(SpoCOOL) A Spokane Blog

One thing we were contemplating during our recent Flying Goat visit was that many places in town wants to be some-other-place-style establishment. That restaurant called itself an "Ireland- or Scotland-type pub," which, of course, are two countries that instantly come to mind when you think pizza...

Checkerboard Tavern describes itself as a "taste of Britain," and numerous spots will brag they're styled after something you'd find in Seattle or Portland.

Now, I get that dining out is a good way to be transported somewhere else, but very few, if any, spots seem to want to be the quintessential Inland Northwest-style spot. Many restaurants, of course, use local ingredients and what not, but in terms of a mix of decor, ambiance and cooking -- the whole experience -- restaurants seem to have at least one foot outside the region.

That is in many ways understandable, and it's easy to throw out suggestions on a funny little website like this, but I can't help but think that for Spokane to really grow up, it needs to embrace the region it's in. This is a town that is a mix of rural and urban -- rurban -- and I'd love to see a restaurant that would tout that.

I'm talking not just local ingredients, but local style cooking, possibly based on game meat, local brews, wine and coffee, and typical Inland Northwest decor and ambiance.

The only spot I can think of that comes close is G W Hunters in Post Falls, though that place is little more than a glorified diner. Props, though, for not calling it "Montana-style" or something equally lame.

Again, it's obviously extremely easy to throw this out there. But whatever. This area is growing up, and I'd hate to see it relegated to Portland-lite status in people's minds.

Well, what do you know? A Redhook ale that doesn't suck? It has been a while, but here we go.

It pours a copper color with some head that's not particular thick. There is some lacing. A sniff reveals a pleasant sweet smell. 

The taste is quite good. If you don't like IPAs ou won't like this, and that's good as far as IPAs go. It's hoppy, not crazily so, but definitely a decent kick. There's also a mild citrus flavor which gives this a nice drinkability. At almost 9% ABV it's not a session beer, but it's a good outside sipping beer for the (alleged) summer. 

It's about friggin' time Redhook did something good again. I have taken their past few ales as personal insults. Here's hoping the Woodinville brewery will aim at making more beers like this, as opposed to their current dumbed down offerings.

(How's that for ending on a sour note?!)

There’s no doubt that disease and ill-health are rampant today because we don’t eat the right food and our lives are more sedentary today. We don’t make time to exercise, we eat anything that’s available in a jiffy whether it’s healthy or not, and we work ourselves to death. The problem with not eating right is that we think that healthy food cannot be delicious and vice versa. If it tastes good, we assume that it cannot be good for the body. But that’s another food myth that must be busted, so if you’re one among the many who think that healthy and delicious cannot find place in the same sentence, read on for a list of foods that are music to both your tongue and your health:

• Lean meat on wholegrain breads: The key to eating meat and feeling healthy is to choose low fat options like chicken, turkey and fish. The poultry is rich is protein while fish like salmon and tuna are beneficial for your heart because they contain Omega 3 fatty acids which prevent cholesterol from clogging up your arteries. Prepare chicken or fish meals with wholegrain bread or pasta or brown rice, all of which are healthy forms of carbohydrate that provide adequate fuel for your body without adding on extra pounds.
• Fresh fruits: There’s nothing like fresh fruits and vegetables to pack a punch in terms of nutrients, but since most of us detest vegetables unless it’s some form of potato, turn to fruits for your daily dose of nutrition, vitamins and minerals. Eat more of the fruits you love, less of those you can tolerate, but ensure that your home is always stocked with colorful, delicious and healthy fruit options. If you’re not too hungry, eat just fruits instead of a full meal. And if you’re in the mood for variety, blend a few different fruits for a delicious cocktail you can drink down with crushed ice.
• Eggs: If anyone were to ask me, this would be my choice for the food of the Gods. An egg can be eaten in many different ways, each one vying to be the most delicious among the rest. You can choose how you want to eat this humble food – boiled, fried, poached, scrambled, as an omelet, and in many other ways. Eggs are rich sources of protein and make great meals all by themselves. Start your day with a couple of scrambled eggs or make your lunch a cheese and mushroom omelet sprinkled with fresh herbs – they’re both nutritious and delicious. And if you’re worried about the cholesterol, eat just the whites.
• Nuts: Almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios – they’re all high in calories and delicious, two reasons enough to be avoided you would think. But no, they’re actually good for you. They’re the kind of good fats that your body needs. They make great snacks because they energize and keep hunger away. The only thing you need to remember is to avoid the salt and limit your quantity.
• Frozen yoghurt: If your sweet tooth cannot be denied and you cannot stop with just one small scoop of ice cream or a tiny slice of cake, then frozen yoghurts are your best friend – blend frozen berries with some yoghurt, freeze for a while, and voila – you have a tasty and healthy dessert.

This guest post is contributed by Shannon Wills, she writes on the topic of Physical Therapy Assistant. She welcomes your comments at her email id: shannonwills23@gmail.com.

Pretty much the worst label ever, but not a shabby summer ale at all.

I'm a fan of the Ponderay brewery's cream ale, and adding huckleberries to the mix seems like a pretty logical step to make it more summery.

The result is good. It pours with an extremely creamy head, and I can't recall an ale in recent memory  that has laced the glass quite as nicely as the Huckleberry Cream. The smell reveals, shockingly enough, cream and huckleberries. 

Flavor wise, though, the cream dominates. This isn't miles away from Laughing Dog's standard Cream Ale, just with a tart aftertaste. It could be argued that'd be enough, and it probably is, even though it's not extremely exciting.

With all that said, it's an extremely drinkable beer. It's also refreshing. So while the excitement level might be a bit muted, I definitely see this one as part of the summer rotation. Nice one.