Platinum June 2018

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LOOK

S PA C E

LEISURE

FOOD

ON THE OPEN ROAD Explore the Northwest

Patriotic Picnic Food festival serves something special

Get creative for July Fourth

JUNE/JULY 2018

Serving Spokane and Coeur d’Alene 1

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June/July 2018

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PHILANTHROPY

SPOTLIGHT

Titanic Gala

On April 14, 400 patrons and supporters of the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture gathered at the Historic Davenport Hotel for “Titantic Gala: A Night to Remember.” The event was inspired by the museum’s seven-month exhibition, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition,” which featured authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site of Titanic and extensive room re-creations.

For the gala, Davenport Hotel Chef Tom Librande recreated the 10-course menu served to First Class passengers on April 14, 1912, mere hours before the world’s largest ocean liner on its maiden voyage struck an iceberg. The menu included poached salmon with mousseline sauce, calvados-glazed road duck breast with appleasauce and pâté de foie gras.

Attendees, dressed in black tie or period appropriate attire, raised $154,000 to benefit the mission of the museum: to actively engage all people in the appreciation of arts and culture through collections stewardship, exhibits, and programs that educate and entertain.

Photos by Chad Ramsey Joe and Amber Owens Suzanne and Mark Ostersmith

Upcoming Events July 13

An Evening In Tuscany, YWCA Spokane ywcaspokane.org/an-evening-in-tuscany

Sept. 25

Hope is Golden Benefit Luncheon, American Childhood Cancer Organization Inland Northwest acco.org/inlandnw/hope-is-golden-benefit-luncheon/

Sept. 28

Spoken River: A Benefit Supporting Spokane Riverkeeper spokaneriverkeeper.org/calendar

If your local organization is hosting a benefit or gala that you would like to see in PHILANTHROPY SPOTLIGHT, please email platinum@spokesman.com with event information (inclusion is subject to space).

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Platinum

®

LOOK

S PA C E

LEISURE

FOOD

Volume 2, Issue 4

Publisher William Stacey Cowles

Director of Marketing & Business Development Kathleen Coleman Director of Sales Daniel Fritts Managing Editor Theresa Tanner

Art Director/Designer Anne Potter Contributors Sarah Bain Joe Butler Don Adair Staci Lehman Cheryl-Anne Millsap Renée Sande Dan Webster Advertising Bill Davidson

Let us know what you think!

Contact Platinum/The Spokesman-Review 999 W. Riverside Ave. Spokane, WA 99201 509.459.5095 EMAIL platinum@spokesman.com WEBSITE platinum.spokesman.com Free Digital Archives Online

INSTAGRAM @platinumspokanecda Cover Photo Photographer: Dan Cooley Model: Janelle Frisque (MAM) Hair: Jerrold Sobida (House of POp) Make-up: Julie Farley (The Make-up Studio) Location and wardrobe: Westside Motorsports

FROM

the editor Get Out of the Daily Grind

Remember the joy of the first day of summer break when you were a kid? The opportunities for fun over two full months of uninterrupted play seemed endless – trips to the ball park, hours of soggy fun at Splash Down, lazy afternoon naps under a shady tree, chances to stay up past bedtime to watch the stars come out; we could go on and on.

In adulthood, on the other hand, summer can seem like any other season on the calendar … just with more sunscreen and A/C. Some of us may get a respite with an annual vacation getaway or long weekend at the cabin, but it’s definitely not the same.

Even as you schlep to work throughout the week, enjoy the extraordinary in the everyday hustle of life and find ways to make daily activities special.

An evening drive around Lake Coeur d’Alene goes from mundane to magical when you’re riding in a stylish convertible or cruising on a shiny, new motorcycle.

A trip to your local ice cream shop, crowded with patrons on those hot nights, is a special time for neighbors to get to know one another.

Literally stop to smell the roses at our local parks, or visit a local nursery to bring the daily reminder of joyful simplicity home with you.

And if you’re still feeling jealous of those carefree kids, running amok through sprinklers each day, remember that summer days fade into fall in the blink of an eye. Enjoy the laughter and live in the moment.

Theresa Tanner

managing editor Supplement to The Spokesman-Review June/July 2018

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LOOK 6

Dive Right In Swimsuits for the whole family

10 Meet the Maker

18

Room to Grow, Space to Play Give kids a backyard they’ll never forget

22

shares process

Get inspired at local rose nursery

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LEISURE

Luxuriate in Leather

25

holds up to summer

Behind the Scenes Look Intrigued by our cover photo?

Get the deets!

S PA C E 16

Red, White and Blue DIY DĂŠcor complements holiday celebration

Westside Motorsports outfits adventurers for summer

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St. Petersburg Russian city feels frozen in time

FOOD 42

Satisfy Your Craving for Local Food Second annual event toasts local, celebrity chefs

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Convertible Season Drop the top and hit the road

Locally made and locally

30

enjoyed

Put your feet up and grab a

A Better Blender

great book

Mix it up with state-of-the-art

32

appliances

Summer Reading

Take Off for London with art and history

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Get out the compass and get out of town

Forecast: Hot Summer, Cool Treats

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An impromptu trip filled 6

Hit the Road

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CONTENTS

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Ready to Ride

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J U N E / J U LY 2018

Local leathercrafter Ben Fife

Summer Blooms at Northland Rosarium

Styled right, the hardy material

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PLATINUM BUZZ

SNOOZE

After a morning spent working in the garden or playing in the lake, is there anything better than a sun-induced afternoon nap? To really get relaxed and refreshed on days when you work and play hard, a few enhancements can make your siesta even more enjoyable.

Canopy Island Float Of course you shouldn’t actually nap on one of these luxurious floats – safety first! – but you’ll definitely feel relaxed with a beach read and iced tea as you lounge on the lake. $99.99, intexcorp.com

Hammock Is there anything more classic than a woven rope hammock? Tied between two trees or nestled in a stand by the pool, you’ll swing yourself to sleep faster than you can count any sheep. $79.99, pier1.com dÒTERRA Serenity® Restful Blend Whether diffused in the air or applied directly to the feet, this blend of lavender, cedarwood, ylang ylang and vetiver root essential oils helps create a calming, soothing atmosphere. $40, my.doterra.com/belovedessentials

Snacks Tart cherry juice (melatonin) with slices of kiwi (antioxidant with high levels of serotonin) is a refreshing thirst-quencher on a hot day, and may help you catch some winks!

One ounce of sliced cheese and a few whole grain crackers is another nap-happy snack.

Sequin Silk Sleep Mask Just because you’re catching some Zzzzs doesn’t mean you can’t look fabulous. With black silk charmeuse backing and a glamorous art deco design, you’ll wake up ready to party. $60, earthenwarrior.com June/July 2018

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LOOK

2018’s Hottest Suits Sure to Keep You Cool

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By Renée Sande

If you haven’t already found your perfect swimsuit for the warm days ahead, or you’re looking to stock up your collection, we’ve got the skinny on the hottest swimsuits for 2018 that will keep you feeling and looking cool into 2019.

While the trends aren’t a huge departure from last year, the 2018 season is definitely defined and runs the gamut, with a little something for everyone.

KIDDOS While the younger kids often don’t care what they’re wearing, parents want an easy fit, comfort and durability matched with a fun and colorful style.

For boys and girls, look for sun-protective pieces like rash guards that are sporty and stylish, and combine sun protection with a comfortable fit that lets them run, jump and play to their heart’s content!

