Sunrise for Vito

It might take as much time for the distinctive smell of Market Spice tea to let go its hold on the former Sunshine Trader restaurant as it will for diners to discover that the Coeur d’Alene location has been newly transformed into VITO’S ITALIAN. When it does, this place has the potential to fill a niche for Italian food vacated by the recently closed Wine Cellar and to give lunch-goers a quieter, grown-up alternative to Tomato Street.

Dishes like Salsiccia Peperone (mild Italian sausage, sweet peppers and onions atop spaghetti with white wine/garlic scampi, $14) and Osso Bucco ($22) will appeal to hearty eaters. Lighter fare includes orange-glazed Arancia Chicken over spinach, with almonds and fire-roasted sweet peppers ($10).

For lunch, sandwiches predominate, with choices like the Italian grinder with prosciutto, salami, ham, pepperoni and provolone; the Caprese Wrap with mozzarella and marinated veggies; and the classic meatball or sausage sub ($8-$10). Oven-baked pita bread “pizza” has an Italian twist with fresh basil, Roma tomato, parmesan and chèvre ($8).

Everything is made from scratch, including traditional soups and daily desserts whipped up by Chef Rich Grow, whose New York roots lend authenticity to his delicious New York-style cheesecake. Owners Vito and Joy Barbieri give it an authentic Italian spin with their family recipes and a cozy dining area with dimmed lighting, images of Italian villas, and a Tuscany-inspired color scheme.

Although the Barbieris have owned Sunshine Trader since 2006, it’s only been Vito’s for a few months. After all, Sunshine Trader had previously enjoyed nearly 30 years in a town plagued by turnover in the casual dining market. And it’s hardly a central location — camouflaged by tall pines, set back from the busy health care-oriented stretch of Ironwood between 95 and Northwest Boulevard, neither downtown nor mid-town. It is, however, super-close to the freeway, making it a convenient location for diners both locally and out-of-town.

With a grand opening in the works, a small but reasonable wine and beer list and well-trained, friendly wait staff, they might just become your new favorite Italian family restaurant. — CARRIE SCOZZARO

Vito’s Italian, 1116 W.
Ironwood Dr., Coeur d’Alene, is open Mon-Thu 10 am-4 pm for lunch, 5-9 pm for dinner; Fri-Sat 5-9 pm. Call (208)
667-1233 or visit
www.vitositalian.com.