Inlander 03-18-2021

STADIUM 2.0?

A NEW PUSH FOR A DOWNTOWN FACILITY PAGE 12

THE GREAT DINE OUT SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION PAGE 36

MARCH 18-24, 2021 | DUNKING ON THE COMPETITION SINCE 1993

Y R O T S HI E H T IN

G N I K A M GU’s on

tion c e f r e rp pace fo AGE 28 REVIEW

ESS P H MADN

MARC

RD FORWA SENIOR RT E P IS K COREY

P

RD AN GUA FRESHM GS SUG JALEN

INSIDE!

2021 ZAGS POSTER

Think you can’t open a 2nd and 3rd location?

Join a bank that believes you can.

At Washington Trust, can’t is a four-letter word. Whether you’re looking to grow your local business or expand across the U.S., we’re here to help make it happen.

Visit watrust.com to get started.

INSIDE

special!

CHEESEBUR ER

VOL. 28, NO. 23 | COVER ILLUSTRATION: DEREK HARRISON

COMMENT NEWS CULTURE FOOD

5 8 14 18

FILM MUSIC EVENTS COVER STORY

22 24 26 28

GREAT DINE OUT I SAW YOU GREEN ZONE ADVICE GODDESS

LIMITED TIME

36 58 59 62

Ground Beef, Burger Sauce, Mozzarella, Onions, Tomatoes, Pickles, Cheddar Cheese on Original Crust

$

12

LG

We make it fresh. You bake it to perfection.

Available through 3/21/21 at participating locations.

Offer valid for Large Signature Cheeseburger pizza on Thin or Original crust only. No substitutions. Not valid with any other offers, specials, promotions or discounts.

ORDER NOW

EDITOR’S NOTE

S

ure, it’s easy to be cynical. The Zags are always good, always steamrolling the JV teams of the West Coast Conference, always making it to the Big Dance. This will be the team’s 22nd consecutive appearance in the NCAA tournament. (It would have been their 23rd if COVID-19 hadn’t scuttled the tourney last year.) Still, this new team is stacked with talent and attempting to do something unheard of in the last 45 years: complete the season with a perfect, undefeated record. Cynicism LETTERS be damned, you have to root for that.

Find our MARCH MADNESS coverage Send comments to on page 28 — including a look at the editor@inlander.com.

Eastern Washington Eagles, who’ve punched their ticket to Indianapolis.

Also this week: City Hall reporter Daniel Walters has a raw and revealing story on outgoing Councilwoman Kate Burke (page 8), music editor Nathan Weinbender has remembrances of local musician Henry Nordstorm who died at 32 (page 24) and, beginning on page 36, you’ll find a special advertising section for the Great Dine Out, an ongoing food event supporting local restaurants.

— JACOB H. FRIES, editor

PapaMurphys.com

©2021 Papa Murphy’s International LLC

21-7634-PRNT-CSBR12

n op ow en !

mediterranean influenced comfort food 1242 West Summit Pkwy • SPokane • (509) 443-4410 • babaspokane.com open 7 days a week • 9am-9pm

ADVANCING NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH IN THE INLAND NORTHWEST AND AROUND THE WORLD

IT’S ON!

Check out some of the dishes you can enjoy this week

Page 36

INLANDER

SPOKANE • EASTERN WASHINGTON • NORTH IDAHO • INLANDER.COM

1227 WEST SUMMIT PARKWAY, SPOKANE, WA 99201 PHONE: 509-325-0634 | EMAIL: INFO@INLANDER.COM THE INLANDER is a locally owned, independent newspaper founded on Oct. 20, 1993. It’s printed on newsprint that is at least 50 percent recycled; please recycle THE INLANDER after you’re done with it. One copy free per person per week; extra copies are $1 each (call x226). For ADVERTISING information, email advertising@inlander.com. To have a SUBSCRIPTION mailed to you, call x213 ($50 per year). To find one of our more than 1,000 NEWSRACKS where you can pick up a paper free every Thursday, call x226 or email frankd@inlander.com. THE INLANDER is a member of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia. All contents of this newspaper are protected by United States copyright law. © 2021, Inland Publications, Inc.

Do you or a loved one have: • Parkinson’s Disease (PD) • PD Genetic Testing • Huntington’s Disease • Essential Tremor • Multiple Sclerosis

We also have genetic screening for many neurological diseases Please call: 509-960-2818 to learn more about our clinical research trials • MARCH 18, 2021 INLANDER 3

KNOCK OUT THE FLU WITH ONE SHOT It’s more important than ever to get vaccinated against the flu. The flu vaccine can keep you from getting the flu and spreading it to others. This is critical during the COVID-19 pandemic to help keep our hospitals from being overwhelmed.

DID YOU KNOW? The Department of Health recommends a flu vaccine for everyone aged six-months and older every year, including pregnant and nursing women.

Most insurance plans, including CHIP and Medicaid, cover the cost of flu vaccine for children and adults.

Children aged 18 and under can get a flu vaccine and other recommended vaccines at no cost.

(509) 340-9008 healthykids@betterhealthtogether.org www.BetterHealthTogether/HealthyKids @BetterHealthTogether This printed material is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $250,000. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS, HHS or the U.S. Government.

4 INLANDER MARCH 18, 2021

CONTACT US TODAY! Our free and confidential services can help connect your family to health insurance coverage, point you toward free vaccine clinics, and much more.

COMMENT STAFF DIRECTORY PHONE: 509-325-0634 Ted S. McGregor Jr. (tedm@inlander.com)

WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE ZAGS PLAYER OF ALL TIME AND WHY? DAVID EGLY: Rui! He can score, is a great defender, and has so much fun playing the game.

PUBLISHER

J. Jeremy McGregor (x224) GENERAL MANAGER

BILL BISSELL: John Stockton without a doubt. Most people outside of Spokane have never heard of any of these other players, no matter how good they were.

EDITORIAL Jacob H. Fries (x261) EDITOR

Dan Nailen (x239) MANAGING EDITOR/ARTS & CULTURE Chey Scott (x225) FOOD & LISTINGS EDITOR Nathan Weinbender (x250) FILM & MUSIC EDITOR

Derek Harrison (x248) ART DIRECTOR

Chris Frisella COPY CHIEF

Wilson Criscione (x282), Daniel Walters (x263), Samantha Wohlfeil (x234) STAFF WRITERS

Young Kwak PHOTOGRAPHER

Amy Alkon, Inga K. Laurent, Will Maupin CONTRIBUTORS

Spencer Brown, Natalie Rieth INTERNS

ADVERTISING Kristi Gotzian (x215) ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Carolyn Padgham (x214) SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Mary Bookey (x216), Jeanne Inman (x235), Rich McMahon (x241), Autumn Adrian Potts (x251) Claire Price (x217), Wanda Tashoff (x222)

EDITOR’S NOTE

Normally, we ask our question of the week of people we randomly encounter on the street. But with the coronavirus pandemic, we instead asked our followers on social media to share their thoughts.

MEGAN BOILEAU: J.P Batista the Brazilian Beast. Got my picture with him and I came to his armpit.

In all fairness I love them all!!! GO GONZAGA!!!!!!

MARLA MALMBERG: Have so many but I will just pick three: Derek Raivio, John Stockton and Ronny Turiaf (the best cheerleader for his teammates!). One of the best things about most every player over many years wasn’t just the players’ superb abilities but the type of individuals they are!

JOHN ERP: Derek Raivio. I like point guards though he’s obviously not as good as John Stockton and lots of other former point guards. We have had a lot of good ones but Derek Raivio is my favorite.

KATHERINE ELEANOR: Ronny Turiaf had by far the positive attitude and spirit it takes to succeed in life.

DDoAsoTmeEthinNg dIiffGeHrenTt! Spokane 509-309-2722 3904 N Division St CDA 208-930-1476 2506 N. 4th St

Woes Of A Very Tender Young Bride

Smallpox Rages Throughout The Town Dainties, Lace, Ribbons, Silk Underware Ouch! Bread Prices Are Skyrocketing!

Where Am I ? No Street Signs

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Kristina Smith (x223) MARKETING DIRECTOR Houston Tilley (x247) EVENTS & PROMOTIONS ASSISTANT

PRODUCTION & SUPPORT Wayne Hunt (x232) DESIGN & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Ali Blackwood (x228) CREATIVE LEAD

Derrick King (x238), Tom Stover (x265) SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Frank DeCaro (x226) CIRCULATION MANAGER Travis Beck CIRCULATION SUPERVISOR

Jess Kennedy (x212) ADVERTISING SUPPORT

OPERATIONS Dee Ann Cook (x211) BUSINESS MANAGER Kristin Wagner (x210) ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

TERRY PARKER: Stockton. He holds the two most unbreakable records in all of sports. No one will ever break his steals and assist record in the NBA. CHAD MCCLURE: Jeff Brown. One of the old skool dudes who got the Zags rollin’ to many runs into the dance. And another local Mead High School graduate like myself. Go Zags!!

go to

All The News That is Fit or Unfit to Print

www.fallsgazette.com

RIC MEYER: Easy. Adam Morrison.

His NBA career might not have panned out, but he was my favorite at Gonzaga. I held on to his jersey for 12 years, hoping to one day get it signed. Two years ago, I reached out to him on social media. Met up with him at a game. He was super nice and chatted with my son and me.

SHERYL RANUS ANTHONY: There’s no way to pick just one! Team is what they are all about and that is the key to their success. n

MARCH 18, 2021 INLANDER 5

COMMENT | COMMUNITY

FAMILY LAW Divorce Spousal Maintenance / Alimony Child Support Modifications Parenting Plans

Craig Mason

AUTO INJURY • CIVIL LITIGATION

W. 1707 BROADWAY, SPOKANE, WA | 509443-3681

ISSUE Warnings, Subsection B: “Probably Should Do Your Best to Avoid:” Overvaluing money. Leather in the summer.

How to Human

On stands April 8th E X P L O R E

Advertise in this guide to reach families with kids and help them plan their summer now!

Instructions on Living

BY INGA LAURENT

SUPPLEMENT T O THE INLAND ER

Adv

en tu

re A w ai

ts

RESERVE YOUR SPACE BY APRIL 2 ADVERTISING@INLANDER.COM

509-325-0634 ext. 215

Make Sure Your Camp is Listed!

Submit your Camp information to our editorial dept.

by Friday, March 26 • Inlander.com/submitcamps

6 INLANDER MARCH 18, 2021

Re: Alpha Omega-Omicron Delta Models 235-1185, equipped for centuries spanning XX – XXII [last updated for consistent decadal vernacular 3/17/2021]

D

ear Lovely Human: It is with deep regret that we write to inform you of an inadvertent oversight in our delivery process. We unintentionally overlooked the inclusion of your “Manual for Being Human” upon your arrival to Earth™. We only recently realized our error when a qualitycontrol engineer tuned into “2020” for random assessment, and we became rapidly aware of our blunder.

We take great pride in our product, and moving forward we pledge to take all necessary steps to prevent this situation from arising again. Rest assured that your manufacturing was flawless. We ensure every model possesses the essential parts needed for survival — hearts, tiny eye lashes, chompers, belly buttons (both innies and outies), petite pinky toenails, nasal hair filterwisps, etc. Please be on the lookout for “The Manual.” In the meantime, enjoy a sneak peek at some of the previous most referenced sections.

INTRODUCTION. Welcome to Humaning 101! While every model is 100 percent unique, you are all so (alternatively: also) remarkably similar. For example, every human possesses a mix of compounds, including oxygen, carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen (“literally” star stuff). Beyond the base level, y’all are #blessed with an infusion of additional components that we like to call “the spice of life” — a dash of sass, a pinch of independence, a touch of humility, a heap of humor and voilà — expectus persona.

With infinite possibilities, no two individuals ever turn out entirely the same; however, all are built to be highly compatible. The trick is finding your people — those you positively feel pulled toward. This, of course, is dependent upon your unique, signature mélange, but communication with the well-matched will come remarkably easily. Post-interaction, you may feel energetic, valued, or fully seen (cross-reference sections on

besties, soul/swole mates, work spouses, coffee shop kinships, “The One” and people you “haven’t seen in ages but you pick up right where you left off”).

RECOMMENDATIONS. Section 131 (Maintenance): Taking care of yourself should be the main priority. You are most useful when properly aligned. Nutrition and nourishment (of body and soul) will be important choices. Many substances appear to provide sustenance but are lacking. Also, be sure to water yourself daily. Whether it’s showering, brusha-brusha-brushing those chompers, drinking, or the occasional recreating in lakes, rivers, oceans, bathtubs or puddles, water is life and it does a body good.

Section 451: (Love): Many find this purposeful and perplexing. We won’t ruin the fun with too many words. Suffice it to say our general belief has been unsurprisingly summarized in a TED Talk — “We have to know ourselves. What do you love? And if you get close to what you love, who you are is revealed to you and it expands.”

Section 561: (Honesty): We cannot stress this one enough.

Over millennia, many forms of deception have been devised, which is ironic because models are furnished with all foundational tools to be forthright. Pro tip: Ask for what you need and tell people you love them. Never make another guess at something significant.

Section 9201: (Maximization): Once operational, please share yourself fully. Art, creativity and expression are crucial because there is really no one like you! (Cross-reference Alan Watts’ translation of Ancient Eastern Philosophy [AEP 1819]: “See, the source of all light is in the eye. If there were no eyes in this world, the sun would not be light. You evoke light out of the universe. ... You being this organism, call into being this whole universe of light and color and hardness and heaviness and everything.”)

Section 202166: (Feelings): We gave you feelers for a reason.

Use the full range of emotions, please. Quit being so judgmental.

There are no “wrong” or “bad” feelings; they just are. Think of them as information. Our plan was immensely intentional.

REBOOTING. Some report feeling “stuck” at various points throughout the experience. Time has suggested the simple seems most capable of sustaining the sublime. Suggestions for altering perspective include but are not limited to: rest, reading, a song you love on loop, belly laughter, a nestle or nuzzle in the crook of the neck, that good pen glide, helping another — especially baes, babies and pets — gratitude, and looking up at starry night skies or sunbeams streaming through cloud-covers.

WARNINGS. You are endowed with free will, so we don’t dabble much here. People are surprised we have so few prohibitions. Alas, we must trust and you’ll find you must learn many of these things all on your own: Subsection A: “I Wouldn’t Recommend It:” Touching a hot stove. Being a workaholic.

Subsection B: “Probably Should Do Your Best to Avoid:” Overvaluing money. Leather in the summer.

Subsection C: “Will Cause Severe Damage:” Circumvent behaviors that disavow the design (cross-reference phobias and -isms). We put enormous energy into crafting billions of signature mélanges. To renounce that craftsmanship is next level ill-advised.

Period.

Again, we apologize for our failure to deliver. We are aware that maneuvering on Earth™ sans a manual can cause severe side effects, such as copious amounts of tears, anxiety and angst, malaise and ennui, multiple overdoses on sugar or a variety of other substances, Sisyphean struggles, egotism and hubris.

Good luck out there!

Sincerely, The Home Team n

The iconic wardrobe of Downton Abbey™ FEB – MAY Exhibition Design by

Support Provided by:

Susan and Paul Kennedy

northwestmuseum.org

| Now open 7 days a week!

The exhibition is developed and distributed by Exhibits Development Group in cooperation with Cosprop Ltd., London, England. The exhibition is not endorsed by, sponsored by, licensed by, associated with, or otherwise affiliated with the television series Downton Abbey™, NBC Universal International, Carnival Film and Television Limited or their representatives.

at ing Called Lovese 1. Crazy Little Th y Bo ne La-Z2. Like a Rhinesto Hutch Around 3. Stop Draggin My America in ble Ta st kfa 4. Brea st Deal Be ur Yo 5. Hit Me With n Chair Blue ow Br My ke Ma 6. Don’t Loveseat ur Yo e av Le 7. 50 Ways to n 8. Sectional Heali ard High Enough 9. Ain’t No Headbo Feel 10. You Make Me ather Like a Natural Le Lamp My Up ht Lig u Yo 11.

C.H.A.I.R. 12. Rockin’ in the od Table Wo ian ieg rw No 13. nt It (featuring Wa u Yo y 14. Any Wa Fabrics) m Flexsteel Custo

Shop Local Shop Runge

303 Spokane Ave, Cd’A • 208 664 2131 • rungefurniture.com

BE AWARE!

Planning some D.I.Y. projects that involve digging?

DON'T DIG INTO TROUBLE! Call 811 two business days before to alert utilities.

Inga N. Laurent is a local legal educator and a Fulbright scholar. She is deeply curious about the world and its constructs and delights in uncovering common points of connection that unite our shared but unique human experiences.

MARCH 18, 2021 INLANDER 7

POLITICS

THE

RADICAL

Outgoing Spokane City Councilwoman Kate Burke isn’t the politician she campaigned as — but she says that’s a good thing

BY DANIEL WALTERS

T

he moment that sums up Kate Burke’s tenure on the Spokane City Council didn’t happen inside City Hall. It happened just outside the entrance.

At the end of her first year in office, in the midst of a battle over the city’s failure to provide warming shelters for the homeless, a homeless encampment dubbed Camp Hope sprung up on the City Hall sidewalk.

Burke had delivered plenty of impassioned — and even angry — speeches about the city’s failures on homelessness from the council dais, tears in her eyes, but when it seemed like the police officers were on their way to tear down the camp, Burke went further: She chained herself

8 INLANDER MARCH 18, 2021

As Kate Burke says, “I think you never really know what type of politician you’re going to be until you’re making the calls.” YOUNG KWAK PHOTO to other pro-homeless activists at the encampment.

“It was a really big highlight for me,” Burke recalls. “I was actually very scared.”

While the police didn’t show up that day, Burke’s actions drew a torrent of scorn and praise. Supporters chanted her name, detractors called her “embarrassing” and filed an ethics complaint against her. Former TV anchor Nadine Woodward wielded the incident in her attacks on the City Council during her successful campaign for mayor.

Burke’s tenure was bound to be controversial. She’s a self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist who got elected

to represent northeast Spokane, the most conservative district in the city. Yet her time on the council is drawing to a close. She’s in the final year of her first term and has chosen not to run for a second.

Most of Burke’s efforts to transform the city have ended in stalemate or defeat. But in some ways — some raw and personal — she says she managed to transform herself.

“I think you never really know what type of politician you’re going to be until you’re making the calls,” Burke says. “We’re all on a journey.” ...continued on page 10

MARCH 18, 2021 INLANDER 9

NEWS | POLITICS “THE RADICAL,” CONTINUED...

DEFIANCE

Burke didn’t campaign as a radical.

In her 2017 candidate interview with the Inlander, she downplayed partisan ideology, talking instead about things like bike paths, street repairs and the opioid epidemic.

During her campaign, she enthusiastically agreed that the city needed more police officers along with more spending on mental health and addiction.

Today, by contrast, she fully embraces the rhetoric of “defund the police,” having called the current model of policing “both unsustainable and intolerable” and “historically rooted in the oppression of Black bodies.”

Burke wasn’t hiding who she was back then, she says. She was a “middle-of-the-road type person.”

But during that same time period, she says, she was in the middle of an ideological transformation. She was reading books like Howard Zinn’s People’s History of the United States, which recasts the story of America’s past through the lens of atrocity, oppression and public uprising. She’s dating NAACP Criminal Justice Chair Devon Wilson — a Black man — and she says he helped her see what she had missed.

“I’ve always known racism is bad, but what I didn’t realize is that these injustices were at every single corner of every single thing we do at the city,” Burke says. “Oppressing people of color, oppressing people in poverty, oppressing women.”

So by the time Burke took office, she was as intent on calling out injustice, no matter how many feathers it ruffled, as on fixing potholes.

In the first few weeks, however, it was what Burke didn’t say that caused the most stir. As all the other

10 INLANDER MARCH 18, 2021

councilmembers recited the pledge of allegiance at the beginning of each meeting, Burke stood silent and declined to put her hand over her heart. At the time, she says, she wasn’t even sure why she declined — she just didn’t like the forced ritual.

