Arbor Crest Wine Cellars: A Tradition of Taste (Mermaid Edition)

Today I became a Mermaid! How GREAT is that?
Here is my article that appears in the May/June 2013 issue of Mermaids of the Lake.
Yes, you need to check it out at http://mermaidsofthelake.com/news.asp?id=857
There loads of good stuff to discover in each issue, so DIVE right in! 

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars: A Tradition of Taste

By Laurie L Ross
Editor of Sip of Spokane

Arbor Crest Cliff House

Laurie Ross, aka Sip, edits the blog Sip of Spokane. Her mission is to promote wine in Eastern Washington with a delicious focus in and around Spokane. She shares one of her favorite wine venues with us here:

The Grapevine: At Arbor Crest wine making is a family tradition. Born into a family that had farmed in Washington State for over a century, brothers Harold and David Mielke discovered in the late 70's that their land had enormous potential to grow grapes for producing fine wines. Given the explosive growth of the Washington wine industry, we can confidently proclaim they were onto something. A dream became a reality in 1982 when they, along with Harold's wife Marcia, established Arbor Crest Wine Cellars. Arbor Crest was the 29th winery established in Washington State. Today, there are well over 700 wineries in Washington State, making Arbor Crest Wine Cellars a Washington wine industry pioneer.

The Gate House

Tasteful Surroundings: Two years later in 1984, the Mielke family purchased the Riblet Estate and relocated the winery to the estate's Cliff House, perched high atop cliffs overlooking the Spokane River, which flows 450 feet below. Needless to say, this unique setting provides outstanding views. The Cliff House, a National Historic Landmark, built in the Florentine-style in 1924 is a picturesque winery complete with awe-inspiring views. Arbor Crest boasts one of the most spectacular settings of any winery in Washington State and is worth visiting for this reason alone. This 75-acre estate with breathtaking gardens has landmarks, including a gazebo, croquet court, and famed life-size checkerboard. The current tasting room blends in well, though it was built in 2003. An unfortunate 2009 fire damaged the historic Cliff House, but the owners assured the heartbroken public it could be restored to its original splendor. December 2010 marked the completion of this careful restoration. This is a destination winery with the tasting room and gift shop open daily from 12-5pm. The setting provides a perfect place for a picnic and the venue is available to rent for memorable weddings and events. 

  

Summer concert series

Summer Soundtrack: The summer concert series is an ideal way to enjoy Arbor Crest. This season there are 45 different ways to experience Arbor Crest with live music for every taste such as; Grammy-winning jazz singer/pianist, Diane Schuur, bluegrass Celtic rock band Clumsy Lovers and our treasured Spokane Symphony to highlight a few. These headliner acts are sprinkled throughout a line up of select rock, country, and swing bands. Attend Wednesdays "Peak of the Week" shows, Thursdays "Performers on the Patio" which features musicians and artists just outside the tasting room, or wrap up the weekend in style with the wildly popular Sunday "Concerts on the Cliff." There’s a variety of food available for purchase on premise or you can bring your own picnic. Wine is available by the glass or bottle. On Sundays there is a token $5 cover charge and all public events are exclusively 21 & up.

Arbor Crest Tasting Room

The Wine: Try the line up in the tasting room, as the Arbor Crest staff is well versed in the nuances of their wines. There is a small 5-acre vineyard at the site that adds to the romance. Its fruit is used to produce an estate-bottled sparkling wine; otherwise the wines, like most Spokane wineries are made from grapes grown from select regions outside of Spokane, but still within Eastern Washington.

A popular Arbor Crest wine is Dionysus, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Wines are traditionally named after the grapes, but a blend gives the winemaker the opportunity to name it at will. The limited release red-blend Dionysus is named after the god of wine, the inspirer of ritual madness and ecstasy. It’s defiantly a wine not to miss but be sure to also try the Syrah and Malbec. Also highly recommended is the luscious Arbor Crest Sauvignon Blanc, which is a nice pairing for a summer picnic.

Arbor Crest's winemaker, Kristina Mielke-van Löbel Sels, is a second-generation winemaker. Daughter of Harold and Marcia, she is a graduate of the University of California Davis in Fermentation Science. Mielke-van Löbel Sels spent seven years as the associate winemaker of Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery of Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County in California, before she and her husband Jim; a viticulturist joined the Arbor Crest Wine Cellars staff. Using grapes grown in the Columbia Valley, Red Mountain, and Wahluke Slope, Arbor Crest produces a wide variety of wines that are available at wine shops, grocery stores, and select restaurants, as well as at the winery. 

As Arbor Crest approaches its 30th Anniversary, the return of an old family label creates a new chapter in their legacy. Back in 1969, Jim’s family released the original (and long-dormant) van Löben Sels label in California. Today, Jim, Kristina, and their three children are re-introducing the wines of van Löbel Sels Cellars. The new label is receiving rave reviews and beginning to make a name with both the 2010 Chardonnay - Conner Lee Vineyard, and the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon - Stillwater Creek Vineyard receiving 92 points from Robert Parker. 

Accolades:  Arbor Crest has received numerous accolades and awards, including being named by Wine Spectator as one of the "Top 50 Producers Every Wine Lover Should Know" and a "Best Place to Kiss in Spokane" by Visit Spokane.

 Sip Tips:

• Arbor Crest participates in Spokane Wine Association events, such as the Mother's Day Spring Barrel Tasting Weekend, as well as the November Holiday Winery Tour.
• Private tours of the Cliff House can be pre-arranged other times during the year and include wine tasting and a gourmet lunch.
• Wine tasting is available daily from 9am-5pm.
• Arbor Crest also has a downtown Spokane tasting room on the 3rd floor in Riverpark Square.
• In August, Arbor Crest Wine Cellars also hosts a Classic Car Show and Art and Glass Fest. Check website for current events and concert schedule. http://www.arborcrest.com/

Laurie L Ross is a consistently published freelance writer who usually writes about the important things in life: fine wine, creative cuisine, spectacular spas, regional art, and unique boutiques. Ms. Ross has a popular wine blog entitled Sip of Spokane, a lively Facebook page Sip of Spokane, as well as an active Twitter page sipofspokane. Weekdays she can be found as the Director of Marketing at a local Ad Agency in the Spokane Valley. 

Photo Credits: Logo photo courtesy of Arbor Crest. Additional photos are from author’s collection and writer profile picture is from Photos by Tess.

Wine BLOGGERS unite in BC.

BLOGGER.
Imagine actually having to introduce yourself as such.
BLOGGER.
Its just such an vulgar word. It sounds a little like BOOGER. Ick.

"Hi, I'm SIP and I'm a BLOGGER"

This title is problematic for online wine writers as there's not even a hint of romance about it. Although wine making is mostly a fairly unromantic process, wine bloggers tend to hone in the small bit that is. Regardless of my rant, this is our given name.

OH Canada! On the second week in June hundreds of us.... bloggers blogging blogs (mostly about wine) will converge on the city of Penticton.
Where?
Penticton.
It's  a city in the Okanagan Valley of the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada. It's population around 40,000 or so but its drenched in WINE.

If you haven't had the pleasure to make its acquaintance, you'll be impressed with Penticton, the Okanagan Valley wine growing region, and BC wines. Penticton is beautifully nestled between two lakes, with a backdrop of hills on all sides, and vineyards on the lake shore bluffs.  BC wines varietals range from Gewürztraminer and Pinto Gris to Cabernet Franc and some very hardy Bordeaux-style blends. They also have the Ice wine thing down.

Luckily for my travel companions, I speak and spell Canadian. Although I currently live in Eastern Washington (USA) and have for a decade or two, home for me is Canada. I grew up just across the boarder in a little coastal city called White Rock (British Columbia, CANADA). My folks (Canadian for parents) live up the hill from the beach and this will always be home for me.

So I'm thinking I can assist 'merican bloggers who are heading North for WBC13.

Here's a little hint when writing in Canada. If it doubt, adding a random "U" or "L" to words will help you look local. That and switching "er" to "re" such as, in theatre, litre and maneuvre. 

Let's give it a whirl -

"The colour of the grapes are marvellous. I can't wait to sip and savour the local flavour."  Get it?

Words like candour, behaviour, demeanour harbour, honour, humour, labour, neighbour, odour, parlour, rumour, tumour, valour, vigour and vapour are all are spelled correctly in Canada. Just by adding a "u". Our friendly neighbours to the North also like to add an extra "l" such as in marvellous, modell, jewellery and woollen. Yes, your spell check will have a heyday but you want to fit in, eh?

Now to Sound Canadian here's a few pointers that I embellished upon from Tour Canada.  You may not need this if there's speed tasting or if you attend the after-parties during WBC. An American talking tipsy may sound Canadian.

Diphthongs

• combining two vowels to make one
• used in words with "out" (eg. aboot a-bow-t)
• used in words with "ue" (eg. Tuesday Tooz-dee)

Changing vowel location or talking tipsy.

• ie. different becomes diffurnt and company is now cumpnee

Silent vowels

• dropping the vowel if it starts with a vowel (eg.  amazing is mazin', and American is maircan)

Replacing Y with two E's

• ie. Monday becomes Mundee and Calgary is Calgree

An inconstant consonant

• pronouncing t as a d (eg. priddy rather than pretty) 
• taking out consonants in some words (eg. Tronno instead of Toronto) but adding some consonants in others (eg. fambly instead of family)

Verb Tenses

• leaving out have or has (eg. I seen that film already)

Present Tense

• adding "s" to the word to make it past (eg. I goes into the hotel)

Joining prepositions with words

• when using a preposition (eg. to, in, until) combine it with the nearest word (eg. uptilate which translates to "up until late)

EH? (They know when you are just throwing it out there)

• use instead of huh, ya know, etc.
• short form for what did you say, would you repeat that please, etc.

Whatever

• use when you don't know what to say.

Now what you really need to know is about bringing home some of the liquid treasure you'll discover at WBC13
How much can you bring back? Well, the duty-free allowance (following trips of 48 hours or more) for bringing wine back to Canada is only 1.5 litres per person which is a rather miserly 2 bottles. You are allowed to bring back 8.5 litres of beer but only 2 bottles of wine. See CBSA site for the limits. If you are within the duty-free allowance, you won't have to pay anything extra. If you are lucky and have a nice customs person (of which there are quite a few), you might be allowed to bring back a bit more. There is zero duty-free allowance for alcohol for trips of less than 48 hours.

Hope this helps.
Canada is beautiful and I'm confident they will be marvellous hosts. We're in for a treat, eh?

Cheers!
I look forward to seeing you in C-eh?-N-eh?-D-eh?

Next post: The color of money. Really, its genius. Color coded money like Monopoly. Smallest bill is a $5 as coins rather than bills are used for $1 and $2 amounts.
Loonies & Toonies! God, I love this country.

* Flag vineyard photo credit: George Rose 2012, Cozy bottle photo credit: Canadian Design SourceI speak Canadian graphic by Spread Shirt.

If boyfriends were bars...

If boyfriends were bars, mine would be ZOLA.

Grown up, but still fun,

Attractive, yet not stuck up.

Very caring (substainable building)

Creative (recycled works of art)

Cooks for me (remarkably good bar food)

Sings to me (live music nightly)

...and likes ALL my friends.

Now if ZOLA would just help out around the house, I'd be set.

Zola can be found at 22 W. Main Ave. 509. 624.2416

This is one attractive bar. This place is nicely appointed, with most of the decor made from salvaged items, including the tilt-a-whirl booths. Very cool.

Live Music nightly and HAPPY HOUR is Daily 4-6 pm.

