FOOD BLOTTER: Volstead Act, No-Li's new menu and coffee for a cause

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Thursday, September 19, 2013

FOOD BLOTTER: Volstead Act, No-Li's new menu and coffee for a cause

Posted By Lisa Waananen on Thu, Sep 19, 2013 at 4:23 PM

The Volstead Act has been inviting people in for a soft opening this week, and the Entree newsletter has more about it. We’ve also got news about what to expect from the MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub that’s taking the place of Ciao Mambo downtown.

Next Wednesday is No-Li’s first-ever beer dinner, which pairs a handful of No-Li brews with a four-course dinner that previews the new menu by new head chef Branden Moreau, previously of Manito Tap House. Here’s what the press release from No-Li says about bringing him on board:

“No-Li brought Moreau on board to revamp their menu and increase customer satisfaction, with a heavy focus on a food and craft beer experience. As the craft beer scene in the greater Spokane area grows, No-Li continues to strive to be a leader, helping to spread the movement and satisfy the customers demand for a memorable dining experience. In addition, Moreau is putting a big focus on building great relationships and local connections with purveyors, guests and staff.”

The plans are to change the menu a few times a year, with local ingredients — Moreau says he is experimenting with using beer in several recipes, too.

We recently wrote about the rise of hard cider in the Northwest, and there’s now a Kickstarter campaign going for local cidery-in-the-making: One Tree Hard Cider.

It’s your last chance to visit the Park Bench Cafe in Manito Park before it closes for the season. (And there are discounts on all items until they run out.)

Among other reopening festivities, Uncle’s Games in the Liberty Building is celebrating tomorrow morning with free coffee from Santé and snacks from Dawn of the Donut.

We’ll remind you next week, but on Sept. 27 all Dutch Bros. Coffee locations in Spokane will be raising money for Kristie Ryser, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in April, and the American Childhood Cancer Organization. Ryser, 21, is undergoing chemotherapy treatment and will have a double mastectomy. For the fundraiser, all medium drinks will be $2, with half of that donated.

Nectar Wine, which started as a blog and became a real place almost three years ago, has signed a new lease for another three years.

The full list of breweries participating in the Inland NW Craft Beer Festival is now posted, and it’s long. Along with a whole lot of local favorites, it’s nice to see quite a few breweries making the trip from the Seattle area or the middle of the state.

If you’re looking for more good food reads, the Association of Food Journalists just announced its 2013 awards. Winning pieces range from “The Psychology of Cupcakes” to “Milk Money,” about dairy farmers fixing milk prices through what’s euphemistically called “herd retirement.”

No idea what this is, but it’s vaguely food-related?

Read previous food news here.

Tags: food blotter , Food