Inlander 03/23/2017

MARCH 23-29, 2017 | YOU ARE WHAT YOU READ

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INSIDE VOL. 24, NO. 23 | ON THE COVER: JACOB GREIF ILLUSTRATION

COMMENT NEWS CULTURE FOOD

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EDITOR’S NOTE

L

ast week, when a writer trashed Spokane in an essay in Britain’s Guardian newspaper, our local community rose to the occasion — calling out the story’s factual errors while highlighting all the reasons we take pride in this place we call home. Appropriately, this week’s issue is devoted to celebrating the BEST OF THE INLAND NORTHWEST, with the results of our 24th annual readers poll (page 27). As with all elections, there’s inevitable controversy and Monday-morning quarterbacking, but take solace in this: There is no Electoral College in the Inlander’s poll — just thousands of readers like you who feel passionately about their personal favorites. Find out who readers named Best Burrito, Best New Restaurant, Best Philanthropist, Best Band, Best Visual Artist, Best Use of a Guardian Newspaper... OK, I made up that last one.

Also this week: The Zags continue their march through the NCAA Tournament (page 21).

— JACOB H. FRIES, Editor

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DO YOU THINK SPOKANE HAS ENOUGH OF A NIGHTLIFE SCENE?

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LAURA NICHOLS

Absolutely. A lot of students will be at Jack & Dan’s every weekend, but I think there’s a significant amount of students [who] like to explore downtown as well.

Where do you go downtown?

I hit up nYne frequently. I also like Whisk, the whiskey bar. Those are my two favorites.

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JOSH SCHACHT

Relative to bigger cities, maybe not, by the same definition, but I think there’s a tighterknit nightlife going on.

Do you go downtown?

Infrequently, but when I do it’s to nYne and the Globe. I usually stick to local bars, because if I go downtown, I’ll see less people I know.

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ALEX JAKOWATZ

Not really. I used to go out, but usually don’t go downtown. I’m usually at Scotty’s or Jack & Dan’s.

What do you think of the more college-oriented bars downtown?

They seem pretty cool. I had fun; I was pretty messed up when I was down there, so I can’t really give the best analysis.

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VINNIE KLEEMAN

On certain days. Like St. Patrick’s Day, but other than that, usually it’s just the weekends.

Do you make it out on the weekends?

I work at Jack & Dan’s, but I love going downtown to Borracho and places like that.

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ANDREW WALTERS

It kind of does, but it’s off and away from Gonzaga. Usually if I go, I’ll go to Soulful Soups for their drink specials or the Satellite bar.

Do you ever go to the busier bars on the weekends?

I’ve never had a reason to go there. If a big group of friends would want to go, they could probably talk me into it, but I don’t have any desire for those places.

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COMMENT | EDUCATION

Failing Preschool

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Idaho needs to start helping the state’s 4-year-olds succeed

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daho has many soul-rewarding attributes.

The state offers a gorgeous, four-season outdoors experience. Indoors, the Idaho populace is predominantly filled with good, kind, honest, well-intentioned, God-fearing folk.

But, in so many ways, Idaho is simply… let’s face it, backward.

Right now, my complaint is that Idaho sits soundly at the bottom of the 50 states in early childhood education; it’s one of only six states that do not provide any public funds for preschoolers, those lively, eager 4-year-olds who gobble up ways to put things together or take them apart.

It never ceases to amaze me how fast these little children can latch on to big puzzles and, if they’re lucky, begin a multiyear relationship with that great Danish invention — the LEGO. Fouryear-olds are quick to learn.

Back in the 1970s, Idaho Governor Cecil Andrus convinced the Idaho Legislature to fund public kindergartens. The governor’s argument that kindergarten is economically smart business was wise then, as including 4-year-olds in the picture is now. Unfortunately, the requirement that students attend kindergarten has never made it into law.

Today, Idaho children whose parents can afford private preschools enjoy the chance to learn how to learn, as well as how to work and play with other kids. Alphabet and numbers games, songs and romps get them ready for kindergarten and the world.

For the 3- and 4-year-olds in money-short households, Head Start offers a fine preschool experience. Unfortunately, there are only enough federal dollars devoted to Head Start to make room for a LETTERS fraction of the Send comments to eligible kids. In editor@inlander.com.

2015, Kootenai County Head Start classes were only able to enroll 3 percent of the eligible children. And we don’t know how many Head Start dollars will dry up in the ongoing Trump-Ryan budget process.

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he children who have attended neither preschool nor kindergarten start their school experience at a discouraging disadvantage. It’s a struggle to keep up with their classmates. For these less fortunate kids, their first school experience is either a confusing jumble or a scary jungle.

According to the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children, 50 percent of Idaho’s children appear at their neighborhood primary school’s door each fall not ready to read.

Every child with normal abilities can learn to read, but each child has his or her own individual path to learning. Some will take longer to find the way. One key to 100 percent of students learning

to read by third grade is to start earlier, and for teachers to have fewer children in their first- and second-grade classrooms.

Another key is convincing young parents of the importance of talking and reading to their toddlers every day.

A young child’s brainpower expands by absorbing stories in picture books and songs and games.

It does take a village, and the village is there for the kids. Libraries are free and specialize in picture books that are both artful and art-full.

When they can, libraries offer story hours for the very young.

We can take heart that every school district in Idaho but one was able to pass their bond and/or levy issue on March 14. This proves that Idahoans recognize the importance of education for their children’s future and their community’s economic health. That’s huge.

As I write, in the final days of this year’s legislative session, the Idaho Legislature is still struggling to pass an income tax relief measure for the wealthy, legislation that the broad public doesn’t care about and isn’t asking for. More significant is the bill removing the sales tax from groceries, which makes good sense to most people. The legislature won’t lead in finding a way to create public funding for preschoolers, but it will follow if there is the demand.

Finding a new source of funding for preschoolers is essential, and very tricky. I have laughingly suggested marijuana as a good sin tax to fund preschools for 4-year-olds. That would be an over-the-moon distance for Idaho to jump.

Better to save that option to replace the grocery tax.

N

evertheless, there are many individuals and groups around the state working to build the momentum needed to lead backward Idaho forward for 4-year-olds. Tiny Idaho City has been funding pre-kindergarten children for 18 years now, and has a record of success to show for it.

Here in Coeur d’Alene, the University of Idaho, in collaboration with Coeur d’Alene School District #271, has received a three-year, $600,000 grant from the Inland Northwest Community Foundation to work toward the goal of enabling 100 percent of the district’s students to read at grade level. The project will focus on parent engagement and will target neighborhoods with young families.

This project is an exciting step in the right direction for Idaho’s 4-year-olds, as well as for all children on the learning-to-read spectrum. n

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THE HUNGER RUN

The Union Gospel Mission and Second Harvest collaborate for a timed, family-friendly run/walk offering 5K/10K course options. A portion of all fees/runner sponsorships support meal programs at UGM and Second Harvest. Sat, April 1 at 9 am. $35-$50. Plante’s Ferry Sports Complex, 12308 E. Upriver Dr. thehungerrun.org (532-3810) n Tell us about your event or other opportunities to get involved. Submit events at Inlander.com/getlisted or email getlisted@inlander.com.

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COMMENT | HEALTH CARE million in annual tax breaks for each of the 400 richest individuals in America. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, this yearly $2.8 billion tax giveaway would be equivalent to the premium health care tax credits for the 20 smallest states and the District of Columbia combined.

“Getting rid of the ACA without a comparable replacement will hurt the most vulnerable and ruin our nonprofit health care providers,” says Amelia Jay, a local physical therapist. Since the ACA’s passage, the Community Health Association of Spokane (CHAS) has been able to open new clinics, hire 150 new employees and serve 50 percent more patients, and has seen the percentage of uncovered patients drop from 40 percent down to 8 percent.

“The ACA has enabled an entire generation of young entrepreneurs to start businesses and bring economic growth to Eastern Washington.”

CALEB WALSH ILLUSTRATION

Bad Medicine How the wrecking ball of Trumpcare would impact Eastern Washington

BY MARIAH McKAY

T

he state of health care reform in America feels like a failed marriage, only in this case it’s the coverage of 24 million beneficiaries that is caught in the ensuing custody battle. On the eastern side of Washington’s room in this troubled home, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers has surreptitiously made her bed with congressional Republicans’ repeal plan. Should it come to pass, she’ll be made to lie in it.

This Thursday marks the seven-year anniversary of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Thanks

to this hard-won legislation, the percentage of people without insurance in our area has been cut in half. “Because the ACA allowed us to access health care, my husband and I were able to open our brewery six years ago, and we now employ 16 people today,” says Sheila Evans, co-owner of Iron Goat Brewing in downtown Spokane.

Where the Affordable Care Act fell short, it was due to not making those who are able to chip in contribute adequately. Instead, it relied too much on cost sharing among middle-income Americans as a way to work around the vested interests of insurance companies and other health care industry profiteers. Trumpcare would obliterate this carefully crafted compromise in favor of $7

Broadly available health care does more for our economy than just hiring health care workers. “The ACA has enabled an entire generation of young entrepreneurs to start businesses and bring economic growth to Eastern Washington,” explained Alan Chatham, a partner at Fellow Coworking. “Repealing the ACA will drive innovators out of our region in search of the more traditional salaries needed to afford reliable health care.”

A committee report from the U.S. House of Representatives calculated that 76,300 people in Eastern Washington are at risk of losing coverage if the Republican Congress eventually eliminates Medicaid expansion funding. These are cuts our state could never hope to make up. “My daughter is disabled and needs Medicaid expansion waivers to live in her own home,” says Karen Blaine of Spokane. “Health care is foundational to life.

We must save it for everyone.”

A house so divided against itself cannot stand. Let’s demand that it be made of more than cheap political cards.  Mariah McKay is a fourth-generation daughter of Spokane and a community organizer campaigning for racial, social and economic justice. She has worked in biotech and government and currently serves as a public health advocate.

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COMMENT | FROM READERS

SMART DECISIONS inally, jobs in skilled trades are being recognized as vitally important

F

to our economy (“A Different Track,” 3/16/17). As university and 4-year degrees are being encouraged, we are ignoring a necessary training in auto mechanics, plumbers, electricians, etc. These workers maintain our infrastructures. Their jobs cannot be done off-shore, but right here. Parents, if you balk at your child’s choice to go to community college and learn a trade, remember this. The next time you need your car repaired or your toilet fixed on a Sunday — think about the hourly service charge for labor you will be paying. Your sons/daughters will be earning a good living.

CHERYL FLEMING Liberty Lake, Wash.

UNHEALTHY FUTURE hy do we let our legislators waste hours, days, and weeks replac-

W

ing health care? Are we really going to go back to the “good old days” documented in Michael Moore’s movie Sicko? Does anyone remember, or even know, that the D.C. legislators refused to fund health care for the people we refer to as “the heroes of 9/11” who risked their lives, and then lost their health due to toxic dust and fumes, working overtime to find anyone who might have still been alive in that rubble?

And what a wonderful metaphor for the stingy parsing out of basic health care that will return under “Trumpcare.”

Will we let the poor die on the hospital steps or by the roadside? Watch our friends and co-workers die from lack of health care? Probably not. I like to believe that the majority of Americans are too compassionate, or at least basically decent, to let that happen. Who will absorb the cost, then? Likely the front lines of the health care system: the hospitals, doctors, nurses, etc.

And true to capitalism, they will pass this cost on to their paying patients, making the cost of health care skyrocket.

We already have a system that is working and popular. Don’t the legislators have anything else to do? If not, maybe we should lay them off without pay.

KATHERINE SHELLORNE Spokane, Wash.

Readers react to news that Spokane County’s roads budget has already been drained, and spring flooding is expected to cause $9 million in needed repairs:

GARY TROWBRIDGE: Well, had they built them correctly the first time, and didn’t have to spend money on all the lawsuits going on, maybe we could have avoided this.

As a 40-year resident, I have never seen Spokane in a worse shape, both political and physical.

MICHAEL JOSEPH FERRELL: How do you build them correctly in the first place to avoid water runoff/ flooding damage? Just curious, if you could enlighten me.

GEORGE DANTE RICCO: Gary Trowbridge, you are completely right.

As an engineer who moved to the area for a few years, I was shocked at the horrifying conditions of roads downtown. Studying the rail maps, it’s clear to me that when the rails were removed, the substratum wasn’t fixed, which is why the concrete will continue to buckle. 

CORRECTION: Rep. Mike Volz, R-Spokane, was excused from a vote on a bill that deals with parental rights for rapists. A news brief (3/16/17) headlined “Rights of Rapists” wrongly said he was one of two state representatives to vote against the bill.

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MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 11

12 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

Margie Heller, right, shows her support for Obamacare at a candlelight vigil in Spokane on Saturday.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

HEALTH CARE

‘Slap in the Face’ Medicaid patients could be hardest hit by health insurance changes, but everyone will feel it

BY SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL

T

his time last year, Sara Letellier was checking into inpatient treatment for substance abuse.

Like others who gathered at Cowley Park on Saturday night to share stories about the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, Letellier was able to sign up for Medicaid and start treatment for addiction and bipolar disorder. The ACA expanded the program so more people were eligible.

She was able to get into transitional housing and see a therapist. She’s still in aftercare therapy, and now has a job helping others in similar situations at Pioneer Human Services.

“I doubt I would be alive without it,” Letellier tells the Inlander in a hushed voice as the crowd, holding artificial candles in plastic cups, listens to the next speaker at the vigil. “My addiction had gotten so far gone, I’d lost everything.”

Republicans in Congress are pushing to repeal the ACA and replace it with the American Health Care Act, which in its current form would roll back some of that expansion in coming years. It would also limit options for those covered by Medicaid, including preventing them from going to Planned Parenthood.

“It’s a real slap in the face to say, ‘We won’t cover you anymore, your problems don’t matter to us,’” Letellier says of the Republican plan.

WASHINGTON’S EXPANSION

Roughly 613,000 Washington residents have signed up for health coverage under the Medicaid expansion, according to a fact sheet from Gov. Jay Inslee’s office.

“Before the expansion, to qualify you had to be poor and something,” says Cassie Sauer, president and CEO of the Washington State Hospital Association. “Poor and disabled, poor and elderly, poor and pregnant; you couldn’t qualify just by income.”

The expansion allowed low-income Americans to qualify based on what they make, and get into the program if they make a little more than the federal poverty line. For 2017, someone working full time and making up to about $8 an hour (which is lower than Washington state’s minimum wage) might qualify. Still, more than 80 percent of people covered under the expansion make a yearly salary at or below the poverty line, or about $12,000 a year for someone who is single.

Washington state pays for the extra people on Medic-

aid with federal support, to the tune of $2.7 billion for the current biennial budget.

If people who have gained coverage lose it, everyone else will feel it, explains Bob Crittenden, the governor’s special assistant for health reform.

Under Obamacare, the state has seen a $1.1 billion decrease in what’s known as uncompensated care: When someone goes to the hospital and gets treatment but can’t pay, it’s either left as “charity care” or “bad debt.” With more people covered, that amount goes down, especially as people are going to preventive doctor’s appointments rather than waiting until it’s bad enough to go to the emergency room.

Among hospitals in the 5th Congressional District, which covers much of Eastern Washington, uncompensated care dropped from about $98.8 million in 2011 to about $26.8 million in 2015, according to the state hospital association.

The Republican plan would stop providing federal assistance for the expansion in 2020, meaning that many will no longer have coverage unless the state can find a way to pay for it.

The current estimate is Washington would need to find about $1.3 billion to add to the state budget in 2023 to keep the expansion in place.

“Those with regular insurance will see an increase in their rates due to going back to paying for that uncompensated care,” Crittenden says, “because the way you pay for that is you pay a higher rate in your hospital charges, and that in turn increases your premium.”

Hospitals, especially in rural areas, are concerned about making sure people don’t lose coverage, says the hospital association’s Sauer.

“We are not at all saying the ACA could not be changed, or updated, or revised,” she says. “People on ...continued on next page

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 13

Eat Local

NEWS | HEALTH CARE “‘SLAP IN THE FACE,’” CONTINUED...

Medicaid typically are working, but typically in Providence is also concerned about changing jobs that do not have health insurance offered to the way Medicaid is funded, and wants to make them. The health care system works best, and sure that changes don’t limit eligibility or access, community health works best, when everyone she says. has access to care.”

Preserving access and preventing disruption The proposed American Health Care Act also in patient care, as well as protecting the expanwould prevent people who are on Medicaid from sion, is critical, says Elaine Couture, executive going to Planned Parenthood for services such as vice president and chief executive for Providence cancer screenings and preventive Health Care of Eastern Washingtreatment, sexually transmitted ton and Montana, which includes LETTERS infection and disease screenings Sacred Heart Medical Center.

Send comments to and treatment, and to receive “While we support greater editor@inlander.com. birth control, for one year. flexibility for state innovations This is the so-called “defunding” of the in Medicaid, Providence has serious concerns service provider, but “defunding itself is a misnothat the American Health Care Act will result mer,” explains Tiffany Harms, director of comin significant numbers of Americans losing their munications for Planned Parenthood of Greater coverage under this program,” Couture says via Washington and North Idaho. email.

IMPACT ON PLANNED PARENTHOOD

Curing Idaho The House Republicans’ health care plan doesn’t begin to fix the state’s health care issues — so Idaho itself is taking a crack at it

BY DANIEL WALTERS

I

f there were any place you’d expect a Republican attempt to replace Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act — Obamacare — to receive enthusiastic support, it would be in deep-red Idaho.

But even in Idaho, the public and politicians are wary.

“They sent me to Washington to get rid of Obamacare, and replace it with something that will, once and for all, create a health care system that allows the market to deliver lower costs and focus on patients,” Idaho U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador said in a statement. The House Republicans’ American Health Care Act, he added, was not that bill.

Thus, Idaho is caught in a bind: State legislators recognize major deficiencies with Idaho’s health care system. But with Obamacare considered politically toxic, and congressional Republicans’ alternative seen as an inadequate solution, local Idaho politicians are seeking to repair the state’s broken health system themselves.

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While states like Washington worry about what will happen if a Republican health care plan phases out Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion, Idaho never expanded Medicaid to begin with.

The political cost was too high.

“Idaho legislators are responding to their constituents, who are not excited about taking on another entitlement,” explains Idaho state Rep. Luke Malek of Coeur d’Alene, a comparatively moderate Republican for North Idaho.

That reticence left about 78,000 Idaho residents stuck in an absurd kind of no-man’s land: They earn too little to qualify for Obamacare’s tax credits, but too much to qualify for Medicaid

State Rep. Luke Malek says of Idaho: “Our safety net system is the emergency room.” without the expansion.

The proposed American Health Care Act wouldn’t fix that. In fact, the bill would restrict the growth of how much federal funding state Medicaid programs get. While it’s predicted to lower premiums on younger Americans, it would do that, partly, by raising costs on older Americans so much that some may ditch their health insurance entirely.

“The report from the Congressional Budget Office about the American Health Care Act confirms that the [Republican replacement] doesn’t provide comprehensive coverage or benefits for Idahoans in the gap,” Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Richard Armstrong writes in a statement. “It’s clear now that it is up to the states to provide health care coverage for those residents who need it the most.”

These are residents like 47-year-old Susan Allen, who gets her insurance through her part-time

The service provider does not get its own line in the federal budget, but accepts Medicaid and funding from other government programs, primarily Title X. Except in extreme cases, federal money already cannot pay for abortions, which made up about 5.9 percent of the services provided by the local Planned Parenthood affiliate in 2016. There are no clinics in North Idaho, and people come from as far as Montana to the local clinics for help, Harms says.

“Defunding” the clinics by not allowing Medicaid patients to go there could mean that about 9,500 people treated in Spokane, Spokane Valley and Pullman in 2016 could lose access to care, Harms says.

“Other providers cannot just absorb Planned Parenthood’s patient base if it is cut off from federal programs,” Harms writes in an email. “Politicians who want to deny patients using Medicaid from going to Planned Parenthood often insist that other providers will fill the gap, but the experts at the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the National Partnership for Women and Families said it flat out: They can’t.” n

job manning the self-checkout aisle at the Walmart in Lewiston.

She says her deductible is so high that she’s considering skipping out on crucial eye injections used to treat her macular degeneration. She already has too much medical debt. Her 51-year-old husband can’t get insurance on her plan. Despite his migraines sometimes resulting in late-night emergency room visits, he doesn’t have insurance at all.

“It would be nice if Idaho could make it a little bit more affordable, if possible,” Allen says.

Even with the Republican health care reform plan looming, advocates like Lauren Necochea, director of Idaho Voices for Children, are urging Idaho to expand Medicaid while it still can.

“Having health care for a couple years is better than not having any health care for the foreseeable future,” Necochea says.

CLOSING THE GAP

But Malek has long argued that Idaho politicians should focus on fixing the root causes of rising health care costs. Low-income, uninsured Idahoans end up flooding expensive emergency rooms when they should be going to the primary care doctor, driving up costs for everyone.

“Minor problems become bigger problems, so the system has to compensate,” Malek says. “That’s a huge difference between Washington and Idaho. Our safety net system is the emergency room.”

Even if Idaho did choose to expand Medicaid, Malek says there simply aren’t enough primary care doctors in the state, especially in rural areas. Even with insurance, the wait to see a doctor can be a long one.

“If your choice is wait three weeks or go to the ER, you’re going to go to the ER,” he says.

Malek and other Idaho Republicans have sketched out a plan to address the problem at the state level: Dramatically increase the number of primary care doctors by increasing the number of family medicine residency slots. Create a state-funded student loan forgiveness program for doctors who agree to practice medicine in underserved populations. And finally, use state funds to directly pay primary care providers and health clinics to offer more charity care to the uninsured.

“This is not a cure-all,” Malek acknowledges. It wouldn’t address the needs of low-income Idahoans who need to see specialists or go to the hospital. But it’s a start, he argues.

The plan still faces a steep climb before becoming law. On Monday, an attempt to spend $10 million in tobacco settlement funds to cover primary care for about 15,000 of the most chronically ill uninsured Idaho residents died in the Senate.

But for Malek, that climb is necessary.

“The cost of health care continues to skyrocket,” he says.

“The cost of health care is hurting at home.” n

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DANIEL WALTERS PHOTO

CIVIC DEFENSE Spokane has plenty of problems, ranging from its plague of potholes to its epidemic of property crime. But when a Paris-based writer wrote an error-strewn essay for the British GUARDIAN newspaper, arguing that the Gonzaga basketball team was the sole source of hope for the struggling town of Spokane, many Spokanites were outraged. At the Inlander blog, we wrote a point-by-point debunking of the author’s many factual errors. Ultimately, the Guardian ran a rare separate article apologizing for the original piece. And the author of the piece, who’s actually from Spokane, penned his own apology for the Inlander. (DANIEL WALTERS)

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CANNABIS Opponents of marijuana legalization in Washington state feared it would lead to increased POT USE AMONG TEENS. But according to a state survey released last week, that hasn’t happened. Statewide, the percentage remained steady, dropping 1 percentage point from 17 to 16 percent of 10th graders reporting recent marijuana use. In Spokane, teen pot use has dropped from 19 percent of teens admitting they used marijuana to 15 percent. But the Washington Department of Social and Health Services is still concerned that fewer eighth graders see a “great risk” in using marijuana since the previous survey, and that more than half of high-school seniors admitted to driving within three hours of using marijuana. (WILSON CRISCIONE)

BUSES In the aftermath of Spokane voters finally approving the high-frequency electric “Central City” bus line, the Inlander asked SPOKANE TRANSIT AUTHORITY CEO E. Susan Meyer in November if she was worried that newly elected President Donald Trump could put the electric bus route in jeopardy. No, she said: Trump was a “big-city man” who understands the value of transit, and had made a massive infrastructure package a key campaign promise. But now Trump’s proposed budget threatens to eliminate the Small Starts grant program, and with it kill the $54 million of crucial federal funding STA was counting on to build the Central City Line. For now, however, STA is continuing with its plan, hoping that Congress will continue to preserve the grant program. (DANIEL WALTERS)

NEWS | BRIEFS

All Wet States of emergency declared in waterlogged Spokane County; plus, Lahren’s pro-choice stance enrages her former right-wing allies FLOODING CONCERNS

If you haven’t noticed, spring runoff has flooded local rivers and washed out dozens of roads in Spokane County. The damage to those roads is going to cost at least $9 MILLION IN REPAIRS, says Public Works Department spokeswoman Martha Lou Wheatley-Billeter.

Road maintenance for the rest of the year could be threatened. It’s only March, but the county is already $2 million over the maintenance budget for the year, Wheatley-Billeter says.

As of press time Tuesday, there were roughly two dozen roads closed due to washouts in Spokane County, not including roads closed in incorporated areas.

What damages the roads is when water pools on top, then freezes in the cracks, says National Weather Service meteorologist Rocco Pelatti.

“There’s nothing we can do about this,” Wheatley-Billeter says. “The ground is so heavily saturated that we’re losing parts of the road. They’re eroding away.”

The county has received some extra supplies and equipment after both the county and the state of Washington declared a state of emergency last week. The county will also apply for reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which should help with some road maintenance.

Wheatley-Billeter says the Public Works Department may ask Spokane county commissioners for more money later in the year, depending on what FEMA provides. (WILSON CRISCIONE)

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A conservative pundit and incendiary host of her self-titled nightly TV show, TOMI LAHREN is being benched for a week after expressing her pro-choice views and suggesting that conservatives who oppose a woman’s right to choose are hypocrites.

Her show, Tomi, which is carried by right-wing commentator Glenn Beck’s TheBlaze TV network, was suspended for a week following this statement last Friday on ABC’s The View: “I can’t sit here and be a hypocrite and say ‘I’m for limited government, but I think that the government should decide what women should do with their bodies.’ I can sit here and say that as a Republican ... ‘You know what, I’m for limited government, so stay out of my guns, and you can stay out of my body as well.’”

Lahren is the featured speaker at the Lincoln Day Dinner hosted by the Spokane County Republican Party in June. Despite the backlash, Spokane County GOP chairwoman Stephanie Cates says that Lahren is still scheduled to speak in Spokane.

“I believe in Reagan’s Big Tent,” Cates tweeted. “R’s are no better than the left if we demand perfect alignment on all issues. I stand with @TomiLahren.”

The 24-year-old’s meteoric rise to national stardom (she has more than 4 million Facebook followers) has been fueled in part by viral rants circulated online. She has, for example, called the Black Lives Matter movement the “new KKK,” said President Barack Obama’s “Muslim sensitivity” was partly to blame for the 2015 Chattanooga shootings, and referred to refugees, those fleeing their home countries to escape war, persecution or death, as “rapeugees.”

Lahren’s recent comments have earned her the ire of conservatives, including Beck, her boss, who mocked her comment on Twitter and shared an article calling her “childish” and a “poser.”

Lahren defended herself in a tweet: “Listen, I am not glorifying abortion. I don’t personally advocate for it. I just don’t think it’s the government’s place to dictate.” (MITCH RYALS)

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MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 17

NEWS | STREETS

Where the Sidewalk Bends Neighbors, frustrated with decades of crumbling concrete, are proposing a new property tax levy to fix broken sidewalks

BY DANIEL WALTERS

S

ome sidewalks have cracks. The sidewalks near the intersection of 12th Avenue and Adams Street look more like they have seismic fault lines.

The sidewalks buckle and roll, jutting up and down like the jagged bumps of a motocross course. The roots of century-old trees — London planes and sycamores and Norway maples — trapped between rock retaining walls and the street, have shoved upward, lifting concrete slabs off of the sidewalks, tilting them into crazy angles. These sidewalks have potholes too, where slanted concrete funnels water into deep puddles. The sidewalks are so broken they’re nearly impossible to shovel in the winter.

Patricia Hansen, president of the Cliff/Cannon Neighborhood Council, says the neighbors outright laughed when they were told that the standard of the American Disabilities Act required the difference in height between one sidewalk segment and another to be a half-inch or less.

Some sidewalk segments, Hansen says, jut up by as much as 15 inches.

“Literally, you’re hiking over sections of sidewalk,” Hansen says. “There’s more than a foot of separation.”

It’s not just the issue of neighborhood pride, about neighbors cringing as they think of visitors to a beautiful Airbnb location trekking across the broken sidewalks from the nearby bus stop. It means that sidewalks can’t be easily used by kids riding bikes, disabled neighbors or the elderly.

Hansen says they used to hold the neighborhood block party on 10th Avenue near Jefferson Street, where the streets slope and the sidewalks are in shambles. But at the 2014 block party, she says, three elderly people fell.

In the aftermath of last month’s ouster of Spokane’s street director, the city administration and city council have discussed a major overhaul of the way that the department fills potholes and plows snow. Yet for years, neighborhood councils have been beating the drums about broken sidewalks on the edges of those streets.

Now, they’re looking at a way to finally pay to fix those sidewalks.

At their March 28 meeting, the Pedestrian Transportation and Traffic Committee of the neighborhood

18 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

Cliff/Cannon neighbors Judy Gardner and Patricia Hansen join Councilman Breean Beggs on one of the worst sidewalks in Spokane. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO councils’ Community Assembly will begin to sketch out a framework for a property tax levy to not only repair broken sidewalks, but add new ones.

“I knew the band-aid approach has not been working,” says Hansen, “and will not continue to work in the future.”

BROKEN PATHWAYS

It’s not that the city doesn’t fix some sidewalks. Sure, under the previous street bond, a street would be replaced while leaving the crumbling sidewalks at its edges untouched. That’s changed with the street levy passed in 2014. Now rebuilt streets mean rebuilt sidewalks, too.

But other than adding ramps required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the city hasn’t been doing full

sidewalk replacements when it makes more minor street repairs.

“We’re falling farther behind,” says City Councilman Breean Beggs.

Technically, it’s not the city’s job to fix residential sidewalks, no matter how broken. City code explains that it’s the job of the property owner to repair the sidewalks in front of their properties. But most neighbors aren’t eager to shell out the $5,000 to $10,000 required to replace them, and the city hasn’t been raring to force its citizens to pay for sidewalk repairs.

“That’s, politically, a little bit unpalatable and unrealistic,” Beggs says. But if the city leaves sidewalks broken, it can be on the legal hook if somebody gets injured.

Last spring, Beggs says the city administration floated a plan to begin requiring residents to fix dangerous sidewalks outside their property and use a pool of $40,000 to offer loans to low-income residents who couldn’t afford the repairs. “$40,000?!” Beggs says, chuckling. He says he went for a morning jog around his South Hill neighborhood and surveyed the damage. Such a sum wouldn’t even begin to fix the sidewalks in his district, he concluded, much less the whole city.

At the same time, a group of neighborhood councilmembers across the city was meeting to discuss the sidewalk problems. Historic neighborhoods like Cliff/ Cannon and Browne’s Addition could point to sidewalks ravaged by tree roots and time. Meanwhile, many newer city neighborhoods that were annexed from Spokane County, like Five Mile Prairie, didn’t have sidewalks to begin with.

“Bless their black hearts, they never required sidewalks,” says Paul Kropp, chairman of the Pedestrian Transportation and Traffic Committee, about Spokane County. “It’s ludicrous.”

But the city has few dedicated funding streams to pay for sidewalk repairs. Ten percent of license tab fees raised for the Transportation Benefit District go toward residential sidewalks and other pedestrian improvements.

Some of the traffic-calming revenue raised through the city’s red-light camera programs go toward sidewalk improvements. Otherwise, neighborhoods generally rely on federal Community Development Block Grants to fix their worst sidewalks.

“We really work closely with neighborhoods to invest their CDBG funds on issues that matter to them,” says Jonathan Mallahan, director of the city’s Community & Neighborhood Services Division. “We very much want to have a way that’s affordable to find a path to have a great pedestrian infrastructure.”

But the block grant funds can only be used in lowincome areas of the city. Those boundaries, defined by the federal government, can sometimes seem downright

absurd to neighborhoods.

Kai Huschke, chair of the Latah/Hangman Neighborhood Council, says that the block grant funds allowed for the construction of sidewalks along one side of Inland Empire Way, but not the other.

“We had talked to the Office of Neighborhood Services,” Huschke says. “This is crazy. How do you draw a boundary that doesn’t include both sides of the street?”

Even neighborhoods that reliably receive the grants say they can feel like only a drop in the bucket. The Cliff/Cannon neighborhood gets about $35,000 a year in block grant funding, enough to fix up sidewalks in front of about four properties a year. It would take a century to fix all the Cliff/Cannon neighborhood sidewalks using those funds, Hansen calculates.

And there’s not a guarantee that Community Development Block Grants will even exist next year. In order to free up more funding for defense spending, President Donald Trump’s proposed budget would eliminate the CDBG program entirely.

If that budget passes, Spokane would lose one of its few tools for funding sidewalk repairs.

THE COST OF CONCRETE

Beggs himself doesn’t quite commit to supporting the sidewalk levy fully, at least not yet. He says that voters deserve to make the decision themselves.

“It’s my overall theme of ‘Let the community choose,’” he says.

Beggs asked that questions about the sidewalk levy be included on a survey sent out to Spokane residents in December. More than three-quarters of Spokane residents surveyed supported the creation of a new program to fund streets, the survey found.

The sticking point, however, was price. Less than half of those surveyed supported a property tax of $75 a year. But at an annual tax level of $60 or less, the majority of those surveyed supported it. Over a decade, that would raise about $50 million. That’s only a fraction of the more than $230 million required to simply add sidewalks to the streets that need them in the city of Spokane, but Beggs says it’s a start.

“That would put a dent in it,” he says. The vote could be as soon as November.

Yet the sidewalk levy isn’t something being considered in isolation. The city council is also weighing whether it should spend more tax money on plowing streets, filling potholes and fighting crime. Beggs has also brought up the possibility of a tax on sugary beverages as a way to raise funds to address property crime.

Hansen says she isn’t opposed to funding those other priorities.

“But you cannot risk how this city looks by letting the sidewalk [levy] fall off of the radar,” Hansen says. There are consequences, she argues, to letting pedestrian walkways fall into disrepair. Disorder, she argues, leads to more disorder: “In an area like this, that has sidewalks like this — it doesn’t make it look like Better Homes and Gardens material. It starts to attract crime.” 

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20 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

MARCH MADNESS

Lovin’ It Freshman Zach Collins brings energy, a hefty hoops résumé and loud music to Gonzaga’s locker room

BY WILL MAUPIN

The fab freshman GONZAGA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS PHOTO

T

he most highly touted recruit in Gonzaga history isn’t always the first player off of the bench for Mark Few’s squad.