“It kind of reminds me of Nazi Germany,” Burke says. “It just feels weird to me.”

For some members of the public, like Jonathan Bingle, a former pastor now campaigning for Burke’s seat, her stance was deeply bothersome. He saw it as a failure to show respect for our great, though imperfect, country and Constitution.

“Frankly, I’m glad she’s not going to have another term,” Bingle says.

From some corners, Burke was praised for her efforts to champion the disadvantaged and the downtrodden.

She held town halls about the housing crisis. She rallied together elderly north Spokane tenants to push back on a proposed rent hike at their apartment. She decried a proposed Sportsplex for wasting money that could have been spent on housing, opposed multifamily tax exemptions for not requiring enough affordable housing units and argued that using Geiger inmates for roadside cleanups was a “form of slavery.”

Naghmana Sherazi, another candidate for her council seat, considers Burke both a friend and an advocate for low-income people like her. Burke’s decision to chain herself outside City Hall was a perfect example of her ability

to draw attention to important issues, Sherazi says.

“It’s not something I would do, but Kate is Kate,” Sherazi says. “If she hadn’t done that, I don’t know that we would have gotten that kind of awareness around it.”

But in other corners, Burke became a symbol of everything they despised, the equivalent of the picture on their dartboard. Sometimes, Burke says, she’d enter a restaurant or a cafe, and strangers would start yelling at her.

“I’ve always known racism is bad, but what I didn’t realize is that these injustices were at every single corner of every single thing we do at the city.”

The Spokane Police Guild mocked her proposed homeless bill of rights ordinance. The Spokane County Republican Party attacked a photo she took with Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democratic Socialist-aligned Muslim congresswoman. (In turn, Burke slammed the GOP for peddling “thinly veiled Islamophobia for likes.”)

Yet Burke didn’t just clash with right-wingers. She fought with other councilmembers. Even before she came into office, she accused City Council President Ben Stuckart of not taking concerns she’d raised about sexism and sexual harassment seriously.

The clashes between Stuckart and Burke — and sometimes other councilmembers — spilled out onto the council dais. (“Thank you for the lesson, Council President,” Burke snarked at the end of one exchange.)

Burke doesn’t regret her strong stands or chaining herself outside City Hall. But she does regret how she treated her colleagues sometimes.

“I was a self-centered alcoholic,” she says.

Burke publicly revealed her struggles with alcoholism at a Council Finance Committee meeting last year. Today, she says her alcoholism was connected to her desire to control everything around her.

“I thought I was running the puppet show,” she says.

She said she had to learn to relax and stop thinking of her colleagues as “the enemy.” Sometimes that meant compromising.

Early this month, Burke voted for the Spokane Police Guild contract as “moving in the right direction” with a “little bit of police oversight” but also said she was “disheartened” that the police reform discussions they had marched for hadn’t taken place.

At one time, Burke says, she probably would have condemned the contract as “ridiculous,” argued the council wasn’t listening to the community and angered her colleagues in the process.

“I wanted to come in and do all the great things, and I was going to take down anybody in my way,” she says. “I’ve realized that doesn’t work. My way isn’t working.”

ACCEPTANCE

If it hadn’t been for COVID-19, however, Burke is certain she would have run for a second term. She was politically ambitious: Back in 2007, when she was only 17, she told the Spokesman-Review she had her eye set on running for City Council.

“My work is my life, my work is my passion, my work is everything,” Burke says. But then all of a sudden the COVID lockdowns hit, and half of her workload disappeared. At first, she felt emptiness, the realization that she’d let the cherished things in her life wither.

“I was so motivated and so focused on deadlines and getting things done… that I just was never really living life,” she recalls.

She spent more time in her house, with her two dogs and her partner. She says parts of her personality that had been dormant reemerged, like her sense of humor. She got back into her old hobbies, like gardening. And she finally took time to address her personal health.

“I was diagnosed with four different things in April,” Burke says.

She got a surgery to diagnose and address her endometriosis, a painful condition that results when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. In many ways, her priorities began to change.

“There’s a lot of ways to give back to your community,” Burke says. It didn’t necessarily have to be City Council. Her partner, Wilson, is now enrolled at Stanford Law School. Burke says she’s considering going back to school herself.

“I don’t think every single person needs to take up the allotted time they are possibly allowed,” Burke says. “There’s room for other people.”

While Burke managed to pass a bill banning the use of highpitched “mosquito” devices targeted at young people downtown, she never won enough support for her homeless bill of rights LETTERS or got her tenant rights ordiSend comments to nance passed. But she still has editor@inlander.com. nine months left in her term, she says. Maybe a tenant rights ordinance would be a “cool going-away present.”

The candidates vying to fill her seat have different opinions on Burke, but they all praise her passion.

“I respect Kate; she believes in what she believes, and she goes after it,” says Luc Jasmin III, who’s running against Bingle and Sherazi for the northeast seat as “more of a moderate voice.”

Northeast Spokane is unpredictable, as longtime observers know. They’ve elected both conservative Republicans and a Democratic Socialist progressive like Burke.

“I think my district is really just wanting someone who is going to fight for them,” Burke says. “I really do think that my constituents are proud of what I’ve been doing.” n danielw@inlander.com

MEET CHEF ADAM Our new Chinook Crafted by Chef Adam Hegsted menu features delectable dishes created by local celebrity chef Adam Hegsted. You may have seen him recently on FOX 28’s Eat Like a Chef Tv show or remember him from his early days when the Chinook was new to our casino resort and Adam was our Executive Chef. Words often used to describe the dishes on the revitalized menu: memorable, innovative and delicious. Come try Chef Adam Hegsted’s latest creations. Make your reservations today!

Mesquite Bone-in Pork Chop WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY | 4:30 PM - CLOSE | $25 A 14 oz. bone-in pork chop brined in molasses and grilled with mesquite spices. Served with smash fried potatoes, chef’s choice of vegetables and a mixed greens salad.

Available in March.

W E LC O M E H O M E .

CASINO | HOTEL | DINING SPA | CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF 3 7 9 1 4 S O U T H N U K WA LQ W • W O R L E Y, I D A H O 8 3 8 7 6 1 800-523-2464 • CDACASINO.COM

MARCH 18, 2021 INLANDER 11

NEWS | EDUCATION

Not Dead Yet The proposal to build a downtown Spokane stadium is back. Has the pitch improved since three years ago?

BY WILSON CRISCIONE

I

f you’re a voter in Spokane, you may be confused about the recent stadium news. Once again, there’s a proposal to build a high school sports stadium downtown. Once again, Spokane Public Schools wants input from the public.

Maybe you’re thinking, “Didn’t I already provide input more than two years ago?” Yes, yes, you did. In 2018, nearly two-thirds of voters in Spokane like you told the school district that they didn’t want the stadium downtown.

Now, the proposal is being resurrected. Although Mark Richard, president of the Downtown Spokane Partnership, says “resurrected” is the wrong word, because in reality the stadium idea never died. Rather, when voters knocked it down, it lay dormant, waiting for a new vessel through which it could come back stronger and take on its physical form.

City officials and former Mayor David Condon backed the idea in 2018, but now Richard is the latest to push for it. Last week, Richard — joined by a representative from the United Soccer League — made an impassioned plea to the Spokane Public Schools board, asking them to rethink the district’s plans to build the new 5,000-seat stadium at the site of the soon-to-be-demolished Joe Albi stadium in northwest Spokane. Richard insists that putting it downtown, by the Spokane Arena and the Podium sportsplex, is better both for students and the community. It would bring Spokane a pro soccer team, and it won’t cost the district any more money than they’re already spending.

The Spokane Public Schools board is reluctant to go against the will of the voters, however. Putting another vote on the ballot could delay any stadium being built by a year. Meanwhile, the district estimates about a halfmillion dollars in planning for the stadium at the Albi site couldn’t be recovered if abandoned now.

But Richard says putting it downtown would still save the district millions in the long term. He wants the board to make what he knows would be a bold decision.

“We understand this may be a hard ask,” Richard told the board. “We are asking you to have the courage and the vision to vote ‘yes’ on the downtown stadium.”

HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT THAN BEFORE?

For the school district, the central pitch of the downtown stadium proposal remains the same as it was in 2018.

With Joe Albi stadium set to be demolished, the district has $31 million in voter-approved bond funds to spend on a new stadium. Building it downtown would make it more centrally located for high school students, and it could open it up for other uses that could spur economic activity.

But this latest proposal is different from what voters rejected in a few key ways. For example, in 2018, it was suggested that a new downtown stadium could attract a pro soccer team. But now, the United Soccer League has given a firm commitment to bring a pro team to Spokane if the stadium is built downtown.

Justin Papadakis, COO for the United Soccer League, says the league is “very committed” to Spokane.

12 INLANDER MARCH 18, 2021

The United Soccer League has given a firm commitment to bring a pro team to Spokane if the stadium is built downtown.

They’ve offered to contribute an extra $2 million to the project.

“We’ve been working very hard to make a professional soccer team in Spokane a reality for several years, and now we believe this proposal is one we think the community can really strongly support,” Papadakis says.

A second way this proposal differs from 2018 is that, unlike back then, there is no looming threat of the district having to pay up to $10 million for a parking garage so that students wouldn’t have to pay for events. A couple years ago, there was discussion among city officials and the Public Facilities District that there might be a way to address that issue through land acquisitions, but nothing was set in stone. But now, Richard says they’ve received written commitments from property owners with major parking structures near the proposed site. That could make up to 1,100 spots available, Richard says.

Additionally, Richard says the Public Facilities District would make spaces they control near the Spokane Arena free for high school events, so students and families have no issues for school games. Parking studies have also identified thousands of public spaces within a quarter-mile of the proposed stadium, Richard says.

Thirdly, while the PFD had indicated in 2018 that it could operate the stadium if needed, it has committed to maintenance and operations costs for the downtown stadium as part of this pitch. They say that could save Spokane Public Schools $350,000 per year in maintenance and operation costs — all while the school district could use the stadium for free for all events.

Maybe none of this moves the needle for the voters who rejected the proposal in 2018. Even if voters have their parking and traffic concerns satisfied, in 2018 many felt the downtown space could be better used for something besides a stadium. Voters may also be uncomfortable with business interests trying to influence public dollars — school board member Nikki Lockwood last week said she was “surprised” there wasn’t more private investment in the stadium if it’s so important to private interests.

Richard argues the school board is using the money anyway. And as for the board’s main concern — that voters already rejected this — he says the 2018 vote was fundamentally flawed. The advisory vote asking where

to locate the stadium — either at Albi or downtown — was actually a city advisory measure, not a school district one. Only voters inside city boundaries got a say, excluding 10,000 residents who live in the district but not in the city, yet still including city voters not within school district boundaries. In the end, voters up north, closest to the current Albi location, voted strongly against moving the location downtown. The strongest support for the downtown idea came farther away from Albi, on the South Hill.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE BOARD SAYS NO?

In December 2018, school board member Jerrall Haynes said he supported the downtown stadium idea “until election night.” The advisory vote was nonbinding, but when voters said they didn’t want it, he argued that putting a stadium downtown anyway would damage public trust.

Haynes is now the school board president. And Richard admits that making this pitch to the school board again now is a “huge gamble.” But he also says that if the board says no, then it’s not the end of the idea.

Richard credited Spokane County Treasurer Michael Baumgartner with reviving the proposal a year ago. At the time, Baumgartner presented figures indicating a stadium could be built for less than the $31 million the district has for one, suggesting that could be a route taken without school board involvement.

If the board says no, Richard says, then the money for a downtown stadium may be raised privately. The $2 million from USL, he says, is the “baseline,” and he says there’s another $1 million from a private investor who “prefers not to be identified at this point.”

And in that case, the voters who rejected the downtown stadium may get one anyway, along with the other stadium up in northwest Spokane solely used for high school sports and operated by the school district.

In an interview with the Inlander, Richard more strongly suggested that could happen, should the school district reject the downtown idea.

“I will say this,” Richard says. “I think the folks that I’m working with feel passionate enough about this that they would like to continue, because they believe it’s got such great value.” n wilsonc@inlander.com

SLAM DUNK SPECIALS!

CATCH ALL THE BASKETBALL MADNESS THIS MARCH AT THREE PEAKS KITCHEN + BAR • Food specials including a sampler platter • $2 drafts, all day, every day and drink specials • Don’t miss a second of all the action, 27 screens to watch the games SpokaneTribeCasino.com 14300 W SR-2 HWY AIRWAY HEIGHTS, WA 99001

MARCH 18, 2021 INLANDER 13

Abbey Crawford says she hasn’t performed live since last March, when she sang during Mardi Gras 2020 in New Orleans. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

THEATER

LEADING THE CHARGE

BACK TO THEATERS Spokane Civic Theatre presents a virtual show featuring 17 familiar female faces from productions past

BY SPENCER BROWN

F

or almost a year, performers and theater lovers have sat at home dreaming of the creative outlet that local productions provide. To help fill that void, Spokane Civic Theatre is coming back to life with Civic Presents: Leading Ladies, a virtual show dedicated to the theater’s female stars past and present.

For the performers, getting back on stage can be a nerve-wracking experience after a year away. And while the show is prerecorded to maximize safety, it can still be challenging.

“I’m a little nervous,” says Abbey Crawford, who has performed at Spokane Civic since she was 19. “Two weeks ago I went in to rehearse, and not going to lie, I cried a bit going in. Theaters all smell the same, and they

14 INLANDER MARCH 18, 2021

feel like home. The theater always feels like home. It was emotional and delightful.”

Crawford says she hasn’t performed live since last March, when she sang during Mardi Gras 2020 in New Orleans.

“I haven’t been that creative at all,” Crawford says of her pandemic life. “My daughter taught me some TikTok makeup tricks and from there I have been creating the ‘patron saints of the pandemic.’ I have saints of toilet paper, plastic gloves, snacks. My most recent was a saint of serotonin. I have also started needle quilting; I’ve created these felt things because I got to stab something for six hours, which is great for my anxiety and rage.”

Crawford has performed in many shows and teaches

cabaret classes at the Civic. She heard about Leading Ladies from the theater’s creative director, Jake Schaefer, after doing a show in November.

“We started with a short list of women who have portrayed female principles in plays and musicals alike at Spokane Civic Theatre for the ages,” Schaefer says. “That gave us four or five legendary ladies. Then we went through the last handful of seasons and notated other females who played principles and reached out to all of the ladies on that list.”

The full cast includes 17 actresses who have spent three weeks rehearsing in anticipation of their filming slot before the Leading Ladies show is released online Friday.

“We struck gold with the amount of interest in the

performance,” Schaefer says.

“We put together some strict health and safety protocols and built a rehearsal schedule. We see one performer for two hours and then for an hour we clean in between.”

According to Schaefer, the theme was left simply at “leading ladies.” They allowed each performer to pick a song to be accompanied by piano that they believed exemplified that theme.

Crawford picked “Nobody’s Side” from the musical Chess. She chose it because of its first lines: “What’s going on around me is barely making sense, I need some explanations fast!” She says this song is perfect for the current climate and is ingrained in her from her youth.

“The show [Chess] is weird, but the music is fantastic,” Crawford says. “This song is about a woman who doesn’t need to wait for anyone to say things are OK, which is relatable with what we are dealing with now. You can’t count on the world, so just do whatever you want to do, which is my mantra now. I’m going to be 48 — I can allow myself the freedom to do what I want. I can still get up and sing and make my choices.”

ATTICUS DELIVERED TO YO U R IN BOX

Food news you can use EVERY THURSDAY Sign up now at Inlander.com/newsletters

FUN NW GIFTS • COFFEE • BOOKS • GOOD TIMES

BOO RADLEY’S HOWARD STREET • DOWNTOWN SPOKANE

TAP. tap. PAY. pay.

BE be ON on YOUR your WAY. way.

W

hile the filmed, virtually delivered experience is different than performing for a live audience, Crawford is still excited and grateful for the opportunity.

“All of the women who are in this show, we have all been leading women on Civic’s stage,” Crawford says. “I think it’s a fascinating group of women because we all dealt with some kind of thing. It’s hard to be on stage in front of people, and [yet] this is where we are most comfortable. It’s fantastic that Jake has given us this opportunity to be happy; it’s such a joyful thing to sing, and it’s going to be weird but I’m grateful.”

Performer Mary Starkey, who has been performing in productions at the Civic since 1983, also got a call from Schaefer. ...continued on next page

MARCH 18, 2021 INLANDER 15

CULTURE | THEATER “LEADING THE CHARGE BACK TO THEATERS,” CONTINUED...

th

April 16

CCGALASPOKANE.ORG

Dinner | Chocolate | Champagne | Auction

Don’t pay Don’t pay Don’t pay to file your to file your to file your taxes.* taxes.* taxes.* *No really, it’s free.

*No really, it’s it’s free.free. *No really, Get tips on filing for free at: MyFreeTaxes.com Get tips on filing for free Get tips on filing for at: free at: MyFreeTaxes.com

MyFreeTaxes.com

16 INLANDER MARCH 18, 2021

“There was no question in my mind that I that it’s nice for the leading ladies to get their due wanted to do it,” Starkey says. “We all miss doing because even though women are extremely imtheater; we all miss doing live theater. The last portant, the men are usually the central character show I did ended in February of 2020, A Gentleof the show. So, it’s nice to do something that’s man’s Guide to Love and Murder, and we had such a musical and do something for the ladies.” great experience doing it and audiences loved it.

Hardie is singing “Liaisons” from A Little Then the pandemic hit.”

Night Music, the song she sang when she was in While different shows and performances are the Civic’s production of the show. starting to get off the ground now, for almost a “I picked it for a number of reasons. It’s a year performers were left to find different outlets great character song; it’s more of a storytelling for their creativity. Starkey channeled hers in the piece,” Hardie says. “It also doesn’t require a lot kitchen. of movement because I didn’t want to be jump“I love to cook and to bake,” Starkey says. “It ing around in front of a camera. I played that role was really fulfilling. That’s where my creativity in A Little Night Music, so it was easy to get it back went for a while. I make the best chili; I don’t into my memory. I worked with [pianist] Henry like other people’s chili. I learned to make a reMcNulty, who played for that production as well, ally great rustic loaf of bread and got into making so we fell into it a little easier. I hope it will be a different kinds of soups, vegan soups, white bean nice contrast to what the other women will be soups. I really enjoyed that.” performing.”

However, Starkey also tried to While many found the transition THE LEADING keep the hope of live performances to the lockdown a hard one, Hardie LADIES alive during the pandemic while found it to be easy.

Aubrey Shimek Davis continuing to rehearse.

“I love being at home,” Hardie Mary Starkey “When we thought that the says. “The pandemic has given me Emily Jones pandemic wasn’t going to last very the opportunity to say ‘No, I can’t Rebecca Craven long I auditioned and was cast in do that’ or ‘I can’t go out.’ I’m of an Heidi Santiago a show for Stage Left Theater,” age that is considered in the at-risk Abbey Crawford Starkey says. “We auditioned category. So, I have kind of enjoyed Elizabeth Martin through Zoom; those who were being at home. I’ve done some writQuincy McCune cast had Zoom rehearsals. We kept ing, which I’ve gotten into in the last Alyssa Day that up until we realized that we few years. I’ve taught a class virtuMarianne McLaughlin were not able to do this show any ally at Saint George’s School. I’ve Melody Deatherage time soon.” done a lot of nothing, and I’ve just Kathie Doyle-Lipe While Starkey identifies as enjoyed it because it hasn’t been that Aubree Peterson more of an actress than a singer, bad for me. I know a lot of people Lexie Lucassen she is still excited to share her suffer because they can’t socialize, Marlee Andrews voice and be a part of a perforbut we can Zoom and talk on the Jean Hardie mance with so many talented phone.” women.

Getting back in the studio is a Maddie Burgess “They asked me what I wanted unique experience for each performto do, and I asked to do “The Ladies Who er, and for Hardie it was a joyous one.