WINES BY THE GLASS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

White Wines

Maryhill Chardonnay $6

Chateau St. Michelle Riesling $5

"Huck" Huckleberry Wine $5

Hogue Pinot Gris $6

Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc $6

Red Wines

14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon $6

Red Diamond Merlot $6

T3 Red Blend $7

Bogle Petite Sirah $6

Ravenwood Vintners Zinfandel $6

Firesteed Pinot Noir $7

Bubbles

Cordova Cava Brut $5

Cheers!

 

(Photo Credit Farm4)

I wrote a  simliar version of this article for Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living magazine.

Wine Art

Click on this to see great WINE art!

Wine Lingo - Words 4 Wine.

The reason wine “lingo” was created was to assist in the description and discussion of wine. Or maybe it was created to sound pretentious or part of a secret society. Either way, using these words helps others understand your interpretation of the wine. Keep in mind, it is not necessary to use any prescribed language. You can describe a wine in any terms you want. As you may have noticed, SIP makes up wine words all the time. Think of wine tasting terms as those that describe how the wine smells and those that describe how it tastes or feels.

The following are a few basic tasting terms you may have heard:

Acidic: A sharp, tart taste. Strict like SIP's 5th grade teacher, Mrs Pepper.

Aftertaste: Do we really need to tell you what that means?

Aromatic: A term used to describe the wine’s bouquet. The smell. It's fun to compare what you think you smell and to the winemaker's notes to discover what you should smell. Hmm...really?

Bitter: This describes a taste not how you feel. Usually associated with younger wines, therefore a good term to remember when describing the Beaujolais nouveau or how Sip feels about women younger than me. Not all the time, just sometimes :)

Body: How the wine feels in the mouth. Light, medium or full depending on the wine’s alcohol and extract. Wine can be as thin like water or thick like milk.

Clean: A wine that doesn’t taste funny, which is a good thing.

Closed: Used to describe the taste of a wine that’s been opened before it’s time. The flavor is somewhat incomplete. With wine often a dose of patience is required.

Dry: A less sweet white, the opposite of brut.

Fruity: Used to describe a flavorful, bouquet of fully ripened grapes.

Legs: Ring around the collar for wine. The liquid residue left on the side of the glass, when tilted back and forth. Thicker, slower moving legs denote higher alcohol content or residual sugar.

Musty: Wine that smells like grandma’s hope chest or the wet beach bag you forgot to unpack. Usually denotes dirty barrels. Yuk.

Nose: A pretentious way to describe how the wine smells. Sounds snobby, doesn't it?

Soft: Much like cashmere, soft is always good. For wine it denotes a well-rounded flavor derived from mature tannins.

Tannic: A dry, astringent taste and mouth-feel from the skins, pits and stalks.

Keep tasting and remember, you are the only wine critic that really matters.
Drink what you like.
SIP  XXOO

(Art Credit: Joe Holland)

Drinking with the STARS! Celebrities in the wine biz.

Celebrities are in drenched in WINE.

Drinking with the STARS cast list.

Rumor has it Lady Gaga and her beau of the moment were roaming around Sonoma County looking for a vineyard to buy In Spring of 2012. The stilettos may have been a sure sign, she wasn't a local. The singer, who is currently worth over 90 million is apparently quite a fan of red wine and believes that grapes could be her next creative venture. Can't you just imagine the packaging? 

MADONNA

Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie:

The celebrity power couple will launch their own rose wine March 2013. The pair has teamed up with the French winemaking Perrin family to develop the Miraval Cotes de Provence label, named after their Chateau Miraval estate in the south of France, Marc Perrin said. The wine, produced from the couple's sprawling estate near the town of Brignoles, will be priced at around 15 euro ($19.40) a bottle. Jolie and Pitt acquired the 500 hectare estate in 2008 for around 40 million euros (approx $516 million) and have used it as a summer residence. The estate includes around 50 to 60 acres of vines.

The following is a list of celebrities already in the biz.

*Madonna: Ciccone Vineyard and Winery Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan Collaboration with her father Silvio "Tony" Ciccone  

Fess Parker: Fess Parker Winery Santa Ynez Valley, California Was featured in the movie Sideways.

Tommy Smothers: Remick Ridge Vineyards Sonoma County, California

Sam Neill: Two Paddocks Central Otago, New Zealand

Gerard Depardieu: Chateau de Tigne Anjou, Loire Valley, France Also owns vineyards in Bordeaux, Languedoc, Algeria, Argentina, Morocco, Spain, Sicily and United States

Mario Andretti: Andretti Winery Napa Valley, California Founded winery with former K-mart CEO Joe Antonini

Vince Neil: Vince Neil Vineyards Sonoma County, California

Greg Norman: Greg Norman Estates South Australia and California Collaboration with Beringer Blass

Peggy Fleming

*Peggy Fleming: Fleming Jenkins Vineyards and Winery Santa Cruz Mountains, California Founded with her husband, Greg Jenkins

Ernie Els: Ernie Els Wines Stellenbosch, South Africa Collaboration with Engelbrecht Els Vineyard

Savanna Samson: Savanna Samson Wines Tuscany and Lazio, Italy Her first wine Sogno Uno is a red blend consisting mainly of the obscure Italian grape variety Cesanese 

Joe Montana: Montagia Wines Napa Valley, California Collaboration with Ed Sbragia, former winemaker of Beringer Wines

Raymond Burr: Raymond Burr Vineyards Dry Creek Valley, California Established by the late actor in 1986.

Bruce Cohn :B.R. Cohn Winery Sonoma County, California Cohn was manager of The Doobie Brothers

Train: It probably took years to get Train's "Drops Of Jupiter" out of your head (likely replaced by "Hey, Soul Sister") but it looks like you might be humming it again. Join Train's brand new Save Me San Francisco Wine Club (yes, really), and sample the "fruit-forward, instantly lovable red" 2009 Petite Syrah titled Drops of Jupiter.  The band recently announced a chocolate project with Ghirardelli.

John Lasseter: Lasseter Family Winery Sonoma County, California

***Drew Barrymore: Barrymore Wines. Her first offering is a Pinot Grigio from Italy being released 2012.

Diane Marie Disney: Silverado Vineyards Winery Napa Valley, California Owns winery with husband, former professional football player Ron W. Miller

Carmen Policy: Casa Piena Yountville, California

Nancy Pelosi :Zinfandel Lane Vineyard St. Helena, California Also owns Skellenger Lane Vineyard in Napa Valley. Pelosi sells her grapes to other California winemakers instead of producing her own wine.

Tom Seaver: GTS Vineyards Napa Valley, California

Dan Ackroyd

*Dan Aykroyd: Dan Aykroyd Wines Ontario, Canada Also produces a Sonoma County, California, series of wines.

Mario Batali: La Mozza Tuscany, Italy Collaboration with Italian winemaker and author Joe Bastianich

Lorraine Bracco: Bracco Wines Tuscany, Italy Produces wines from several Italian wine regions.

Nick Faldo: Nick Faldo Wines Coonawarra, Australia Collaboration with Katnook Estate

Mick Hucknall: Il Cantante Sicily, Italy Collaboration with Italian winemaker Salvo Foti

Olivia Newton-John: Koala Blue Wines South Australia Founded in 1983 with business partner Pat Farrar.

Cliff Richard: Adega do Cantor Algarve, Portugal Collaboration with Quinta do Miradouro.

**Mike Weir: Mike Weir Wine Niagara Peninsula, Canada.

*Francis Ford Coppola:  Rubicon Estate Winery Napa Valley, California

Wayne Gretsky: No. 99 Estates Winery Niagara Peninsula, Canada Collaboration with Creekside Estates.

Francis Ford Coppola

Lil Jon: Little Jonathan Winery Central Coast, California Collaboration with California winemaker Alison Crowe.

Alex Spanos: SpanosBerberian Winery Napa Valley, California Also owns Bell Wine Cellars in Yountville.

Dick Vermeil: Vermeil Wines Napa Valley, California Collaboration with OnThEdge Winery.

Kevin Buckler: Adobe Road Wines Sonoma County, California

Frank Arciero: Arciero Family Vineyards Paso Robles, California Also owns EOS Estate Winery in Paso Robles. Owned racing teams that featured Al Unser, Bobby Unser, Parnelli Jones, Dan Gurney and Michael Andretti.

Randy Lewis: Lewis Cellars Napa Valley, California.

Arnold Palmer: Arnold Palmer Wines California Collaboration with Luna Vineyards.

Mick Fleetwood: Mick Fleetwood Private Cellar Lake County, California Collaboration with Langtry Estate and Vineyards.

Jonathan Cain: delaCain Vineyards Sonoma County, California Collaboration with California winemaker Dennis De La Montanya

Kyle MacLachlan

* **Kyle MacLachlan Pursued by Bear Wine Columbia Valley, Washington Collaboration with Washington winemaker Eric Dunham.

**Drew Bledsoe: Double Back Wine, Walla Walla Valley, Washington Collaboration with Washington winemaker Chris Figgins of Leonetti Cellars.

Maynard James Keenan: Caduceus Cellars Arizona Also owns Merkin Vineyards in Arizona.

Richard Childress: Childress Vineyards North Carolina.

Dave Matthews: Blenheim Vineyards Charlottesville, Virginia

**Jason Priestley: Black Hills Estate Winery Okanagan, British Columbia The British Columbia born actor is a co-owner in the estate.

Antonio Banderas

*Antonio Banderas: Anta Banderas Ribera del Duero, Spain.

**Robert M. Parker, Jr.:Beaux Freres Vineyards and; Winery Willamette Valley, Oregon Co-owns winery with brother in law. To avoid a conflict of interest with his wine rating publication The Wine Advocate, Parker delegates the task of rating Oregon wines to another associate.

Dave Del Dotto: Del Dotto Vineyards Napa Valley, California In 2007, experimented with fermenting wine in amphorae.

Mike Ditka: Mike Ditka Wines Mendocino County, California Collaboration with the Mendocino Wine Company.

Dan Marino: Vintage 13 Marino Estates California 

Charles Woodson: TwentyFour Wines Napa Valley, California Under NFL regulations, Woodson is currently prohibited from endorsing his own wines publicly until he retires.

Cathy Schembechler Bo Schembechler: Wines California Named after her late husband, former University of Michigan Football coach Bo Schembechler.

Jeff Gordon

*Jeff Gordon: Jeff Gordon Wines Napa Valley, California Collaboration with August Briggs Wines
Carole Bouquet Sanguo d'or Sicily, Italy.

Jacques Parizeau: Coteau de l'Élisette Languedoc, France.

David Ginola: Coste Brulade Côtes de Provence, France In partnership with the Coste Brulade co-op at Puget-Ville.

Michael Seresin: Seresin Estate Marlborough New Zealand.

Jarno Trulli: Podere Castorani Abruzzo, Italy.

Valeri Bure: Chateau Boswell Winery Napa Valley, California In partnership with his wife - actress Candace Cameron.

Günther Jauch: Weingut von Othegraven Mosel (wine region), Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany Prestigious vineyard from at least the 16th century, listed cultural heritage site, since 1805 owned by Jauch's ancestors. Jauch, one of the most popular Germans, is owner in the seventh generation.

Bode Miller: Thinks wine making is in his future. The larger-than-life American has no immediate thoughts of quitting top level alpine racing -- he is having too much fun -- but according to Reuters he planned a future as a professional wine-maker when he finally lays down his skis. Miller has purchased land near his home town of Franconia, New Hampshire, with this project in mind and is still conducting studies to find out what sort of wine the land can produce. Maybe there will be wine medals in his future.

*David Cloverdale: From record label to wine label. "Whitesnake" Zinfandel with De La Montanya Winery."Is this love?"

