FLAVORS
MARCH 12, 2021
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DINE IN OPEN
RESTAURANTS OPENING UP NOW IN SPOKANE KAYLN SANDE COMMUNICATOR
Life hasn’t felt nearly the same ever since the coronavirus hit. Businesses were forced to close down, limiting activities to go to, and putting businesses at risk. Restaurants were allowed to reopen for indoor dining at one point, but that came to a stop back in November as the COVID-19 diagnosis numbers began to rise again. The hospitality industry has had some of the hardest-hit businesses during this pandemic. “There’s no end in sight or a plan and that’s probably been the hardest thing for me,” said Reema Shaver, who owns Bistango. Once again, restaurants are starting to make a comeback. Washington state reopening guidelines state that people can once again dine-in at some of their favorite restaurants. These restaurants have to meet the Open Air Dining guidelines in order to resume indoor seating.
This means there has to be one or more permeable exterior walls, allowing maximum air flow. The CO2 levels have to be constantly monitored to ensure adequate airflow. Examples of acceptable sources of airflow include bay doors, multiple open windows, screened openings, and open tent panels. Single windows, interior, entrance or emergency exit doors do not count. At David’s Pizza, the owner says they’re happy to have people back inside under Governor Inslee’s new guidelines. “It feels like a bitter reprieve. It’s a chance that you could actually take a breath,” said owner Mark Starr. Takeout orders remain the main source of income for many restaurants in Spokane. Some are pleading to reopen as they wait for updates from the state. There is a new public service announcement that is calling on the governor for 50 percent indoor dining capacity in fear that 25 percent isn’t enough. “50 percent allows us to hire our staff back,” said Derek Baziotis, owner of Bene’s. Baziotis testified on behalf of Senate Bill 5114 that would allow restaurants to function at
PHOTO | Marisa West A photo of David’s Pizza, one of Spokane’s many resturants opening up for indoor seating. 25 percent. He wants to safely bring back his business without fear of being shut down once again. “If we could just break even, if we could bring our employees back and pay them then we could pay our bills, pay our landlord. That would be the band-aid we need,” Baziotis said. Here is a list of some Spokane restaurants with indoor seating options: David’s Pizza Watts 1903 Saranac Commons (Peace
STUDENT VS. CHICKEN SHYLA JENSEN COMMUNICATOR
The average college student would be intimidated seeing a whole chicken laying on their cutting board in front of them. It’s not as scary as it seems and it’s cheaper to buy an entire chicken and break it down or even cook the thing whole- versus buying chicken breasts, wings, thighs or stock. The average price of a whole chicken is $6.64 versus the price of boneless breasts averaging at over $12, based on information found on the USDA website for the month of February 2021. When you break down an entire chicken you get to use every part of that chicken with no waste. Of course roasting the chicken has endless flavor possibilities and is a great option, but most college students won’t eat an entire chicken in one sitting. Meal prep-
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ping has been increasingly popular lately, and roasting a whole chicken would be a great idea for a healthy, easy way to do so. If you decide to tackle it and break it down, you can get several meals out of it. You can freeze the parts you do not use to stock up, and thaw when needed. Plus you can throw the leftover bones into a pot with water and a few other ingredients, such as celery, carrots, onions and parsley to make homemade chicken stock. A whole chicken will yield you two breasts, two thighs, two drumsticks and two wings. You can use the wings and drumsticks to make your own wings slathered in a sauce of your choosing like franks red hot, or try a dry rub seasoning like lemon pepper or garlic parmesan. Wings and drumsticks can be coated and fried but baking them or even frying in an air fryer would be a healthier option.
Pie, Stella’s, Black Label brewery) Saranac Pub Four Eyed Guys Brewing Cascadia Incrediburger and Eggs No-Li Brewhouse Manito Tap House Rock City Grill Indoor dining at 50 percent capacity would be similar to what restaurants were doing over the summer. Business owners are hoping their unified voice will be a spark for change with growing support across the region.
PHOTO | Corbin Willmorth Chicken is an excellent high-protein option for cheap meals. The thighs can be slow cooked. They will remain juicy and tend to be more flavorful than other cuts such as the breast. Moving along to those breasts, these are the healthiest cut and can dry out quickly so watch out when you are cooking them. Breasts can be cooked whole, cubed and put into casseroles or cut into strips. As per CDC guidelines, all chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees. www.communicatoronline.org