Zach Collins, the first McDonald’s All-American to commit to Gonzaga out of high school, ranked third on the team in rebounds per game (5.7) and fourth in scoring (10.2 points per game) heading into March Madness. The freshman forward has all the skills of a modern 7-footer: He can battle inside — his 58 blocks rank first on the team — but he can also step out and shoot, as indicated by his 45 percent accuracy from three-point range.

Yet he averages just 17 minutes a game.

He may be playing limited minutes now, but Collins’ future is bright. His name is being floated by many, including ESPN’s Jeff Goodman earlier this month at the West Coast Conference Tournament, as a potential first-round pick in the NBA Draft.

Collins graduated from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, so the WCC Tournament served as a homecoming of sorts.

“I’m super excited,” Collins said before the tournament. “Anytime you get to go home and see your family when you’re away at college is really nice.”

But the purpose for the trip was basketball. Coming off a loss to BYU in the regular season finale, he and the Zags needed to be on their game. Reserves often see their playing time shrink in March, and that was the case for Collins during the WCC as well.

But as he’s done all season, he made the most of his minutes.

“Zach’s been all business all year,” teammate Nigel WilliamsGoss says. “And Zach was Zach as usual.”

Collins’ business has only gotten better in the NCAA tourna...continued on next page

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 21

CULTURE | MARCH MADNESS “LOVIN’ IT,” CONTINUED...

Spokane County Comprehensive Plan Update

PUBLIC WORKSHOPS March 30, 2017 5:30pm March 31, 2017 10:00am Commissioners Hearing Room 1026 Broadway Ave. Spokane, Washington

ment so far. In the Zags two games in Salt Lake City, Collins led the team in blocked shots and was their second-leading scorer against both South Dakota State and Northwestern. Against the pesky NU squad in the game to advance to the Sweet Sixteen, Coach Mark Few kept the freshman in the game down the stretch over more experienced Zags, and it paid off.

In 21 minutes of playing time, Collins racked up 14 points and five rebounds. And perhaps more importantly, he hit six of his eight free throws in a game where most of his teammates were struggling from the line.

Clearly, after 35 games, Collins is a go-to player on one of the best teams in the nation, and nothing like a typical freshman.

C

ollins’ high school career in Vegas was legendary. His Bishop Gorman team won the Nevada state title in each of his four seasons. As a senior, he broke the state single-season WAT C H records for The Zags face West rebounds and Virginia on Thursday. blocked shots Tipoff is set for and was named 4:39 pm on TBS. Nevada Player of the Year. His accomplishments, not surprisingly, drew a lot of interest.

Scholarship offers poured in. Mountain West standouts San Diego State and New

Zach Collins’ post moves make him an NBA prospect.

GONZAGA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS PHOTO

Mexico courted Collins, as did Pac-12 programs Cal and Utah. Even national powerhouse Arizona tried to land the big man, but he chose Gonzaga.

When he committed to Few’s program in the spring of 2015, his prospects to start as a freshman seemed strong, and not just because of his talent. Kyle Wiltjer and Przemek Karnowski were both expected to be done with school by the time Collins ar-

rived. Karnowski is still here, as is transfer Johnathan Williams.

But coming off the bench is nothing new to Collins.

At Bishop Gorman, he played behind McDonald’s All-Americans Chase Jeter (now a sophomore at Duke) and Stephen Zimmerman, a rookie with the Orlando Magic. It wasn’t until his senior year that Collins became his school’s star.

That experience is no doubt paying dividends for the energetic super-sub this season.

Collins managed just four points in the WCC Tournament final victory over Saint Mary’s. But late in the game, he put back a missed Karnowski free throw. The crowd’s reaction to the hometown kid’s play was one of the loudest moments of the tournament. It was part of a minute-long sequence of pure aggression from the Zags that completely blew the game open — a sequence perhaps spurred pregame by Collins’ taste in music.

Before games, if he’s looking to get into a mean or aggressive mindset, Collins likes listening to Disturbed or Green Day. “I’m a big-time Green Day guy,” he says.

He’s also a big-time, unprecedented player for the Zags — a McDonald’s AllAmerican coming off the bench as part of Gonzaga’s powerful, unrelenting frontcourt attack. n

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Spokane County 22 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

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Marching on: This Zags team has taken all the steps necessary for greatness.

RAJAH BOSE PHOTO

One for the Books Before their Sweet Sixteen run, the Zags spent the season proving just how special this year’s team is

BY WILL MAUPIN

NOV. 25: 77-72 WIN VS. FLORIDA

The Zags’ first real test of the season came in their fifth game. It was the semifinal of the AdvoCare Invitational in Orlando, Florida, and Gonzaga trailed the Gators for the majority of the contest. A loss would’ve put an end to the undefeated-season discussion before it could really get started. More important, it would’ve robbed the Zags of two of their best wins this season.

Florida has had a surprisingly successful season, finishing second in the Southeastern Conference, and reaching the Sweet Sixteen themselves. With the win, the Zags advanced to play Iowa State in the title game. They won 73-71 against the Cyclones, who finished tied for second in the Big 12 Conference behind perennial power Kansas.

DEC. 3: 69-62 WIN VS. ARIZONA

Year after year, the Zags and Wildcats are among the West’s best, and this season was no different.

When they met at L.A.’s Staples Center, both were ranked among the AP poll’s top 16 teams.

Four Zags scored in double figures, but the Wildcats clawed their way back late, outscoring Gonzaga 36-31 in the second half. The Zags held on, picking up the program’s second win in eight tries against Arizona. All eight meetings have come since Gonzaga burst onto the national scene in 1999. Defeating Arizona was huge for this year’s Zags, and the teams could face off again in the West regional final to go to the Final Four.

FEB. 11: 74-64 WIN AT SAINT MARY’S

These rivals were turning to the home stretch of the best season in both programs’ histories. The Zags were 25-0 and the Gaels were close behind at 22-2, which drew the eye of ESPN’s Col-

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lege GameDay. It was the Zags’ fifth GameDay appearance, but their first against a West Coast Conference foe. Like the majority of their conference games this season, it was a comfortable victory. Gonzaga got the win, against a high-quality opponent, at a time of the evening early enough for East Coast viewers to catch the action.

FEB. 25: 79-71 LOSS VS. BYU

Sitting at 29-0 in the Kennel on senior night, the Zags were one win away from completing the 20th undefeated regular season in the history of men’s Division I NCAA basketball. They opened the game red-hot, running out to an early 18-2 lead, and it looked as if history was about to be made. But BYU’s Eric Mika went off, scoring 29 points and keying a late-game run as the Cougars stunned Zag Nation. BYU outscored Gonzaga 20-11 over the game’s final 10 minutes, including the final 10 points in the last two, and took down the nation’s No. 1 team. How the Zags rebounded from their first loss would be key to their NCAA Tournament seeding.

MARCH 7: 74-56 WIN VS. SAINT MARY’S

Randy Bennett took over at Saint Mary’s in 2001; since then, the Zags and Gaels have met in nine WCC Tournament championship games.

Clearly, they’ve been the conference’s two best teams. This season, as both were ranked in the AP Top 25 from the start, they were among the nation’s best as well. This — all due respect to BYU — was the matchup that college basketball deserved. The outcome — all due respect to Saint Mary’s — was as well. Gonzaga was dominant in Las Vegas, improving to 32-1 and locking up a top seed in the NCAA Tournament’s West Region. n

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CULTURE | DIGEST

LITERATURE LILAC CITY FAIRY TALES T

ales of deceptive vampire-witch covens, magicwielding sisterhoods, conjoined twins and spirit world communicators are just some of the denizens readers encounter inside the third edition of Lilac City Fairy Tales, being released during a special fundraiser event this weekend.

The anthology’s latest volume features short stories and poems by nearly 80 contributing writers from the Inland Northwest and beyond — some are widely recognized local authors; others are publishing for the first time — and is subtitled Weird Sisters. Proceeds from the collection’s sale, and tickets to its launch event at the Bing Crosby Theater, benefit programs at Spark Central, the community literacy and resource center aimed at providing creative and educational opportunities to youths from Spokane’s West Central neighborhood.

“We continue to support them because they’re a great and vital community center in a neighborhood that needs it,” says project organizer and local author Sharma Shields. “And, you know, they put on so many great literary events and programs for kids.”

Work featured in the 250-page anthology both loosely and directly falls under the collection’s “Weird Sisters” theme. These stories range from realistic portraits of sibling relationships to fantastical or modern reimaginings of the otherworldly beings and parables that populate classic fairy tale lore.

“We always get a little bit of a mix, and we really want a lot of variety in the anthology,” Shields says. “If people aren’t really

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

BY SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL

BOOK A Russian man, an American woman and a Japanese man volunteer for 1½ years of isolation that will test whether they have what it takes to be the first people on Mars. Like the astronauts at the center of its story, the writing in THE WANDERERS, by Meg Howrey, is at once sensual and jilting, awkwardly robotic and then totally human. The would-be planet explorers, hyperaware that their every movement, breath and word is being monitored, must remain in control in an environment totally out of their control. With each chapter told from the perspective of a different character, you also follow a daughter worried that her mother’s achievements will overshadow her own life, an adolescent son discovering his sexuality, and a wife who has spent more time away from her husband than with him.

into fantastical writing, they don’t have to write that way, and we have beautiful pieces” written in each style, she adds.

Most of the pieces contained in the collection are by women writers, but this designation didn’t exclude others from contributing. The volume’s cover art and page design was created by local designer Keely Honeywell, and the submission review panel consisted of all women actively involved in the literary arts community.

“We received more than twice the amount of submissions than last year,” Shields notes. “I feel like it really does get better and fuller every year, and longer.”

For the collection’s launch, featured contributors to the book are slated to read their pieces on stage.

Local folk musician Caridwen Irvine-Spatz also will perform original music inspired by the fairy tale genre, and the audience is treated to a performance of Scene 1, Act 1 of Macbeth — featuring the three witches, aka the “weird sisters” — directed by Sara Edlin-Marlowe.

Afterward, find the collection for sale ($15) at Auntie’s Bookstore, Spark Central, and Atticus Coffee & Gifts. Copies can also be ordered online at scablandsbooks.org.

— CHEY SCOTT

ALBUM You know when you’ve been living through a dark, unending winter and need a pick-me-up?

In times like these, turn to albums like STADIUM CAKE, last summer’s debut from Oh Pep! The Australian indie-pop duo takes inspiration from folk, jazz and electronic music, creating an expansive sound with uplifting and catchy beats. “Doctor Doctor,” the track that introduced most of us to the Nova Scotiarecorded album, is addicting and strikes a nerve with lyrics like: “I went to the doctor and the doctor said, ‘To fix the pain, you’re gonna have to change.’ I kind of try but I don’t succeed. I know what I want and it’s not what I need.” Other top tracks: “Bushwick” and “Only Everyone.”

RECIPE If you’re still trying to eat somewhat healthy but want something that will satisfy your sweet tooth, Smitten Kitchen food genius Deb Perelman’s recipe for APPLE SHARLOTKA is tasty and simple. Sort of a cake, sort of a custard, sort of a great way to use up a lot of apples, I’ve made it with great success for potlucks and when invited to dinner. While the original is really focused on the apples, I like to double the amount of batter, which adds to the height and cakey-ness of the treat. Finish the crisp, caramelized top with some powdered sugar, and for those who aren’t counting calories, drizzle with some salted caramel sauce if you dare. n

Lilac City Fairy Tales 2017: Weird Sisters • Sat, March 25 from 7-9 pm • $11-$22 • Bing Crosby Theater • 901 W. Sprague • sparkcentral.org

MEMORABLE HAPPENS HERE.

From intimate gatherings to corporate meetings, the Spokane Convention Center provides unique spaces, dedicated event management and unparalleled service.

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24 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

SPFD_Memorable_032317_5H_KS.pdf

Nutritious Knowledge Regional food banks are doing more to educate clients and the public on healthy eating choices

BY TARYN PHANEUF

S

helves at the Community Food Bank in Pullman overflow with cans of cranberry sauce left over from the holidays. Rows of dried and canned beans, lentils and peas are stacked alongside pre-made soups and bags of pasta. For many households each month, meals are built around the wide array of foodstuffs found here. It’s not always an easy task.

To show just how hard it can be — and to raise some money in an entertaining way — Pullman’s Community Action Center is hosting a Chopped-style event this weekend. Three local chefs are competing to see who can cook up the best dish using only ingredients typically found at the food bank.

The competition includes chefs Will Wohlfeil of South Fork Public House, Matthew Lasof of Washington State University’s Northside Café and Ryan Avery, a local amateur chef. As time on the clock ticks down, they’ll each put together a dish using specified ingredients, including a mystery item to be revealed just before the challenge begins. As event attendees watch this culinary action unfold in front of them, they’ll be treated to appetizers and a no-host beer and wine bar.

After time is up, the chefs will present their creations to a panel of judges, including Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson, Chef Joan Swenson of Paradise Creek Brewery, Chrisi Kincaid of WSU, WSU Executive Chef Jamie Callison, and a guest judge selected from the audience. The winner receives the coveted “Golden Spatula.”

Wohlfeil says he feels a connection with the Community Action Center because it’s practically a neighbor, located just a block from the restaurant. He says that South Fork occasionally donates to the food bank. Wohlfeil has worked at South Fork, which serves traditional American pub food, for a little more than two years. Before that, he spent 20 years at the Hilltop Restaurant in Pullman. He jumped at the chance to compete in a competition like those he enjoys watching on TV, and figures the competition will be similar to rummaging through the restaurant pantry to put together specials.

“Hopefully it’s not too hard, but you never know until you’re actually in the position,” Wohlfeil says. “It all changes when you don’t have your usual kitchen there.”

T

he Community Action Center hopes to raise enough money from the event to cover the final costs of a teaching kitchen that’s finishing construction this spring, Executive Director Jeff Guyett says. Once the kitchen is up and running, the Center can ...continued on next page

The Kitchen at Second Harvest, managed by Jandyl Doak, is used to teach food bank recipients healthy cooking skills.

FOOD | FOOD BANKS

How to use viduals and families who may be forced to decide between buying gas, paying rent or purchasing groceries. The food bank gave away more than 150,000 pounds of food last year. The nonprofit also distributed more than 2,500 pounds of produce from its gardens and hydroponics system, used to grow greens year-round. In 2016, about 7,000 people used the food bank.

In 2015, with limited space, the Community Action Center started hosting small cooking classes, such as using a folding table to demonstrate how to make homemade salad dressing. But it was apparent then that a full-size kitchen was needed to teach a wider variety of skills and recipes.

I

CAC Director Jeff Guyett says the teaching kitchen will be similar to one at Spokane’s Second Harvest.

TARYN PHANEUF PHOTO

“NUTRITIOUS KNOWLEDGE,” CONTINUED... offer cooking and nutrition classes. They’ll also use the space to recover prepared food from local kitchens, including WSU dining halls and local caterers or restaurants. Guyett says the plan is to collect leftovers, split them into sizes suited to large and small households, then keep the food frozen until it’s distributed.

Called the Community Kitchen, it’s been a dream and a plan for more than two years. Similar to the teaching kitchen at Second Harvest in Spokane, the Community Action Center addition will have work

stations for class participants to follow along as they experience cooking different recipes.

It’ll be smaller than Second Harvest’s kitchen, but shares the same goal: Help people feel comfortable in the kitchen and making good meal choices for themselves and their families.

The Community Kitchen joins the Center’s food bank and community garden program, both geared toward alleviating food insecurity in Whitman County — which has the highest rate in the state — by providing more access to fresh, nutritious food to indi-

n Spokane, Second Harvest’s teaching kitchen has hosted workshops and classes for about a year and a half. Julie Humphreys, community relations manager for the nonprofit, says that Second Harvest is really starting to ramp up its cooking class list, putting ENTRÉE more than Get the scoop on local ever on the food news with our weekly calenEntrée newsletter. Sign up dar, and at Inlander.com/newsletter. branching out from budget cooking and soup to niche topics like how to make kombucha. The nonprofit is also offering more paid classes that are of interest even to folks not relying on its food distribution services, including gourmet cooking sessions and kids’ classes.

Humphreys says that one goal of opening the kitchen was to provide a model to Second Harvest’s community partners, whose leaders also agree that the next step to distributing food is teaching people how to cook and eat well.

“When you just hand somebody something, it only gets them so far,” Humphreys says. “An on-site kitchen … is critical. It gives [clients] a place to learn where they’re already getting their food.” n Chef’s Challenge 2017 • Sun, March 26 at 5 pm • $15/$20 at the door • Gladish Community & Cultural Center • 115 NW State St., Pullman • cacwhitman.org • 334-9147

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PULL-OUT SECTION

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Now you know how!

PULL-OUT & KEEP! BEST OF

THE INLAND NORTHWEST READERS’ POLL RESULTS

SUPPLEMENT TO THE INLANDER

7

28 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

Thank you Spokane!

f o t G s N e I H B T the

Y R E

EV CONTENTS

FOOD...................................................30 NIGHTLIFE ..........................................40 SHOPPING .........................................48 PEOPLE ............................................... 58 SANDPOINT .......................................68 MUSIC ................................................. 70 RECREATION ...................................... 76 KIDS & FAMILY ..................................80 DRINK LOCAL..................................... 82 THE PALOUSE ....................................90 THE ARTS ...........................................92 FIND THE WINNERS .........................98

CONTRIBUTORS SECTION EDITOR: Jacob H. Fries ART DIRECTOR: Derek Harrison LAYOUT: Alissia Blackwood PHOTOGRAPHERS: Hector Aizon, Dan Couillard, Taryn Phaneuf, Carrie Scozzaro, Young Kwak WRITERS: Mike Bookey, Adam Boyd, Jordy Byrd, Tuck Clarry, Wilson Criscione, Connor Dinnison, E.J. Iannelli, Scott A. Leadingham, Dan Nailen, Taryn Phaneuf, Mitch Ryals, Jordan Satterfield, Chey Scott, Carrie Scozzaro, Cara Strickland, Daniel Walters, Nathan Weinbender, Samantha Wohlfeil

Artwork by Jacob Greif

H

ere at the Inlander, the Best of the Inland Northwest is one of our faves.

Obviously it’s the same for you, dear readers, as it flies off the racks and across social media when it’s published every March. All voters have strong feelings about where to grab an epic doughnut or taste a killer IPA; we collect, compile and count it all, wrap it up in a beautiful package of colorful newsprint and… well, here it is!

Speaking of beer, in case you hadn’t noticed, it’s become kind of a big deal around here, so we’ve added a DRINK LOCAL section and even more beer questions for 2017 — Best Beer Event, Best New Brewery and Best Growler Fills. And our readers in the PALOUSE stepped up, sharing their favorites from Pullman to Moscow and from Rockford to Spangle. Whether you live in SANDPOINT or spend big chunks of your summer there, you can learn where the locals go for breakfast or happy hour. And our readers with young KIDS are offering advice on everything from where to hold your next birthday party to who gives the best music lessons.

As you peruse this, our 24th annual Best of the Inland Northwest issue, also keep a special lookout for an out-of-the-way little whiskey den with a big following, a great place to dance in downtown Coeur d’Alene and even a changing of the guard (sort of) in Best Gifts.

Congratulations to all of our 2017 winners, and to every vote-getter who is Best of the Inland Northwest in somebody’s heart!

7 BEST PATIO DINING

BEST FINE DINING

7 BEST DESSERT

BEST APPETIZERS

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FOOD

30 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

7

BEST GIFTS

Thank You For Voting For Us! Gordy’s Lemon Chicken is a can’t-miss crowd-pleaser.

Every burger & fry is made to order, from scratch, the old-fashioned way. Our hamburgers are made with 100% fresh ground beef. We also have a turkey and garden burger. Any burger can be made as a lettuce wrap.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

BEST ASIAN FOOD

GORDY’S SICHUAN CAFE

If you ask around about good Asian food in Spokane, you’ll hear a lot about Gordy’s. Tucked away just off Grand, it’s worth seeking out. If it’s been a while since you’ve been there, you’ll want to say “Hi” to new owners (and longtime chefs) Dan Burns and Casey Riendeau. Rest assured, they’ve kept the menu just the same. (CARA M. STRICKLAND) 2nd PLACE: The Mustard Seed; 3rd PLACE: Red Dragon; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Bonsai Bistro, Coeur d’Alene

BEST ITALIAN FOOD

TOMATO STREET, NORTH SPOKANE AND DOWNTOWN

The welcome starts with the complimentary play-dough for the young (and young at heart) members of your party. From there, your server will make sure your meal is fun and memorable at this locally owned and operated Spokane staple. Tomato Street prides themselves on cuisine from scratch, open kitchens and brick pizza ovens. (CMS) 2nd PLACE: Luigi’s; 3rd PLACE: Italian Kitchen, Italia Trattoria (tie); NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Tito’s Italian Grill, Coeur d’Alene

BEST BURGERS

WISCONSINBURGER

For the third year in a row, Wisconsinburger takes home this coveted honor.

Maybe it’s their housemade bacon jam? Whatever the reason, it’s clear that this Perry gem, inspired by mom-and-pop burger joints in Wisconsin, is a Spokane favorite. (CMS) 2nd PLACE: D. Lish’s Hamburgers; 3rd PLACE: Waddell’s; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Hudson’s Hamburgers

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MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 31

FOOD

“Pig Out has really become a big party now,” says organizer Bill Burke.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

BEST FOOD EVENT/FESTIVAL

PIG OUT IN THE PARK 2017

F HALL O

FAME

T

he way to a community’s heart, to repurpose an old axiom, is through its stomach. That’s probably why Pig Out in the Park is celebrating not only its 38th year as a festival, but its 10th year of being ranked as Spokane’s premier food and music event, earning it a spot in the Best Of Hall of Fame.

Bill Burke has been organizing the popular food festival since its inception, when he “stole some great ideas” from cities across the country and put them together in a single affordable event.

In that time he’s seen Pig Out grow from a small-scale festival featuring local restaurants into the six-day orgy of food and entertainment that it is today, with recognizable headliners like John Mayall and Bo Diddley, specialty food vendors from all over the region, and what Burke cites as “a $4.5 to $4.8 million

economic impact to Spokane every year.

“Pig Out has really become a big party now,” he says. “It’s exciting, it’s fun. Last year we had 110,000 people attend. We had more food sales than ever. It’s amazing how many people continue to join the Pig Out fanbase.

We’ve hired almost 2,000 bands and given [the music] to everybody for free. And that’s the original premise of what Pig Out was about: a big, free music festival.”

Along with music trends, he’s also watched foodie fads change over the decades: “For a while everything was Asian: Asian hot dogs, teriyaki. Then everybody wanted to serve the cheesesteak sandwich. Then everybody wanted to do gyros. Deep-fried everything, that was another trend. From deep-fried Snickers to Twinkies to cherry pies, everything got deep-fried. And, my word, has bacon become popular. You can wrap anything

in bacon and people will dig it.”

Yet despite — or maybe because of — its continued growth and changing culinary trends, Burke says that Pig Out in the Park has become an immovable feast in the city’s summertime calendar.

“Everybody tells me they come back because it’s the end-of-summer bash in Spokane.

It’s the big deal,” he says. “I run into people now who are in their 30s, and they come up to me and say, ‘I remember when my mom and dad used to take me down to Pig Out.’ We’ve seen generations now. I’m now dealing with the children and grandchildren of the vendors that I originally started Pig Out with. That’s kind of weird.”

— E.J. IANNELLI 2nd PLACE: Epicurean Delight; 3rd PLACE: Restaurant Wars

Thanks, Spokane, for awarding us The Best

3RD & DIVISION • SPOKANE, WA 32 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

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Sweeto had one goal — win Best Of — and they did it! HECTOR AIZON (BOTTOM) PHOTO

BEST BURRITO

SWEETO BURRITO

S

purchase at the registers.

Classic American foods are deconstructed and then resurrected, more powerful than ever, in burrito form. The “All-American,” for example, is a cheeseburger burrito stuffed with bacon, French fries, American cheese and fry sauce. I go even meatier, choosing the “Carnivore” with steak, chicken, bacon, cheese, rice, cilantro ranch dressing and Sriracha. It comes wrapped in foil, sealed with a luchador sticker. I put off unwrapping it for a few minutes as I savor Sweeto’s crispy tater tots.

And then I look down. My burrito is gone and I’m licking my fingers. It was good. Really good.

The food here is a bit pricier than your typical fast-food burrito, but Isaak says there’s a reason for that.

“It is fresh and made every day in-house with real ingredients,” he says. “That is real meat that is marinated and smoked every day.”

Isaak has put his money where his mouth is, launching four locations in rapid succession in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. He describes the food here with a sort of giddy evangelical zeal.

“For a lot of people it’s a darn-near religious experience,” Isaak says. “It just knocks me on my ass.”

— DANIEL WALTERS 2nd PLACE: Atilano’s; 3rd PLACE: Neato Burrito

YAY!

#1 7

THANK YOU!

yippee!

tomers My cus best! are the

y To iss M

cott Isaak gave Sweeto Burrito a mission.

Take home the Inlander readers poll’s first-place vote for Best Burrito.

“We better darn well win this thing,” Isaak, the owner of Sweeto Burrito’s locations in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, told his managers.

“It’s our goal. We’re here to be known for our burritos.”

Mission accomplished.

The burritos here have names like the “Buff Chick,” “Break Neck” and “Carne Assassin.”

Kids can get the “Lil’ Porky,” while vegetarians can order the “Veggie Avenger.” The “Chango” is a deep-fried cheesecake burrito, rolled in cinnamon and sugar.

No, this isn’t authentic Mexican food. But it’s not going for authentic. It’s going for inventive, going for delicious.

Isaak describes this particular genre of food as not quite Tex-Mex, but “Sturgis-Mex.” Sweeto Burrito got its first big boost, after all, when its founder, Riverside High School alum Jon Pierre Francia, took his food truck to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in North Dakota in 2011.

Isaak, a 48-year-old former farmer, describes Sweeto’s aesthetic as a “Bermuda Triangle between UFC fighters, Harley-Davidson riders and the neighborhood pub.” The neon sign out front reads “LUNCHADOR”; big letters on the wall proclaim “FLAVOR WORTH FIGHTING FOR!” Luchador masks are available for

JAN, THE TOY LADY, IS ECSTATIC ABOUT BEING VOTED THE BEST TOY STORE BY THE INLANDER READERS:

St

or

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River Park Square (509) 456-TOYS MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 33

FOOD BEST PIZZA

PIZZA RITA

A Spokane favorite since 1989, Pizza Rita has long been innovating on the pizza scene. Take their crust, for example; they let it rise in the pan like bread, baking until it’s crispy. Clearly, Spokane approves. (CMS) 2nd PLACE: The Flying Goat; 3rd PLACE: South Perry Pizza; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Fire, Coeur d’Alene

BEST SANDWICHES

DOMINI

If you work downtown, you probably know that Domini stacks their deli-style sandwiches high with meats and cheeses (you’ll have to go elsewhere for your veggies). Each order is served with freshly popped popcorn. This family-owned restaurant also serves soups and smaller sandwiches (if you must). (CMS) 2nd PLACE: The High Nooner; 3rd PLACE: Caruso’s

BEST APPETIZERS

Buy Dick’s by the bag full.

TWIGS

The sophisticated atmosphere of any of the four local Twigs locations is the perfect backdrop for an appetizer (or two) along with a signature cocktail. Whether you’re a fan of the Gorgonzola fondue with your fries, or one of several decked-out flatbreads, you’re clearly not alone. (CMS) 2nd PLACE: The Safari Room; 3rd PLACE: Clinkerdagger; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: The White House Grill, Post Falls

7 BEST BURRITO HOME TO THE INLAND NORTHWEST’S

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34 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

BEST FOOD TRUCK

BEST CHEAP EATS

Founded by a group of three friends (ninjas) in 2014, this food truck emphasizes fresh ingredients. While they’ll make any style of food when they cater, they describe their menu as “where health meets heat.” (CMS) 2nd PLACE: Couple of Chefs; 3rd PLACE: Tacos del Sol; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Taco Works, Coeur d’Alene

In 1954, Abe Miller opened Spokane’s first fast-food restaurant, a place called Kirk’s, located at Division and Wellesley. In 1964, Miller opened a second restaurant called Dick’s Hamburgers, and it’s been serving burgers by the bagful to loyal fans ever since. (CMS) 2nd PLACE: Zip’s Drive-In; 3rd PLACE: Atilano’s

3 NINJAS

DICK’S HAMBURGERS

BEST FINE DINING BEST DESSERT

CLINKERDAGGER

The perennial favorite still holds sway over the hearts (and stomachs) of diners after more than 40 years in business in the Flour Mill. Old World charm, sweeping views of the Spokane River and downtown (voted one of the 100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America for 2016 by OpenTable diners), legendary grub and service; Clinkerdagger remains a beloved destination for an evening (or power lunch) of refined English pub-style cuisine. And, of course, dessert. It’s no secret: “Clink’s” Burnt Cream dessert has amassed a cult following in the decades it’s tickled the taste buds of diners across the Pacific Northwest. (CONNOR DINNISON) Best Fine Dining 2nd PLACE: Churchill’s Steakhouse; 3rd PLACE: Wild Sage; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Beverly’s, Coeur d’Alene

BEST STEAKS

CHURCHILL’S STEAKHOUSE

BEST SUSHI

SUSHI.COM

The reviews speak volumes: “Best steak I have ever eaten in my life,” “cooked to perfection,” “I have never found a better steak anywhere.” Churchill’s, a self-described Chicago-style steakhouse, named after the iconic British Bulldog, is primed to satisfy the carnivore’s palate. Meat lovers rejoice: their dry-aged steaks, carved in-house by a master meat cutter and cooked on a custom radiant broiler (the New York Strip is highly touted), are a hit. (CD) 2nd PLACE: Wolf Lodge Inn, Coeur d’Alene; 3rd PLACE: Spencer’s

What downtown bistro Sushi.com lacks in inventiveness of name and ambience (one Zomato reviewer calls it “American dive meets the East”) it compensates for in creativity in the kitchen and on the plate. Recurring praise for the Harley Davidson, Kyle and Oh! Kevin rolls (the latter, a kind of shrimp tempura topped with deep-fried salmon, bears the name of its creator, the restaurant’s owner) is warranted: it’s again the top choice in town. (CD) 2nd PLACE: QQ Sushi & Kitchen; 3rd PLACE: Ginger Asian Bistro; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Bonsai Bistro, CdA

THANKS FOR VOTING! Best Comedian

JARED MUNSON

e see me at : Com

THANK YOU To our loyal customers!

Best Dessert 2nd PLACE: Sweet Frostings; 3rd PLACE: Dockside, Coeur d’Alene

BEST PUB

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NORTH

101 E. Hastings Rd. 509-413-1834

SOUTH

5620 S. Regal St. 509-368-9760 poolespublichouse.com MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 35

FOOD Thanks Spokane for voting us #1

BEST WHISKEY SELECTION BEST NEW NIGHTSPOT

hogwash whiskey den

304 W PACIFIC AVE SPOKANE WA

THANK YOU For your votes!

“Best New Nightspot”

Owners Viljo and Autumn Basso inside their Coeur d’Alene bistro.

DAN COUILLARD PHOTO

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Buy One Get One

FREE

NOT VALID FOR SPECIAL EVENTS OFFER EXPIRES 10/20/17

North Idaho’s BEST BAKERY • Bakery by the Lake at Parkside Open everyday at 6am

601 E. Front St. Ste 104 • Coeur d’Alene, ID • 208.415.0681

36 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

MIDTOWN BLUEBIRD

M

idtown Bluebird serves the kind of food they like to eat, say restaurant owners Viljo and Autumn Basso, whose travels and living in Seattle and Portland inspired them to start the Coeur d’Alene bistro in May of 2016. Popular items include the mussels in chorizo, octopus with white beans, scallops and their housemade pickle plate. The décor is eclectic, with Old West photos on the walls and funky lighting and seating throughout, the kind of place you might stumble into while exploring Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood or wandering Portland’s famous Pearl District.

The menu puts a Bluebird spin on traditional dining with categories such as “Leafy and Liquid” (salad and soup) and “Forks, Spoons, Knives and Fingers” (entrées). Seasonal dishes span the globe, from spicy Korean bi bim bap with duck confit served in a little kettle to a tater tot “poutine” casserole. True to Chef Viljo’s classic cooking background, presentation is a priority, making each dish feel like a special occasion.

In addition to being a great place to grab

a beer and a snack or meet friends for Sunday night trivia, Midtown Bluebird is also a celebration of community.

On the back of Midtown Bluebird’s menu is a note to customers expressing appreciation for supporting not only the restaurant, but also its staff, and by extension the local community. “When you eat out,” it reads, “just remember your money helps take care of a community… From the servers, cooks, bartenders and dishwashers… to the families of our suppliers.”

“We like Midtown because it’s out of the touristy areas and it is more of a neighborhood feel,” says Autumn. The couple’s other restaurant, Syringa Sushi and Café Bar, is also in Midtown, a loosely defined neighborhood along Coeur d’Alene’s Fourth Street corridor with a mixture of restaurants, small businesses, thrift shops and residences.

“We are seeing new places opening and more people supporting the established business,” says Autumn. “We’re thankful for our community and appreciate being recognized.”

— CARRIE SCOZZARO

BEST BAKERY

ROCKET BAKERY

With an empire that stretches from the South Hill (in a newly renovated and expanded space) north through two locations downtown to Garland and east to Millwood, chances are you’ve seen a Rocket Bakery. Their baked goodies (scones, muffins, breakfast bagels, quiche, etc.) are all made locally, as is their coffee, usually with the roasts of Post Falls’ DOMA. As one Facebook follower puts it: “Awesome people! Awesome place! Awesome food!” (CD) 2nd PLACE: Boots Bakery; 3rd PLACE: Petit Chat Bakery; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Bakery by the Lake, Coeur d’Alene

BEST DOUGHNUTS

CASUAL FRIDAY DOUGHNUTS

If you have an unquenchable sweet tooth and little willpower, steer clear of North Division’s Casual Friday Doughnuts. The popular pit stop for classic treats like maple bars (a vegan version, too) and glazed rings is also renowned for their MOAD (Mother of All Donuts), a glazed, layered croissant with chocolate and caramel drizzle, topped with powdered sugar (tip: it sells out). Homemade, handcrafted and huge, it’s no wonder these doughnuts have Spokanites drooling. (CD) 2nd PLACE: Krispy Kreme; 3rd PLACE: Retro Donuts; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Donut House, Hayden

BEST PATIO DINING BEST SEAFOOD

ANTHONY’S AT SPOKANE FALLS

Seafood tastes better when you can hear gushing water and catch a misty breeze on your skin. Anthony’s offers just that; an unbelievably breezy dining experience, best enjoyed on the patio overlooking the Spokane Falls.

