Who's Ruth Pratt?
Coeur d’Alene Library Foundation director, Dr. Ruth Pratt, PhD, is a popular vocalist and a member of the Arts Alliance, Rotary Club and the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association. Her husband is Dr. Paul Olscamp, PhD.

Ruth Pratt is singing the praises of the new Bistro on Spruce for a number of reasons. She raves about owner Chris Mueller and chef Steve Jensen and what they’ve done with the former Coffeeville location in midtown Coeur d’Alene. “They’ve done a great job of renovating the space to provide a warm, casual yet tasteful and intimate ambience,” she says. “The bar is a unique piece of art in itself.”

Although Ruth has enjoyed every meal she’s eaten at the Bistro, her favorite is the tapas “small plate” assortment, served from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. “It’s great to go with friends and share bites of several different combinations,” the talented Ms. Pratt observes. “The Mediterranean Plate, Beef Satay with huckleberry-peanut dipping sauce and the house fries with lemon-garlic aioli are all really yummy!”

Bistro on Spruce has a generous list of quality wines and ales, served by the glass or bottle. The dessert menu features hazelnut Bavarian, poached fig torts and chocolate/orange bread pudding. Ruth says that the owner assures that each is specially engineered to eliminate weight gain!

There’s booth seating for intimate conversation, tables by the fireplace and a private dining room for up to 15 people. According to Ruth it provides the kind of atmosphere that makes dining solo feel comfortable, safe and welcoming. Open seven days a week for lunch, afternoon tapas and dinner, the Bistro on Spruce is off to a stellar debut in the ever-expanding Coeur d’Alene dining arena.