*Photo credits: Coppola: A glass after work, Fleming Jenkins: Fleming Jenkins, Ciccione: Ciccone Vineyard, Antonio Banderas: Anta Banderas Ribera del Duero: Drink Ribera, Kyle MacLachlan: Food & Wine, DanAykroyd: brandweek, Jeff Gordon: restrictorplated
** Pacific Northwest
*** New 2012

Have a Sparkling Night

To some purists, the mixing of champagne/sparkling with anything might seem unthinkable. For cocktail lovers, champagne/sparkling wine becomes a choice ingredient with which to add other interesting flavors. If you've been a fan of Sip for awhile, you know how i feel about the beautiful Bellini. We're going to try and go a bit beyond the Bellini, because with champagne/sparkling in your flute you have tasty options with those tiny bubbles.

Go ahead, be a mixologist with your Mountain Dome. There's no more sophisticated way to get a party going. Simply add fruit to anything that fizzes and you’ve got a drink in your hand that’s been a hit for hundreds of years. In the mid 1800’s the classic ‘Champagne Cocktail’ was all the rage at dinner parties and soirees. Today these sparkling cocktails are as hip as ever in wine bars and sexy lounge-eries.

In Spokane, a perfect place to sip some bubbly is swanky Peacock Lounge in the decadent Davenport Hotel. Hopefully, you can find the live and local sounds of Karrie O'Neill, Mon Cherie or Hot Club of Spokane. You or your date have a fabulous retro dress on from Finder's Keepers. Possibly, you just got done catching a concert at the Fox. Okay, maybe I was born in the wrong era, but champagne/sparkling are timeless and this swanky era is back in style.

Here's the classic Champagne Cocktail recipe from the from the Metropolitan Hotel, New York City circa 1935:

Champagne/Sparkling Classic
• 1 cube sugar
• Angostura bitters
• Chilled champagne
Soak sugar cube with a couple of good splashes of Angostura bitters and place in the bottom of a large champagne flute. Fill slowly with sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon twist.

In the bar business, a mere drink turns into a cocktail when the mixture starts to get more complicated and the mixing of flavors more subtle and sophisticated.

Here are a few true champagne/sparkling cocktails to choose from:

French 75:
Shake with cracked ice, 1-1/2 ounces of dry gin, fresh juice of 1/2 lemon, 1/2 tsp. powdered sugar. Pour into glass with ice cubes, fill with sparkling wine. Add a twist of lemon peel.

D'Artagnan:
This is classic cocktail territory. A splash or less of three or four ingredients takes planning to make repeatedly – on demand. 1 tsp. brandy 1 tsp. Grand Marnier 3 tsp. orange juice 1/2 tsp. simple syrup 5 ounces sparkling wine Orange peel, cut into long thin strips.
Chill the first four ingredients in a mixing glass and strain into a flute glass. Top with the Champagne/Sparkling and add long strips of orange peel.

Queen's Cousin:
Combine 1 ounce vodka; 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier; 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice and 1 tsp. Triple Sec Gently add 3 ounces of well-chilled sparkling wine. Top with 1 drop of Angostura bitters.

Maimoun:
As made at the Churchill’s Piano Bar in Marrakesh, Morocco. Combine 1/3 ounce Amaretto, 1/3 ounce fig alcohol, 4 ounces of brut sparkling, and a drop of mint syrup. Clearly, this takes a lot of pre-planning as you have to soak figs in vodka and make your own simple syrup with mint but it’s exotic and damn tasty.

Mountain Dome's Cuvee Forté is one of our very, very favorite local wines.
Tiny little elegant bubbles, fine body and such depth.
The nose has hints of tangerine rind, honeysuckle, freshly baked croissant, and vanilla. This is another one when we actually taste everything suggested.
Flavors that dance in your mouth that range from apple, pear, and creamy starfruit to spicy citrus and white peach. Finish is long and polished, adding citrus peel to the mix.
It is not just for special occasions. You can make any day a sparkling one with Cuvée Forté.

Cheers, Sip

Sip Tip: Great champagne/sparkling wines stand apart, to be enjoyed on their own.
Champagne/sparkling wine should always be served chilled, preferably at about 42-45° F.

(Art by Leroy Neiman)

Liquid Libations I Hot Beverages

Some Like It HOT
Something to take the chill off

HBR: Photo Credit Beyond Wonder

As The weather turns cooler and the breeze carries a chill, a steaming-hot boozy beverage can warm you up from the inside out. Here are some places to slip into something hot and cozy. In fact, simply embracing the mug of one of these suggestions instantly add a warmth that will chase the chills away.

Latah Creek's Mulled Wine
Mulled Wine is a cold weather tradition at Latah Creek Winery. For quick and easy mulled wine, heat Latah Creek Maywine with a cinnamon stick. Latah Creek Maywine is white blend of premium Washington wines (usually Johannisberg Riesling of Gewurztraminer). Its fragrant woodruff herbs and natural strawberry concentrate heat up nicely into a flavorful warm drink.

Downriver's Blueberry Tea
A liquored up hot tea can be found at Downriver Grill in North Spokane's Audubon Park Neighborhood. Downriver provides a unique warm drink simply called Blueberry Tea. It consists of Blueberry and Earl Grey teas with Grand Marnier and Amaretto liqueurs.

HBR @Clinkerdagger, The Davenport or Steelhead Bar & Grille
Care to drink your dessert by indulging in Hot Buttered Rum (HBR)? This blissful drink is classically made with sugar, brown sugar, butter, vanilla ice cream, rum, hot water and nutmeg. You can discover noteworthy house-made HBRs at Clinkerdagger in the historic Flour Mill or in The Davenport's swanky Peacock Room.  For a twist on this cold weather classic, duck into the Steelhead Bar & Grille for a Buttered Filbert by the fireplace. The barkeepers at Steelhead use their scrumptious HBR recipe but mix it with Kahlua and hazelnut liqueur and float whip cream on top.

Spokane Club's Tom & Jerry
The Spokane Club is famous for their tradition of Tom and Jerry's. Essentially, this drink is composed of eggs, baking spices, sugar, cognac, dark rum and milk. An annual party celebrating partaking in the cold weather tradition is a popular event. Sans the alcohol, this is a drink the whole family can enjoy. The batter makes an excellent topping for alcoholic beverages as well as hot cocoa, eggnog or warm milk for the kids.

Apple Cider @ Greenbluff or The Elk
Hot Apple Cider is another non-alcoholic way to warm up. We suggest a quick trip to Greenbluff for locally made Cider from Walter's Fruit Ranch or a visit to The Elk in Browne's Addition, where Hot Apple Cider is a popular pour when the temperature drops.

Hot Chocolate Concoctions @ Steelhead and Bardenay
Here is a childhood favorite that growns up fast with the proper additions. The Steelhead Bar and Grille serves Sticky Stuff, which is blissful concoction for chattering sweet teeth. The Steelhead bartenders mix amaretto, Malibu Coconut Rum into Hot Chocolate topped with whipped cream. Bardenany Restaurant and Distillery in Coeur d'Alene offers another take. The Bardenay bartenders serve up a Peppermint Patty by their fireplace, which is comprised of Rumplemintz liqueur, Godiva Chocolate liqueur, hot chocolate and fresh cream.

Amped Coffee @ Luna and the Peacock Room
Mexican Coffee is a popular warm drink at South Hill's Luna. It is created with coffee, goldschlagger, tequila, Godiva liqueur and a dash of cayenne to add some heat. Another coffee with a kick can be found at The Davenport in the Peacock Room. Warm up and get a bit of a buzz with their Coffee Nudge that doctors up the java with creme de cacao, brandy (the kick), and Kahlua topped with whipped cream.

The Hot Toddy @ The Coeur d'Alene Resort or Bardenay
Finally, a practically perfect nightcap is a Hot Toddy, which can be found at Beverly's or Whisper's Lounge at the Coeur d'Alene Resort. The Resort's snuggly Hot Toddy is made with Maker Mark bourbon, lemon, nutmeg and cinnamon. Bardenay features this well recognized drink with a twist by adding Chambord and creating a Raspberry Hot Toddy.

Laurie L Ross is a freelance writer and frequent contributor, and is also the author of the popular local wine blog Sip of Spokane.

Published in the November 2012 issue of Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living magazine.

Wine for Thanksgiving Dinner

With Thanksgiving so quickly approaching, you may be wondering what to serve with the traditional Turkey dinner with all the fixings.

It is doable to choose one wine to carry you through appetizers to desserts. That wine is SPARKLING! which is elegance with a phenomenal food-pairing versatility to virtually any meal.  With Thanksgiving these wines really shine. Mountain Dome Cuvee Forte is one of my very favorite local bubbly but they also have a Sparkling Rose which may be even a better match considering the proteins in the meal. On a budget, go for the Mountain Dome Brut, which is a staple at SIP's house making any night sparkle.

The art of Wine Pairing is largely a matter of personal preference; however, some safe bets for Thanksgiving dinner are Pinot Noir (Try King Estate), Syrah (Try Barrister, Robert Karl, or Overbluff) and Zinfandel for RED lovers and Sauvignon Blanc (Try Arbor Crest's), Riesling (Try Barrister, Latah Creek or Nodland's Bebop) Gewurztraminer and Viognier (Try Caterina or Barili) for those who prefer WHITE.

Then there's the pie. Sweeter wines to dessert wines pair nicely but I like RUM with my pumpkin pie.  Rum (Goslings, Captain Morgan) is a reasonable spirits choice. Some specialty liquors (Voyant Chai, Tuaca, and Praline) offer sweetness without overpowering.

With white wines the pairing priority is finding a wine with well-balanced acidity with reds you are shooting for fairly tame tannins that will yield to and support the flavors of the food. For the happy medium between the two, a Rose becomes a pretty perfect match.

Oh yes, you have options. This Thanksgiving you can be grateful for choices.

What did we miss? Do you have a pairing of a local wine that should be on this list? Leave a comment, we want to know.

Cheers to a Happy Thanksgiving, SIP XO
(Photo credit: Inside Socal)

Best of the City 2012

For 6 years running, I have had the privilege of being one of the writers for Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living magazine's "Best Of" issue.  This popular issue highlights top vote-getters from an annual reader's poll.  Like the presidential election, if you didn't vote, you don't get to complain. And like the Oscars, sometimes who should win, doesn't. Regardless the color of the medal, all of these businesses are worth discovering and experiencing.  The 121 categories are haphazardly divided between a small team of sassy writers. I do however usually get to do the WINE related ones. The title of my write-ups are in GOLD. Enjoy!

Bravo, readers of Spokane Coeur d’Alene Living, you sure know how to handle the pressure when it is placed on you! In our June 2012 issue we presented you with a challenge: to find the best of the best, the cream of the crop, the grandest of the grand. We were looking for the Best of the City, and it required hard work and dedication to find what is the best of the best in nine different categories. We needed you to be up for the challenge, because this was more than just picking places that were good. Nope! We needed you to scour our city until you found places that went beyond impressive, beyond remarkable and slipped full on into the “oh my goodness the heavens parted and angles sang” category. You ate, you dined, you played, you interviewed, you embraced, you embarked and you partook. The work was hard, demanding and all encompassing, but you delivered. We now know, with absolute certainty, what makes Spokane one of the best cities in which to live. Let us explain it to you in 121 ways….

