It's true.
Severe budget cuts forced the Cowles Media Company to perform astronomical layoffs here on the fourth floor yesterday.
I can't bring myself to talk much of it here, other than to say I was on the list of terminated employees.
I won't speak of the rest of the list ... People should have the opportunity to announce these things in their own way.
I can say that I will be here for at least another week, trying to figure out how to say goodbye.
I don't know what this means for the future of restaurant writing at The Spokesman-Review. That's anybody's guess.
But it will change, and drastically. That's a given.
I'm sure I'll have more to say before I clean out my desk in a couple of weeks.
But right now, let's aim hopeful thoughts at those colleagues of mine with mortgages and families who just found out they no longer have jobs.
Farewell, MetroSpokane
As someone who truly loves Spokane, it comes as a blow today to announce the shuttering of the smart, thorough and frustratingly anonymous MetroSpokane blog.
Considering the fact that I work for a company whose purpose is to gather and disseminate information, it should serve as no small compliment that this little blog had a number of die-hard readers - and admirers - here in the newsroom.
Let's just say I'm holding out hope that the following disclaimer, added in microscopic font at the end of the ultimate post, turns out to be true on a frequent basis: "We absolutely reserve the right to come back at any moment and rant ..."
Cheers, MetroSpokane.
Fugazzi does 360
Independent restaurants have to affect constant change - sometimes subtle, sometimes total - to keep in the foreground of foodies' minds and stay afloat.
That said, something big was bound to happen at Fugazzi sooner or later. The restaurant that once enjoyed a seat at the center of the downtown foodiverse became lost over the past few years amid a crowd of similar-but-fresh culinary destinations.
That's why William Webster - owner of Zola and Isabella's - decided to add the restaurant, and its adjacent lounge, Cavallino, to his growing empire.
Tom Bowers/The Spokesman-Review
Reopened under the name 360 - to bring it full-circle back to its glory days, Webster says - the spot now will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week (right now it's just open for lunch and dinner), will offer room service, and will focus on steak, seafood and Italian dishes.
Look for more on 360 in upcoming editions of 7 and on the blog, as the restaurant gets its sea legs.
Back from vacation
In case any of you were wondering if I'd gone and died on you, I haven't - I've been on a whirlwind vacation to Portland, Eugene and to the South Puget Sound, and now I'm back and ready for action.
Here are a few things to chew on while I try to get caught up here:
MetroSpokane has the goods on a new restaurant in the Manito Center.
From the Back Kitchen weighs in on a good example of how to write a food service help wanted ad, by way of Coffee Social, a new place at 113 W. Indiana Ave.
And here's today's Food section centerpiece, which serves as an introduction to the art of charcuterie, by yours truly.
Cheers.
New food carts!
Fans of street tacos and hot dogs start salivating: Downtown Spokane recently initiated two new food carts.
Tom Bowers/The Spokesman-Review
First, there's Jon Howard's new hot dog cart, strategically placed kitty-corner from Lewis and Clark high school at Wall Street and Fourth Avenue. Howard says if it's a success, he's likely to stick around. Considering the location, I couldn't imagine picking a much better spot to park his cart for the lunchtime slot.
Tom Bowers/The Spokesman-Review
The second bit of cart-food news translates to "Tacos the Sun." Makes sense to me, but that's because my world revolves around tacos.
Downtown's new - and only - taco truck can be found parked at the corner of First Avenue and Washington Street.
And here's the big news: Tacos El Sol stays open until 3 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
No, really, I'm not joking. Authentic street tacos until 3 a.m. Go see for yourself.
Farewell to a true burger master
Let's all take a moment to honor Dave Lish, founder of D.Lish's Hamburgers, who passed away on Aug. 31 due to complications stemming from an ATV accident.
I'd like to leave this thread open to discussion of Lish, the delicious D.Lish's burgers and of hamburgers in general.
Read today's obituary here.
Out to Lunch: El Mariachi taco truck
Came across a new gastronomical gem recently at the corner of Augusta Avenue and Hamilton Street in the Gonzaga University District:
Tom Bowers/The Spokesman-Review
I'm not sure if El Mariachi taco truck keeps a guitar case full of guns behind the counter, but I'll tell you what it does have: Darn good street tacos (a major staple of every thrifty, self-respecting epicurean's diet).
After ordering a Carne Asada taco and - not on the menu - a deliciously spicy Chorizo taco, I noticed that the truck also serves El Salvadorian food, such as Pupusas.
