Although friends encouraged Adlard to open his own restaurant upon moving to Coeur d’Alene, he and wife Lisa opted instead to convert their rural North Idaho home into a dinner venue. They’ve operated Candle in the Woods since 2002, accommodating groups averaging from eight to 18 people. Candle in the Woods offers high-end, prix fixe meals, often paired with wines from their 4,000-bottle collection. Although the food is gourmet, the service is family-style, with an emphasis on relaxing, conversing and creating lasting friendships. One of their greatest joys, he says, is meeting people, especially through the dinners they donate to charity every year.

Adlard has also stepped in to guest cook at local restaurants, including Angelo’s Ristorante in Coeur d’Alene, and took part this spring in the inaugural Chef’s Week PNW, joining chefs Adam Hegsted, Molly Patrick and Travis Dickinson to create a seven-course tasting menu. …

Cooking: Chef Dave Adlard combines fitness, food and a flair for teaching

details – Candle in the Woods