ASIAN WORLD FOOD MARKET

When customers make the drive to Spokane from Montana or Idaho just to shop at your store, you know you’ve filled a niche.

“We have products customers can’t find in other stores,” says Jin Uhm, manager of Asian World Food Market on North Division Street.

Going on 12 years in business, the market carries food items imported from Korea, Japan, China, Indonesia, India and the Marshall Islands, as well as from Hawaii.

To keep the store stocked, Uhm says he has only one distributor who delivers. For the bulk of Asian World’s merchandise, he sends a truck driver to Seattle who makes no less than 20 stops to fulfill all orders.

“Customers thank us for carrying foods that remind them of back home,” he says. “Also, Americans seem to like to cook Asian food more now. They bring us recipes, and we help them find what they need. They get excited at the many choices.”

Indeed, just walking into the roughly 5,000-square-foot market, your eyes widen and senses peak, like you’re 8 years old again, walking into your favorite candy store. All brightly lit and super colorful, row upon row of noshing and culinary adventure — especially for the newcomer — can make one feel downright giddy.

Then there are the names to take in. Items such as bagoong alamang (shrimp paste), japchae (sweet potato noodles) and moong dal (green gram beans) line the shelves, along with sweet fixings such as halo-halo (sweetened beans and fruit), macapuno string (soft coconut meat) and grass jelly (a dessert eaten alone or in bubble tea).

Reach-in coolers and freezers are filled with an abundant selection of thirst-quenchers and sweet-tooth quellers such as sikhye (a Korean sweet rice drink) and makgeolli (fermented rice wine), plus bubble tea and UCC Coffee (the Japanese coffee-in-a-can favorite). There’s also fish and seafood, as well as fresh produce like bok choy and galangal root.

With a wide, easy grin, Uhm says, “We also make freshly prepared kimbap [sushi], kimchi and japchae, which our customers really like.”

— RENÉE SANDE

2nd PLACE: Best Asian Market

3rd PLACE: De Leon Foods

Best Local Grocery Store My Fresh Basket

Filling a void in the downtown grocery scene when it opened in 2017, My Fresh Basket quickly became a favorite, offering a gourmet variety of meats, cheeses, produce and health-focused dried goods, drinks and cleaning products. Somewhere on the spectrum between a Trader Joe’s and a Whole Foods, My Fresh Basket offers plenty of affordable options while providing some high-end choices you’d be hard-pressed to find at other stores nearby. Plus, the deli is a wildly popular lunch spot for those who work north of the river, including some of us who put together your favorite paper every week. (SW)

2nd PLACE: Rosauers, 29th Avenue

3rd PLACE: Yoke’s Fresh Market, Foothills

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Pilgrim’s Market, Coeur d’Alene

Best Veterinary Clinic Garland Animal Clinic

In the heart of Spokane’s North Side, the Garland Animal Clinic has been continuously caring for the area’s beloved companion animals since 1966 — that’s a long time! The clinic’s current owners, Drs. Steve Boharski and April Weber-Boharski, purchased the practice back in 1999, and moved it down the street to an expanded, stateof-the-art facility in 2017. It’s easy to see why locals love Garland — with 11 veterinarians on staff, plus dozens of skilled support staff, clients’ furry friends are always in compassionate, caring hands. (CS)

2nd PLACE: Indian Trail Animal Hospital

3rd PLACE: Hunter Veterinary Clinic

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Prairie Animal Hospital, Coeur d’Alene

BEST USED CAR LOT CAL CARS SPOKANE/COEUR D’ALENE

“I have bought two cars from them, and they always make sure the cars are in tip-top shape while still asking a fantastic price.” (Ashley D.); “Honorable, great experience, they really take care of their customers. They make sure you are getting the vehicle you want and one you can see yourself driving every day!” (Paxston S.)

2nd PLACE: Jennifer’s Auto Sales and Service

3rd PLACE: UGM Motors

BEST WINE SHOP VINO!

“The folks who run Vino! are the best. They will help you decide on the best wine at any price point — and you are sure to love what they select. John Allen is a local treasure!” (Gail G.); “Buy local is always best. Such great people who know their wines!” (Tonia W.); “Great staff, selection, feels like family.” (John E.)

2nd PLACE: Nectar Wine and Beer

3rd PLACE: (tie) Rocket Market, Wanderlust Delicato

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Pilgrim’s Market, Coeur d’Alene

BEST WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE AUDREY’S BOUTIQUE

“Nice selection!” (Alice H.); “Personal and professional service, great fashions and all the extras to complete your look, from undergarments to accessories.” (Cheri M.)

2nd PLACE: Lolo; 3rd PLACE: Veda Lux

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Velvet Hammer Boutique, Coeur d’Alene

BEST WEDDING VENUE BEACON HILL CATERING & EVENTS

With sweeping views of Spokane and carefully manicured gardens perfect for pictures, Beacon Hill’s catering and event space offers a stunning backdrop for your special day. With menus that can range from high-end snack displays to full Mediterranean meals, and indoor/outdoor facilities that can accommodate hundreds, Beacon Hill’s team is set up to help design the event you have in mind. They’re also partnered with places like Barrister Winery, Arbor Crest Wine Cellars and Riverside Place, offering even more options for your big celebration. (SW)

2nd PLACE: Arbor Crest Wine Cellars; 3rd PLACE: Commellini Estate; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Hagadone Event Center, Coeur d’Alene

Spocannabis

Legal marijuana was uncharted territory in early 2013. While some fretted about morals, others saw a business opportunity, and Inlander readers were asked to brainstorm slogans to sell Spokane as a destination for state borderhopping weed tourists. “Spokannabis” was an obvious winner, but the runners-up were just as good: “The Evergreen State of Mind,” “The Inland Hempire” and “Highlac City.” A few readers weren’t too enthused about the idea and suggested slogans like: “Watch as Society Crumbles” and “No Thanks.” We wonder how they’re feeling about the whole thing now.

—NATE SANFORD