Uva Trattoria: The name of this new Italian eatery tells its story. "Uva" means grapes, and "trattoria" designates a dining establishment that is less formal than a "ristorante."

It offers authentic homemade Italian food at an affordable price with wine pairing as a major focus - hence the name, according to Steve Van Zeveren, owner with his wife, Crystal, and sister Lisa at 2605 N. Fourth St. (the former Fiesta Mexicana and Godfather's Pizza building).

Opening today, the menu includes appetizers such as calamari and bruschetta, several main dishes, sandwiches, salads, beverages and Italian desserts such as panne cotta, tiramasu, creme brule and gelatto - all made from scratch and with local products when possible in small batches to ensure freshness.

Completely remodeled, seating is for 143 customers at tables, booths, a party room and at a wine bar and small cocktail area with cheeseboards and tapas. With about 15 employees, they offer take-out, delivery and catering. All three owners have extensive Italian culinary experience in California and locally.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Phone 930-0574. Check www.uvacda.com.

Stylebar opens Thursday

Offering exclusive treatments for hair, Stylebar opens Thursday at 3448 N. Government Way (at Neider Avenue near Costco).

High-end hairstyling and an exclusive blow-dry bar paired with refreshments and available for larger parties such as for weddings and birthdays, Stylebar was created by lifelong friends Sarah Hess and Sara Dalebout with combined 30 years experience in hair-styling and fashion merchandising.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Phone 304-4981. Check www.stylebarcda.com.

Sweet Pickins in Hayden

With home decor, gifts and crafts, Sweet Pickins opened last week at 9521 N. Government Way (across from Capone's) in Hayden.

Items include metal yard art, log furniture, yard and garden things. Owners are mother-daughter Linda Cederblom and Abby Nicholson.

Hours are 1-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8:30 to 4 Saturdays. Phone 772-5506.

Good Samaritan Thrift on Fourth

Joining other thrift stores in Midtown, Good Samaritan Thrift opened in a 4,500-square-foot location at 1610 N. Fourth St. Proceeds go toward Good Samaritan's drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in Coeur d'Alene.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Mattress Firm at U.S. 95 and Neider

"Save money, sleep happy" is the motto of Mattress Firm now open in Super Supplements mall at 405 W. Neider Ave. (west of Highway 95). The store offers 11 brands of bedding products.

With 1,100 locations, the company started in 1986 with its headquarters in Houston. Local hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. Phone 664-2022. Check www.mattressfirm.com.

Now for the Tidbits

- Watch for news on the new Java on Sherman, Supercuts and Jack-in-the-Box at Crossroads, NAPA Auto Parts into the former Lyle's Fabrics location, a Dog House Tavern and Live Idaho store going into the 100 block of North Fourth, the Well-Read Moose bookstore in Riverstone, One Good Thread into the Plaza Shops and much more.

- Despite exciting rumors, Trader Joe's is not coming. A spokeswoman says it's not in their two-year plan. Sigh. And I like Two-Buck Chuck (Charles Schwab wine under $3).

- The new McEuen Park is fantastic! Yea! And try hiking Mineral Ridge. The trudge up the non-view south slope is worth the lake view at the top.

- Political parties are capitalized, but their philosophies are not.

- A label instruction on a Korean kitchen knife: "Keep out of children." Uh, OK.

- A final note from a church bulletin: "The associate minister upped his pledge. Up yours."

- Contact Nils Rosdahl at [email protected].