APPETIZERS, SALAD, COCKTAILS AND MARTINIS
Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar
Multiple locations, www.twigsbistro.com
Twigs weighs in as a ‘Best Of’ juggernaut with three golds again this year. Twigs is your ‘go to’ spot for a mean Manhattan, Well-Mannered Dirty Martini or Ultimate Lemon Drop. It doesn’t hurt that you can also order Calamari A La Romana, Moroccan Beef, Gorgonzola Cream Fries, or Argentinean Fish Tacos at any one of the five Twigs locations locally. You also love their salad line-up: Toasted Pecan, Orange Chicken, Pear and Roasted Beet, and Bistro Steak. (KF)
Appetizers SILVER: Clinkerdagger
Appetizers BRONZE: Wild Sage Bistro
Appetizers IDAHO: Seasons of Coeur d’Alene
 Salad SILVER: Luna
Salad BRONZE: Lindaman’s
Salad IDAHO: Beverly’s Restaurant at the Coeur d’Alene Resort
Cocktails and Martinis SILVER: Bon Bon
Cocktails and Martinis BRONZE: Bistango Martini Lounge
Cocktails and Martinis IDAHO: Seasons of Coeur d’Alene


BUFFET
The Golden Corral
7117 North Division Street, www.goldencorral.com
It is in the name. The Golden Corral takes the top buffet spot again this year. Don’t expect “foofy” food or molecular gastronomy, but if you have a hollow leg, head into the Corral for all-you-care-to-eat at the Hot Bar, Cold Bar, Soup and Potato Bar, Brass Bell Bakery, or the Sunrise Breakfast Bar. (KF)
SILVER: River’s Edge Buffet at Northern Quest Casino
BRONZE: Timber Creek Grill Buffet
IDAHO: High Mountain Buffet at the Coeur d’Alene Casino


CHINESE
China Dragon Restaurant
27 East Queen
This year China Dragon regains its top spot in your hearts. The restaurant sits just off of Division, north of Northtown Mall, and the slightly shabby chic dining room looks like the set of a Kung Fu movie. For years, China Dragon has served up the right combination of comfort and exotic with its classic Chinese-American dishes, like Almond Chicken and Sweet and Sour Pork done Dragon style. (KF)
SILVER: Ding How
BRONZE: Chan’s Dragon Inn
IDAHO: Canton Asian Restaurant


FINE DINING, DESSERT, HAPPY HOUR, OUTDOOR DINING
Clinkerdagger
621 Mallon Ave., www.clinkerdagger.com
We call it north bank domination. 2012 is year six in Clickerdagger’s reign as your first choice for an elegant meal out. This fine dining powerhouse also racked up top honors for Best Dessert, Happy Hour and Outdoor Dining. We suspect over 40 years of memories, slow-roasted rock-salt Prime Rib, that addictive pea salad, Happy Hour deals and a towering view over the river contributed to Clinkerdagger’s winning streak. (KF)
Fine Dining SILVER: Wild Sage
Fine Dining BRONZE: Santé Restaurant and Charcuterie
Fine Dining IDAHO: Beverly’s Restaurant at the Coeur d’Alene Resort
Dessert SILVER: Just American Desserts
Dessert BRONZE: Europa Restaurant & Bakery
Dessert IDAHO: Dockside at the Coeur d’Alene Resort
Happy Hour SILVER: Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar
Happy Hour BRONZE: Steam Plant Grill
Happy Hour IDAHO: Iron Horse Bar and Grill
Outdoor Dining SILVER: Anthony’s at Spokane Falls
Outdoor Dining BRONZE: Elk Public House
Outdoor Dining IDAHO: Whispers at the Coeur d’Alene Resort

DINER
Frank’s Diner
Multiple locations, www.franksdiners.com
In Spokane the word “diner” is now synonymous with “Frank’s.” It certainly has something to do with the nostalgically cramped quarters of Frank’s train cars downtown and up north. Yet equally convincing to you is the combination of classic comfort food balanced out with a number of creative (but still hearty) entrées, like the Spicy Rock Crab and Lobster Omelette. With breakfast, always go for the gravy or the Creole hollandaise. (KF)
 SILVER: Satellite Diner
BRONZE: Knight’s Diner
IDAHO: Elmer’s Restaurant


HAMBURGER
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
Multiple locations, www.fiveguys.com
Two years in a row now Five Guys has raked in top honors for their juicy and endless customizable burgers. Your vote might also have been influenced by the house-made fries sourced from regional growers and the effective Five Guys’ guerrilla marketing campaign based on enthusiastic reviews slapped up on every wall of each store. (KF)
 SILVER: Hogan’s Diner
BRONZE: D Lish’s Hamburgers
IDAHO: Hudson’s Hamburgers


HAPPY HOUR FOOD
Wild Sage Bistro
916 West 2nd Ave., www.wildsagebistro.com
There is Happy Hour and then there is Happy Hour Food. We think just getting snockered on cheap booze is passé. What you really want is great food and a scratch cocktail or two. For this you need to beat down the door of Wild Sage, which serves up great cocktails with some, dare we say it, amazing food. The Potato Taquitos alone are worth their weight in gold. Order them now – Happy Hour or not. (KF)
 SILVER: Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar
BRONZE: Zola
IDAHO: Scratch Restaurant and Lounge


INDIAN
Top of India
11114 East Sprague Ave., www.thetopofindia.com
Top of India doesn’t look like much from the outside as you whip by on East Sprague, but you will be stunned when you step in the doors and see the sleek interior remodel completed this summer. The $9.99 lunch buffet is well stocked and the kitchen turns out authentic Indian classics, including many from their Tandoor (a traditional clay oven). (KF)
 SILVER: Taste of India
BRONZE: Taaj Indian Cuisine
IDAHO: Mongolian BBQ


ITALIAN
The Italian Kitchen
113 N Bernard Street, www.italiankitchenspokane.com
The Italian Kitchen holds onto the gold for best Italian for a second year. Local owners Bryce and Lyndsay Kerr have collected awards for great food not just from local publications, but regional and nation ones as well. Also stunning is the rich wood décor throughout the restaurant. (KF)
 SILVER: Tomato Street Italian Restaurant
BRONZE: Luigi’s Italian Restaurant
IDAHO: Angelo’s Ristorante


JAPANESE
Suki Yaki Inn
119 North Bernard Street 
The Suki Yaki Inn is old school. It opened for the world’s fair here in the 1970s and the current owner was on the staff the year the restaurant opened. Without a doubt the Suki Yaki would be our pick for the set of a Quentin Tarantino movie in Spokane, and you voted it tops not just for ambiance, but for food. (KF)
SILVER: Sushi Yama
BRONZE: Ding How
IDAHO: Syringa Japanese Café & Sushi Restaurant


LOCAL COFFEE SHOP
Wake Up Call
Multiple Locations, www.wakeupcoffee.biz
Wake Up Call’s four signature red phone booth shops got the local coffee shop gold this year. Is it drive-up convenience? The eye-catching red booths? The fact that they only serve coffee made from the top two percent of the world’s varietals? You know the answer. Though for the record, we think your quad-shot mochas are just an addiction rather than any crusade to better the lives of the coffee farmers in Ethiopia and Costa Rica! (KF)
SILVER: Rocket Bakery
BRONZE: Dutch Bros. Coffee
IDAHO: Java on Sherman

 
LOCALLY PRODUCED FOOD PRODUCT
Victor’s Hummus
Sold in local stores, www.victorshummus.com
There is a good chance you gave Victor the gold for his hummus after you talked to him personally in a local supermarket. That’s where he hands out samples of his locally produced spread that features organic garbanzo beans. We love his Toasted Sesame version, but you also can head in the Nutella direction with his Chocolate H’Mousse™.
 SILVER: Litehouse Foods
BRONZE: Bruttle’s Candy Shop
IDAHO: Coeur d’Alene Olive Oil Company

 
MEXICAN
Azteca Mexican Restaurant
Multiple locations, www.aztecamex.com
Unbeatable in the top spot for Mexican food for years, the Ramos family juggernaut started in Seattle in 1974. We miss the novella style history of the four founding brothers that was taken down from their website, but if we had to guess, we think the reason you keep giving Azteca gold has little to do with their online image and more to do with their fresh tortillas, Chile Relenos, and Grandma Carmerina’s Arroz Con Pollo. (KF)
 SILVER: Casa de Oro
BRONZE: Rancho Chico
IDAHO: Toro Viejo


NEW RESTAURANT, BEER LIST
Manito Tap House
3011 South Grand Blvd., www.manitotaphouse.com
Opened just a year ago, the Manito Tap House combines creative pub fare in a hip space with a high tech cooler that holds 50 beers on tap. Ordering the six beer sampler is almost a requirement here. Owner and manager Patrick McPherson has great instincts and the crowds out the door are the real gold for this gastropub. (KF)
New Restaurant SILVER: Clover
New Restaurant BRONZE: Casper Fry
New Restaurant IDAHO: Fire Artisan Pizza
Beer List SILVER: The Viking
Beer List BRONZE: Waddell’s
Beer List IDAHO: Capone’s Pub and Grill


PHO
Pho Van
2909 North Division Street
Pho (properly pronounced ‘fuuh’) is the one Vietnamese dish that has captured the imagination of Americans more than any other, and Pho Van has taken an old Pizza Hut on North Division and turned it into a sleek space that serves up massive bowls of both the dominate beef broth option and Pho Ga (the Vietnamese version of chicken noodle soup). Either are perfect for slurping down as the weather cools off. (KF)
 SILVER: Vina Asian Restaurant
BRONZE: Pho Thinh
IDAHO: Pho Thanh & Cafe


PIZZA
David’s Pizza2911 East 57^th Ave., www.davidspizza.com
After almost 14 years in the heart of the university district, David’s original shop in a converted gas station is gone. Kaput. But you can get your fix at the airport on the way to terminals A and B or up at Famous Ed’s on the South Hill until their new store front on the near northside opens up. We can’t wait! (KF)
 SILVER: Round Table Pizza
BRONZE: Bennidito’s Pizza
IDAHO: Fire Artisan Pizza


SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Milford’s Fish House
719 North Monroe Street, www.milfordsfishhouse.com
Serving up fresh fish and seafood since 1979, Milford’s Fish House is a local icon, just a cast or two from the courthouse. Jerry Young is the chef and owner who has been the magic behind the menu for over three decades, and that magic spans the globe. Slip in for dinner and you will be offered a menu that offers both classic dishes as well as Cajun, Korean and Thai preparations. We love Young’s calamari and plenty more. (KF)
 SILVER: Anthony’s at Spokane Falls
BRONZE: Red Lobster
IDAHO: Fisherman’s Market & Grill


STEAK
Churchill’s Steakhouse
165 South Post Street, www.churchillssteakhouse.com
Everyone has an opinion about big hunks of meat, and this year you crowned Churchill’s as the winner in the unending battle for local steak supremacy. Churchill’s does put on a great show, offer great cuts of aged Prime beef, and gets bonus points for a dark and intimate basement bar and a burger made with Prime beef that is ground in-house. (KF)
 SILVER: Spencer’s For Steaks and Chops
BRONZE: Wolf Creek Steakhouse
IDAHO: Wolf Lodge Inn Steakhouse


SUSHI
Sushi.com
430 West Main Ave., www.mainsushi.com
We’ve fussed about the name for years, but the sushi at Sushi.com has been consistently worth a return trip, and you say this is your top spot for raw fish locally this year. The downtown location is central, there is plenty of space for large parties, and they offer a number of unique rolls, like the Harley-Davidson roll and the even more unusual broiler-melted Montana roll. (KF)
 SILVER: Sushi Yama
Bronze: The Wave Island Sports Grill and Sushi Bar
IDAHO: Syringa Japanese Café and Sushi Restaurant