Lunch” [from the musical Company],” says Starkey.

“It was really fun; it was an easy, no pressure “I played the part of Joanne in 1998 and in a performance,” she says. “Jake had everything set couple showcases since then. I’m familiar with it. up great. I went in, sat in my chair, and we went I have a lot of great musicals that I’ve been a part through the song a couple of times. Filming was of and great songs I’ve had the great fortune to not my favorite because there was no audience; sing, but that was appropriate for me to choose.”

I was just singing to this black void. But because As Starkey prepares for her role in LeadI couldn’t see anything it was a lot like being on ing Ladies, she is also looking towards getting stage under a bright light. So you just imagine involved in future projects as the pandemic lifts. that you are communicating with them. It was a lot of fun, everyone was on their game.” chaefer’s main focus currently is makCivic Presents: Leading Ladies is a show that eving Leading Ladies a success. Part of that eryone involved in is excited about. And the opincludes making the show accessible to anyportunity to perform, even in a filmed program one who wants to watch it, while also supporting delivered online, is something they value. the theater. That’s why there is no set ticket price “It is fantastic that the two big theaters, Civic for this online production. and Stage Left, in Spokane are doing things to “Because we are filming it in the building, we move the conversation forward instead of sitting did want to provide an opportunity to give [donaand wallowing in sadness,” Crawford says. “They tions],” Schaefer says. “We have a range of ticket are the best of us, and they are great at reaching prices at Civic [normally] and that’s important out, making sure everyone is OK. I want people to us. ... So, we thought let’s be wide open and to realize just how important the arts are in this inclusive for what people can give should they time. You watch TV for a year because you have want to.” nothing else to do. There is no way for anyone to Jean Hardie, whose first performance at Spoget through this last year without the arts. And if kane Civic Theatre was in 1981 in Kiss Me Kate, you can support them, please do. I am proud to has been performing there for almost 40 years be a part of this.” n and is very enthusiastic about the Leading Ladies show and its meaning.

Civic Presents: Leading Ladies • Friday, March “I thought it was a great idea,” Hardie says.

19 at 7:30 pm • Free; donations accepted • “That’s not to put down leading men — I think Online, available at spokanecivictheatre.com.

S

CULTURE | DIGEST

RED RISING A sci-fi-loving friend got me into the Red Rising trilogy, and these books are addicting if you like dystopian class warfare/underdog stories. With elements similar to Hunger Games and Ender’s Game, you’ll find out all about the ruthless Golds at the top of the food chain and their violent manner of maintaining power over people of all other colors and classes. In this future, everyone’s bred for specific tasks, and their class is forever marked in their appearance. Yellows are doctors, violets are creatives, blues are known for their technical prowess flying around the solar system, and at the bottom you have the reds, who mine the bowels of Mars to provide fuel and terraforming power to the rest of the conquered universe. Some of them are done being crushed, so buckle in for tales of betrayal, love and lots of bloodlust. (SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL)

Dear Film Diary…

A

BY NATHAN WEINBENDER

s if I needed another social media platform to waste my time, a few years ago I started an account on a little-known site called Letterboxd.

It’s a hybrid of LiveJournal, Yelp and a particularly dorky film message board, where folks can keep a “diary” of the movies they watch, tack on star ratings and reviews, and “friend” other users to follow their cinematic updates.

My Letterboxd use was sporadic at best, but I started logging in again when the pandemic ramped up.

Since last March, I’ve been dutifully keeping track of the movies I watch, a mostly thankless task that’s really for my own edification.

THE BUZZ BIN

THIS WEEK’S PLAYLIST There’s noteworthy new music arriving in stores and online March 19. To wit: LANA DEL RAY, Chemtrails Over The Country Club. The singer’s seventh set arrives with a folky title track.

JUSTIN BIEBER, Justice. The Biebs’ second album in two years. Yay? LORETTA LYNN, Still Woman Enough.

Thirteen new songs from this original American badass. (DAN NAILEN)

This may be a super-niche service, but it has amassed more than 3 million accounts since launching a decade ago, with more than 600 million individual films logged. A Twitter account (@InsaneLetterbox) documenting the site’s most inexplicable reviews has more than 145,000 followers, and recent write-ups examining the appeal of Letterboxd ran in the New York Times and the Ringer website.

So what is that appeal? For someone like me, who loves order and lists, it’s the convenience of having all my viewing habits laid out in front of me. It’s also the breadth of opinions on the site: Most popular Letterboxd reviews are either tweet-length jokes or wildly overwritten film school theses, but I can always find at least one radical reinterpretation of a sacred cinematic text that changes my view significantly.

But my favorite component is the one that breaks down your personal statistics: how many movies you’ve seen, how many hours of your life that has taken up, which genres and filmmakers you’re most familiar with.

This is how I learned that my most-watched actors include Robert De Niro, Tom Hanks and Julianne Moore, and that despite having seen 25 Spike Lee joints, I’ve still got more than halfway to go before checking off all his directorial credits.

Those stats have also illuminated some of my glaring blind spots — I need to explore the cinema of Africa and Southeast Asia, and my list of favorite directors should really have more women in it, which inspired a recent deep dive into the filmography of French master Agnes Varda.

And as with any diary, there’s something comforting about being able to revisit memories, to see that I rewatched GoodFellas last Sept. 28 and wrote that it was still “f---ing flawless.” Indeed, past self. Indeed. n

BACK TO ZAMUNDA Since its 1988 release, Eddie Murphy’s comedy Coming to America has become the sort of cable staple people love to quote. So it’s no surprise it gets the legacy sequel treatment 30 years later, and Coming 2 America (streaming on Amazon Prime) reliably reunites Murphy with Arsenio Hall, Shari Headley, John Amos and James Earl Jones, and throws comic ringers like Leslie Jones and Tracy Morgan into the mix. It’s great to see all of them together, but this follow-up takes a thin story — newly crowned King Akeem discovers he has an American son — and mostly just regurgitates the greatest hits from the original. Rewatch that instead. (NATHAN WEINBENDER)

RITE TIME Artists, writers and creators in Washington state have a new place to share their work, the recently launched online journal Rites of Green. A project of the Center for Washington Cultural Traditions, Rites of Green debuts with six podcasts and six short films at ritesofgreen.com. The journal’s focus is to document folklore arts and regional cultural traditions, and it’s open to contributions from, a press release says, “just about anyone documenting the culture of Washington state, whether modern or traditional.” Indigenous artists are especially encouraged to submit. (CHEY SCOTT)

THE G.O.A.T. America has caught up a bit to the rest of the world’s soccer fandom, and Netflix documentary Pele is a valuable look at a man most considered the greatest footballer of all time before names like Messi, Maradona and Ronaldo became famous. The movie has incredible clips of ’50s-era World Cup matches that show Pele’s brilliance on the field.

What makes the doc worthwhile, though, are uncomfortable conversations and thoughtful observations made by the man and his teammates reflecting back on the brutal dictatorship that took over Brazil during their playing days.

Pele, now using a walker, is open and emotional about what the game meant to him, his family and his country. You don’t need to be a sports fan to be moved. (DAN NAILEN)

MARCH 18, 2021 INLANDER 17

OPENING

Back with Baba

Chef Adam Hegsted pivots his Kendall Yards eatery, opening the Mediterranean-inspired Baba in place of Wandering Table

BY CHEY SCOTT

Lamb shank tagine, shakshuka, pita, hummus with wild mushrooms and grapefruit-red onion salad at Baba.

18 INLANDER MARCH 18, 2021

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

W

hen news came late last year that chef and restaurateur Adam Hegsted was closing his flagship Kendall Yards spot Wandering Table, local diners took to social media to express disappointment and concern.

What they didn’t know at the time was that the acclaimed local chef already had a new plan for the space, which he soon shared with those loyal diners who’ve since gone from sad to glad to discover its replacement.

Baba debuted in late February with Hegsted’s signature mashing up of classic, American comfort food with the culinary techniques and flavors of world cultures, this time from the Mediterranean.

“All of our restaurants are comfort foodbased,” Hegested says, adding that at Baba, his team is “taking techniques and ingredients and ideas from the Mediterranean Sea region of North Africa, Greece and Middle Eastern countries all around there, and making it our own.”

“It’s not really authentic in a traditional sense — some technique-wise is extremely authentic, but it might have Northwest ingredients but with our own traditional spin,” he continues.

Take the Turkish mac and cheese ($14), for example — a very American dish, but at Baba made with a labneh-based sauce. (Labneh is perhaps better known as unstrained, Greek-style yogurt.)

“We made the labneh as the cheese base, so it’s really creamy and delicious, and by combining it with this American comfort food, it tastes very Mediterranean.”

am to 3 pm.

“The brunch menu is a lot of similar stuff [to dinner],” the chef says. “We’ll have traditional two-egg breakfast, but also a shakshuka red pepper stew with poached eggs, and some things that are crossovers from dinner but with some eggs on it.”

Other brunch highlights that feature creative twists on popular morning dishes include the Baba poutine, which gets its Mediterranean touches from garlic, feta, labneh and tahini yogurt. There’s a lamb sausage and potato omelet ($13), too, and on the sweet side, fresh yogurt donuts ($7) topped with honey, sea salt and orange.

Several dishes are served all day, from brunch through dinner, including the Turkish mac, several salads such as roasted beet tabouli ($8), and a selection of desserts, among them a cardamompecan coffee cake ($7).

Happy hour happens daily between 3 and 5 pm, and offers a selection of small plates from $3-$9. Baba’s craft cocktail lineup — normally $11 each and all twists on classics, like the Za’atar spiced old fashioned — are on special for $8, draft beer is $4, and the white wine of the day is $5 per glass.

T

he main reason Hegsted chose to leave behind Wandering Table was largely due to the past year of depressed sales because of pandemic-induced dining restrictions.

Yet even before the coronavirus hit the U.S., he says business at the restaurant was slowing down.

“Really, I think even before COVID hit, our sales were slowly decreasing, and that comes with competition and more restaurants in that same higher-end demographic, and we just didn’t want to be in that space,” he says.

Hegsted also felt like many customers had decided Wandering Table was a fine dining, special occasion place.

“People had this perception it was expensive, and a more fancy dining experience, and that was not ever what we were trying to be. We were trying to have comfort food so you could have a celebratory dinner, but you could come eat any day of the week,” he says. “But because of our chef tasting and the service style, it morphed into that, and that did not transition well into COVID times and takeout, and we were really hurting.”

Hegsted says Wandering Table’s original concept (first launched as a pop-up more than a decade ago) as more of a chef-driven, multicourse meal experience may find a new home in the future. There’s also a likelihood that special one-time dinners could occasionally take place at other venues in his company, Eat Good Group.

As for the restaurant space itself, not much is different except for some minor aesthetic changes to the decor to evoke more of a Middle Eastern vibe. Along the dining room’s entire east wall is a new mural of camels and goats against a map of the Mediterranean, painted in sepia tones by local artist Reinaldo Gil Zambrano.

Back to the food at Baba, Hegsted says, “this is all stuff I really love to eat, stuff I like to make at home. That is where the idea of Mediterranean food came from.” n

“Some technique-wise is extremely authentic, but it might have Northwest ingredients but with our own traditional spin.”

The shell pasta dish is topped with bread crumbs, dukkah (an Egyptian spice blend of toasted nuts and seeds) and fermented chilies.

A fried egg, braised lamb or sausage can also be added as protein for an extra charge.

It wouldn’t be Mediterranean cuisine without hummus, that savory chickpea-based spread and condiment. At Baba, Hegsted says their recipe for hummus is “pretty classic,” but that its creation utilizes some French techniques, and the result is “very light and airy and not grainy.”

“It goes both ways,” he says of the culinary crossovers. “Sometimes we’re taking a traditional dish and maybe adding some more French technique to it to refine it, or going backwards and taking those [Mediterranean] ingredients and putting them into American comfort food.”

“I wouldn’t be comfortable feeling like it would be authentic in any way, so it was, ‘How do we make the food representative of what we do already?’” he continues.

Besides the menu, which in its former iteration showcased Northwest-centric dishes like a popular crispy Washington steelhead entree, the other big change Hegsted made through the introduction of Baba was longer operating hours.

As Wandering Table, the restaurant served dinner only, opening late in the afternoon. Baba, meanwhile, is open all day starting at 9 am, and introduces a brunch menu served daily from 9

DELIVERED TO YO U R IN BOX

A special Inlander preview, a day early EVERY WEDNESDAY Sign up now at Inlander.com/newsletters MARCH 18, 2021 INLANDER 19

FOOD | NONPROFIT

Scouting Out Cookies Local Girl Scouts rely on online-only cookie sales until in-person booths launch in late March

BY CHEY SCOTT

T

here’s still about a month left to order your favorite Girl Scout Cookies.

Local Girl Scouts of the Inland Northwest have been taking orders since mid-February for $5 boxes of classic cookies: Thin Mints, Tagalongs, Trefoils and more. All orders so far have been online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hindered cookie sale season for a second year now for troops under the Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho (GSEWNI) council.

The good news, however, is that these local troops will be setting up tables for in-person sales at area grocery stores starting March 26. Sales at dozens of those locations and online continue through April 18.

“While this pandemic has been difficult for our entire Earth, certainly for those who lost family members, I

GAME 20 INLANDER MARCH 18, 2021

In-person Girl Scout Cookie sales start locally on March 26.

COURTESY OF GIRL SCOUTS

will say there are a few good things that came out of it that will be better going forward,” says GSEWNI council CEO Brian Newberry.

“One is the digital cookie site. In the past people would always ask if they could do that, but it was a challenge for us because each girl had her own link” for sales, he continues.

Now, residents who perhaps don’t know a Girl Scout in their neighborhood can head online and type in their ZIP code to place an order directly from their nearest troop. Girl Scouts can also still share personalized sales

links with friends and family.

Cookie orders placed online can be shipped for a fee, but an option for free local delivery may also be offered, depending on the troop, says Renee Smock, chief operating officer of GSEWNI. Unlike last year, when the threat of COVID-19 halted nearly all in-person interactions throughout spring, Girl Scouts across the region will once again be able to sell cookies outside dozens of local grocery stores, including Albertsons, Safeway, Super 1 Foods, Rosauers and Walmart. Available locations are also listed in the “Find Cookies” feature on the Girl Scouts’ website. In-person sales run March 26 to April 18.

A third way to get cookies, also new this year, is via the delivery platform Grubhub, Smock says, adding that this feature is available for select areas.

Newberry says for each $5 box of Girl Scout Cookies purchased, troops keep 75 percent to support activities and programs. About 275 local troops are participating in cookie sales this year.

“We definitely need the community to go out and support our girls at booth sales,” Smock says. “We have had exceptional digital cookie sales, but girls still rely on cookie sales yet to come to support their programming and the things they’ll do as troops in the year ahead.”

Want to support local Girl Scouts but don’t want the temptation of extra calories? There’s also an option to purchase cookies for donation, which are distributed to health care workers and members of the military. More than 16,000 cookies have been donated toward these efforts already this year, Newberry says.

“This year’s cookie motto is ‘We’ve got this,’ and I think it’s very apropos,” he says, “as we’re one of the few councils that will go through two pandemic years, as we’re one of the last to sell cookies” in the U.S. each year. n

e a photo to represent each section with the section header of the photo Home..)

Living Well in the Health

Inland Northwest Food

Home

Family

People

2925 S Regal St - Spokane, WA FEBRUARY - MARCH 2021

FREE

OVE OCTOBE R-N

MBE R 202

0

FREE DEC EMB ER

202 0 - JAN

UARY 202

1

FREE

TINY E HOUS

BIG from IDEAS

G lled With a Cheese T st from

Beacon

ALSO

INSI

DE

o Calm | Tap int dos HEALTH with Kid | Cooking FAMILY

PAGE

AN

Reality 10

PAGE

Cla

Comfsosric ts

to

s enson live nessa Sw all space artist Va y sm Spokane rks — in a ver wo 24 — and PA G E

46

!

ISSUE

KS OR R MISS NEVE INLANDER RAC PAGE 13 ME FREE ON TO YOUR HO ERED DELIV

HEALTH

FAMILY

Puppies ’n Kittens • 8

Backyard Birds • 40

9/24/20

1:22 PM

High-tech home designFA MILY tools are opening a world New Tra dit of virtual possibilities • 16 ions p. 40 CVR_HH_12

0720.indd

1

arms p.

FOOD

Page 34

HOME

Vintage Ch

Hill Cat ering

22

Never M

iss an Iss

ue!

FREE ON INLANDE DELIVER R RACKS ED TO YOUR HOM OR E PAGE 27

Home Improvement Resource Guide • Page 24 520.indd

H_100

CVR-H

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

1

11/25/20

SUPPLEMENT TO THE INLANDER

CVR_HH_020821.indd 1

12:30 PM

1/28/21 11:53 AM

ON STANDS NOW! Pick up your copy at area grocery stores and Inlander stand locations

For information on advertising in the next edition, contact: advertising@inlander.com

Plan ahead and save BIG Season Lease Pre-Buy starting @ $129.95 (

Full Package Ski or Board

)

MARCH 18, 2021 INLANDER 21

RANKING

Career in Reverse 20 years after Memento’s premiere, we’re ranking all of Christopher Nolan’s movies

BY NATHAN WEINBENDER

I

n March 2001, Memento landed in American theaters after gathering steam at festivals, and the dark psychological mystery about memory, revenge and grief became an unexpected indie hit.

It was only the second feature by 30-year-old British filmmaker Christopher Nolan, and it immediately established his trademark obsessions with high-concept genre deviations and time-twisting storytelling devices. As Nolan’s breakout film celebrates the 20th anniversary of its U.S. release, we’re looking back at his 11-film career and sorting it from worst to best.

This is, of course, entirely subjective, because everyone has their own favorite Nolan joint. But you shouldn’t really think about the specific rankings — just feel it.

TENET (2020)

I’ll admit that last line is a bowdlerized version of a sentiment expressed in Nolan’s most recent brain teaser, which plays out like a James Bond caper that’s fallen through multiple wormholes. I’ve seen it twice — once in the theater, once at home with the subtitles on — and still don’t think it holds together, but in between the convoluted plot dumps are a few expertly orchestrated action set pieces. For rent on Amazon Prime and Google Play

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2012)

The capper on the Dark Knight trilogy is easily the least of the three, overstuffed and sometimes awkwardly plotted. In what’s going to be the running theme of this piece, this deeply flawed movie nonetheless contains some terrific elements, including Tom Hardy’s inspired take on supervillain Bane, some intriguing explorations of justice and redemption, and an effective denouement. Streaming on HBO Max

INSOMNIA (2002)

The Dark Knight

22 INLANDER MARCH 18, 2021

An unusual entry in Nolan’s filmography in that it’s a remake of a Scandinavian thriller, starring Al Pacino as a sleep-deprived cop investigating a murder in an Alaskan fishing village.

While covering up some corruption of his own, he enters a battle of wits with a crime writer (Robin Williams) who’s uncomfortably close to his subjects. It’s reasonably entertaining, but falls somewhere between a paperback thriller and a watered-down David Fincher film. Streaming on HBO Max

Memento

INTERSTELLAR (2014)

I don’t think the epic plot of Interstellar holds together, but damn if it doesn’t contain some of the finest individual scenes that Nolan has crafted. Intellectually, I don’t think its attempts to merge the cerebral sci-fi of 2001: A Space Odyssey with the touchy-feely spectacle of vintage Spielberg quite works. Emotionally, I’m welling up just thinking about Matthew McConaughey watching his daughter grow up via video transmission. For rent on Amazon Prime and Google Play

FOLLOWING (1998)

Nolan’s debut feature is the polar opposite of Interstellar, a no-budget black-and-white thriller that clocks in at just 70 minutes. It’s about an aspiring author whose hobby is shadowing strangers on the street, a petty thief who breaks into peoples’ houses for fun, and a mobster’s girlfriend who links them. It’s hardly great, but it’s fascinating to see Nolan’s love of chronological shuffling play out in such a lo-fi fashion. For rent on Amazon Prime and Google Play

BATMAN BEGINS (2005)

Nolan’s first foray into the moral ambiguity of Gotham City broke the Caped Crusader out of movie jail, taking a more somber, earthbound approach to a character that had previously descended into campy theatrics.

