Who's Mike Kennedy?
Mike is a new Coeur d'Alene City Councilman, married with five children. He's lived in Coeur d'Alene since 1991.

Debating building heights and pothole repair takes its toll, so Coeur d'Alene City Councilors unwind at Cricket's Steakhouse and Oyster Bar.

"It's got great burgers," says Councilman Mike Kennedy. "We go there every Tuesday after our meeting."

Cricket's is fun, relaxed and upscale at the same time. Mike indulges himself on the burgers-"I think they're bigger than average," he says-while other diners wouldn't miss Cricket's prime rib or pistachio-crusted grouper. Oysters are a favorite, particularly in Cricket's high-energy bar. They're flown in fresh from one of several Pacific Northwest ports six days a week.

When other businesses are winding down for the night, Cricket's shifts from a comfortable dinner-time cruising gear to livelier high gear.

"They have good late-night pub-grub," Mike says. "Quesadillas, chicken strips, potato skins. There're pool tables. It's very comfortable."
And fun. The walls are covered with intriguing paraphernalia. About once a month, the bar hosts a live local band. In the warm months, Cricket's offers dining on a patio that faces Tubbs Hill and Lake Coeur d'Alene and sidewalk seating on Sherman Ave.

Mike knows he's likely to see friends and acquaintances in Cricket's and on the busy downtown sidewalk outside.

"We always have a good time there." Mike says.