The Wine Cellar ~ Coeur d' Alene

“Wow that was fantastic!” I said to my wife as we exited the back door of the Wine Cellar. Located in downtown Coeur d’Alene the Wine Cellar proved to be the best dining experience I have had in years. The service, atmosphere and the food mixed magically for a delightful date night.

We arrived shortly after 7pm; the music was just starting as we sat near the stage at a table for two. Heather introduced herself as our server and asked if we would like to start with something to drink. My wife ordered two glasses of Columbia Crest H3 Merlot just as the skilled musicians of the Bones, Bolan, and Nelson group filled the air with blues music.

For our appetizer I chose the Artisan Cheese Plate; an assortment of cheeses, fruit, Spanish olives and herb crackers served with Italian salami, prosciutto and sopressata. The plate’s arrival was met with welcome as our server set it before us. The addition of blueberries, cranberries, and honey helped to make the appetizer a culinary treat. A perfect portion for the two of us as we finished it off with delight just as our salad arrived.

A mix of delicate spinach leaves with a roasted garlic Dijon dressing tossed, chopped eggs, dried cranberries, honey Cajun pecans and crispy pancetta was set before us. My wife and I shared the fresh and delightful salad as we sipped our wine.

Our glasses of Merlot had been reduced by half when our entrees arrived. I had chosen the special of the night, Prime Rib with garlic mashed potatoes; my wife selected Beef Tips En Croute from the Wine Cellar’s January Fresh Sheet menu. The prime rib was tasty but I found myself coveting the filet tips, mushrooms and Gorgonzola wrapped in a puff pastry atop a red wine reduction sauce that sat upon my wife’s plate. Just one taste was all it took to confirm what I was thinking, “I should have ordered the same thing”. However my wife offered to share and I was able to enjoy them both.

“We need to visit this place on a regular basis,” my wife said to me with a smile as we were finishing our glasses of wine. Just then our wonderful server Heather presented a tray of house made desserts for us to choose from. The clear choice was a martini glass filled with lemon mousse and blueberries, a perfect dessert to conclude our meal.

With a friendly staff, wonderful music and delightful food the Wine Cellar has captivated my attention and secured a permanent place at the top of fine dining choices for date night. Now you, “Know before you go!”

Logan Knight ~

The Wine Cellar ~ 208-664-9463
313 East Sherman Avenue

http://www.thewinecellarcda.com/