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A dearth of Blog posts doesn’t really mean I wasn’t eating. Here are 3 “new” places that I tried out.
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You want hot? I’ll show you hot Mr. White guy American – Vien Dong Vietnamese/Chinese Cuisine
While working at the Pedals to People shop over the winter I got hungry. As I really couldn’t eat bicycles or parts thereof I decided to wander down the block.
Pic via Google Street View
I’d driven by this place multiple times. The location as well as the way it looks never appealed to me very much. Yet by virtue of necessity I went in. And I’m dang glad I did.
The food is hot, fresh, fast and plentiful. Be advised though, should you not ask for a certain spice level it will certainly be quite warm. I’m thinking somewhere in the area of 72 stars. Or perhaps I’m just a wimp. Because upon dining there the other evening with some friends, their 15-year old daughter specifically requested “as spicy as you can make it” and didn’t bat an eye. While my dish with no request at all set me on fire. Oh well, it just doesn’t matter because it really is quite good.
Vien Dong, 1730 E. Sprague.
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Damn Tasty! – The FLATBREAD Pizza Co
I actually discovered this hidden mobile gem sometime last summer when it was at The Scoop. This is a mobile wood fired pizza oven. You stop at a table, request your ingredients that will be placed on a hand-tossed fresh crust then baked in the mobile oven.
Crisp, hot, fresh and juicy. Kinda like Jacque but not as hot.
While my memory seems to fail me at convenient times, I distinctly recall that these pizzas were “damn tasty”.
The Flatbread Pizza Company, coming soon to a location near you! (hopefully)
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Best burgers in town! – Crazy G’s Burgers, Phillys & Dogs
Crazy G’s is located at the “Y” of Division and Ruby just North of the Spokane River. Upon opening in 2008 it’s distinct, colorful sign beckoned to me.
Almost as eye catching as a Free Beer sign (almost)
But not being much of a meat eater and especially beef I waited to go in. My bad. The new facilities with the large front windows give it a wonderful airy feel. The menu is simple and direct. Burger, philly cheese steak or dogs. Fries, drink and you’re done.
The burgers, oh the burgers. My goodness! Juicy, yummy, sauted onions, some reddish sauce (I really don’t know what it is, but it’s good) with crisp hot fries. I’m telling you, Crazy G’s really does have the best burgers in town.
Crazy G’s, 821 N Division St.
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It’s time to jump on the bike.
Till later,
Who Loves Ya?
(Wow! Nine of these. I’m kinda surprised.)
I’m not really sure this qualifies as a restaurant. I guess that if you purchase food from it, you can eat it there (even if it’s on a plastic picnic table in a parking lot) that it’s good enough for me.
For the past couple of months I’ve been kicking around the idea of eating at one of the mobile taco stands. There’s only a couple here in town and after a conversation with David Blaine (who I believe is one of the preeminent foodies in Spokane) he directed me to a couple. On a funny aside I asked him about a particular truck and he said with disdain, “That one is ran by white guy”.
But wait! This isn’t about a taco truck. This is about a barbecue truck.
The goofy thing about this is that I didn’t even write down the name. Later on in the post I’ll tell you where it’s at though. Let’s talk about the fare.
Just like Ma and Pa's. Except for theirs didn't have no BBQ on the side. They just lived in it.
This is a no-nonsense type of place. As you can see there aren’t any frills or pretty tablecloths. You walk up to the window, order your stuff and get in/on your conveyance (hopefully a bicycle unless you drove down from Canada) and eat.
The fare is simple and basic. Meat, bread, some sort of side veggie. Think of it as a picnic in a parking lot.
How’s it taste? Pretty good. I had the beef brisket on a wheat bun with a side of cole-slaw. The beef had a good smokey flavor and unlike a lot of other BBQ joints wasn’t smothered in sauce. In fact, I actually had to ask for a little extra.
The extra sauce was free
The price may shock ya’ll a bit. The sandwich and side was about $7.50. But considering what the owner has to pay the Health District as well as lease to the land baron I think it was reasonable. Anyway, it’s convenient, fast and good.
[I don't remember the name but will edit this post when I get it]
Nora and Division in the parking lot of the old Standard Drug adjacent to Ressa’s Shoe Service.