VEGETARIAN
Mizuna
214 N Howard Street, www.mizuna.com
Few people admitted publically that they didn’t eat meat in 1996, when Mizuna opened with a completely vegetarian menu. The fact that the restaurant remains a mecca for the herbavores among us is a testament not only to plant power but to some mean kitchen chops by the chefs who have lead the kitchen since then. Mizuna today remains committed to serving delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine even as the menu has become “flexitarian” with fresh fish or organic and hormone-free meats. Separate cooking surfaces are used for all meat products. (KF)
SILVER: HuHot Mongolian Grill
BRONZE: Luna
IDAHO: Pita Pit


PUB FARE
O’Doherty’s Irish Grille
Multiple Locations, www.odohertyspub.com
The luck of the Irish comes through again. Tim and Sam O’Doherty will gladly serve you a Butte Pastie, a Hooligan and Hannigan, or Bangers and Mash (a personal favorite of ours). Or go for the Fish-n-Chips in a Guinness beer batter. (KF)
SILVER: The Elk Public House
BRONZE: Manito Tap House
IDAHO: Capone’s Pub & Grill


GREEK FOOD
Santorini’s Greek Cuisine
112 North Howard Street 
Tucked behind Spokane’s landmark Parkade, family-owned Santorini’s is your gold standard this year for Greek cuisine. It might be that your votes reflect the family’s execution of familiar items such as gyros, a competent Greek salad, hummus, olives and baklava. Or maybe what won your heart were the spanakopita, moussaka and saganaki. We want to order the saganaki just so we can say the word. (KF)
 SILVER: Azar’s Restaurant
BRONZE: The West Wing
IDAHO: The White House Grill

BAKERY
Rocket Bakery
Multiple locations, www.rocketspokane.com
The multiple Rocket locations again this year take Bakery gold for their classic pastries that have a spot in your heart (and possibly around your waist). We confess to eating more than our share of triple berry scones, pumpkin bread, pink sugar cookies and muffins with some serious bran. (KF).
 SILVER: Le Petit Chat Village Bakery
BRONZE: Great Harvest Bread Company
IDAHO: Pastry and More


BARBECUE
Longhorn BBQ
7611 West Sunset Highway and 2315 North Argonne Road, www.longhornbbq.com
We like history, and BBQ is all about history. Over 60 years ago the original Longhorn crew came north from Texas to Spokane to introduce locals to their ribs, chicken, German sausage, beef, ham and ‘zesty’ pork. This tasty history makes you very happy to this day and brings in another gold for the Longhorn and their signature sauce. Stop in and thank them for “tending the pits since ‘56” in person and make sure you have plenty of wet naps. (KF)
 SILVER: Red Lion BBQ & Pub
BRONZE: Chicken-N-More
IDAHO: Texas Roadhouse


BREAKFAST
Old European Restaurant
Multiple locations, www.oldeuropean-restaurant.com
When it comes to breakfast, you handed the gold again to the Old European. We hope this was in honor of Marie Mekkelsen’s Danish aebelskievers – our favorite pancake cannon-balls – or the mountain of breakfast that goes by the name Hungarian Goulash with shredded potatoes, peppers, onions, ham, sausage, bacon and four eggs topped with cheddar cheese and fresh tomatoes. (KF)
 SILVER: Frank’s Diner
BRONZE: Chaps
IDAHO: The Garnet Cafe

WINE LIST

Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar

Multiple locations, www.twigsbistro.com

Is it happier the second time around? If so, Twigs patrons must be deliriously joyful as this locally-owned establishment has two happy hours: one early and one late. Both of these gleeful times boast $4 glasses of Chardonnay and Cabernet. The coveted wine list features a good selection of local pours waiting to be paired perfectly with their creative cuisine. (LR)

SILVER: Luna

BRONZE: Churchill’s Steakhouse

IDAHO: The Wine Cellar

WINERY

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

4705 North Fruit Hill Road, www.arborcrest.com

One of the most picturesque destination wineries anywhere is also one of Washington State’s oldest. At Arbor Crest you can expect awe inspiring views, magnificent gardens and romantic Tuscan inspired buildings—and then there’s the wine. Recently released winemaker namesake label van Löben Sels is receiving rave reviews proving even one of the oldest Washington wineries can still learn new tricks. (LR)

SILVER: Barrister Winery

BRONZE: Townshend Cellar

IDAHO: Coeur d’Alene Cellars

YOGURT AND ICE CREAM
Froyo Earth
Multiple Locations, www.froyoearth.com
Starting with its first store at Division and 2^nd, Froyo Earth is expanding to conquer the Inland Northwest, one self-serve, eco-friendly, cup of Cake Batter yogurt (our favorite) at a time. Samples are free and there are enough toppings to make kids of any age giddy. (KF)
 SILVER: Blu Berry Frozen Yogurt
BRONZE: Didier’s Yogurt & More
IDAHO: Roger’s Ice Cream and Burgers


CLOSED BUSINESS MOST MISSED
Cyrus O’Leary’s
After more than three decades in the business, steadily declining sales led to the close of Cyrus O’Leary’s last September. Loyal customers turned out en force during the restaurant’s final weekend, packing the restaurant that was a Spokane institution on 516 W. Main Avenue, and marking the end of an era. (SH)
 SILVER: Niko’s Greek Restaurant & Wine Bar
BRONZE: Old Country Buffet
IDAHO: Hot Rod Café

PEOPLE, FABULOUS PEOPLE

ELECTED OFFICIAL

David Condon

www.spokanecity.org/government/mayor

David Condon is a breath of fresh “m-air” who hit the ground running, making tough decisions and shaking things up in our fair city. The youngest of nine, this city official was raised in Spokane, studied at Boston College and returned home to finally rule the roost. Call it the revenge of the little brother. (LR)

SILVER: Kevin Parker

BRONZE: Ben Stuckart

IDAHO: Sandi Bloem

LOCAL ACTOR

Ellen Travolta

Many people will know Ellen Travolta from such hit TV shows as Happy Days or CharlesinCharge, or they may know her know her as John Travolta’s sister, but to Inland Northwest locals she is best known for her starring roles in our very own Coeur d’ Alene Summer Theater. (RS)

SILVER: David Gigler (posthumous)

BRONZE: Sophia Caruso

LOCAL ARTIST
Kathleen Cavender
kathleencavender.com
Fourth-generation professional artist and Washington native Kathleen Cavender creates landscapes that are soothing yet provoking, rich in color and full of light. As she writes on her website, “There is an effort on my part to convey deeper truth…beyond the physical, beyond what appears to be a simple landscape or portrait.” (SH)
 SILVER: Harold Balazs
BRONZE: Kay O’Rourke
IDAHO: Stephen Shortridge

LOCAL BAND

Sammy Eubanks

www.sammyeubankslive.com

Sammy Eubanks is perhaps the most well-decorated musician in the Inland Northwest. Offering a distinctive blend of blues, country and rock-and-roll classics, and originals, Sammy and friends bring together Americana sound with quirky and talented personality. Currently on tour, Sammy Eubanks will be back in Spokane December 22^nd for a “Blue Christmas” show at the Knitting Factory. (KC)

SILVER: Cronkites

BRONZE: 6 Foot Swing

IDAHO: Kelly Hughes Band

LOCAL BUSINESS PERSON

Walt Worthy

www.wkinvestments.com

Walt and his wife, Karen, are collectors. But instead of baseball cards or PEZ dispensers, the Worthys collect hotels. They are the dynamic duo behind the restoration of the treasured Davenport Hotel and its glamorous younger sister, The Davenport Tower. Then, they went on to pick up the classy little Hotel Lusso. But it doesn’t stop there, as the couple recently announced a new 700-room hotel to be built across from the Convention Center. (LR)

SILVER: Gerald Dicker

BRONZE: Kevin Parker

IDAHO: Duane Hagadone

LOCAL FICTION

Jess Walter

www.jesswalter.com

Eastern Washington University alumnus, Jess Walter, is a career journalist with prestigious media outlets like Newsweek, The Washington Post and the Boston Globe on his resume. But it’s his five world famous novels published in over 15 countries that get him this award. He resides in Spokane with his wife Anne and children. (RS)

SILVER: Sherry Jones

BRONZE: Reed McColm

LOCAL WRITER – NONFICTION
Cheryl-Anne Millsap
cherylannemillsap.blogspot.com
A Spokane writer whose topics range from family matters at home to travels around the world, Cheryl-Anne Millsap finds the beauty, significance and humor in the every day. Her writing regularly appears in her travel column in Spokane CDA Woman magazine (our sister publication) and the Spokesman-Review’s Home Planet blog. (SH)
 SILVER: Tony Bamonte
BRONZE: Timothy Egan

NEWS ANCHOR – FEMALE

Stephanie Vigil, KHQ

www.khq.com

Gracing the evening news desk at KHQ Channel 6 News, Stephanie Vigil has been a member of the KHQ team since 1997. An Edward R. Murrow and Emmy Award winning journalist, Stephanie currently anchors the 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 11:00 p.m. newcasts, and FOX First at Ten on weeknights. Whew! She also leads a number of fundraising and awareness campaigns. (KC)

SILVER: Nadine Woodward, KXLY

BRONZE: Shelley Monahan, KHQ

NEWS ANCHOR – MALE

Randy Shaw, KREM

www.krem.com

We pretty much have a long-term-relationship (LTR) with Randy Shaw. As a newscaster, Shaw has been coming in loud and clear in to our homes for more than 20 years. With one of the area’s most recognizable voices, he’s like family. But unless you’re really know him, it would be weird to include him in your family gatherings! (LR)

SILVER: Dan Kleckner, KHQ

BRONZE: Mike Gonzalez, KXLY

PHOTOGRAPHER

Dean Davis Photography

216 W. Pacific, Suite 102, www.deandavis.com

Success for local photographer Dean Davis is not measured in awards and trophies (although he has his fair share of them); instead, he thrives on exceeding his client’s expectations. Having spent time all over the world, Dean brings a fresh and unique perspective to his photos. (RS)

SILVER: Diane Maehl Photography

BRONZE: Chris Wooley

IDAHO: Quicksilver Studios

RADIO PERSONALITY
Dave, Ken, and Molly, 92.9, KZZU
929zzu.com
Repeat winners Dave, Ken and Molly have a morning team that can’t be beat! Tune in to 92.9 from 6 to 10 on weekday mornings for their candid banter, pop culture discussions, and competitions like “Win Dave’s Money,” “Buzz Word,” and “Know the Show.” (SH)
 SILVER: The Jay and Kevin Show, 99.9, Coyote Country
BRONZE: The Radiomen, 98.9, KKZX

SINGER/PERFORMER

Abbey Crawford

Facebook.com/abbeycabaret

Lead vocalist for Hot Club of Spokane, a traditional yet edgy jazz group, Abbey Crawford is the area’s only trained cabaret singer. Abbey studied cabaret at Yale University and has since performed locally and nationally as an actress and singer. Recognized as the hottest jazz vocalist in Spokane, she also teaches cabaret, performs solo, and writes and directs shows. (KC)

SILVER: Sammy Eubanks

BRONZE: Cheyenne Country Band

IDAHO: Kelly Hughes Band

SPORTSCASTER

Dennis Patchin, KXLY

www.kxly.com

We’re thinking sports junkie Dennis Patchin uses sports metaphors a lot. Patchin lives and breathes the game…every game, considering he has been reporting the score at KXLY since 1984. If it’s a sport, he’s covered it. But his favorite team is his home team: wife Dorothy and their children Christopher, Matthew and Lauren. (LR)

SILVER: Derek Deis, KXLY

BRONZE: Michelle Dapper, KHQ

WEATHER PERSON

Tom Sherry, KREM

www.krem.com

Whether it’s reporting on perfect summer days or severe winter storms, KREM2’s Chief Meteorologist, Tom Sherry, has earned a solid reputation with Spokane locals. As a member of the American Meteorological Society and 22 years of experience in the Inland Northwest, Tom has become a weather source we can trust. Plus, we love Tom’s Turkey Drive! (RS)

SILVER: Kris Crocker, KXLY

BRONZE: Mark Peterson, KXLY

OH, WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO DO?!