It holds up relatively well, too, establishing a bustling, hardscrabble world that piqued our interest for more. If the movie has any major drawback, it’s that it’s simply not as memorable as its sequel… but more on that later. Streaming on HBO Max

THE PRESTIGE (2006)

Following the success of Batman Begins, Nolan’s next step was something of a surprise — a Victorian-era mystery about dueling illusionists.

The Prestige wasn’t a huge a box office success, but it’s a lot of fun and has been touted by many critics as Nolan’s best. It’s the twistiest of his films, and while you can see some of the plot reversals coming, there are much wilder ones that you couldn’t possibly foretell. Also, it’s got David Bowie as Nikola Tesla. Streaming on Amazon Prime

INCEPTION (2010)

A real turducken of a movie — a slick heist film stuffed inside a globetrotting thriller stuffed inside a perception-shifting puzzle box, concerning a group of international thieves that hijacks peoples’ dreams. Nolan’s

script has its problems: Most of the dialogue involves characters explaining big concepts to one another, and it descends into one too many dream layers. But its ambition, scope and visual invention could clobber most small-minded blockbusters, and it’s rare to see big-studio fare get so heady. Streaming on Netflix

MEMENTO (2000)

A neo-noir mystery told backwards, Nolan’s second feature is about an insurance investigator (Guy Pearce) with short-term memory loss trying to piece together the circumstances that brought about his wife’s murder, while tattooing key information onto his body.

The story unfolds in reverse while flashbacks run in the opposite direction, and we get to see a number of Nolan’s pet themes — screwy narrative timelines, tortured heroes with tragic pasts and unbelievable twists — in their nascent phases.

Even knowing all its secrets, it’s easy to get lured into its web. Streaming on Hoopla, Kanopy and Tubi

DUNKIRK (2017)

Going back to Nolan’s own directive to feel before you think, his brilliant WWII film Dunkirk is less about the strategy of combat than the sheer sensory overload of being on the frontlines, and of losing your identity when you’re but one part of a roiling horde that’s fated to die. On a purely primitive level, Dunkirk is also a tightly wound ticking-clock thriller, with three concurrent timelines that converge and overlap and sometimes fold in on each other. I sometimes find Nolan’s narrative tricks to be needlessly complicated, but here they illuminate his grander concerns in an elegant way. Streaming on HBO Max

THE DARK KNIGHT (2008)

The same year Iron Man kickstarted the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Nolan’s second Batman film was setting the template for how to best bring comic book lore to the big screen. The Dark Knight is arguably still the high water mark of the now-ubiquitous superhero genre, expanding the themes of its predecessor into a portrait of a city coming apart at the seams. And, of course, there’s Heath Ledger’s animalistic, Oscar-winning Joker, who came twitching onto the screen and instantly announced himself as an all-time great movie villain. Sure, it might run on a little long (maybe Nolan should have saved Two Face for another sequel), but it remains gripping and risky more than a decade later. Streaming on HBO Max n

MARCH 18, 2021 INLANDER 23

Henry Nordstrom was a fixture of Spokane’s music scene.

BRANDON VASQUEZ PHOTO

REMEMBRANCE

LOCAL LOSS Bandmates reflect on the musical legacy of the late Spokane singer-songwriter Henry Nordstrom

BY NATHAN WEINBENDER

A

few weeks ago, local musicians, venue owners and fans took to social media to mourn the loss of Spokane singer-songwriter Henry Nordstrom. A longtime fixture of the city’s rock scene, Nordstrom died of liver failure in late February. He was 32.

He first gained notoriety fronting his high school Christian rock band Catalyst, which won the RAWK Final Four youth band competition in 2005. He’d eventually become a frequent performer at the long-shuttered Empyrean coffeehouse, playing as a solo artist and with the shoegaze project Oil of Angels. It was with Dead Serious Lovers, the band he founded with fellow musician Vaughn Wood, that Nordstrom got his best local notices, and the duo was named one of the Inlander’s Bands to Watch back in 2009.

In the weeks following Nordstrom’s death, the Inlander spoke with several of his bandmates about his songwriting talents and asked them to reflect on the music they made with him. (Comments have been edited and condensed for clarity.)

24 INLANDER MARCH 18, 2021

VAUGHN WOOD

Henry and I met each other at church camps when we were in about the sixth grade, but we weren’t really friends. We didn’t play music together until after high school. We decided to start a band, a branch off of his solo project, and to make it more of me and him co-writing. Obviously we wanted a real band name and all that, so that’s when we started Dead Serious Lovers. It was just the two of us at that point. We were still young, 19 or somewhere around there, and we started playing gigs at the Empyrean. We rented a house by North Central High School, and we wrote those albums there. Back then, we were just kind of young, angsty party kids.

At first Henry was a little intimidating. In his younger years, he was super talented and he would try to dress like young Bob Dylan. But he was so kind to me, and we became best friends because of writing music together.

He was just an encouraging guy, and he loved music.

It was a naturally positive atmosphere when we would write, even though most of the music was very down,

more depressing.

It was kind of like a dream. It doesn’t seem real to think about it now, because a lot of things had to kind of line up for any of that to even happen, or for us to be able to have written songs or to be able to tour. It shaped me into who I am today, for sure. That’s a very monumental time in my life that I’ll never forget, and it was a blessing. You know, I wish I had more time with him, obviously. But I feel very lucky to even have been a part of his life and his music.

KARLI INGERSOLL

I think I first met him and saw him play when he joined Oil of Angels, and he was just out of high school. But everyone thought he was the coolest, and he had so much style and a vibe as a musician. I had done a handful of tours with my brother backing me up, and I was putting out this album that was more like a full band kind of album. These were the Empyrean days, and Henry and Vaughn were up to nothing really. We were like, “You

guys want to go on tour and play with us, and then you could open the shows?” That tour was pretty terrible as far as turnouts, but I think for Henry and Vaughn, they were just stoked to be on the road. As far as us just hanging out and playing music, it was super fun.

We didn’t really play together much after that. I would hop on stage with Dead Serious Lovers to sing a song every once in a while, and I think the last time I saw him was the Bartlett’s final show. DSL was the last band that played at the Bartlett.

Henry had a very specific style. He was just himself, and that’s a rare thing to find. His music was jarringly dark, and it definitely hits you in a certain spot that not a lot of other stuff does. It’s brooding, it’s cool, it’s really beautiful and expressive. I think he just innately had all those things in his toolbelt.

Dead Serious Lovers.

BRANDON VASQUEZ PHOTO

BRANDON VASQUEZ

I joined Dead Serious Lovers shortly after they released their first album. Being in the music scene all those years ago, I was definitely aware of Henry. I had heard the buzz around that album, and I listened to it and was thinking, “Wow, this is really great stuff, and I can’t believe that this kind of thing came out of Spokane.” Just to be able to come in and be part of that band and that songwriting was a huge deal to me. A lot of his songwriting was kind of moody or sad, and I think it really connected with a lot of people. I certainly connected with it. The whole feeling you get when you listen to it, it’s hard to describe.

We had great chemistry on stage. With musicians, there’s that weird communication between each other while you’re playing. It was unspoken, but you just know what each other is doing, and he and I had that special something. It’s just been a great experience for me, and really fulfilling musically. It’s definitely one of the highlights of my adult life, and I just wish we would have had more chances to do more.

SCHUYLER DORNBIRER

I’m a member of Dead Serious Lovers, but I will forever feel like more of a fan. What inspired me the most about Henry was his ability to tell his truth through his music. I feel like a lot of people write with others in mind. I never felt that with him. Whatever he said was his truth and expression. A reflection of his condition, pain and suffering. I felt like it was something he needed to do. I felt like we may have shared that feeling but never discussed it.

We didn’t talk about anything serious too often. It was always about comedy. I think he saved that for the stage. And whatever he put out really rubbed off on me. Never before or never again will I be that high from just playing music.

I really looked up to Henry, and having his respect in any shape or form always made me feel special. That music required that I put my whole heart into it, and whether it was good or not, I hope he knows I gave it everything I had because that was exactly what he was doing. n A memorial fund benefitting Nordstrom’s mother and covering end-of-life costs is still active at gofundme.com/f/henrynordstrom-memorial-fund.

EAT. DRINK. REPEAT. 3 Course Dinners 100+ Restaurants

RESTAURANT WEEK Presented By

$22 or $33

august 19-28 iNLANDERRESTAURANTWEEK.COM MARCH 18, 2021 INLANDER 25

MUSIC STILL ALIVE

The nonprofit Keep Music Live Washington has done quite a bit of good since the pandemic closed the state’s venues last year, hosting online fundraisers and shining a light on the bleak future of live music without federal aid. Through donations, the organization was able to provide 77 Washington venues with emergency grant money; and to celebrate the occasion, it’s hosting a virtual event hosted by hip-hop legend Sir Mix-A-Lot and Seattle singer-songwriter Rachel Flotard.

While the full artist lineup has yet to be announced, grunge icons Pearl Jam (above) will be present by way of neverbefore-seen concert footage. Virtual admission for the event is free, but donations are gladly accepted.

— NATHAN WEINBENDER Band Together WA feat. Pearl Jam, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Rachel Flotard and more • Thu, March 18 at 7:30 pm • Free • Online; RSVP at keepmusiclivewa.com

GET LISTED!

Submit events online at Inlander.com/getlisted or email relevant details to getlisted@inlander.com. We need the details one week prior to our publication date.

26 INLANDER MARCH 18, 2021

MUSIC INSPIRED SOUNDS

THEATER LOCAL LOOK BACK

Considering Matthew Shepard • Sun, March 21 at 3 pm • Free • Online; details at gonzaga.edu/music

Living Voices: Northwest Passages • Fri, March 19 at 7 pm • $16 • Panida Theater • 300 N. First Ave., Sandpoint • panida.org • 208-255-7801

A production more than a year in the making will look a little different due to COVID-19, but nothing can affect the powerful story told with Considering Matthew Shepard. The Grammy-winning three-part oratorio was being prepped for a production this time a year ago by the Gonzaga music department, and it was one of the first events forced to cancel when the pandemic shutdown hit.

This year, a slightly pared-down production will tell the story of the victim of one of the country’s most disturbing anti-gay hate crimes.

Shepard’s murder inspired activists across the country to push for hate-crime legislation, and inspired composer Craig Hella Johnson to write a powerful piece of musical theater that incorporates everything from Bach to country and soul music. The Gonzaga Chamber Chorus, as well as members of local choir Kantorei, will join together (masked and distanced) on stage for a performance livestreamed to the world beyond campus.

— DAN NAILEN

Seattle-based performance group Living Voices brings history to life by blending live theater with multimedia elements to tell the stories of real people and events across the greater Pacific Northwest. The life of Swedish immigrant Julia Berg, whose family settled in rural Western Washington at the turn of the 20th century, is being hosted at Sandpoint’s Panida Theater by the Pend Oreille Arts Council. Northwest Passages follows members of the Berg family as they establish a residence in the mill town of Preston.

Though they celebrate both Swedish and American holidays and traditions, they still face prejudice as immigrants. Protagonist Julia eventually travels the region as a nurse, interacting with other immigrants and local Native tribes being forced to assimilate to White society. Julia also lives through the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic; current audiences can surely relate.

— CHEY SCOTT

WORDS POST-PANDEMIC TRAVEL

Dreaming of the ideal post-pandemic vacation? Spokane Public Radio is broadcasting a live conversation and call-in show with Washington state’s own travel expert Rick Steves, on both KPBX 91.1 and KSFC 91.9. Steves is widely known for his PBS show Rick Steves’ Europe, which takes viewers on a virtual tour of popular European cities. As a travel enthusiast, Steves measures his success in memorable trips and actively encourages Americans to broaden their perspective through travel. Steves spends a portion of each year in Europe, where he makes new traveling discoveries, researches guidebooks, refines his tour program and films for his TV show. During the Spokane broadcast event, Steves will share his traveling advice and expertise, discuss current COVID-19-related travel issues, reflect on past trips and share his future plans.

— NATALIE RIETH

TIMES ARE TOUGH. SO ARE YOU.

A Conversation and Call-In with Rick Steves • Thu, March 18 at 6 pm; rebroadcast Tue, March 23 at noon on KPBX 91.1 and Sat, March 27 at 8 am on KSFC 91.9 • Free • Details at spokanepublicradio.org

VISUAL ARTS UNEARTHING MEANING

Local artist Mariah Boyle’s latest art series In the Air and Underground is on display at Eastern Washington University’s Cheney campus gallery, which has moved its recent exhibitions to a digital format. Boyle creates mixedmedia drawings and installations of public memories associated with passing through particular landscapes. Her work is based in the interactions and interconnectedness of people and the natural world. This exhibition was inspired by the Chihuahuan desert in northern New Mexico where the White Sands National Monument is located in the middle of a former U.S. missile range. Boyle created this series of drawings before, during and after her visit, and initially she intended to align their debut with last July’s 75th anniversary of the first atomic bomb testing. The exhibition is accompanied by a lecture from Boyle April 7 via Zoom.

— SPENCER BROWN Mariah Boyle: In the Air and Underground • March 17-April 23 • Free • Online at ewu.edu/cale/art/gallery

numericacu.com

Federally insured by NCUA. MARCH 18, 2021 INLANDER 27

D R A W O T G N I H C R A M

S S E N D A M Gonzaga’s historic season enters its final phase; plus, the Zags women, WSU women and EWU men go dancing, too For some sports fans, this is the most wonderful time of year. Considering March Madness was one of the first casualties of COVID-19 a year ago, the fact it looks like college basketball fans will get to spend the next three weeks wallowing in 12-hour days of hoops viewing is reason to celebrate.

Gonzaga’s men’s team is the biggest story in the Inland Northwest, perhaps the nation, as they try to complete the first undefeated season ending in a national championship since 1976. But they’re not the only local story. Gonzaga’s women are on a roll, too, as they head into their tournament, and WSU’s women nabbed a bid, too. Eastern Washington University’s men are heading to March Madness to take on historic powerhouse Kansas. Meanwhile, Ferris High grad Wayne Tinkle is coach at Oregon State, which made a surprising run to win the Pac-12 conference tournament. And Gonzaga assistant coach Tommy Lloyd’s son Liam, a Gonzaga Prep grad, is heading to the Madness, too, playing for Grand Canyon University.

Yes, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate March Madness in 2021, and you’ll find them in the next few pages.

— DAN NAILEN, ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

The Zags are ready for the national spotlight.

ON PACE FOR

GONZAGA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS PHOTO

PERFECTION With six more wins, Gonzaga would become the first undefeated NCAA basketball champions in 45 years

T

BY WILL MAUPIN

he Gonzaga Bulldogs are heading to their 22nd consecutive NCAA Tournament. What’s new?

A lot, actually. It’s become a nearly annual tradition to wonder if head coach Mark Few has put together his best team or best season ever. Every team, year after year, tends to make a pretty strong case. This year’s bunch might not have earned the superlative just yet, but they’ve done quite a few things that none who came before managed to accomplish.

“I’ve said it before,” Few said after a win over Loyola Marymount on Feb. 27. “It’s getting harder and harder to find something that’s never been done in this program.”

Those never-been-done accomplishments started way back in November, when the Zags were tabbed as the preseason No. 1 team in the country in the AP poll. Gonzaga had been No. 1 in the poll before, of course. Last year they spent four weeks there, and the previous year they lasted for five. In total, entering this season, Gonzaga had spent 16 weeks, all since the 2013 season, atop the nation’s Top 25 rankings.

This year they’ve more than doubled that total. Gonzaga had never been No. 1 in the preseason. Normally it took until the waning days of the season, when teams ahead of them slogged through their conference play picking up losses, for Gonzaga’s ascension to become complete. This year, they sat in

the top spot from start to finish.

As is typical, the Zags scheduled aggressively during the nonconference portion of their season. This year, though, they set themselves up for a run through the gantlet. Over their first seven games the Zags faced four teams ranked in the AP poll. No. 6 Kansas came up 12 points short. No. 11 West Virginia lost by just five, the Zags’ only single-digit margin of victory all season.

Third-ranked Iowa lost by 11, and the defensive juggernaut of No. 16-ranked Virginia gave up 98 points and fell 23 shy of the Zags.

No team in men’s Division I college basketball history had ever defeated four ranked teams in its first seven games until this year’s Zags did so in incredibly convincing fashion.

From there it was on to conference play, and as usual the Zags ran through the West Coast Conference with ease. For the sixth time in program history, Gonzaga ended its regular season unblemished in league play, and for the second time did so by winning every game by 10 points or more. They last accomplished that in 2019, but ultimately fell to Saint Mary’s in the title game of the conference tournament.

This year there would be no such slip-up. Gonzaga was tested

by BYU in the title game but ultimately won by 10. That run of absolute dominance led some, including Coach Few, to wonder if the Zags would benefit from a loss, or at the very least a challenge.

“In a sadly sadistic way I was kind of hoping we would face this at some point,” Few said after defeating BYU. “I told them at halftime, I told them early in the game, this is what we need. We need this, and we need to hit it head on.”

In the second half of the WCC title game the Zags put on a performance that showed just how talented this team is. After a rough first half they reverted to their true selves, to the team that they’d been all season long. They once again became the best team in the country, and among the best the sport has ever seen.

The last team to enter the NCAA Tournament undefeated was the 2015 Kentucky Wildcats. According to statistician Ken Pomeroy, the Wildcats that season had an adjusted efficiency margin of plus-37.43, which means that against a hypothetical statistically average college team, they’d win by 37.43 points in a 100-possession game. Entering the NCAA Tournament this year, Gonzaga’s sitting at plus-37.45. No team in Pomeroy’s database, which goes back to 2002, has ever entered the NCAA Tournament as high in that efficiency metric as Gonzaga will this season.

Long known for its offensive prowess, and this year is no different, the Zags have become a well-rounded machine on both sides of the ball. Pomeroy ranks them first nationally in offensive efficiency, but also 12th nationally in defensive efficiency. For this squad, those two numbers are fundamentally linked.

“The guys came out and played fantastic defense in the second half, and obviously our offense got going because of our defense,” Few said after the WCC championship.

The Zags play fast. There’s a 30-second shot clock, but it’s of no concern for Gonzaga; offensive possessions last on average just 14 seconds for them. A defensive stop leads to a run out, and whether it’s Corey Kispert pulling up from the wing, Joel Ayayi slashing to the rim or Drew Timme powering into the post on the secondary break, the Zags are lethal when they get out and run.

On top of being historic, this season’s also been incredibly fun to watch. Even for the players.

“At some point you kinda got to acknowledge how special of a thing and how special of a ride we’re on right now,” freshman point guard Jalen Suggs says. “I think the best part about it is we’re all excited for it, we’re all happy to keep it going, but we’re all ready to get back to work and get ready for [the NCAA Tournament].”

In a season derailed at times and made difficult throughout by the coronavirus pandemic, the Zags have found a successful balance. They’ve overcome every challenge they’ve faced. They’ve won 26 games so far and all that’s left is to go out and win six more. Indiana was the last team to make it through a season unscathed, in 1975-76.

“What a perfect team to go through 2020-2021 with,” Few says. n

MARCH 18, 2021 INLANDER 29

The Madness Starts Gonzaga’s road to a Final Four and potential national title is littered with familiar foes

BY DAN NAILEN

I

WHAT A RIDE Corey Kispert’s return for his senior year was vital.

ERICK DOXEY PHOTO

f Gonzaga is going to make its way to the Final Four for the second time in its history and win its first NCAA national championship, they’re likely going to have to beat a couple of teams they’ve already encountered during this magical yet weird year.

