We're fortunate to have so many Slavic bakeries and retail spots in Spokane, which has probably only served to whet our appetites for more savory options. Find both at VKUSNIASHKA EURO, at 4902 E. Sprague Ave. in Spokane Valley.
The name translates to "yummy," according to owner Larisa Nazar, whose baked goods include traditional Slavic treats like dense brown bread and honey cake.
"I did attend a college for three years specifically for baking and cake decorations," says Nazar, who moved to the U.S. in 1995 while pregnant with her first daughter.
It has always been her dream to have her own bakery and cafe, Nazar says. A favorite of hers and her customers is the meringue cake, and her Praga (Prague) cake, which features chocolate sponge and buttercream.
But if it's the savory you're after, this is the place for priced-by-the-pound dishes like cabbage rolls ($15), goulash ($15), crepes ($12-$12.50) and melt-in-your-mouth dumplings called pelmeni ($12).
The bakery doesn't have a website, but customers can call Nazar at 509-270-5885 or follow her on Instagram, @larisa.nazar_vkysnyashka.
OPENINGS & MORE
Customers no longer have to drive up to Chattaroy to get a sugar fix at BAKE MY DAY (34911 N. Newport Hwy.). The bakery's new Spokane Valley location (18123 E. Appleway Ave.) opened recently inside the Greenacres Shopping Center. Look for the white windmill building to get all the cookies, scones, muffins, bread and legendary caramel pecan cinnamon rolls you're craving. Online ordering is also available. Follow the bakery at facebook.com/bakemydayspokanevalley.
Summer is salad weather. Have yours delivered to your door or get your steps in and walk over to the newly opened SPOKANE SALAD DELIVERY (510 W. Riverside Ave., #201) inside the Numerica Building skywalk (High Tide Lobster Bar's former location). Try the ramen ($15) with greens, crispy noodles, shredded carrot, cabbage, almonds and sesame vinaigrette. Visit spokanesalads.com.
Unfortunately, GOLDFINCH RESTAURANT (157 N. Oak St., Colville) announced via Facebook that it has closed after two years in business.
NEW MENUS
Breakfast on the garden patio before time at the lake? Sounds like a classic Coeur d'Alene summer day. 315 CUISINE (315 E. Wallace Ave.) is now serving breakfast with dishes like shrimp etouffee ($18), bananas foster French toast ($18) or eggs benedict with a tomato-tarragon hollandaise ($16). And to drink, try Micheladas ($8), which is Pacifico beer and clamato, or the Morning Paloma ($12) with mezcal and grapefruit. Visit 315cuisine.com.
You'd expect a seafood market to have the freshest fish, which makes serving poke a natural fit. FISHERMAN'S MARKET & GRILL (215 W. Kathleen Ave., Coeur d'Alene) has updated its poke offering ($14/small, $17/large), which lets you choose a base of greens or rice, sauce, type of fish, and up to four sides like tempura carrots or edamame. Or choose standard bowls like the North Idaho ($14/small, $17/large), with salmon over rice, topped with avocado, cucumber and ponzu sauce. Visit facebook.com/fishermansmarketcda.
HOGWASH WHISKEY DEN (304 W. Pacific Ave.) just dropped a new menu and it's poppin' with flavor. It includes many of your faves like the Jamboni sandwich ($16) with fried chicken, smoked ham and gooey cheese, as well as new Southern-inspired treats like fried green tomatoes ($12) with pimento cheese sauce and cornbread ($6). For dessert, try the brownie sundae ($12) with peanut butter gelato and whiskey caramel sauce. Visit drinkhogwash.com.
Just upstairs from Hogwash, INLAND PACIFIC KITCHEN also posted an even more dope menu for its "dopest brunch," coinciding with the arrival of new chef, Trevor Stratton. It's a multicultural exploration from French-inspired galettes ($17), Asian-inspired pork katsu ($17), to the chefs' spin on an American snack food: the Pop Tart ($7). Visit ipkspokane.com.
CELEBRATIONS
When you’ve been in business as long as Spokane’s PETE'S PIZZA (821 E. Sharp Ave. and 2328 W. Northwest Blvd.), you’re liable to forget a few things… like the month you actually started the business 50 years ago.So Pete’s arbitrarily celebrates its 50th anniversary in July, according to the restaurant’s social media manager. That’s five decades of family-owned calzones ($11.50/small, $14/large) like Pete’s Favorite with ricotta and meatballs or the Romani with artichokes, roasted red pepper and feta cheese. Spokane’s “calzone king” also does daily specials like a 15 percent discount on two or more calzones every Sunday. Pete’s also serves assorted pizzas, salads, sandwiches and desserts. Visit petesspokane.com.
Food & Wine magazine recently named Spokane’s own SPICEOLOGY as one of its “9 Best Barbecue Spices and Rubs for Mastering Smoked Meat and More,” which is perfect timing for all the barbecue fans out there. Visit spiceology.com.♦
To-Go Box is the Inlander's regular dining news column, offering tasty tidbits and updates on the region's food and drink scene. Send tips and updates to [email protected].
