For me, what make a restaurant better-than-good is its people and its use of fresh ingredients. Dishes made from scratch, without that nasty freezer smell. Mmmm, I must be in heaven...

Breakfast

In the Pacific Northwest, my favorite is cajun sausage links, hash browns, two eggs over medium with a fresh baked biscuit from the Libby Cafe in Libby, Montana. Gary and Paulette own this quaint little downtown cafe on Mineral Street where breakfast and lunch are served daily. In addition to running this business, Gary also bakes and ships his famous huckleberry Montana Muffins. OMG, my mouth watters just writing this!.

Coming in a close second, when I'm closer to home is the Kalico Kitchen in North Spokane, Washington. Like the Libby Cafe, the wait staff and fare are terrific. Neither eatery is open for dinner.

Lunch

Sure hope my cardiologist doesn't read this...When I'm hungry and anywhere near North Spokane I'm headed to Shakey's Pizza for one of the best pizza's this side of Kalispell, Montana. When in Kalispell, I'm craving the pizza from Bullmans. Once again, fresh dough, quality unfrozen meats and cheeses rule the roost.

Dinner

Once upon a time, I'd travel to Spokane, about 1 hour from home and eat at Wolf Bay Lodge at Freya and I-90. Due to an unethical action by one of their more seasoned servers, we don't eat there anymore.

For those of you who travel to, or through, Chewelah, Washington, on an empty stomach, plan a visit to the Chalet Restaurant for a home cooked meal that's truly hard to beat. The Chalet has a full service bar (Alpine Room) and offers quality white and red wines. The menu offers steaks, seafoods and fresh, chrisp salads that won't eat a hole in your wallet. They also serve fresh baked pies that are some of the best I've ever eaten.

A close second is the El Ranchito in Chewelah or Davenport, Washington. These quality Mexican eatery's offer the same menu that folks have enjoyed for years from their big sister (Ranco Chico) restaurant on Northwest Blvd., in Northwest Spokane.