The seafood is seasonal and sustainable, offering mouth-watering plates of Dungeness crab, steak and prawns, and pan-fried oysters. (JORDY BYRD) Best Patio Dining 2nd PLACE: Clinkerdagger; 3rd PLACE: Central Food; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Bardenay, Coeur d’Alene Best Seafood 2nd PLACE: Milford’s Fish House; 3rd PLACE: Zona Blanca; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Cedars Floating Restaurant, Coeur d’Alene

BEST ICE CREAM

BRAIN FREEZE CREAMERY

With two permanent locations and an ice cream truck, Brain Freeze Creamery serves up the best scoopfuls one could ask for. With a couple of dozen flavors to choose from, they also offer breakfast and lunch options and a delicious affogato — a cup of ice cream drowned in a shot of hot espresso. (TUCK CLARRY) 2nd PLACE: The Scoop; 3rd PLACE: Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Rogers Ice Cream & Burgers, CdA

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 37

FOOD

The Davenport knows how to do decadence.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

BEST BRUNCH

THE DAVENPORT HOTEL

A

s with almost any occasion that takes place inside this historic crown jewel of downtown Spokane, guests at the Davenport Hotel’s weekly Sunday Champagne Brunch may feel like they’ve been transported to another time, and another place.

Held inside one of the ornate, palace-like ballrooms, this Sunday mid-morning meal is an event that’s been a special setting — or simply a treat, a break from one’s weekend routine — for diners of all ages, from near and far. Incredibly popular during the holidays (including

38 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

the upcoming spring trio of Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day), and to celebrate other festive occasions and milestones, the decadent meal is so popular that reservations are highly recommended, if not necessary.

If you’ve never had the opportunity to go, that’s OK; the rest of this write-up should give you a decent idea of what you’re missing, and why you should put it on your local culinary “bucket list.”

Upon arrival, guests’ eyes are often drawn, naturally, to several glorious milk chocolate fountains next to artful towers of fresh fruit. Unless chocolate and fruit is all you

care about, don’t overlook the main attraction, a buffet line feast fit for a queen. There, you’ll find seafood (read: jumbo shrimp with cocktail sauce), salads, trays of finger food and cheeses, and a carved meat station with prime rib, turkey, ham and lamb.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper brunch without a stem of Champagne or a mimosa, included in the meal price. For those looking to get a little wilder, a trip to the build-your-own Bloody Mary bar is another essential feature here.

If none of those items strikes your fancy, do not fear; there’s something tasty for everyone, no matter your concept of brunch, including folks (like me) who feel that classic breakfast items are the nutritionary highlights of life. Made-to-order crepe and omelet stations suit the needs of these classic breakfast types, and remain a Davenport brunch guest favorite, says hotel marketing director Matt Jensen.

And while it’s a bit more spendy than, say, a family trip to the nearby waffle house chain, this brunch’s quality is unmatched. Served as an all-you-can-eat meal, no one will (or should) judge anyone for making a second, third or fourth trip back to the buffet line.

Large parties regularly partake in this weekly affair, but it’s always in your group’s best interest to make reservations ahead of your visit (call 789-6848 or book on opentable.com) so that any “hangry” people in the party get seated and started in the buffet line ASAP. Sunday Brunch at the Davenport is served from 10 am-1 pm, with the last seating at 12:45 pm.

— CHEY SCOTT 2nd PLACE: The Yards Bruncheon; 3rd PLACE: Chaps; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Dockside, Coeur d’Alene

BEST BREAKFAST

BEST THAI RESTAURANT

Right up front, Frank’s Diner gets the most important thing right about offering a great breakfast: at least one of its locations is inside a train car. And the food’s great, too. Your average replacement-level diner will offer a decent eggs Benedict, sure. But Frank’s? Frank’s gives you not only the classic eggs Benedict, but a portobello-topped “bistro Benedict,” a “spicy Creole” Benedict, and — this is my favorite — “Great Grandma Nana’s Meatloaf Benedict.” (DANIEL WALTERS) 2nd PLACE: Cottage Cafe; 3rd PLACE: Old European; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: The Garnet Cafe, CdA

Everybody remembers their first time eating Thai food. For me, it didn’t happen until late in college, when a more experienced and worldly woman took me out to Thai Bamboo and showed me just how delicious a plate of something called “Pad Thai” could be.

Sure, in the years since, I’ve had other plates of Thai food from other Thai restaurants. But I’ll always have a special place in my heart for that first plate. Every so often, I’ll return, and have yet another plate of Pad Thai under the glimmering stars (part of the ceiling décor at Thai Bamboo’s Division Street location). (DW) 2nd PLACE: Bangkok Thai; 3rd PLACE: Linnie’s Thai Cuisine

FRANK’S DINER

BEST MEXICAN FOOD

AZTECA

Some people will tell you not to fill up on Azteca’s delicious free chips and salsa before they bring you your delicious Mexican food.

Those people are wrong. Seize the day. Fill up on chips, and then when your chalupas and chimichangas and enchiladas arrive, fill up on those until you can’t possibly eat another bite. Take the rest home. Get an entire delicious second meal out of it tomorrow. Trust me; this works. I know from many years of experience. (DW) 2nd PLACE: Atilano’s; 3rd PLACE: Rancho Chico

THAI BAMBOO

BEST NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED IN 2016-17)

ZONA BLANCA

Before Spokane native and Top Chef competitor Chad White made his return to the region, subsequently opening his first downtown Spokane eatery, a ceviche spot called Zona Blanca, did local diners even know what ceviche is? Without diminishing our readers’ culinary knowledge, it’s true that Chef White introduced many of us to the diverse flavors of this traditional Mexican dish based around raw seafood that’s marinated in citrus juices and a mix of spices.

The resulting mix of flavors and colorful ingredients is a treat for both the mouth and eyes. (CHEY SCOTT) 2nd PLACE: Remedy; 3rd PLACE: 1898 Public House; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Midtown Bluebird, CdA

Thank you for voting us Best Local Winery!

7

1213 W. Railroad Ave, Spokane || (509) 465-3591 || barristerwinery.com Tasting Room 203 N. Washington || (509) 413-1090 MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 39

NIGHTLIFE

BEST KARAOKE

MONTEREY CAFÉ

This island-themed oasis beckons patrons with the intimate afterglow of neon bar signs, monstrous pizzas and late-night karaoke every day of the week. It’s the only place in town where it feels just right to hear Jimmy Buffett, Sia and Neil Diamond back-to-back-to-back with strangers and best friends alike. (JORDY BYRD) 2nd PLACE: Star Lounge; 3rd PLACE: nYne; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: The Iron Horse, Coeur d’Alene

THANKS

To our customers and vendors for voting us #1!

10% OFF Expires 4/15/17

BEST MOVIE THEATER

AMC RIVER PARK SQUARE 20

Two words: power recliners. The AMC movie theater is in River Park Square, the anchor of downtown, and there’s nothing so invigorating as riding the crisscross elevators to the top. Reserve your seats online so you can shop, grab a martini or bowl of pasta before the show. It’s more than a movie, it’s an experience. (JB) 2nd PLACE: Garland Theater; 3rd PLACE: Regal NorthTown Mall Stadium 12; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Regal Riverstone Stadium 14, Coeur d’Alene

BEST Vintage Boutique in North Idaho

1600 E. Seltice Way • Post Falls, ID Tues-Fri 10am-6pm • Sat 10am-5pm

Change is coming. expo event & e d

BEST DANCE CLUB

NYNE

SERVICES

No club in Spokane is as dedicated to having its patrons enjoy complete social freedom as nYne. It features a fully functional version of every kind of positive club experience you could want, from the stand-and-chat bar on its west end, to its lounge seating, to its dive-bar pricing (which is a steal, if I’m being honest). The crown jewel of the space, however, is a dance floor likely bigger than any other in town, and certainly the only one I’ve ever worked up the courage to throw down on. (JORDAN SATTERFIELD) 2nd PLACE: Impulse; 3rd PLACE: Stray; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Mik’s, CdA

formally known as inc.

• Same great company and staff.

• Just a fresh new look and more offerings.

• Stay tuned for information on our new website and much more!

Design Events is an exposition and special events company serving the Inland NW since 1984. Over the years WE GREW- and so did the scope of our offerings. We believe our new logo captures that growth perfectly. Remember, we’re the same great company with just a new look and more to offer!

208.765.2595 • designevents.com • sales@designevents.com

DesignEvents_changeiscoming_032317_6H_KS.pdf

Rage City

Tattoo Tattoos built to last. @chrisspriggs •

@tattoosbynoryan

22. W. Main Street #1 • Spokane WA ragestudios1@hotmail.com MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 41

NIGHTLIFE

Satellite’s award-winning team.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

BEST LATE-NIGHT FOOD

SATELLITE DINER 2017

F HALL O

FAME

T

he Satellite Diner enters the Best Of Hall of Fame this year after racking up 10 years of well-deserved wins. Fans of the diner — and it has earned those by the tableful over the past two decades — will have their own reasons for keeping the Satellite at the very top of the rankings, but founder Colleen Freeman says its unique appeal primarily comes down to one thing: consistency.

“People just like the fact that they know the Satellite’s here, it’s going to be there, and it’s going to be the same each time,” she says. “You know how it is. You’ve got that local, hometown favorite place and you don’t ever want it to change. Other than improving everywhere we can, we’ve tried to remain very consistent and offer people that great quality. I like them

to know what to expect when they come here.”

That’s not to say the Satellite has been frozen in time. It may have started life as just the diner itself, but within six months of opening, it had already annexed an adjoining retail space. That became the Satellite Lounge, with a more nightlife-style vibe. Healthier dishes have been introduced over time. But the mainstay of its menu is still a “whopping breakfast,” hearty burgers and classic sandwiches.

“We’ve added and deleted things over the years, but mostly we just try really hard to give people that great food they expect,” Freeman says. “We don’t try to get super fancy or really bistro-y. It’s just good, down-to-earth diner food.”

While the Satellite is entering the Best Of

Hall of Fame on the strength of its late-night credentials, Freeman is quick to note that the diner is open 21 hours out of every 24, making it an early morning, afternoon and evening hot spot, too.

“We’re not just all about late night,” she says. “This place employs 37 amazing people, and every single one of those people work all these different shifts. We’re rocking at lunchtime and have great lunch specials. We’re super busy before and after events. And then there’s your weekend breakfast. It’s popping all the time.”

— E.J. IANNELLI 2nd PLACE: Atilano’s; 3rd PLACE: Monterey Café

Thanks for making us your favorite!

Sam Adams

42 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

Stephanie Vigil

Dan Kleckner

Kalae Chock

Sean Owsley

Leslie Lowe

BEST NEW NIGHTSPOT (OPENED IN 2016-17)

HOGWASH WHISKEY DEN

I

Beth Simon and her husband, Jim, settle in at Hogwash Whiskey Den. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

n several respects, the timing of Hogwash Whiskey Den’s debut in the days directly after last year’s Thanksgiving holiday couldn’t have been better.

Opening to the public over a long holiday weekend gave locals a new place to show off to their visiting friends and family, as an example to say: “Look how cool our city has become!” But also, at the onset of one of the snowiest winters the Inland Northwest has seen in years, Hogwash immediately became a place for us to hibernate — like drowsy bears in a snug forest cave — and wait out the long, dreary months of cold.

There, we could warm our bodies from the inside out with carefully crafted, whiskey-focused cocktails

by Hogwash’s skilled bartending team, a list of familiar names headed up by bar manager Simon Moorby. A menu of decidedly comforting American classics fills diners’ bellies. Staples include two cheeseburgers (one featuring a decadent square of battered and fried cheddar), cornbread, steamed veggies and other Southerninspired fare on a list by chef-owner Jeremy Hansen, yet Hogwash’s food stands apart from the award-winning local chef’s other culinary operations, including Inland Pacific Kitchen, his latest project located across the hall.

And then there’s the dimly lit, rustic space inside a cozy corner of the historic Washington Cracker Co. Building’s basement that’s been styled with an antiqueinspired, masculine vibe. It’s a den in every sense of the word, and residents have been filling its booths and

bar top on a regular basis for the past four months.

“I don’t think any of us anticipated the high volume we’ve had, especially on weekends,” Moorby says.

“I feel that most craft bars tend to be sort of a slower, more intimate pace, but we’re serving upwards of 70plus people on any given night.”

Joining Moorby behind the bar are some faces — including Ariel St. Clair, Cabby Barnard and Jimmy Curran — recognized by locals who frequent other venues in Spokane’s burgeoning restaurant and bar industry.

With its focus on whiskey-based cocktails — which is all you’ll find on the Den’s menu — Moorby says that Hogwash’s top seller has been, naturally, the Old Fashioned; theirs is based on the famous 1881 recipe from the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, that’s said to have popularized the drink. Both the whiskeycurious and connoisseurs, though, have enjoyed the bar’s version of a whiskey sour with the addition of egg whites.

“Guests are willing to get adventurous and trust in what we can do as bartenders. There is off-menu ordering, and requests to fill out what we can do with the spirits we have on hand,” Moorby says. “We’re able to get pretty whimsical, which is great for us. It keeps us creative and honest in our craft.”

— CHEY SCOTT 2nd PLACE: Spokane Comedy Club; 3rd PLACE: The Reserve

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 43

NIGHTLIFE THANK YOU! for voting us!

Christopher Anderson, right, plays Galaga as Samantha Seay watches at Gamers Arcade Bar.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

BEST ARCADE

GAMERS ARCADE BAR

T

@MANITOTAPHOUSE MANITOTAPHOUSE.COM

3011 S. GRAND BLVD.

| (509)

279-2671

11AM - 10PM SUN-THURS | 11AM - MIDNIGHT FRI & SAT

44 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

he dwindling nature of the arcade industry in the early years of the 21st century is partially perplexing. Sure, the boom in home console gaming came with several advantages: Paying for a game once, and booting it up whenever you want, is likely more convenient for the average consumer than gathering a pocketful of quarters any time you want to kill an alien or save a princess, and maybe the “comfort of your own home” aspect lets people get extra close to the screen and enables our more agoraphobic tendencies.

But there’s nothing in this world like going to the arcade. As a gaming experience, it’s wholly unfair to compare arcades to home gaming.

And while arcades have existed in Spokane for decades, it recently became hard not to be a little jealous of surrounding cities with thriving local businesses offering not only premium machines, but the stiff drinks and good company that make them even better; “barcades,” as the obvious pun goes.

Last summer, a family of business owners who are particularly good at picking up on downtown Spokane’s entertainment blind spots decided it was time for a “barcade” of our own.

Hot off of the success of their Spokane Comedy Club, Renee and Kevin Fandt, alongside their son Adam Norwest and his wife, Bree, opened

Gamers Arcade Bar. Gamers delivers on plenty of strengths.

Namely, the medium-sized collection of games it boasts is consistently terrific, running the gamut from undying relics to beautiful hidden gems.

Classics that you would expect, like Asteroids, Centipede and Ms. Pac-Man, feel right at home next to early-’90s classics like Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat 3, in turn keeping good company with cult favorites like four-player gems The Simpsons and Gauntlet: Dark Legacy.

Gamers also boasts several non-video games as well, seemingly of the most addictive variety — air hockey, arcade basketball and an impressive collection of pinball machines (including Star Wars).

Top that all off with a cheeky, video-gamethemed drink menu, and Gamers ensures that no one has a free hand. Though you need to be 21 to reap the benefits of what Gamers has to offer, you’ll never really stop being the kid who thinks Goro is a cheap character and a game isn’t good unless it’s impossibly difficult.

— JORDAN SATTERFIELD 2nd PLACE: Jedi Alliance; 3rd PLACE: Wonderland; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Triple Play, Hayden

THANK YOU SPOKANE for voting us

Best Jewelry Store 7 years in a row.

We want to be your jeweler for life.

TM

ON-SITE REPAIRS • CUSTOM DESIGN • LARGEST SELECTION 821 North Division • Spokane, WA • 509.487.5905 • JewelryDesignCenter.com

NIGHTLIFE

Northern Quest Resort & Casino has scored again with Inlander readers.

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE BEST ALL-AGES VENUE

THE BARTLETT

Track records don’t lie, people. The staff at the Bartlett is the most musically passionate of any venue in town, a fact that influences every aspect of the business they do. They book among the best acts we’ve ever had in town, the sound is always ace, and even the drinks have a taste of creative passion within. (JS) Best Live Music Venue 2nd PLACE: The Knitting Factory; 3rd PLACE: Zola Best All-Ages Venue 2nd PLACE: The Knitting Factory; 3rd PLACE: The Pin!

46 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

BEST CASINO

NORTHERN QUEST RESORT & CASINO

I’ve lived in places where you can stick a couple of keno and video poker machines in the corner of a dive bar and call it a “casino.”

Clearly our readers are a classier lot, preferring the big-time feel of Northern Quest as their favorite gaming destination. Between its sprawling floor full of table games, oceans of slots, poker tables and separate areas for smokers and non-smokers to play happily, there’s anything an experienced player or beginner could want, including lessons, a luxurious hotel nearby and plenty of dining spots when you want to take a pause in the action. (DAN NAILEN) 2nd PLACE: Coeur d’Alene Casino; 3rd PLACE: Aces Casino

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

BEST SPORTS BAR

EPIC

Quality sports bars must have, at a minimum, great food and an abundance of excellent TV screens. EPIC at Northern Quest certainly fits the bill, starting with a menu that serves stellar grub from breakfast until the last whistle of the night games. And the monster-sized TV screen — 30 feet by 10 feet — makes Seahawks games (among others) seem almost as good as sitting at the Clink itself. (DN) 2nd PLACE: The Swinging Doors; 3rd PLACE: 24 Taps; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Capone’s

BUY ONE BREAKFAST

BEST BOWLING CENTER

GET ONE 1/2 OFF!

LILAC LANES

Around for more than two decades, Lilac’s 32 lanes are a mainstay for parties, leagues and get-togethers.

Fridays and Saturdays are Cosmic Bowling nights, offering black lights to create a unique bowling experience. The alley also offers drinks and grub while you roll, and a casino and poker room if you’d rather play a hand instead. (TUCK CLARRY) 2nd PLACE: Hugo’s on the Hill; 3rd PLACE: North Bowl; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Sunset Bowling Center, CdA

BEST TRIVIA NIGHT

OFFER EXPIRES 04/30/17

BEST BREAKFAST FOR THE PALOUSE

Thank you for voting us Best Breakfast!

harvesterrestaurant.com • 410 W 1st, Spangle • 245-3552

PRESS

Colin Burk is getting the hang of this thing. The bearded emcee hosts trivia Monday nights at Press and Tuesdays at the Backyard Public House (this year’s runner-up). It’s free to play, and teams can win various trinkets and doodads. The first-place winner gets a gift certificate. Burk enforces all the traditional trivia rules: no cellphones, don’t shout out the answer, write legibly. But his No. 1 command? DON’T BE A DICK! (MITCH RYALS) 2nd PLACE: The Backyard Public House; 3rd PLACE: Iron Goat Taproom; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Moose Lounge, CdA

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

Best Sushi DOWNTOWN SPOKANE • CORNER OF MAIN & STEVENS • 509- 838-0630

Thanks Spokane for continuously choosing Wheel Sport as Spokane’s best bike shops.

We want to show our appreciation by having a

Central 1711 N. Division 99207 509-326-3977

Family Bike Sale!

South 3020 S. Grand Blvd.

99203 509-747-4187 Valley 606 N. Sullivan Rd. 99037 509-921-7729

Fuji Nevada 1.7 29

Fuji Nevada 1.8 27.5

Fuji Dynamite Boys & Girls 24

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was: $354.99 save: $60

$449.99

$339.99

$299.99

7 MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 47

SHOPPING

THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US!

BEST THRIFT SHOP

VALUE VILLAGE

You’d never guess that this nondescript warehouse is truly a treasure chest. Arguably the city’s nicest employees sell faux fur coats, vintage dishware, basketballs and floral couches — anything and everything that you can imagine — in support of the Spokane nonprofit the Rypien Foundation. When you buy or donate used goods, you’re also supporting an organization that helps local families battling childhood cancer. (JORDY BYRD) 2nd PLACE: Goodwill; 3rd PLACE: Union Gospel Mission Thrift Stores

BEST JEWELRY

JEWELRY DESIGN CENTER

THANK YOU FOR VOTING DALE’S USED CARS

BEST IN NORTH IDAHO

Jewelry Design Center’s tagline states that they want to be your jewelers for life. An ambitious goal, no doubt, but one that this locally owned, family-run company intends to realize through an unbeatable combo of expert sourcing, custom designs and precision craftsmanship. With that uncompromising long-term commitment, no wonder their customers reciprocated by voting them tops. (E.J. IANNELLI) 2nd PLACE: Pounder’s Jewelry; 3rd PLACE: Dodson’s; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Clark’s Diamond Jewelers, CdA

BEST MED SPA

SHAPE COSMETIC SURGERY & MEDSPA

We might still be searching for the fountain of youth, but in the meantime there’s Shape Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa, which proudly displays countless galleries of before-and-after photos of satisfied customers on its website. What’s more, patients rave about the skill and professionalism of the Shape staff. (EJI) 2nd PLACE: Glo Medical Spa; 3rd PLACE: Sarah Hamilton FACE

OVER 200 TRUCKS IN STOCK

208-667-4563 / 888-667-9030 • 1818 N 4th Coeur d' Alene

7

SOUTH HILL 1230 S. Grand • 309-3830

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 49

SHOPPING

THANK YOU

Inlander Readers Readers Inlander

FOR VOTING us

BEST BURGER

IN SPOKANE

THREE YEARS YEARS running! running!

THREE

Fresh Ground Everyday!

916 s. hatch st. | open daily at 11:30 wisconsinburger.com

Exploring the Tin Roof is made to feel as though you’re walking through someone’s home.

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US NORTH IDAHO’S

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EMMA ROGERS PHOTOS

BEST FURNITURE

THE TIN ROOF

W

hether you want to tie a room together or you’re redoing your space from the ground up, the Tin Roof’s staff of interior designers are happy to help you find the best décor and furniture to accomplish your look.

The Spokane store got its start way back in 1945 as Acme Electric, selling TVs, and later on, computers. Now, the Hanley family’s stores offer pretty much everything you’d find in a living room except for the TV. Walk into the showroom at 1727 E. Sprague and you’ll see everything from modern to transitional to contemporary furniture, all thoughtfully pulled into displays that show how to make a space as comfortable on the eyes as it is to live in.

“We want to make sure that people don’t feel like they’re coming into a store,” says Heather Hanley, a third-generation owner. “We want them to feel like they’re coming into a home.”

Instead of finding a couch with a few armchairs here and there, you’ll find that moving between displays is like being transported to completely different homes.

A cream sofa is decorated with orange and dark-gray throw pillows, with a large, oval wooden mirror on the wall behind it, which in turn is framed by four pieces of art. An open bookshelf

is decorated with an hourglass and accent pieces.

I can imagine the entire setup in a downtown apartment. Move a few feet farther and the color scheme and style has shifted completely; this time, blues and browns and grays create a living room I’d imagine in a new home.

Raymond Ramos, one of the designers, says that he and the rest of the staff like to build up a relationship with customers, really asking what their goals are. If they want a couch, why is that?

What is going to be around the couch?

“If they say they want to upgrade their room, and describe their couch, which sounds OK, but then they have mauve carpet, let’s think about maybe replacing that carpet first,” Ramos says.

“We always try to do the best for our clients.”

If you opt to have them visit your home personally, the designers can also get a feel for what the light is like, and help reimagine pieces you may already have, Hanley says.

“We want to confirm that what you’re looking at will look good in your home,” she says.

— SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL 2nd PLACE: Walker’s Furniture; 3rd PLACE: Dania; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Runge Furniture, CdA

BEST HOTEL

THE HISTORIC DAVENPORT HOTEL

As it vies with the Clock Tower and the Monroe Street Bridge as Spokane’s most iconic landmark, it’s no surprise to see the Historic Davenport Hotel in first place for another year. Still true to Louis Davenport’s vision after more than a century, the hotel prides itself on putting luxury within the reach of everyone. (EJI) 2nd PLACE: The Davenport Grand Hotel; 3rd PLACE: Northern Quest Resort Hotel; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: The Coeur d’Alene Resort

BEST BANK

WASHINGTON TRUST

Much like the city where it got its start 115 years ago, Washington Trust is a good-sized bank with a small-town feel. Its relationshipdriven approach to finances, experienced specialists and strong community focus have quite rightly made it a regular Best Of favorite. (EJI) 2nd PLACE: Banner Bank; 3rd PLACE: Inland Northwest Bank

For readers, the Historic Davenport Hotel stands above.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

BEST PAWN SHOP

BEST NEW CAR DEALERSHIP

BEST HAIR SALON

If you’re looking to make quick cash on the electronics you’ve been sitting on, or trying to find a deal on a guitar you’ve wanted to nab, Pawn 1 and its seven storefronts are as viable an option as it gets. The shop, a hub for pawning in Spokane for more than three decades, continues to be a quality spot for deals. (TUCK CLARRY) 2nd PLACE: Double Eagle Pawn; 3rd PLACE: Axel’s Pawnshop

If you’re in Spokane and find yourself parked next to a Toyota, Honda, Hyundai or Lexus, there’s a good chance it came from downtown’s Larry H. Miller dealership, which has been recognized time and time again for its outstanding service, competitive prices and emphasis on customer satisfaction. (EJI) 2nd PLACE: Wendle Motors; 3rd PLACE: Dave Smith Motors

Back for yet another year — its fifth, incidentally — at the top of its category, Oasis Hair has been keeping professionalism and artistry in the salon experience since 2002. Its expert stylists are hip to the trendiest new looks and hairstyles, and customers can expect luxury treatment at an attractive price. (EJI) 2nd PLACE: The House of POp; 3rd PLACE: 14th and Grand Salon; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Serenity Salon and Tan, Post Falls

PAWN 1

LARRY H. MILLER

OASIS

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Embracing the classic art of barbering

An You Spok

Find Us at: 2802 N Monroe • Call us: (509) 324-CUTS brickyardbarbershop.com MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 51

SHOPPING

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“I wanted it to be comfortable and feel like you were walking into your house,” says owner Chris Banka.

HECTOR AIZON PHOTO

BEST BARBERSHOP

BRICKYARD BARBERSHOP

T Thank yo Inlander

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readers for voting us #1 Pawn Shop aga in!

9 locations in the Spokane & Coeur d’Alene area.

Locally owned for over 38 years.

pawn1.com 52 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

he shockingly cold towel wrapped around my face is a wake-up call from an utterly luxurious experience — a straight-razor shave at Brickyard Bar-

bershop.

The brisk return to reality came after some serious quality time in the chair, as various lotions and potions were massaged into my beard, along with multiple rounds of hot towels that nearly put me into a trance despite the British metal playing over the shop’s sound system. It seemed like almost a half-hour of work went into preparation before barber Matt Case put a blade to my skin.

This was my first experience with a straightrazor shave, or at Brickyard Barbershop, and it was the type of memorable grooming adventure that owner Chris Banka was hoping to provide when he opened up in the spring of 2016. Our readers clearly think that he and his fellow barbers have done the job so far, voting Brickyard Barbershop the best in the Inland Northwest.

“I wanted it to be a traditional-style barbershop, but I also wanted it to have a friendly environment,” Banka says about the space he put together inside a 111-year-old building on North Monroe. “I wanted it to be comfortable and feel like you were walking into your house, but also unique at the same time. I wanted people to walk in and say, ‘Wow, I’ve never been to a barbershop like this.’”

It’s safe to say most haven’t been in a barber-

shop where mounted buffalo and elk heads share wall space with African masks hanging above the six chairs. A bright “Spokane” sign is a bold touch in the building that Banka had to basically strip down and completely redo before opening the shop.

If Banka and his fellow barbers didn’t have serious chops, though, all the hip accoutrements of the shop wouldn’t amount to much. It’s a busy shop, and walk-in cuts are more a rarity than the rule, thanks to many of the barbers booking appointments a good month in advance. And while many customers followed Banka and his crew from other places to Brickyard when it opened, he sees a lot of new, young customers catching on to the fact that a quality haircut is a worthy investment.

“The whole barbering trend has really begun to take off,” Banka says. “More and more younger guys, they care about how their hair looks now. For so long, younger guys, high school and college age, they just wanted shaggy hair. They didn’t want to spend money on it. We thought, let’s give them a place where they realize it’s not a chore to go get a haircut. They actually enjoy it and look forward to it.”

— DAN NAILEN 2nd PLACE: The Man Shop; 3rd PLACE: Dan Dickau’s The Barbers; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Bulwark Barber, CdA

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SHOPPING BEST RECORD STORE

BEST MALL

4000 HOLES

4000 Holes has made itself an institution through its undying dedication to the format that it worships: smooth, glorious and deeply black vinyl. Though it also touts a nice CD selection with countless hidden classics, nothing tops the density of personality crammed into the small shop’s bigger-on-the-inside collection of LPs and singles. Plus, it’s worth a visit just to ogle the Beatles collection behind the counter, fittingly present for a place named after their greatest song, “A Day in the Life.” (JORDAN SATTERFIELD) 2nd PLACE: Garageland; 3rd PLACE: Groove Merchants; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: The Long Ear, CdA

BEST BOOKSTORE

Sure, it may be located right off I-90, which makes getting in and out relatively easy, but once inside, there’s more that makes the Valley Mall desirable other than access. With more than 100 retail and food locations, there isn’t enough time in one day to see and shop everything. It’s even open at 7 am for the walkers to take laps indoors; we know it’s important to get in those fitness tracker steps in every day.

(SCOTT A. LEADINGHAM) 2nd PLACE: NorthTown; 3rd PLACE: River Park Square; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Coeur d’Alene Resort Plaza Shops

BEST RETAIL CANNABIS SHOP

AUNTIE’S BOOKSTORE

SATIVA SISTERS

A place like Auntie’s needs no introduction, as it makes itself unmistakably known with its gorgeous window displays full of acclaimed works, and its historic, towering red-brick location in the heart of downtown Spokane. Three floors of books is about three times as many floors as almost any other bookstore in town can brag about stocking, and the lovely smell of old books is impossible to simulate. Count on Auntie’s to give you the real thing. (JS) 2nd PLACE: Barnes & Noble; 3rd PLACE: 2nd Look Books; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: The Well-Read Moose, CdA

You can find knowledgeable budtenders and quality products at myriad recreational marijuana shops, so what makes Sativa Sisters stand out? It might be the family vibe of the four partners — two married couples — who started the store. It might be the cozy spot on East Trent that belies its somewhat industrial surroundings. It might be the chance to grab a latte in Sisters’ adjacent coffee shop to sip while you browse an impressive array of product. Whatever it is, it’s working, as Sativa Sisters is our readers’ favorite this year. (DN) 2nd PLACE: Cinder; 3rd PLACE: Satori

T is for Thanks!

PROUD TO PRESENT THE

The 2017-18 Best of Broadway season will be announced APRIL 25.

Check out wcebroadway.com for tickets and general information about upcoming Broadway performances!

June 28 - July 9, 2017

Chris Mann as The Phantom and Katie Travis as Christine Daaé. Photo: Matthew Murphy

‘BEST OF’ NATIONAL TOURING MUSICALS

54 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

SPOKANE VALLEY MALL

Thank you for voting us best library in the region. We’re honored to provide and enhance literacy opportunities for the kids, families and citizens of Spokane.

7 DOWNTOWN

7 SHADLE

BEST MEN’S CLOTHES

BEST CREDIT UNION

With a well-known reputation for customer service, it’s no surprise that readers picked Nordstrom as their favorite place to buy men’s clothing.

The Spokane store offers free personal stylists who can help find the best looks for you, and also offers alterations to make sure the fit is great, too.

(SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL) 2nd PLACE: Anderson & Emami; 3rd PLACE: Kingsley & Scout; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Electric Gentlemen, CdA

Its membership just reached 162,000 and its assets have increased almost fivefold to $2.5 billion in the past 14 years, but Spokane Teachers Credit Union still hasn’t lost sight of its humble origins as a cash-filled shoebox back in 1934. The local credit union still regularly gives to the community, and the community regularly gives back by crowning it with Best Of laurels. (EJI) 2nd PLACE: Numerica; 3rd PLACE: Global

NORDSTROM

BEST FLORIST

LIBERTY PARK FLORIST & GREENHOUSE

While most of us were slogging through the snow, Liberty Park Florist & Greenhouse was starting to care for this year’s many spring starts, so come mid-April, customers can start their gardens out fresh. “If you need some help kicking those Winter Blues, come take a walk through our greenhouses — if you close your eyes, it feels like Spring!” Liberty Park says on their website. (SW) 2nd PLACE: Appleway Florist & Greenhouse; 3rd PLACE: Rose & Blossom; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Flowers by Paul, Post Falls

STCU

BEST USED CAR LOT

JENNIFER’S AUTO SALES

Jennifer Johnson’s lot in Spokane Valley has become a staple for used car buyers in the surrounding Spokane area. The “Save your Green” team prides itself on ensuring quality service and assistance to both their returning and potential customers (TC) 2nd PLACE: CarMax; 3rd PLACE: Union Gospel Mission Motors; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Dale’s Used Cars, CdA

BEST SPA

SPA PARADISO

Whether you want to treat yourself or get pampered with a friend or sweetie, Spa Paradiso offers treatments from head to toe. From hairstyling to manicures and pedicures, massages, waxing, clinical peels and more, the Kendall Yards spa has it, and remains a hit with our readers. (SW) 2nd PLACE: La Rive Spa, Northern Quest; 3rd PLACE: BrickHouse; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: The Coeur d’Alene Resort Spa

GET OUT AND PLAY THIS SUMMER. Spokane Parks & Recreation offers two of Spokane’s best skateparks, four golf courses, six aquatic centers, and more than 80 parks—not to mention hundreds of camps and classes. Start your adventure today!

SpokaneParks.org | Call 311 or 509.755.CITY (2489)

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 55

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S P O K A N E H O O P F E S T. N E T

Every year the Inlander puts out its “Gift Guide,” and every year, we writers are assigned zany categories (Drunk Uncle! Religious Aunt!