Till later,
Jacque – Out
Surprisingly enough, unlike some of my other ventures (like previous relationships or the one-minute-write) this series is continuing.
The other evening, between the usual thoughts that inhabit my mind (like beer, bicycles and “spinning the wheel”) I was thinking about a place that I could take Brightspirit for dinner. I wanted somewhere new and refreshing that offered something a bit out of ‘The Rut’.
After a thinking about it for well over 3 1/2 minutes I thought a great test of our relationship would be Greek food. I like Greek food, I really do. It’s just seems that here in the United States it can be difficult to find good stuff. In the early 80′s I was in Europe and got a taste of what I believe was authentic Greek Food. Living here, my standards had changed a bit.
Enter Santorini’s:
Let’s begin with what you encounter when you walk in. Wait, let’s begin with walking up to the joint. Santorini’s is at 112 N. Howard just South of Rite Aid Pharmacy. You’ve gotta walk by the funky fountain that kinda looks like a bidet to get in the entrance. Brightspirit liked it almost right away because it’s off the beaten path a bit and she said it reminded her of restaurants in New York City. Just inside the door you may be struck by just how small the place is. 15 tables? Maybe, but small anyway.
We were greeted almost right away by the hostess who seated us. Beginning with a glass of Greek red wine the dinner was great. Let’s start with the wine;
We decided on a Greek wine (Rather than a local. Because hey, it’s is all about getting out of the rut isn’t it?). The wine was pretty dang good. We’re far from being wine connoisseurs but to us it was full bodied, light and tasted great.
The service? Pretty dang good. It seemed a bit slow but taking in account the fact that every table was occupied and there was only only so much help I’m ok with it. Let’s get down to the real reason we were there. Food!
I had a gyros platter that came with gyros some of the best seasoned potatoes I ever had, brown rice and feta cheese. Outstanding. I like my meals hot. This came to me hot and fresh and very yummy. Brightspirit was (is) wondering where the cheese came from it was so fresh.
I’d like to briefly mention that I was very impressed with the appetizer soup. Wowza! A lemony thing that for me was just enough to awaken my appetite.
It was cozy, fun, good service and yummy.
Santorini’s 112 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201 509-456-2349
Till later,
Jacque – Out
This one’s a twoofer. That’s right. Two new dining places (one’s a surprise) in one blog entry. How’s that for a bargain?
First of all let’s talk about the place that’s within walking distance of my house. Heck, it may be within walking distance of your’s too. If so, let’s meet there.
Ginger Asian Bistro is at the top of Grand hill between Bittersweet Bakery (best scones in town!) and Baskin Robins. In the 5-years I’ve lived on the South Hill this place has changed hands at least 3 times. Hopefully the curse will be broken with this new, fun eatery.
Upon walking in, my first impression was that it’s a friendly warm place. At the entrance you’re facing the sushi/sashimi (spelling?) counter with the wares on display. The colors are cheery but not overwhelming and the seating was just right for us as it wasn’t generically large but cozy with just enough space for a bit of privacy.
The portions are massive. We accidentally ordered two entrees where one would have sufficed. I had the General Tsaos chicken (Yes, I know, how passe. But I like it.) while BrightSpirit ordered a beefy thing. Like most asian places entrees can be spiced to your liking. I requested 2-stars and found it to be a bit too cool. But that’s ok, when I go back I’ll just bump it up. The service was outstanding with the presentation, temperature and taste being superb.
Ginger Asian Bistro, 1228 S Grand Blvd, Spokane, WA 99202.
So the other day the fire department I work at had it’s annual awards banquet. Being a smaller department we had it in a small ballroom of a hotel in our area. I really expected to be served a chili and cornbread type of meal with some crackers. What a wild pleasant surprise.
After all the hoo-ha awards and speeches we were herded table by table to the buffet line. On your basic hotel type of buffet table we found FRESH seasonal roasted vegetables, mashed red potatoes with garlic, baked salmon, and prime rib. Let me tell you! What a feast! Oh man, talk about good! Everything was hot, fresh and tasty. I have every intention of popping in there for dinner one night while on duty.
, 616 South Windsor Drive • Spokane, Washington 99224
That’s it for now. If I get a chance I’ll do another entry soon. I’ve got a bunch of words in my head that need to get out.
