Who's Mary Lou Reed?
She's a former state senator from Coeur d'Alene and an active community leader. She and Scott, an attorney, have lived in Coeur d'Alene for more than 50 years.

Great-tasting food tops Mary Lou Reed's list of expectations when she dines out, but atmosphere is a close second. That's why Anthony's Midtown Bistro is one of her favorite Coeur d'Alene dinner spots.

"I really, really like Anthony's," Mary Lou says. "I love the couple who own it. Chef Tony is so clever and lively."

Anthony's is the place Mary Lou and her husband, Scott, go to talk about their kids and grandkids, latest vacation, even world affairs over good wine and grilled escolar, New Zealand rack of lamb or spinach lasagna. Anthony's layout invites friendly intimacy. The Reeds are well-known in North Idaho, but Anthony's bedroom-sized dining rooms with terra cotta walls and lace curtains on the windows allow them to focus on each other with few distractions.

When they want a more social atmosphere, the Reeds sit at Anthony's tapas bar. The cozy seven-seat bar is the spot for wine and hors d'oeuvres, such as Mary Lou's favorite pan-fired oysters or sautéed mushrooms, coconut prawns and lamb chops. Tapas are exclusive to the bar, but the chef will transform them into entrees for table diners.

"It's fun to sit there and watch Tony cook,' Mary Lou says. "He can flip food with one hand and serve with the other."

Chef/owner Anthony Hall changes his menu every four months, cuts meat to order and prepares everything from scratch. He and his wife, Michelle, and baby, Hannah, are as vital to Mary Lou's good dining experience as the food.

"Their food is very, very good," she says. "We try not to go too often so it remains a treat."