From her early stints in local food service, Deana Bowels Brower has learned a thing or two about the fine art of the custom dining experience. It all started with a catering gig for Vino Rosso. Since then, it has festooned into a festive, full-blown dining enterprise in the heart of Historic Downtown.
The second you step inside this A Street eatery, it should be obvious that you’re not entering just another small-city cafe.
Welcome to Diablas Kitchen.
“I knew early on that this place was going to be something unique,” Deana told us during an afternoon food-sampling photoshoot earlier this summer. “We have a unique specialty. It’s an open kitchen -- a full view no matter where you are sitting. People love it!”
Diablas Kitchen also offers an extremely flexible menu, she said. “We can accommodate all kinds of dietary issues -- gluten-free, lactose-free, you name it. We can work with you, whatever your needs may be.”
Adorned with a rich cross-section of Americana-themed decor, the casual atmosphere just begs for guests to kick back and relax. (In particular, you’ll see no shortage of salt-and-pepper shakers. According to Deana, many of them are actually gifts from visiting customers who come from all over the world.)
Seating space is limited, but pleasantly varied. You can opt for circular tables-for-two up at the front windows (each within easy reach of the establishment’s resident bookshelves), as well as bar seating around the kitchen, traditional table settings along the West wall or additional tables upstairs that are perfect for small groups and parties.
In fact, the latter accommodations are what Diablas is known for.
Every fourth Friday, for example, the restaurant hosts special dinners with entertaining themes like Indiana Jones or ‘50s monster movies.
These occasions are reservation-only, and usually span up to four or five courses. A full evening’s festivities will run from 6-9 p.m. There’s also an occasional all-you-can-eat “Seafood Feast” complete with crab, mussels, clams, roasted potatoes and more.
“I don’t really think of these experiences as meals,” Deana said. “They’re dining events that will take some time to enjoy.”
Online at www.diablaskitchen.com, the restaurant’s “Everyday Menu” includes its Quiche of the Day, Chicken Salad Croissant, Tuna and Swiss Panini, Pulled Pork Panini, French Dip and a seasonal salad. Weekly specials can also be found on the establishment's Facebook page.
Diablas Kitchen is conveniently located at 368 A Street, just one quick turn off of North Yellowstone into Historic Downtown. Hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wed. to Sat., 5-9 p.m. Thurs. to Sat and Sunday Brunch from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For catering details, upcoming events and menu items (soups, salads, sandwiches, brunch and “everything else”), visit Diablas online or ring up the establishment at 208-522-1510.
For the entirety of its 8 years in operation, Diablas (known earlier as 3’s Co. Catering) has been a successful fixture of the downtown dining scene.
“I have always loved downtown,” Deana said. “Everything is locally owned, and people care about each other. We refer each other all the time. It’s just a great fit for us.”
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Make it a Mimosa Party
Want to bedazzle your Sunday Brunch with some extra punch? These festive samplers -- orange juice, grapefruit, pomegranate, blood orange and prickly pear -- will serve you well. Comes with a bottle of champagne.
Spicy Corn Chowder
You’ll love this zesty mix complete with cream corn, cream cheese and more. A local favorite for Diablas’ regulars.
Shrimp Fra diAvolo
Features a unique spicy marinara sauce, succulent shrimp, fresh linguine and a mouth-watering blend of red peppers and spices.
Smoked Trout Plate
A favorite on the Sunday Brunch menu, this platter comes with cucumber, sliced tomato, red onion, cream cheese, blackberries, Lingonberry jam and bread.
Diablas Bloody Mary
Borne of the restaurant’s own Bloody Mary mix, this concoction is heavy on the bacon but can also be crafted in a vegan version.