ANNUAL SPOKANE EVENT
Hoopfest
www.spokanehoopfest.net
Spokane’s three-on-three basketball tournament is the biggest in the world: in 2012 alone, there were a whopping 7,090 teams playing on 456 courts over 42 city blocks. Whether you prefer to shoot around, park yourself at Center Court, or just gawk at the masses who turn out each June, there’s something for everyone at this yearly two-day event. (SH)
 SILVER: Bloomsday
BRONZE: Pig Out in the Park
IDAHO: Art on the Green

 CHARITY GALA

Epicurean Delight

www.epicureandelight.org

Epicurean Delight is Spokane’s premier charity gala benefitting local health care. Instituted in 1980, this yearly black-tie event showcases award-winning local cuisine and libations, a generously stocked raffle and dancing. Donations from this year’s gala – held November 9^th and featuring over 60 wineries, breweries and restaurants – will benefit the Inland Northwest Blood Center.(KC)

SILVER: The Pumpkin Ball

BRONZE: Coaches vs. Cancer

IDAHO: Coeur d’Alene Festival of Trees

GETAWAY WITHIN 100 MILES

The Coeur d’Alene Resort

115 S. 2nd St., Coeur d’Alene, ID,www.cdaresort.com

Take your staycation up a notch by staying at this premier resort on the pristine Lake Coeur d’Alene. The posh resort recently had a facelift and it’s safe to say the makeover was successful. It’s even more stunning. For those of us without a lake place, we’re suggesting you claim this one. Great restaurants, a spectacular spa, water-sports, golf and inspiring lake views. Beats roughing it at a campsite any day. (LR)

SILVER: Priest Lake

BRONZE: Silverwood Theme Park

LAKE RESORT

The Coeur d’Alene Resort

115 S. 2nd St., Coeur d’Alene, ID,www.cdaresort.com

With its world-renowned golf course, luxury accommodations and breathtaking views, The Coeur d’Alene Resort has firmly put our neck of the woods on the map. Visitors from all over come to experience this beautiful hotel and the luxurious slice of Inland Northwest life that it offers. (RS)

SILVER: Hill’s Resort

BRONZE: Elkins Resort

SKI RESORT
Silver Mountain Resort
610 Bunker Avenue, Kellogg, ID, www.silvermt.com
Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Silver Mountain for everything from skiing and snowboarding to hiking, mountain biking and boating. A stay at the resort puts you in the heart of the action—plus, it’s home to Idaho’s largest indoor water park, Silver Rapids. (SH)
 SILVER: Schweitzer Mountain Resort
BRONZE: Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park

THING TO HAPPEN HERE LAST YEAR

Mayor David Condon Elected

Following a rollercoaster campaign against incumbent Mary Verner, David Condon was elected as mayor of the City of Spokane in November 2011. Formerly the Deputy Chief of Staff for U.S. Congresswoman McMorris-Rodgers, Condon is a native of Spokane and a retired captain in the Medical Services Corps. The mayor is currently focusing on finding local solutions to make Spokane stronger. (KC)

SILVER: Otto Zehm Case resolved

BRONZE: Hoopfest

WORST THING TO HAPPEN HERE LAST YEAR

Spokane police no longer investigate property crimes

www.spokanepolice.org

We’ve known this one since playground days: don’t take something that’s not yours! The recess monitor didn’t look the other way and neither should our police officers. It’s a crime not to investigate property crimes. (LR)

SILVER: Troubles at the MAC (firings and re-hiring)

BRONZE: Police shootings

DANCING

MarQuee Lounge

522 W Riverside, www.marqueelounge.com

Spokane’s premier dance club, The MarQuee, is a London-style, two-story bar with all the elements you’d find in a bigger city. When it comes time to kick back and have a good time, the MarQuee’s prestigious VIP areas are the place to go. Enjoy modern decor, perfectly concocted drinks, a full dance floor and outstanding service! (RS)

SILVER: Zola

BRONZE: Irv’s Bar

IDAHO: Iron Horse Bar & Grill

CASINO
Northern Quest Resort & Casino
100 North Hayford Road, www. northernquest.com
Double down on good times at Northern Quest Resort & Casino, where you can go all-in at the poker table, have a terrific meal, check out a concert and sleep it all off in the hotel, which is AAA-rated with an impressive four diamonds. (SH)
 SILVER: Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort
BRONZE: Lilac Lanes & Casino

BOWLING ALLEY

Lilac Lanes & Casino

1112 East Magnesium Road, www.lilaclanesbowling.com

Located in North Spokane, Lilac Lanes & Casino houses 32 lanes for bowling and a full pro shop to stock up on all your bowling needs. With full service dining, a relaxing lounge, casino, and poker room, Lilac Lanes has something for everyone, including accommodations for large parties, and cosmic bowling on Friday nights. (KC)

SILVER: Hugos on the Hill

BRONZE: North Bowl

IDAHO: Triple Play

ART GALLERY

Tinman Gallery

811 West Garland Avenue, www.tinmanartworks.com

This intimate gallery considers the written word to be art. Featured among the paintings, sculptures and pottery are books. The gallery is a bookstore. The bookstore is a gallery. Either way you look at it, it’s worth frequenting and a great place to discover regional art. (LR)

SILVER: STUDIO 66

BRONZE: Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC)

IDAHO: Art Spirit Gallery of Fine Art

GOLF COURSE

The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course

115 S. 2nd St., Coeur d’Alene, ID, www.cdaresort.com

The Coeur d’Alene Resort Gold course has been called “America’s Greatest Golf Experience” and for good reason! Located on the banks of Lake Coeur d’ Alene, this course not only has amazing views, it’s also known as one of the most well designed golf courses in the country, challenging pros and amateurs alike. (RS)

SILVER: Downriver Golf Course

BRONZE: Circling Raven Golf Course

PLACE FOR FAMILY FUN
Silverwood Theme Park
27843 U.S. 95, Athol, ID; www.silverwoodthemepark.com
With thrill rides, roller coasters, live entertainment, Boulder Beach waterpark and attractions for tiny tots, Silverwood is the place to be for family fun. As Halloween approaches, “Scarywood Theme Park” is also offering a host of haunted attractions—not for the faint of heart. (SH)
 SILVER: Riverfront Park
BRONZE: Silver Mountain Resort

HOTEL

The Davenport Hotel

10 South Post Street, www.thedavenporthotel.com

The city’s only AAA, four diamond accommodation, The Davenport Hotel is a throw-back to Spokane’s gilded age. Originally completed in 1914, and now fully renovated, The Davenport welcomes guests into its rich history with exquisite ballrooms, real gold leaf, and 612 individual rooms. The Davenport also houses a restaurant, spa, candy shoppe and bookstore.(KC)

SILVER: Northern Quest Resort & Casino

BRONZE: Mirabeau Park Hotel & Convention Center

IDAHO: The Coeur d’Alene Resort

SHOPPING…aka RETAIL THERAPY

ANTIQUES

Tossed and Found

2607 North Monroe

Treasure hunters unite! Antiques and modern finds are waiting to be discovered at Tossed and Found. The name may sound a little on the trashy side, but the finds are fabulous. In addition, Tossed and Found has a ridiculous amount of Spokane memorabilia. (LR)

SILVER: Lillian Conn Antiques & Gallery

BRONZE: Roost

IDAHO: Vintage Rabbit Antique Mall

CHEESE SHOP

Saunder’s Cheese Market

610 W. Mallon Ste 419

Whether you’re looking for a creamy camembert, a rare guyre, a strong bleu or a simple medium cheddar, there is really only one place in Spokane you can count on to have what you need. Saunder’s Cheese, tucked into the Flour Mill, is a cheese connoisseurs heaven! (RS)

SILVER: Huckleberry’s Natural Market

BRONZE: Main Market Co-op

CHOCOLATE SHOP
Chocolate Apothecary
621 W. Mallon Ave., www.chocolateapothecary.com
Chocoholics, look no further. This well-stocked shop carries everything from local chocolatiers (Pixie Dust Chocolates, Little Henry’s) to Seattle-based favorites (Theo, Fran’s) to globe-trotting treats (Dolfin, Pacari and many more). Order a Spicy Mayan drinking chocolate—it’s rich and frothy, with a touch of heat. Chocolate with a kick—what’s not to like? (SH)
 SILVER: Hallett’s Chocolates
BRONZE: See’s Candy
IDAHO: Coeur d’Alene Chocolates

CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

Finders Keepers

18 W. Main Street, www.finderskeepersboutique.com

Finders Keepers leaves no weepers! This dress boutique is Spokane’s go-to for women’s formal wear, including wedding, prom, homecoming and special occasion. Tantalizing accessories and hats are on hand to complete any look, and a friendly staff is committed to helping you get your glam on! (KC)

SILVER: Swank Boutique

BRONZE: Coco Boutique

IDAHO: Tiffany Blue House of Style

CONSIGNMENT SHOP

Plato’s Closet

5628 North Division Street, www.platoscloset.com

Ever been tempted to raid your friend’s closet? Sure it’s not brand spanking new stuff, but its in pretty good shape and it’s just hanging there. Plato’s closet has that same draw, except with a much bigger selection. Better yet, for a fraction of what it cost new you can snag great garments and not give them back. (LR)

SILVER: Fringe & Fray

BRONZE: Sherry’s Second Choice Boutique

IDAHO: Dazzle

FRAMING SHOP

The Great Frame Up

Multiple locations, www.spokane.thegreatframeup.com

As Spokane’s largest custom picture framing store, The Great Frame Up has built a strong reputation of providing quality framing and exceptional customer service. With three convenient locations around the city, the expert staff at The Great Frame Up are happy to help you with any of your framing needs. (RS)

SILVER: Frame of Mind

BRONZE: Lee Frame Shop

IDAHO: William Grant Gallery & Framing

FURNITURE – MODERN
Concept :: Home
401 W. 1^st Ave., www.concepthomefurniture.com
Concept :: Home (the contemporary counterpart to sister store The Tin Roof) can help you transform any interior from blah to fresh and forward-thinking. With quality furnishings, beautiful and quirky accessories, and a friendly staff, this boutique is a design lover’s dream. (SH)
 SILVER: Dania
BRONZE: The Tin Roof
IDAHO: Lakeshore Décor

FURNITURE – PATIO

Jacob’s Upholstery & Patio

16023 East Sprague Ave., www.jacobspatio.com

A family-owned and operated business since 1959, Jacob’s Upholstery & Patio is all about keeping it in the family. Three brothers carry on the commitment to quality work, good value and word-of-mouth reputation instituted by their grandfather. The Jacobs’ business has now grown to encompass 16 craftsmen and offers premium patio, upholstery and window covering options in-store and online. (KC)

SILVER: Ennis Fine Furniture

BRONZE: Hartell’s Wicker & Rattan

FURNITURE – TRADITIONAL

The Tin Roof

1727 East Sprague Ave., www.thetinroof.us

The Tin Roof is addicting. Savvy shoppers could go through withdrawals if it’s been too long since their last fix. This locally owned furniture store has an intoxicating mix home furnishings and an abundance of fabulous accessories that you can’t find anywhere else. That and the inventory changes so much, you can’t just go once. (LR)

SILVER: Walker’s Furniture

BRONZE: Mor Furniture

IDAHO: Koerners Furniture

GARDEN SHOP

Mel’s Nursery

8800 North Division, www.shopmels.com

Mel’s Nursery started as a small fruit stand in North Spokane in 1970 and has now become the premier gardening and gift shop destination for the whole city. From seasonal plants, shrubs and flowers to clothing and home accents, Mel’s has it all! (RS)

