While locals have long known this fact, it's now been nationally recognized that Spokane's Italia Trattoria serves some of the best pasta in the country. On a list recently published by the Food Network, Italia Trattoria was included with 98 other restaurants making the "Best Pastas in the Country." Specifically, the list mentioned Italia's pappardelle lamb ragu, a house specialty of handmade pappardelle pasta topped with a garlic and rosemary-infused sauce and wine-braised lamb ragu, finished with freshly grated pecorino cheese and fresh mint.
The restaurant, which chef Anna Vogel and Bethe Bowman opened in 2010, was in good company on the list that mentioned plenty of restaurants in cities of much bigger size — New York, Portland, Austin, Miami, Washington D.C. — than the Spokane metro area. This isn't the first time the traditional and regionally inspired Italian fine-dining restaurant has received a major nod, as chef Vogel was named a James Beard Award semifinalist in 2018. (CHEY SCOTT)
COFFEE & LOBSTER AT THE WONDER
Three food and drink ventures coming to the recently remodeled, historic Wonder Building in downtown Spokane have been officially announced: Evans Brothers Coffee, High Tide Lobster Bar and Mangia Catering.
Sandpoint-based Evans Brothers Coffee and the lobster bar concept by Spokane chef Chad White will be the first two retail eateries to open in the mixed-use building at 835 N. Post St., on the north bank of the Spokane River. The coffee roaster's projected opening is Nov. 4 with High Tide to follow on Nov. 11. Meanwhile, Liberty Lake-based Mangia Catering was selected as the building's exclusive catering service.
The Wonder Market, the entity managing food and drink operations for the building, is now the third location for Evans Brothers Coffee, adding to cafes in Coeur d'Alene and its Sandpoint headquarters. White launched his flagship location for High Tide Lobster Bar, specializing in New England-style lobster rolls, earlier this year in the heart of downtown Spokane near River Park Square. The Wonder is now his second spot for the eatery. Both High Tide and Evans Brothers are situated on the building's western end. (CHEY SCOTT)
FLAME & CORK FIRED UP ABOUT NEW LOCATION
More room, outdoor seating and the satisfaction that only comes with designing your own space is what owners of Flame & Cork are looking forward to as they watch construction of their new location just down the street from their current location in Hayden.
"We plan on moving to the new location by the end of this year or first part of next year," says Connie Young, who started the restaurant in 2016 with her husband John and his son Nick.
One of a small but growing set of beyond-fast-casual restaurant options for Hayden-area diners, Flame & Cork has gained a following for its wood-fired pizza, from-scratch charcuterie and gluten-free, wood-fired mac and cheese. Its owners are also considering adding weekly specials and gelato at the new location, which will be at 8592 Government Way in Hayden. (CARRIE SCOZZARO) ♦
