or someone who’s made a career out of giving old furniture new purpose, Williene Gagnon has a keen eye for the new, as well. She discovered Le Piastre in downtown Coeur d’Alene when celebrating her mid-May birthday shortly after the eatery debuted in the former Doma Cafe location on Sherman Avenue. "My first visit was for breakfast. I had the apple, onion, bacon and cheddar omelet. Oh my gosh! I was hooked," she said. "I’ve been back a few more times with friends for lunch."

Williene takes the restaurant name literally, enjoying the small plates. "The portions are smaller and priced likewise. You can order more than one plate to try several things." Her favorite item to date is the roasted asparagus with Idaho morels and gnocchi, claiming it feels healthy even if it’s roasted in olive oil.

The management team of General Manager Jill Sheffler, Executive Chef Adam Hegsted and Chef Ryan Stoy describe Le Piastre’s style as featuring techniques from all over the world, highlighting Northwest ingredients and the menu selections bear them out. Quail stuffed with sausage and braised with grapes; roast duck breast on crustini with pear chutney; citrus cured albacore tuna and avocado with orange lime relish beckon. The "encore" desserts include olive oil ice cream with fennel, orange and honey, topped with toasted hickory nuts or rhubarb-champagne sorbet with whipped sour cream.

Williene plans to return again and again in no small measure because of the "upbeat, happy customers and friendly, well informed staff." This summer you just may see her at a sidewalk table sipping her favorite iced vanilla latte and sampling a small plate of perfection.