This past November, Coeur d’Alene’s Riverstone became home to a new dining experience—Vine & Olive Eatery and Wine Bar. The woman behind the concept is Naomi Boutz, who has been a staple in the area’s wine and food scene for more than a decade. At Vine & Olive, she brings her experience and passion for food and wine, to the table for all to enjoy.
After working for incredible people over the years—including Jim Duncan and Adam Hegsted—Naomi knew it was time to pursue her dream of opening her own place. “I started jotting down ideas in 2015; everything from décor, to menu ideas, silly names for wine flights or categories, guiding principles for the handbook, you name it. Two notebooks were full by the time I actually opened.”
As you walk through the doors of Vine & Olive, you’ll discover a perfect balance of industrial and chic with barn wood on the walls, warm lighting and a floor-to-ceiling black and white world map mural in the pub. The restaurant seats 94 indoors, and during the summer months, six outdoor tables allow patrons to dine outside.
The seasonally rotating menu—inspired by Naomi’s travels through Italy and France and the simplicity of their dishes—features many European influences made with Northwest flair. The chef behind the enticing cuisine is Paul Mason, a Chicago transplant with a degree in philosophy who holds an impressive resume that includes working in restaurants such as Girl and the Goat, Next and Boeufhaus.
Vine & Olive embraces the small-plate concept but offers regular sized entrées as well. Acorn squash frites served with spicy aioli has already become the most popular menu item, according to Naomi, and customers are coming in specifically for the escargot, done in a classic French style of garlic butter and herbs served with baguette.
They also offer a dynamic and thoughtful wine program that’s committed to showcasing Northwest producers and interesting imports. As Naomi says, “Our food is created with the idea that it will be paired with the wine we offer.”
Naomi’s goal is for every person who steps foot into Vine & Olive to feel welcome and to experience simple yet thoughtful food with soulful service. She commends her team for the amount of ownership they have taken, keeping the energy high and the guest experience consistent. And the community has already embraced Naomi and her staff.
“This community’s support has exceeded my highest expectations. I couldn’t be more grateful for the locals in North Idaho and Eastern Washington,” says Naomi. “We were named North Idaho Business Journal’s Best New Business. Every day somebody new thanks me for opening something like this in Coeur d’Alene. It’s both humbling and overwhelming.”
Guests are invited to dine and imbibe at the eatery and wine bar daily for lunch and dinner starting at 11:30am.
Vine & Olive Eatery and Wine Bar
Coeur d’Alene at Riverstone
2037 N. Main St.
208.758.7770