For the girl that likes frills, they’re in luck, as ruffles – seen in women’s swimwear as well – are showing up in tiered tops, asymmetrical accents and tiny trim embellishments. Also, accenting everything from necklines to waistlines is ruching, which accents the fit while looking adorable.

Boy’s board shorts this year are basically a smaller version of men’s swimwear this season, with a drawstring and square cut and in plenty of fun prints and color blocking.

BOYS

Highline Lava Slash Board shorts ($50, quicksilver.com)

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Summer Berry Rash Guard Bikini ($34.99, jendskidsboutique.net) Ticking Stripe Swimsuit, ($36, boden.com) Printed High-neck Swimsuit ($19.99, oldnavy.com)

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MEN Not only has the look of linen made an appearance in men’s trunks, but actual linen fabric makes for a resort-wear look. In addition, embroidery has made a splash in men’s swimwear, as well as color-blocking and prints that are graphic and art inspired.

Swimwear lengths for men still include long board shorts – still above the knee – but primarily are focused on the shorter swim short, which adds the illusion of a longer leg.

While the square cut is the most popular in 2018, it’s still a slim fit, although comfortable. Expect to see the retro-marine style that’s a little more tapered and is best-suited for the slight body shape.

Ennis Boardshort ($85, saturdaysnyc.com) Blue Floral Print 9” Board Shorts ($69.50, jcrew.com) Yellow Pineapple Classic Trucks ($48, abercrombie.com)

WOMEN From new takes on classic silhouettes to on-trend items that’ll make you shine, women’s swimsuits for 2018 reflect many styles from last season with new twists and tweaks for an intriguing look.

With a nod to the past, fun and flirty patterns this year include polka dots and fruity prints, while fabrics at the forefront include seersucker and velvet, bringing comfort and glamour together.

While popular features include frilled sleeves and belts, plenty of skin being bared is on trend as well with one shoulder straps, barely there one-pieces and cheeky bottoms. You can also expect to see plenty of sporty styles in bold, neon colors.

This year’s breakout color for women’s swimwear however is chocolate. Expect to see the color everywhere, looking decadent and fresh at the same time.

Flagpole Calu One-Shoulder One-Piece ($375, modaoperandi.com) Sunset Park Cotton Candy One-Piece ($99, northamerica.triangl.com) ISABELLA ROSE Tropicali Ruffle Bikini ($156, shop.nordstrom.com)

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June/July 2018

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Q MEET THE MAKER: Westward Leather Co. Ben Fife Creator and Principal Craftsman 12

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Q&A

How long have you been selling leather products?

Westward Leather Co. is currently in its fourth full year. I’ve been working with leather off and on since 2009, but didn’t fully have a go at it until summer of 2014.

What attracted you to working with leather?

Leather is timeless. Its importance and function can be seen throughout history, in every culture. It connects us back to the land and nature, and requires an investment by us as well, in order to protect its source, and its lifetime as a product.

I’ve always worked with my hands growing up, and loved history and ingenuity of other time periods and cultures, and leather connects so many of those things while always remaining current as well. It is malleable not only physically, but also in terms of function and design.

What’s your creative process like when coming up with new designs?

The creative process is very organic, and in that way hard to describe. Most often it is fueled by function, and a lot of thought. Sometimes I’ll sit in a chair with music on, and think designs through from every angle I can imagine, before I ever even start to sketch out an idea. The more I work with leather, the better grasp I get on mentally designing an item before I move ahead. Then the drawing is when fine tuning and measuring comes into play. But the inspiration aspect often comes from historical items and cultural craft from other time periods and peoples.

What’s your favorite product/design?

Every day it changes. I love simplicity as it is married with good lines and functionality. I also just like the simple items, like leather bracelets, keychains and wallets – things that don’t stand out but that get used every day. My leather Brass Buckle Braces (suspenders) are indeed a historical favorite of mine, and play a big role in the birth of my business.

What’s your most popular product?

I’d say my Pay Homage Cuffs and the Slim&Stout Bifold.

The cuffs are very understated and appeal to both genders, and they complement many lifestyles. I’m very intentional about how I make such a simple product. I think that those details on leather accessories are often overlooked, as many companies are only making such items to utilize their scrap.

The bifolds are just simple enough, but built beautifully and durably – a lifetime product. Some of the bigger bags are gaining a good following now though too.

How can people purchase your goods?

Currently, there are few shops in the country that carry my product. I’m planning on providing product to some local shops soon, like Kingsley and Scout on Monroe. But full access to my product offering will remain on my website (westwardleather.com), which will be undergoing some changes and updates throughout this year. So I thank everyone for their patience, and support!

Photos courtesy of Westward Leather Co.

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LUXURIATE IN LEATHER

By Theresa Tanner

Just because summer temperatures are rising doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy clothes and accessories in one of the most durable materials available.

JACKET

Perfectly distressed, this Free People rumpled leather jacket has plenty of character in a simple design. Just grab your favorite white tank top, jeans and sneakers – you’re ready for the weekend.

SANDALS

The Birkenstock Arizona – a Northwest staple across demographics – gets some sparkle and shine this season with textured patterns and metallic details.

SHORTS

It may sound a little crazy, but these pleated Saint Laurent shorts with a high-waist work with everything from a torn graphic T-shirt and sparkly flip-flops to a button-down with a neutral pump.

BAG

This definitely isn’t your mother’s fanny pack. Local leathercrafters Hustle & Hide Co. designed their Zipper Hip Bag to be worn at the waist (hooked to belt loops or via strap) or as a shoulder or crossbody purse.

BRACELET

These hand-stained alligator leather bracelets with antique nickel hardware by Bosca are a great accessory for men or women.

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LEATHER CARE

101

Protect it from the elements. That means avoiding direct sunlight as well as heavy rain.

To clean, mix warm water and dish soap. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and wring out as much as possible; the cloth should be damp, not soaking.

Wipe the cloth along the surface, then use a second clean damp cloth to remove the soap. Finish by wiping with a dry towel.

For spot removal, a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover can help with stains of ink, oil or grease.

Just test out the treatment on a hidden part of the leather before committing to it, just in case. To finish up, apply a leather cleaner-conditioner to the treated area.

509-747-2161

Ultimately, the bigger and more expensive the piece? Leave the cleaning to the professionals. Most dry cleaners provide cleaning specifically for leatherworks.

A Special Shoe, for Special You! June/July 2018

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BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK

By Theresa Tanner

For this month’s cover shoot, we wanted an unconventional look that you wouldn’t attempt on just any old day. Dramatic hair and makeup elements heightened the sense of rebellion associated with motorcycles. A woman setting out on adventure via bike isn’t afraid of attention, and this look will definitely turn heads.

HAIR

House of POp stylist Jerrold Sobida wanted to give MAM model Janelle Frisque a faux hawk by adding volume to her light ash brown hair.

Frisque was instructed to wash and blow dry her hair the night before the photo shoot. At the salon the next morning,

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Sobida applied a spray of R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo, which absorbs excess oil and livens up hair for big, bold looks. After adding some R+Co Foil Frizz and Static Control Spray, Sobida began to straighten Frisque’s hair in layers with flat iron and a round, flat paddle brush.

He then separated the top layer and held it in place with clips before and using R+Co Outer Space Flexible Hairspray to shape the side layers of hair into a tight, thin ponytail.