As the overall No. 1 seed in the field and the 1 seed in the West Region, the Bulldogs have what some would argue is the easiest path to the promised land. But revenge will be on the minds of several teams that could play their way into the Zags’ path. Virginia, Kansas and Iowa were all among Gonzaga’s early victims in the 2020-21 season, and they all lurk in the West Region. USC, Oregon and Creighton are other potentially bothersome teams in Gonzaga’s quarter of the draw.

Five moments that defined Gonzaga’s 2020-21 season

BY WILL MAUPIN

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Early August isn’t usually a busy time in college basketball, but due to the NBA shifting around its schedule in the wake of the pandemic, Aug. 3 wound up being one of the more important dates on the calendar. It was the deadline for players to withdraw their names from the NBA Draft and return to college.

That’s what Corey Kispert did that day at 9:08 a.m., when he tweeted a 36-second hype video along with the words, “Hey Spokane… guess what.” The Zags’ best player would be coming back to campus for his senior year, an allAmerican-caliber season.

THE RICH GET RICHER

Two days before their first game of the season the Zags got news from the NCAA that Florida transfer Andrew Nembhard would be eligible to play immediately, no redshirt season required. Gonzaga had already been pegged as the top team in the country. People expected them to be better than everyone else even without Nembhard in the mix, but now the Gators’ former starting point guard would be coming off the bench for Gonzaga. As the season progressed, Nembhard eventually won a starting spot and earned second team allWest Coast Conference honors.

SUGGS’ IMMEDIATE IMPACT

It took less than 40 seconds for Gonzaga’s freshman phenom to make his presence known. After forcing a turnover in transition, Anton Watson got the ball to Joel Ayayi, who threw up a lob that Jalen Suggs emphatically dunked home.

The most highly touted recruit in Gonzaga history needed no

30 INLANDER MARCH 18, 2021

time to adjust to the college level. Suggs put up 24 points and eight assists in his collegiate debut against the sixth-ranked Kansas Jayhawks in a marquee midday matchup televised nationally on Fox. America was put on notice — the Zags’ freshman point guard was for real.

NO PRACTICE, NO PROBLEM

COVID hit the program almost immediately, and after just three games the Zags had to hit the pause button. For 17 days in December the Zags were sidelined. No games, and almost no practice. Their first challenge after that layoff would be national player of the year favorite Luka Garza and his thirdranked Iowa Hawkeyes. Gonzaga won 99-88.

In the months since, programs around the country have had to hit pause just like Gonzaga, and most have stumbled in their return to the court. Gonzaga, though, showed itself to be on a different level by blitzing one of the best teams in the country.

EVERY TEST PASSED

Gonzaga wrapped up an undefeated regular season for the first time in program history with a win over Loyola Marymount on Feb. 27. There was no fanfare and no celebration.

It was business as usual despite the historic accomplishment.

Ten days later, when they staged an incredible comeback against BYU in the WCC Tournament final in which they trailed by 14 points before winning by 10, the scene was very different. After two months of demolishing every team to cross their path, the Zags finally had an iron-sharpening-iron moment. It led to them cutting down the nets, and sent them into the NCAA Tournament without a single loss. n

First up for Gonzaga? The winner of a Norfolk State/Appalachian State play-in game happening Thursday. The winner will be the 16 seed and looking to become only the second 16 to ever win an NCAA tournament game. Don’t bet on that happening.

If the Zags take care of business in that game, they’ll face off against either Oklahoma or Missouri to make the Sweet 16. Neither squad is in the same league as Gonzaga this year, but both could be dangerous. Oklahoma has a tourney-experienced coach in Lon Kruger and boasts wins this year against Alabama, Kansas and West Virginia (twice) — all teams seeded 3 or higher in the tournament. Missouri has wins against tourney teams Oregon, Illinois, Wichita State and Alabama on its resume, but stumbled to end the season, going 3-6 their last nine games. Neither the Sooners nor the Tigers should keep the Zags out of the Sweet 16, but stranger things have happened. It’s not called March Madness for nothing. n Gonzaga starts its NCAA tournament against either Norfolk State or Appalachian State on Saturday, March 20 at 6:20 pm Pacific on TBS.

DON’T MISS THE MADNESS

2A: Spokane Tribe Casino - STC | March Madness Gonzaga Poster: Cover Story: 40 Dble: WT • 27 TVs

• $2 Drafts • Daily promotions

MARCH 18, 2021 INLANDER 31

ARD JUNIOR GU I Y A Y A L JOE

GUARD FRESHMAN S G G U JALEN S

32 INLANDER MARCH 18, 2021

RWARD SENIOR FO ERT P IS K COREY

RD RE FORWA SOPHOMO N O S T A ANTON W

RE SOPHOMO D R A W FOR E M IM T W DRE

MARCH 18, 2021 INLANDER 33

ALL THE WAYS TO WIN AT SPOKANE TRIBE CASINO

2B: Spokane Tribe Casino - STC | March Madness Gonzaga Poster: Cover Story: 40 Dble: WT • Your favorite slots and table games • Safe and easy parking • Enhanced safety measures and fresh, filtered air • Exceptional staff and service • Separate non-smoking slot gaming area • Sun Club Rewards from gas discounts to bonus drawing entries • Weekly rewards for military, veterans and first responders with the Salute card

#YouJustWinHere 34 INLANDER MARCH 18, 2021

Ready to Run Eastern Washington heads to March Madness as a dangerous team

BY DAN NAILEN

O

GOING DEEP Gonzaga’s women landed a 5 seed in the tournament.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

Gonzaga’s women have unfinished business in the NCAA tournament, and a strong bench will help

L

BY WILL MAUPIN

ast year, Gonzaga’s women’s team climbed higher before that game against BYU. in the rankings than ever before, reaching No. 11 Beyond the depth though, this team has another critical in the AP Poll by late February. This program long element: senior leadership. ago dispelled any notion that it might just be a flash in the Jill Townsend paces the team in scoring at 13.4 points pan. It’s been a consistent winner, and NCAA Tournament per game. Last season she was named WCC Player of the participant, for well over a decade.

Year. This season, that honor went to her teammate, Jenn In the extremely top-heavy world of women’s college Wirth, who put up 12.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. basketball, though, could the Zags continue to rise? Any Her twin sister, LeeAnne, isn’t far behind at 8.9 points and doubts about that were quashed in the first game of the 5.9 rebounds per game. season.

Those three seniors have helped put together yet anGonzaga opened the year ranked No. 21 in the AP Poll other successful season for the team, despite it being one of and had to face off against No. 1-ranked South Carolina, the toughest years in memory. a powerhouse of the sport. The Zags fell short in the end, “It’s been very difficult for them and for all of us. Just 75-72, but hung with the Gamecocks throughout, and even trying to figure out if we’re going to get to practice today, if managed to snag a few leads late in the game. This year’s we’re going to get to play a game today, if we’re going to get team looked as tough as ever. More importantly, they’re on the road and then get sent home,” Fortier says. “I think deep. that given all of those things COVID-related, given the state “The depth is something that’s just continued to grow,” of the country right now and how much unrest there is rehead coach Lisa Fortier says. “The size of the difference belating to all the issues, that they are doing a very good job.” tween player number two and player number 12 has gotten Now, they’ll look to do an even better job in the NCAA smaller. We have a lot of really good players on our team.”

Tournament. With a bit of added motivation, too. Last The Zags rode that depth to a 23-3 record and WCC year, the Gonzaga men and women were likely to play early regular season title, but it was most obvious in the WCC round games here in Spokane, but the pandemic abruptly Tournament championship game against BYU after a handbrought the season to an end barely a week before that ful of players came down with food poisoning the night could happen. before. With three usual starters stuck on the bench due to “It was a real bummer how last year we would’ve been illness, the Zags got big performances from their reserves, a host team and didn’t get to do that. So I’m hopeful we staged an epic comeback and remember it enough to where it won at the buzzer. drives us a bit, but don’t worry “We’re able to outlast teams about it too much. It’s going to sometimes because if they have be a unique year, but we’re just Washington State’s women took serious strides in a player with an injury or having happy to be playing,” Fortier 2020-21 under coach Kamie Ethridge. Anyone payan off day, for us we can find says. n ing attention saw a team play hotly contested games someone else who can go. Not against Top 10 teams. Still, a 12-11 record at season’s everybody else can do that.

Gonzaga’s women’s team will end had them firmly on the tournament bubble until I think that’s one of the best play Belmont on Monday at the Cougs heard their name called as a No. 9 seed, things we have going for us,” 1 pm in the first round of the their first trip to March Madness in 30 years. They’ll Fortier said, more than a week NCAA tournament. play 8-seed South Florida at 6:30 pm Sunday.

RARE AIR

vercoming obstacles. Showing resilience.

Relying on team chemistry to forge success.

All the cliches you hear about sports don’t seem so silly when you encounter a team like this year’s Eastern Washington Eagles, who won the Big Sky tournament Saturday night to punch their ticket to March Madness for just the third time in team history.

Led by brothers (and Shadle Park High School grads) Jacob and Tanner Groves, this team navigated the stops and starts caused by COVID-19 in the strangest season ever. They put recent failures in the conference championship games of 2018 and 2019 behind them. And the high-scoring Eags hunkered down on defense for three straight games at the conference tourney in Boise to set themselves up as a potentially dangerous team for some basketball blueblood squad that’s never heard of Cheney. Kansas, the Eags’ first opponent, is just such a blueblood program, and one that’s had a down year in addition to COVID issues that forced the Jayhawks from the Big 12 tournament.

Tanner (left) and Jacob Groves.

BROOKS NUANEZ PHOTO

This year’s trip to Indiana should be particularly sweet for coach Shantay Legans and his squad because the Eags were on a serious roll in 2020 when the pandemic outbreak shut down college hoops.

A year later, and with another year of experience, the team won its third conference tournament title (2004, 2015) and first under Legans. Junior Tanner Groves was the regular-season MVP in the Big Sky, and won the tournament MVP this year as well, while his brother, sophomore Jacob Groves, made the all-tournament team. Kim Aiken Jr. is also an allconference performer for the team and the Big Sky’s defensive player of the year, while Tyler Robertson was named the Big Sky’s best bench player. This team is loaded and could surprise in March Madness.

“Our team did everything they needed to do to get to the NCAA tournament,” Legans said at goeags. com. “I couldn’t be more proud.” n EWU enters the NCAA tournament having won 13 of their last 14 games and will face off against Kansas on Saturday at 10:15 am Pacific on TBS.

MARCH 18, 2021 INLANDER 35

A Winning Weekend

T

The Great Dine Out kicks off during a warm spring weekend, with a lasting recovery in sight for the hospitality industry

he first weekend of the Great Dine Out, paired with a peek of spring and the good news that restaurants can return to 50 percent capacity starting March 22, made for a positive start to the pandemic-recovery focused event.

Staff at participating restaurants across the region say they feel all those factors contributed to increased turnout during the event’s first several days.

“We had a really good weekend,” says Brian Northcraft, owner of UNCLE RUSTY’S DINER in west downtown Spokane.

“It’s been busier than it’s been in quite a good time. Right now, things do look really good for [the

36

THE GREAT DINE OUT

Raelene and Tony Elliott, owners of Elliotts an Urban Kitchen

restaurant’s] future if we keep going in a reopening direction,” he continues.

For the Great Dine Out, Uncle Rusty’s is spotlighting several bestsellers: its chicken and waffles ($14) made with a hand-breaded chicken breast atop pecan waffles, a breadbowl scramble ($9) — Northcraft says this is a popular takeout item since it travels well — and its jalapeño ranch burger ($14).

A few miles north, a neighborhood eatery in Emerson-Garfield celebrated its first weekend back open after a rather long hiatus.

ELLIOTTS AN URBAN KITCHEN reopened last Monday after many months, and co-owner Raelene Elliott says it’s been a welcome homecoming for her

and husband Tony Elliott, the restaurant’s chef, plus all her staff and regular customers.

The Great Dine Out runs through March 27.

Learn more about the event supporting local restaurants in the following pages and also online at Inlander.com/GreatDineOut. “It feels good to have my job back, doing my thing and seeing all my friends,” she says. “We’re excited to have everyone back in and catch up on what we missed out on.” ...continued on page 40

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

 SAVE A SEAT

With capacities tight, getting a reservation is more important than ever. So even if a reservation is not officially required, it’s still a good idea to call and guarantee your spot if you’re looking to dine in.

 TIP ETIQUETTE

N

The Feast Continues

ow in its second week, the Great Dine Out, running March 12-27, is the perfect way to get out and support your favorite local restaurants.

They’re featuring a selection of their signature dishes to share with you, so you’ll find tons of options in a wide variety of cuisines. And it’s all pandemic-friendly, as you can choose to partake in whatever way you prefer — dine in, takeout, via delivery or outside on a patio. Here’s a quick refresher on how it all works:

 HOW TO ORDER

You can always call, but during the pandemic more restaurants have added online ordering systems they prefer you use. It’s important to start at the restaurant’s actual website and follow the instructions, because if you just search their name, you may get diverted to a third-party app that could charge more fees. Most restaurants offer the ability to choose your pickup or delivery time, so place your order early enough to give them time.

Official Event Guide

MARCH

12 - 27

160+ RESTAURANTS y

y

y

A delicious way to support

our community’s restaurants y

y

y

y

y

The Great Dine Out is made possible through the collaborative spirit and support of the following regional and local credit unions and banks

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

 GET THE GUIDE

The official event guide is your best resource to make the most of the Great Dine Out. If you missed it in last week’s Inlander, you can still get your copy free at any Inlander Community Center at Rosauers, Yoke’s, Albertsons, Safeway and Super One.

 KNOW THE GUIDANCE

It can be hard to keep up with the latest protocols, but right now all of Washington is in Phase 2, and restaurants following all safety protocols can welcome guests to dine inside with 25% normal capacity. On March 22, Washington will move to Phase 3, allowing 50% seating capacity in restaurants. For more info, visit coronavirus.wa.gov. Idaho is in Phase 3, and guests can dine in but must be seated except when they are entering or leaving. For more info, visit rebound.idaho.gov.

Here are some basic guidelines for tipping from emilypost.com and menufy.com: DINE IN TABLE SERVICE: 15%-20% TAKEOUT: 5%-10% (On the higher end for curbside or large orders.)

DELIVERY: 10%-15%

 DELIVERY OR TAKEOUT?

For convenience alone, delivery is a great option, and there are many vendors that can bring the best food in town right to your door. (In fact, there is one local delivery service, Treehouse.) You will pay a fee for delivery — but it costs restaurants, too. Restaurants want you to buy their food however you like, but by just picking up your order as takeout, the restaurant gets to keep more of your money.

 CAN’T DECIDE?

Beyond the three special meal options you’ll see from each participating restaurant, don’t forget that their current full menus are all still available during the Great Dine Out. So if you love the restaurant, but want something else, just take a peek and choose whatever looks best to you.

The Great Dine Out was made possi-

ble through the underwriting and promotional support provided by these community-minded local and regional credit unions and banks.

 DON’T FORGET

For different reasons, not every restaurant was able to participate in the Great Dine Out. If one of your favorite sit-down restaurants isn’t listed in the pages ahead, remember that they need your support, too, so please keep them in your mix of places to order from.

 KEEP IT UP!

The efforts of so many local diners have been crucial in helping local restaurants get through the past year. The Great Dine Out is another chance to pitch in, but the need continues, in the weeks and months ahead, you can buy a gift card to use later or to give to a friend. You can make a regular habit of takeout. And if you can, tip generously. 

Search all Great Dine Out options at Inlander.com/GreatDineOut SPONSORED CONTENT

DINE IN. TAKE OUT. DO GOOD.

37

TH E

T

G

T DINE O A E R U

« F O P M A T «S

The Great Dine Out is made possible by a one-of-a-kind partnership between the Inlander and the fourteen local banks and credit unions on these pages.

L A V O APPR

All the partners have been enjoying delicous meals from our local restaurants, so we decided to ask:

MARCH 12 - 27 • 2021 •

?

Stamp of Approval

Here’s what they had to say …

“My go-to for the best sushi in town is The Wave. The “Big Unit” is my favorite. The ingredient mix will get you addicted to sushi.”

“The owners and staff at Nyne are amazing, generous advocates for our local community … and their tacos are fantastic!”

 Mohamed Rashed

 Erick Peck

VICE PRESIDENT & BRANCH MANAGER, SPOKANE NORTH DIVISION BRANCH

RETAIL MARKET DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

“Allies Vegan Pizzeria – You’ve gotta try the potato flatbread! Think of a loaded potato and a pizza having a baby - This is a party in your mouth!”

“I love Sushiwa Teriyaki! Mr. Kim always goes the extra mile to make delicious food.

My must have is the Las Vegas roll!

 Juan Fernandez

 Shelley Thielen

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

VP, BRANCH MANAGER WANDERMERE

“Whether spending the day on the lake or the links, the best way to end it is with Bulgogi Beef Tacos at The Porch Public House.”

“I love the Prohibition Gastropub! The Spicy Bootlegger is my favorite burger, and it’s as big as my head! It’s sweet, spicy and savory. The staff are amazing, so friendly and genuinely want you to have a good time.”

 Ryan Lee

 Rose Krieger

VP COMMERCIAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGER

38

What’s a dish at a local restaurant that gets your

THE GREAT DINE OUT

HOME LOAN OFFICER

SPONSORED CONTENT

“Crown & Thistle Cod & Chips are truly a masterpiece! Their food, atmosphere and service is amazing! I truly feel like I am in the North Atlantic Isles when I’m there.”

“Wooden City has such a fun atmosphere with great staff and amazing food! Went on our first date night since our baby was born and wish we could’ve gone here sooner!”

 Clint Zitterkopf

 Octavian Rivas

DIGITAL MARKETING ANALYST

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

“Izzy’s Comfort Kitchen was amazing! The atmosphere is warm and cozy and the staff was attentive and super friendly. I highly recommend this place, as the accommodations are perfect and the food was so delicious”.

“Rincon Tapatio is my favorite family/locally owned restaurant. The food is absolutely delicious. I love the Spinach Enchiladas.”

 Lea Smith

MEMBER SOLUTIONS & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

 Barbara Stout-Henggeler

POST FALLS BRANCH MANAGER

“Pairing compassion for animals and tasty food, Bark, A Rescue Pub is a genius idea! I go to see the 4-legged friends but stay for the BYOB burger and sweet potato fries. Yum!”

“D’Bali Asian Bistro! The owner, Mama Jeannie, is so down-to-earth. It’s all about the Lucky Buddha Rolls — loaded with fresh veggies and meat, dipped in peanut sauce.

All day, every day!”

 Nicole Hossfeld

 Ashley Griechen

DIGITAL CLIENT ADVISOR

MEMBER RELATIONSHIP OFFICER

“I absolutely love the Pan Seared Scallops at Latah Bistro. The scallops are great, and they are paired with a butternut squash caponata that is fantastic. I keep going back for more!”

 Alicia O’Mary

“The fish and chips at O’Doherty’s Irish Grille truly are one of a kind! And the Hooligan & Hannigan is the best Reuben in town. It’s an Irish Pub so BEER yes please! Oh, and be ready to sing Oh Danny Boy!”

 Mike Palmer

MANAGING DIRECTOR AND SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF WEALTH MANAGEMENT & ADVISORY SERVICES

EVP / CHIEF BANKING OFFICER

March 12-27 • 160+ Restaurants

Inlander.com/GreatDineOut SPONSORED CONTENT

DINE IN. TAKE OUT. DO GOOD.

39

“A WINNING WEEKEND,” CONTINUED...

She says the restaurant welcomed back a good mix of regulars who came out to savor favorite dishes off the Elliotts’ menu, along with folks coming in for the first or second time.

For the Great Dine Out, Elliotts is featuring its bestselling Scotch egg ($5) , a six-minute, softboiled egg encased in seasoned sausage that’s then breaded, fried and served open-faced over a bed of coleslaw.