Till later,
Jacque – Out
Wooo! I really stepped out on this one baby.
Friday I was in Post Falls for a conference related to work. Of all the places to have a conference I would never have suggested Cabela’s sporting goods. Now when someone mentions Cabella’s to me I usually think of high priced goods and dead animals. Really not my type of venue but hey, I was paid to be there so no sweat.
Upon entering Cabela’s I was provided directions to the meeting rooms which were just past the cafe. It being morning and as I really didn’t have much interest in a sporting good store cafe I didn’t even look. In my mind I had a vision of the eternal hotdog rolling machine, popcorn and slurpees. Lunch changed that view.
The cafe is clean with a lot of help and fresh hot food. The variety of food was astounding with the menu boasting things such as an osterich (no, I’m not kidding) or bison sandwich and/or bison or venison burger. Everything is prepared fresh.
I chose a bison-bacon burger with fries and was totally blown away by the flavor. The fries were crisp and hot and had just the right amount of seasoning. My only (minor) complaint is that the cheese I requested was some artificially yellow colored stuff. But overall the experience was quite pleasant.
Cabela’s
101 North Cabela Way
Post Falls, ID 83854
Information and directions
Till later,
Jacque – Out
On Sunday morning I picked up one of the 20-something year old daughters and we headed out for some Dad and Daughter time.
Me: (I’m the dad) “Where do you want to get breakfast?”
Her: (The daughter) “How about The Chalet at 29th and Grand? I like to go there because they let me in wearing pajamas.”
Me: “Pajam?….never mind. Ok, I’ve always wanted to check that place out.”
Being a Southhillie I’ve driven by The Chalet a number of times and have always wondered about it. They often have banners hanging advertising swiss steak or other dinners that are wholly unappetizing to me.
Upon entry it was evident that the place is popular because of the crowd. Even so we were greeted promply and politely. I immediately noticed that the entire staff was friendly and attentive to everyone as well as the pristine cleanliness of the establishment. In addition a person that appeared to be the owner was walking around talking with regulars and checking in with newbies like me.
The food was hot, fresh and plentiful.
Overall I was pretty impressed with the place and will try it again for dinner. I’ll just skip the swiss steak.
Till later,
Jacque – Out
If this wasn’t part of a series I’d have to name this post, “My New Favorite Place to Eat”.
I’ve been meaning to go to One World Spokane since it’s opening late last year. For some reason or other I just never seemed to get around to it. Tell you what, I’ve been missing out.
One World Spokane is located in the funky groove section of East Sprague near Napa. This area used to be rife with prostitution, drug dealing and other nefarious activities. Community, police and business involvement has really turned the area around and it’s now a rather cool place on a main drag.
Let’s talk toast. One World Spokane is based upon community involvement, local sourcing, getting as much or as little as you want and paying as much or as little as you believe it’s worth.
The food is mostly (completely?) vegetarian and prepared fresh. And WOW! Is it good. I had a sampler plate that consisted of a little of everything and was very impressed with the freshness and flavor of it all. The menu changes daily so it’s always a shot in the dark as to what you’ll get but it would seem to me that there’s almost always something for every taste.
Good Food!
On World Everybody Eats Spokane
1804 E Sprague Ave
Spokane, WA 99202
509-270-1608
www.oneworldspokane.com
Till later,
Jacque – Out
Well, we went and did it again. We bumped ourselves right out of the restaurant rut . If you’re new here (and I figure a couple of ya’ll are) this post kind of explains what I’m talking about.
Because my wife and I work so much it can be difficult to spend time together. As such we decided to go on a date Saturday. (brief pause for you to say, “Wow Jack, you’re a good husband.”)
I’ve noticed a new establishment at Rockwood and Grand where the Jiffy Lube used to be and we decided to pop in there and via the Spokane Food Blog I recall that the new place (Press) had applied for a liquor license. So off we went. Bump, right out of the rut.
Upon entering Press we noticed how small it is. While not a barrier at all, what was a barrier was the fact that they don’t serve food. Bummer man. It was a pretty close call to either go back into the rut and head across the street to the P.I. or down to the The Elk. Luckily we were saved by my quick thinking wife who said, “Why don’t we go to that one place we tried to go to that one time.” So we did.
