Scratch ~ Coeur d'Alene

Upon entering Scratch in Coeur d’Alene Idaho I noticed the dining area was softly lit and the colors of the room helped to contribute to a warm and romantic atmosphere. We were greeted and shown to a table. Within about thirty minutes of our arrival every table was full.

My wife and I chose to start our dining experience with two glasses of ice water and an appetizer. The menu provided us with ten different deliciously described selections. We chose the Crab Cake, made with fresh blue crab, baby spinach, caper popcorn, lemon and cream fraiche.

The dish arrived and was neatly presented on the plate. Two warm crab cakes set atop uncooked spinach leafs, then drizzled with cream and sprinkled with capers. I found the combination of flavors to mix well together.

Our salad choices were limited to a traditional Caesar or the Scratch Signature. We selected the Scratch Signature Salad. The salad combined baby spinach, bits of hickory bacon, fresh apple slices, candied walnuts, a reserved portion of brie, and pomegranate vinaigrette. The salad was an excellent choice and extremely tasty.

 The Scratch menu offers fifteen different entrees to include fish, lamb, chicken, pork, beef, duck, seafood and pasta. I was having a difficult time deciding what to try. My wife and I chose to share the Scratch Signature Steak.

We also ordered two glasses of Angeline Merlot. As our server set the main entrée onto our table I could see the steak was seared black and dripping with juices. The steak was sliced and laid over top of small baked red potatoes with Brussels sprouts on the side.

We ended our diner with a slice of Chevre Cheesecake topped with huckleberries in cream sauce. This was the perfect choice to finish our meal. My wife and I found Scratch in Coeur d’Alene to be an enjoyable, romantic dinner experience. I would certainly recommend Scratch anytime. Now you "Know Before You Go!"

Logan Knight ~