SILVER: Ritters Florists and Nursery

BRONZE: Northwest Seed & Pet

IDAHO: Aspen Nursery

GIFTS
Boo Radley’s
232 N. Howard St.,
“Pop culture with a wacky twist” is the tagline of the beloved Boo Radley’s, which boasts gifts and goods with more than a touch of quirk. Stop in to peruse books, action figures, hilarious greeting cards, and all manner of Spokane gear (“Spokanistan” or “Spokaloo” t-shirts, anyone?). (SH)
 SILVER: Halpin’s Treasure Room
BRONZE: Mel’s Nursery
IDAHO: My Favorite Things

JEWELRY STORE

Jewelry Design Center

821 North Division Street, www.jewelrydesigncenter.com

Doug Toone has watched his baby grow from one small display case in 1977 to a 12,800 square foot jeweler extraordinaire. Today, Jewelry Design Center is recognized as the most innovative jeweler in the Northwest. Whether you’re looking for rings, diamonds, timepieces, jewelry or repair, Jewelry Design Center’s commitment to quality and elegance will leave you breathless. (KC)

SILVER: Finders Keepers

BRONZE: Pounders Jewelry

IDAHO: Cheryl Burchell Goldsmiths

SEAFOOD MARKET

William’s Seafood Market & Wines

2118 North Ruby Street, www.williamseafoodmarket.net

We like the new digs. The new location gives the countless wine bottles room to spread out to be easily paired with the fresh seafood. The big crab sign, the new exposure and being more centrally accessible means this market isn’t the Valley’s best kept secret anymore. (LR)

SILVER: Regal Street Seafood

BRONZE: Egger’s Better Meats & Seafood

IDAHO: Fisherman’s Market & Grill

NEW SHOP

Pink!

154 S. Madison, www.pinksalvagegallery.com

AWAITING TEXT

SILVER: Calamity Jane’s Boutique

BRONZE: Vintage Vines Wine & Beer Shop

IDAHO: New York Bagel Cafe & Deli

VROOM VROOM! GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNING!

AUTO BODY SHOP
DAA Northwest
2607 South Hayford Road, www.daanorthwest.com
Dings and dents meet their match at DAA Northwest Auto Body Center. Whether you’re looking for a restoration, repairs following a fender bender, or a top-notch detailing, the pros at DAA will get your vehicle up and running—and looking good. (SH)
SILVER: Ed’s Premier Auto Body
BRONZE: Nelson’s Towing, Repair, and Auto Body
IDAHO: Lake City Auto Body

AUTO REPAIR

Jennifer’s Auto Sales & Service

15020 East Sprague Ave., www.jennifersusedcarsspokane.com

At Jennifer’s Auto Sales & Service, you can count on a full safety and service inspection on any used car, truck, or SUV. Extended warranties, low rates, and competitive pricing round out the bargain. Jennifer’s repair center is AAA Approved and ASE Certified for a full range of vehicle repairs. And of course, Jenifer’s low prices are guaranteed to save you green! (KC)

SILVER: Mechanics Pride Auto Repair

BRONZE: Action Auto & Boat Repair

IDAHO: Parker Toyota

TIRES

Les Schwab Tires

Multiple locations,www.lesschwab.com

These tire guys really do come running like knights with rolling tires to get you back on the road in lightening speed. Except when the first snowflakes falls. Our local weather people can predict it for weeks but one look at the lineup when the white stuff starts sticking and you’d think it took us by surprise. (LR)

SILVER: Perfection Tire

BRONZE: Tire-Rama

IDAHO: Best Tire & Auto

USED CAR DEALERSHIP

Wendle Motors

9000 North Division Street, www.wendle.com

When it comes to buying used cars, Spokane residents have learned they can trust Wendle Motors. The staff are knowledgable, professional and go the extra mile to make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. (RS)

SILVER: Jennifer’s Auto Sales & Service

BRONZE: Appleway

IDAHO: Dave Smith Motors

NEW CAR DEALERSHIP
Appleway
8500 E. Sprague Ave., www.appleway.com
Looking for reliable new wheels? With an encyclopedic inventory of cars, trucks, vans and SUVs (Acuras, Audis, Chevrolets, Hondas, Subarus, Toyotas, Volkswagons, and the list goes on…), chances are Appleway’s got the keys to your next ride. (SH)
 SILVER: Wendle Motors
BRONZE: Larry H. Miller
IDAHO: Dave Smith Frontier Sales & Service

CALL IN THE PROFESSIONALS

ARCHITECTURAL FIRM

Sam Rodell

159 South Lincoln Street, Suite 222, www.rodell.com

As a residential architect, Sam Rodell’s work reflects a creative marriage between his client’s desires and the environment at hand. He possesses numerous degrees in architecture, and is well-regarded for project management skills and integrity. Clients assert Rodell can virtually read and then transcribe their lofty imaginations into reality.(KC)

SILVER: ALSC Architects

BRONZE: Nystrom + Olson Architecture

IDAHO: Miller Stauffer Architects

CATERER

Fery’s Catering

421 South Crowley Street, www.feryscatering.com

Everybody needs a fairy caterer that makes them look brilliant. In the kitchen, Fery’s is it. This delicious-dish -creating caterer handles it all, from lavish events to family dinners. Do you cringe a bit when someone asks for the recipe? Just say only the Fery’s know for sure, and serve them seconds. (LR)

SILVER: Beacon Hill

BRONZE: Charley’s Catering Company

IDAHO: Greenbriar Inn

CHIROPRACTOR

Houk Chiropractic

9720 N Nevada Street, www.houkchiropractic.com

Houk Chiropractic strives to help their clients meet all of their physical goals. Through a careful examination and a recommended treatment program, they help people get back on the road to recovery through expert advice, self-help exercises and a commitment to achieving results. (RS)

SILVER: Valente Chiropractic

BRONZE: Sicilia Chiropractic

IDAHO: Hayden Lake Chiropractic

COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Ken Collins, DDS
3151 E. 28th Ave., and 507 N Sullivan Rd. Suite 2, www.wemakespokanesmile.com
Maybe your coffee habit has tinted your teeth a less-than-dazzling white? Maybe you’ve got a gap that’s less disarming and more alarming? Whatever the situation, repeat cosmetic dentistry winner Ken Collins can up the wattage of your smile. (SH)
 SILVER: Stephanie Combs, DDS
BRONZE: Richard Weigand, DDS
IDAHO: Avondale Dental Center

CREDIT UNION

Spokane Teachers Credit Union

Multiple Branches, www.stcu.org

STCU offers convenient online banking and billpay, as well as free checking, and their First5 Savings Account pays the highest available interest rate on the first $500 deposited. Investment options include money market accounts, IRAs and certificates. Friendly tellers and staff are merely icing on the cake.(KC)

SILVER: Numerica Credit Union

BRONZE: Global Credit Union

IDAHO: Potlatch Federal Credit Union

VETERINARIAN

Five Mile Pet Clinic

6825 North Country Homes Blvd., www.fivemilepetclinic.aahavet.org

AAHA accredited with the highest standards in veterinary practice and pet care, Five Mile Pet Clinic is open 6 days a week to offer comprehensive health care for your cat and dog. Services include diagnostics, vaccinations, preventative and internal medicine, surgery, oncology, and dentistry. Five Mile hosts three experienced veterinarians, a warm staff, and an above-and-beyond attitude that keeps clients, and their pets, coming back.(KC)

SILVER: Garland Animal Clinic

BRONZE: Fairwood Animal Hospital

IDAHO: Kootenai Animal Hospital

FLORIST

Liberty Park Florist & Greenhouse

1401 East Newark Avenue, www.libertyparkflorist.com

Sometimes bigger is better, because Liberty Park is the largest florist and you voted it the best. This full-service family owned and operated business has been blooming since 1929. No, it’s not wrong to send flowers to yourself. Just be sure to act surprised when they’re delivered. (LR)

SILVER: Just Roses Plus

BRONZE: Appleway Florist & Greenhouses

IDAHO: Flowers by Paul

BANK

Washington Trust Bank

Multiple locations, www.watrust.com

Since 1902, Washington Trust Bank has been providing its customers with exceptional customer service and a bank they can trust. With 40 locations around the Pacific Northwest, Washington Trust is able to offer their customers the flexibility and conveniences of a larger institution with the friendliness of a small town bank. They are the best by far; that you can bank on!(RS)

SILVER: Bank of America

BRONZE: US Bank

IDAHO: Mountain West Bank

INSURANCE AGENCY
State Farm
Multiple locations; www.statefarm.com
A lack of insurance, whether it’s auto, life, homeowners or health, is enough to keep a person up at night. If you find yourself in this boat, you need a good neighbor to help out. Thank goodness, like a good neighbor, State Farm is there! Cover your bases with best insurance winner State Farm and rest easy—no matter what life sends your way. (SH)
 SILVER: Farmer’s Insurance
BRONZE: American Family Insurance

DENTIST

Brooke M. Cloninger, DDS.

2001 East 29th Ave.,www.brookecloningerdds.com

Remember those red colored tablets that would show how well you did or didn’t brush? Well your dentist can tell the moment you open wide. To make sure your grin looks its best, see Brooke to care for your pearly whites. And don’t forget to floss. (LR)

SILVER: Ken Collins, DDS

BRONZE: Richard Weigand, DDS

IDAHO: Timothy LaBrosse, DDS

HEALTHCARE FACILITY

Rockwood Clinic

Multiple locations, www.rockwoodclinic.com

The Rockwood Clinic was founded under the principles of providing compassionate, comprehensive and integrated care for patients in the Inland Northwest, ideals that still define the company today. Rockwood is a multi-specialty provider with over 32 local locations, including Deaconess Hospital and Valley Hospital. (RS)

SILVER: Sacred Heart Medical Center

BRONZE: Group Health Medical Center

IDAHO: Kootenai Medical Center

WEIGHTLOSS SYSTEM

Weight Watchers

www.weightwatchers.com

With over 45 years of experience, WeightWatchers is time-tested and proven to assist in weight loss and weight management. Years of scientific research and study have yielded a balanced approach incorporating smart eating and exercise. With at least seven groups in the greater Spokane area, the opportunity and support to live well are at your fingertips! (KC)

SILVER: Isagenix

BRONZE: Nutrisystem

IDAHO: Surgical Bariatrics Northwest

LOCAL CHARITY

Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery

1004 East 8th Ave., www.vanessabehan.org

This safe haven cares for thousands of children, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. In addition to providing safely for Spokane’s at-risk children, they also counsel and strengthen families. You can support this important charity by volunteering, donating, attending The Pumpkin Ball or shopping at Santa Express. (LR)

SILVER: Second Harvest

BRONZE: Union Gospel Mission

IDAHO: Hospice of North Idaho

MAKE MY HOME A SWEET HOME

INTERIOR DESIGN

Savory

1314 S Grand Blvd., www.savoryspokane.com

The interior of Savory Restaurant on the South Hill manages to combine a sleek urban atmosphere with a distinct Northwest flavor. The wood beams, open floor plan and chic lighting create a warm and inviting place for patrons to enjoy their meal. (RS)

SILVER: Twig’s Bistro & Martini Bar

BRONZE: Thai Bamboo

IDAHO: Beverly’s at the Coeur d’Alene Resort

KITCHEN DESIGN
Berry Built and Design
204 S. Koren Rd., www. berrybuiltdesign.com
Some of us thrive in the kitchen, making dinner every night and hosting everything from Thanksgiving dinners to Taco Tuesdays. And some of us use our ovens as storage for out-of-season clothes. Regardless, a beautiful, functional kitchen is any home’s greatest selling point. Berry Built can bring out the best in yours. (SH)
 SILVER: Huntwood Custom Cabinets
BRONZE: The Kitchen Place
IDAHO: Boettcher Design + Color

