Jennifer’s Restaurant Review

 Latah Bistro

Address: 4241 South Spokane-Cheney Road, Spokane
Phone: 509-828-8338
Open: Daily 11:30-Close
Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch

Entree Cost: $14.00-$20.00
Corkage Fee: $10 – Wine List***

As crazy as it seems, it’s been since 2004 when I did
the last review on this thriving little restaurant. Just goes
to show what dedication and hard work can do for a small
business. Dave and Heather Dupree, along with long time
chef David Blaine, have created a thriving, locally focused
eatery that seems to be dialed in to the things that really
matter. Blaine’s menu emphasizes the importance of marrying
together flavor components so that each bite, with each
element, creates a full flavor explosion in your mouth. My
brilliant husband is always so helpful at pointing out these
nuances as he himself has been a successful chef in his past
life, lucky me…

The feel of the interior space is comfortable and
hip with the decor being tastefully done by Heather. If you
have a larger group you would like to entertain, there is also
a lovely room in the back to accommodate you. No matter
how many of you there are, you’ll happily find that the beverage
selection, one of the highly important aspects of any fine
meal, is diverse and ample. Anything from specialty cocktails
(love the Bees Knees with gin, lemon and honey, oh yes), to
beer and of course wine are at your disposal. Some of the
wine lists more notables are Gruet Blanc de Noirs, Mohua
Sauvignon Blanc, Glatzer Gruner Veltliner, Maison Bleue
Chardonnay, Abeja Chardonnay, Groth Sauvignon Blanc, Poet’s
Leap Riesling, Conundrum, A to Z Pinot Noir, Gifford Hirlinger
Malbec, Boroli Barolo, Robert Karl Claret, Walla Walla
Vintners Cabernet, Vine & Sun Red, Townshend T3, Januik
Merlot, Va Piano Syrah and many, many others.

Even if I have not reviewed Latah Bistro of late, I certainly
have had the opportunity to dine here on occasion. I
have tried all of the small plate or appetizer items and enjoy
all of them. The Smoked Salmon Flatbread is adorned with
alder smoked salmon and a creamy, but not heavy, shallot caper
creme fraiche. Another in that creamy family is the
rich Shrimp Mornay with wild shrimp, bacon, Gruyere, cream
and baguette slices. If you wish something a bit less heavy,
the Garlic Flatbread with olive oil, balsamic and pesto oil fits
the bill nicely (you can put Cambozola cheese on top as well,
which I highly recommend). Do check out the French Onion
soup and/or the Soup of the Day, which is ever changing. In
the salad world, these folks make a mean Caesar salad, very
flavorful with a heady garlic dressing and crisp cheese crouton.
Other fine selections include the Warm Spinach Salad
with a warm bacon-pine nut dressing, Chili-Lime Beef Salad,
the signature Bistro Salad with Gorgonzola, figs, almonds and
a balsamic vinaigrette or the Mixed Greens.

Moving into the entree world, one can imbibe of anything
from pizza to steak depending on your mood. The pizzas are
done with a nice thin crust and topped with items such as
mushrooms, caramelized onions, coppa salami and smoked
mozzarella to a fresh Margherita with tomato, mozzarella and
basil. The Garlic Prawn Pasta is a lovely affair all swimming in
white wine broth with garlic and basil that won’t weigh you
down, and the Pork Osso Buco with it’s kalamata olive braised
shanks, mashed potatoes and vegetables is delightful. For
something a bit more creamy, the Wild Mushroom Ravioli
in apple wood smoked bacon cream sauce is very satisfying
(with big chunks of the tasty bacon). Other fine dishes include
the boneless, skinless, Idaho Rainbow Trout with hazelnutsage
pesto, the Porchetta slow roasted pork shoulder served
with creamy polenta and veggies, or the Washington Natural
Steak du jour (we had a New York, cooked perfectly, that had
alongside it a potato cake with a creamy interior and crispy
exterior that simply melted in your mouth).

 WINE LIST: * MODEST **GOOD ***VERY GOOD ****EXCELLENT