The newest addition to downtown Spokane's wine scene is LE VERRE, which is celebrating its grand opening on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 7 pm.
For a swanky night filled with smooth, live jazz, step into this new wine bar that resembles an old Hollywood speakeasy. The bar's grand opening offers a special lineup of top-selling cocktails, plus a champagne tower, hors d'oeuvres, wine specials and a raffle featuring items from other local businesses.
Le Verre has quietly been open since late July to get its employees up to speed on everything wine.
"We just wanted to kind of get settled before actually having a grand opening and being able to celebrate with downtown," owner Jessica Moseley says.
If you're indecisive, Le Verre's self-serve wine machine is for you. Create a tasting adventure by choosing from 1-, 3- or 5-ounce pours from a rotating selection of red wines.
Moseley was inspired by the machine when seeing a similar concept at a business in Idaho.
"It kind of lets people try wine at their own pace," she says.
If wine isn't your beverage of choice, there are also craft cocktails and whiskey.
The space was previously occupied by the Wet Whistle coffee shop, specializing in coffee cocktails. Moseley, who also ran the prior business, says Le Verre's espresso cocktails are worth the evening caffeine kick.
ROLL THE DICE
Downtown fine-dining destination Gander & Ryegrass is shaking things up with its fall promotions.Take a chance and roll the dice during happy hour, from 3 to 5 pm. If you roll a lucky number six, your meal is on the house! First, the ground rules: You must order before 3 pm and cash out by 5 pm, your food bill is covered up to $100, you must ask your server to roll the dice for you, and you only get one roll.
And for those familiar with the restaurant's six-course chef's choice Marathon, Gander & Ryegrass is now also offering the abbreviated, five-course Matinee menu. If you have a Broadway show to attend at the nearby First Interstate Center for the Arts, this shortened meal offers a fine-dining experience while on a time crunch.
Wine lovers can also look for Gander & Ryegrass' Wednesday discounts, when every bottle on their list is half-off, all day long.
For those who frequent farmers markets in the growing season, restless now that they're closed for the winter, fret no more!
BREAKING GROUND
The Spokane Conservation District is breaking ground this month for The Scale House Market, a year-round farmers market and community hub in Spokane Valley, slated to open in spring 2025 at 4422 E. Eighth Ave."Designed to breathe new life into Spokane's historic quarry site, The Scale House Market will serve as a vibrant center for local agriculture, small businesses, and community engagement," the Spokane Conservation District said in a press release.
The market aims to house 65 vendors and to attract 249,000 visitors annually. Other goals are to promote local economic growth and ease food insecurity by accepting SNAP benefits.
"The Scale House Market is not just about food; it's about building stronger, healthier communities through innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable practices," Spokane Conservation District Director Vicki Carter said in the release.
BOBA BONANZA
Boba has become a go-to refreshment for fans of the drink's tapioca goodness. Chaos Arcade in North Spokane is expounding on the hype and spreading some cheer by hosting a free boba day."We know it's been a tough year for many, but we want to spread some cheer with free boba," owner Beverly Lee said in a press release.
At the arcade, guests can get one free 16- or 24-ounce boba or cafe drink with up to two toppings in their signature cups.
Pop on over from 6-8 pm on Friday, Nov. 15, to get your free drink. ♦
