every restaurant open” for the winter season. That includes old favorites like Chimney Rock Grill (pub fare to main meals like linguine and meatballs), Gourmandie (there’s an expansive wine list to go with your meal), and the Taps Bar, plus newer favorites like the Nest Bar and Restaurant in Sky House at the summit (homemade, from scratch food plus 360- degree views), and the Crow’s Bench, introduced last winter in the new Humbird Hotel, which offers cocktails and small plate options.

Miller’s Country Store (1326 Baldy Mt. Rd.) serves some of the best deli sandwiches in the area, all on their homemade bread, with fresh, homemade soup, coleslaw or salad to go with it. Check their Facebook page for daily specials.

The cafe in Winter Ridge Natural Foods (703 Lake St.) has a full drinks bar with fresh juice, organic smoothies, coffee or tea. There are several tried-and-true favorites, or create your own. A full deli counter, plus fresh salads and other treats, will round out your lunch.

The Pack River Store takes it all one step further, offering not only breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but monthly tasting menus that include up to six courses and dessert where you can sample delights like horseradish pommes dauphine and redwine braised short ribs.

Downtown at Connie’s Cafe, enjoy a wide variety of choices from this familyfriendly menu, or treat yourself on Friday nights to their delicious prime rib.

New in town and eagerly awaited, Simply Pho (pronounced Fu) and Bubble Tea Bar is now open, located next to Subway on Highway 95 in Ponderay. The Blue Room (in the old Ivano’s building at the corner of First and Pine) reflects the musical interests of Kim, Doug, and Poppy Bond, with frequent music to accompany a menu that includes gluten-free sauces and a “basically vegan” deep fryer, said Poppy, who runs the restaurant.