History Buff!) to search for perfect gifts at local stores. And nearly every year, Atticus and Boo Radley’s (its sister store) are my first stops, no matter the category. Boo Radley’s is the spot for silly gifts, but Atticus is the ideal place for kind and thoughtful gifts, offering everything from books to leather bags to tea to poster prints of Spokane landmarks. (DANIEL WALTERS) 2nd PLACE: Boo Radley’s; 3rd PLACE: Simply Northwest; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Lucky Monkey, CdA

BEST WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE BEST VINTAGE BOUTIQUE

VEDA LUX

Savvy shoppers know not to judge a shop by its size, and that’s definitely true when it comes to this tiny South Perry boutique owned by local fashionista Summer Hightower. Opened in 2010, Veda Lux is indeed small, but inside its four walls, shoppers encounter a treasure trove of vintage fashion from all decades, and for all occasions. Hightower is also known for her eclectic jewelry designs — all handmade by the free-spirited trendsetter — which are also sold at the boutique. By scouring racks across the country, Hightower keeps her ever-changing inventory stocked with unique and funky finds, so that anyone who steps into her dollhouse of a shop can find something that reflects their individual style. (CHEY SCOTT) Best Women’s Boutique 2nd PLACE: Swank; 3rd PLACE: Fringe; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Tiffany Blue, Coeur d’Alene Best Vintage Boutique 2nd PLACE: Fringe & Fray; 3rd PLACE: Boulevard Mercantile; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Salvage 7, Post Falls

BEST ORGANIC/NATURAL FOODS

HUCKLEBERRY’S NATURAL MARKET

Huckleberry’s, a Best Of Hall of Famer that’s taken top honors in this category for 10-plus years, is a shopping destination. Even if you live miles away from the lower South Hill market, chances are high that you’ve made the crosstown pilgrimage to Huckleberry’s to find a specialty ingredient or item that’s not sold anywhere else. With its in-store bistro and a highly regarded wine and beer selection (I was gleeful when I first discovered, many years ago, that it sells craft beer by the individual bottle, allowing you to “customize” a six-pack) it’s no surprise that this spot continues to be top of Inlander readers’ minds. (CS) 2nd PLACE: Trader Joe’s; 3rd PLACE: Main Market Co-op; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Pilgrim’s Market, CdA

BEST FARMERS MARKET

SOUTH PERRY FARMERS MARKET

Although options to shop for locally grown food have expanded greatly in the past several years, the South Perry Farmers Market was doing this whole farmers market thing before the concept became “mainstream” in this region. Residents of the Inland Northwest continue to go out of their way to hit up this weekly market (Thursdays, from May to October) for its festive, street-fair-like atmosphere, and its curated vendor lineup. And thanks to the recent economic rebirth that’s brought numerous dining and shopping destinations to this historic neighborhood, there’s even more to see, do and eat, both pre- or post-market shopping. (CS) 2nd PLACE: Kendall Yards Night Market; 3rd PLACE: Liberty Lake Farmers Market; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Downtown Farmers Market, CdA

56 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

PEOPLE

Thank you Spokane for voting us

BEST SANDWICH in the Inland NW

23 time winner!

Tom Domini & Bobby Bruce W. 703 Sprague • 747-2324

THANK YOU! FOR VOTING US

Best Book Store North Idaho

THANK YOU Oelrich says he’s humbled by the honor: “There are so many more folks doing amazing things.”

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

BEST PHILANTHROPIST

RYAN OELRICH

W

hen someone is called a philanthropist, you might expect that person to exhibit certain qualities.

Humility, perhaps. Hopefully, they would have a passion for community issues. And ultimately, you’d want them to have a willingness to collaborate with others to achieve a common goal.

Immediately after being notified that he was voted Best Philanthropist, Ryan Oelrich’s response tells why people thought of him for the designation.

“I guess I feel honored, although I also think it’s important to share the spotlight,” Oelrich says.

“And there are so many more folks doing amazing things. But I feel very honored and appreciate it, definitely.”

He goes on to mention the local chapter of Volunteers of America for their work with at-risk youth. “I’ve always had a heart for our youth,” he says. Then he mentions the arts community in Spokane, and all the “wonderful” artists who work so hard and don’t get paid much.

Oelrich is the executive director of Priority Spokane, an organization currently trying to stabilize the lives of homeless families and children.

He’s chair of the Spokane Homeless Coalition, and project coordinator for Spokane Sidewalk Games, which is staffed by homeless kids and brings strangers together to play giant versions of board games.

His Spokane roots began more than a decade ago, when he went to college at Whitworth and then finished up at Gonzaga. He’s been a part of various community projects since; now, his work is being recognized. Last year, he won the Inlander’s Peirone Prize, which honors locals who make a difference in the community. At the time, he said he thought community organizations could do a better job to work together to tackle issues facing the community.

Already, he says, that’s happening.

“I think we’re getting better and better, and that really excites me,” Oelrich says. “I’m only involved in little pockets in the community, but I just continue to see how organizations are continuing to collaborate and work together better, and that really encourages me.”

He says he’s had opportunities in other cities, but he’s happy to stay right here.

“I think Spokane has been good to my partner and I, and I don’t feel we’re done here yet,” he says. “I still feel Spokane provides us an opportunity to make a difference, and utilize our skills and talents, and invest time and energy here, and Spokane has supported us in our crazybut-fun endeavors.”

— WILSON CRISCIONE 2nd PLACE: Jim Sheehan, Center for Justice; 3rd PLACE: John Bryant, No-Li, and Kevin Parker, Dutch Bros. (tie)

for voting for the Spokane Valley Library!

We are honored to be a part of your children’s lives & their development.

www.scld.org

2048 N. Main St. Coeur d’Alene 83814 In Riverstone Ph: 208.215.2265 WellReadMoose.com

Best Gifts!

Ha! Take that Boo radleys!

Downtown Spokane on Howard St.

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 59

PEOPLE BEST BUDTENDER

SERGIO DeLEON, JR., LUCKY LEAF

A great budtender, more than a salesman, is a caring listener. Sergio DeLeon, Jr. of Lucky Leaf gets that; he’s calm and personable, with an extensive knowledge of flower, concentrates and edibles, DeLeon is “a hard person not to like,” says his boss, Shilo Morgan.

He joined Lucky Leaf when the dispensary opened in Pasco in 2015 and followed the store to Spokane last March. “We were so happy when he decided to come with us,” says Morgan. Clearly their customers are glad he did, too. (CONNOR DINNISON) 2nd PLACE: Josh Neumeier, BudCo Farms 3rd PLACE: Angela Thompson, 4:20 Friendly

BEST ORTHODONTISTS

BEST CHEF

CHAD WHITE, ZONA BLANCA

We say it all the time: Our region’s culinary scene is in the midst of a major renaissance. In the past few years, local chefs have opened their own restaurants all over the Inland Northwest, introducing diners to new flavors, ingredients and food trends from around the world. When Chef Chad White, who competed on the 13th season of Top Chef, left San Diego and came back to his hometown of Spokane, the first thing he did was open Zona Blanca, the first designated ceviche spot in the region. And if he’s following suit (we already hear he is) as have some of the other names at the top of this Best Of category, diners are certainly eager to find out what his next move will be. (CHEY SCOTT) 2nd PLACE: Jeremy Hansen, Santé and Inland Pacific Kitchen; 3rd PLACE: Adam Hegsted, Wandering Table and Gilded Unicorn; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Rod Jessick, Beverly’s and Bonsai Bistro

DAMON ORTHODONTICS, DRS. CLAY AND BEST TV ANCHORPERSON PAUL DAMON STEPHANIE VIGIL, KHQ Inventors of the internationally used Damon System, the second generation of Damon dental care offer a patient-friendly orthodontics routine. Focused on lower friction and passive treatment, Damon Orthodontics offers a treatment that they believe requires less time and visits to their three locations — in North Spokane, the South Hill and Spokane Valley. (TUCK CLARRY) 2nd PLACE: Ellingsen Paxton Orthodontics, Dr. Rick Ellingsen and Dr. Diane Paxton; 3rd PLACE: Dr. Scott Ralph, Orthodontist; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Curtis Orthodontics, Dr. Erik Curtis, CdA & Post Falls

60 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

After last year’s upset victory for her KXLY counterpart (Nadine Woodward), KHQ’s Stephanie Vigil is No. 1 again. Readers have consistently voted Vigil as Best Anchorperson in the Inland Northwest for more than a decade. After more than 20 years as a broadcast journalist, Vigil has numerous other accolades to her name, including several Emmys. (MITCH RYALS) 2nd PLACE: Nadine Woodward, KXLY; 3rd PLACE: Kalae Chock, KHQ

BEST TV WEATHERCASTER

TOM SHERRY, KREM

It’s March in Spokane, and you’re standing at your closet, deciding between a heavy-duty fleece pullover, a lighter button-down shirt and a breezy T-shirt. This time of year, all are viable options. Where do you turn? Well, to Tom Sherry, of course. He’s been racking up Best Of wins since before I was born. But Sherry does more than bring you the weather. Every year, Tom’s Turkey Drive provides thousands of local families in need with Thanksgiving dinner. (MR) 2nd PLACE: Leslie Lowe, KHQ; 3rd PLACE: Kris Crocker, KXLY

THANK YOU FOR

17/18

VOTING US

Season Sale Pass

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Thank You

for voting for us and supporting our local, family owned restaurant.

Gordy’s

Sichuan Cafe

E. 501 30th Ave. • 747-1170

“It’s a crazy, fanatical sports market,” Adams says of Spokane.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

BEST TV SPORTSCASTER

FESTIVAL ATSANDPOINT THE

AUGUST 3 - 13, 2017

MUSIC UNDER THE STARS, ON THE LAKE IN SANDPOINT, IDAHO Thank you INLANDER readers for voting us:

Best Music Festival For more information and tickets visit us online at:

FestivalAtSandpoint.com • 208.265.4554

62 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

SAM ADAMS, KHQ

T

his one time, in an interview with Gonzaga men’s basketball coach Mark Few, Sam Adams slipped in a Caddyshack reference. Few paused, smiled. “Caddyshack, right?”

“I was like, ‘Yeah,’” Adams says. “I try to slip jokes in, where if you get it, you’ll think you’re the only one who gets it, like some obscure reference.”

It must be working, because for the third year in a row, Adams — this “incredible Cinderella story, this unknown comes out of nowhere” — was voted best TV sportscaster.

The California native who arrived in Spokane in 2009 does a little bit of everything, from a local highlights show to play-by-play for high school, college and minor league sports. After our interview, he’s headed home to pack and is hitting the road to cover the Gonzaga men’s team in the NCAA Tournament. Hopefully, he’ll still be traveling by the time you’re reading this issue.

Adams has covered sports all over the Pacific Northwest, including in Oregon and Alaska, where he did play-by-play for the Anchorage Glacier Pilots in a summer baseball league for

college players. Adams, a self-described “sports junkie,” played baseball throughout high school, but was more a student of the game than a naturally gifted athlete. He says he was constantly analyzing the situational strategy. “Should we bunt this guy over?” or “Maybe we should shift the defense,” he recalls thinking. He even kept a binder of his own stats.

He rattles off names like Bob Costas, Vin Scully, Scott Van Pelt (they have the same hairstyle) and Kenny Mayne as his inspirations.

“For me, I think some people assume journalists come through here as a stepping stone,” Adams says. “And I say this with complete sincerity and honesty: If Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle were to call and say, ‘Hey, we want you to come work here,’ I don’t think I would. This is perfect. It’s a crazy, fanatical sports market in that no matter how big or small the teams are, they totally get behind them.”

So he’s got that goin’ for him, which is nice.

— MITCH RYALS 2nd PLACE: Keith Osso, KXLY; 3rd PLACE: Darnay Tripp, KREM

509-535-1111 1727 E Sprague Ave Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm www.TinRoofFurniture.com

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #1 Fine Furnishings | Home Decor | Interior Design Service

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 63

1: Coeur d’Alene Resort || Best Of 2 pg s

Winner: Best Hotel in North Idaho

Winner: Best Spa in North Idaho

Winner: Best Shopping Mall in North Idaho

spread at CDA Rat: Best Of...: 40 Dble: EW

Winner: Best Fine Dinning in North Idaho

Winner: Best Asian Food & Best Sushi in North Idaho

Winner: Best Brunch in North Idaho, 3rd Place: Best Desserts & Best Milkshakes

Winner: Best Pub in North Idaho

Winner: Best Craft Cocktails in North Idaho

Winner: Best Seafood in North Idaho

Winner: Best Italian Food in North Idaho

United We Zag

BEST ATHLETE 2017

Nigel Williams-Goss

AUSTIN ILG PHOTO

PEOPLE BEST ATHLETE

 NIGEL WILLIAMS-GOSS, GONZAGA

In his short time suiting up for the Zags, Nigel Williams-Goss has found a way to make a lasting impact. The junior transfer is a first-team Academic All-American, All-American team vote-getter, Wooden and Cousy Awards finalist and WCC Player and Newcomer of the Year. But the point guard perhaps will be remembered most for his efforts to push Gonzaga to another level, silencing naysayers and championing the collective chip on his team’s shoulders. (TC) 2nd PLACE: Cooper Kupp, EWU; 3rd PLACE: Przemek Karnowski, Gonzaga

BEST ELECTED OFFICIAL

BEN STUCKART, SPOKANE CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Thanks Spokane

for voting us Best Record Store BECAUSE VINYL ROCKS!

Record Store

CDs • Vinyl • DVDs • T-shirts • Posters & more

Best music store in Eastern Washington

1610 N. Monroe St • 509.325.1914

Thanks for voting!

Best Record Store North Idaho

On the night he was re-elected in 2015, Ben Stuckart let loose a triumphant roar from the balcony at David’s Pizza — fists clenched, knees bent, head back. The determined City Council president has never been afraid to show you how he feels, or tell you what thinks. His big policy push this past year was mandating that nearly all Spokane businesses offer paid sick leave to employees. Stuckart has flirted with a mayoral run in the past, but now has his sights set on Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ seat in Congress in 2018. (MR) 2nd PLACE: David Condon, Spokane Mayor; 3rd PLACE: Cathy McMorris Rodgers, U.S. Representative; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Raul Labrador, U.S. Representative

It’s a Party!

HAPPY 1ST

ANNIVERSARY! Saturday April 1ST 2pm - 5pm 112 N 4th St. CdA

Drawings for Gift Cards 50% 2nd Item Prizes for Kids

abisicecream.com 1620 N. Government Way • CDA

NWMac_ArtfestBestOf_032317_10H_CPR.jpg

Made on Site • Clean Eating Locally Owned & Operated

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 67

BEST OF

SANDPOINT

CLOCKWISE: Zany Zebra’s new owner, Julie Martin; the Hoot Owl Cafe; and MickDuff’s.

S

ome of the best places to visit in Sandpoint also have plenty of history there. At HOOT OWL CAFE, countless owls — macramé wall hangings, hand-carved signs, elaborately painted ceramic pieces — have adorned this eatery for more than four decades.

Many of the owls were donated by patrons, says owner Wendy Sater, who took over the iconic diner from her uncle 22 years ago. He’d bought it in 1972, transforming the popular drive-thru on Highway 200 near the northern part of Lake Pend Oreille.

68 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

Take a little bit of Sandpoint history with you in your tummy with the Redneck Eggs Benedict, featuring sausage patties and homemade biscuits, or their Green Eggs and Ham, showcased last year by talk-show host Rachael Ray. Properly fueled-up from breakfast, head into Sandpoint (to walk off the calories) and do a little exploring.

See what’s going on in Farmin Park, wander down to Sand Creek or pop in and out of assorted shops.

ZANY ZEBRA has been a favorite go-to for quirky gifts and trendy clothing since Ranel Hanson opened it

CARRIE SCOZZARO PHOTOS

in 2006. New owner Julie Martin wants to continue in that tradition: lava lamps, Day of the Dead handbags, smarmy greeting cards, hand-painted china featuring Star Wars characters, clothing featuring suggestive statements… yep, all that and more.

Since your Hoot Owl breakfast filled you up, you probably skipped lunch and are primed for happy hour, which runs Sunday-Thursday from 3 to 5:30 pm at MICKDUFF’S BREWING COMPANY. Try one of more than a dozen standard and seasonal offerings, like the rich Knot Tree Porter or the Albino Snake Bite, a blend of their

BEST SANDPOINT LAKEVIEW DINING

1st PLACE: Trinity at City Beach; 2nd PLACE: Spud’s Waterfront Grill; 3rd PLACE: Forty-One South

BEST SANDPOINT GIFTS 1st PLACE: Zany Zebra; 2nd PLACE: Sharon’s Hallmark; 3rd PLACE: Zero Point Crystals

BEST SANDPOINT HAPPY HOUR

1st PLACE: MickDuff’s Brewing Company; 2nd PLACE: Laughing Dog Brewing Taproom; 3rd PLACE: Sweet Lou’s, Ponderay

BEST SANDPOINT BREAKFAST 1st PLACE: Hoot Owl Cafe; 2nd PLACE: Connie’s Cafe; 3rd PLACE: Trinity at City Beach

Tipsy Toe Head Blonde Ale and dark cider.

They serve as much if not more food than drinks during happy hour, says Duffy Mahoney, who opened the popular brewpub in 2006 with brother Mickey, adding a second beer-only location in 2014.

While Duffy believes the pub provides a good, natural and well-priced product, he’s humbled by the Inlander win and grateful for a job he still loves coming to every day.

Adds assistant brewer and marketing manager Mack Deibel, “I think we’re a second home for people,” a place where they feel welcome.

Although you could easily have started your day in Sandpoint at TRINITY AT CITY BEACH, it’s one of the most pleasant places to wrap up your stay. The lounge and main dining area look out over City Beach and distant mountains, while the large outdoor patio provides a partly shaded spot for al fresco dining in the warmer weather.

While the view is lovely, it’s the food that keeps people coming back, with dishes like Gorgonzola shrimp, rack of lamb, corn and crawfish chowder. Whether it’s a special occasion, informal get-together for drinks and appetizers, a light breakfast by yourself, or a scheduled event like one of the numerous community fundraisers held there, Trinity at City Beach has been a local favorite since 2010.

Should you decide that a single day isn’t enough time to truly discover Sandpoint, Trinity at City Beach is conveniently located adjacent to the Best Western Edgewater hotel. You’ll know a few places where you can eat well the next day.

— CARRIE SCOZZARO

Summer in NOW

New New summer summer inventory inventory arriving arriving weekly! weekly!

Paddleboard rentals Apparel Accessories AND MORE...

AND MORE...

(509) 534-4554 WWW.TheSpokaneAlpineHaus.COM 30th & Regal We don’t just sell gear. We sell your favorite.

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 69 SpokaneAlpineHaus_BestOf_032317_6H_CPR.pdf

MUSIC

Thank You for Voting us #1 New Car Dealership 4 years in a row!

BEST RADIO DJ OR TEAM

DAVE, KEN AND MOLLY, KZZU

If you heard Dave Sposito, Ken Hopkins and Molly Allen’s morning radio show knowing nothing about their long history, you’d still be able to recognize their easy rapport. The trio has been on the air together since 1998, and Sposito and Hopkins have been a team for nearly 25 years. They’re obviously beloved by the community: They were able to raise $50,000 from listeners following a July 2015 bike accident that left Hopkins paralyzed from the chest down. Whether they’re chatting about their weekends or competing in a game of Win Dave’s Money, their chemistry is effortless. (NATHAN WEINBENDER) 2nd PLACE: Jay and Kevin, Coyote Country; 3rd PLACE: Jamie Patrick, the Mountain

BEST DJ

BREEZY BROWN

Tony Brown (aka Breezy Brown) has been spinning vinyl since 1987. He says he mostly DJs in bars and lounges these days, providing ambience at places like Durkin’s. What kind of genres does Brown gravitate toward?

It’s hard to say, really. During a recent gig at Perry Street Brewing, he busted out Muddy Waters, Broken Social Scene, Kanye West, Os Mutantes and more. “So you never know what’s gonna come next out of the Breezy box,” he says. (NW) 2nd PLACE: Jade Caldwell (DJ MC Squared); 3rd PLACE: DJ Ramsin

Toyota RAV4 Toyota Tacoma

Toyota Camry

Making a Difference in the communities where we work, live and play

www.larryhmillertoyotaspokane.com

800.380.8860 | 1128 West 3rd Ave.

“PROUDLY SERVING TRAVELERS SINCE 1906”

from Frank’s Diner

Voted

7

#1 BEST Breakfast 19 Years Running!

Downtown: 1516 W. 2nd Ave • 509-747-8798 Northside: 10929 N. Newport Hwy. • 509-465-2464 Open 6am-9pm everyday. www.franksdiners.com

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 71

MUSIC

Thank You, Spokane!

VOTED BEST BOOKSTORE

23 YEARS AND COUNTING

On the corner of Main & Washington Across from the Grand Hotel • 838-0206

Amplified’s Mandy and Jimmy Hill, in their new studio space.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

BEST RECORDING STUDIO

AMPLIFIED WAX

W

lay!

al P t Loc

Bes

We are truly grateful for the support of our community over the past 50 years. Thank you for your votes for Best Local Play!

June 15-July 2

July 13-30

August 10-27

CdaSummerTheatre.Com 208.660.2958 72 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

hen it comes to producing music, Jimmy Hill, owner of Amplified Wax Recording Studio, has one primary philosophy: No amount of post-production wizardry can yield talent where there is none. The key, he says, is to find innate musical ability and get it straight from the source.

“You can’t Auto-Tune attitude,” Hill says.

“You either have soul and passion behind what you’re doing or you don’t. … It’s cool to have all these gadgets to make things sound lush and fix things, but those should be used as a way to bring what’s already there out of the speakers.”

Hill has been engineering and recording music since the early 2000s — he used to produce artists in his own basement — but the first Amplified Wax location opened in the Garland neighborhood in 2007. Since early 2016, Hill and his wife Mandy have been running the studio out of a 2,400-square-foot building at 314 E. Pacific: The space includes one large recording studio, a control room, four isolation booths and an upstairs area with offices and a lounge.

Amplified Wax has become a go-to recording destination for popular local acts: Nixon Rodeo, Alive in Barcelona, the Broken Thumbs and Moscow’s Silent Theory have all dropped tracks there.

Hill has also been working with up-and-coming Spokane hip-hop artist Jango, and touring metal bands like Born of Osiris and Escape the Fate have stopped in to record vocals while passing through Spokane.

But Hill won’t necessarily record just anyone willing to write him a check: He told the Inlander last year that if an artist simply isn’t ready to record, “I’ll tell people to keep working and come back to me in six months.

“I have preferences like any human being when it comes to styles. Certain things are going to jump out at me more,” Hill explains. “It just has to hit my ear right. And I always like working with people who are mindful of music as a business.”

Since speaking to the Inlander in September, Hill has improved acoustics in the studio’s live music room and has also updated the monitors.

He has also uploaded his entire music library as a producer (at least everything he could find) onto a free app called Amplified Air, which features everything from long-defunct bands to young, hip upstarts.

Because Hill got his start playing in Spokane bands, having access to that music, some of which is more than a decade old, is important.

The strides he’s made as a producer are all the more apparent, he says, when he can compare a current track with something he slapped together in, say, 2002.

“I just listened back to some of our old stuff, and it’s like, man, if I knew then what I know now, I’d have been a much better artist,” Hill says. “I’m always looking to be better.”

— NATHAN WEINBENDER 2nd PLACE: Hitstreet Recording; 3rd PLACE: Spokane Recording Studio

MUSIC BEST SINGER/SONGWRITER

MARSHALL McLEAN

Hardly a stranger to our Best Of polls (his eponymous band won Best Band distinctions in 2015 and 2016), Marshall McLean has been a fixture in a local music scene that’s often in flux. Both as a solo artist and as a member of the now-defunct outlaw folk foursome Horse Thieves, McLean’s regional fanbase has grown steady over the past decade: He sold out the Bartlett when debuting his sophomore album SoDak, and recently wrapped up a tour that took him through Montana, Colorado and Utah. (NW) 2nd PLACE: Cami Bradley; 3rd PLACE: Lucas Brookbank Brown

BEST BAND (COVERS)

SPARE PARTS

Just picture it: You’re on your second glass of wine at Arbor Crest during a Spare Parts set. What do you want to hear? The Eagles?

The Beatles? Crosby, Stills and Nash? Whatever it is, they can probably play it. The Cronkites have dominated this category for several years, but this time the honors go to Spare Parts, which plays all around town in a few different permutations — sometimes as a duo, other times as a trio. They definitely get around, and it’s starting to pay off. (NW) 2nd PLACE: The Cronkites; 3rd PLACE: Gladhammer

BEST BAND (ORIGINALS)

BEST CONCERT OF 2016-17

Folkinception has been a Spokane favorite since forming in 2011, blending rustic Americana with the kind of slick, melodic pop-folk you might hear on a Top 40 station. They’re also a hell of a lot of fun to watch live. The band Kickstarted its 2014 debut LP Tower Mountain, and they’re set to release a new album later this year.

Mama Doll, meanwhile, haven’t played a show in a while (they most recently appeared at the Bartlett’s annual Christmas concert), but they’ve obviously made an impression on voters. Fronted by Sarah Berentson, formerly of Terrible Buttons, the quartet’s music floats along on angelic harmonies and evocative lyrics. Here’s hoping they’re back on local stages soon. (NW) 3rd PLACE: Marshall McLean Band

American Idol winner and country music sensation Carrie Underwood joins the likes of Pearl Jam (2013), Elton John (2014) and The Eagles (2015) in the list of bands voted best concert of the year. The multiple Grammy-winning artist played alongside Easton Corbin & the Swon Brothers to a packed Spokane Arena back in September. (MR) 2nd PLACE: Dolly Parton, Northern Quest, 9/22/16; 3rd PLACE: Blink-182, Spokane Arena, 9/16/16

FOLKINCEPTION/ MAMA DOLL (tie)

CARRIE UNDERWOOD, SPOKANE ARENA, 9/4/16

BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL

ELKFEST

Sure, there are other Elkfests (looking at you, Wyoming and Colorado). And there’s nothing wrong with celebrating the majestic, antlered animal. But in Spokane, The Elk is more synonymous with beer and music. The late-spring block party in historic Browne’s Addition is once again at the top of our readers’ poll. The lineup for 2017 hasn’t been announced yet, but there are at least three things you can count on for the three-day festival: drinks, music and roasted corn pasta salad. (MITCH RYALS) 2nd PLACE: Watershed, the Gorge; 3rd PLACE: Pig Out in the Park, Riverfront Park; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Festival at Sandpoint

COME HAVE ONE ON US!

TASTING ROOM AT: 423 E. CLEVELAND

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22 YEARS OF BEING VOTED #1 MEXICAN FOOD We couldn’t do it without you!

Downtown Spokane NorthPointe Plaza Spokane Valley Mall W. 245 Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA 9738 N. Newport Hwy, Spokane, WA 14700 E. Indiana St., Spokane Valley, WA 509.456.0350 509.465.9101 509.228.9661 Azteca SW Grill Tecate Grill 2462 N Old Mill Loop, Coeur d’ Alene, ID 208.676.0200 2610 W Northwest Blvd., Spokane, WA 99205 509.934.1940

visit our website for full menu: aztecamex.com

RECREATION

THANK YOU SPOKANE FOR VOTING

CALEB FREY BEST TATTOO ARTIST

HOURS:

2166 N HAMILTON SPOKANE WA

TUES THRU SUN 11AM - 6PM

509-443-5763

Thank You Spokane FOR VOTING FOR ME! Best Singer/Songwriter

MY NEW ALBUM The Flying Irish are still running, 12 years and counting.

BEST GOLF COURSE

DOWNRIVER

The Spokane/North Idaho region has some of the best public and private golf courses in the Northwest.

Downriver is no exception; it’s a true gem in the city of Spokane’s offering of outstanding (and affordable, and not overcrowded) municipal golf courses. Located just off the Spokane River near Riverside State Park, the long, narrow fairways and towering pines are a signature of Spokane golf. And a disc golf course across the road lets you try both types of golf in one day. Score — and fore!

(SCOTT A. LEADINGHAM) 2nd PLACE: The Creek at Qualchan; 3rd PLACE: Kalispel Golf & Country Club; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Circling Raven, Worley

BEST RUNNING CLUB

FLYING IRISH

Now in its 12th year, the Flying Irish have come (and run) a long way since the club’s founding with a small handful of runners meeting for a run (and, of course, beer) at O’Doherty’s in downtown Spokane. So many people joined that they outgrew the bar and now meet every Thursday at 6 pm at the Red Lion River Inn. People of all shapes, sizes and speeds (including walkers) are welcome, about 400 every week. Be warned: Your sixth run requires that you tell an Irish joke on stage to become an official member. Boos may ensue for jokes everyone has heard. The more original, the better. (SAL) 2nd PLACE: Bloomsday Road Runners Club; 3rd PLACE: Fleet Feet Racing

SoDak

ERIC TRA PHOTO

IS AVAILABLE NOW

BEST MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO

LISTEN ON

WARHORSE MARTIAL ARTS

The karate and Jiu Jitsu offered at Warhorse is just one aspect of the business that has been around since the early 1990s and has three locations in Spokane and North Idaho. The programs for kids and adults focus on strong character development while learning the physical arts.

They also have a laudable charitable operation, giving to causes including combating childhood cancer and the Spokane Humane Society. They even host birthday parties, complete with the birthday kid cutting the cake with a sword. (SAL) 2nd PLACE: Jung Kim’s Martial Arts; 3rd PLACE: Warrior Camp; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Trevor Prangley’s AKA, CdA

BEST BIKE SHOP

WHEEL SPORT

There’s an unfortunate stereotype about some bike shops; that they can be, shall we say, a little “holier than thou” if you’re not wearing the right gear, or know enough cycling lingo. Wheel Sport isn’t one of those shops. The three Spokane-area locations are as approachable for the newbies looking for a recreational bike as they are for the Lycra ninjas with dreams of being in the Tour de France’s peloton. If you don’t know what that means, don’t worry.

Just ask the Wheel Sport folks. (SAL) 2nd PLACE: The Bike Hub; 3rd PLACE: Two Wheel Transit; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Vertical Earth, CdA

Or pick up a copy at an upcoming show!

MarshallMcLeanBand.com

Thanks for voting us #1 Again!

Spokane’s Own, Spokane’s Best!

PizzaRita.net

STA PLAZA

DOWNTOWN

201 N. Pines

838-5100

325-3397

926-2932

-CARRY OUT-

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502 w. Indiana

325-3284

Spokane Valley

5511 n. wall

325-2300

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 77

Thanks, readers, for your votes!

RECREATION

Inlander Hall Of Fame Award

Best Thai 12 years in a row

Michael Uhlenkott flies high at Hillyard Skateboard Park.

1 YEARS IN THE NORTHWEST!

NORTH SOUTH 5406 N Division 2926 E 29th 509-777-8424 509-232-8424

(THAI)

(THAI)

EAST CDA 12722 E Sprague 2010 N 4th 509-444-8424 208-667-5300 (THAI)

THAIBAMBOORESTAURANT.COM

Thanks for voting us

1 best Milkshake

#

and #3 Best Ice Cream

802 w. garland ave 78 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

DAVID UHLENKOTT PHOTO

BEST SKATEPARK

HILLYARD SKATEBOARD PARK

N

estled in the northeast corner of Harmon Field, the Hillyard Skateboard Park crams plenty of features into a moderately sized plot of concrete. The coiled bowl wraparound offers enough drop-ins to fulfill the needs of boarders and BMXers. The bowl shelves plenty of stairs, pipes, rails and corners to satisfy some of a freestyler’s demands, but the park is seen as the ideal location for transition boarders.

Opened in 2003, the 12,000-square-foot park thrives in the spring and warm Spokane summers. Three years ago, the park was paid a visit by living legend Tony Hawk, whose skating foundation helped fund the project. Hawk brought his Birdhouse Left Coast Tour to showcase one of the best bowls in the region.

“It’s a great park,” Pistole Boardshop owner and skater Josh Yandell says. “When Tony Hawk was there, he got worked in the 9-foot bowl and got his bell rung. So if it’s challenging Tony Hawk in spots, it’s challenging everybody. The guys who skateboard at Hillyard are gnarly skate-

boarders, hands down. It’s steep and aggressive.”

The park took a major step forward with the addition of lighting over the past year, providing some much-needed late-night skating during the peak summer season.

“The lights are a game-changer,” says Yandell.

“Now kids can go out and skate at night instead of [hanging out in] the 100-degree weather.”

The park has been a vital part of rebuilding the Hillyard neighborhood, and it’s now more important than ever, since the demolition of the Under the Freeway skatepark a year and a half ago.

There are beginners’ sections inside the park, which has notably helped advance the skill set of young skaters. “Kids who go there to start can go on to any park rocking and rolling,” Yandell says.

— TUCK CLARRY 2nd PLACE: Dwight Merkel Skatepark; 3rd PLACE: Liberty Lake Skatepark; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Coeur d’Alene Skatepark/BMX Freestyle Park

2nd place?

BEST SKI/ SNOWBOARD SHOP

SPORTS CREEL

Walk into Sports Creel and you immediately get the feeling that it’s the kind of place where you want to buy skiing and snowboarding gear. That is, if you’re in the market for high-quality, long-lasting gear that will fit well — and, most important, feel good, matching your skill level. A place like Sports Creel has the staff and experience to outfit you correctly and comfortably. They’ve been doing it since 1954. (SAL) 2nd PLACE: Spokane Alpine Haus; 3rd PLACE: Ski Shack (Hayden)

BEST PLACE TO SKI BEST PLACE TO SNOWBOARD

MT. SPOKANE

Being so close to Spokane, the “Kan,” as the locals call it, is an ideal place for a family of snow-sports lovers. Or if you prefer to stay in the lodge and drink schnapps-infused hot chocolate, Mt. Spokane’s main lodge is big and comfy enough for that. The bar is also quite welcoming. The Wednesday-throughSaturday night skiing offers some of the most frequent, wide-open after-dark skiing and boarding in the Northwest. And the sunsets from Vista House are, well, something you have to experience for yourself. (SAL) Best Place to Ski 2nd PLACE: Schweitzer; 3rd PLACE: 49 Degrees North Best Place to Snowboard 2nd PLACE: Schweitzer; 3rd PLACE: 49 Degrees North

BEST HEALTH CLUB

YMCA

Yes, the YMCA was historically pitched at young men looking for a fun place to stay when they’re new in town. But the biggest strength of the “Y” is how great it is for the whole family. It’s not unusual to see dad lifting weights, mom swimming in the pool, your sister in a Zumba class, and the baby in daycare. The YMCA is a jack of all trades, and a master of all of them. (DANIEL WALTERS) 2nd PLACE: MÜV Fitness; 3rd PLACE: The Spokane Club

BEST OUTDOOR RECREATION SUPPLIES

REI

Are you new to camping/hiking/backpacking/biking or a seasoned pro? There’s a little something for everyone at REI. In addition to all gear having a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee (exchange it or get a refund if you don’t like it), the store offers classes ranging from outdoor cooking to changing a flat bike tire.

