Let's talk Spokane Public Market for just a bit, because why not?
Looking at the Main Market Co-op, it was in many ways what Spokane needed to start its journey into true adulthood. Sure, it's still a city in its late teenage years as far as urban maturity goes, but something like a public market makes it more of a young adult. The kind of city you soon can take out for a beer.
As far as the market goes, it's also in its early stages, but has been surprisingly decent so far. There's a good variety of vendors, be it purveyors of baked goods, meat and fish, and artisan wares. Only a few weeks in, and you're already able to do a good chunk of your grocery shopping here.
That's what you should expect from this type of market, and Spokane Public Market lives up to its expectation, although some more permanent booths would make for a nice replacement of the current random tables.
The only thing worth being somewhat frowny faced about -- :( -- is some of the vendors who, bless them, are taking friendly a bit too far. The fourth time you ask us how we're doing is when it all just gets a bit old. Wait to approach potential customers until they walk up to your table; there's no need to shout after everyone passing by.
That aside, the building that started as the home of Sun People Dry Goods is turning into a very interesting space, with a wine bar and all. Spokane might not be a grown-up yet, but at least its awkward years are coming to an end.
So here's the first ale we've tried this season that seems appropriately summer-y, even though it's a year-round. Following the current can-trend, Scape Goat is a mild pale, clocking in under 5% ABV which puts it firmly in the session-class.
It pours a clear amber which lives up to the beer's "pale" classification. A couple of fingers head gives it a nice inviting look.
Sniff it, and it seems to be fairly balanced, with the hops probably taking the front seat and the malt strapped in the kids' seat in the back. The taste reflects this pretty well too, and has a nice little citric kick to it. It's definitely refreshing and crisp, though the light mouthfeel and semi-heavy carbonation might scare some off.
The latter might be an issue if you were drinking this in December, but here in what we like to pretend is a summer month, it's not a bad thing.
Overall, Scape Goat is a good ale and one that should pair well with summer-grilling.
It didn't to Michael Jackson, but apparently it does to some of you. To those we say "for shame", but instead of going on a rant about various levels of high contrast and readibility we give you a choice.
It's experimental for now, but if you're one of those who prefer black on white over white on black -- and get your mind out of the gutter here! -- you now have options. Right on top there are two buttons. Click black for a black background and white for a white one. (You might have to reload the page to properly see the buttons.) Your browser should remember your choice for a year.
This is tested in latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari and IE. Use any other or older version than that and you're on your own.
On a side note, if you're using IE6 -- and good god why would you? -- the site now kicks back to a barebone theme.
Like previously mentioned, we like food trucks and we'd like to see more of them around town, preferably in clusters as seen in many other cities.
Apparently we're not the only ones thinking that, as evident by this Craigslist ad. Property has already been secured, it says, "on a busy Spokane street which sees approx. 27,000 cars per average weekday". This from Quick Industrial Catering.
We tend to agree with their assertion that an "outdoor food court" could succeed nicely here in Spokane too. The location in question, on the corner of N Freya and E Olive, certainly would have the influx of people needed to make something like this going.
In other words, this is your chance if your dream is to start a food truck revolution!