I was bummed I didn't notice the Pupusas until I had a bellyful of chorizo, but I'm sure I'll get the chance. Considering the tasty tacos, low prices and convenient location, I plan on dropping in on El Mariachi again.
Below: If you haven't seen the film that put Robert Rodriguez ("Grindhouse," "Sin City") on the map, go rent it and snag some tacos on the way home. Here's a taste (warning: clip features violent imagery some may find disturbing):
Get Pantsed at the Baby Bar
Just a quick note to tip you off about a can't-miss event happening downtown tonight.
Click here to find details on the free debut performance of James Pants and the Royal Zodiac, during which the supernova Spokane DJ employs backing help from some well-known local musicians.
Of course, if that doesn't tickle your fancy, there's also Pig Out in the Park. (Actually, you probably have time to do both, since Pants doesn't go on until 10 p.m.)
Olive Garden may be popular in Spokane
... but it's nowhere near as popular here as it is in Sioux City, Iowa.
Check out this article from the Sioux City Journal that greets the arrival of the city's first Olive Garden with an amount of fanfare and hype that you'd think would be reserved for, say, the city's first paved roads, or perhaps the arrival of electricity. Maybe a professional sports arena at the very least.
Happy ... Minutes?
I'm about to head over to Baby Bar to check out a new Thursday night tradition they're starting up:
Happy Minutes.
On Thursday nights, for exactly 15 minutes at 6, 8 and 10 p.m., the Baby Bar will sell 8-ounce glasses of PBR for $.50 apiece.
I'm interested to see how this goes over. If anything intersting happens, you'll be the first to know.
Out to Lunch: Kay's Teriyaki Plus
Kay's Teriyaki Plus, one of the long-time staples of the North Side teriyaki scene, reopened earlier this summer after finishing repairs to its fire-damaged location on East Francis Avenue (for more on East Francis restaurants, check out this week's column on the blossoming International Row).
To the delight of the at-capacity midday crowd, Kay's lunch buffet is back and churning out the chow mein and chicken.
Tom Bowers/The Spokesman-Review
Though everything is decent buffet fare, a few dishes stand out above the rest.
The Coconut Chicken, served fried in almond chicken-style but with a sweet, creamy coconut sauce, offered surprisingly good flavor, as did the Spicy Chicken, tossed with mixed veggies.
The standard Teriyaki Sauce is fine - a bit on the salty side - but I'd recommend skipping it and going for the bright red, peppery Spicy Sauce (it stands out at 3 o'clock on the pictured plate).
And if they have Bulgogi on the line when you go, make sure to give it a whirl. Kay's version of the salty-sweet Korean beef dish definitely is worth a try. And possibly a return trip or two.
Anybody been to Andy's?
Snapped a shot of a new teriyaki joint in the Garland District on the corner at the Post Street intersection yesterday:
Tom Bowers/The Spokesman-Review
I didn't have time to stop in, but have any of you been to Andy's Teriyaki yet? If so, care to offer a preview?
Good advice from the Ice
Stumbled across this piece of graffiti today:
Tom Bowers/The Spokesman-Review
It has nothing to do with food, but in a standalone context, the words of the illustrious Vanilla Ice seem to hold weight in this crazy-fast, messed-up world. Plus, it's clever. (Graffiti art on public property is illegal, however, and therefore not condoned by this blog, 7, The Spokesman-Review or its parent company and affiliates).
Industry insight from a blog reader
Just wanted to take a moment to repost an insightful comment from a reader named Scott (I have a feeling I know who it is, and he'd know what he's talking about), from the post about the closure of Stilos, so none of you miss it:
"Just another example of how difficult it is to own and operate any business, but especially restaurants in Washington. With the yearly increase in minimum wages, the ridiculous taxes, the fuel surcharges all of the supply companies are adding on for deliveries, the skyrocketing cost of raw products, and the shaky economy, an industry that already is known for having razor thin margins is hurt really badly. The restaurant can either raise prices to cover costs (unpopular with their guests) or cut into their already miniscule profits (unpopular with their bank). It's kind of a no win situation. I constantly hear (and read) people complaining Spokane has a lack of local restaurants, but then I see the corporate chains packed while the little guy who does not have the buying power, marketing budget, deep pockets, etc. quietly lock his door.
"Again, it's a case of thinking globally, but eating locally."
What do the rest of you think? Do Washington restaurants have it harder than those in other states?
Got plans for Saturday? Now you do.