And you can try before you buy with outdoor rentals. (SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL) 2nd PLACE: Mountain Gear; 3rd PLACE: The General Store; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Cabela’s, Post Falls

WHAT THE HELL? WHO WON FIRST? ATTICUS? OH. I GUESS THAT’S OK

Downtown Spokane on Howard St.

7

THANK-YOU!

BEST ORGANIC-NATURAL 21 YEARS IN A ROW

$5 OFF YOUR GROCERIES! When you spend $50 or more at Huck’s at 926 Monroe St!

PLU #996 Expires 4/11/2017 *One coupon per customer. Not valid on beer or wine. Must present this coupon for discount.

926 S. MONROE • 624-1349 • OPEN 7AM-10PM DAILY • WWW.HUCKLEBERRYSNATURALMARKET.COM MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 79

BEST OF

KIDS & FAMILY

The Downtown Spokane Public Library features a wide array of programming — and an incredible view of the river. STEPHEN SCHLANGE PHOTO

W

e’re not entirely sure how many children vote in our Best Of the Inland Northwest poll — in the interest of democracy, we don’t impose age restrictions — but we can confirm that the accolades earned in the Kids and Family category are highly sought after. And these awards also don’t go unappreciated, either.

At WHIZ KIDS on the second floor of River Park Square, Jan St. George has a special love for her pintsized customers, and is grateful that they honored her as the region’s top toy store.

“When kids of all ages come into my store, I hope they have fun. I hope they open themselves up to exploring something new to them,” says St. George, who stocks a balance of educational and just-for-fun toys.

She aims to sell long-lasting toys that kids will have more than a fleeting attachment to, while also looking to

80 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

provide items that run the gamut. While the Best Of win is a telltale sign that St. George is doing something right, there’s another way she knows when she’s on the right track.

“When it’s time to leave and a kid cries, it breaks my heart, but is also a compliment that they don’t want to leave my store,” she says.

There are myriad choices when it comes to picking a preschool in the Inland Northwest, and selecting one is no easy process for parents sending their children off to the classroom for the first time. Teri Finch, owner and director of LIBERTY LAKE CHILDREN’S ACADEMY, is well aware of that, which is why she says she’s hired a staff that sets the school apart. All of her lead teachers have degrees in early childhood education or child development, and are invested in the lives of these young children. “We believe at LLCA to be successful, the first

thing to do is fall in love with the work you do,” says Finch. The school’s curriculum includes learning through discussion, observation, creativity and play, among other areas. “The best part of teaching 3-to-5-year-olds is watching the growth in all the areas of development, and seeing children experience the first love for learning new things,” says Finch.

If you’ve been inside any of the Spokane-area libraries, you’ll see that kids seem to have taken a cue from the region’s literary boom by diving into books of their own.

The DOWNTOWN SPOKANE PUBLIC LIBRARY, with its view of the Spokane River, knows how to accommodate kids and families with an array of programming, ranging from the popular Storytime for Toddlers on Tuesdays and Fridays to STEM-related programs for older kids, including a basic computer programming and coding class.

That’s why they’ve been voted Best Library. Families can

BEST PRESCHOOL

1st PLACE: Liberty Lake Children’s Academy; 2nd PLACE: Harvard Park Children’s Learning Center; 3rd PLACE: Green Gable Children’s Learning Center; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Keet Sweet Preschool and Kindergarten, CdA

BEST TOY STORE

1st PLACE: Whiz Kids; 2nd PLACE: The White Elephant; 3rd PLACE: Figpickels

BEST LIBRARY

1st PLACE: Spokane Public Library (Downtown); 2nd PLACE: Spokane Public Library (Shadle); 3rd PLACE: Spokane Valley Library; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Coeur d’Alene Public Library

BEST PLACE FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY

1st PLACE: Laser Quest; 2nd PLACE: Wonderland; 3rd PLACE: Jump and Bounce; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Triple Play Family Fun Park, Hayden

BEST MUSIC TEACHER

1st PLACE: Heather Montgomery, Spokane Youth Symphony, Sacajawea Middle School; 2nd PLACE: Susan Windham, Eastern Washington University; 3rd PLACE: Ben Brueggemeier, Ferris High School

BEST MILKSHAKE

1st PLACE: Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle; 2nd PLACE: Zip’s Drive-In; 3rd PLACE: Dockside

also gather for music and movie programs.

“Every day our staff works passionately toward providing high-quality education opportunities for all. It’s such a validation to see this hard work recognized by the community,” says Amanda Donovan, Spokane Libraries’ communications manager, of the Best Of accolade. And if you’re wondering what the kids are reading these days, they’ve got you covered. “Kids ask me for Elephant and Piggie by Mo Willems all the time,” says Sumi Shadduck, children’s librarian at the downtown library.

If you’re an adult reading this and you thought that laser tag had been left behind with all your other early-1990s obsessions, it’s time you realize that Spokane has an entire warehouse dedicated to the game. LASER QUEST, it should come as no surprise, is this year’s Best Place for a Birthday Party — because… again, it’s freaking laser tag.

General manager Chad Cottier says that the downtown warehouse of good times hosts upward of 600 birthday parties a year. So yeah, they know what they’re doing. “We try to treat the birthday person very well from the minute they arrive until the minute they leave,” says Cottier. “We also try to make parties as easy as parents want them to be. We can order pizza for you, or you can bring in your own food if you prefer that.” And because you’ve been wondering — yes, adults can get in on the laser tag action with the kiddos.

The enormous milk bottle out front is probably draw enough for your kids, their faces plastered to the car window in awe as you cruise down Garland Avenue. But when you get inside MARY LOU’S MILK BOTTLE, you realize that the family atmosphere found here is hardly a novelty. Neither are the milkshakes, which took top honors in this year’s poll. Mary Lou’s offers more than 25 different flavors and styles, ranging from the basic (vanilla) to the experimental, like the River City Sludge, which combines chocolate ice cream, brownies and hot fudge into a straw-collapsing concoction.

For kids pursuing their love of music in the Inland Northwest, one name looms large — HEATHER MONTGOMERY. Not only is Montgomery the conductor of the Spokane Youth Symphony, the illustrious ensemble that’s known for developing promising musicians, she also teaches music at Sacajawea Middle School and Roosevelt Elementary School in Spokane. For Montgomery — who was inspired to pursue a career in music education by her mother, who was also a music teacher — music education is more important than some might realize. “Music has been shown to benefit students’ brains in a variety of ways, it’s a fun group to belong to, and it looks great on college transcripts, but that’s not really why we make music.

Kids should sing and play music because it’s part of being a human being,” says this year’s Best Music Teacher. And if she’s not sounding cool enough already, Montgomery is also known for contributing violin and vocals to the popular indie-folk act (and Best Band winner this year) Folkinception.

— MIKE BOOKEY

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DRINK LOCAL

BEST NEW BREWERY (OPENED IN 2016-17)

BELLWETHER BREWING

Located along the North Monroe business corridor, Bellwether Brewing is a small brewery that aims to bring a Northwest twist to ancient beer styles. From gruits to braggots, Bellwether uses unique ingredients and techniques to bring Old World ales to their cozy, modern taproom. And with recent endeavors like the Purple Egyptian Barley Project, the future of Bellwether’s ancient brews is looking bright. (ADAM BOYD) 2nd PLACE: Badass Backyard Brewing; 3rd PLACE: Young Buck Brewing; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Post Falls Brewing

82 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

BEST BEER EVENT/FESTIVAL

INLAND NW CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL, AVISTA STADIUM

One of several regional beer festivals the Washington Beer Commission hosts each year, the Inland NW Craft Beer Festival has the unique distinction of being held in Spokane’s Avista Stadium. And while the field is typically home to the Spokane Indians baseball team, for two days in September it houses 40-plus Washington craft breweries, more than 150 different beers, food trucks, and live music. With record attendance in 2016, the Inland NW Craft Beer Festival proved that “If you pour it, they will come.” (AB) 2nd PLACE: Oktoberfest at Spokane Convention Center; 3rd PLACE: Elkfest; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Fall Fest, Schweitzer

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BEST GROWLER FILLS

THE GROWLER GUYS

B

eginning as Bend, Oregon’s first growler-fill station in 2012, the Growler Guys has grown into a multi-state brand, with individual franchises across Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Fortunately for beer lovers in the Spokane region, three of those franchises are in North Spokane (Newport Highway), on the South Hill and in Coeur d’Alene.

Each location is under separate management, but between the three sites, local beer drinkers will find a diverse lineup of craft beer, cider and kombucha available to try and take home.

Each Growler Guys spot also sports an impressive number of taps: 52 at the Newport Highway location, 56 on the South Hill, and 59 in Coeur d’Alene. Along rotating and seasonal beer offerings, each location hosts various events and tap takeovers.

“We try to have breweries in every other week and feature their beer,” says Brittany Merriman, manager at the Coeur d’Alene location.

“Customers then get to try four or five of that brewery’s beers we’ll have on tap.” Along with offering new and notable beers, growler-filling establishments aim to deliver a high-quality product.

Sean Kirkpatrick, who manages the South Hill location, explains the benefit to getting your beer to-go: “Draft beer is the freshest beer possible. Beer is a perishable product, so a growler

is the freshest beer you can have at home.”

Kirkpatrick also touts the Crowler — a can of beer filled from draught, then sealed — which is also available for filling at the Growler Guys.

“We’re finding the cans will keep the beer fresh significantly longer than a standard growler,” he says. “Because we flush the cans with CO2, some beers can stay fresh six to eight weeks after being sealed.”

Along with crowler fills, some locations offer the ability to order and consume pints of your favorite brew on the premises.

“Offering pints was a big game-changer for us,” explains Alex Arent, manager at the Newport Highway location. “Before that, a customer was in and out of the store in less than 15 minutes. Now we get to have more interaction with the customer, and more of a relationship with the community.”

While the three Growler Guys locations work under separate leadership, all of them value employees who are personable and wellinformed. “My staff is incredibly knowledgeable about the beers we have on tap,” says Kirkpatrick. “Usually we can find something on our tap list to appeal to any palate.”

— ADAM BOYD 2nd PLACE: Steady Flow Growler House; 3rd PLACE: JB’s Bottleworks

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 83

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SEASONS OF COEUR D’ALENE

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f there were a category for biggest happy hour, Seasons of Coeur d’Alene just might win that, in addition to snagging honors for best happy hour.

The lounge and U-shaped bar collectively seat around 100 people, says Chef Scott Miller, who has been with the downtown restaurant since it opened in 2011. “True story about being able to hold a conversation during live music nights,” says Miller, since the large room allows you to sit close to or far from the music, depending on your gathering.

The happy hour menu is also large, created just for the main lounge and fireplace area. There are 20 items, ranging from $2 to $8, including crispy sweet potato fries, edamame, single tacos, and hummus with olives and roasted peppers.

“As opposed to discounts or smaller versions of our regular menu items, we created a very specific menu with lots of perfectly sized choices for snacking,” says Miller. “The menu really lends itself to having an afternoon ‘picnic’!”

Some of the most popular dishes, says Miller,

are tacos and sliders. “We’ve noticed that people really like that they can have a nice salad starter [mini beets, Caesar or bistro salad] and follow up with the pork polenta tart for a very inexpensive early supper.”

Seasons specializes in $6 martinis — try the Lemon Drop for a refreshing, puckery pop of flavor — and $7 Moscow Mules, but also has a strong wine and beer offering, including $5 sangria and $3 Blue Moons on tap.

Located at the corner of Second and Lakeside, Seasons still gets plenty of foot traffic, yet is a bit removed from the clatter of cars and commotion on Sherman Avenue. That’s especially nice during warmer months, when Seasons opens the table-height windows throughout the lounge for the feeling of al fresco dining.

Even better, Seasons’ happy hour is 3 to 6 daily — ladies night on Wednesdays goes until 7 pm — making it a great place for any size gettogether, from first date to after-work team building to a pre-funk for a night out on the town.

— CARRIE SCOZZARO

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DRINK LOCAL BEST PUB

BEST CRAFT COCKTAILS

Recently named Washington’s Best Beer Bar in an online poll by the Brewers Association, the South Hill’s Manito Tap House sports 50 tap handles, certified cicerones (trained beer experts) on staff, and a vast beer cellar loaded with vintage and one-of-a-kind beers in kegs and bottles. A Four-Star Certified Green Restaurant as well, Manito’s kitchen delivers scratch-made food and rotating seasonal menus. Which is fortunate, because poring over their extensive beer menu can work up an appetite. (AB) 2nd PLACE: O’Doherty’s Irish Grille; 3rd PLACE: Poole’s Public House; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Taphouse Unchained, CdA

Durkin’s Liquor Bar happens to sit in a downtown Spokane building that once housed a bar owned by James “Jimmie” Durkin, a historic Spokane liquor tycoon for which the current establishment is named. Launched by the same restaurateurs responsible for Madeleine’s and Casper Fry, Durkin’s offers a food menu of sophisticated small and traditional plates. But if you come for the food, stay for the cocktails, which are not only uniquely handcrafted with top-notch spirits, but are also served with a slice of Spokane’s preProhibition history. (AB) 2nd PLACE: Volstead Act; 3rd PLACE: Twigs; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Whispers Lounge, CdA

MANITO TAP HOUSE

BEST LOCAL DISTILLERY

DRY FLY DISTILLING

When it comes to recognition and awards, Dry Fly Distilling is no stranger; their vodka, gin and whiskeys have won dozens of awards from around the world, including a “1st Place — Best of the NW” Sip Award for their Port Finish Wheat Whiskey last year. While Dry Fly’s spirits continue to gain international attention, the distillery maintains its local roots, sourcing its ingredients from local farms in Eastern Washington. Just this year, Dry Fly has expanded their facility with a brand-new tasting room that will also serve as a venue for whiskey classes, food pairings and private events. (AB) 2nd PLACE: Tinbender Craft Distillery; 3rd PLACE: 21 Window Distillery; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Bardenay, CdA

DURKIN’S LIQUOR BAR

BEST LOCAL CIDERY

ONE TREE HARD CIDER

One Tree’s approach to hard cider aims to shake up the rigid ways of cider puritans. For One Tree, cider serves as a blank canvas for innovation and exploration of flavor, and it shows in their offerings, found throughout the area in both bottles and cans. From Peach Tea to Cranberry to Pumpkin to their wildly popular Lemon Basil, One Tree continues to redefine how the Inland Northwest thinks of hard cider. (AB) 2nd PLACE: Liberty Ciderworks; 3rd PLACE: Twilight Cider Works; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Summit Cider, CdA

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BEST WHISKEY SELECTION

HOGWASH WHISKEY DEN

While you definitely can order a drink with, say, gin or vodka at Hogwash Whiskey Den, you really shouldn’t. As its name implies, the whiskey-focused bar — located in the cozy, den-like basement of the Washington Cracker Co. Building — highlights its namesake on a cocktail menu showcasing a mix of beloved classics alongside creations exclusively developed by its team of well-known local bartenders. For the truest of whiskey aficionados, Hogwash’s locker program allows you to store your own high-end bottles on site. (CHEY SCOTT) 2nd PLACE: Durkin’s Liquor Bar; 3rd PLACE: Casper Fry

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

BEST LOCAL BREWERY

BEST LOCAL WINERY

No-Li has been such a consistent success in recent years, it would be easy for local craft beer lovers to opt for newer breweries popping up in the area.

Sure, we all love the Born & Raised IPA, the Big Juicy IPA, the Poser Pale Ale, but we’re always looking for the next great beer to tell our friends about. No-Li knows this, which is why they’ve stuck to their Spokane roots and keep experimenting with new brews, like the Beethoven Golden Ale brewed specially for a Spokane Symphony event last month. (WILSON CRISCIONE) 2nd PLACE: Iron Goat Brewing; 3rd PLACE: Perry Street Brewing; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Mad Bomber Brewing, Hayden, and Slate Creek Brewing, CdA (tie)

Part of what makes Barrister Winery great is directly tied to one of Spokane’s quirks: The railroad that runs directly through the city. Barrister uses that to its advantage. Every time the train goes by overhead, the wine barrels in Barrister’s basement gently vibrate. “By the time we release a cabernet sauvignon, it’s gently vibrated 25,000 times,” says Greg Lipsker, who started Barrister in 2001 with fellow attorney Michael White. This process helps settle solids in the wine, and contributes to the softness that you taste in every bottle. (WC) 2nd PLACE: Arbor Crest Wine Cellars; 3rd PLACE: Coeur d’Alene Cellars

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MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 87

DRINK LOCAL BEST DRIVE-THROUGH ESPRESSO

DUTCH BROS.

In the Inland Northwest, it can seem like there’s a coffee stand on every corner. But none stand out quite like Dutch Bros., with its bright blue roof and rich, sweet drinks. There’s a reason people keep coming back to Dutch Bros., and it’s not just because of a caffeine addiction. The friendly staff is the perfect complement to the savory drinks, and a main reason why the company has dominated the drive-through espresso scene. (WC) 2nd PLACE: Wake Up Call; 3rd PLACE: Jacob’s Java

BEST COFFEE ROASTER

THOMAS HAMMER

Thomas Hammer is the coffee that’s always there for Spokane when times are tough. You’re at the hospital? Thomas Hammer is there. You’re an Eastern Washington University student studying for finals? Thomas Hammer is there. You’re an Inlander writer on deadline? Thomas Hammer is in the kitchen. It’s become the consistent go-to coffee for the Inland Northwest, and for good reason.

It’s bolder than other coffees, and that’s exactly why the flavor never gets old. (WC) 2nd PLACE: Roast House Coffee; 3rd PLACE: DOMA

BEST SINGLE-LOCATION COFFEE SHOP

ATTICUS

Atticus has become a Spokane staple that locals love to show off.

It’s both a favorite of Spokane locals, and also the place those locals recommend to visitors. Walk in, and visitors can find some of the best Spokane souvenirs to bring back with them, but the gifts are cool enough that locals like them too. Go to the back, and there’s enough room for you to work or hang out as you enjoy fresh coffee and good food. (WC) 2nd PLACE: The Shop; 3rd PLACE: Rockwood Bakery; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Calypsos Coffee & Creamery, CdA

BEST HAPPY HOUR

ZOLA

There are many happy hours in this town, but Inlander readers collectively maintain the happiest hour of them all is at Zola. First, it’s luxurious in quantity, stretching from 4 pm all the way until 7 pm.

Second, it’s generous in pricing, with craft beers only $3 and house wines and well cocktails only $4. And finally, it’s delicious in taste, with delectable jalapeño poppers, barbecue pork sliders, and ribs on the appetizer menu. (DANIEL WALTERS) 2nd PLACE: The Safari Room; 3rd PLACE: Twigs; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Seasons of Coeur d’Alene

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BEST OF

THE PALOUSE

O

n a day in March when the Palouse woke up to a fresh blanket of slushy snow, Moscow schools called a snow day and three friends went to breakfast to celebrate. They picked THE BREAKFAST CLUB, their favorite spot. And they’re not the only ones.

General Manager Griffin Rod says The Breakfast Club’s broad appeal helped it secure the spot of Best Breakfast of the Palouse this year. “We stick more to the family-friendly crowd,” Griffin says.

Workers come in early; some are daily regulars. College students flood the place on the weekends. They can keep things simple and order eggs, bacon, and toast with coffee, or breakfast foodies can get fancy with skillets or omelets packed with sumptuous meats, veggies and cheeses, washed down with a mimosa or latte.

On a busy morning, The Breakfast Club serves coffee outside to diners waiting their turn. During the sum-

90 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

CLOCKWISE (from top left): Cougar Country Drive-in, Flirt and the Breakfast Club. mers, they wind through the farmers market until they get a text from the restaurant, beckoning them to their table. People will happily wait an hour, Rod says. Over the nine years he’s been at the helm, the region’s love for breakfast has only increased. And he’s glad to have such a great place to offer.

Best Burgers of the Palouse goes to COUGAR COUNTRY DRIVE-IN, a red-roofed burger shed whose marquee changes daily to reflect weekly specials, congratulate graduating staff or welcome Coug fans. It’s not uncommon in Pullman to see a line of cars waiting in the center lane for their turn in the drive-thru line at Cougar Country, a 44-year-old institution beloved for its fry sauce and super baskets. The menu is unchanged after all those years, says General Manager Brian Power. Alumni return when they’re in town, and local folks can expect the same bacon burger and onion rings they always have. “Classic Americana,” Power calls it. “We’re the only place like this

TARYN PHANEUF PHOTOS

on the Palouse.”

With three drive-thru coffee huts and a snug downtown café, THE DAILY GRIND is considered the best coffee shop on the Palouse. The downtown shop occupies two stores filled with a mix of comfy chairs, broad tables and plenty of outlets. Tami Dykes, who bought the Daily Grind four years ago, says the shop is great because it holds a lot of people. As coffee shops tend to do, they attract a crowd each morning. Dykes says she likes to be part of starting someone’s day.

“You really set the tone,” she says. In the afternoons, tables are covered with laptops, notebooks and lattes as people settle in and get to work, getting by with a little help from their favorite fuel.

It’s spring at FLIRT, named the Best Boutique of the Palouse, where the skirts and sandals are out on display.

The women’s clothing store sits on the corner on Grand Avenue and Main Street in downtown Pullman. Flirt

BEST PALOUSE BREAKFAST

1st PLACE: The Breakfast Club, Moscow; 2nd PLACE: Old European, Pullman; 3rd PLACE: The Harvester, Spangle

BEST PALOUSE BURGER 1st PLACE: Cougar Country Drive-In; 2nd PLACE: South Fork Public House, Pullman; 3rd PLACE: The Coug

BEST PALOUSE COFFEE SHOP

1st PLACE: The Daily Grind, Pullman; 2nd PLACE: One World Cafe, Moscow; 3rd PLACE: Bucer’s, Moscow; Roost Coffee & Market, Pullman (tie)

BEST PALOUSE BOUTIQUE 1st PLACE: Flirt, Pullman; 2nd PLACE: Golden Gem Mercantile, Rockford; 3rd PLACE: The Storm Cellar, Moscow

BEAUTY It’s in our nature.

BEST PALOUSE HAPPY HOUR

1st PLACE: The Coug; 2nd PLACE: South Fork Public House; 3rd PLACE: Valhalla Bar & Grill, Pullman

offers everything from clothes and shoes to jewelry and other accessories. After opening their first store in Ellensburg in 2008, mother-daughter duo Mia and Maren Peterson brought their passion to Pullman three years later to offer the latest trends to a new crowd of college women — and their moms.

THE COUG shines as the Best Happy Hour of the Palouse this year. Called “Awesome Hour,” the Coug — formally known as the Cougar Cottage — offers $2 pints from 8 to 9 pm every day. But that’s not the only thing Cougs love about their favorite watering hole. Many come for daily specials featuring burgers, tacos and cheap drinks. They pine for membership in the coveted Mug Club, which admits only about half of those who apply each semester. Members pay a one-time fee and get discounted beers for life. For any time there’s not a deal going, the atmosphere is reason enough to go. Though it looks small, the Coug can pack in a large crowd of familiar faces, starting around lunchtime and lasting long into the night.

— TARYN PHANEUF

T h a n k s f o r vot i n g u s

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THE ARTS

Spring Madness Special BEST ARTS FESTIVAL

ART ON THE GREEN

Summer-green grass dappled in shadow from tall pines that envelop the festival grounds, blue-grey lake in the distance, azure sky overhead, flashes of every color imaginable on clay, glass, metal, wood, fabric, canvas and paper. The smell of kettle corn, the sounds of children laughing and distant music, the warmth of the sun on your face. This is why Art on the Green was inducted into the Hall of Fame last year. And why they won again this year. (CARRIE A. SCOZZARO) 2nd PLACE: ArtFest; 3rd PLACE: Terrain

BEST TOURING BROADWAY MUSICAL OF 2016-17

THE BOOK OF MORMON

How good is The Book of Mormon? This touring production of the Broadway smash took this same category in 2016. (Because its short run occurred in January 2016, it was also eligible to win this year, which it did handily.) There’s a reason that Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s raunchy, irreverent send-up of musical tropes and religious tenets has been embraced: Not only does it boast cleverly crafted songs and gut-busting jokes, it’s disarmingly smart and empathetic.

The show could keep returning to the INB every year and audiences would probably still be flocking to it. (NATHAN WEINBENDER) 2nd PLACE: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, WestCoast; 3rd PLACE: Newsies, WestCoast

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BEST LOCAL PLAY/ MUSICAL OF 2016-17

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST AT SPOKANE CIVIC THEATRE

The stage adaptation of Disney’s 1991 animated classic, long a favorite of Broadway audiences, opened the Civic Theatre’s 70th season on a high note. Directed by Jack Phillips, who was serving as the theatre’s interim artistic director at the time, the family-friendly show was praised by our own E.J. Iannelli, who singled out Summer Berry’s elaborate costumes and David Baker’s imaginative sets. The timeless Alan Menken-Howard Ashman songs, of course, speak for themselves.

(NW) 2nd PLACE: The Rocky Horror Show, Civic Theatre; 3rd PLACE: On Shaky Ground, Ignite! Community Theatre; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Peter and the Starcatcher, Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre

BEST INDEPENDENT ART GALLERY

MARMOT ART SPACE

There’s no mystery why Marmot has become readers’ favorite independent gallery, even though it just barely reached its second birthday.

Founder Marshall Peterson is an energetic booster of all things artistic, and that doesn’t stop at the door of his diminutive space; he’s a big supporter of the Kendall Yards neighborhood as well. Inside Marmot, though, is where art lovers find an ever-changing array of excellent art, including local favorites like Melissa Cole, Ben Joyce and Ric Gendron as well as international talents like Bartosz Beda. (DAN NAILEN) 2nd PLACE: Art Spirit Gallery; 3rd PLACE: Saranac Art Projects

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On everyone’s reading list: Jess Walter.

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BEST AUTHOR

JESS WALTER

Clearly, Jess Walter is a favored literary force in Spokane. His books are revered, his short stories and essays are quickly passed around social media when they pop up in magazines and journals, and his podcast A Tiny Sense of Accomplishment (co-hosted with this category’s runner-up) is a must-listen for aspiring writers and fans alike. But we suspect another reason Walter won this category is his constant support of other writers in the local scene, as well as literary events large and small. It’s inspiring to behold, and a great example for other authors to follow. (DN) 2nd PLACE: Sherman Alexie; 3rd PLACE: Sharma Shields

BEST VISUAL ARTIST

BEN JOYCE

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Ben Joyce’s unique “abstract topophilia” style is what made his name among regional art lovers, and his name just seems to get bigger every year.

While his geography-inspired artwork continues to flourish in both public installations and private collections across the country, a definite highlight of Joyce’s 2016 was the opening of the ben GALLERY in downtown Spokane in December. (DN) 2nd PLACE: Chris Bovey; 3rd PLACE: Harold Balazs

BEST TATTOO ARTIST

CALEB FREY, ON THE LEVEL TATTOO

A relationship between a customer and a tattoo artist is a highly personal thing for people serious about their ink. Sure, you can always just pop into a place and pick a design off the wall for some stranger to put on your body.

But if you’ve put a lot of thought and care into your design, you want a skilled hand on the needle and a person you connect with for your time in the chair. Inlander readers’ their favorite is Caleb Frey, the talented artist and owner of On The Level tattoo. He has more than two decades of experience, and it shows; check out his Instagram @calebfreytattoo for ample evidence.

(DN) 2nd PLACE: Chris Spriggs, Rage City Tattoo; 3rd PLACE: Jeremy Corns, Anchored Art Tattoo

BEST CHARITY EVENT

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94 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

The Menu is anything but ordinary Feature local artists

Considering the combination of eating excellent food and the goal of raising money for an important, life-saving cause, it’s easy to see why this fundraiser fete is one of the most anticipated events of the year for many area residents.

Epicurean’s attendees get the opportunity to dress to the nines for an elegant night centered around delectable food and friendly competition.

Each year, respected chefs from around the region put their culinary skills to the test, competing for the coveted “People’s Choice” awards in a range of categories, as they help raise money for the Inland Northwest Blood Center Foundation. (CHEY SCOTT) 2nd PLACE: Beyond Pink; 3rd PLACE: Epic Beard Competition (River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary)

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 95

THE ARTS

“I really want to be an ambassador for the Spokane comedy scene,” says Jared Munson.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

BEST COMEDIAN

JARED MUNSON

J

ared Munson knows that a lot of people think they’re funny. People voted “funniest” in their high school yearbook, or told they’re hilarious by coworkers. “Everybody says, ‘Oh, I can be a comedian. It’s easy,’” he says over coffee, talking about winning Inlander readers’ votes as Best Comedian.

There’s a big difference between the flippantly funny, though, and the dedicated comedy craftsmen exemplified by Munson, who’s been doing stand-up — as well as

booking and promoting shows — for 10 years.

“Most open mics, you get three minutes,” Munson says. “A lot of people can do a good three minutes. Can you turn those three minutes into a solid five? Then a solid 10, and then 15 or 20, and keep it fresh? That’s the hard part.”

Munson is still working to keep it fresh after first getting on stage for a high school talent show at Auburn Mountainview High School on the westside and telling

some jokes. He didn’t win, but got enough laughs — and attention from fellow students and the school newspaper — to quickly addict him to the art form he’d studied as a fan for years before daring to actually get on a microphone.

After starting school at EWU in 2007, Munson quickly cased the open-mic opportunities in Eastern Washington; he’s never stopped performing. An AsianAmerican adopted by Caucasian parents, he mines his family life, as well as pop culture and race, for jokes, and travels to perform outside the area as much as possible.

His comedy aspirations don’t stop at the city’s edge.

“My end game — and it’s never going to happen — but what I want to do in life is be a late-night talk show host. Or Ellen. But there’s only one Ellen,” Munson says.

While that dream remains far off, Munson wants to work promoting Spokane’s comedy scene as much as he can. He booked monthly shows at Northern Quest for a year or so, stocking the room with local talent, and he says there’s a great variety of comic talent to be found locally.

“I’d say there’s 50 comics in the scene, give or take, and there’s probably 20 I would book without any hesitation,” Munson says.

“I really want to be an ambassador for the Spokane comedy scene. I want people to be aware there’s been a scene here for years. Support the big shows, support the clubs, support each other. One thing about Spokane is that it’s a great size, where we want to see everybody succeed.”

Spoken like a true ambassador.

— DAN NAILEN 2nd PLACE: Harry J. Riley; 3rd PLACE: Dan Cummins

2017

Spokane’s Premier Culinary Gala Friday, November 10, 2017 6:00 p.m. to Midnight Spokane Convention Center

7

Thank you Spokane for voting Epicurean Delight as the Best!