Elliotts’ fried chicken sandwich ($14) and pork green chili ($11) are two other house favorites being showcased during the event.

The couple’s second restaurant, which opened just a few weeks before the COVID-19 shutdown last year, is also participating in the Great Dine Out. HILLYARD PUB + GRUB originally debuted as a pizza place, but after the shutdown the Elliotts decided to shift focus from pizza to classic pub fare.

An early menu standout there has been the

40

THE GREAT DINE OUT

“I’m just really grateful that people are excited for us to be back. Because we are, and it feels good to be doing what I love, and being back in my element. And of course to see my employees — they are like family.”

Harmon Park Board ($15), a charcuterie-inspired snack plate that’s served on a repurposed skateboard deck, in a nod to Hillyard’s own skate park in Harmon Park.

“It’s definitely our most popular item because it’s also on the happy hour menu from 2 to 4 pm for $7,” Raelene says.

Rounding out the Hillyard pub’s Great Dine Out offerings is a half-pound, all-beef chili dog ($11) with house-made chili and the pub’s Italian sandwich ($11), a melt piled with salami, pepperoni, peppers and provolone cheese with house vinaigrette.

“I’m just really grateful that people are excited for us to be back,” Raelene says. “Because we are, and it feels good to be doing what I love, and being back in my element. And of course to see my employees — they are like family.”

A

cross the state border in Idaho, things also picked up over the weekend at SWEET LOU’S RESTAURANT AND TAP HOUSE. Owner Chad Foust says the early arrival of warm spring temperatures brought lots of folks out and about in downtown Coeur d’Alene, where his restaurant is located, overlooking McEuen Park.

“When it’s beautiful like this in the springtime, people flock to downtown Coeur d’Alene, where you can oversee the park and the lake,” Foust says. ...continued on page 42

Join us for the Great Dine Out! STCU is teaming up with the Inlander to highlight Spokane’s delicious dining scene. Read on to find features and menus in this week’s issue.

To make it extra tasty, rewards cardholders can earn big when dining at their favorite local spots through March 27: • STCU rewards cardholders get up to 5x points.* • STCU business rewards cardholders get up to 6x points.* For details, visit stcu.org/bonus or inlander.com/greatdineout.

Purchases at qualifying merchants only. See stcu.org/bonuspoints before you shop. Bonus points promotion runs March 12 through March 27, 2021.

Reward points typically awarded within three business days after your qualifying transaction posts to your account. Earned points on purchases never expire, with at least one purchase every 24 months. Bonus points expire one year from date awarded.

*

SPONSORED CONTENT

DINE IN. TAKE OUT. DO GOOD.

41

The latter is a dish named after and created by Heritage co-owner Alex King’s mother, and consists of two handmade meat pies stuffed with seasoned ground beef, onion, tomato and cheese.

 GET THE GUIDE

Heritage owners Gabe Wood (left) and Alex King.

“A WINNING WEEKEND,” CONTINUED...

He expects the trend to continue into next week, and says Sweet Lou’s patio will also be open for the second weekend of the Great Dine Out. So far, customers have been enjoying all three items Sweet Lou’s is highlighting for the Great Dine Out. Foust says the blue cheese mushroom sirloin steak ($20) and 60/40 burger ($14), made from certified Angus beef and bacon, were top sellers.

While its signature item, bison ribs ($22), didn’t sell as much as those two dishes in Coeur d’Alene, Foust says it was a standout at Sweet Lou’s Ponderay branch. While that location isn’t officially participat-

42

THE GREAT DINE OUT

ing in the Great Dine Out, he says his team opted to feature the same three dishes to customers there.

Back in downtown Spokane, HERITAGE BAR AND KITCHEN also saw a boost in sales last weekend.

Co-owner Gabe Wood says the restaurant is highlighting three of its bestselling, signature dishes for the Great Dine Out. “For us, that’s the Heritage smash burger, the Fancy Nancy and the pork tenderloin sandwich,” he says. “We have a cult following for the pork tenderloin and the Fancy Nancy.”

The official event guide is your best resource to make the most of the Great Dine Out. If you missed it in last week’s Inlander, you can still get your copy free at any Inlander Community Center at Rosauers, Yoke’s, Albertsons, Safeway and Super One. While Heritage’s operations this past year have fluctuated due to the various levels of restrictions on restaurants, Wood says he’s optimistic that the Great Dine Out and spring’s arrival will jumpstart economic recovery for local restaurants.

“We’re really excited for the future and are feeling like we’re in a good spot to bounce back and get to where we were pre-pandemic,” he says.

“The pandemic has definitely been hard on us — our sales leads are less than half of what they were prior to COVID-19 — but since the reopening we have seen a really good turnout both from returning customers and new customers joining us for the first time.” 

Filet Mignon

House marinade, rosemary yukon potatoes, baby vegetables

Ahi Tuna Tatare

Ponsu infused Ahi Tuna, red onion, cucumber, avocado, tomato, wasabi salad, soy glaze & wasabi whi

Strawberries Dipped in Chocolate

White & dark chocolate dipped berries infused with Chambord Royale

TASTE NORTHWEST FRESH! 2501 N 4th St • Coeur d’Alene • 208.765.2555 • sataybistro.com Lunch Monday-Friday 11:30 am-3 pm, Dinner daily 4 pm-close reservations recommended | dine in | takeout | outdoor dining | outdoor dining [ heated ]

SPONSORED CONTENT

DINE IN. TAKE OUT. DO GOOD.

43

CURBSIDE PICKUP • 25% INDOOR SEATING • OUTDOOR SEATING

Come try our

14" Meat Coma Pizza

during the Great Dine Out!

OPEN Sun-Thu 11am-9pm Fri-Sat 11am-10pm

Pizza • Calzones • Growlers Bottled & Can Beer

10208 N Division • 509-368-9045 • McClainsPizzeriaSpokane.com

ONLY $48

 BEHIND THE SCENES

AFTER YOU DINE OUT, GET DINE-IN. Delivered!

SCRATCH MADE DINNER FOR FOUR WITH FREE DELIVERY & DESSERT

beaconhillathome.square.site 509.482.3556

@beaconhillcateringandevents #beaconathome

Come in now through March 27th and get $5 off $15 or more! dine-in or take-out (One per table/party)

Daily 11AM - 10PM

eHouse Delivery through Uber Eats and Tre 509

719 N MONROE ST. • SPOKANE • 44 THE GREAT DINE OUT

Spokane

326-7251

SooJi Shin

KINJA KOREAN & JAPANESE + SUSHI RESTAURANT

D

iners get the best of both worlds at Kinja, where sushi chef Byoung Ho “Eddie” Lee and his wife, So Hyun “Sophia” Lee, have run the North Division restaurant since relocating it from Tacoma in 2013. Assisted by daughters SooJi Shin and Minji Shin, the family has since added Korean food to their mostly Japanese-inspired menu. So in addition to lots of flavorful signature rolls passing by on the conveyor belt (which is temporarily offline), the menu also features Korean classics like bi bim bap and bul go gi.  What will you be featuring for the Great Dine Out? SOOJI SHIN: Chicken Katsu Bento Box, Black Pearl and the Jane Roll. These items

have become extremely popular amongst customers. Our bento box comes with a variety of choices [shrimp tempura, gyoza, California roll, nigiri sushi, salad, rice], all for one price. Our Black Pearl roll is topped with all sorts of fish [tuna, salmon, yellowtail, red snapper, crabmeat] and our special sauces, which makes the roll delicious and fresh.

And our Jane Roll [shrimp tempura, spicy crabmeat and tuna] will satisfy your crunchy, spicy cravings.  Every restaurant has handled shutdowns, restricted dining and mask mandates differently. What was your plan last year, and how did it evolve?

After shutting down, we only allowed takeout, but after a while we partnered with DoorDash, UberEats and GrubHub for delivery services. Ever since we used these

CRAFT COCKTAILS

SOUTHERN INSPIRED

Our house made donuts are crafted from locally sourced Flour Farm and frosted with seasonally inspired flavors.

Matcha Orange Blossom Ginger Caramel Peppermint Chocolate Matcha Keto *gluten free and keto options available every day

Owners Byoung Ho “Eddie” Lee and So Hyun “Sophia” Lee

delivery platforms, it helped with our restaurant’s advertising. We are short-staffed due to the COVID-19 restrictions so food preparation may take a little longer than usual.

HOURS: TUESDAY - SATURDAY 4-8PM

1011 W First Ave, Spokane Open 7-4 daily firstavenuecoffee.com

928 SOUTH PERRY • 315-4153 • FULL MENU AT CASPERFRY.COM

COME TRY OUR HONEY PEPPER GARLIC BEEF TENDERLOIN DURING THE GREAT DINE OUT!

 Any upside or good news from this past year?

Even after switching to takeout and delivery only, it still kept our restaurant very busy. We still make our food with extreme care, and we’re adding more larger portions.  How have your customers responded throughout this past year?

Our customers have shown gratitude, appreciation and support for our business, and we are very grateful. We have been seeing more familiar customers from pre-COVID days, and we have also noticed there are new faces too, which also makes us very happy.  Since yours is a family-run restaurant, you have an additional level of concern, not only for the business but for each other. How did that affect the family?

For the last question, before COVID-19 hit, our restaurant was open seven days a week, which was exhausting.

Now, we rest on Wednesdays, which allows us to spend more time at home and with each other. After removing dine-in from our restaurant, this gave us more time to garden and plant more outside at home, and allowed us to adopt two pet bunnies: Mocha and Vince. 

TAKE OUT ONLY

509-921-1901 1332 N LIBERTY LAKE RD • LIBERTY LAKE TUE-SUN 4PM - 9PM SPONSORED CONTENT

DINE IN. TAKE OUT. DO GOOD.

45

 DECONSTRUCTING THE DISH

Thai Pizza ROCK CITY GRILL 2911 E. 57th Ave., Spokane, rockcitygrill.com, 509-455-4400 Open Tue-Sun from 2 pm-close for dine-in and takeout

A

Fans of Rock City Thai pizza can also enjoy the popular pie fresh at home with a take-and-bake version.

46

THE GREAT DINE OUT

fter Rock City Grill owner Jim Rhoades found inspiration in a Thai peanut sauce he once tasted at a Seattle eatery (and on a salad, no less), the South Hill restaurant’s famous Thai pizza was born.

Long holding the title of the restaurant’s top-selling item, Rhoades alleges Rock City wouldn’t have made it this far without this stellar creation.

Topped with chicken, prawns, mushrooms, mozzarella and peanuts, and garnished with chopped cilantro, Rock City’s Thai pizza substitutes traditional red sauce with a spicy, house-made peanut sauce.

“There’s nothing like Thai peanut sauce, unless you have a peanut allergy,” Rhoades says.

He adds that the sauce is also bottled and sold at the restaurant, so it’s most-devoted fans can enjoy it at home on whatever other dishes they desire.

Even though the bestselling fusion-style Thai pizza was available to-go when past dine-in restrictions were in place, Rhoades says that since reopening Rock City’s dining room at a limited rate, he’s heard plenty of appreciative feedback from customers glad to enjoy it hot and fresh out of the oven.

“They tell me, ‘You know, we’ve been ordering this to go, but it just feels so good to have a glass of wine and a Thai pizza here in your restaurant,’” Rhoades says.

Rock City Thai pizza fanatics can also now enjoy the popular pie fresh at home with a take-and-bake version.

“So many people are eating to-go food, and for the longest time have been delighted to have someone bring it to them rather than having to get it, or fix it themselves,” Rhoades says. “So we also chose a take-and-bake they can pick up and cook that night.” 

SPONSORED CONTENT

DINE IN. TAKE OUT. DO GOOD.

47

 BEHIND THE SCENES

Tyler Geigle

CAPONE’S PUB & GRILL

C

apone’s Pub & Grill has been part of the North Idaho experience for three decades, serving hand-tossed pizzas and offering 41 beers and ciders on tap at any given time, a whopping 24 television sets and the kind of goodies that got them noticed by the producers of the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives television show in 2010. Tom and Teresa Capone created the flagship Coeur d’Alene pub in 1991, eventu-

Hot, fresh, and delicious homemade Italian food

Choice top sirloin, spaghetti with your choice of homemade sauce, garlic bread, soup or salad, and spumoni.

Handmade lasagna, layered with homemade meat sauce, and ricotta cheese baked to perfection.

Homemade seafood fettuccine, with sautéed shrimp and clams in a white wine lemon sauce, over our homemade fettuccine Alfredo.

Homemade baked penne, with green and red peppers, Italian sausage, and mozzarella cheese baked to perfection.

FAMILY RECIPES, FAMILY OWNED, AND YOUR FAMILY IS GOING TO LOVE IT! FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED, CATERING AND PICK-UP AVAILABLE

11204 E Sprague Ave 48

THE GREAT DINE OUT

Hours: 3p-9p Mon-Sun

509-928-2303

FerrarosFamilyItalian.com

ally expanding to Post Falls and Hayden, as well as a smaller publet at the Ponderosa Springs Golf Course in 2018. Their Coeur d’Alene location manager, Tyler Geigle, remembers the place way back to when he was a kid.  What can you tell us about the dishes you will be featuring for the Great Dine Out? GEIGLE: We’re going to offer our new Luau pizza [with ham, pineapple, bacon, jalapeño and a ranch dressing base], Roosevelt salad [chicken breast, caramelized walnuts, craisins, carrots, Gorgonzola and croutons over mixed greens] and our Philly steak deluxe [with beef or chicken, grilled onions, mushrooms, peppers and provolone]. It’s awesome! All of our meats and veggies are cut daily, as well as our ingredients are very fresh, and we have our bakery at our Hayden location, so all our bread is baked fresh daily.  Every restaurant has handled shutdowns, restricted dining and mask mandates differently. What was your plan last year, and how did it evolve?

We have been following the recommen-

dations from Panhandle Health District from the very beginning. We already had a very diligent sanitation routine in place, but we did remove some tables and added staff to help seat people and sanitize more efficiently. The plans have been the same for all three locations. And we have a huge outdoor patio, so we’re ready for warm weather and outdoor dining.  Any upside or good news from this past year?

I had been wanting to get delivery going for Capone’s for a while and bothering Tom and Teresa to start doing it for several years.

This was the perfect opportunity to start delivery and curbside pickup, and we are going to keep it going!  How have your customers responded throughout this past year?

You know, Capone’s has been in business 30 years this October. We have lots of locals who come in all year-round, people who’ve heard about us from the television show, and all the sports fans. For the most part, the customers have been awesome! We love the motto “Be nice or leave.” 

GLOBESPOKANE.COM SPONSORED CONTENT

DINE IN. TAKE OUT. DO GOOD.

49

 DECONSTRUCTING THE DISH

Chicken Cacciatore

TAVOLA CALDA

BY COMMELLINI ESTATE 14713 N. Dartford Dr., Spokane, commellini.com, 509-466-0667 Open Wed-Sat from 4:30-8 pm for takeout only

B

rought from Staffoli, Italy,

by Leda Commellini in 1923, this locally famous recipe for chicken cacciatore is the culinary foundation of Commellini Estate and its onsite restaurant, Tavola Calda.

The unique and robust flavor of Leda’s rich Bolognese sauce and tender chicken has caused the restaurant to be booked for months in the past, and still has customers raving with reviews like, “I daydream about that chicken cacciatore.”

The Commellini family recipe for the dish became so legendary in the estate’s early days that it even brought Marilyn Monroe and Joe Dimaggio out to the venue in the

50

THE GREAT DINE OUT

woods many years ago.

“Chicken cacciatore is the cornerstone of the Commellini Estate legacy,” says estate manager Desiree Seghetti, whose family on her father’s side are descendents of its original owners.

“Chicken cacciatore was one of three entrees patrons could choose from when making a reservation at the restaurant.

[Leda] would be booked out for months.”

Seghetti says that Leda Commellini was so passionate about ensuring a high quality of ingredients used in the dish that she and husband Albert started their own chicken farm on the estate in 1941. This fact is also why, Seghetti says, “there are so many buildings on the estate… In the height of

EASTER DECORATIONS TO SPRING UP YOUR HOUSE

We Are Now Open for Dine-In! Chicken cacciatore’s culinary heritage traces back to Tuscany.

its operation it had 100,000 chickens in various stages of development.”

Chicken cacciatore’s culinary heritage traces back to Tuscany, where the tiny town of Staffoli is located. Cacciatore translates from Italian to “hunter-style,” and refers to a hearty dish prepared with herbs, tomatoes, wine and braised meat.

“Although there are many variations of this dish, our chicken cacciatore uses ingredients that were abundant in Staffoli,” Seghetti notes.

Since being introduced in Spokane from its origins half a world away, Leda Commellini’s chicken cacciatore has become a local institution for many. Some of the estate’s customers order it weekly, and others make sure to always serve it at special gatherings, Seghetti says.

“Customers rave about this dish and particularly mention how much they enjoy the mushrooms and sauce, as well as how tender and easily [the chicken] comes off the bone,” Seghetti says. “It is so unique and the flavor so robust that we are constantly asked for the recipe.”

The two-day preparation of the dish begins with the making of the Bolognese sauce, starting with natural grassfed beef from a local farm and a dark red wine. Combined, the ingredients create a “very dark and rich texture and flavor,” she says.

“Because of how much care we take to truly slowly braise the chicken, it locks in the flavor and creates an extremely tender dish. One of the keys is how slow the process is. It cannot be rushed.”

It’s for this reason that Commellini Estate’s chicken cacciatore ($20) often sells out, so be sure to call ahead if this dish is your great desire during the Great Dine Out. 

35 W. Main, Spokane Mon-Sat 10-5:30 (509) 464-7677 kizurispokane.com

Open Daily | Full Bar 818 W. Sprague Ave | 476-0650 9602 N. Newport Hwy | 467-0292 NudoRamen.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

DINE IN. TAKE OUT. DO GOOD.

51

Classic Italian Dishes

Auth entic, famil y recip es to make you feel at home!

Weekly Dinner Specials All Day Free Spumoni Ice Cream with Dinner

 BEHIND THE SCENES

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED, CATERING AND TAKE OUT AVAILABLE

Jon Green

North Division 325-7443 | FerrarosFamilyItalian.com

T ted Sticks A COMBO uce, Twis Z sa IZ g P in E p L $39.99 TY /dip FAMILY S Pizza, 10 Wings w duct o r P e k o lty fC DWICHES XL Specia a 2 liter o d AS • SAN n T a S e A c P u • sa ES • CALZON w/dipping D SOUP N ALADS A PIZZA • S

Dine In Take Out Delivery

Order-Online

medical-lake.pizzafactory.com 123 S Broad St, Medical Lake

(509) 299-9100

WOODEN CITY SPOKANE

alk about timing! The Northwest was less than six months into the onset of COVID-related chaos last summer when Wooden City opened its Spokane location. Co-owners Abe Fox, Eddie Gulberg and Jon Green patterned Wooden City Spokane after their original Tacoma eatery of the same name, offering upscale pub food like wood-fired pizza, small plates and tasty sandwiches in the historic and genuinely handsome Genesee Building on Riverside Avenue.  Can you tell us about one of the three dishes you will be featuring for the event?

GREEN: Salmon toast. We start by curing fresh salmon in-house for 24 hours, then it’s sliced thinly and served with whipped crème fraîche, roasted beet relish, creamy egg mousse, pickled red onion, baby radishes and fresh dill on buttered sourdough. This dish does a really great job of capturing what Wooden City is all about — high quality ingredients prepared with the utmost attention to detail but served in a comforting way.

Elevated yet approachable.

Menu A DINING & HAPP Y HOUR GUIDE

hour y p p d ha thwest H! n a T t 7 r s o a 2 f N k IL R brea e Inland P , g A n i h NG I A din ide for t M O gu EC

F� �e Inland N�thwest

the

SU S I NEW

FREE | 2019-20 Edition ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE INLANDER

THEMENU_CNTS

Spencer’s Steak, 22oz Prime

bone-in ribeye

Spencers for Steaks and

Chops

_2019_SpencersC

vr.indd 1 4/19/19 7:49 PM

Contact: advertising@inlander.com to reserve your space

52

THE GREAT DINE OUT

 Every restaurant has handled shutdowns, restricted dining and mask mandates differently. What was your plan last year, and how did it evolve?

