The way Spokane eats has changed in the past several years. Look no further than the proliferation of award-winning chefs, the way our food is sourced, prepared and eaten, and the explosion of Inlander Restaurant Week.
Now the Inland Northwest gets to show off all that hard work to one of the most celebrated experts in the biz when Food Network show host and chef Alton Brown stops in for his nationally touring live show, Alton Brown Live!.
Widely known for his methodical, science-based approach to cooking, Brown also projects a simplified approach to cooking and eating. In other words, you don't have to be a "foodie" to enjoy Brown's advice on eating. Here's what Brown had to say to some of our questions before heading to the Lilac City. Also, find out what local spots Brown checks out while he's here by following the Twitter hashtag #ABRoadEatsSpokane.
INLANDER: What do you predict will be 2015's big, widespread food trend?
BROWN: Wine cocktails, oxtails, Indian cuisine and chickpeas.
You travel all over the U.S. trying out restaurants and interesting food — how hard it is to live a healthy lifestyle when eating is your job?
You have to order small and eat less. And eating with others helps. It slows you down. And never eat late at night.
Leaving out the obvious stereotype of coffee, what do you think the Northwest really rocks at like no where else in the world?
Honestly... seafood. Across the board, it's better than anywhere in the world.
You'll be in Spokane for the tail end of the third annual, region-wide Inlander Restaurant Week (Feb. 20-March 1). What is your opinion of dining industry promotions like this?
These promotions are a big deal because they help cities discover who they are, culinarily speaking. I don't want to single out any particular city because all towns are different. I'm just glad I'll have the opportunity to experience it there.
Do you have anything in mind yet that you're really excited to try while you're here?
I kind of like keeping that info under my hat.
As such a recognizable figure in the food world, do you ever worry that you're not getting a truly unbiased experience when you dine out? Are there times you feel a restaurant staff overdoes it to try to impress you?
Sure, that happens. But more times than not, no one notices me. I'm good at lying low and blending in. I don't even have an entourage. ♦
Alton Brown Live!: The Edible Inevitable Tour • Sun, March 1, at 6:30 pm • $32-$78 • INB Performing Arts Center • 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. • inbpac.com • 279-7000