More straightening with the flatiron and round paddle brush before undoing the top layer and teasing it down to create the voluminous “hawk.”

The look was completed with some hidden pins underneath and R+Co Vicious Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray to secure the look through the photo shoot. For a little bit of shine, Sobida finished with a spritz of Keune Blend Gloss Spray.

MAKEUP

On most photo shoots, stylist and owner of The Make-up Studio, Julie Farley, wouldn’t recommend a bold red lip and a dramatic smoky eye.

A motorcycle shoot seemed like a good occasion to break some rules with a fierce, unforgettable look.

Farley used a blue-gray eye shadow with a wingtip to create the smoky eye, along with a combination of liquid and pencil black eyeliners. She also used strip eyelashes and an eyelash curler to create a fuller lash.

For the lips, we used a deep red shade from Meet Matt(e) Hughes called Loyal. The long-lasting liquid lipstick is a great pick for photo shoots, but Farley advises that you really exfoliate your lips to avoid cracking, especially in Spokane’s arid summers.

To complement Frisque’s dramatic eyes and lips, Julie used a highlighter to provide a natural contour on her cheekbones, chin and forehead.

“Remember to blend,” Farley said. “Everything has to be blended,” or it can look dirty. P

“Usually we’d do one or the other,” she said. “But sometimes the rules are meant to be broken.”

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S PA C E

Red, White and Blue DIY

By RenĂŠe Sande

While the Fourth of July is a great day to have a tremendous amount of fun in the sun with family and friends, a great way to really bring home its true meaning is by immersing yourself in red, white and blue and stars and stripes while remembering where it all began.

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PAPER ROCKETS Francis Scott Key, the author of “The Star Spangled Banner,” was also an American prisoner on a British ship during the War of 1812 between Great Britain and the U.S. From his viewpoint, all he saw – thanks to the light provided by the rockets used in battle – was our flag flying high. Talk about inspiration from above! Get the kid-friendly tutorial to make festive paper rockets at deenarutter.com/my-mindseye-american-made-rockets/.

MASON JAR LANTERNS Light up the night this Independence Day with these sweet starred and striped reminders of how our nation can truly shine. Get the tutorial at addicted2diy.com.

PATRIOTIC LOLLIPOP CENTERPIECE What an easy way to make a red and blue splash of color on your picnic table that’s also sweet to eat! Tutorial at gluesticksblog.com.

DIY TABLE RUNNER The 50 stars on our flag represent the 50 states of the United States of America. Gather the kiddos and get them to name the states while stamping stars on a strip of burlap for a colorful, homegrown look. Tutorial at heshabbycreekcottage.com.

AMERICANA DECOUPAGE CHAIRS Now it’s time to relax and enjoy all your hard work. That is, after you paint these chairs in all their red, white and blue glory.

Tutorial at h2obungalow.com.

PATRIOTIC RIBBON, LACE AND FABRIC SCRAP FLAG Use strips of unique fabric and fun buttons as stars for an extra decorative touch. The 13 stripes of our flag represent the 13 British colonies that declared independence from Great Britain, and became the first states in the new country. See if your older kids or even adults can name the original 13! Tutorial at craftiments.com.

June/July 2018

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ROOM TO GROW, SPACE TO PLAY

Get creative when designing a family-friendly backyard

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25th Annual

By Marla R. Miller Adapted from CTW Features

Summer nights are made for spending time outside, and nature therapy is good for the mind, body and spirit. Conversely, staying constantly connected to social media, email and TV has been linked to stress, loss of sleep and depression, along with social isolation and feelings of low self-esteem.

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So say sayonara to the hand-held devices this summer and turn your backyard into a playground for any age.

It really doesn’t take much to keep children happy or entertained. They like hands-on activities and areas they can explore, like an overgrown bush where they can hide and play make-believe.

“Kids just need to get outside and play and I think sometimes parents forget how important that is,” said Julie Moir Messervy, landscape designer and owner of Julie Moir Messervy Design Studio in Saxtons River, Vt.,

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When it comes to finding a place for children’s play equipment, the challenge is incorporating it into a backyard design in a way that it blends, so it’s not a bulking eyesore. But you also want to make sure it’s accessible, safe and functional as children grow and their interests change.

Most parents settle for traditional swing sets and jungle gyms, but a lot of it depends on space and budget. Some designers and families opt for elaborate treehouses with connecting suspension bridges, zip lines, climbing walls and high-tech features.

Messervy has found simple things like a sandbox (kept covered), stepping stones, tree stumps, or a pond with fish will keep children just as occupied and engaged.

She notes that some children want to feel like they’re completely hidden but feel safe at the same time; they want to see out, but they don’t want to be seen, Messervy explains.

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“So, to do that, you can’t have an absolutely perfect manicured yard,” she said. “You need to keep some trees, rhododendrons, so they can find their way in and make a cave.”

Messervy suggests taking children to a garden center to choose one special feature and some plants and let them decorate and plant their own little area in a garden. It exposes them to gardening and encourages them to become lifelong stewards of the earth.

Vertical play structures, or something built in a tree, is a good alternative for a small yard. It also gives children a sense of secrecy and privacy, but it’s important to make sure it’s well lit – an element that is often overlooked in the design process.

Many homeowners spend a lot of money on adding a zip line or clubhouse and then realize their children can’t use them after dark.

“Anytime you have a treehouse or steps, having it properly lit makes sense,” said A.J. Coleman, an outdoor lighting designer with McKay Landscape Lighting in Omaha, Neb. “We try to make it really subtle so it blends in with the landscape.”

LED lighting has made it more energyefficient and easier to install, and lowvoltage lighting can create a rustic feel to larger backyards casting a softer glow than a big flood or stadium light. For elevated areas, the goal is well-placed, softly cascading light rather than having a big floodlight attached to the house that can be blinding as you’re coming down a slide or zipline.

For those building clubhouses or designing outdoor play spaces, the trend is moving toward using natural, recycled or locally sourced materials rather than plastic or pre-constructed jungle gyms and leaving some open green space for playing tag or catch.

Another element of good outdoor design is to create spaces for entertaining that children and adults can enjoy together.

Fire pits, hammocks, vegetable and flower gardens, even outdoor spas and yoga or meditation areas can be used by teenagers and empty nesters. P 22

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Other ways to make the backyard safer: • Enclose play spaces with a wall or hedge.

Serving Eastern WA & North Idaho

• Remove containers, tires or anything that could hold standing water and breed mosquitos.

• Provide shade to protect against extreme sun and heat.

• Create safe surfaces with wood bark mulch, sand or pea-gravel to prevent injuries from falls, which account for 70 percent of playground injuries. © CTW Features

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June/July 2018

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SUMMER BLOOMS

at Northland Rosarium

By Cheryl-Anne Millsap

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A visit to the Rosarium on a bright summer day is as much a garden party as it is a shopping trip.

With hundreds of fragrant and hardy own-root roses – perfect for Spokane’s Zone 5 climate – and an array of beautiful companion plants, the Rosarium is a place to linger and learn.

At the height of the summer growing season, the display gardens are filled with color and heady fragrance. Bees buzz around the cat mint and lavender. Shaded benches surrounded by tall hedges and swags of blooming clematis provide the perfect place to rest or enjoy an after-shopping picnic. If you pay attention, you might catch sight of a Ruby-crowned Kinglet or a Western Meadowlark, or see a Kestrel circling above in search of prey.

