SANDWICH
Domini Sandwiches www.dominispokane.com They’re large and in charge. Meaty and uncomplicated. Thick, dough-y slices of homemade bread piled high with pastrami (et al), cheese, and hot mustard… the two Italian guys at Domini’s stuff their deli-style sandos with inches of pick-your-protein goodness. The accompanying pickles and popcorn come dangerously close to stealing the show. (KCN) SILVER: Caruso’s Sandwich Co. BRONZE: Stella’s Café IDAHO: Capone’s Pub & Grill
CUPCAKE
Sweet Frostings www.sweetfrostingsbakeshop. com Fluffy. Colorful. Whimsical. Buttery. Sweet. Frosting. Cupcakes. Oh, and lets’ not forget “happy” or “moist.” Whether you are a cupcake aficionado, or sweet treats enthusiast – Sweet Frostings is ready to treat your cupcake designated sweet tooth to something that will melt in your mouth. (KM) SILVER: Celebrations Bakery BRONZE: Love at First Bite IDAHO: Stacie’s Cakes
PIZZA
Flying Goat www.theflyinggoat.com They are a neighborhood watering hole that takes pride in their ability to climb mountains, and apparently fly, to bring excellent food and
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beverages to their customers as well as a unique and comfortable environment that is sensitive to the environment with sustainable and repurposed materials. They sustain us. (JL) Silver: South Perry Pizza Bronze: Bennedito’s Pizza Idaho: Fire Artisan Pizza
HAMBURGER
Red Robin www.redrobin.com “Red Robin…YUM!” is a slogan that resonates big with burger lovers. With four Red Robin locations nearby and 26 different classic and gourmet burgers to choose from, you’ll have the best burgers around, your mouth will water and it will definitely be yummy in your tummy. (SJN) SILVER: Five Guys Burgers and Fries BRONZE: D’Lish’s Hamburgers IDAHO: Hudson’s Hamburgers
BARBECUE
Longhorn www.thelonghornbbq.com Finger-licking good food is the name of the game at Longhorn BBQ. Ribs, burgers (the patties are made from ground chuck brisket), chili, and all the other vittles you’re craving are on the menu at this Texas-style BBQ joint. (SH) SILVER: Red Lion BBQ BRONZE: Dickie’s Barbecue Pit IDAHO: Porky G’s Southern BBQ
SALAD
Twigs www.twigsbistro.com Twigs gets the nod again for their wide array of fresh options. From their Toasted Pecan to the Pear & Roasted Beet with gorgonzola and roasted walnuts, their selections are amazing. If you want to add some sizzle, the Fajita Salad comes with steak or chicken and will absolutely get you popping. (JR)
SILVER: Hay J’s Bistro BRONZE: Herbal Essence IDAHO: Seasons of Coeur d’Alene
LOCALLY PRODUCED FOOD
Victor’s Hummus www.victorshummus.com Vegetarians (and everyone else): we know your secret. You eat Victor’s Hummus straight. With a spoon. Basil, jalapeño, lemon zest, toasted sesame, caramelized onion, roasted garlic—even chocolate h’mousse—Victor Azar has hit creamy gold with his Middle Eastern-Mediterranean staple produced right here in Spokane. (KCN) SILVER: Lighthouse Dressing BRONZE: Fletcher’s Hot Sauce
APPETIZERS
Downriver Grill www.downrivergrillspokane.com Where to start at Downriver Grill? With the starters, naturally! Fresh, local food prepared for you with a dash of delicious and a sprinkle of elegant while surrounded by the gorgeous Audubon Park neighborhood. Let your taste buds be your guide when choosing from six scintillating starters. (KM) SILVER: Wild Sage BRONZE: Zola IDAHO: Beverly’s
THAI FOOD
Thai Bamboo www.thaibamboorestaurant.com Upon stepping into any one of the four Thai Bamboo restaurants, you can’t help but feel that you’ve suddenly been transported to an exotic location; the décor, the sounds, and the smells remind you that local and global are only different by a couple of letters and a little spice. (JL) Silver: Bangkok Thai Bronze: Thai Kitchen Idaho: Asian Twist
SUSHI
Sushi.com www.mainsushi.com Sushi swooners say eating great sushi is better than sex. With terms like “deep fried shag roll,” it makes you wonder! Sushi lovers unite at Sushi.com
with an extensive menu of fish, seafood, chicken, tofu and sauces galore from wasabi to soy. Raw, rolled, deep fried, balled, baked or “shagged,” Sushi.com has beautiful bites for all your fishy tastes. (SJN) SILVER: Ding Howe BRONZE: Ginger Asian Bistro IDAHO: Syringa Japanese Cafe
CHINESE
Red Dragon www.reddragondelivery.com Spokane Coeur d’Alene Living readers love Red Dragon’s take on Chinese-American cuisine. This popular local chain has all of your Chinese food bases covered— sweet and sour chicken, chow mein, fried rice, wonton soup... Prefer to eat yours out of a little white carton? Delivery always available. (SH) SILVER: China Dragon BRONZE: Chan Bistro IDAHO: Canton
RESTAURANT - VALLEY
Max at Mirabeau www.maxatmirabeau.com Max is a staple dining experience in the city of Spokane Valley that is proud to support area growers. The menu features many local foods like the Cougar Gold & Washington Apple salad. Most of the wine list is from Washington and Oregon, too. Brunch runs until 2 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, and live music and dancing until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights. (JR) SILVER: Ambrosia Bistro BRONZE: Hay J’s Bistro
RESTAURANT - NORTH
Downriver Grill www.downrivergrillspokane.com Fine dining where everyone knows your name? For regulars and outof-towners alike, the DRG elicits neighborhood-y feelings with a dash of gourmet flair tucked into Audubon Park. Where else can you get slow-braised osso buco with a sage pork jus and gorgonzola fries? North Spokanites feel right at home at the Grill and wouldn’t have it any other way. (KCN) SILVER: Mustard Seed BRONZE: Waddell’s Brewpub