96 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 97

REACH THE

WINNERS

DRINK LOCAL

BEST COFFEE ROASTER Thomas Hammer, 210 W. Pacific hammercoffee.com • 535-4806 BEST CRAFT COCKTAILS Durkin’s Liquor Bar, 415 W. Main durkinsliquorbar.com • 863-9501 BEST DRIVE-THRU ESPRESSO Dutch Bros. Coffee, dutchbros.com 402 W. Second, and other locations BEST SINGLE-LOCATION COFFEE SHOP BEST GIFTS Atticus Coffee & Gifts, 222 N. Howard facebook.com/AtticusCoffee • 747-0336 BEST GROWLER FILLS Growler Guys, thegrowlerguys.com 9329 N. Newport Hwy., 808-2691 1314 S. Grand, 315-4367 BEST HAPPY HOUR Zola, 22 W. Main zolainspokane.com • 624-2416 BEST LOCAL BREWERY No-Li Brewhouse, 1003 E. Trent Nolibrewhouse.com • 242-2739

98 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

BEST LOCAL CIDERY One Tree Hard Cider, 9514 E. Montgomery onetreehardcider.com • 315-9865 BEST LOCAL DISTILLERY Dry Fly, 1003 E. Trent dryflydistilling.com • 489-2112 BEST LOCAL WINERY Barrister Winery, barristerwinery.com 1213 W. Railroad Ave. • 465-3591 203 N. Washington (tasting room) • 413-1090 BEST NEW BREWERY (OPENED IN 2016-17) Bellwether Brewing Co., 2019 N. Monroe bellwetherbrewing.com • 328-0428 BEST PUB Manito Tap House, 3011 S. Grand manitotaphouse.com • 279-2671 BEST WHISKEY SELECTION BEST NEW NIGHTSPOT (OPENED IN 2016-17) Hogwash Whiskey Den, 304 W. Pacific drinkhogwash.com • 389-7137 ...continued on page 100

F HALL O

FAME

AMC River Park Square Anthony’s Arbor Crest Winery Art on the Green Auntie’s Bookstore Azteca Boo Radley’s Clinkerdagger Dave, Ken and Molly Davenport Hotel & Tower David’s Pizza Dennis Patchin Dick’s Hamburgers Domini Sandwiches The Elk Finders Keepers Frank’s Diner Hastings Huckleberry’s Jaazz Salon Liberty Park Florist Luigi’s Manito Park Mizuna

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Mt. Spokane Mustard Seed Nordstrom Northern Quest Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture Pig Out in the Park Red Robin REI Rocket Bakery Satellite Diner Schweitzer Tom Sherry Spa Paradiso Spokane Arena Spokane Civic Theatre Starbucks STCU Swinging Doors Thai Bamboo Twigs Stephanie Vigil Value Village The Viking Wendle Motors Wheel Sport

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REACH THE WINNERS FOOD

BEST BAKERY Rocket Bakery, rocketspokane.com 1325 W. First • 747-1834 903 W. Garland • 325-8909 157 S. Howard • 838-3887 1301 W. 14th • 456-3534 207 N. Wall • 368-9682 3315 N. Argonne Rd., Spokane Valley • 462-2345 BEST BRUNCH Davenport Hotel Sunday Brunch 10 S. Post • 455-8888 davenporthotelcollection.com BEST DESSERT BEST FINE DINING Clinkerdagger, 621 W. Mallon clinkerdagger.com • 328-5967 BEST DOUGHNUTS Casual Friday Donuts, 3402 N. Division casualfridaydonuts.com • 328-1764 BEST ICE CREAM Brain Freeze, brainfreezecreamery.com 1238 W. Summit Pkwy. • 321-7569 1230 S. Grand Blvd. • 309-3830 BEST NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED IN 2016-17) BEST CHEF Zona Blanca, Chef Chad White 154 S. Madison Limefishsalt.com • 443-5427 BEST PATIO DINING BEST SEAFOOD Anthony’s at Spokane Falls 510 N. Lincoln • 328-9009 BEST SUSHI Sushi.com, 430 W. Main mainsushi.com • 838-0630 BEST STEAKS Churchill’s Steakhouse, 165 S. Post churchillssteakhouse.com • 474-9888 BEST APPETIZERS Twigs, twigsbistro.com 808 W. Main • 232-3376 401 E. Farwell • 465-8794 4320 S. Regal • 443-8000 14728 E. Indiana, Spokane Valley • 290-5636 BEST ASIAN FOOD Gordy’s Sichuan Cafe • 501 E. 30th Ave. gordysspokane.com • 747-1170 BEST BREAKFAST Frank’s Diner, franksdiners.com 1516 W. Second • 747-8798 10929 N. Newport Hwy. • 465-2464 BEST BURGERS Wisconsinburger, 916 S. Hatch wisconsinburger.com • 241-3083 BEST BURRITOS Sweeto Burrito • sweetoburrito.com 15705 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley • 928-9810 9602 N. Newport Hwy. • 467-0288 1839 N. Ruby • 328-1019 1423 W. Appleway Ave., CdA • 208-292-4801 BEST CHEAP EATS Dick’s Hamburgers, 10 E. Third facebook.com/dickshamburgers • 747-2481 BEST FOOD TRUCK 3Ninjas • 768-3613 facebook.com/mobilespokane BEST ITALIAN Tomato Street, tomatostreet.com

100 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

6220 N. Division • 484-4500 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. • 315-4175 221 W. Appleway Ave., CdA • 208-667-5000 BEST MEXICAN FOOD Azteca, aztecamex.com 245 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. • 456-0350 9738 N. Newport Hwy. • 465-9101 14700 E. Indiana, Spokane Valley • 228-9661 BEST PIZZA Pizza Rita • pizzarita.net 502 W. Indiana • 325-3284 5511 N. Wall • 323-2300 201 N. Pines • 926-2932 701 W. Riverside (STA Plaza) • 838-5100 BEST SANDWICHES Domini Sandwiches, 703 W. Sprague dominispokane.com • 747-2324 BEST THAI FOOD Thai Bamboo, thaibamboorestaurant.com 5406 N. Division • 777-8424 2926 E. 29th • 232-8424 12722 E. Sprague, Spokane Valley • 444-8424 2010 N. Fourth St., CdA • 208-667-5300

KIDS & FAMILY

BEST PLACE FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY Laser Quest, 202 W. Second laserquest.com • 624-7700 BEST PRESCHOOL Liberty Lake Children’s Academy 1322 N. Stanford Ln. • 922-6360 BEST TOY STORE Whiz Kids, 808 W. Main Ave. whizkidstoys.net • 456-8697

NIGHTLIFE

BEST ALL-AGES MUSIC VENUE BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE The Bartlett, 228 W. Sprague thebartlettspokane.com • 747-2174 BEST ARCADE Gamers Arcade Bar, 321 W. Sprague gamersarcadebar.com • 381-5131 BEST BOWLING CENTER Lilac Lanes, 1112 E. Magnesium Rd. lilaclanes.net • 467-5228 BEST CASINO Northern Quest Resort & Casino, 100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights northernquest.com • 242-7000 BEST DANCE CLUB nYne Bar & Bistro, 232 W. Sprague nynebar.com • 474-1621 BEST KARAOKE Monterey Café, 9 N. Washington spokanemontereycafe.com • 868-0284 BEST LATE-NIGHT FOOD Satellite Diner, 425 W. Sprague satellitediner.com • 624-3952 BEST MOVIE THEATER AMC 20 River Park Square 808 W. Main • 458-7578 BEST SPORTS BAR EPIC at Northern Quest, 100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights northernquest.com • 242-7000 BEST TRIVIA NIGHT Press, 909 S. Grand Blvd.

747-7737

RECREATION

BEST BIKE SHOP Wheel Sport, wheelsportspokane.com 1711 N. Division • 326-3977 3020 S. Grand • 747-4187 606 N. Sullivan Rd., Spokane Valley • 921-7729 BEST GOLF COURSE Downriver, 3225 N. Columbia Circle spokanecity.org • 327-5269 BEST HEALTH CLUB YMCA, ymcaspokane.org 930 N. Monroe 10727 N. Newport Hwy. 2421 N. Discovery Pl., Spokane Valley 2921 E. 57th BEST MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO Warhorse Martial Arts, warhorsemartialarts.com 6222 N. Division • 455-5425 13312 E. Sprague, Spokane Valley • 838-5425 3904 E. Mullan, Post Falls • 208-699-6901 BEST OUTDOOR REC SUPPLIES REI, 1125 N. Monroe rei.com/spokane • 328-9900 BEST PLACE TO SKI BEST PLACE TO SNOWBOARD Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr., Mead mtspokane.com • 238-2220 BEST RUNNING CLUB The Flying Irish • theflyingirish.org BEST SKATEPARK Hillyard Skatepark, 6018 N. Regal BEST SKI/SNOWBOARD SHOP Sports Creel, 12505 E. Sprague, Spokane Valley thesportscreel.com • 924-2330

SHOPPING

BEST LOCAL BANK Washington Trust Bank, watrust.com 717 W. Sprague, and other locations BEST BARBER SHOP Brickyard Barber Shop, 2808 N. Monroe brickyardbarbershop.com • 324-2887 BEST BOOKSTORE Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main. auntiesbooks.com • 838-0206 BEST CREDIT UNION STCU, stcu.org 707 W. Main, and other locations BEST FARMERS MARKET South Perry Farmers Market thursdaymarket.org BEST FLORIST Liberty Park Florist & Greenhouse, 1401 E. Newark Ave. libertyparkflorist.com • 534-9381 BEST FURNITURE The Tin Roof, 1727 E. Sprague tinrooffurniture.com • 535-1111 BEST HAIR SALON Oasis Hair, oasishair.com 829 E. Indiana and other locations BEST HOTEL The Historic Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post davenporthotelcollection.com • 455-8888 BEST JEWELRY Jewelry Design Center, 821 N. Division jewelrydesigncenter.com • 487-5905

BEST MEN’S CLOTHING Nordstrom, 808 W. Main nordstrom.com • 455-6111 BEST MALL Spokane Valley Mall, 14700 E. Indiana spokanevalleymall.com • 926-3700 BEST MED SPA Shape Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa, 524 W. Sixth shapespokane.com • 458-7546 BEST NEW CAR DEALERSHIP Larry H. Miller Spokane (Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Hyundai, Scion) lhm.com BEST ORGANIC/NATURAL FOODS Huckleberry’s, 926 S. Monroe huckleberrysnaturalmarket.com • 624-1349 BEST PAWN SHOP Pawn 1, pawn1.com 3220 N. Monroe, and other locations BEST RECORD STORE 4000 Holes, 1610 N. Monroe 325-1914 BEST RETAIL CANNABIS SHOP Sativa Sisters, 10525 E. Trent, Spokane Valley sativasisters.com • 381-1502 BEST SPA Spa Paradiso, 1237 W. Summit Pkwy. spaparadiso.com • 747-3529 BEST THRIFT SHOP Value Village • valuevillage.com 708 W. Boone • 325-2569 12205 E. Sprague, Spokane Valley • 921-7889 BEST USED CAR LOT Jennifer’s Auto Sales, 15020 E. Sprague, Spokane Valley greenacresautosales.com • 926-5393 BEST VINTAGE BOUTIQUE BEST WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE Veda Lux, 1106 S. Perry vedalux.com • 475-1674

ARTS

BEST INDEPENDENT ART GALLERY Marmot Art Space, 1206 W. Summit Pkwy. marmotartspace.com • 270-5804 BEST TATTOO ARTIST Caleb Frey, On the Level Tattoo 2166 N. Hamilton • 443-5763

SANDPOINT

BEST BREAKFAST Hoot Owl Cafe, 30784 Hwy. 200 208-265-9348 BEST GIFTS Zany Zebra, 317 N. First Ave. zanyzebrastore.com • 208-263-2178 BEST HAPPY HOUR MickDuff’s Brewing Co., 312 N. First Ave. mickduffs.com • 208-255-4351 BEST LAKEVIEW DINING Trinity at City Beach, 58 Bridge St. trinityatcitybeach.com • 208-255-7558

THE PALOUSE

BEST BOUTIQUE Flirt, 107 S. Grand, Pullman shopatflirt.com • 332-6600 BEST BREAKFAST The Breakfast Club, 501 S. Main, Moscow thebreakfastclubmoscow.com • 208-882-6481 BEST BURGER Cougar Country Drive-In, 760N. Grand, Pullman thecougarcountry.com • 332-7829 BEST COFFEE SHOP The Daily Grind, 230 E. Main, Pullman •334-3380 BEST HAPPY HOUR The Coug, 900 NE Colorado, Pullman • 332-1265 n

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102 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

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Food truck chef-owner Jillian Gay sources some ingredients from her father’s Deer Park farm.

HECTOR AIZON PHOTO

Farm to Truck

A mobile eatery new to the local scene sources farm-fresh ingredients for an all-day homemade breakfast menu

BY CHEY SCOTT

J

illian Gay wants to change the minds of people who see eggs and pork only as “morning” foods.

That’s one reason the Le Cordon Bleu graduate decided to launch her one-woman restaurant on wheels, The Farmer’s Daughter, which exclusively serves up classic breakfast ingredients, mostly in the form of handheld sandwiches.

Fitting of her business’s name, Gay sources all of her eggs and pork products from her father, Dave Gay, who owns New Ground Farm in Deer Park.

Having returned to the Inland Northwest last year, after living outside of the area for the previous 15 years, Gay was inspired to open a food truck because of the diverse mobile dining options she’d encountered in her former city of residence: Oakland, California.

“There are so many, you couldn’t imagine the crazy different kinds of [trucks] there, and with my dad partnering with me, it made sense,” she explains. “And I’ve always been drawn to breakfast food. I love cooking eggs, and I love eating eggs. I love eggs!”

Beyond the staple ingredients of pork and eggs, Gay sources other ingredients from local farmers whenever she can. She makes everything on her menu from scratch, including English muffins for the truck’s various breakfast sandwiches.

“It’s a lot of work, and I’m still doing it, but I wanted it to be different, and when people eat my sandwiches, I wanted them to be able to tell that there is something special about it,” she says.

Gay’s most classic offering is a fried egg sandwich ($7), which comes with a choice of bacon, ham or a sausage patty, topped with cheese and garlic aioli. But this farmer’s daughter’s other creative takes on breakfast shouldn’t be overlooked.

The PBJ&B, for example, is an English muf-

fin stacked with Gay’s homemade peanut butter, a jam of the week, and bacon ($8). Other variations include a pork chop sandwich ($9) with apple onion chutney and a fried egg, along with a French toast sandwich, a breakfast quesadilla, an omelette sandwich and a few other rotating specials. Besides these handheld choices, Gay regularly serves up sourdough hotcakes, biscuits and gravy, and a crispy potato hash ($3).

Vegetarians need not worry, since Gay also has a black-bean patty option for her breakfast burger, and several other menu items can be ordered sans meat.

Despite our region’s long and dreary winter, customers may have seen Gay’s mostly pale blue and black, red-accented diner on wheels around Spokane as early as February. After her planned summer 2016 launch date was delayed due to the retrofitting of her truck, Gay became tired of waiting for winter to leave, so she started setting up shop in the mornings and early afternoons around downtown Spokane before the snow had melted. She plans to be open four to five days a week, and wants to set up shop at local community events and farmers markets as the warmer season continues.

During the week, hungry breakfast lovers can find Gay in downtown Spokane at least one day, usually near the intersection of Riverside and Lincoln. Regardless of her schedule, though, customers can always find out when and where The Farmer’s Daughter is headed next on social media, where Gay posts updates each day she’s open. n cheys@inlander.com

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MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 103

FOOD | OPENING

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104 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

Sipping at the Source A new tasting room adjacent to Dry Fly’s East Spokane distillery now showcases its spirits in cocktails, and for special events

BY CHRIS LOZIER

D

ry Fly Distilling has long kept a small tasting bar next to its distilling equipment, but when a coffee shop next door moved out recently, its owners saw an opportunity to build something better.

“For years we had such a small tasting area, and we wanted to offer an area that people would enjoy more,” says Dry Fly co-founder Kent Fleischmann.

So he and co-founder Don Poffenroth hired an architect and a construction company to turn the space into a bright, open-floored tasting room. The distillery’s team also did plenty of work on the space themselves.

With seating for 50 people at tables and a long bar, the Dry Fly crew hope people stay and hang out in the new space like they would at a bar or restaurant. Fleischmann says their Washington distillery license allows them to serve up to 2 ounces of spirits per person, per day. In the new tasting space, they plan to offer one-thirdounce samples of three different spirits of the

customer’s choice in a tasting flight ($5).

There’s also a rotating cocktail menu featuring Dry Fly’s vodka, gin, barrel-aged gin, and its long lineup of whiskeys, paired with fresh ingredients when called for. Occasionally, private barrel tastings of yet-to-be-released products may also be available. In addition, the tasting room is serving small bites to pair with the spirits. Customers can also purchase bottles of their favorite spirits to take home.

The new space features refurbished wood salvaged during construction. Some of the trim wood is from Colfax-area farmer Tim Danaher’s barn. Danaher grows the barley and oats for the private label O’Danagher’s Hibernian Whiskey, which Dry Fly distills for him.

Whiskey barrels line the top of the room’s east wall, where windows allow guests to peer into a large barrel storage area. Dry Fly’s spirits are made just on the other side of the north wall; opposite that are glass displays of the grains and botanicals used to make their products.

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Periodically, Dry Fly plans to host a new event at the tasting room called “Cocktail College,” which Fleischmann says will “enhance people’s understanding of how liquor is made and how good cocktails can be made.”

Now a decade old, Dry Fly became Washington’s first legal distillery since Prohibition. Its founders employ a farm-to-bottle philosophy, buying nearly all of their ingredients from local farmers. The tasting room is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, but closed to host private events on Monday and Tuesday. As the distillery team gets settled into the tasting room, Fleischmann says fans of its spirits should expect to hear about some exciting new products coming soon. 

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MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 105

Not exactly a great team-building exercise.

HUMAN RESOURCES The Belko Experiment is predictably bloody and brutal, but it wavers too much when it comes to satire

BY NATHAN WEINBENDER

T

he Belko Industries building stands like a conby the bland but moralistic good guy (John Gallagher crete monolith in the middle of the Colombian Jr.), and those who become bloodthirsty murderers at the countryside, the rural area’s only reminder that drop of a hat (among them Tony Goldwyn and John C. it’s the 21st century. The company is, we’re told, some McGinley). Even though this office building comes comkind of international headhunting firm, staffed primarily plete with an arsenal of semi-automatic weapons (because with foreign workers, all of whom have had Colombia is so dangerous), you had better THE tracking devices implanted at the bases of believe that the “good guys” put tape dispensBELKO EXPERIMENT ers and paper cutters to bloody good use. their skulls (because the kidnapping rate in Rated R Colombia is so high).

This is an OK setup, a sort of whiteDirected by Greg McLean The Belko Experiment opens on a seemcollar riff on the 2000 Japanese cult classic Starring John Gallagher Jr., ingly nondescript morning, though things Battle Royale. And it’s relatively well-made Tony Goldwyn, Adria Arjona, and occasionally stylish, with director Greg turn south almost immediately. The buildJohn C. McGinley ing’s high-tech security system is activated McLean (Wolf Creek) and screenwriter James unexpectedly — impenetrable steel plates Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) obviously cover all the windows and outside doors — and a voice channeling the blunt, low-budget grindhouse fare that comes over the intercom to deliver a grisly ultimatum: If Roger Corman was producing in the late ’70s. (Even the the confined employees don’t kill 30 of their co-workers old-school Orion Pictures logo that kicks off the film is no in two hours, then 60 of those tracking chips, which are doubt designed to elicit a kind of grimy nostalgia.) actually explosives, will be detonated.

Last month, critics were (rightfully) hailing Jordan The group immediately divides itself into factions: Peele’s Get Out, which made a monster out of white liberThere are those who start searching for a way out, led al racism, as the definitive horror film of the Obama era.

106 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

And now here we have the first true Trump-era horror film, in which the dog-eat-dog nature of corporate capitalism and the toxicity of alpha-male cronyism are allowed to escalate well beyond their most logical extremes.

Though The Belko Experiment at first appears to be commenting on our current sociopolitical climate, that’s mostly incidental — Gunn reportedly completed the script years ago — and even so, it doesn’t have much to say that we haven’t already heard before. There is a thread of pitch-black humor running throughout, but it’s perhaps not overt enough, and because everything that surrounds it is so irrepressibly grim, the tonal shifts are sometimes jarring.

I suppose Gunn deserves some kind of recognition for committing so completely to his premise: The movie is unapologetically brutal, brazenly killing off characters you’d normally expect to make it out alive in a kill-or-bekilled thriller. You realize quickly, though, that The Belko Experiment isn’t really about anything, other than its own predilection for violence. And even by those middling standards, it’s only fitfully original. n

FILM | SHORTS

Dax Shepard and Michael Peña in the film reboot of CHiPs.

OPENING FILMS CHIPS

Another raunchy, R-rated big-screen adaptation of a goofy, retro TV show, this time updating the adventures of ’70s California highway patrolmen Poncherello and Baker to contemporary L.A. Michael Peña and Dax Shepard (who also wrote and directed) step into those famous khaki uniforms to, in a plot ripped from a Dirty Harry movie, hunt down a renegade ex-cop on a murderous rampage. Hey, the approach worked for 21 Jump Street.

What’s next — T.J. Hooker? (NW) Rated R

THE LAST WORD

Shirley MacLaine stars in this Sundance-approved comedy as Harriet Lauler, a successful but lonely retiree who’s been a perfectionist all her life.

Knowing she doesn’t want a gardenvariety send-off when she eventually dies, Harriet hires a tenacious journalist (Amanda Seyfried) to pen her obituary, but it quickly becomes clear that nobody has anything nice to say about the old lady. Don’t worry: It all turns out warm and fuzzy in the end.

(NW) Rated R

LIFE

A Mars probe discovers and obtains a sample of an extraterrestrial organism, and it’s handed over to a small team of astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The life form seems

docile at first (the crew even names it “Calvin”), but it turns out to be, as extraterrestrial organisms so often are, intelligent and malevolent, and it escapes captivity, multiplies in size and begins wreaking havoc on the ship.

Sounds an awful lot like Alien to us.

(NW) Rated R

POWER RANGERS

Power Rangers, a cheap, Americanized repackaging of the long-running Japanese series Super Sentai, started as a fad in the early ’90s, and it’s somehow still inspiring new merchandise and spin-off TV shows. It was inevitable, then, that Hollywood would eventually mine the franchise for a reboot, producing a new group of kids who are morphed into heroes, differentiated solely by their brightly colored super suits. (NW) Rated PG-13

WILSON

Another misanthropic comedy from graphic novelist Daniel Clowes (Ghost World, Art School Confidential), this time starring Woody Harrelson as a sad sack desperately trying (and mostly failing) to go through life with a glass-half-full attitude. Just when he’s given up on true happiness, he discovers that he’s the father of a 17-year-old social outcast, eventually convincing his estranged ex-wife (Laura Dern) that they need to reconnect with their daughter. (NW) Rated R

April 17 - 23 Writing workshops, panels, readings, and more!

Laila Lalami Christopher Howell Albert Goldbarth Nance Van Winckel

Shin Yu Pai John Rybicki Jamaal May Emily Ruskovich Alexandra Teague

Meghan Daum Jason Rekulak Justin Torres and more!

Tickets & Info: GetLitFestival.org

NOW PLAYING A UNITED KINGDOM

The true story of Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo), a Botswanan prince (and later, president) who aided in securing his country’s independence while married to a woman (Rosamund Pike) who was both European and white. During the late 1940s, their marriage was initially met with resistance from both the British and South African people, though they came to be generally beloved political figures. At the Magic Lantern. (NW) Rated PG-13

BEFORE I FALL

High school’s almost over, and popular kid Samantha (Zoey Deutch) and her equally popular friends are ready to party it up. But then there’s a car accident, and Sam finds herself in a

Groundhog Day scenario, reliving the day of the crash over and over again.

Perhaps there’s a lesson to be learned?

Based on the bestselling YA novel by Lauren Oliver. (NW) Rated PG-13

DIRECTED BY WILLIAM MARLOWE

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Continuing the trend of remaking its animated classics as live-action features, Disney’s update of its great version of Beauty and the Beast is reverential to a fault. The plot goes more or less unchanged — the bookish Belle (Emma Watson) is taken captive by the horrifying Beast (Dan Stevens), who turns out to be cuddlier than expected — though this script provides more backstory for its central characters. Still, it’s not enough to make you forget the 1991 original, which proba...continued on next page

MAR 31 - APR 23 MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 107

FILM | SHORTS

NOW GO FOR ORBIT PLAYING DR. RHEA SEDDON

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American office drones working for a shady corporation in Colombia are locked inside their high-rise building and forced to kill one another, lest the combustible tracking devices implanted in their heads go kaboom. Directed

by Greg McLean (Wolf Creek) and written by the often reliable James Gunn (Slither, Guardians of the Galaxy), the film is predictably brutal and bloody, though it can’t decide if it wants to be a ruthless thriller or a dark corporate satire. (NW) Rated R

GET OUT

Written and directed by Jordan Peele, this psychological thriller tackles the same issues of race and masculinity that were regularly explored on his Comedy Central series Key and Peele. Daniel Kaluuya (Sicario) and Allison Williams (Girls) play an interracial couple who visit her family’s country estate, which he discovers has a curi ous history with its African American staff. A clever, consistently funny racial satire and horror film that mocks white liberal cluelessness and finds humor in (without dismissing) black people’s fears. (ES) Rated R

THE GREAT WALL

One thing you know you’re going to get from Chinese director Zhang Yimou (Hero, House of Flying Daggers) is a visual feast of bright colors and eyepopping effects. In The Great Wall, his first English-language feature, Yimou calls on Matt Damon, playing a European mercenary, to help an army of Chinese defend the wall and all of humanity against an invading legion of monstrous lizards (yes, you read that correctly). (DN) Rated PG-13

HIDDEN FIGURES

You’ve probably never heard of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, who were pioneers in — respectively — mathematics, computer programming and engineering at NASA, without whom it’s astronauts would never have flown. The three black women helped the space agency through its first manned space flight, as documented in this historical drama.

(MJ) Rated PG

KEDI

For anyone who wishes that all the cat videos on YouTube were feature length, here’s an 80-minute documentary about the feral felines who roam the streets of Istanbul and have completely taken over certain parts of the city. You can view it as a fly-on-the-wall study of an urban ecosystem, as a sumptuous international travelogue or simply as a visual love letter to Istanbul’s furry inhabitants. At the Magic Lantern. (SD) Not rated

108 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

VARIETY

(LOS ANGELES)

METACRITIC.COM (OUT OF 100)

The Salesman

86

Get Out

83

Logan

77

The LEGO Batman Movie

75

Beauty and the Beast

66

Kong: Skull Island

62

The Belko Experiment

43

bly shouldn’t have been monkeyed with in the first place. (SR) Rated PG

THE BELKO EXPERIMENT

NEW YORK TIMES

DON’T MISS IT

WORTH $10

KONG: SKULL ISLAND

Goofy and gory in equal measure, the latest attempt to revive King Kong for 21st-century audiences is essentially a bonkers drive-in movie with an A-list cast and a blockbuster budget. The film is set in 1973, as a group of scientists, mercenaries and soldiers drop into the jungle and find themselves in the middle of a turf war between the legendary giant ape of the title and the horrifying monsters (known as “skullcrawlers”) that decimated his species. Skull Island is a lot of things at once — a war movie, a breathlessly paced chase film, a creepy-crawly creature feature, a man vs. nature parable — but it all works in its own crazy way. (MJ) Rated PG-13

THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE

The improbably delightful original LEGO Movie found a brilliant game plan for turning a toy into a story: combining a child’s anarchic sense of play with a savvy adult’s perspective on how goofy yet inspired that play can look from a distance. The LEGO Batman Movie adds another level of self-awareness about the entire recent history of comic-book movies, making for a wonderfully engaging mix of action spectacle and genre parody. (SR) Rated PG

LION

This multiple Oscar nominee is based on a memoir by Saroo Brierley, who was separated from his mother in Calcutta as a child, adopted by an Australian couple and later used Google Earth to locate the tiny Indian village he left behind. Although the film’s middle section drags considerably, this is an undeniably powerful true story, and Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman and 8-year-old Sunny Pawar deliver standout performances. (NW) Rated PG-13

LOGAN

The third film in the stand-alone Wolverine trilogy is by far the best of the bunch, and probably the best X-Men movie yet. Set in 2029, 25 years after the last known mutant was born, a haggard Logan (Hugh Jackman) has retreated into the desert to care for the ailing Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart). The existence of a little girl with uncanny powers soon becomes known, and Logan agrees to transport her to a faraway mutant refuge known as Eden. Bloody, bold and badass, this is one of the finest comic

WATCH IT AT HOME

SKIP IT

book movies ever made. (MJ) Rated R

MY SCIENTOLOGY MOVIE

Exposés about the Church of Scientology have become something of a subgenre unto themselves: Alex Gibney’s Going Clear was an especially damning film, and Leah Remini has turned her vocal disdain for the church into something of a second career. Now here’s a documentary that follows journalist and TV personality Louis Theroux, best known for his VICE-style shows in the UK, as he attempts to entrench himself within the ranks of the famously secretive organization. At the Magic Lantern.

(NW) Not rated

THE SALESMAN

As they’re preparing to appear in a production of Death of a Salesman, a husband and wife living in Tehran are shaken following a violent assault. An observant character study that unfolds with the propulsive nature of a thriller, this recent Oscar winner for Best Foreign Language Film also functions as an insightful, sometimes harrowing portrait of life in modern-day Iran.

Writer-director Asghar Farhadi (A Separation) further cements his reputation as one of the best filmmakers currently working in any country. At the Magic Lantern. (NW) Rated PG-13

THE SENSE OF AN ENDING

Based on Julian Barnes’ acclaimed novel, this romantic drama concerns a retired camera shop owner named Tony (Jim Broadbent), who unexpectedly reconnects with the former lover (Charlotte Rampling) that left him for his best friend when they were in their 20s. She’s in possession of (and won’t give up) a diary that reportedly contains personal information that should concern Tony, and its mysterious contents reawaken ghosts from his past. (NW) Rated PG-13

THE SHACK

While on a camping trip, a little girl is abducted and murdered, leaving her family emotionally shattered. But don’t let that gruesome premise fool you: This is an inspirational film for Christian audiences, and pretty soon the girl’s father (Sam Worthington) is receiving cryptic messages that seem to be coming from on high. Co-starring Octavia Spencer, Radha Mitchell and Tim McGraw. (NW) Rated PG-13 

FILM | REVIEW

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KEDI (77 MIN) FRI-SUN: 2:45, 6:30 WED/THU: 6:30 MY SCIENTOLOGY MOVIE (99 MIN) FRI/SAT: 2:00 WED/THU: 4:00 LION (115 MIN) FRI-SUN: 3:45 THE SALESMAN (122 MIN) FRI-SUN: 4:15 WED/THU: 4:15 (509) 209-2383 • 25 W Main Ave MagicLanternOnMain.com • /MagicLanternOnMain

WANTED

The cats are the true stars of Kedi.

Stray Observations The documentary Kedi is an ode to the street cats of Istanbul and a treat for feline fanatics

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POWER RANGERS

PG-13 Daily (4:00) 6:40 7:15 9:20 9:45 Sat-Sun (10:50) (1:20) (1:45)

CHIPS

R Daily (5:00) 7:20 9:35 Sat-Sun (12:30) (2:45)

LIFE

R Daily (4:45) 7:10 9:25 Sat-Sun (12:15) (2:30)

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

PG Daily (4:00) 9:30 Sat-Sun (10:45) In 2D Daily (3:30) (4:30) 6:10 6:45 8:50 Sat-Sun (11:15) (12:45) (1:15)

KONG: SKULL ISLAND

PG-13 Daily (4:00) 6:30 9:00 9:30 Sat-Sun (11:00) (1:30)

LOGAN

R Daily (3:15) 6:15 9:15 Sat-Sun (12:15)

BY STEVE DAVIS

THE SHACK

“I

n Istanbul, the cat is more than just a of smoked turkey and Manchego cheese from a cat.” So begins the leisurely documentary high-end delicatessen by pawing at its storefront Kedi, an affectionate tribute to the tens of window each day; and Psikopat, an aggressive, thousands of felines who freely roam the streets monochrome alpha female who doesn’t take shit and sidewalks of Turkey’s largest city, a fourfrom anybody or anything. legged omnipresence tempering the chaos of evAs the raconteurs frequently attest, the street eryday life in a teeming metropolis of more than cats profiled in the film possess distinctive person14 million people. Charlie Wuppermann’s fluid alities and character traits that endear them to the cinematography glides along the city’s thoroughpeople they adopt. Maybe it’s anthropomorphic fares, following these creatures as if on cat feet. wishful thinking, but if you’re a cat person, you’ll Neither domestic nor feral, these stray understand. If you aren’t, why in the world are animals belong to no one and to everyone. The you watching this movie? luckier ones depend upon the kindness of passAbout halfway through the film, something ing strangers who randomly pet them, and the begins to slowly dawn on you, a realization compassion of devoted caretakers who as gradual as the appearance of the provide sustenance and shelter on a Cheshire Cat. This movie is just as KEDI daily basis. Kedi (the Turkish word for much (if not more) about the kindness “cat”) is told exclusively from the point Not rated and open-heartedness of the human Directed by Ceyda Torun beings who recount their uncondiof view of some of the inhabitants of this modern-day Cat-stantinople, tional love for Bengü, Gamsiz and the who have formed relationships with many of the others, grateful for the therapeutic connection tamed beasts featured here. those animals provide when nothing else will heal These narrators introduce a cast of cats as the soul. fascinating as anything T.S. Eliot imagined in Old Director Ceyda Torun was born in Istanbul Possum’s fanciful book of poetry. There’s Bengü, and lived there as a young girl, leaving the city an affectionate female tabby who loves to be with her family at age 11 for Jordan and later brushed when she’s not fiercely protecting her New York City, but it’s abundantly clear that litter from a nosy interloper; Gamsiz, a scrappy, her heart has never left her birthplace. Kedi is happy-go-lucky black-and-white tom who always a valentine to her childhood home, a work of lands on his feet, whether he’s scaling a balcony unconditional love that celebrates a spot on Earth or scuffling with a furry trespasser; Duman, an where an odd symbiosis between humanity and aristocratic and well-mannered smoky male who a purring segment of nature has flourished for never begs for food, but politely demands meals centuries. Cats: now and forever. 

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PG-13 Daily (1:20) (1:50) (4:00) (4:30) 6:40 7:10 9:20 9:45 Fri-Sun (10:50) (11:20)

CHIPS

R Daily (12:30) (2:45) (5:00) 7:20 9:35

LIFE

R Daily (12:15) (2:30) (4:45) 7:10 9:25

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

PG Daily 6:45 9:30 Fri-Sun (10:45) 2D Daily (12:10) (12:45) (1:15) (1:45) (2:40) (3:30) (4:00) (4:30) 6:10 7:15 8:50 9:50 Fri-Sun (11:15)

KONG: SKULL ISLAND

PG-13 Daily (1:30) (4:00) 6:30 9:00 9:30 Fri-Sun (11:00)

LOGAN

R Daily (12:15) (3:15) 6:15 9:10

THE SHACK

PG-13 Daily (12:45) (3:30) 6:20 9:00

GET OUT

R Daily (12:30) (2:40) (5:00) 7:20 9:35

THE GREAT WALL

PG-13 Daily (5:00) 7:15 9:35

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PG Daily (12:15) (2:30) (4:45) 7:00

HIDDEN FIGURES

PG Daily (12:30) (3:20) 6:10 8:50

Showtimes in ( ) are at bargain price.

Special Attraction — No Passes Showtimes Effective 3/24/17-3/30/17

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 109

PER FOR MS

WINDBOR NE’S

THE MUSIC OF

LED ZEPPELIN BRENT HAVENS, GUEST CONDUCTOR RANDY JACKSON, VOCALIST

MAY 12, 2017 8PM Led Zeppelin’s Classic Songs in a Brilliant Combination of Passion and Power... with the Spokane Symphony and Full Rock Band

For Tickets: 509-624-1200 or SpokaneSymphony.org 110 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

Distorted Views Four decades into his career, Social Distortion’s Mike Ness is fighting ignorance one rock anthem at a time

BY BEN SALMON DANNY CLINCH PHOTO

W

hatever you imagine happens backstage at a Social Distortion show, it’s likely a little bit wilder than reality.

“At the end of the day, I’m done. I need to get proteins and food right away. I need to put sugars and good fats back into my body after the show,” says frontman Mike Ness, who co-founded Social D in 1978.

“People are very disappointed when they come backstage,” he continues. “So many people have this misconception (of) some wild f---in’ orgy free-for-all party. And I’ve got a f---in’ Vitamix going. I’ve got a veggie burger on the George Foreman Grill and I’m putting my f---in’ pajamas on.”

Bands don’t tend to last four decades if they don’t figure out how to take care of their bodies on tour — or if they simply choose not to. But Social D has always been such a high-performance road warrior, Ness’ post-show

routine is not so much a matter of preference, but necessity.

“We’re a very physical show,” he says. “And I work out before the show, so the next day — combined with travel — you’re tired, man. You basically spend the whole next day just trying to nourish yourself to feel better … and slowly get out of the fog and prepare for the next show.”

Of course, playing live is just one part of being in a band. There’s also writing and recording and releasing albums, something Social D has always done at a relatively leisurely pace. The band’s most recent album was Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes in 2011, just its seventh full-length studio release in its nearly 40 years.

But Ness says new music is coming. He’s been writing new songs, and the tour that will bring Social D to Spokane on Saturday night was booked in part to try to

stoke the creative fires.

“I’ve been reading and writing, and kind of wrapping my mind around the self-imposed challenge that I’ve put on myself: that I’ve got to write the record of my career,” he says. “So I’ve got to raise the bar. That’s just something that I put on myself because I don’t like to just go, ‘Time to put out another record’ and go through the motions.

“I mean, yeah, we might have enough songs right now,” Ness continues. “But I want to see what can happen over the next six months. Can I outdo this? What direction do I want to go in? What do I want to say?”