Owner Carol Newcomb is a recognized authority on growing own-root roses and her team ships hundreds of roses across the country each year – Martha Stewart has Northland Rosarium roses in her very own garden and featured the local business on her blog in 2017.

Along with its namesake flower, the Rosarium features luxurious clematis, exotic succulents and an assortment of ornamental trees and shrubs, plus decorative metalwork and colorful glazed pots of all sizes to adorn your outdoor sanctuary.

The nursery hosts special events throughout the summer to showcase the knowledge of experts, attracting both novice and experienced gardeners who are eager to master the art of growing an English garden in the sometimes harsh Northwest.

Andrew Smith, a Rosarium garden supervisor and former rose gardener at Manito Park, says the quality of the staff and their genuine enthusiasm is what keeps customers coming back year after year.

“The people who work here make the Rosarium what it is,” he said. “Not only are they all knowledgeable, they are also passionate about gardening.”

Beyond that, the location speaks for itself.

Northland Rosarium and Display Garden is only minutes from downtown Spokane, but situated at the end of a country lane on Paradise Prairie, just off Highway 195, “The garden and nursery are absolutely beautiful,” Smith said. “The prairie is hidden, but we’re still close enough to town for people to come and spend a day exploring a place unlike any other garden or nursery.” P

Upcoming Events at Northland Rosarium English Garden Presentation Saturday, June 16, 11 a.m.

Spokane Rose Show

Saturday, June 23, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

3rd Succulent Class

Sunday July 8, 1 p.m. Reservation required; email admin@northlandrosarium.com to reserve a spot.

For more information, visit northlandrosarium.com or call (509) 448-4968.

June/July 2018

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LEISURE

READY TO RIDE New and experienced motorcyclists turn to Westside for adventurous hobby

By Theresa Tanner

On a visit to Westside Motorsports in mid May, a few motorcyclists were practicing on their asphalt training course behind the showroom and service center in southwest Spokane. This isn’t out of the ordinary, as the motorcycle dealership offers classes for riders almost daily, except for the fact that it was raining quite heavily.

Westside training classes aren’t cancelled due to rain because riders – especially those in Washington – have to be prepared for wet weather through the year.

The popularity of the courses is another factor.

“We have such a high demand for classes, (students) show up in the rain because they don’t want to wait another two weeks,” said Mandy O’Connell, Director of Communications, Rider

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Testing & Training Coordinator, and Marketing & Events.

Along with classes, Westside helps outdoor adventurers gear up for the summer season, selling everything from motorcycles and scooters to jet skis and ATVs. O’Connell noted that buyers this year have shown a lot of enthusiasm for BMW’s line of Adventure bikes that allow for both on- and off-road riding experiences.

“Especially in the Inland Northwest, there’s a huge market for on/off roading, and BMW really caters to that,” she said.

“They have everything from wicked fast race bikes to entry level machines.”

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Westside became a BMW dealer in 2005, two years after Scott Schmidtman purchased the dealership. Another European brand, Ducati, was added to the showroom in 2010.

Adding these luxury brands to Westside’s inventory really changed the look of Westside, which has been locally owned since 1977, with upgrades to flooring and presentation to properly showcase these high-end lines.

“There used to be sawdust floors, it looked a lot like a dirt bike shop,” O’Connell said.

The upgrades extended outside as well, with more buildings and attention to landscaping.

“We added a warehouse, so we can have the most onsite inventory in the area and keep it protected from the elements,” Schmidtman said. “We also added a regulation asphalt training facility.”

Westside offers training for riders of 2-wheels and 3-wheels with courses for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders with both classroom and hands-on instruction. They also host the motorcycle knowledge and skills tests for a Department of Licensing motorcycle endorsement.

Throughout the year, they teach about 300 classes to about 700 students.

Beginning riders are able to use motorcycles and helmets provided by Westside, which may help them determine which kind of bike they want to invest in.

“We can teach you to ride, or help with more advanced riding skills,” O’Connell said. P

What’s Hot This Summer BMW G310 A great entry-level machine for a first time rider.

Retro-style bikes Throwback looks are popular with riders longing for nostalgia.

Side by Sides The two-person utility vehicle is bigger and more capable than an ATV.

June/July 2018

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CONVERTIBLE

By Don Adair

season

Here’s a little secret we should keep to ourselves; the Inland Northwest is a great place to own a convertible.

Yes, the mention of convertibles evokes images of sunny climes and sandy beaches.

But those places are crowded and the air is often less than pristine. Nothing kills the romance of topdown driving like idling in traffic on the I-10.

Meanwhile, our part of the world is littered with great droptop opportunities.

Sure, the tops go up in the fall and stay up until spring, but on a balmy July evening what could beat a spin on a lonely Palouse backroad? And, when done al fresco, the drive to the lake becomes a big part of the fun.

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Forget everything you know about the breezy, rattly convertibles of yore. With their retractable hardtops and multi-layered fabric softtops, today’s convertibles are nearly as quiet as their sedan siblings.

Clever wind-blockers and other strategies take the edge off of chill evening breezes.

And, with available all-wheel-drive, most modern luxury convertibles can be driven year-round.

In the 1980s, safety issues and other concerns nearly killed the convertible. But then a gentle resurgence became a tidal wave and now buyers face an embarrassment of riches. Here’s a sampling of luxury convertibles well-suited for – and easily available to – local drivers.

Audi A5/S5 $49,600 - $62,300 Enthusiasts love the Audi twins for their tenacious handling and butter-smooth powertrains. Lovers of luxury value them for their comely cabins, comfortable rides and tech flourishes.

All-wheel-drive is standard and Audi’s layered fabric top silences wind and road noise. Despite a compact footprint, the Audis comfortably convey four adults. Look for Audi’s “virtual cockpit,” a navigation feature that locates the car within Google Earth imagery, beautifully showcasing our region’s rich topography.

BMW 230i/M240i $40,740 - $52,050 BMW offers droptop versions of most of its luxurious and enthusiast-friendly lineup. At the moment, its most compelling number is the subcompact 230i/M240i. Rear-wheel-drive is standard; AWD is optional, along with a host of performancefocused add-ons. The folding fabric droptop of the 2 Series can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 30 mph. The rear seats are a nice thought, but really only practical for children.

Jaguar F Type $63,300 - $125,000 Nothing speaks glamour louder than Jaguar and no Jag speaks more clearly than the stunning F Type. Less costly – and less firmly suspended – than its German competitors, the two-seat F Type is available with AWD. Engine choices range from mild (296 hp) to wild (550 hp), with an inverse relationship between power and civility. The F Type is not the quietest of our picks and its tiny trunk makes you think twice before packing that extra sweater. But, when a car looks this good on you, who really cares?

Mercedes-Benz C300 Cabrio $51,200 - $81,500 All Mercedes-Benz sedans can be had as convertibles, but the all-new C300 Cabrio is the latest and greatest. Its ride is firm and its back seat cramped, but its well-insulated, poweroperated fabric top snugs down beneath its rear tonneau cover in less than 20 seconds – and at speeds of up to 31 mph. Top down, M-B’s clever Airscarf neck heaters take the chill off of a summer’s eve. AWD is available and power hounds are crazy for the Mercedes-AMG versions of the C300.

Porsche Carrera S $117,400 - $139,900 We could easily have tabbed Porsche’s mid-engine Boxster roadster for this assignment, but the iconic Carrera packs Porsche performance and luxury in a two-passenger package.

The rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive convertible can be optioned with AWD and its power fabric top effectively seals out the real world. With its retractable hardtop and standard AWD, the Targa model is set to satisfy even demanding connoisseurs of comfort.

Chevrolet Corvette $55,495 - $121,000 While America’s favorite convertible doesn’t qualify as a luxury machine, it is one of the world’s great sports car values. So let’s sneak it in for a little domestic representation. The twoseat rear-wheel-drive sports car takes its momentum from a thundering 455-horsepower V-8. Its power soft top doesn’t extinguish wind and road noise but, for a car that gets around the track as quickly as this one does, the ’Vette is surprisingly agreeable.

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque SE Dynamic Convertible $52,100 Looking for a true four-seasons convertible? Meet your new ride. With its standard AWD and high-riding stance, the Evoque convertible tames winter’s worst and can also transport you as far from civilization as you desire. No rival for its Jaguar cousin in the looks department, the Evoque is nevertheless packed with Land Rover luxe. Cradled in leather-lined seats and excused with its layered soft top, four passengers enjoy sedan-like levels of quietude and repose.

Land Rover Range Rover

Mercedes-Benz C300 Cabrio

BMW 230i/M240i Jaguar F Type

Audi A5/S5

Porsche Carrera S

Chevrolet Corvette June/July 2018

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A Boost for Books

By Sarah Bain Summertime means sun and vacations, giving you time to relax and dig into some quality reading. Some people prefer lighter reading, while others have more time in the summer to languish over longer tomes.

Here are some of the season’s best reads that are sure to be engage you whether your palette is for something easy and fun or more intense:

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Keep It Light

Diving Deep

The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews The New York Times bestselling author of “The Weekenders” returns with a new novel that is as much about love and friendship as it is about mystery and secrets. For those that enjoy a fast-paced novel with a great deal of Southern history that ends on a hopeful note, this book is for you.

The Flicker of Old Dreams by Susan Henderson Susan Henderson returns to the land of her childhood in “The Flicker of Old Dreams.” In the fictional small town of Petroleum, Mont., population 182, lives Mary Crampton, a shy embalmer who feels more comfortable among the dead than she does among the living. That is, until someone returns to the forgotten town in order to bury his mother, and Mary discovers that maybe the living have something to offer her after all.

The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney If you happen to go to a family reunion this summer, no book may create more conversation about sibling relationships than this debut novel from Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney. Siblings Beatrice, Melody and Jack must confront their older brother Leo, newly released from rehab, whose reckless behavior has jeopardized their shared inheritance. Anyone with a brother or sister can relate to this story about the power of familial bonds on one level or another.

The Good Son by You-Jeong Jeong Don’t miss this psychological thriller that forces the main character, Yu-jin, to question his memory and to examine his relationship with his mother. This coming-of-age novel takes place over three days and will have you on the edge of your seat forgetting to take a breath. This is the first novel by award-winning South Korean author You-Jeong Jeong to be translated into English.

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo This non-fiction text will be a hard read for many, but it’s an important book that touches on one of today’s most relevant topics: racism in America. Seattle-based author Oluo walks the reader through an examination of the self and how privilege and whiteness shape our thoughts. It’s so wellwritten and clear that the reader is reminded to slow down in order to process what the author asks her audience to consider.

Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker The next time someone asks you why you are napping, tell them to read this book. Find out what caffeine really does to your system, how alcohol affects your sleep and how you can improve your sleeping habits. Based on scientific research over the last 20 years, Walker’s book will give the reader a better understanding of why it’s important to spend one-third of our lives asleep. Bonus: the author gives you permission early on to fall asleep while reading this book.

June/July 2018

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T R AV E L

TAKE OFF FOR LONDON

By Cheryl-Anne Millsap

P

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London’s Big Ben

If you’ve ever wanted to visit London, or make a return visit to the city, now is the time to do it. Norwegian Airlines (norwegian.com/us) has launched direct service to Gatwick Airport (a short train ride from the city) from Seattle. For under $500 (depending on the date) you can get away to one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world.

It’s possible to spend an entire day in each of these museums so you should make a plan before you go. Morning at the National History Museum and then an afternoon (with tea) across the street at the V&A is one option. Or, morning at the National Museum and an afternoon at National Portrait Gallery might be another choice.

I couldn’t resist and we spent a week in London this spring.

There are plenty of guidebooks and websites with tips for things to do and see, but here are a few special spots you won’t want to miss and some tips for getting around.

Relive History in the Churchill War Rooms As you make a list of the sites you don’t want to miss – Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London – make sure you add the Churchill War Rooms (iwm.org.uk). You’ll get an intimate look at the underground bunker beneath the streets of Westminster where Winston Churchill and his inner circle directed strategic movements and defense during the Second World War.

Mind the Gap The London Tube system is the tourist’s friend. Comprehensive, easy to use, and always convenient, the underground rail system is the perfect way to get around the sprawling city.

While convenient, a day’s fares can add up, so the simplest and most cost-efficient way to use the underground system is to purchase an Oyster Card (oyster.tfl.gov.uk), the payas-you-go smartcard for travel by bus, Tube, tram, London Overground, River Bus services and most National Rail services in London. It caps fares at a daily limit and can be refilled at kiosks at most Tube stations.

Skip the Long Lines with a London Pass While most of the major museums are free to the public (although one is encouraged to make a donation) many of the major points of interest have an admission fee and during peak tourist season can come with long lines. Purchasing a London Pass (londonpass.com) allows you to bypass the ticket line and join the shorter Pass line. It’s an especially good value if you plan to see a number of popular attractions during your visit.

Lose Yourself in a Museum London’s museums are the city’s crown jewels (besides the actual Crown Jewels in the Tower of London). With free admission to many and all offering access to outstanding collections of priceless art and artifacts, the great museums scattered around England’s capital city are not to be missed.

On our most recent trip our hotel was located on Russell Square and we were just a short walk from the British Museum so we dropped by several times. Others that should be on your list are the sprawling National Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, the National History Museum, the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The Academy Award-winning movie, “The Darkest Hour,” has only increased interest in the historic site so this is one spot you’ll want to book ahead. The exhibit begins with a guided tour of the rooms, but you can linger in the museum for as long as you want.

Indulge in a Cream Tea Henry James was right when he wrote, “Under certain circumstances, there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.”

Meant to fill the gap between lunch and the evening meal, afternoon tea is more than just a cup and a nibble. It’s an opportunity to sit and revive, and it’s always delicious.

We were determined to spend as much time as possible in the great museums – hours each day – so we took advantage of the cafeterias and tea rooms in the museums to enjoy a cream tea each afternoon. Whenever we began to feel tired and a little hungry we would order a pot of tea and scones to share, accompanied by the little pots of clotted cream and traditional strawberry jam that make up what is known as a cream tea. It was just right and just enough.

English scones are not the heavy glazed confections we see in the states. They are tall, light and only slightly sweet.

When paired with fresh clotted cream and sweet strawberry jam, they became a heavenly treat. Of all the museums, the historic tea rooms at the exquisitely beautiful Victoria and Albert Museum (vam.ac.uk) were our favorite spot. Said to be the world’s first Museum cafe, the Gamble, Poynter and

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London Tube system

Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace National History Museum Morris Rooms opened in 1868 and are elaborately decorated with colorful tiles and William Morris wallpapers; they are as beautiful to look at as they are to dine in.

