Rise and shine with these North Idaho breakfast options
You’re up earlier, are more active and working up an appetite. Or maybe you’re looking for a way to celebrate the weekend or a special occasion with that someone special. Brunch is about fueling up, feeling good and lingering just a bit longer at the table together.
Do a brisk hike of Tubbs or take a drive around the lake. Either way you’re right next door to DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT at the Coeur d’Alene Resort, where brunch is a way of life. The spread is epic: fresh fruit, seasonal salads, mountains of pastries, an entire lineup of entrees from smoked bacon to eggs benedict to French toast, savory meats carved on the spot, omelettes and crepes to order, and a whole table just for desserts. Don’t forget the kids’ section and mimosa bar.
Holidays also mean extra special buffets at the resort (reservations required). DOCKSIDE’S Easter and Mother’s Day brunches are particularly elaborate, with made-to-order eggs benedicts, signature seafoods and decadent dessert stations that include fresh fruit tarts, cupcakes, cake pops, Dockside’s signature cheesecake, filled Florentine’s and much more. (8 am-4 pm; $59.95 adults; $30.95 children 5-12; children 5 and under free) BEVERLY’S Easter brunch is also designed to wow, with artisan crepe and omelette stations and exquisite displays of fresh fruit, salads and pastries. Take note, that the start of the brunch cruise season is right around Father’s Day. Lucky dad. (9 am-3 pm; $47 adults; $24 children 5-12; children 5 and under free).
CURRENT KITCHEN + TAPHOUSE at TEMPLIN’S in Post Falls also serves up spectacular Easter brunch, complete with waterfront views. In the past, the brunch was held in a ballroom, but Chef Molly Patrick was passionate about moving it this year, “I really wanted to do it in the restaurant because it’s such a beautiful view and so inviting.” Patrick’s menu is fresh, scratch-made and over the top — baron of beef, ham, shoulder bacon, sausage, smoked salmon, spring pea and strawberry fields salads, creme brulee french toast, whole cakes and petit fours, all the traditional breakfast breads like scones, and of course mimosas and bloody Marys. For Patrick, building the elaborate charcuterie boards and vegetable displays is an invigorating creative outlet. “It’s fun to set up,” she says. (10 am- 3pm; $29 Adults; $26 Seniors; $15 Children 5-12; Children 5 and under free)
Another brunch buffet option is MULLIGAN’S BAR & GRILLE at the Coeur d’Alene Inn, which offers all-you-care-to-eat options like scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, fruit, and pastries.
If you’ve ever been to the HIGH MOUNTAIN BUFFET at the Coeur d’Alene Casino, then you know how they do buffets: great food and plenty of it in a welcoming environment that might just make you want to stay a little longer and see what else they have to offer… like gaming, the spa, live entertainment and a hotel. Think about all that as you enjoy a breakfast buffet
to include carved pork loin, omelettes to-order, Belgium waffles, smoked salmon, chilled crab and shrimp, chicken fried steak, pastries, fresh fruit, and more.
Not everyone is a buffet fan, however, and Coeur d’Alene has plenty of breakfast options right downtown. Have Sunday brunch at HONEY EATERY & SOCIAL CLUB, with outdoor seating in warmer weather. Try steak and eggs with a bloody mary or the Idaho potato donut and a stout cup of coffee.
Nearby on Sherman Avenue, RUSTIC is both a bakery and restaurant, serving freshly made meals as well as take-home baked goods. Try a bagel, the breakfast panini or “hangover hash” (and add a pint for just a couple bucks more).
In midtown Coeur d’Alene, brunch options include TEN/6 for New Orleans-inspired cuisine like red beans and rice, beignets and crawfish biscuits.
The GARNET CAFÉ is an eclectic little eatery with a huge reputation for big plates of from-scratch breakfasts, like duck confit and eggs and omelettes named for Idaho locations… like the Coeur d’Alene with house-smoked ruby red trout.
Special Events
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
APRIL 19-28
Based on the Victor Hugo’s epic story of love and acceptance, this lushly scored musical features songs from the Disney animated feature’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz. $19-25; 7:30 pm; Salvation Army Kroc Center.
Silver Mountain Weekend
APRIL 20
The ski season is winding to a close — so end it on a high note at Silver Mountain. This weekend features the rowdy Leadman competition, and an on-mountain easter egg hunt. Go to visitcda.org for more details.
Easter Egg Hunt
APRIL 21
This is the 15th year North Idaho Men’s Rugby Club has hosted a free Easter Egg Hunt in Coeur d’Alene. This year’s hunt features 8,000+ eggs. Find a Golden Egg and receive additional prizes. There will be designated areas for all ages so everyone has an opportunity to fill their basket! Hoppy the Bunny will be there ready to have his picture taken! Free; 1 pm; Fort Sherman Playground.