I'll just let the flyer speak for itself:
Tom Bowers/The Spokesman-Review
Stilos Restaurant closing
With plans to close its doors this Sunday, it looks like the upscale Stilos Restaurant in Liberty Lake couldn't survive the floundering economy.
"Things have just gotten so high, and you can only charge so much. I think that's the biggest problem," owner Rhonda Entner told the Liberty Lake Splash. "We're sad, and we thank everyone for supporting us and wish we could go on."
Those of you who are familiar with the owners' legacy in Liberty Lake needn't worry; they plan to keep Hay J's Bistro open for business.
Thanks to reader Zelda for the tip.
New restaurant going into Auntie's cafe space
It's about time something new took over the space formerly occupied by the Liberty Cafe adjacent to Auntie's Bookstore.
Sante Restaurant and Charcuterie plans to open this summer (tick, tick) to promote "a healthy lifestyle, through embracing the multitude of resources the Inland Northwest has to offer," says the Web site.
This includes using organic ingredients, naturally raised products and eco-friendly cookware.
What really gets me all randy with anticipation is the "charcuterie" half of the business. My friends and I have been wishing for a long time that someone, somewhere would swoop in and open a good meat market in downtown Spokane (yes, I'm leaving this one wide open for snarky comments).
Now we'll have a market that cures its own meats and sells them by the pound. SCORE!
Click here to preview Sante's charcuterie menu.
Hat tip to chef David Blaine and his blog, From the Back Kitchen. If you checked out Blaine's blog lately, head over to get the inside scoop on restaurant rumors, the hyper-local food movement and more.
Half-price bottles!
The following e-mail from Scott Cook, of Ambrosia Bistro and Wine Bar in Spokane Valley and Cafe Neo on the North Side, just hit my inbox:
"Hey Tom,
"Thought I would let you know that Tuesdays are half-price bottle day at Café Neo. Any bottle is half price all day long. (Including all the good stuff!)
Scott"
It's a tempting invitation to search for a designated driver to cart my lazy butt up north to sip some syrah.
I'm also wondering if it's time to revisit the world of half-price wine, what with all the new upscale restaurants scrambling for staying power
Know of any restaurants or bars with killer deals on vino? If so, holler.
Out to Lunch: The Lunch Box
Had my very first Vietnamese sandwich today, at a new-ish takeout spot on the North Side called The Lunch Box Noodle & Grill.
Out-of-town friends (read: Seattle, Portland, et al) have been singing the praises of Vietnamese-style sandwiches for years, but I had yet to find one on a menu in the Spokane area.
That is, until I skimmed over The Lunch Box's menu, letting out a small gasp at the sight of a Monte Cristo and an even bigger gasp when I read the following description: "Vietnamese Style Sandwiches - Every sandwich comes with pate, mayonnaise, Vietnamese ham, cilantro, pickled carrots and daikon, jalepeno peppers and cucumber on a toasted French baguette."
For main meat filler, customers get to choose from Vietnamese ham, garlic pork, Spam or grilled lemongrass pork.
I went for the lemongrass pork. The resulting $4 sandwich looked like this:
Tom Bowers/The Spokesman-Review
The pork was moist and tender, with bright lemongrass flavor and bits of charred tastiness around the edges. The slices of Vietnamese ham were, well, kind of like gray bologna, but if you can get over that, it's pretty good.
Overall, at $4, I'd take one of these Vietnamese-style subs over a $5 footlong anyday. (An aside: In the above pic, my hand makes the sandwich look small. In the interest of accuracy, I must assure you it's not. I just have freakishly large hands. Anyway, moving on ...)
If the Vietnamese-style sub doesn't tantalize your buds, the Lunch Box also sells an array of American-style sandwiches and, to my surprise, a number of inexpensive Pacific islander and Thai dishes, including a couple of appetizers, such as these lil' darlins:
Out to Lunch: Apple Spice Junction
Finally stopped in to eat at the area's first franchise for a Utah-based chain called Apple Spice Junction, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Washington Street.
Tom Bowers/The Spokesman-Review
At the recommendation of the friendly cashier, I ordered the Turkey Avocado sandwich ($7.99) with a side of cranberry spread ($.30 extra), and decided to tack on a Caesar salad for $2.
The sandwich - served on Apple Spice's house-baked bread - featured a modest amount of turkey, sprouts and perfectly ripe slices of avocado, and the sweet-tart cranberries rounded out the flavor spectrum. Not quite the size sandwich you'd expect for the money - considering what you can get for a similar price at nearby sandwich shops - but it was tasty nonetheless.