Take a Stroll in St. James Park London is filled with green spaces. Elegant squares dot terraced neighborhoods and broad parks provide green vistas and room to stroll, lounge or meet a friend for coffee.

Buckingham Palace and Clarence House, home to Prince Charles, the 57-acre park is an oasis in the center of the city.

Filled with flowers, a beautiful pond – where you’ll find the St. James’s pelicans that have called the park home for 400 years – the park is a lovely place to spend a quiet moment during a hectic day of touring London. It’s also a great place for bird watching. Look for Blue Tits, the iconic English Robin and the flocks of brilliant green parrots that call the park home. P

One of my favorites is St. James Park (royalparks.org.uk). One of London’s eight royal parks and flanked by both 36

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Photos by Cheryl-Anne Millsap

Let your heart guide you.

It whispers, so listen closely.

- Stu Krieger

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%

of blood is used by cancer patients.

Donate blood today!

Call or go online to set up your appointment today 1-800-423-0151 or www.inbcsaves.org June/July 2018

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HIT THE ROAD! Day trips can include history lessons, refreshing swimming spots

By Joe Butler

Asking “Where should we go today?” is all it takes to kick off a satisfying summer adventure.

In the Inland Northwest, fun truly awaits you in every direction, depending on how far you want to stray from home.

Though a multi-day road trip with friends or family can create wonderful memories, sometimes work or school schedules may necessitate a quicker jaunt north, south, east or west.

Even a day trip can be exciting and refreshing, especially when it involves new scenery, maybe experiencing a new body of water, or trying new dining options along the way.

We also have more than 50 lakes within a 100-mile radius of Spokane, so it’s easy to stop for a swim, cast a fishing line or have a picnic.

If you’re planning your summer road trip itinerary, consider some of these routes.

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EAST: CRUISE COEUR D’ALENE We’re familiar with the lovely city at the north end of the lake, but driving around the lake can be an enjoyable way to experience all sorts of scenery, from lakeside ambience to majestic mountains, all in about two-three hours. Start by heading down U.S. 95, perhaps stopping at the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort in Worley for breakfast. Though the highway keeps going south, turn east at Plummer and drive by Heyburn State Park, considered the oldest state park in the Northwest. Once you reach the lake’s east side, you can take Highway 97 north to Harrison, or Highway 3 into the Silver Valley or St. Maries. Both roads eventually meet up with Interstate 90.

SOUTH: PICNIC AT PALOUSE FALLS At about two hours from Spokane, this state park is an easy daytime drive reached by heading south from Ritzville. Pack a basket but stay hydrated since it can get warm in summer.

The highlight is a nearly 200-foot waterfall from a tributary of the Snake River that’s almost hypnotic in its constant sound and fury. Trails let you see the falls closer from the top or the bottom, but stay safe – there are all sorts of unstable edges

Grand Coulee Dam

Palouse Falls

and dangerous currents at this outdoor attraction. If you don’t want to head home quite yet, continue south to Walla Walla, check out Dayton or even loop around to Lewiston and work your way back north through the rolling wheat fields of the Palouse.

WEST: A GRAND DESTINATION Shh! Don’t tell anyone their road trip is secretly educational! A visit to the Grand Coulee Dam can teach all sorts of info about hydroelectric power, engineering, irrigation, aquatic species, tribal history and mid-20th century political deal-making.

Conceal the learning opportunity by focusing on how cool it is that one of the world’s largest dams is only one or two rest stops away from Spokane. There are parks and restaurants in the town of Coulee Dam, or visit Banks Lake or Lake Roosevelt for a lovely swim and picnic. Good news if you make a late start or take your time getting there: the dam’s Visitor Center extends its summer hours to nightfall. You might have to drive back home in the dark or spend the night somewhere, but it’s worth catching “One River, Many Voices,” a laser show projected onto the dam. The show received an upgrade in

Coeur d’Alene Lake

2013 and now tells the history of the region along with the efforts to build the dam from different perspectives.

NORTH: GET ARTSY AND ACTIVE Named after the area’s cache of mining culture and majestic waterways, Metaline Falls offers a tranquil getaway for lovers of nature, the arts and history. Just two hours north of Spokane via Highway US-2 and Highway WA-2, the town on the Pend Oreille River has been called one of the Best Small Arts Towns in America. The Cutter Theatre, originally designed by renowned architect Kirkland Cutter in 1912 as a school building, is the epicenter of visual and performing arts in the community. Adventure seekers will also find plenty to do in this part of the state. With Colville National Forest surrounding the town, and access to nearby trail routes International Selkirk Loop and the Pacific Northwest Trail, Metaline Falls is a great starting (or stopping) point for dedicated hikers, bikers and backpackers. There are also abundant opportunities for rock climbing, kayaking, fishing and hunting. P

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Church of the Resurrection of Christ

Peterhof Park and Gardens

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Putin candy bar

By Dan Webster

I passed on purchasing the Putin candy bar.

It was tempting. Not only did the garishly decorated confection deliver the promise of chocolate, it looked bigger than your average Cadbury’s bar. And its cover boasted a heroic likeness of our favorite Russian autocrat, fondling – of all things – a puppy.

But, as I say, I passed. Instead, I photographed it, choosing – for once – a simple pleasure over one that smacked of irony.

The opportunity for me to inject more money into the Russian economy came during a two-day stop on the cruise my wife and I took around the Baltic Sea. Souvenir-hunting was big on the agenda of the guided tour that shepherded us around the historical Russian city of St. Petersburg.

We’d opted for the tour because neither my wife nor I speak more than a word or two of the language – spasiba (thanks) and pozhaluysta (you’re welcome) being exceptions – and because our guide, Olga, spoke perfect English.

My wife had made the arrangements online through Berlin-based SPB Tours (spb-tours.com). At $700 for the two of us, the cost was a tad high, and this was in addition to what we’d already paid the cruise line (sorry about the college fund, grandkids). But the tour fee included Russian visas, which saved us $300 right away.

Discover the history, cultures and art of the Inland Northwest.

Opening in June 2018 Above the Fold: New Expressions in Origami Sayaka Ganz: Reclaimed Creations Edward Curtis: The Grand Idea

The tour also provided van service to and from the cruise ship terminal, plus ready access to a number of the major tourist sites, lunch both days (perogies!), two different river rides and plenty of time to take photos, ask questions and buy (or not buy) souvenirs.

We weren’t disappointed, either by the tour company or by the city.

Founded in 1703 by Czar Peter the Great, modern-day St. Petersburg is a metropolis of more than 5 million residents. Its architecture is an eclectic blend of what the Corinthia Hotel website calls “a marvelous kaleidoscope of construction, ranging from Baroque-style buildings to Soviet architecture, Neoclassical structures to Style Moderne.”

Lonely Planet is far more succinct, referring to it as “a city frozen in time.” Being no expert in architectural terminology, I will defer to Lonely Planet.

Speaking of time, travel brochures will tell you that the ideal period to visit St. Petersburg is between May and July. The city sits at nearly 60 degrees latitude (by contrast, Anchorage sits at just over 61 degrees latitude), which means that during its “White Nights” period the sky is light nearly 24 hours a day.

We were there during the second week of July. So, yeah, the days were long. And thanks to our guide, the no-nonsense Olga, they were action-packed.

Here are the highlights: St. Petersburg Metro Our tour started with a trek through the city’s subway system, which is said to serve 2 million passengers daily, making it one of the world’s busiest metros. At some 86 meters below ground, it’s also one of the world’s deepest.

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A quick anecdote: My wife likes to say that it’s not that stereotypes are never true; they’re just not always true. So what’s a Russian stereotype? For those of us who lived through the Cold War, it’s that Russians don’t smile. Well, as we descended the Metro escalator, we must have seen 1,000 people coming in the opposite direction. And not one of them was smiling. So … that’s one stereotype that’s true, at least sometimes.

Besides offering us a glimpse of ordinary Russian life, though, the Metro proved to be a virtual art museum. As one reviewer on TripAdvisor wrote, “Magnificent chandeliers, ceilings and columns of mosaics and artwork adorn the platforms within this Metro’s stations and there is no graffiti anywhere.”

Peter and Paul’s Fortress and Cathedral The fortress itself dates to 1703 and was the city’s original fortified center. Built between 1712 and 1733, the facility’s cathedral – with its iconic bell tower – holds claim as the city’s oldest landmark.

Among the remains of many Russian leaders, the cathedral cradles the tomb of Catherine the Great.

Peter and Paul’s Fortress and Cathedral

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The State Hermitage Museum

The Amber Room Speaking of Catherine the Great, another Catherine – Catherine I, wife of Peter the Great – is the namesake of the Catherine Palace. Just one of dozens of palaces across the city, many of which have been restored to their former greatness, the Catherine Palace hosts what is famously known as the Amber Room.

Which is exactly that: a room made (almost) completely of amber. The fact that the room is a re-creation of the original – which was lost during World War II – makes it no less an impressive sight.

Peterhof Park and Gardens Often referred to “the Russian Versailles,” the imperial palace of Peter the Great is arguably grander than the French version. If nothing else, the system of fountains called the Grand Cascade is an engineering phenomenon – as was our hydrofoil ride to the place, which was a thrill I would have paid for all by itself.

The State Hermitage Museum Boasting an estimated 3 million items in its collection, the Hermitage is impossible to experience in a single day – or even a week. One travel site estimates that if you spent one minute looking at each piece, it would take you all of 11 years to see everything.

Yet during our necessarily brief visit we saw enough paintings and furniture and clothing and clocks and other untold riches to help me understand a bit of history.

To wit: I finally began to understand why there’d been a Russian Revolution.

Yusupov Palace I was most interested in this stop because it is where Rasputin was murdered.

Rasputin, if you’ll recall, was the mad monk who some say bewitched Czar Nicholas II and his family. The cool part? They tell the story using life-size wax dummies.

The Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood Built on the spot where Czar Alexander II was assassinated in 1881, this intriguingly named church survived the reform-minded Bolsheviks. It was closed for decades and reopened only in 1997.

And, finally …

Mechta Molokhovets Our vodka-fueled dinner, which was not part of our guided tour, occurred when one of my wife’s former law students who works in St. Petersburg met us for dinner at a smallish restaurant (six tables only), which Fodor’s Travel describes as a “refined restaurant with prerevolutionary flair (that) has a tantalizing menu based on a famous 19th-century cookbook.”

I trust Fodor’s because, actually, I can’t recall what we ate at Mechta Molokhovets.

Some caviar, I think. To be truthful, after the third round of vodka, I lost track of what we were being served. But I’m pretty sure I liked it because my wife has photos of me smiling. Big time.

Tick ets

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OUR Excursion Train Ride in beautiful Washington State.

The Newport/Priest River Rotary Club is the sponsor/operator.

SPORT (Scenic Pend Oreille River Train) runs north from Newport to the little whistle-stop at Dalkena.

Rides sold out last year so get your tickets early!!

2018 SEASON RIDE DATES SUMMER DATES June 2 & 3 July 14 & 15 August 4 & 5

FALL DATES

Sept. 15, 16, 29, 30 Oct. 13, 14, 27, 28

Unlike, I have to say, those people on the metro. P LIKE US ON

TTickets can be purchased through our website at: sporttrainrides.com or by calling 1-877-5 ALL-ABOARD (1-877-525-5226) 1

Email questions can be sent to

Photos by Don Webster

sporttrainrides@gmail.com

Saltsjökuan Dristrict June/July 2018

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FOOD

for Local Food and Drink

By Staci Lehman

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If you’re craving good food, local coffee, craft cocktails, regional beer and wines and local entertainment, then CRAVE Northwest is the event for you.

“You’re going to be more full and entertained than you’ve ever been,” said Tom Stebbins, co-owner of Vision Marketing with wife Karen, and organizer of the culinary event.

The premier food and drink celebration is July 12-15 at CenterPlace Regional Event Center at Mirabeau Point Park in Spokane Valley. CRAVE showcases the talents of local, regional and national chefs and culinary professionals.

“We have 15 chefs and 15 wineries for each day of the event this year,” said Tom. “We have celebrity chefs from out of town who do demonstrations,” added Karen, “We have Brian Duffy, who is hysterical.”

Duffy is known for appearances on the Spike TV series “Bar Rescue” and the Food Network’s “Date Plate.”

Other celebrity chefs include Hugh Acheson of the reality cooking show “Top Chef”; Matthias Merges, owner and chef of Yusho Restaurant in Chicago; and Jeff Bonilla, who has appeared on the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.”

Local and regional chefs participate too, including Adam Hegsted, owner of the local Eat Good Group of restaurants and CRAVE’s Culinary Director. Hegsted is a past semifinalist for the James Beard Award (called the “Academy Awards of food” by Karen Stebbins), along with fellow CRAVE participant, Felipe Hernandez of Los Hernandez Tamales in Union Gap, Wash.

Another CRAVE chef, Travis Dickinson, who opened restaurant Conchita Taqueria this year in downtown Spokane, says what he likes about the event is that it’s not competitive, but rewarding for all.

“That’s one of the most refreshing things about it to me. There’s a handful of people working together to try to grow the food culture,” Dickinson said. “We have a pretty quickly growing food community and CRAVE shows how exciting it is right now.”

Now in its second year, CRAVE has some new events.

Foods from Around the World Night will include international selections that would normally require visits to multiple restaurants to try.

“They bring their own cultural slant to it,” said Karen Stebbins of the participating chefs. “They each cook their specialties.”

The Fire and Smoke barbecue extravaganza on Saturday, July 14, will be accompanied by drummers June/July 2018

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and dancers from the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, followed by a special after party, which is included in the ticket price.

“Come connect with the chefs, dance and have a blast with us at CenterPlace!,” said Karen. “There will be music by DJ Unifest CO. Food and spirits will be available.”

The next morning you can treat your after party hangover with a Sunday Brunch. Also on Sunday (Saturday as well) is another new event – the Grand Tasting.

“If you’re only going to go to one thing, go to the Grand Tasting,” said Tom. That’s because the Grand Tasting offers dozens of food samples of all varieties and tastings from wineries, breweries and distilleries. It also includes an International Chef forum with on-stage demos.

Back by popular demand this year is the Thursday night Seafood Bash, a feast of fresh fish, shellfish, caviar and champagne.

If it’s too hard to choose just a few events, the CRAVE Weekend Taste Package gets you into six CRAVE events, where you won’t just eat well, but also drink well.

“The Spokane Cork District is doing all the wine Friday night, so we will pair all the wines with the meal” said Karen. “There’s also beer for the beer drinkers.”

“Bad Ass Barware will be doing all our mixology,” added Tom. “Every main event has a craft cocktail.”

“It has everything,” said Karen of CRAVE. “Food, distillers, cheese, chocolate, ice cream…”

But why a food event?

“Spokane is growing in the culinary world. This is a way to celebrate all our chef-owned restaurants,” said Karen.

Chef Travis Dickinson agrees, and says it draws a different crowd than other local food events.

“It’s people from all different walks of life,” he said. “There’s more than just samples. There are interesting classes, educational opportunities and cool demonstrations that bring in all kinds of people.” P

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Food & Drink Celebration Celebrate the Northwest by sampling products, tastemakers, restaurants, & producers from the area.

Celebrating the best of what the Northwest has to offer

CenterPlace

Tickets on sale now

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!

July 12-15, 2018 www.CraveNW.com Photos courtesy of Crave Northwest June/July 2018

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By Staci Lehman

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It used to be, when it came to summertime treats, you had a handful of ice cream flavors, Popsicles, fudgesicles and those orange sherbet cups you ate with a wooden “spoon.”

Today you can multiply those options by about a thousand, and some are even local and healthy.

“They’re about 90 percent organic,” Mandolyn Hume, owner of Fannie’s Ice Pops, said of the treats she makes from scratch from local and regional fruit.

“I have about seven constant flavors and some rotating – whatever’s in season,” she said.

Even classic treats such as ice cream are getting a local, healthier makeover. Tom and Julie Purdum of Brain Freeze Ice Cream say one of their goals is to find alternatives to artificial ingredients.

“Every year we take some ingredients and say ‘How can we make this in-house rather than buying it?’” said Tom. “We try to keep things local,” added Julie.

“We use ingredients from local farmer’s markets as much as we can.”

Along with locally sourced and inspired ingredients, they also experiment with unique flavors. Last year they did a cheese ice cream for National Grilled Cheese Day. “It was pretty good,” Tom said. “We grilled King’s sweet Hawaiian rolls and put a scoop of ice cream on them.”

“It’s just experimenting with pairing things and some work and some don’t,” said Julie. “We made a batch of tomato sorbet for a local restaurant.”

While the Purdums say they thought it tasted a little ‘different’, the restaurant said it was just what they were looking for.

An experiment for another local business they thought worked was an ice cream made for the Steam Plant from their Red Brick Ale and Smokestack Stout beers, which they say turned out excellent.

“They couldn’t keep it in stock,” said Julie.

Some of Brain Freeze’s customer favorites include Name Brand Cookie (a spin on cookie dough ice cream mixed with broken cookies), Dirt (chocolate ice cream, chocolate pudding

and crushed chocolate sandwich cookies), Salted Caramel and Banana Pudding.

Hume is also constantly trying new flavor combinations. Fannie’s Ice Pops website lists options such as strawberry and cream; strawberry rhubarb; strawberry lemonade; cucumber, apple, mint and lime; raspberry and basil; roasted peach and vanilla; and many others.

She said the process has been an experiment from the beginning.

“I started with freezing smoothies,” she said.

“It grew from trying to find a healthy snack for my kids in the summer.”

Fannie’s was named after Hume’s grandmother, who ran a farm in Oregon’s Willamette Valley when she was young.

“I loved that farm-to-freezer idea,” she said.

“So I named it after her ’cause I loved that farm.”

Now, Hume loves farmer’s markets, where she sells her treats. They can also be found at Main Market, Rocket Market, and My Fresh Basket, in downtown Spokane.

She can also be found catering local events like birthday parties and weddings on her “Icycle Tricycle,” a three-wheeled bike with a cooler on the back. P

MORE LOCAL TREATS

If you prefer your treats in the form of a milkshake or frozen yogurt, there are lots of other options around the area.

Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle serves shakes and ice cream in the Garland district.

In south Spokane, The Scoop makes homemade ice cream and waffles.

Just Chillin’ Eats and Sweets in Liberty Lake has frozen yogurt, cheesecake, cupcakes and more.

Abi’s Ice Cream in Coeur d’Alene serves artisan ice cream made in-house.

In Country Homes, Didier’s Yogurt & More offers froyo daily and Sasquatch Shakes on Thursdays.

June/July 2018

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A BETTER BLENDER

By Joe Butler

Sarah Rainey, a food writer and columnist for The Telegraph, a British newspaper, once colorfully called modern kitchen technology “terrifying. She observed that just about everyone’s kitchen now contains more than its share of electronic gadgets that whir, spin, chop and squish, sometimes all by themselves even when no one is around.

Help in the kitchen has come a long way from the days spent all day in front of a stove or an oven.

Now, we can fire up our slow cooker while we go out for work or fun, or wield our food processor to chop through mounds of veggies in minutes that would have taken our grandmas hours with a peeler and knife.

Rainey never veers into nostalgia or sentimentality of how much better things used to be, and admits this device evolution has been a good thing in terms of saving time and sanity. But she still warns readers that it’s increasingly easier to hurt ourselves in unexpected ways, from grease splatters from a novelty donut maker to shocks and burns from misuse of an extra-jumbo bagel-toaster. And (spoiler alert), will you ever look at your Crock-Pot the same way again after its sinister appearance on the NBC drama “This Is Us”?

Vitamix Professional 750 Not only does it hold up to 64 ounces of liquid, it includes a self-cleaning feature – just insert soap and warm water and it scrubs itself in about a minute, which is useful if you like home cooking but dread the clean-up. Rather than a whole bank of buttons like old-school blenders, this one only has a Pulse setting plus five pre-programmed food settings. Vitamix also sells assorted accessories, including separate cups for storage and transport, and tampers and spatulas to ensure maximum blendage. Approximately $500-$550, vitamix.com Ninja® Mega Kitchen System® Here’s a ninja that you should make sure everyone sees because it does so much for your meals, and it’s just fun to show off. The main device doubles as an 8-cup food processor. Plus it comes with two Nutri Ninja to-go cups. One of its selling points is a 72-ounce capacity, plus the ability to “easily turn ice into snow,” which can be handy for margaritas or daiquiris, or snow cones for the kids. Approximately $150-$200, ninjakitchen.com Blendtec Profressional 800 Blendtec’s 500-series of blenders was hailed as revolutionary, which featured square sides instead of round, plus a futuristic LCD display, not to mention a smaller cup that nestles within the larger cup. It has built on that success with the 800 model, which has all those features and more. It’s now billed as the world’s quietest blender, a treat for anyone tired of the clatter of ice cubes or noisy carrots and berries.

Even better, Blendtec appeals to your inner child’s curiosity: “If I stick ____ in the blender, what happens?” with a series of “Will it Blend?”

YouTube videos showing successful annihilation of everything from a whole turkey to an iPhone. $650-$700, blendtec.com

Vitamix Professional 750

The modern blender definitely falls into the “so cool but treat with respect” category. The device has matured from the low-frills, low-speed kitchen staple in the 1970s and 1980s to the high-performance, high-capacity beast available today.

Many of them now pack double or even triple the ‘umph’ of your garbage disposal (up to 3 hp!), which makes it super easy to mix drinks for a party or veggies and other superfoods for a morning smoothie. Don’t forget the kale!

If you’re planning to upgrade this season, take a peek at some of the newer blenders on the market. Visit local retailers like Huppin’s, The Kitchen Engine and Bargreen Ellingson to find these and other brands.

Blendtec Profressional 800

Ninja® Mega Kitchen System®

50

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