For decades, Social D has more or less done one thing and done it very well: buzzy, mid-tempo punk rock laced with a healthy dose of twangy influence and topped with Ness’ grizzled but tuneful snarl. The band’s 1983 ...continued on next page

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 111

MUSIC | ALT-ROCK “DISTORTED VIEWS,” CONTINUED... debut, Mommy’s Little Monster, pushed Social D beyond the Orange County scene, and they expanded their audience with an MTV hit (“I Was Wrong”) in 1996 and a handful of well-chosen country covers (Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” in particular) along the way.

In other words, Social D’s catalog is more varied than your average SoCal punk act. But unlike many of their contemporaries, Ness and company have never been a particularly politically charged band.

That may be changing. Among Ness’ new songs are a couple that are political in nature — “and that’s out of my wheelhouse,” he says quickly.

“For the past five years or so, I’ve been feeling a certain responsibility, being a public figure, to stand up for things that I believe in, whether it’s animal WEEKEND rights or civil C O U N T D OW N rights,” Ness Get the scoop on this says. “I’m not weekend’s events with trying to push our newsletter. Sign up at anyone left Inlander.com/newsletter. or right, I’m trying to just get people to think. So I find myself listening to narrators, ’cause that’s what I want: I want to kind of be the narrator of the song.”

Anyone who’s ever been to a Social D show knows the band appeals to a wide swath of people who no doubt span the entire political spectrum. Ness isn’t interested in pissing off one

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 | 8PM SUNDAY, MARCH 26 | 3PM BENJAMIN BEILMAN, VIOLIN ECKART PREU, CONDUCTOR Tchaikovsky... Violin Concerto Shostaikovich... Symphony No. 9 Tomaso Albinoni/adapted by Remo Giazotto — Adagio in G minor for Organ and Strings Concert in memory of Elizabeth Welty and a tribute to pianist Kendall Feeney

side or the other. His enemy? Ignorance.

“I believe that the average American is uninformed,” he says. “And if you can get them to open their mind to that — that maybe they’re not as much in the know as they thought they were — man, great things can happen.”

Ness says he has started slowly, urging his audiences to turn off TV news and to instead listen to NPR and see “alternative films.” He’s telling them it’s “patriotic to question things.” He thinks he’s been effective so far. “I don’t think (it’d work) if I just went up there and tore apart Trump and his staff,” he says.

Ultimately, Ness is unlikely to start pumping out overtly agit-punk anthems any time soon. It’s just not his style. But by writing songs that speak to his perspective on current times, he seems to have discovered a creative vein that he believes is rich with promise.

It reminds him of Social D’s classic 1996 album White Light, White Heat, White Trash, he says.

“White Light, White Heat got a little bit more attention (than some other records) because I had a lot of stuff going on in my life at the time. It’s a good example of a record (where) the songs are just a little deeper and a little bit more personal and more honest and more vulnerable,” he says.

“I think that I’m there again.” n Social Distortion with Jade Jackson • Sat, March 25 at 8 pm • $35 • All-ages • Knitting Factory • 919 W. Sprague • sp.knittingfactory. com • 244-3279

The Rock Rollers Club of Spokane presents CLAIRE HUANGCI, PIANO Winner of the 2010 National Chopin competition ECKART PREU, CONDUCTOR

APRIL 22 • 8PM ~ APRIL 23 • 3PM Concert sponsored by Merrill O’Brien John Corigliano Frédéric Chopin Johannes Brahms

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MUSIC | ALT-COUNTRY

A Foo’s New Muse Guitarist Chris Shiflett heads for the country, musically speaking, while on a break from Foo Fighters

BY DAN NAILEN

T

he driving honky-tonk rhythms and distinct twang slathered across Chris Shiflett’s new album didn’t exactly come naturally for the longtime Foo Fighters guitarist. His side gig as an alt-country singer/songwriter developed slowly through the years, well after he’d established himself as a six-string ace with punks No Use for a Name and then Dave Grohl’s crew.

“I grew up listening to rock and roll, not country. I did not think country was cool at all,” Shiflett says from his SoCal home, where he’s preparing to head out on tour in support of his new collection, West Coast Town.

The only twang he remembers growing up came from early Rolling Stones, Beatles and Elvis Presley songs. Later, a roommate turned him on to rockabilly and Sun Records, and “that was probably my real introduction, the most obvious stuff: Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, those types of records.”

His interest in the dusty sounds of classic country expanded when so-called “alt-country” bands like Uncle Tupelo and acts like Dwight Yoakam and Social Distortion started getting some attention for blending modern rock with traditional country tropes in the early ’90s.

Shiflett started playing around with country sounds

on songs he worked on between Foo Fighters’ massive tours, and since 2010, he’s been writing and releasing albums full of solid songcraft, as well as hosting a podcast called Walking the Floor since 2013. It’s dedicated to interviews with country legends like Merle Haggard and up-and-comers like Kip Moore.

One of those interviews, with Nashville uber-producer Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell), led to Shiflett recording West Coast Town, out April 14, in Nashville. Shiflett admits jumping into Cobb’s studio with the producer’s hand-picked musicians was “very intimidating” for a California-raised punk-rocker.

“I went in there kind of flying blind and it was just the best experience, so great,” Shiflett says of the sessions, which produced killer tracks like “Sticks & Stones” and “Blow Out the Candles.” “He’s so much fun in the studio and just had a massive impact on the way these songs turned out.”

Shiflett’s tour options for West Coast Town are limited by his full-time job: Foo Fighters’ engines are starting to rev for work later this year, so he’ll be on the road for short jaunts like the one bringing him to Spokane on Friday.

Once a Foo Fighter, always a Foo Fighter.

BRANTLEY GUTIERREZ PHOTO

It’s clear, though, that Shiflett will keep making twang-infused music and doing his podcast for the foreseeable future. Even if he wasn’t born a country fan, he’s a lifer now, relishing the opportunity to be part of the country community.

“I don’t really think of myself as part of any scene,” Shiflett says. “I’m kind of a homebody. I’ve got kids …

I just play music and I live in L.A. in the suburbs, and I’m with my kids if I’m not working. It’s cool to meet all these people who are part of the current Americana music scene.”  Chris Shiflett with Brian Whelan • Fri, March 24 at 7:30 pm • $10/$13 day of • All-ages • The Big Dipper • 171 S. Washington • bigdipperevents.com • 863-8098

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MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 113

MUSIC | SOUND ADVICE

JAZZ DAVINA AND THE VAGABONDS

T

here’s a certain kind of effortless cool that you can’t fake, and Minnesota’s Davina and the Vagabonds have it. The jazz traditionalists play as many gems from the Great American Songbook as they do original compositions, though you may be hardpressed to determine which songs are new and which are the standards. The band’s 2016 album Nicollet and Tenth features fire-andbrimstone covers of “Ain’t That a Shame” and “I Would Rather Go Blind,” both of which are brought to life by singer Davina Sowers, whose voice is, like the rest of her band, simultaneously classic and contemporary.

— NATHAN WEINBENDER

GARRETT BORN PHOTO

J = THE INLANDER RECOMMENDS THIS SHOW J = ALL AGES SHOW

Thursday, 03/23

BABY BAR, Griffey, The Co Founder, Loomer J J THE BARTLETT, Strand of Oaks, Heather McEntire (of Mount Moriah) BEEROCRACY, Open Mic J J THE BIG DIPPER, Wild Powwers, Spinning Whips, Peru Resh, The Smokes BOOMERS CLASSIC ROCK BAR & GRILL, Randy Campbell acoustic show BOOTS BAKERY & LOUNGE, The Song Project J BUCER’S COFFEEHOUSE PUB, Open Jazz Jam with Erik Bowen J CHAPS, Spare Parts COEUR D’ALENE CASINO, Phillip Phillips COEUR D’ALENE CASINO (CHINOOK LOUNGE), Wyatt Wood COEUR D’ALENE CASINO (NIGHTHAWK LOUNGE), JamShack CRAVE, DJ Freaky Fred CRUISERS, Open Mic Jam Slam hosted

by Perfect Destruction and J.W. Scattergun CURLEY’S, Phoenix FEDORA PUB & GRILLE, Kicho JOHN’S ALLEY, General Mojo’s J J KNITTING FACTORY, STRFKR, Psychic Twin J LAGUNA CAFÉ, Just Plain Darin THE LANTERN TAP HOUSE, Buffalo Jones, The Tourist Union LEFTBANK WINE BAR, Sunny Nights MICKDUFF’S BEER HALL, Benny Baker MOON TIME, Moses Willey MOOSE LOUNGE, Dragonfly NORTHERN QUEST CASINO, Great White, Slaughter THE OBSERVATORY, Hollow Earth, East Sherman, Guardian POST FALLS BREWING COMPANY, Ron Greene

114 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

PSYCH ROCK DEAD MEADOW

An Evening with Davina and the Vagabonds • Thu, March 30 at 7:30 pm • $15-$25 • Chateau Rive at the Flour Mill • 621 W. Mallon • ticketswest.com

L

istening to the super-fuzzy, woozy retro rock of Dead Meadow, you start to wonder if the ’60s ever actually ended.

The Washington, D.C., trio formed in 1998 and is still going strong despite a couple of lineup changes over the years, cranking out sludgy, druggy but hardly sluggish psychedelia that recalls Pink Floyd at its trippiest and Hendrix at his most experimental. It’s the kind of music best heard through bulky vintage headphones while staring at your bedroom ceiling and simply letting your mind drift. And despite what you might think, psychotropic substances are not a requirement for enjoyment.

— NATHAN WEINBENDER Dead Meadow with Matt Hollywood and Blackwater Prophet • Sat, March 25 at 7:30 pm • $12/$15 • All-ages • The Big Dipper • 171 S. Washington • bigdipperevents.com • 863-8098

THE RESERVE, Liquid with DJ Dave THE ROCK BAR & LOUNGE, Spokane River Band TIMBER GASTRO PUB, Wyatt Wood ZOLA, Blake Braley

Friday, 03/24

ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, Karrie O’Neill BABY BAR, Toyboat Toyboat Toyboat, Fancyboy J THE BARTLETT, Cardioid, Mini Murders BEVERLY’S, Robert Vaughn J J THE BIG DIPPER, Chris Shiflett (see page 113), Brian Whelan BIGFOOT PUB, Nightshift BOLO’S, Whiskey Rebellion BOOMERS CLASSIC ROCK BAR & GRILL, Whiskey Dick and 8 Balls COEUR D’ALENE CASINO (CHINOOK LOUNGE), Wyatt Wood COEUR D’ALENE CASINO (NIGHT-

HAWK LOUNGE), JamShack CURLEY’S, Phoenix FEDORA PUB & GRILLE, Keanu and Joey IRON HORSE BAR, Uppercut J JACKLIN ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER, Friends of the Guitar Hour Concert Series, with John Goulart THE JACKSON ST., Yesterdayscake JOHN’S ALLEY, Vial 8 J KNITTING FACTORY, Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime, with Fayuca and Quarter Monkey KOOTENAI RIVER BREWING CO., Truck Mills LEFTBANK WINE BAR, Carey Brazil MAX AT MIRABEAU, Bakin Phat MOOSE LOUNGE, Dragonfly MULLIGAN’S BAR & GRILLE, Bill Bozly NORTHERN QUEST CASINO, DJ Patrick O’SHAYS IRISH PUB & EATERY, Arvid Lundin & Deep Roots

PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Baregrass J THE PIN!, Flying Mammals, Heart Avail, Jimmy Nuge, Tyler Brostram THE RIDLER PIANO BAR, Dueling Pianos feat. Christan Raxter & Steve Ridler RIVELLE’S RIVER GRILL, Echo Elysium THE ROADHOUSE, Hysteria: Def Leppard Tribute SILVER MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT, Ron Greene TIMBER GASTRO PUB, Son of Brad VICTORY SPORTS HALL, Kyle Swaffard ZOLA, Raggs and Bush Doktor

Saturday, 03/25

ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, Spare Parts Duo BEEROCRACY, Tyler Aker, Forest Lines BEVERLY’S, Robert Vaughn J J THE BIG DIPPER, Dead Meadow (see above), Matt Hollywood,

Blackwater Prophet BOLO’S, Whiskey Rebellion COEUR D’ALENE CASINO (NIGHTHAWK LOUNGE), JamShack CRUISERS, Lust for Glory, Hedonizm, Perfect Destruction FEDORA PUB & GRILLE, Donnie Emerson FLAME & CORK, Son of Brad IRON HORSE BAR, Uppercut JOHN’S ALLEY, The Grant Farm J J KNITTING FACTORY, Social Distortion (see page 111), Jade Jackson LA ROSA CLUB, Open Jam LAGUNA CAFÉ, Diane Copeland LEFTBANK WINE BAR, Matt Mitchell MAX AT MIRABEAU, Bakin Phat MICKDUFF’S BEER HALL, Scotia Road MULLIGAN’S BAR & GRILLE, Dan Conrad NORTHERN QUEST CASINO, DJ Patrick

THE OBSERVATORY, Lucky Leaf One Year Anniversary Party feat. MC PositiveLuv J THE PIN!, Spring Hip Hop Showcase, feat. DNA Records, Treveezy, Nugskwod, Soul Doubt, Ace Ines POST FALLS BREWING COMPANY, Bill Bozly RED ROOM LOUNGE, Brewfish, River City Roots THE RIDLER PIANO BAR, Dueling Pianos feat. Christan Raxter & Steve Ridler THE ROCK BAR & LOUNGE, DJ Aphrodisiac THE THIRSTY DOG, DJ Dave ZOLA, Raggs and Bush Doktor

Sunday, 03/26

J THE BIG DIPPER, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, Traveler of Home, Lucas Brown and Friends J THE BUZZ COFFEEHOUSE, BAR & LOUNGE, Juniper Berries, Tyler & Maddison, Ellie & Darrin, Lane King DALEY’S CHEAP SHOTS, Jam Night with VooDoo Church IRON HORSE BAR & GRILL, Land of Voices with Dirk Swartz J KNITTING FACTORY, DAN + SHAY,

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Jackie Lee LINGER LONGER LOUNGE, Open Jam O’DOHERTY’S IRISH GRILLE, Live Irish Music THE RIDLER PIANO BAR, Sunday Karaoke Night ZOLA, Whsk&Keys

Monday, 03/27

J CALYPSOS COFFEE & CREAMERY, Open Mic EICHARDT’S, Monday Night Jam with Truck Mills J THE OBSERVATORY, Ice Cream, Heavy Seventeen, Balonely RED ROOM LOUNGE, Open Mic with Lucas Brookbank Brown ZOLA, Perfect Mess

Tuesday, 03/28

J J THE BARTLETT, Northwest of Nashville feat. Jenny Anne Mannan, An Dochas, Greg & Caridwen Spatz, Garrin Hertel J THE BIG DIPPER, The Werks, B Radicals THE EMPEROR ROOM, T.A.S.T.Y with DJs Freaky Fred, Beauflexx J KNITTING FACTORY, LoCash LEFTBANK WINE BAR, Turntable Tuesday MIK’S, DJ Brentano J MOOTSY’S, Southtowne Lanes, Stepbrothers, Boat Race Weekend, Deformer THE RIDLER PIANO BAR, Open Mic/Jam Night ZOLA, Dueling Cronkites

Wednesday, 03/29

J CHECKERBOARD BAR, Impulse Control, Slow Corpse, Griffey, Runaway Octopus ETSI BRAVO, Darude, Macfie GENO’S TRADITIONAL FOOD & ALES, Open Mic with Host Travis Goulding IRON HORSE BAR & GRILL, Steve Starkey LEFTBANK WINE BAR, Carey Brazil LUCKY’S IRISH PUB, DJ D3VIN3 J THE PIN!, Carnifex, Despised Icon, Fallujah, Rings of Saturn POST FALLS BREWING COMPANY, Aaron Williams RIVELLE’S RIVER GRILL, Jam Night: Truck Mills and guests THE ROADHOUSE, Open Mic with Johnny Qlueless SOULFUL SOUPS & SPIRITS, Open mic THE THIRSTY DOG, DJ Dave TWO SEVEN PUBLIC HOUSE, Cruxie ZOLA, Haley Young and Champagne Jam

Coming Up ...

THE PALOMINO, Lethal Injektion: Sex M$ney Power Tour, feat. Catalyst, Burning Clean, Jacob VanKnowe, March 30 J THE PIN!, A World Without, Fed to the Flames, A Cryptic Ending, Widower, March 30 J J CHATEAU RIVE, Davina and the Vagabonds (see facing page), March 30

THE LANTERN TAP HOUSE, Milonga (Trio), March 30 THE OBSERVATORY, Male Blonding, Flannel Math Animal, March 30 J THE PIN!, City of the Weak, March 31 J THE BARTLETT, The Wind and the Wave, Allison Pierce, March 31 J BING CROSBY THEATER, Alive She Cried: The Ultimate Doors Experience, March 31 J KNITTING FACTORY, Tech N9ne, feat. Brotha Lynch Hung, Krizz Kaliko, Stevie Stone, Ces Cru, March 31 THE OBSERVATORY, Couches (San Francisco), The Funeral Homies, The Smokes,, March 31 J KNITTING FACTORY, GTS Presents Spring Revival, feat. All But Lost, Fed to the Flames, Noctyms Decent, Sons of Donovan, April 1 J MARTIN WOLDSON THEATER AT THE FOX, Black Violin, April 1 J PANIDA THEATER, Alive She Cried, April 1 THE RESERVE, American Pinup, Elephant Gun Riot, April 1 THE OBSERVATORY, Working Spliffs, Breadbox with Lucas Brown, April 1 THE PALOMINO, Chrysalis, April 4 J GONZAGA UNIVERSITY, Matt Hopper with Bryan Daste, April 5 JOHN’S ALLEY, Cascade Crescendo, April 5

MUSIC | VENUES 315 MARTINIS & TAPAS • 315 E. Wallace, CdA • 208-667-9660 ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS • 4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd. • 927-9463 BABY BAR • 827 W. First Ave. • 847-1234 BARLOWS • 1428 N. Liberty Lake Rd. • 924-1446 THE BARTLETT • 228 W. Sprague Ave. • 747-2174 BEEROCRACY • 911 W. Garland Ave. THE BIG DIPPER • 171 S. Washington • 863-8098 BIGFOOT PUB • 9115 N. Division St. • 467-9638 BING CROSBY THEATER • 901 W. Sprague Ave. • 227-7638 BLACK DIAMOND • 9614 E. Sprague • 891-8357 BOLO’S • 116 S. Best Rd. • 891-8995 BOOMERS • 18219 E. Appleway Ave. • 755-7486 BOOTS BAKERY & LOUNGE • 24 W. Main Ave. • 703-7223 BUCER’S COFFEEHOUSE PUB • 201 S. Main, Moscow • 208-882-5216 BUZZ COFFEEHOUSE • 501 S. Thor • 340-3099 CALYPSOS COFFEE & CREAMERY • 116 E. Lakeside Ave., CdA • 208-665-0591 CHAPS • 4237 Cheney-Spokane Rd. • 624-4182 CHATEAU RIVE • 621 W. Mallon Ave. • 795-2030 CHECKERBOARD BAR • 1716 E. Sprague Ave. • 535-4007 COEUR D’ALENE CASINO • 37914 S. Nukwalqw Rd., Worley, Idaho • 800-523-2464 COEUR D’ALENE CELLARS • 3890 N. Schreiber Way, CdA • 208-664-2336 CRAFTED TAP HOUSE • 523 Sherman Ave., CdA • 208-292-4813 CRAVE• 401 W. Riverside • 321-7480 CRUISERS • 6105 W Seltice Way, Post Falls • 208773-4706 CURLEY’S • 26433 W. Hwy. 53 • 208-773-5816 DALEY’S CHEAP SHOTS • 6412 E. Trent • 535-9309 DIAMS DEN • 412 W. Sprague • 934-3640 EICHARDT’S PUB • 212 Cedar St., Sandpoint • 208-263-4005 THE EMPEROR ROOM • 25 E. Lincoln Rd. • 703-7474 THE FEDORA • 1726 W. Kathleen, CdA • 208-7658888 FIZZIE MULLIGANS • 331 W. Hastings • 466-5354 FOX THEATER • 1001 W. Sprague • 624-1200 HOGFISH • 1920 E. Sherman, CdA • 208-667-1896 HOTEL RL BY RED LION AT THE PARK • 303 W. North River Dr. • 326-8000 IRON HORSE • 407 E. Sherman Ave., CdA • 208667-7314 JACKSON ST. BAR & GRILL • 2436 N. Astor St. • 315-8497 JOHN’S ALLEY • 114 E. Sixth St., Moscow • 208883-7662 KNITTING FACTORY • 911 W. Sprague Ave. • 244-3279 LAGUNA CAFÉ • 2013 E. 29th Ave. • 448-0887 THE LANTERN TAP HOUSE • 1004 S. Perry St. • 315-9531 THE LARIAT • 11820 N. Market St. • 466-9918 LA ROSA CLUB • 105 S. First Ave., Sandpoint • 208-255-2100 LEFTBANK WINE BAR • 108 N. Washington • 315-8623 LUCKY’S IRISH PUB • 408 W. Sprague • 747-2605 MAX AT MIRABEAU • 1100 N. Sullivan • 924-9000 MICKDUFF’S • 312 N. First Ave., Sandpoint • 208)255-4351 MONARCH MOUNTAIN COFFEE • 208 N 4th Ave, Sandpoint • 208-265-9382 MOOSE LOUNGE • 401 E. Sherman • 208-664-7901 MOOTSY’S • 406 W. Sprague • 838-1570 MULLIGAN’S • 506 Appleway Ave., CdA • 208- 7653200 ext. 310 NASHVILLE NORTH • 6361 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls • 208-457-9128 NECTAR CATERING & EVENTS • 120 N. Stevens St. • 869-1572 NORTHERN QUEST RESORT • 100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights • 242-7000 NYNE • 232 W. Sprague Ave. • 474-1621 THE OBSERVATORY • 15 S. Howard • 598-8933 O’SHAY’S • 313 E. CdA Lake Dr. • 208-667-4666 THE PALOMINO • 6425 N. Lidgerwood St. • 242-8907 PEND D’OREILLE WINERY • 301 Cedar St., Sandpoint • 208-265-8545 THE PIN! • 412 W. Sprague • 368-4077 RED LION RIVER INN • 700 N. Division • 326-5577 RED ROOM LOUNGE • 521 W. Sprague • 838-7613 REPUBLIC BREWING • 26 Clark Ave. • 775-2700 THE RESERVE • 120 N. Wall • 598-8783 THE RIDLER PIANO BAR • 718 W. Riverside • 822-7938 RIVELLE’S • 2360 N Old Mill Loop, CdA • 208-9300381 THE ROADHOUSE • 20 N. Raymond • 413-1894 SEASONS OF COEUR D’ALENE • 209 E. Lakeside Ave. • 208-664-8008 THE SHOP • 924 S. Perry St. • 534-1647 SOULFUL SOUPS & SPIRITS • 117 N. Howard St. • 459-1190 SPOKANE ARENA • 720 W. Mallon • 279-7000 THE THIRSTY DOG • 3027 E. Liberty Ave. • 487-3000 TIMBER GASTRO PUB •1610 E Schneidmiller, Post Falls • 208-262-9593 ZOLA • 22 W. Main Ave. • 624-2416

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 115

Alton Brown investigates the science of good eats.

SARAH DEHEER PHOTO

FOOD EDIBLE EXPERIMENTS

Everyone’s favorite, friendly foodie is coming back to the Lilac City next week, and bringing with him an exciting and escapade-filled stage show of messy food demos, audience interaction and more. Alton Brown’s latest touring show, Eat Your Science, boasts live experiments in cooking that Brown alleges he was never allowed to do on TV. Fans of the award-winning chef, Food Network star and cookbook author can also see him perform some goofy food-themed songs as they’re transported to a science-lab-like scene where Brown and assistants, selected from the audience, employ some of the most unusual cooking techniques.

— CHEY SCOTT Alton Brown Live: Eat Your Science • Wed, March 29 at 7:30 pm • $41.50-$127.50 • INB Performing Arts Center • 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. • inbpac.com • 279-7000

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116 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

FASHION HAUTE TO TROT

Fashion is fickle, full of fads that come and go in the blink of an eye.

But every culture has its favorites. The new Open Arms Cultural Elegance fashion show celebrates the wide variety of dress and style across the globe by highlighting the cultural heritage of up-and-coming designers, and the histories that inspire their work.

Showgoers can dive into the world of Latin American, African American, Native American, Pacific Islander, Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, Korean, Filipino and Bulgarian fashion. Experience the vibrancy of each culture, and if it’s your first fashion show, don’t worry. There’s no requirement but an open mind and enthusiasm, darling. Northern Quest is also hosting a cultural vendor fair in conjunction with the event; that runs from March 23-26.

— RAVEN HAYNES Open Arms Cultural Elegance: A Fashion Show • Sat, March 25 at 7 pm • $10-$30 • Northern Quest Casino • 100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights • northernquest.com

COMMUNITY BE OUR NEIGHBORS

In observance of the spring festival Holi, or the “festival of colors,” the Spokane Interfaith Council and Spokane Faith & Values are hosting their next Meet the Neighbors event, this month highlighting the region’s Hindu community. The regular community series offers Spokanites an opportunity to learn about the diverse religious communities within the city that they may not otherwise be familiar with. Because there currently isn’t a Hindu temple in Spokane, this gathering is being held at the Southside Senior & Community Center. Saturday’s festivities offer an opportunity to learn about Hinduism as well as experience its culture, worship practices and homemade Indian food.

— TUCK CLARRY Meet the Neighbors: Hindus • Sat, March 25 from 11 am-3 pm • Free • Southside Senior & Community Center • 3151 E. 27th • bit. ly/2mXIGhH or spokanefavs.com

WOMEN HELPING WOMEN FUND ANNUAL BENEFIT

GLENNON DOYLE MELTON

ETC. ROCK OUT

58th Annual Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show • Fri-Sun: March 24-25 from 10 am-6 pm; March 26 from 10 am-4 pm • $5-$6/weekend admission (kids under 12 free) • Spokane County Fair & Expo Center • 404 N. Havana • rockrollers.org

EN

HELPING

D

W

O

When I was little, the “rock show,” as we called it, was an annual family outing my siblings and I eagerly anticipated. My late paternal grandparents were self-proclaimed “rock hounds” who amassed an impressive collection of geological specimens, and participated in the show each year as members of the local Rock Rollers Club for hobbyists in mineralogy, geology and lapidary arts; the cutting, polishing or carving of minerals into decorative objects.

More than a decade later, the yearly Rock Rollers show still holds wide appeal, with stunning display cases of fossils, crystals, minerals and more, and loads of handcrafted semi-precious and precious jewelry to suit all tastes and budgets.

— CHEY SCOTT

M

WOMEN

MAY

23

11:30 AM

SPOKANE

1:30 PM

CENTER

to

CONVENTION

FU

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REGISTRATION & INFO AT WHWFSPOKANE.ORG

CLASSICAL SLAVIC SOUNDS

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky made everything look easy. He reportedly completed his well-known Violin Concerto, one of his most frequently performed compositions, in only a month, and did so in the wake of a rocky marriage.

He also didn’t even play violin. The beloved piece will be showcased during the Spokane Symphony’s next Classics concert, and conductor Eckart Preu is bringing in Benjamin Beilman (pictured), a New York-based violinist who previously performed here in 2015, to make quick work of Tchaikovsky’s concerto. The program will also feature a tribute to Kendall Feeney, the symphony’s longtime principal pianist, who passed away earlier this month.

— NATHAN WEINBENDER Spokane Symphony Classics 8: The Russian Soul • Sat, March 25 at 8 pm; Sun, March 26 at 3 pm • $15-$54 • Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox • 1001 W. Sprague • 624-1200 • spokanesymphony.org

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 117

W I SAW U YOU

RS RS

CHEERS JEERS

&

I SAW YOU BLONDE BEAUTY AT AN IRISH ROCK SHOW I kept looking back to you throughout my whole set. You: beautiful blonde hugging the security gate during my set before the Young Dubliners’ concert at the Knit. Me. Blue shirt, black guitar, smiling at you a lot. Sorry I couldn’t stick around to introduce myself. If you’d like to let me make up for that, you know the band; you remember me; let Facebook be your guide.

SOCCER COACH CHICK So i was trying to come up with a soccer pun but decided against it for risk of embarrassing you, kind of like when I wanted to ask you out at the checkout where I work. I wish I had though, because you are sooo cute, and obviously capable of working on your own vehicle, which is most definitely a plus. Annnyway, if you ever need more parts, you know where to go. I’ll understand if this is weird and/or creepy, but it would make my year to hang out and get coffee or something with you. I’m entertaining and clever, I promise! P.s. This is ambiguous on purpose to make it less awkward, but i would love to see you again. Ok bye OH GOD PLEASE NO That last one was a huge mistake. Hey soccer chick, please disregard that posting. This is all pointless and irrelevant bullshit and shouldn’t have happened nor will it in the future. Thanks for your time. Peace tha f--- out, life is shit, cheers playa, what what. No but seriously pretend that didn’t happen.

YOU WERE AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN I had the privilege of ‘working’ with you during a crisis call. I am a local social worker and you work for the SPD. I was incredibly impressed with your demeanor, understanding of mental health and positive outlook/behaviour with my clients. You were easy on the eyes too: tall, kind eyes and copper hair.

I would love to talk to you in a less high stress situation. Drinks? Email me at pineapples_and_pirates@hotmail.com if you are interested. Thank you for your service in this community.

FIGHTING BACK TEARS I have seen you silently cry in a corner after talking to that kid (as you call him though he is closer to your late son’s age). I realize it’s coming up on what would be your son’s 26th birthday and things have been difficult for you as of late. I also am aware of how that kid has so much of your son’s personality: pleasant demeanor; warm smile; kind spirit; mild mannerism. It’s why you are so keen on him. I am also aware that you feel you just never had motherly instincts. How could you not? You KNOW when that kid isn’t feeling well or something’s bothering him.

You also became very protective of him after he told you about the near miss with the other car while driving to work. You became protective because you know what it’s like not to have your son. You wouldn’t wish that on any mother. When you see that kid, you are grateful that he is safe and all right. MOTHERLY instincts. There are days when you just want to hug that kid because you will feel you are hugging your son but you keep that part of your life quiet because no one seems to understand you.

I do, though. And now you feel that every time you try to do the right thing, it backfires. You tried encouraging that kid and it seemed to be taken out of context. Don’t let the glare he gave you discourage you from always doing right. That glare doesn’t mean the kid hates you. It also doesn’t mean you don’t have motherly instincts.

Maybe he just wasn’t ready for the care and concern for his well-being that you offered.

Just give him some time. Maybe someday, you will finally be able to open up and tell him why you gaze at him the way you do.

And maybe he’ll understand. For now, just keep doing right.

KISSING COWORKERS I know things might get weird if we continue down that path.

If you change your mind, I’m ready for weirdness!

CHEERS “THANK YOU!” To Nate at Market Espresso: (3/15/2017) Today I was treated to a coffee by a friend from class in thanks for doing

“

STOLEN BOYS PEACOAT AT YMCA To the person who stole my twelve-year old son’s grey Gap peacoat from the family locker room at the Central YMCA between 2 and 3 pm on Friday 17 March, I wish you or your child much warmth. It’s a great coat.

Almost new. I hope that you make good

JEERS REALLY OZZIE So Ozzie wants to blame Obama for officers getting killed, is he for real. So Ozzie I guess Obama was president when the first officer was killed in the US, and when Bonnie & Clyde were killing police, but according to Ozzie it’s Obama

I know things might get weird if we continue down that path. If you change your mind, I’m ready for weirdness!

them a favor. She and I went to Market Espresso, located within Eagle Express Market on EWU’s Cheney Campus, around 11:10-30 am ish. She and I ordered two hot caramel macchiatos from you and I requested that mine be made with coconut milk. You were very efficient at your job which really made a good first impression and very kindly took our names, your coworkers took care of our drinks and then my friend and I left after she paid for our drinks. I never expected to be back minutes later and ordering another coffee from your coffee stand today but not long after she and I left, my macchiato exploded all over the entrance mat in the next building we went to. I was incredibly embarrassed (and disappointed because I never even had a sip) but my friend helped me clean the mess up and then graciously took me back for a new coffee. When I showed up again asking for another macchiato, my friend and I were both impressed by how we were treated: you were very nice and sympathetic, joked with me about escaping being covered in coffee and surprisingly remembered my name. I was shy and couldn’t find the words at the time, but I want to thank you Nate for helping me feel less embarrassed and being on the ball with both my name and my order.

I deeply apprieciated the friendly service!

I hope you read the Inlander and see this unexpected note; or at the very least, hear about it from someone who knows you!

SOUND OFF 1. Visit Inlander.com/isawyou by 3 pm Monday. 2. Pick a category (I Saw You, You Saw Me, Cheers or Jeers). 3.

Provide basic info: your name and email (so we know you’re real). 4. To connect via I Saw You, provide a non-identifying email to be included with your submission — like “petals327@yahoo.com,” not “j.smith@comcast.net.”

118 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

Cheers! Thanks from Kendra.

use of it. May God have mercy on your wretched soul and grant you forgiveness.

TO ALL THOSE KIND STRANGERS... To all those who have given warm smiles and friendly greetings to me over the past three months... thank you. (Man behind the front desk, woman at the coffee shop, worker who acknowledged I existed). It’s been a difficult three months and sometimes, on days when I wasn’t sure I’d make it through, a stranger’s warm smile and friendliness made it worth getting through another day. f course, many would not know how rough I’ve had it as I’ve tried my best to be happy-go-lucky and fake a smile. You never know when a stranger just might need to see that smile; hear that greeting. I’ve been one of them! So keep smiling and being kind to everyone who passes you by! Someday, you will be rewarded for such pleasantness!

THANK YOU I stopped at Jersey Mike’s for the first time about 10 days ago — while I was getting my money out to pay for my sub, a gentleman stepped up and said “Don’t take her money, I’m paying for this”. I was so surprised and speechless and thankful. I have paid it forward several times because it feels so good to do so. So to the gentleman who paid for my sub — thank you for that and the good feelings I have had since.

”

fault, so when in doubt blame the black man, after all Charles Stuart did when he killed his wife, and Susan Smith did when she killed her children. So where is Phillip Tyler how come he is not saying anything, as least the Mayor was smart and not let him be police chief. Ozzie you really showed your true colors.