Olive Oilz can be difficult to find as it’s in a strip mall on 30th just behind the 7-11 off of Freya. It’s small, very small. I counted 7 tables and the short bar. But the outstanding service by the owner and spectacular food made it worthwhile. While just a bit pricey it’s worth it to us to support a local business. I highly recommend it. Thanks Taste Everything Once for your outstanding database of local eateries.
And since we’re on the subject of getting out of the rut, on Sunday I got WAY out of the rut. In fact, this rut hit me right in the gut.
You see, I’ve lived in Spokane 20+ years now and have never dined at Dick’s. I’ve been cajoled, teased and even threatened but have held out. Till now.
Over the past couple of days I’ve been enrolled in a course called MOAB. The short of this story is that two co-workers (Brian and Jerry) coerced and hypnotized me into dining on a Whammy at Dick’s. Being of the mindset that I don’t like to say bad things I’ll just keep my peace. But I do have to admit, just about everyone I’ve talked to says that it’s the best cheap food in town, a cultural experience and “everyone” has to do it at least once. Now that I’ve been there and done that I can say I’ll not go there or do it anymore.
And speaking of doing something, the gang over at the Spokane Food Blog are doing this really cool challenge. There’s a group of people that are eating no processed food at all. Nothing boxed, pre-cooked or smashed together. I’m watching it religiously and have asked to play the next time they do one.
That’s it for now.
Till later,
Jacque – Out
As stated in this post (yes, I know the pic is broken. It happened when I upgraded the blog) we’ve been in a restaurant rut.
And as I related I’m reporting back. We finally got up enough nerve to face our critics due to not eating at home and hit the bricks. First things first. We wanted to go somewhere we’ve never been before but it needed to be close. So using Taste Everything Once’s browse by tag I used “South Hill”. Worked like a dream.
From there it was a pretty easy browse to find a place we’ve never been.
Our first choice was Olive Oilz near 30th and Regal. Unfortunately by the time we made it out of the house it was closed. Not having a ‘Plan B’ I was beginning to feel like we were circling the drain and heading for the same ‘ole rut.
Luckily I was saved by a tickle in the back of my brain recalling a radio commercial that talked about Laguna Cafe. A “local” establishment. So off we headed.
Walking in the door we were seated almost immediately and then greeted (rather over zealously) by the owner.
I had what they called a chicken pot pie that consisted of some chicken bits in a good sauce over a piece of pita bread. BrightSpirit had what she described as a pretty tasteless mushroom ravioli.
If I had reviewed the web site prior to eating there I would have discovered that it probably wouldn’t have been the best choice of places to go.
Oh well. Tomorrows bicycle adventure to De Leon’s will be good.
Till later,
Jacque – Out
I’m aware that we have a lot of good restaurants in town but probably like a lot of ya’ll out there, am kind of stuck in a “Restaurant Rut”. That is, when I go out I tend to stick to the places I like a lot and seldom try out new ones.
Two of my favs are the Park Inn, because it’s within walking distance of home and the Elk for its basic fare and decent beer selection.
I’d like to get out of the rut. I want to get uncomfortable and try something new.
Umm, I'd like the roasted guinea hen with sauteed local veggies and a glass of '62 Brown Merlot
So here’s what I’m going to do. The next time I want to go out I’m going to check out ALL THREE of what I consider the best Spokane food blogs. Spokane Food Blog – “Because We (they) Like Food and Spokane”, Taste Everything Once – “The Only Restaurant Guide in Spokane”, and From the Back Kitchen – “Food, cooking and related matters from Spokane WA”. From there I’ll take the average of a new place, go there and partake of vittles and beverage.
I may report back here but really don’t know if it’ll happen. I think you’ll know if it does.
But hey! How am I going to get the “average” of a place from three blogs? Here’s how we’ll play the game. Let’s say I want a burger. I’ll use the search function of each site and enter burger. From there I’ll select a place that’s had a decent review on at least two of them and try it out.
Oop! But what if what I’m looking for isn’t listed? Well, then I’ll try something else. After all, the whole purpose of this exercise is to try something new.
This is exciting! I’m almost as scared and nervous as that one time.
Till later,
Jacque – Out
