Delicious aromas will again soon waft from the old Sushi Yama building at 1321 W. Third Ave. in downtown Spokane.
Feast World Kitchen, a new nonprofit venture, is rehabbing the space to house an incubator kitchen for local immigrants and refugee chefs to cook and share their culture with the Spokane community while also supporting their families.
The effort, spearheaded by Ross Carper, who runs the Compass Breakfast Wagon, and Dan Todd, who owns pop-up restaurant Inland Curry (and has hosted several international guest chefs), is currently seeking $25,000 in community support through a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo open through early October. Find it by searching for "Feast World Kitchen" and follow the project on Facebook.
Carper says Feast plans to feature a different world cuisine and chef each night of the week, in addition to offering access to a commercial kitchen for use by area food trucks, independent chefs, caterers and other food-related businesses.
"So we're trying to duplicate what Dan does with weekly, pop-up carry out, but with not just one night a week," Carper says. "Feast will feature these people we know who have become our friends who just cook incredible Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and African food, or incredible tamales unlike anything you'll find in Spokane."
The goal is for Feast World Kitchen to open sometime in October, starting with carry-out-only orders before an on-site dining room is ready. Already, nearly 10 chefs who've relocated to Spokane from around the globe have expressed interest in sharing their food and culture through Feast, Carper says.
Beyond a place where locals can enjoy authentically prepared food from around the world, Carper says Feast's mission is to help bridge the cultural gap between longtime residents and the many immigrants who've made this region their new home. (CHEY SCOTT)
COCHINITO BENEFIT FOR BARTENDER KRISTY WHITE
If you've had a craft cocktail or two around Spokane in the last several years, chances are good you've been treated to a thoughtfully crafted creation by local bartender and cocktail expert Kristy White, lately found behind the bar at Cochinito Taqueria. White was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, but she's in good hands with her supportive restaurant family. To support White, Cochinito is organizing Kristy's Benefit Brunch for Sunday, Sept. 8, with three seatings at 9 am, 11 am and 1 pm. The buffet-style meal is $30 per person, with beverages available for purchase. All sales and gratuity will go to White and her family to support her while she undergoes treatment and recovers from surgery.
On the menu: roasted chile hash browns, breakfast tacos and more. While the brunch is currently all booked, you can call the restaurant at 474-9618 and be added to a standby list. Berserk will also host a benefit show, auction and raffle for White on Sept. 21, featuring local bands Lip Sick and Big Raffle. (CHEY SCOTT)
MICKDUFF'S PLANS 2020 RELOCATION
When they opened MickDuff's Brewery in 2006, Mickey and Duffy Mahoney had in mind a gathering place for family and friends. Their food and beer — Tipsy Toehead, Lake Paddler Pale Ale and others — were a hit, and they eventually outgrew brewing capacity in the original pub on Sandpoint's busy First Avenue. In 2014, the duo added a second location, MickDuff's Beer Hall, just down the street, which allowed them to brew more and different beer, as well as host live music. While the Beer Hall will remain as is, a new pub is planned. The Mahoney brothers are working to relocate and expand their First Avenue brewpub into the historic former Sandpoint Federal Building at 419 Second Ave., a 1920s-era brick structure with distinct domed windows and ornate cement work on the façade. At around 12,000 square feet, the new MickDuff's location offers plenty of room for dining, as well as a pilot brewing area to further expand the MickDuff's line, which is frequently on tap at Sandpoint-area restaurants. The new pub is slated to open in summer 2020. (CARRIE SCOZZARO) ♦
