Just before 2019 closes out, we're getting another really little bar downtown.
Lil' Sumthin' Saloon, at 301 W. Second Ave. and just down the door from fellow teeny bar the Tiny Tiki, is hosting its grand opening on New Year's Eve; Dec. 31 from 9:30 pm-3 am.
Owners Kryston Skinner and Austin Estrada recently relocated to Spokane from Fort Worth, Texas, and designed the bar with a funky, Texas-inspired Western vibe. Hours after the Dec. 31 opening, which includes a Latinx art show and cowpoke costume contest, are as follows: Wednesday through Saturday from 4 pm-2 am and Sundays from 11 am-4 pm. Happy hour is daily from 4-7 pm with $5 drink and shot specials, and there's a michelada and Bloody Mary bar with bingo every Sunday from 11:30 am-3 pm. (CHEY SCOTT)
NEW GOURMET OLIVE OIL SHOP IN COEUR D'ALENE
Migliore Olive Oil, which opened recently in downtown Coeur d'Alene, pays tribute to owner Debbie Pruneri McKeown's Italian heritage.
"My father was a first generation Italian, born in the small vineyard community of Guasti, California," McKeown says. "He went to work for the Italian-American market in the colony when he was 14 years old and retired as an owner."
The seasoning salt blends are from him, while the barrel-themed furniture inside the store relates to McKeown's grandfather, a cooper (barrel maker). Both men are depicted in the photographic wall murals inside Migliore, which translates to "the best." The Sherman Avenue shop features six varieties of olive oil from two locations — in the northern and southern hemisphere so they're always fresh — from which they also make infused oils. Migliore also has more than two dozen white and 18-year-old dark balsamic vinegars, assorted jams, pasta, pestos, mustards, popcorn and other gourmet items, as well as personal care products and gift items. Look for Olive Oil 101 classes to begin after the holidays and posted on their website, miglioreoliveoilcda.com and on Facebook. (CARRIE SCOZZARO)
BLUEBIRD BAKERY OPENS IN SANDPOINT
The Sandpoint Farmers Market may be done for the season, but at least one vendor has transformed a downtown space into a new, permanent location for her artisan breads and other baked goods. Jill Severson opened Bluebird Bakery this fall, renovating the space at the corner of First and Cedar that was formerly home to several generations of kitchen supply stores. It's brightly lit, featuring handmade tables, fresh DOMA Coffee and other hot drinks, and a modest array of baked goods. Try the flaky, lighter-than-air almond croissant or huckleberry Danish ($4) or take home a crusty boule of sourdough, olive or salted rosemary ($8). Stay tuned to Facebook for news on an expanding menu, including new charcuterie platters ($20) featuring Severson's pick of gourmet meats, cheeses, pickled items and fruit that pair perfectly with their breads. (CARRIE SCOZZARO) ♦