The Caesar salad, however, left a little to be desired. In the bang-for-your-buck corner, the salad was huge for a "side" Caesar - notice that it almost totally eclipses the sandwich in the photo - and the sliced hard-boiled egg was a nice touch.
But in this day and age, there is no excuse to serve mass-produced, mediocre, store-bought quality croutons. Especially at a restaurant that bakes its own bread.
That, and the similarly grocery store-quality dressing, left me feeling a little underwhelmed by this otherwise decent little sandwich shop.
If you go, you won't have to worry about scoring a table; Apple Spice Junction does most of its business through its box-lunch delivery service, which, if you ask me, is the real draw of the place. As one Apple Spice sandwich-slinger pointed out, I guess that's why they sometimes get orders for 150-200 box lunches at a time.
Update: I just noticed they have a grand-opening promotion on the company's Web site where you can sign up to get a free box lunch with the purchase of two lunches at full price. Click here for details.
Rain ups stakes in late-night game
When I stumbled upon a soft opening of downtown Spokane's newest lounge last night, I had no idea what I was in for.
But considering that Rain is the late-night lounge side of the fantastic downtown eatery Scratch, I should have known.
Akin to other upscale-casual bars such as Envy and Bistango, Rain focuses on top-shelf cocktails and taps -- but it's the late-night food menu that'll keep me coming back.
Picture this: You stumble into a Spokane bar after midnight. You skim right over the mirrored, lit waterfall feature and pick up a food menu.
Frog Legs? Duck Lettuce Wraps? Rabbit Tenderloin? After midnight?
Yep. I ordered The Frog Legs ($8) and the Duck Lettuce Wraps ($8). The frog came lightly breaded and fried with cabbage slaw. If you've never had it, I find it's easiest to describe frog as "freshwater chicken."
The Duck Lettuce Wraps offered a delicious, inventive (and, in my opinion, tastier) play on the popular Chicken Lettuce Wraps at P.F. Chang's.
Overall, Rain made for a great after-midnight experience. With such great food available late and for cheap, the neighboring West First Avenue bars might have to up their game.
Open thread: Props to area chefs
Just a quick Friday afternoon note to point you to today's cover story, for which I interviewed a handful of the area's progressive, inventive chefs and took the temperature of the Inland Northwest food scene.
Feel free to use the comments field to discuss the chefs in the story or to give props to your favorites that may not have been interviewed for the piece.
Mystery bar for sale
Someone's posted a mysterious ad on Craigslist, claiming to have a "landmark" bar for sale in downtown Spokane (clarification: the ad doesn't specify downtown, but identifies the bar as "very centrally located").
Anyone heard anything about this?
Churchill's burning
Here's the view from The Spokesman-Review offices this morning:
That smoke comes from the former Joel home furnishings building, which houses Churchill's Steakhouse and Dorian Photography, and which still burns from a fire that started earlier this morning.
For the breaking SpokesmanReview.com story, click here.
Out to Lunch: Dim Sum at Hong Kong Express
For lunch today, I finally stopped in for a Dim Sum experience at the quirky, tasty Hong Kong Express on North Division Street.
As a semi-regular dine-in or delivery customer at Hong Kong, I've been meaning to try the restaurant's special mid-day dim sum menu for some time.
Tom Bowers/The Spokesman-Review
It didn't disappoint.
The Shrimp-Leek Patties had a nice crisp crunch on the outside with a moist inside, and gained a salty kick when dipped in the dumpling sauce.
The Fried Cheese Cracktons - oops, I mean Wontons - formed into little pouches of cream cheese with bubbled-up, crisp ruffled edges to scoop up little pools of sweet and sour sauce. These are a can't miss.
Unsheathing the Paper-wrapped Chicken (right, in the foil wraps) revealed moist triangles formed from hunks of chicken, flavored with spices reminiscent of a yellow Indian curry.
Tom Bowers/The Spokesman-Review
Last but not least, at $1.50 apiece, the Steamed BBQ Pork Buns surely will become a staple of my diet. Sweet and salty barbecued pork stuffed into pillowy clouds of steamed dumpling dough ... I ate two and I'm still considering returning for more tomorrow.
With a per-plate price range of $1.50 to $5, the special Dim Sum menu at Hong Kong Express - served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. - qualifies as a Taste of the Town Smokin' Deal ™.
Restaurant Contest: