We're taking the crispy crackers of award season, the smoked salmon of special events, the soft cheese of new openings and the sweet chutney of free food to bring you a smorgasbord of this week's food news! (Fans of the Off Menu podcast, that was for you.)
AWARDS
Raise a toast to Evans Brothers Coffee, which won a 2024 Good Food Award for their good coffee and even better commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Their award-winning brew originates from a Kenyan mill operated by a cooperative of almost 800 coffee producers. It's currently sold out, but ask about their other Kenyan beans. This is Evans Brothers' second Good Food Award in a row, and fourth overall.Speaking of awards, No-Li Brewhouse took home three medals at the 2024 Korea International Beer Awards in Seoul. Their White & Hazy IPA took silver, while the Wrecking Ball Imperial Stout and Porch Glow Amber each took bronze. No-Li has been the most internationally awarded American brewery since 2020.
EVENTS
Love bikes? Love farms? Look no further than the third annual Tour de Farms on June 8 hosted by Wheel Sport Bicycles and the South Spokane Farm Corridor. Pedal along the Palouse Highway at your own pace and stop at any of the two-dozen participating farms, nurseries and ranches. Find fresh fruits and flowers, meet local growers and farmers, and work up a healthy appetite. Choose your own route in the morning, but make sure to end up at Barn and Blossom sometime between noon and 4 pm for live music and a food truck. Raffle tickets are available at each farm for the chance to win some delicious prizes. For more information, visit wheelsportbikes.com.Looking for something more sit-down friendly? Local community builder Adam Schlüter is back to hosting backyard potluck dinners for friends and strangers-who-will-soon-become-friends in Coeur d'Alene. Every Monday night, gather with other folks who are ready to share food and real conversations. When the photographer set off on a dead-end trip that eventually became his project Hello from a Stranger, vulnerability ended up saving Schlüter's life. With weekly Monday night dinners, he hopes to share that same meaning and validation to whoever needs it. For details, visit hellofromastranger.com.
OPENINGS
Cue the cute caffeine! Redeemed Coffee Company has opened a new location on the east edge of Browne's Addition on Second Avenue, right across the street from Rosauers. Its first location is on Fairchild Air Force Base, but now the tiny, chic spot offers drive-thru and sit-down service for both downtown commuters and neighborhood residents. The shop has already offered events like mommy-and-me playdates and a build-your-own bouquet event for Mother's Day. Head through the pink door at 1618 W. Second Ave., Suite C, or follow @redeemedcoffeco_ for menu and event updates.
FREE COOKIES
It's the 50th anniversary of Expo '74 and the 55th anniversary of the DoubleTree by Hilton brand, so you know what that means... free cookies! Any Friday through June 14, stop by the Spokane Convention Center's Centennial Ballroom breezeway by the Centennial Trail anytime between noon and 1:30 pm for your very own warm, gooey, iconic Hilton chocolate chip cookie. The goal of the giveaway is "to bring smiles to faces throughout Spokane," and boy, do we think they're going to succeed. Convince your coworkers to take a walk during lunch, let the kids go for a playdate in the park, or take yourself out on a spring date to enjoy some sunshine and sweet, sweet hospitality.♦