(SpoCOOL) A Spokane Blog

So today we're be asking for some input on a couple of topics, because why not? Either email us at team@spocool.com or tweet @spocool if you have an opinion or want to join in on either of these...

First, our links section. Food blogs in Spokane seem to be rather... inactive... as of late, so we figured we'd add some more sites which in one way or other you would find interesting, usually from creative locals or whatever. These are LAWLKAT ALLEY, Erick Doxey Photography, Collect, and (more related to this site's content) One Baroque Girl. Are we missing any awesome sites? Let us know. We're also in the process of changing the link system to something that updates properly, have site titles, and generally doesn't suck, but that's neither here nor there.

For something completely different: We've started planning the next #SpoBREW, entitled the #SpoBREW Classic. This time around there will be some rule changes as well as a process that makes more sense as far as judging goes. This time we want your input on our plans. We might do it all via email, we might have a face-to-face... We will not make it a huge bureaucratic committee thing, because that's just lame. With that in mind, we're not sure how big we want to make this, but give us a shout anyway, and we'll see what happens.

And that's it -- SpoCOOL, your purveyor of democracy!

So here we have a tripel -- which for all intends and purposes could stand for triple the punch -- from Midnight Sun which isn't too bad at all. The Panty Peeler, which we can only assume is an oh so clever play on the 8.5% ABV, might not be worth walking through mud for, but it's a solid ale, and you should probably pick up a bottle of it.

It pours like one would expect; golden orange with just a bit of haziness to it. A finger's worth of head foams well into a white color. Nothing too surprising, and that's fine.

The same goes for the nose. Citrus and coriander comes out ahead, with the malts a bit further behind. I had expected the latter to come flying, I suppose, but either way the aroma is quite pleasant, if a bit misleading.

How so?

Flavor wise everything actually gets turned on his head. In other words the maltiness comes through as the dominant flavor. That's not to say the citrus and spices aren't there. They back up the malts perfectly well, and the orange is particularly pleasant. The coriander, meanwhile, is not flying as the solo spice either. There's definitely just a hint of pepper here, and a few other spices I can't quite identify.

The flavor doesn't slap you in the face, yet somewhat surprisingly hides the punch from the alcohol. That can be somewhat lethal, of course, so sip conservatively.

This is a good tripel. I like it. It might not be too exciting, but that's OK. My guess is it'd be better enjoyed during the summer, as it's quite refreshing. Pick a bottle up at any rate; it's worth it.

Making a prequel TV show to Psycho might not seem like a great idea, and it probably isn't. That's why Bates Motel works -- it's (presumably) a prequel to Norman Bates becoming what he is in Psycho, but it is not a prequel to the movie. Rather it's set in a modern times alternate universe. And... Well, it all works very well, and made even better by our drinking game!

Take a shot...

... when there's obvious sexual tension between Norman and his mother Norma. Take an extra shot for every shudder you experience with it.

... whenever Norman has a hallucination.

... when an actor from Lost appears.

... for every clear reference to the original movie. (Shower shots, musical cues, etc.)

... for every obvious change from the original movie. (Location being in Oregon as opposed to California, Norman having a brother, etc.)

... when you smugly tell people you read the original book.

... whenever Norma has a jealousy fit over one of Norman's female friends.

... whenever you wonder what all these girls see in Norman. Take an extra shot when it occurs to you it might only be happening in Norman's head.

... for every character killed, maimed, or otherwise injured.

... every time Norman calls his mom "mother".

... whenever Norman has no recollection of his actions.

... and finish the bottle if you recall ever watching the made for TV movie with the same name, starring Bud Cort.

Trust me, you'll be blasted fifteen minutes in. Bates Motel airs Mondays, 10pm on A&E.

It has been a slow few months as far as new spots is concerned, and, well... That really hasn't changed, at least as far as what the liquor licenses reveal. With that said, a couple of things of interest seems to be happening, like...

The oft-rumored Perry Street Brewing Company has an application in, which means we're one step closer to another Spokane brewery opening its doors. After all those years with, what? One or two of them? What's happening here? Anyway, we're sure it'll be a welcome addition, and something we count as excellent news.

Maggie's South Hill Grill is apparently changing names to Maggie's Grill, and, with the new applicants, it looks like ownership is changing too.

From the "lost in translation" or possibly "lost in cultural differences" department -- or so we hope -- we have Hung The Tran opening on Francis, which... Well, we'll just leave that one alone.