Breakfast, lunch at Side Street Place

Restaurants are in the news this week - and it's not all good. In fact, it's two-thirds negative.

But we'll start with the good and leave the "bad" for the Tidbits.

Side Street Place replaced the Breakfast Nook in Post Falls this past week. Located between I-90 and Seltice Way to the north and south and the Sylvan Learning Center and European Breakfast House to the east and west, Side Street Place offers breakfast and lunch 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays.

The lengthy menu includes about everything possible for breakfast and burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads for lunch. Each meal has petite specials. With a green and white tile and panel contemporary decor, the place (originally a Wingers restaurant) seats about 100 guests in booths and at tables and a bar.

New owner Betty Romps renamed the eatery to separate it from the Breakfast Nook in Coeur d'Alene. She has previous restaurant experience in Newbury, Calif., where she moved from with husband Howard who discovered North Idaho while stationed at the former Farragut Naval Base on Lake Pend Oreille.

Manager Brenda Sexton has 10 employees. Phone 777-8444.

Hardwood Store moves to Hayden

Offering rare, exotic woods as well as domestic lumber, plywood and moldings, The Hardwood Store has moved to 250 W. Miles Ave. in Hayden from 2852 Schreiber Way. The 6,000-square-foot new location formerly was the Northwest Boat Center.

Hours at the three-year-old company are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Phone 772-8900. Check www.thehardwoodstorecda.com.

Hallmark expands in Ironwood

After being in its eastside location in Ironwood Square for 20 years, the Gold Crown Hallmark Store is moving to the west side (west of Albertson's) of the complex. The change gives the store 5,100 square feet in the former Dollar Store location.

In addition to the standard Hallmark inventory (cards, gifts, decor, wrappings, stationery, lotions, candles, ornaments and seasonal specialties), this 10-employee store has a major floral department (with deliveries) and gourmet candies. Owners Adrienne and Bruce Winters have 10 employees.

Founded in 1910, Hallmark has more than 40,000 stores in about 100 countries. If you're ever in Kansas City, Mo., it's worthwhile to tour the headquarters complex.

Hours on Ironwood are 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. weekdays. 9 to 6 Saturdays and 10:30 to 6 Sundays. The Christmas ornaments "open" today. Phone 667-1722. Check www.hallmark.com.

Hammer's Treasure Chest opens

An amazing variety of items (including a large box of little toy cars to keep kids busy while you browse) is offered at Hammer's Treasure Chest at 506 E. Seltice Way, Post Falls. Owner Mark Hammer said he gets most of his stuff by buying storage units.

Located in the building of the former Pagoda Restaurant, hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Phone 446-4530.

Here's this week's tidbits!

• Notice how all these subheads start with H. That's a design style gimmick to get readers interested.

• Restaurants that closed this past week include the Hot Rod Cafe in Post Falls and Casa de Oro in Coeur d'Alene. The Casa de Oros in Kellogg and St. Maries remain open.

• Whine of the Week: The lack of sidewalks on busy Best Avenue, especially at the crosswalk to Borah Elementary School.

• Potential occupants of the new building under construction in Riverstone aren't quite ready to chat.

• But, meanwhile, watch for big news next week on the health front.

• The Trading Post of Coeur d'Alene Homes Auxiliary has reopened 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays at 12th and Sherman Avenue. They also do estate sales. Phone 661-1930 or 660-0406.

• Style tip: Use noon or midnight rather than 12 p.m. or 12 a.m. or readers don't get it.

Contact Nils Rosdahl at nrosdahl@cdapress.com.