We’re simply just changing along with the state’s mandates. It hasn’t exactly been a “plan” — in fact, we’re just flying by the seat of our pants trying to keep up with all the new guidelines that are constantly changing.

It’s been the most challenging year of our lives, and we’ve gotten through it with hard work and constant evolution. At times it felt like we were adapting the model on a daily basis. It’s incredibly exhausting, but it’s what we have to do to stay safe and for the business to survive.  Any upside or good news from this past year?

It was a blessing in disguise to open to 50 percent capacity back in August [2020]. It’s allowed us to dial in our systems with less initial craziness right out of the gates. However, the three-month shutdown from November-February was brutal. We just recently got back open to 25 percent capacity, and we’re happy to be safely allowing

guests back into our dining room. But it’s been such a roller coaster, and we’re still in the thick of it, so I’m not even sure if we have hindsight, yet.

The pandemic forced us to work on our online ordering platform, be more dynamic on social media and create a lot of new recipes and dishes that work better for carryout. Moving forward, we have a lot of new tools in our kit, but it’s hard to consider that “good news” in relation to everything we’ve been through this year.

 How have your customers responded throughout this past year?

Our Tacoma [location] has had the advantage in the sense that we were more established there before the pandemic. We also are blessed to have more access to outdoor dining in Tacoma. On the flip side, our Spokane space is much bigger, so we can still do decent covers with the occupancy limitations. The community here has embraced us with open arms and we couldn’t be more grateful. 

A NATTY DINER AND LIQUOR BAR

Limited vor!

Fla Edition

FEATURING A CURATED MENU OF NORTHWEST-INSPIRED CONTEMPORARY AND CLASSIC AMERICAN FARE, CRAFTED COCKTAILS, AND SPOKANE’S BEST WHISKEYS

415 WEST MAIN AVENUE  SPOKANE, WA DURKINSLIQUORBAR.COM  509.863.9501

HOURS: DINNER TUE-THU, 4-9P  FRI-SAT 4-10 DRINKS ‘TIL 11P  RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED SPONSORED CONTENT

Honey Cinnamon

This week only, in limited quantities

Natural & Organic • Made-on-Site Fresh • peanut and tree-nut free 112 n. 4th st. • cd’a, ID 208.930.0699 abisicecream.com

DINE IN. TAKE OUT. DO GOOD.

53

THE GREAT DINE OUT • MAR 12-27

Chicken

in-a-Biscuit  DECONSTRUCTING THE DISH

Opening at 50% capacity!

1018 W FRANCIS • SPOKANE • 509 326 6794

Bangers and Mash THE CROWN AND THISTLE PUB

107 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, crownandthistlepub.com, 208-758-8357 Open Sun-Thu from 11 am-10 pm, Fri-Sat from 11 am-midnight for dine-in and takeout

Classic French Pastry • Casual Dining • Espresso • Beer • Wine

Award winning pastry, breakfast & lunch served daily.

415 W. Main Ave. • (509) 624-2253 • MadeleinesSpokane.com DINE-IN, TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE • Wednesday-Sunday 8am-2pm

THE BEST FRENCH DIP IN TOWN, SERVED EVERY DAY! Dine in, Takeout , Outdoo r Heated Seating

Advance To

ILLINOIS AVENUE Bar and Grill 1403 East Illinois Avenue Spokane WA 99207 509-482-6033

54

THE GREAT DINE OUT

OPEN 8am to Midnight Daily

Ben Drake’s recipes are built on years of experience making his own sausages.

WANDERMERE - SOUTH SPOKANE RIVER PARK SQUARE - SPOKANE VALLEY MALL

IBUT

B

AP ON C

twigsbistro.com

lEM

MENU ITEMS

COMMUNITY CENTERS Stay connected to your community with free local publications from the Inlander and more.

Inlander Community Centers are updated every week with new community-focused guides, newspapers and magazines.

AVAILABLE THIS WEEK: Official Event Guide

2021 MARCH

12 - 27

160+ RESTAURANTS y

y

y

A delicious way to support

our community’s restaurants y

y

y

y

y ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

The Great Dine Out is made possible through the collaborative spirit and support of the following regional and local credit unions and banks

THE GREAT DINE OUT Event Guide

Weekly FEBRUARY - MARCH 2021

FREE

Feb/ March from to

Reality HEALTH

High-tech home design tools are opening a world of virtual possibilities • 16

FAMILY

Puppies ’n Kittens • 8

Backyard Birds • 40

Home Improvement Resource Guide • Page 24 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SUPPLEMENT TO THE INLANDER

CVR_HH_020821.indd 1

1/28/21 11:53 AM

HEALTH & HOME Magazine

FREE

THE INLANDER’S

2020-21

THE INLANDER’S

CURBSIDE PICK-UP IN-PERSON SHOPPING VIRTUAL CONSULTANT

THE INLANDER’S

ANNUAL MANUAL

THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO THE INLAND NORTHWEST

2020-2021

angers are quintessential British pub food, but the bangers at the Crown and Thistle Pub are world travelers.

The two-year-old Coeur d’Alene pub’s eclectic menu of house-made bangers — or sausages — are all the careful creation of its co-owner and resident wurstmeister Ben Drake.

“Not only is it a delicious pub classic, but we knew that it would also greatly appeal to the people of this area,” says co-owner Jennifer Drake, Ben’s wife.

“And since sausage-making is a passion of Ben’s, it was the perfect opportunity to combine my love for pubs with his love for sausages.”

During the Great Dine Out, the Crown and Thistle is showcasing its classic bangers and mash (sausage and potatoes, that is) for $13. Customers have the choice of two house-made sausages from its rotating menu, served with mashed potatoes, brown gravy and onion marmalade.

“While bangers and mash is a common British dish, our bangers are inspired from cuisines all over the world,” Drake says. “I lived in Scotland, so I have the British component locked down; and Ben lived in Germany, so he’s always had a great appreciation for meat in tube form. From there, the flavor possibilities are endless.”

Drake says some customer favorites from Ben’s bangers repertoire include the Pamplona, a Spanish-style chorizo; the Sosiji, a Korean-inspired pork sausage with gochujang; and the German Apfelbrat, consisting of pork with green apples and green onions. A recent and already popular introduction is the “Bangcock,” a chicken sausage seasoned with Thai red curry, cilantro and red bell pepper.

“There are always at least four bangers to choose from, and they are constantly rotating, so the variety is endless,” Drake adds.

Ben Drake’s recipes for each sausage served at the pub are wholly original, and built on years of experience making his own sausages, a hobby that began long before the couple realized their dream to open the Crown and Thistle in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

“What started out as small batches quickly escalated, and Ben became known for his sausages, all our own recipes, handmade, with quality ingredients and no preservatives,” Jennifer Drake says. “Ben is now jokingly referred to as ‘The Sausage King of Coeur d’Alene!’ He has more than 50 distinct recipes and still makes them all by hand.”

With its centuries-past inspired decor and atmosphere that makes diners feel as if they’ve been transported across the pond to a cozy London watering hole, the Crown and Thistle emulates the vibe of dozens of historic British and Scottish pubs the Drakes have visited.

The couple hope that by showcasing their take on bangers and mash during the Great Dine Out they can introduce more local diners to the British classic, among the many other traditional pub eats on the menu, from crispy fish and chips to hearty pot pies. 

AL ER H

CVR_AM_2020.indd 1

2020-2021

SUPPLEMENT TO THE INLANDER

8/17/20 7:29 AM

ANNUAL MANUAL Magazine

2020-21 YOUR ULTIMATE LOCAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE GUIDE

ADVERT ISING SU PPL EMENT TO T HE INLAND ER

SHOPLOCAL_102020_Main.indd 1

INLAND NORTHWEST LOCAL SHOPPING GUIDE 2020-2021 | FREE

10/16/20 3:19 PM

SHOP LOCAL Magazine

Find them at an area grocery store near you...

SPONSORED CONTENT

DINE IN. TAKE OUT. DO GOOD.

55

Gordy’s gan pung chicken ($15) keeps customers coming back for more.

 DECONSTRUCTING THE DISH

Gan Pung Chicken GORDY’S SICHUAN CAFE

501 E. 30th Ave., Spokane, gordysspokane.com, 509-747-1170 Open Tue-Sat from noon-close for takeout only

O

ne of the most popular menu items at Gordy’s Sichuan Cafe, gan pung chicken is the perfect middle ground between a sweet-and-sour chicken and something that packs more of a

spicy punch.

Characteristic of Sichuan cuisine, the recipe, in addition to its preparation, was taught to the restaurant’s original owner Gordon “Gordy” Crafts by chefs at O’mei, a now-closed restaurant in Santa Cruz, California, says current owner Alicia Riendeau.

“It’s been one of our most popular dishes since

56

THE GREAT DINE OUT

I started working here,” Riendeau says. “Gordy taught it to us over the years, until he sold the restaurant. I would say the significance of the flavor profiles are really indicative of Sichuan cuisine. It’s heavy with Sichuan peppercorns, which gives you the numbing, kind of tingly feeling. And then it’s got some chili pods in it that give a little bit of heat.”

Combined with citrus notes and the crunch of its battered breading — Riendeau says their breading is never soft and mushy — Gordy’s gan pung chicken ($15) keeps lots of local customers coming back for more.

“I think it’s kind of a mashup” of cuisine styles, Riendeau adds. “Because we do it in a sweet-andsour kind of style, so you could also compare it to General Tso’s chicken, but it doesn’t taste anything like that.”

For diners looking to branch out beyond mildly spicy versions of Asian-style breaded chicken and pork dishes, Reindeau says gan pung chicken is an approachable next step.

“It’s kind of a middle ground between sweetsour chicken, for people going for something a little more exotic, and getting a little bit more into the actual Sichuan style,” she says. “But it’s still palatable for people who are more used to eating sweet-sour pork and things like that.”

While the tingly feeling of Sichuan peppercorn might be a surprise at first, Riendeau says most customers find it to be a pleasant trait of the dish.

“It’s a good prep for people to initiate themselves and see if they’d enjoy something a little more spicy or a little more peppercorny.” 

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS SPOKANE CENTRAL / DOWNTOWN Anthony’s at Spokane Falls Austin’s Live Fire Barbecue Baba Restaurant Backyard Public House BARK, A Rescue Pub Borracho Tacos & Tequileria Browne’s Boomtown Bistro Cascadia Public House Charley’s Grill & Spirits Checkerboard Tap Room Clinkerdagger Restaurant Cochinito Taqueria David’s Pizza De Leon’s Taco & Bar Durkin’s Liquor Bar The Elk Public House Europa Restaurant & Bakery Gander and Ryegrass Gilded Unicorn Globe Bar & Kitchen The Grand Restaurant and Lounge Heritage Bar & Kitchen High Tide Lobster Bar Iron Goat Brewing Italian Kitchen Magnolia American Brasserie at Hotel Indigo The Mango Tree Maracas Mexican Restaurant Nudo Ramen House nYne Bar & Bistro O’Doherty’s Irish Grille Osprey Restaurant & Bar Palm Court Grill Park Lodge Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Cuisine Red Wheel Bar and Grill Saranac Public House Scratch Restaurant/Rain Lounge Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill and Irish Pub Tamarack Public House Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar Umi Kitchen and Sushi Bar Uncle Rusty’s Diner Versalia Pizza Watts 1903 Spirits & Eatery The Wave Wild Sage Bistro

Wiley’s Downtown Bistro Wooden City SPOKANE NORTH 11898 Public House Adelo’s Pizza, Pasta and Pints Barnwood Social Kitchen & Tavern The Barrel Steak and Seafood Birdy’s Sports Bar The Boiler Room Cascadia Public House Cole’s Bakery & Cafe Das Stein Haus De Leon’s Taco & Bar Dogtown Taphouse and Barbecue Downriver Grill Elliotts an Urban Kitchen Ferraros North Restaurant and Bar The Flying Goat Hillyard Pub + Grub Hop Mountain Taproom & Grill Illinois Avenue Bar and Grill Kinja Japanese Restaurant Kobe Hibachi Sushi & Bar Little Noodle Logan Tavern Lost Boys’ Garage Bar & Grill MacDaddy’s Pub & Grill Mamma Mia’s Italian Restaurant Maple Street Bistro McClain’s Pizzeria Mustard Seed Noodle Express Nudo Ramen House Pete’s Pizza Pho Van Poole’s Public House Prohibition Gastropub QQ Sushi & Kitchen Rincon Tapatio Sushiwa Teriyaki The Swinging Doors Tavola Calda by Commellini Estates Thai Bamboo Restaurant Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar SPOKANE SOUTH Allie’s Vegan Pizzeria & Cafe Casper Fry De Leon’s Taco & Bar Ferrante’s Marketplace Cafe Fresh Soul

Gordy’s Sichuan Café Hang 10 Hawaiian Grill Huckleberry’s Natural Market 9th Street Bistro Izumi Sushi and Asian Bistro Laguna Cafe Latah Bistro MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub Manito Tap House Poole’s Public House Remedy Kitchen & Tavern Republic Pi Rock City Grill Rüt Bar & Kitchen South Hill Grill South Perry Pizza Thai Bamboo Restaurant Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar The Two Seven Public House SPOKANE VALLEY Ambrosia Bistro and Wine Bar The Black Diamond Black Pearl Casino Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar Charlie P’s Craft & Gather Ferraro’s Homemade Italian Fiesta Grande Jake & Clay’s Public House Longhorn Barbecue MAX at Mirabeau Noodle Express The Ponderosa Bar and Grill SmokeRidge BBQ Thai Bamboo Restaurant TTs Brewery & Barbecue Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar AIRWAY HEIGHTS d’bali Asian Bistro EPIC Sports Bar at Northern Quest Resort and Casino FAI’s Noodle House at Northern Quest Resort and Casino Longhorn Barbecue The Lounge at Masselow’s at Northern Quest Resort and Casino Noodle Express CHENEY Barrelhouse Pub & Pizza Marketplace Restaurant & Amish Country Store

Rosa’s Pizza Wild Bill’s Longbar MEDICAL LAKE Pizza Factory LIBERTY LAKE Ding How Liberty Lake Hay J’s Bistro Piccolo Artisan Pizza Kitchen True Legends Grill COEUR D’ALENE 315 Cuisine Anthony’s at Coeur d’Alene Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery Bier Haus The Bluebird. A Midtown Eatery.

Capone’s Pub & Grill Collective Kitchen Cosmic Cowboy Grill Crafted Taphouse The Crown & Thistle Honey Eatery and Social Club Izzy’s Comfort Kitchen MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub The Mango Tree Monarch Ramen + Noodle House Moon Time Satay Bistro Seasons of Coeur d’Alene Sweet Lou’s Restaurant and Tap House Syringa Japanese Cafe and Sushi Bar Thai Bamboo Restaurant Vicino Pizza Vine & Olive Eatery and Wine Bar HAYDEN Capone’s Pub & Grill Noodle Express The Porch Public House Radicci Italian Bistro POST FALLS Capone’s Pub & Grill The Filling Station Post Falls Fleur De Sel Republic Kitchen + Taphouse Teton House WORLEY Chinook Crafted by Chef Adam Hegsted at CDA Casino Resort and Hotel Red Tail Bar and Grill at CDA Casino Resort and Hotel

Inlander.com/GreatDineOut

 Check out all the offerings, sortable by area and cuisine SPONSORED CONTENT

DINE IN. TAKE OUT. DO GOOD.

57

fer in the pits... The pit north of Broadway avenue is in the middle of a rail yard; the pit south of Broadway avenue by the fairgrounds appears to have barrels or waste in it; the pit at Broadway and i90 is deep, the new pit on Sullivan in the valley borders the river. All of these pits have direct input to the aquifer; when it rains toxic water cascades into these pits from surrounding areas, directly into the aquifer. There was a policy that said once a pit was no longer producing it has to be reclaimed. Recently the policy has been changed so the owner only has to fence it off and leave the pits for wildlife access. Someone got a major financial break with this change, and the aquifer is still being polluted. Maybe you could investigate these pits and why the policy was changed.

I SAW YOU HANGIN’ ….on “the” South Wall. You welcomed that guest into your home, and then started getting louder... and louder. You screamed that he/she? was passive/aggressive. Do you see the irony in your words?

Your door was open. We heard you. How ‘bout you open your heart to understanding, and healing. Those are the start to that fix. There is good help. Use it. Don’t close the door; open your heart and mind. Hang in there. No one should be screamed at, unless in warning. We are quietly suggesting you try the calm.

RIVERSIDE RED You strolled into the piano bar, Saturday, March 6. Earlier than later.

Urban Pedestrian chic in a red/grey plaid jacket, grey beanie, hikers, and black leggings/shorts. Sparkly earrings, a red scarf, black gloves, long dark hair. In a booth. You loved the opening act. You left when the first glass broke. I walked out with friends to breathe. I realized as you walked away, you used to sing and play at Tuesday jams. You danced, beautifully with bouncer “Wayne.”

You sang at the corner karaoke joint at least one pandemic ago. Come back!!...if only to let me hear you sing...one...more...time.

I left a message for you at the business where you stopped that night to look in the window. I hope you find me. I tried to “catch” you before you drove away. Maybe you took my breath away.

AQUIFER There are five old gravel pits located in Spokane Valley; they are deep dug into the aquifer; you can see the aqui-

T.I. I HOPE MY HEART REACHES YOURS SOMEDAY. You came to visit me that night after I sent you a text saying “I miss the friend you used to be towards me.” ... It made me really happy you came. It’s your birthday soon, but I fear I may be to late to have this done to submit in time. It’s hard to say that the distance has grown between us, but you’ll always be near my heart. I wanted to share how you’ve melted my heart and shown me something I didn’t think was ever going to be possible again.

Our friendship is new and the time spent hanging out with you has been great. You showed me something unknowing to me.

I realized I had feelings for you. I took a chance and told you the day after New Year’s. It was a risk I’m feeling now, that things have changed between us and I’m sorry if I’m that reason. I just want you to understand no matter what you think, that I will try my best to be a better person than I was yesterday. I hope one day that you’ll give me a chance to show you how much you mean to me. Waiting for the day I’ll be able to finally kiss you. C.Y I SAW U WITH DIFFERENT PAIR OF SHOES ON GOING TO SPOKANE COUNTY JAIL We knew each other in high school. (I would of never dated you back then.) We met several times thru our lives, saying hello. You had a girlfriend, 2 kids, and I was dating someone with 2 kids also. Then the best day of my life came and there you were with my brother going to the jail to get your right shoe... I am so happy I ran into you there. We finally hung out, bbqed, had a few drinks, n we started dating. You worked out of town (which sucked so bad for me). Then we

were married after dating for 2 months.

You my sweet sugarballs are the love of my life. You complete me. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have you in my life. We have had our ups n downs but no matter what I will always love you. You are my knight in shining king. You are so precious to me... I love you and want you in my life for the rest of my life love always sugar tits

“

CHEERS

SMILE Someday... there will be no more masks... then can see our smiles... someday.

MY TRUCK WAS BROKEN DOWN IN YOUR DRIVEWAY While driving by Launch Powersports of Spokane on Highway 2 the fan on my truck came loose and I was forced to pull over in their driveway blocking it partially. I was there for about 40 minutes while making repairs and Launch Powersports sent a pair of representatives to make sure I was OK. Instead of complaining about my truck blocking their business, they offered their mechanics and miscellaneous parts if I needed them to get back on the road. Launch Powersports has restored my faith in humanity. You are a Class Act! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

KEEPING OUR CITY CLEAN To the two gentlemen sweeping and cleaning up the sidewalks on the Monroe Street bridge on Monday: Thank you for doing that work. I’m grateful for all the people who take on the task of keeping our downtown buildings and areas clean and sanitary. Your efforts are noticed and much appreciated. Keep up the good work!