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Land Expressions

5615 East Day Mount Spokane Rd., www.landexpressions.com

Committed to sustaining natural resources and enhancing the natural environment, Land Expressions creates beautiful and functional landscapes for their clients to enjoy. Attention to detail and experienced design have fueled a 25-year legacy of excellence. Projects range from design to instruction, and include residential, commercial, outdoor and entertainment, and pool and spa needs.(KC)

SILVER: Clearwater Summit Group

BRONZE: Legacy Landscapes

IDAHO: Landmark Landscape Architects

LIGHTING & ACCESSORIES

Revival Lighting

14 West Main Avenue Spokane,WA. revivallighting.com

Lighten up in style. This bright shop specializes in vintage and period lighting and is often called upon for accuracy in historical restorations. Let this well-lit store light up your life. (LR)

SILVER: Evergreen Lighting

BRONZE: Carr Sales

IDAHO: Idaho Lights

 

SIDING

McVay Brothers Siding & Windows

11420 E. Montgomery Dr., www.mcvaybrothers.com

Since 1933, the McVay Family has been providing siding for families in the Inland Northwest. Their attention to detail, commitment to customer service and passion for enhancing the look of local homes is the reason they have been in business for three generations and what makes them a company Spokane trusts! (RS)

SILVER: Clear Brothers Siding & Windows

BRONZE: Morris Clark Siding & Roofing

IDAHO: Lifetime Roofing & Siding

ROOFING
Spokane Roofing Company
130 E. Sprague Ave., www.roofspokane.com
Leave the precarious ladder climbing and wall scaling to the pros: when your home or business needs new insulation, re-sheeting, or a complete roof replacement, Spokane Roofing Company (in business for an impressive 105 years) has you covered. Literally. (SH)
 SILVER: McVay Brothers Siding & Windows
BRONZE: Perrenoud Roofing Inc.
IDAHO: Lifetime Roofing and Siding

GRANITE

Mario & Son

2750 North Eagle Lane,www.marioandson.com

The largest fabricator of granite, marble and Silestone in the Northwest, Mario & Sons combine traditional by-hand methods of stone cutting with advanced technology. With true artisanship and over 20 years of family experience, they provide the materials necessary to bring sophistication to kitchen and bath countertops, water wall creations, fireplaces and more. Competitive pricing insures you won’t break the bank.(KC)

SILVER: RW Gallion Incorporated

BRONZE: Granite Transformations

IDAHO: Gargoyle Granite & Marble

CLOSET STORAGE SYSTEMS

California Closets

3808 North Sullivan Rd., www.californiaclosets.com/spokane

It’s time to get organized, and this place can help. We’ve all seen their ads with the perfectly organized closets, and though they may be nearly impossible to achieve, it definitely can be something to strive for. (LR)

SILVER: Cabinet Systems

BRONZE: The Closet Guys

FLOORING STORE

Great Floors

Multiple locations, www.greatfloors.com

What started in the 1970s as a carpet peddler selling carpet from the back of his car has now become one of the Pacific Northwest’s top floor specialists. Great Floors services commercial, retail and builder markets, striving to offer the best possible product for the best possible price. (RS)

SILVER: Northwest Trends of Spokane

BRONZE: United Floor Covering

IDAHO: Panhandle Carpet One Floor & Home

CABINETS
Huntwood Custom Cabinets
23800 E. Appleway Ave., www.huntwood.com
Whether their tastes are clean and modern, French country or corporate chic, Spokanites know they can rely on Huntwood’s 20-plus years of experience. This environmentally-friendly company started in Spokane in 1988, and now it provides custom cabinetry all over the world. (SH)
 SILVER: Affordable Custom Cabinets
BRONZE: Berry Built and Design
IDAHO: Tapley Cabinet Works

WINDOWS

McVay Brothers Siding & Windows

11420 East Montgomery Dr., www.mcvaybrothers.com

McVay Brothers Siding & Windows has been a Spokane employee- and family-owned fixture since 1933. Three generations of excellence have supplied homeowners with attractive and functional windows, siding, doors, roofing, raingutters, and insulation. Customer loyalty and satisfaction can be attributed to professional installation, warm customer service, and the assurance they are working for you.(KC)

SILVER: Pella Windows & Doors

BRONZE: VPI Quality Windows

IDAHO: Coeur d’Alene Window Company

PLUMBING

Gold Seal Plumbing

5524 East Boone Ave., www.goldsealplumbing.com

When things get backed up, sometimes the DIY method can make matters worse. But whenever you do decide to reach out to an expert, it’s essential to know who to call. Make sure they have a Gold Seal, which is like a gold star for clogs. (LR)

SILVER: Nobelman’s Plumbing

BRONZE: Jerry’s Plumbing and Heating

IDAHO: Aqua Tech Plumbing

PAINT STORE

Sherwin-Williams

Multiple locations, www.sherwin-williams.com

Sherwin-Williams is not only one of the largest paint producers in the United States, but also the entire world. The brand has established itself as a paint and coating company people can trust. Local Sherwin-William’s stores offer Spokane residents a world-renowned paint product with small town customer service. (RS)

SILVER: Miller Paint

BRONZE: Wahl Paint Center

A FLAIR FOR THE DRAMATIC

TALENT AGENCY
Triple L Talent Agency
www.tripleltalent.com
Triple L is the Inland Northwest’s go-to talent agency, providing actors and background extras for everything from film and commercials to voice-overs to murder mystery parties. Their impressive roster includes diversely talented actors, singers, dancers—and even clowns! (SH)
 SILVER: Big Fish
BRONZE: PJ & CO Models

THEATRE COMPANY

Spokane Civic Theatre

1020 North Howard Street, www.spokanecivictheatre.com

The Spokane Civic Theatre, incorporated in 1947, is a nationally recognized non-profit community theatre. An academy and summer camps allow students of all ages to learn the skills, theory and performance of the theatre, and local volunteers direct and act in seasonal productions. The Spokane Civic Theatre’s winter production of White Christmas will run November 16 – December 21.(KC)

SILVER: Interplayers Theatre

BRONZE: Christian Youth Theater

IDAHO: Lake City Playhouse

PLACE FOR WEDDING RECEPTION

The Davenport Hotel

10 South Post Street, www.thedavenporthotel.com

Every princess needs a palace and if you’re in the market for one for your big day, The Davenport is the grandest one in all the land. This castle is complete with an accommodating staff to attend to everything. Oh, and it has a spa in the dungeon. (LR)

SILVER: Arbor Crest Wine Cellars’ Cliff House

BRONZE: The Glover Mansion

IDAHO: The Coeur d’Alene Resort

WEDDING/EVENT FACILITY

The Glover Mansion

321 W. 8th Ave., www.glovermansion.com

The Glover Mansion is a Spokane landmark. Built in 1888, by famed architect Kirtland Cutter for James Glover, this beautifully restored mansion maintains all the character of a historic building, with the conveniences of a modern facility. It can host intimate events or groups as large as 275. (RS)

SILVER: The Davenport Hotel

BRONZE: Arbor Crest Wine Cellars’ Estate

IDAHO: The Coeur d’ Alene Resort

MOST ROMANTIC
Clinkerdagger
621 W. Mallon Ave., www.clinkerdagger.com
The rich and inviting interior, great location, and classic dishes have made Clinkerdagger a perpetual favorite with Spokanites. Ask for a cozy table for two and admire the view of the Spokane River and city skyline—if you can pry your eyes from your significant other. (SH)
 SILVER: The Melting Pot
BRONZE: Anthony’s at Spokane Falls
IDAHO: Beverly’s at the Coeur d’Alene Resort

DANCE COMPANY

Ballet Arts Academy

109 West Pacific Ave., www.balletartsacademy.com

The Ballet Arts Academy is Spokane’s premier ballet and modern dance school, offering a full range of ballet classes organized on a trimester system. Classes span from beginning to advanced skill levels; Mimi Ewers, of Honduras, serves as the Academy’s artistic director. Winter performances of The Nutcracker will run December 6 – 9. (KC)

SILVER: Academy of Dance

BRONZE: Dance Center of Spokane

IDAHO: Coeur d’Alene School of Ballet

MAKE ME BEAUTIFUL!!!

FITNESS CLUB

Oz Fitness

Multiple locations, www.ozfitness.com

In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy discovers that it was she who had the power all along. It’s the same with getting and staying in shape: you have the magic to transform your physique, maintain good heath and live your best life. The great Oz Fitness is there to help you realize it. (LR)

SILVER: YMCA of the Inland Northwest

BRONZE: CrossFit Spokane

IDAHO: The Salvation Army Kroc Center

HAIR SALON

Jaazz Salon

108 N. Washington Street, www.jaazzsalons.com

If you’re looking for a reason why Jaazz Salon has been placed in the Top 200 List by national magazine, Salon Today, all you need to do is ask one of their happy customers. The staff are highly trained in current hair trends, the customer service is top notch and the salon experience from start to finish can’t be beat. (RS)

SILVER: Dimensions Salon

BRONZE: 14th & Grand Salon

IDAHO: Fratelli Salon

MANICURE
Famous Nails
Multiple locations
Our readers trust their fingers and toes to the local pros at Famous Nails. If you weren’t blessed with a steady painting hand—or if you just want to treat yourself to a luxurious mani-pedi—head to one of Famous Nails multiple locations. (SH)
SILVER: Foxy Nails
BRONZE: Mai Nails
IDAHO: Zi Spa

MASSAGE

BrickHouse Massage & Coffee Bar

14222 East Sprague Ave., www.brickhousemassage.com

A cozy combination of spa relaxation and an in-house coffee bar make BrickHouse the perfect escape from stress and busy schedules. Licensed male and female technicians and therapists are available for massage, body/facial, waxing and nail treatments amid a relaxing atmosphere of local art, a sunroom, and coffee treats. Reservations recommended. (KC)

SILVER: Elements Therapeutic Massage

BRONZE: Spinal and Sports Care Clinic

IDAHO: Body Tech Massage and Wellness

SKIN CARE

Ajuva Medical Spa

9425 North Nevada Street, www.ajuvamedicalspa.com

Skin is like the giftwrap for your brain and body. You should handle yours with care. At Ajuva, they specialize in skin care. Whether you need a buff and polish or total tune up, they’ve got your cover. (LR)

SILVER: Advanced Aesthetics

BRONZE: Advanced Dermatology

IDAHO: North Idaho Dermatology

SPA

Spa Paradiso

Kendall Yards, www.spaparadiso.com

Spa Paradiso built a strong reputation for providing the very best in spa services for over 10 years at their long time home in The Davenport Hotel. The spa has recently moved to a new location at Kendall Yards. The hardest part of the move for dedicated patrons will be waiting until December 2012 for doors to open again. (RS)

SILVER: La Rive Spa & Salon

BRONZE: BrickHouse Massage & Coffee Bar

IDAHO: The Coeur d’Alene Resort Spa

SUN TANNING
Sunny Buns Tanning Salon & Spa
2821 E. 27^th Ave., www.sunnybuns.com
Sun those buns with the help of repeat winner Sunny Buns Tanning Salon and Spa. If UV-free is more your style, check out the “sunless” sessions. This South Hill shop also offers permanent makeup, nail services, massages and haircuts, color and styling. (SH)
SILVER: Coconutz Tanning Spa
BRONZE: Palm Beach Tan
IDAHO: Hawaiian Sun Suntan Center & Day Spa