LEAVE MONROE ALONE So the city wants to improve Monroe, I wonder what genius came up with that idea, take that 7 million and use it for the roads or keep it in the budget for the winter. I take Monroe I for one do not want to get behind a bus, traffic will be backed up and tempers will flare, why don’t you make Grand a two way.

What was I thinking, the rich and powerful wouldn’t allow that, oops my bad. Just put crosswalk lights, like over in the Gonzaga area. LEAVE MONROE ALONE! 

THIS WEEK'S ANSWERS M O B I I R A N C O R K T E A L L Y L E E L O T S T O D M B A A I R S R O C K O N T O O D I S N I C H

L I S A R L L S A Y S I N T I F S F E T E

S A S S E D

S C I F I

E R D O C T M O F O R O S L P L O U O R J W B O M E L E D S

T G I R F A B S A N T O U C T R O C A T O

R E N E S

A T D A W N

M U R R A Y

A T S P T O O N I P O K S N I T O G A W N U

S P A S M S

N E D A S P

NOTE: I Saw You/Cheers & Jeers is for adults 18 or older. The Inlander reserves the right to edit or reject any posting at any time at its sole discretion and assumes no responsibility for the content.

WSECU_NominateSomeone_032317_5H_WT.pdf

EVENTS | CALENDAR

BENEFIT

BACKCOUNTRY HUNTERS & ANGLERS PINT NIGHT Join the local chapter to talk about public lands issues, chapter events and conservation. $1 from each pint goes to the WA chapter. March 23, 7-9 pm. River City Brewing, 121 S. Cedar St. rivercityred. blogspot.com (509-413-2388) DINE OUT TO FEED SPOKANE As part of National Nutrition Month in March, the Greater Spokane Dietetic Association (GSDA) helps to raise operating funds for the local nonprofit food rescue agency. A percentage of proceeds at participating restaurants is donated to Feed Spokane to help fight hunger in our area. (See link for restaurant list.) Donations collected March 1-31. feedspokane.com (324-2939) PINTS FOR PUPS A dollar from every pint sold is donated to the local nonprofit Dachshund Rescue NW. March 23, 5-8 pm. English Setter Brewing, 15310 E. Marietta. spokanewienerdogs. org (796-2140) HEARTS FOR HOMES DINNER & AUCTION The 8th annual dinner and auction generates funds to support North Idaho Habitat for Humanity’s Home Building Program. March 24, 6-9:30 pm. $45.

Best Western Coeur d’Alene, 506 W. Appleway. northidahohabitat.org LGBTQ COSMIC BOWLING PARTY Join OutSpokane for night of Cosmic Bowling to support Spokane Pride 2017. Entry includes bowling shoes and ball, pizza and pitcher of beer or soda for the lane. Everyone also gets a $35 North Bowl gift card for future fun.

March 24, 9:15 pm-midnight. $30/person or $120-$150/team of 4-5. North Bowl, 125 W. Sinto. outspokane.org MASQUERADE BALL GALA The event supports the Washington State Combined Fund Drive, with drinks, hors d’oeuvres, dancing, complementary photos, auctions and more. March 25, 7-11 pm. $50/person; $75/pair. Lincoln Center, 1316 N. Lincoln St. cfd.wa.gov HEARTH HOMES RED CARPET GALA The annual gala includes dinner, live music, dancing, auctions and more.

Proceeds benefit the organization’s efforts to provide transitional housing to women and children in Spokane Valley. March 25, 5:30-9:30 pm. Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Rd. hearthhomes.org/events (509-924-9000) LILAC CITY FAIRY TALES: A SPARK BENEFIT Scablands Lit and Friends of the Bing host the third annual event,

benefiting Spark Central and featuring original stories, poems, and songs from some of the brightest artistic talent in our region. March 25, 7-8:30 pm. $16-$22. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. friendsofthebing.org PULLMAN CHAMBER CABARET The 39th annual benefit event kicks off with a social at 5 pm followed by a plated dinner and silent auction, dancing to music by the Fabulous Kingpins, and a live auction with auctioneer Austin Booker. March 25. Schweitzer Event Center, 1825 Schweitzer Dr. pullmanchamber.com (334-3565) SPOKANE SUPERHERO FUN RUN The 4th annual event includes a 5K or 10K run/walk to benefit CASA Partners, a local nonprofit that supports local children in foster care. March 25, 10 am. $10-$30. U-District PT, 730 N. Hamilton. facebook.com/spokanesuperhero YOUTH CAMPING FUNDRAISER DINNER The 26th annual event includes a pineapple chicken dinner, silent and live auctions. March 25, 4:30-9 pm. $12/adults $6/kids 10 & under. Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond Rd. (924-7262) WHEN PURPLE RIBBON BANQUET The event supporting and recognizing the work of the Women’s Healing Empowerment Network (WHEN) features keynote presentations, live music and more. March 26, 6 pm. $35/person; $60/couple. Woman’s Club of Spokane, 1428 W. Ninth. (838-5667) PRSA GAME ON! TRIVIA NIGHT The Greater Spokane Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America hosts a trivia night to raise scholarship funds for area communications, PR or marketing students. Includes hors d’oeuvres, drink ticket. March 29, 5-7 pm. $35; ($15/students). Rock City Grill, 2911 E. 57th Ave. prsaspokane.org A TASTE OF BROADWAY An evening of elegance and entertainment in support of arts and culture in the Post Falls community. Includes a catered dinner, beer and wine, facility tours and live musical entertainment by the CdA Summer Theatre. March 29, 5 pm. $75.

Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center, 405 N. William St. thejacklincenter.org HAVE A PINT FOR SPARK CENTRAL River City debuts its limited edition “Sparky Red” ale to benefit Spark Central. Also enjoy live music from Milonga, 8-10 pm. March 30, 5-10 pm.

The Lantern Tap House, 1004 S. Perry St. (509-315-9531)

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 119

Tremble, King Alcohol Cannabis gains on beer as the intoxicant of choice in America

BY CONNOR DINNISON

Since Prohibition, booze has reigned supreme, but is that changing?

SATURDAY SPECIAL

C

omedian W.C. Fields famously described Prohibition as a time during which he once was “forced to live for days on nothing but food and water.” Alcohol, of course, has since evolved into a true “opiate of the masses,” a staple of the American diet, but new evidence suggests that marijuana, in states where it is legal, is poaching drinkers of the country’s most widely consumed alcoholic beverage.

A report by the Cannabiz Consumer Group (C2G) found that more than a quarter of the 40,000 people surveyed are already substituting bud (or would if they lived in weed-friendly territory) for beer. Overall beer sales dipped in 2015, and the C2G study predicts that cannabis could eventually “canna-balize” 7.1 percent of its current retail market revenues (resulting in a drop of more than $2 billion in beer sales).

The bad news for brew comes on the heels of findings late last year by Cowen and Company, an investment banking research firm, that revealed beer markets in Colorado, Oregon and Washington (all three states have legalized recreational marijuana) had “collectively underperformed” in 2016. Sales of Coors Light and Bud Light, for example, tumbled 4.4 percent. The study points the finger of blame at the growing popularity of cannabis.

But would it be such a tragedy if fewer Americans chose tippling over toking? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, deaths from alcoholinduced causes have reached a 35-year high. Where’s the outrage? Why aren’t the congregants of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes protesting the many bars of Spokane’s West End, instead of Lucky Leaf?

The mythos of alcohol is so woven into American tradition and ritual, it’s hard to imagine the drug falling out of favor. Occasional bouts of drunkenness, as noted by journalist (and drinker) Lawrence Osborne, are, in a way, humanizing. Even the hangover, he argues, has value. “It is slow, meditative; it inclines us to introspection and clarity,” writes Osborne. “It enables one to seize one’s mind anew, to build it up again and regain some kind of eccentric courage.”

Perhaps the same eloquent reverence will someday be showered on cannabis and its effects; that book has yet to be written. Bernard DeVoto’s The Hour: A Cocktail Manifesto provides a good template. “The surest proof of the moral foundation of the universe,” he writes, “is that you can always find good whiskey if you will go looking for it.” Cannabis converts seem ever closer to staking the same claim. n

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EVENTS | CALENDAR 11TH ANNUAL SPRING TEA The signature event for the Women & Children’s Free Restaurant & Community Kitchen includes a 4-course luncheon, raffle and silent auction. April 1, 11 am-2 pm. $50/ person; $400/table of 8. Davenport Grand Hotel, 333 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. springtea.org (324-1995 ext. 305)

COMEDY

2.0PEN MIC Local comedy night hosted

by Ken McComb. Thursdays, from 8-10 pm. Free. The District Bar, 916 W. First Ave. facebook.com/districtbarspokane/ GUFFAW YOURSELF! Open mic comedy night hosted by Casey Strain; Thursdays at 10 pm. Free. Neato Burrito, 827 W. First Ave. (509-847-1234) JACKIE KASHIAN Jackie recently made her late night comedy debut on Conan O’Brien, has her own special on Comedy Central, was a semi-finalist on “Last Comic Standing” and has recorded for “This American Life.” March 23-25 at 8 pm, March 25 at 10:30 pm. $10-$22.

Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com (509-3189998) CRIME SHOW The BDT Players offer a comedic take on TV’s staple “whodun-it.” Rated for general audiences.

Fridays, at 8 pm, Feb. 17-March 24. $7.

Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland.

(747-7045) PHILL THE MIKE A duo improv comedy show by Phillip Kopcznski and Michael Glatzmaier in which suggestions from the audience are turned into improvised monologues and songs that inspire scene work. March 24, 10-11 pm. $7. Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland Ave. (747-7045) SAFARI The Blue Door’s fast-paced, short-form improv show. The gamebased format relies on audience suggestions to fuel each scene. Rated for mature audiences. Saturdays at 8 pm. $7. Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland Ave. bluedoortheatre.com (747-7045) THE DOPE SHOW A comedy showcase for which comedians joke, then toke, the joke some more. Hosted by Tyler Smith and featuring nationally touring comedians with various tolerances to marijuana. March 26, April 30 and May 21 at 8 pm. $16-$22. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. (509-318-9998) OPEN MIC XL Live comedy, Tuesdays at 9 pm. The Observatory, 15 S. Howard. observatoryspokane.com (509-5988933) OPEN MIC A free open mic night every Wednesday, starting at 8 pm. Doors open at 7 pm. Free. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com LOUIE ANDERSON A live show by the three-time Emmy Award winner, also named one of the 100 greatest standup comedians of all time. March 30, 8 pm. $28.50-$36.50. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. bingcrosbytheater.com ZOLTAN KASZAS Over the last few years, Zoltan has won the Seattle International Comedy Competition, the San Diego Comedy Festival, and more.

March 30 and April 2, at 8 pm. $10-$16.

Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com (509-3189998) AFTER DARK An adult-rated version of the Blue Door’s monthly, Friday show; on the first and last Friday of the

month, at 10 pm. $7. Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland. bluedoortheatre.com (747-7045) COMEDY NIGHT AT THE INN Featuring Grant Lyon with Carmen Morales on March 31, and David Nickerson with Aaron Woodall, on April 1. Both shows start at 8 pm; doors at 7. Ages 21+. $15.

Best Western Coeur d’Alene, 506 W. Appleway Ave. (208-765-3200) JOSH BLUE Perhaps best known as the comedian who puts the cerebral in Cerebral Palsy, Josh Blue centers much of his self-deprecating act around his disability. Shows at 7:30 and 10:30 pm.

March 31. $20-$27. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com GILBERT GOTTFRIED Not an April Fool’s Joke! See a live stand-up show by the celebrated comedian and actor. Shows at 7:30 and 10:30 pm. April 1. $22-$30. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com (509-318-9998)

COMMUNITY

MAMMOTHS & MASTODONS: TITANS OF THE ICE AGE The highly-interactive touring exhibit from the Field Museum in Chicago features hands-on activities, hundreds of fossil specimens from around the world, full-size models of Ice Age megafauna. Exhibit runs through May 7; open Tue-Sat, 10 am-5 pm (to 8 pm on Wed; half-price admission on Tue). $10-$15. The MAC, 2316 W. First. northwestmuseum.org GEM, JEWELRY & MINERAL SHOW The 58th annual weekend event hosted by the Spokane Rock Rollers Club features gem, mineral and fossil displays, jewelry vendors, demonstrations, and more. March 24-25, 10 am-6 pm; March 26, 10 am-4 pm. $5-$6. Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. rockrollers.org (509-477-1766) BOB FERGUSON ON STATE VS. TRUMP Bob Ferguson, Washington’s Attorney General since 2013, visits Gonzaga Law to discuss the case that placed him and Washington state squarely in the center of the national debate on immigration.

Following his presentation, Ferguson will take questions from the audience.

March 24, 12-2 pm. Free and open to the public. Gonzaga University School of Law, 721 N. Cincinnati St. law.gonzaga. edu/blog/ferguson-immigration/ COLFAX COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE Make an appointment to be a blood donor for the INBC, which needs 200 donors a day to ensure a safe blood bank supply. March 24, 2-5:30 pm. Colfax Library, 102 S. Main St. inbcsaves.org (509-397-4366) JUST BETWEEN FRIENDS The spring sale offers gently-used infant through juniors spring and summer clothing, shoes, Easter items, maternity, layette, strollers, swings, baby equipment, books, games, DVDs, homeschool, decor and toys. Sell your items as a consignor ($12 fee) and earn 60 percent.

March 24, 9 am-8 pm; March 25, 9 am-4 pm; March 26, 8 am-1 pm. $5/Fri, Sat; Sun/free. Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. jbfsale.com (509-536-2840) MERCIFUL MARCH Spend a night experiencing what homelessness is like for Spokane residents in this 12-hour marathon fundraiser hosted by the local nonprofit Blessings Under the Bridge.

Takes place under the I-90 overpass at

Fourth and McClellan. March 24, 7 pm. $25 min. donation. butb.org OTAKU PROM The KuroNeko Cultural Association’s annual Geek Formal is themed “Starry Night,” and features favorite anime, gaming, and geek culture music. March 24, 7-10 pm. $10. Woman’s Club of Spokane, 1428 W. Ninth. bit.ly/2moHjWH RESEARCHING YOUR HOUSE HISTORY Archivists from the library’s Northwest Room and the MAC, along with historic preservation officers, offer a program on how to research your old house and apply for historic designation status. March 24, 10 am-noon.

Downtown Spokane Library, 906 W. Main. spokanelibrary.org BALLROOM DANCE The monthly event includes a country two-step lesson from 7-8 pm, followed by general dancing, refreshments, door prizes, and mixers. Singles, couples, and all levels of dancers are welcome. March 25, 7-10 pm. $5-$9. Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 S. First Ave. (208-699-0421) BLOOMSDAY TRAINING CLINICS Get ready for the 41st Bloomsday race at free clinics from Providence Health Care and Group Health. Walk, jog or run at your own pace. Routes begin with one mile, adding one mile each week.

Through April 29, meets Saturdays at 8:30 am. Register online. Free. Spokane Community College, 1810 N. Greene St. phc.org MEET THE NEIGHBORS: HINDUS Spokane Faith and Values and the Spokane Interfaith Council host the next installment of the monthly series with members of the local Hindu community.

March 25, 11 am-3 pm. Free. Southside Senior & Community Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave. sssac.org (509-535-0803) SHADLE PARK SPRING CRAFT SALE Shop for hand-crafted items by local artists to benefit Shadle Park High School. March 25, 9 am-5 pm and March 26, 10 am-4 pm. Free. Shadle Park High School, 4327 N. Ash. spokaneschools. org/shadle/site/default.asp TOM FOLEY LEGACY DINNER The annual dinner/fundraiser hosted by the Spokane Democrats features keynotes from Nina Turner, Washington State AG Bob Ferguson and Washington State Democrat Chair Tina Podlodowski.

March 25, 5-9:30 pm. Prices vary. Lincoln Center, 1316 N. Lincoln. spokanedemocrats.org SPOKANE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION RECEPTION The SHRC hosts a small reception for individuals and community organizations to come and meet with subcommittee leads to talk about the commission’s outreach efforts this year and how we can partner.

March 27, 5-7 pm. Free. Spokane City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. bit. ly/2n4d7S7 SPARK THE FIRE: ESSENTIAL GRANTWRITING SEMINAR Learn core skills for writing grants in just one day. Find out what other organizations are raving about and learn how to write exemplary grants. March 29, 10 am-3 pm. $95-$115.

East Central Community Center, 500 S. Stone St. sparkthefiregrantwriting.com SPOKANE CONTRA DANCE Spokane Folklore Society’s weekly dance, with the band InTentCity and caller Ray Polhemus. No experience necessary, all welcome. Beginner workshop at 7:15 pm. March 29, 7:30-9:30 pm. $5$7. Woman’s Club of Spokane, 1428 W. Ninth. (598-9111)

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 123

RELATIONSHIPS

Advice Goddess A WORLD OF BLURT

I’m in love with my married female co-worker. I’m married and have no intention of leaving my wife, and I doubt she’d leave her husband, even if she shared my feelings. I love how caring and kind my co-worker is — how she understands that you show love through action. I do this by often giving my wife romantic cards and by cleaning the house and doing the dishes every night after I get home from work and school. Feeling my wife wasn’t reciprocatAMY ALKON ing, I started fantasizing about being in a relationship with my co-worker, who also feels unappreciated by her spouse. My feelings for her have become overwhelming, and I feel a pressing need to tell her. I understand that this could make work very awkward. Best-case scenario, she’s flattered. Is it selfish to want to unburden myself? —Boiling Point Confessing your crush to your married co-worker is like arranging a transfer to her — of your 26-pound tumor: “His name is Fred. He enjoys fine wine, banned preservatives, and cigarette smoke. I hope you’re very happy together!”

Your desire to tell isn’t noble or wonderful. In fact, it’s pretty much the psychological cousin of an intense need to pee. To get why that is, it helps to understand, as evolutionary psychologists John Tooby and Leda Cosmides explain, that the emotions driving our behavior today motivate us to behave in ways that would have given our ancestors the best shot at surviving, mating, and passing on their genes. Unfortunately, solutions for recurring challenges in the ancestral environment aren’t always a perfect fit for the modern office environment.

Consider our basic biological needs — like for food, water, and sex. When we feel the urge to satisfy these — like when we’re hungry or hungry for a co-worker — our emotions kick into gear, pushing us into a motivated state, a state of tension. That’s an uncomfortable state to be in, so we look for the quickest, easiest way out — like “To hell with my job and my marriage!” — which conflates a powerful evolved urge with a wise modern course of action.

Understanding this need to reduce emotional tension should help you realize that what’s driving your obsession is more mechanical than magical. But there’s another problem. Our motivational system comes up a little short in the brakes department.

We have a “GO!” system to push us to do things, but we lack a comparable “STOP, YOU IDIOT!” system.

This makes inhibiting a feeling (and whatever course of action it’s pushing you toward) terribly hard and uncomfortable work. And as social psychologists Daniel Wegner and James J. Gross have independently pointed out, doing this on a continuing basis can have damaging effects on your physical health. Trying to quash some recurring thought also tends to backfire, making you think the unwanted thought more than if you hadn’t tried to stop. For example, in Wegner’s research, subjects told, “Try not to think of a white bear,” failed every time. Wegner suspects the mind sweeps around to see that we aren’t thinking of the thing — which means we’re thinking of the thing in the process. (Argh, huh?)

Considering all of this, when you’re looking to keep yourself from doing something, it helps to take the approach Aikido practitioners use. When a powerful blow is coming at them, instead of meeting it head on and taking the full force of it, they divert it — push it off in another direction. Following this principle, your goal shouldn’t be stopping yourself from telling your co-worker but redirecting the energy you’ve been putting into your crush into your marriage.

Tell your wife you love her and discuss what might be missing in your marriage -- for each of you. However, don’t do this by accusing her of failing to appreciate you (which will lead to defensiveness, not inspiration to change). Instead, lead by example: Explain the ways you show your love for her (helping her connect the clean living room to the loving motivation behind it), and then tell her what would make you feel loved.

In case loving feelings have given way to hard feelings, there’s good news from a relatively new area of psychology called “embodied cognition” — the finding that taking action leads to corresponding feelings. So, it’s possible that acting loving can resuscitate the love you once felt.

Getting back to your co-worker, it doesn’t take much to lose yourself in fantasies about how great it would be with somebody new. However, marriage — to any person — is hard. Still, it has its perks, such as that wonderful ease that comes out of being with your spouse for a while — allowing you to finally feel comfortable talking about what you really need in bed: “Are you there yet? Hurry! I gotta wake up early!” n ©2017, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. • Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405 or email AdviceAmy@aol.com (www.advicegoddess.com)

124 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

EVENTS | CALENDAR

FILM

ALL NIGHTER A pre-release in the New York Film Critic Series. When a workaholic father attempts to visit his daughter during a layover in LA, he discovers she’s disappeared, and is forced to team up with her awkward ex-boyfriend to find her. March 23, 7-9 pm. $10. Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. panida.org 50 HOUR SLAM KICKOFF Attend to find out the 7th annual Slam’s secret criteria is and turn in your team paperwork. Audience screening set for May 6. March 24, 6:30 pm. KSPS Public TV, 3911 S. Regal St. 50hourslam.com (3547724) 2017 FLY FISHING FILM FESTIVAL See amazing rivers and adventures on screen, and enter for raffles and giveaways. Proceeds support programs of Trout Unlimited. March 25, 7-9:30 pm. $12/$15. Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. panida.org (208-255-7801) SALT & FIRE: NY FILM CRITICS SERIES The latest thriller in New York Film Critic Series is directed by Werner Herzog about two ecologists sent to South America as part of a U.N. investigation into an ecological disaster. March 28, 7-9 pm. $10. Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. panida.org (208-255-7801) 18TH ANNUAL ANIMATION SHOW OF SHOWS The series returns for its second year in theaters, featuring 13 family friendly films. Mature audiences can see a late-night bonus of four provocative shorts after the intermission so young audience members can exit the theater.

April 2-5; times vary. $4-$7. Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. panida.org

FOOD

AMBASSADOR VINEYARDS TASTING Taste a selection of wines from Ambassador Vineyards of Red Mountain with winery representative, Allison Engman.

March 24, 3:30-6 pm. Free. Pilgrim’s Natural Market, 1316 N. Fourth, CdA. washingtonwine.org/winemonth VINO WINE TASTING On Friday, March 24, sample Walla Walla’s Tempus Cellars, from 3-6:30 pm. On Saturday, March 25, Vino hosts a tasting with Beresan Winery of Walla Walla, from 2-4:30 pm. Vino! A Wine Shop, 222 S. Washington. vinowine.com CONTAINER VEGETABLE GARDENING Learn about urban container gardening with Marilyn Lloyd. A number of easy vegetables can be grown in simple containers so that anyone can enjoy fresh vegetables. March 25, 2-3 pm. Free.

Cheney Library, 610 First St. (235-7333) SPOKANE SUSTAINABLE LOCAL FOOD COLLOQUIUM Learn how we can move away from an industrialized, fossil fuel-based network and develop sustainable, local food systems. Includes speakers, panels, vendors/info booths and breakout sessions/workshops.

March 25, 1-4 pm. Free. Unitarian Universalist, 4340 W. Fort George Wright Dr. tinyurl.com/spokane-local-food ALTON BROWN LIVE: EAT YOUR SCIENCE See the follow-up to the “Edible Inevitable” tour, which came through Spokane in 2015. Fans can see all-new songs, multimedia presentations, talkshow antics, and bigger/better potentially dangerous food demonstrations.

March 29, 7:30 pm. $31.50-$77.50. INB Performing Arts Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. wcebroadway.com

PFRIEM BEER DINNER A five-course dinner featuring food by Chef Chad White, of Zona Blanca, paired with beers from pFriem Family Brewers. March 29, 6:30 pm. $80. Steel Barrel Taproom, 154 S. Madison. bit.ly/2mokh2p

MUSIC

ENTERTAINMENT FOR A FRIDAY AFTERNOON Friday Musical welcomes members and guests to an afternoon performance featuring performing Kay Benson, pianist, Ignite Community Theatre and an audience singalong. March 24, 1-2:30 pm. Free. Holy Names Music Center, 3910 W. Custer Dr. (326-9516) WOMEN OF THE WORLD Celebrating world folk traditions from Japan to Africa, this international a cappella quartet performs in more than 30 languages. March 24, 7:30-9 pm. $10-$25.

Panida Theater, 300 N. First, Sandpoint. artinsandpoint.org OPEN STUDIO MUSIC & ARTS WORKSHOPS Attendees can attend free music and arts workshops, including an instrument “petting zoo,” faculty meetand-greets, sessions on digital arts and musical theater auditioning. March 25, 1-4 pm. Free. Holy Names Music Center, 3910 W. Custer Dr. (326-9516) SPOKANE SYMPHONY CLASSICS 8: THE RUSSIAN SOUL A program of Russian composers’ work, including pieces

by Mikhail Glinka, Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Featuring Benjamin Beilman on violin. March 25 at 8 pm, March 26 at 3 pm. $15-$54. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague. spokanesymphony.org (624-1200)

SPORTS

KICKING & SCREAMING WATCH PARTY The Boy Scouts Of America Inland Northwest Council host a viewing party with reality show contestant Terry L. Fossum, of Spokane. Thursdays, from 9-10 pm, through May 4. Max at Mirabeau, 1100 N. Sullivan Rd. facebook. com/MAXmirabeau (924-9000) A BALANCED RATIONALE ABOUT DAM REMOVAL Author and scientist Dennis Dauble discusses important components of the process and the decision of whether to remove a dam, whether large or small. March 27, 7-8:30 pm. Free. Mountain Gear Corporate Offices, 6021 E. Mansfield Ave. sckc.ws WHAT TO KNOW WHEN YOU’RE ON THE WATER Join members of the Spokane Sheriff’s Department Search & Rescue team to learn about recreating wisely on the water. March 30, 6-7:30 pm. Free. REI, 1125 N. Monroe St. rei. com/spokane (509-328-9900)

THEATER

HOLDING ON - LETTING GO An honest, humorous and heartrending look at a family forced to come to terms with end-of-life. Through April 9, Thu-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. $25. Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard. spokanecivictheatre.com (325-2507) MAMMA MIA! This smash-hit musical combines ABBA’s greatest hits with a tale of love, laughter and friendship.

March 23, 7:30 pm. $32.50-$72.50. INB Performing Arts Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. wcebroadway.com ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND A reader’s theater production of the classic tale. March 24-25; Fri at 7

pm, Sat at 2 and 7 pm. $7. Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway. (342-2055) SCOTLAND ROAD A young woman in 19th Century attire is found floating on an iceberg in the Atlantic. Upon rescue, the only word she says is “Titanic.”

Through March 26; Fri-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. $12-$15. Ignite! Community Theatre, 10814 E. Broadway. (795-0004) STAGEWEST: MIRACLE ON SOUTH DIVISION STREET Meet the Nowaks of Buffalo, New York in this production inspired by the classic comedy “Miracle on 34th Street.” March 24-April 8; FriSat at 7 pm, Sun at 3 pm. Dinner theater show April 8, 6 pm (reservation only).

Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 639 Elm St. stagewestct.org (951-1355) TWELFTH NIGHT Northwest Opera presents Shakespeare’s classic comedy.

A portion of ticket sales benefit SpokAnimal. March 24 at 7:30 pm, March 25-26 at 2 pm. $12. Spokane Children’s Theatre, 2727 N. Madelia. northwestopera.org

ARTS & WORDS

POP GOES THE OAT Fine-arts provacateur and Spokane expatriate Mikal Vollmer returns to Giant Nerd Books for a showing of original pop art paintings.

An instructional demonstration on radical fanzine-making takes place at 6 pm, with free snacks. Family-friendly. March 24, 5-8 pm. Free. Giant Nerd Books, 709 N. Monroe. (868-0420) OPEN ARMS CULTURAL ELEGANCE: A FASHION SHOW A showcase highlighting the culture heritage of participating designers from a variety of cultural heritage. March 25, 7 pm. $10-$30.

Northern Quest Casino, 100 N. Hayford Rd. northernquest.com GO FOR ORBIT WITH DR. RHEA SEDDON Discover how Dr. Rhea Seddon navigated a man’s world to accomplish her dream of conducting medical experiments in space. March 27, 7-8 pm.

Free. Gonzaga University Hemmingson Center, 702 E. Desmet Ave. gonzaga. edu/seddon (313-3572) POET MARY SZYBIST A reading by the award-winning poet and University of Idaho 2017 Distinguished Visiting Writer of Poetry. March 29, 7:30 pm.

Free. 1912 Center, 412 E. Third, Moscow.

(208-669-2249) READING: ARTHUR LONGWORTH The award-winning writer’s narrative “Zek: An American Prison Story” weaves actual events at Walla Walla prison into a fictional account of a Washington State Prison. Layne Pavey and Jeff Coats, both formerly incarcerated, read from Zek, and Longworth joins by phone to answer questions. Also on hand is the Inlander’s Mitch Ryals, who wrote about the first amendment issues surrounding the publication of Art’s book.

March 29, 7-8 pm. Free. Auntie’s, 402 W. Main. auntiesbooks.com (838-0206) SABER-TOOTHED CATS: EVOLUTION & ECOLOGY OF A MAMMOTH PREDATOR Gonzaga Biology Professor Dr. John Orcutt shares his research on the evolution of saber-toothed cats based on fossils found in swamps of Florida, the La Brea “tar pits” and the Inland Northwest. March 29, 7:30 pm. $9 suggested donation. The MAC, 2316 W. First. northwestmuseum.org (4563931) n

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MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 125

A Slice of Life

“I see how the metal gets fired up and melts down,” Aleksey Borisov says, “and it reminds me that I’m raw.”

Artist Aleksey Borisov forges his knives to serve a higher power

BY RAVEN HAYNES

T

he forge begins to roar, and its dancing blue flames heat two rusty railroad spikes, still cold with winter, to a molten yellow-orange that bends the air around it. The anvil sings each time the heavy hammer falls, and the spike flattens obligingly: CLING cling, CLING cling, CLING cling.

It’s not often that you see someone literally forge a spiritual relationship, but Spokane artist Aleksey Borisov says that’s exactly what he’s doing.

In his workshop, Borisov searches for spikes stamped “H.C.” for “High Carbon” — those are the ones that will stand up to the two days of forging, hammering, carving and sanding that transforms them into gleaming blades.

Railroad spike knives are a popular stepping stone to bigger forging projects, but for Borisov, it’s one step closer to God. “For me, when I’m working with knives and working with art,” he says, “I see how the metal gets fired up and melts down and it reminds me that I’m raw, and when

126 INLANDER MARCH 23, 2017

God works [on] me, He creates something beautiful.”

The 31-year-old has always been “a crafty guy,” from early days building decorations for his father’s church in Volgograd, Russia, where he was born and raised, to eventually studying carving, mosaic, metalworking and woodworking in technical college for five years.

When his family moved to Spokane 11 years ago, Borisov jumped into local ministry, serving as a youth leader for eight years at Light of the Gospel Church, a baptist church led in Russian. In the meantime, he worked “all kinds of jobs — shipping, construction, remodeling, roofing,” most recently as a service technician at an apartment complex, content until one day three years ago.

“I started to get annoyed, I thought I must be doing something wrong,” Borisov says. “I just got depressed. I was studying God’s word and I thought, ‘If I’m a servant of God, he gave me some kind of gift, but I don’t have anything.’ And then I realized, God created me [as] an

JENNIFER DEBARROS PHOTOS

artist.”

The snow had finally thawed and the Russian Bear — as Borisov jokingly calls himself — climbed out of hibernation and set to work. He passed on his youth leadership job and enrolled in New Masters Academy, an online fine arts school, and has studied sculpting, painting and bronze making for the past two years.

“For me, it’s just exhilarating,” Borisov says. “To just be yourself … that’s where you’re going to be happy, you don’t have to please anybody.”

He’s made 12 knives since May, also doing projects for friends and family (and for practice), like medieval bookshelves, a Russian grill, leather keychains — any project makes him happy, since it’s all a “cool example of God’s work.” He plans to build inventory and sell items through his Etsy shop soon, and he’s in it for the long haul — he’s currently waiting on his interview to become an American citizen.

After two arduous days making knives, Borisov goes to Panera Bread to celebrate and refuel. He starts to take a bite of his sandwich, stops, and excitedly places his newest knife beside his food for a short Instagram video.

Within seconds, a manager arrives and informs him that Panera doesn’t allow weapons inside.

“But it’s art!” Borisov says at first, knowing how it looks. After a lighthearted exchange, the knife was out in the car, but Borisov smiles; the video of his lunch and knife was safely uploaded to Instagram. n

People Co-ing Above & Beyond for Spokane // Love 11

Love 11: Spokane’s Co-operation Foundation Emily and Josh Love’s son Micah loved baseball.

Micah loved hitting, fielding, sprinting around the bases. He hit 3 home runs one game. Any day Micah played baseball was a good day.

Micah invited his best friend, Jayden, to join his team. Jayden had never played before. But he joined Micah for one unforgettable season.

Beginning the season, Jayden didn’t know how to hold the bat. When coach told him to play shortstop, he didn’t know where to stand.

Not only was Jayden learning, so was his mom. At first, she felt uncomfortable interacting with the other parents on the sidelines. “We had to tell her that she was here for Jayden,” said Emily. “When he did something great on the field, he would be looking for her on the sidelines.”

“It’s a huge cooperative effort,” said Josh. “Everyone who participates benefits. The young person gets a team and a mentor. Parents meet new friends.”

When Micah died in an accident on Memorial Day weekend, his team had one game left to play. Rather than cancel the game, the team rallied. Micah’s coach spray-painted Micah’s name across the outfield grass and the entire team wore “Love 11” jerseys (Micah’s name and number). That game, the team decided not to play anyone at Micah’s position, first base. Despite leaving first base empty, Micah’s team won by 23 – 6.

But Jayden supplied the biggest moment of the game. He hit 3 home runs that game to tie Micah’s record.

“I’ll never forget Jayden’s face,” said Emily through tears. “He had the biggest smile.”

For Micah and Jayden, sports weren’t just a reason to get off the couch. Both boys were happiest cooperating on the baseball diamond. Learning from each other.

Celebrating each other’s victories.

Emily and Josh Love started The Micah Daniel Love Foundation (“Love 11” for short) to celebrate Micah’s life and to create a cooperative sports opportunity for Spokane area kids like Jayden.

“We loved nothing more than watching our son do what he loved,” said Josh Love.

“We’re offering needy kids in Spokane a chance to do what they love. And to build character and relationships through sports.”

To learn more about how Love 11 reflects the co-operative spirit in Spokane, visit: love11.org

MARCH 23, 2017 INLANDER 127

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