THANK YOU! To the beautiful young woman at Rite-Aid on March 12 who told

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.”

DELIVERED TO YO U R IN BOX

EVERY FRIDAY

Sign up now at Inlander.com/newsletters 58 INLANDER MARCH 18, 2021

WILLIE BILLY Hey Willie what’s cracking from the peeps at the pound.

time to stop supporting businessed like these. I’ve learned my lesson and won’t be back again and I’ll be sure to tell everyone I know that they shouldn’t risk their health by going into this little pile of junk store.

WHO’S WRONG? Help me out, faithful Inlander readers: Is this a jeers for me or downtown bar/restaurant? On Thursday I

I’m grateful for all the people who take on the task of keeping our downtown buildings and areas clean and sanitary.

Your efforts are noticed and much appreciated.

SOUND OFF

Our top 5 picks for weekend entertainment

me I had beautiful eyes, thank you! You made my birthday even though you didn’t know it was. I’ll be 57 again because last year didn’t count! It was super sweet that you took the time to make someone’s day.

I’m still smiling! Bless you.

+

JEERS JUNKY STORE ON SPRAGUE Jeers to the junky “grocery” store (loose definition) on Sprague that seems to sell mostly “meat.”

Despite your ridiculous arrows on the floor that are largely removed and artificial rules about where your customers are supposed to stand and wait, you’re in violation of social distancing mandates in the state of Washington. I watched as a plethora of people congregated too closely together. I also watched as several people attempted to maintain distance by standing away from others get chastised for not knowing where lines began and ended “the line starts over there.” I really think stores like yours should be shut down. How is it that restaurants can hold only a minimal amount of people, but junk stores like yours can pack people who don’t know any better in like sardines.

Please, Spokane Public Health authories, you must know about these violations.

Please, shut them down! I also witnessed employees talking disparagingly of customers who couldn’t follow the poorly designed and deteriorating arrows on the floors. It’s

”

popped into the place to grab an Inlander, and as I’m walking out the bartender sternly asks, “Are you going to buy anything?”

I say no. He says, “So you’re going to take an Inlander and not buy anything?”

I respond, “Yes, it’s free, I’m not stealing it, Inlander people drop it off, it doesn’t cost you anything.” He says, “You know we sell food here.” I say, “And drinks. I’ve been here several times, and you guys are always great.” Then I left. Other than their horribly tacky logo, I’ve enjoyed that place. I would’ve been in there 10 seconds if not for the conversation. I didn’t use the bathroom or disrupt anything while grabbing a free Inlander. Who’s in the wrong here? n

THIS WEEK'S ANSWERS A T S T A K E

W I T H O U T

O L E A N N A

K E N T

T W O B I T S

O H C A R O L

L O S A S N E S T O

G I F

E D Y S T R F U L A I M W H I O S E M S O T O

H A T H A

I L I A D

T N R S I F O O W H O J R O N Y

P T O I A R E U P H A T D A Y M A N S U T F A I R F C H E Y E R A A T S W I G R S T A A S P

B I O D O M E

O R D I N A L

N E A T E N S

A F G H A N I

D U R A N T E

S L O T T E D

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.

Now on Inlander.com: National and international stories from the New York Times to go with the fresh, local news we deliver every day

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts.

Red State, Green State?

While Wyoming Republicans seek to control cannabis legalization, Nebraska’s GOP governor blows the Reefer Madness smoke

BY WILL MAUPIN

C

annabis legalization is no longer confined to blue states, but Republican lawmakers aren’t yet on the same page with each other about how to deal with this green wave. The divide between members of the same party on this issue was on stark display last week when Republicans in neighboring states made radically different statements about legalization.

In Wyoming, a legalization bill sponsored by Republican lawmakers cleared the state’s overwhelmingly Republican House Judiciary Committee on March 12.

That action came two days after neighboring Nebraska’s Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts gave a full-throated and completely bogus argument against legalization in the

Cornhusker State.

“This is a dangerous drug that will impact our kids.

If you legalize marijuana, you’re going to kill your kids.

That’s what the data shows from around the country,” Ricketts said on March 10.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a governmental agency, “there are no reports of teens or adults dying from marijuana alone.”

Ricketts continued to argue that the legalization fight in his state undermines the ability for proper regulation of what he considers to be a dangerous drug. In Wyoming, his fellow Republicans argued the exact opposite: that legalization through the Legislature would allow for

The Cannabis Issue

GAGE SKIDMORE PHOTO

more proper regulation.

The Republican chairman of Wyoming’s House Judiciary Committee, Jared Olsen, explained how legalization through ballot measure largely excludes state lawmakers from the regulatory process. Therefore, the Wyoming Legislature should get out in front of the legalization effort in order to have a say in how the process plays out.

“I bring a solution in an attempt to put our arms around it and decide what we want it to look like,” Olsen said.

Olsen also mentioned polling data that shows growing acceptance of cannabis, both in Wyoming and around the nation. It appears inevitable that the laws will be changed eventually, and he believes it’s best for lawmakers to be proactive on the issue. Meanwhile, Nebraska’s governor is asking to preserve the status quo.

The problem is, the status quo is changing. South Dakota, a deep red state that borders both Wyoming and Nebraska, legalized cannabis at the ballot box last November. That led the state’s Republican leadership on a mad dash to mount legal challenges in an effort to block the will of the voters. In Wyoming, Republicans seem to recognize that and are working to avoid it. In Nebraska, not so much. n

ON STANDS APRIL 15 The Inlander’s annual issue on the local cannabis scene for everyone from the experienced to the cannabis curious.

Promote your businesses unique products and deals in this special edition.

to advertise in this issue: sales@inlander.com 509-325-0634 ext, 215

MARCH 18, 2021 INLANDER 59

SALE MARCH 19TH • 20TH • 21ST

GREEN ZONE

FLOWER BOGO 30% OFF

FLOWER AND CONCENTRATES BOGO 30% OFF

OPEN

Reach Nearly

64,000

Inlander readers that have BOUGHT OR USED CANNABIS in the past year and live in Eastern WA.

7 days a week 8AM - 10PM 9107 N Country Homes Blvd #13

509.919.3467

CONCENTRATES AND PREROLL PACKS BOGO 30% OFF

CHECK OUT OUR DAILY DEALS MON Edibles 20% OFF

TUE

WED

Joints 20% OFF

Concentrates, Vape Cartridges, Infused Joints 20% OFF

THU Premium Brand Flower 20% OFF

FRI

SAT

SUN

Phat Panda Products 20% OFF

Concentrates, Vape Cartridges, Infused Joints 25% OFF

20% OFF Topicals and CBD Products, 2x Loyalty Points, 15% OFF Flower Ounces

INLANDER’S GREEN ZONE GREEN ZONE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE To Advertise Contact: 509.325.0634 ext. 215, advertising@inlander.com

*2018 Media Audit

60 INLANDER MARCH 18, 2021

spokanegreenleaf.com <<ORDER ONLINE

Some exclusions apply. Not available on Sale items.

WARNING: This product has intoxicating affects and may be habit forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Should not be used by women that are pregnant or breast feeding.

Marijuana products may be purchased or possessed only by persons 21 years of age or older. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.

NEW! 50% OFF

SELECTION

DAILY DEALS ALWAYS

20% OFF GLASS & KRATOM

Get Lucky with 20% OFF TOPICALS MARCH 20TH-21ST

WEEKLY SPECIALS MUNCHIES MONDAY

20% OFF EDIBLES

TANKER TUESDAY

$15 CARTRIDGES (RESTRICTIONS APPLY)

CHECK OUT OUR WEB PAGE FOR DAILY DEALS

WAXY WEDNESDAY

20% OFF

CONCENTRATES THIRSTY THURSDAY

20% OFF

ALL LIQUIDS EXCLUDES ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS

FIRE FRIDAY 20% OFF

BUDTENDER PICK

SUPER SAVER SATURDAY

25% OFF

CONCENTRATES (EXCLUDES CARTRIDGES)

WE ARE

OPEN! During Phase 2, we will ask you practice social distancing.

There may be a small wait. Thank you for your understanding.

OPEN MONSUN 10AM9PM

1515 S LYONS RD.

AIRWAY HEIGHTS SUITE B

509-244-8363

DOUBLE DIP SUNDAY

2X ROYALTY POINTS CHECK OUT OUR SOCIAL MEDIA FOR DAILY DEALS! We are practicing social distancing — there may be a small wait.

Thank you for your understanding!

NEW HOURS!

SUN 10AM-11PM • MON SAT 8:30AM-12AM TOKERFRIENDLYSPOKANE.COM

1515 S. LYONS RD AIRWAY HEIGHTS

(509) 244-8728 Warning: This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of reach of children.

MARCH 18, 2021 INLANDER 61

RELATIONSHIPS

GREEN ZONE

Advice Goddess MOROSE-COLORED GLASSES

AMY ALKON BE AWARE: Marijuana is legal for adults 21 and older under Washington State law (e.g., RCW 69.50, RCW 69.51A, HB0001 Initiative 502 and Senate Bill 5052). State law does not preempt federal law; possessing, using, distributing and selling marijuana remains illegal under federal law. In Washington state, consuming marijuana in public, driving while under the influence of marijuana and transporting marijuana across state lines are all illegal. Marijuana has intoxicating effects; there may be health risks associated with its consumption, and it may be habit-forming. It can also impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. Keep out of reach of children. For more information, consult the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board at www.liq.wa.gov.

NOTE TO READERS Be aware of the differences in the law between Idaho and Washington. It is illegal to possess, sell or transport cannabis in the State of Idaho. Possessing up to an ounce is a misdemeanor and can get you a year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine; more than three ounces is a felony that can carry a fiveyear sentence and fine of up to $10,000. Transporting marijuana across state lines, like from Washington into Idaho, is a felony under federal law.

62 INLANDER MARCH 18, 2021

I’m a woman in my 20s. Some stuff in my life was going really wrong, and I got depressed. I didn’t tell people, but it had to be obvious. I distanced myself from my group of girlfriends, meaning I missed birthday parties, didn’t respond to group texts, and was overall not a great friend. Still, I did what I could, like taking a friend for a spa day after missing her birthday the week before.

Weeks later, I learned she was still harboring resentment that I had missed her birthday. Don’t I deserve a bit of a break?

—Feeling Better Now

On the day of your friend’s birthday, you felt like quite the party animal — if, by “party animal,” we mean “rat lying cold and dead in the corner of the cage.”

Depression gets a bad rap. It can be a terrible, dysfunctional thing when it’s caused by brain abnormalities or persists without end. However, psychiatrist Randolph Nesse explains that human emotions, including the feelbad ones, are psychological programs that evolved to solve recurring mating and survival issues. When you’re mired in frustrating, unrewarding endeavors, symptoms of depression like sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue appear to have a function. They slow you down, plant you on the couch, and force you to rethink and change unworkable situations in your life: dump that jerk, stand up to your boss, fake your death and move to Croatia.

Sadness is also a strong social signal. When we see someone’s sad, we’re motivated to comfort them (or at least cut them some slack). In an ancestral environment, countless centuries before apartments with locking doors, your friends would have noticed you were depressed. In a modern environment, suffering often remains hidden. In other words, it’s possible this woman and your other girlfriends assumed you were socially sloppy, inconsiderate, and a bad friend — instead of understanding that you were a friend in need.

Take stock of the girlfriends around you and figure out whom you can trust to be real friends to you: those you can show who you really are, including all the sobby parts. Friends like that will mop up for you socially (in tactful ways) at times when your answer to, “Hi, how are you?” is likely to be: “Actually, I’m going to die alone, and then nobody will discover the body until the UPS guy comes to the wrong house and nearly keels over from the smell.”

BAD HAREM DAY

I’m a 31-year-old woman, and I recently started dating a guy about my age. We’ve gone on five dates, but we haven’t had sex, as I wanted to take things slowly. He’s been okay with that, but I’m quite certain he’s sleeping around elsewhere. I hate the idea of him having sex with other women. Still, we aren’t at the level of being committed, and I’m not comfortable having sex with him yet. What do you recommend I do?

—Disturbed As you see it, the free-range penis should be more like those factory-farmed chickens.

The “hate” you describe feeling at the idea of him having sex with other women is actually jealousy — specifically, “sexual jealousy”: a stew of dark emotions (including humiliation, rage, despondency, and grief) that gets activated by the perception that a romantic relationship is at risk. Jealousy gets sneered at as some sort of pathetic emotional immaturity that’s to be avoided, a la “C’mon...be bigger than that.” That advice is like telling the police to ignore alarms going off in banks, which, sure, are sometimes false, but can be a sign there’s a cash transfer in progress — to the duffle bags of three gun-brandishing dudes in Richard Nixon masks.

Like bank alarms, sexual jealousy has a vital function. It triggers “mate-guarding” behavior: tactics to fend off threats “to a valued romantic relationship” that could lead to “infidelity or abandonment,” explains evolutionary psychologist David Buss. Mate-guarding tactics frequently used by women include “monopolization” (like bolting oneself to a partner at a party), “appearance enhancement” (hotting up to outdo any lurking competition), and “sexual inducement” (performing “sexual favors” to keep a partner around).

In other words, the discomfort you feel is a call to action loaded into you by evolution. But evolved motivations aren’t behavioral mandates. Resolving to just suck up and ride out the discomfort seems the best way to avoid responding in ways potentially damaging to your long-term interests. Letting fear of loss drive you to have sex before you’re ready could tag you with an air of desperation and/or cause you to confuse lust with love. Being gnawed by curiosity about the competition sometimes spins even normally stable and levelheaded women into crazycakes stalkers. Tempting as it might be to know whom you’re up against, it’s best a new fir tree doesn’t suddenly appear outside the guy’s apartment wearing the same go-go boots you do. n ©2021, 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)

LOOK FOR THE

355 nder.com 09) 444-7 la PHONE: (5BulletinBoard@In mit Parkway E-MAIL: 1227 West Sum 1 20 N: IN PERSO Spokane, WA 99

Sweet Grass Massage Special!

Hot Stone Massage, 60 min. for $50.00 or 2 for $90.00 Pay at the time of booking.

35 W. Main (509) 209-2606

Available at more than 1,000 locations throughout the Inland Northwest.

to advertise:

444-SELL

GET YOUR INLANDER INSIDE

BUYING Estate Contents / Household Goods See abesdiscount.com or 509-939-9996

TOTAL PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM WORRY FREE PEST CONTROL AS LOW AS $19.95 PER MONTH

LOCAL, INDEPENDENT AND FREE SINCE 1993!

MENTION THIS AD AND RECEIVE: 50% Off set up on set up on TPM 20% OFF one-time service

208-714-4970 • 509-327-3700 • edenspokane.com

MAKING SOAP WITH COLOR!

1

2

3

4

5

6

10

11 16

17

18

19

20

21

24

25 28

39

65. Woman with une nièce 66. ____-pitch softball 67. Warrin’ Harding?

68. Invaded someone’s privacy

51

DOWN

55

47

22

30 32

40

36

41

42 48

49

56

59

60

63

64

66

67

12. First, second, or third, e.g.

13. Makes tidy 21. “Impractical Jokers” network ____TV 23. Exclamations of regret

61

33

12

13

GREENCASTLESOAP.COM 466-7223 | 203 N. STONE | SPOKANE

THIS W ANSWE EEK’S I SAW RS ON YOUS

23

26

29

35

1. In jeopardy 2. Lacking 3. 1992 David Mamet play 4. English county closest to Continental Europe 5. Ice cream brand known as Dreyer’s west of the Rockies 6. ____ yoga 7. Troy story 8. Painter Mondrian 9. Greek letter shaped like a cross 10. Harry Potter, e.g.

11. 1996 Pauly Shore comedy

9

15

31

34. Windy City trains 35. “Them’s the rules” 39. “My mama done ____ me” 42. Vex 43. “Hanging” problems in the 2000 election 47. Reference work on notable people published since 1899 50. Quite a sight 51. The “O” of AOC 52. British pop star Rita 54. Miracle-____ 55. Causes of ruin 56. The skinny 59. Org. that collects 1099s 60. Face With Tears of Joy, for one 62. POTUS #18 63. Tater ____ 64. Hedge fund titan nicknamed “The Palindrome”

8

14

27

ACROSS 1. Stirred 6. In the know about 11. “____ appétit!”

14. Like most bathrooms 15. “Are you calling me ____?”

16. Fury 17. Hoyer who became House Majority Leader in 2019 18. Gridlock consequence 19. ____ Mae (Whoopi’s “Ghost” role) 20. “End of discussion” 22. Seen enough 24. Chicago’s ____ Center 25. Cool, in the ‘80s 26. The beginning 27. Literally, “skill” 30. Exemplar of masculinity 31. Online business 32. Letter-shaped fastener

7

CLASS $55 APRIL 13 • 6-8PM APRIL 14 • 11-NOON

34

32. The Jonas Brothers, e.g.

33. Abbr. on a returned check 37 38 36. Texter’s “As I see it ...”

37. Like the planet Hoth in 43 44 45 46 “The Empire Strikes Back” 38. Baseball scoreboard 50 letters 39. Cost of a shave and a 52 53 54 haircut, once 40. Top 10 hit for Neil Sedaka 57 58 41. Helps finance, say 62 44. Kabul native 45. Early TV star with a 65 biography titled “Schnozzola” 46. On the schedule 68 48. Opposite NNW 49. Most like Gandalf “FAIR’S FAIR” 50. Take in the groceries?

52. Sarcastic “Great!”

53. Ronald : Nancy :: Mikhail : ____ 26. Crunchable numbers 56. Threadbare 28. Image file type with a much57. NYPD figures debated pronunciation 58. Do a pre-Christmas task 29. Cape Canaveral’s locale: Abbr.

61. Pasture sound 30. Botch

MARCH 18, 2021 INLANDER 63

Play where the big winners play.

Frank’s Omelet Bar SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS | 8 AM - 12 PM $14 PER PERSON Enjoy Frank’s made-to-order eggs or omelets with sides of bacon, sausage, potato patties, Eggs Benedict and fruit. Includes your choice of coffee, juice, milk or a soft drink. Our staff will be dishing up the food to our guests directly to keep everyone safe.

Win One of 28 GUARANTEED Jackpots!

STARTING MARCH 1 ST Celebrate our 28TH Anniversary with us and you could win some major moolah!

The $100,000 March Moolah Lucky You features 28 guaranteed jackpots.

Multiple jackpots start at either $1,200, $2,800 or $5,000 and the Mega Moolah Jackpot starts at $28,000 and must hit by $29,000!

They’ll keep building higher and higher – until they’re won.

Lucky You jackpots can go any time, any bet amount, just play with your Coeur Rewards card and you could win. All March Moolah Lucky You jackpots must go by March 31ST, 2021.

See the Coeur Rewards booth, CDA Casino app or cdacasino.com for promotional rules.

Dinner & Comedy Show THURSDAY, MARCH 25 TH 6:30 PM - 8 PM LOCATED IN THE NIGHTHAWK LOUNGE $40 PER PERSON Who needs a good laugh and a dinner out? Get your tickets now for a dinner and comedy show! Tickets are only $40 each and include dinner, one beverage, comedy show and $10 Extra Play Cash*. Social distancing policies are in effect and tickets are limited, so buy now to grab your spot!

Visit cdacasino.com, the Casino Box Office, or TicketsWest for tickets and more Information. *Must be an active Coeur Rewards member to be eligible for Extra Play Cash offer. Must be age 21 or older to enter bar areas and lounges.

W E LC O M E H O M E .

CASINO | HOTEL | DINING | SPA | CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF 3 7 9 1 4 S O U T H N U K WA LQ W • W O R L E Y, I D A H O 8 3 8 7 6 • 1 8 0 0 - 5 2 3 - 2 4 6 4 • C D A C A S I N O . C O M