SPOKANE, Wash. -- Spokane has caught the attention of the New York-born food guide, Zagat.
Zagat's recent article "7 Reasons to Drive to Spokane" puts the city on the map for foodies, alongside up-and-coming Seattle and Portland. From gourmet dinners to coffee, Zagat wants everyone to know Spokane can compete.
"The size-able city in eastern Washington beckons eaters, both for the historic standby restaurants dotting Downtown and for the newer restaurants that are shaking up the scene," wrote Zagat author Jackie Varriano.
The article highlighted seven great Inland Northwest spots, with an emphasis on one particular chef: Jeremy Hansen, head chef at Sante and Common Crumb, and culinary mastermind behind Spokane's Chinese Lantern Festival pop up restaurant, Deng Chu.
Deng Chu will only be open until mid-November when the Lantern Festival draws to a close. Hansen used different culinary regions in China as the inspiration for each week the festival is open. Deng Chu is Zagat's number one reason "to drive to Spokane" but admittedly because it's "the most pressing."
Second on the list is Sante, Hansen's first restaurant and award-generator. Hansen was named the first James Beard semifinalist from Spokane (an award given for excellence in everything from culinary skills to food writing and education). Sante focuses on hyper-local ingredients and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
"He's a bit of a Midas in the town, turning just about everything he touches into gold," wrote Varriano. Varriano was also sure to mention Common Crumb, Hansen's bakery and newest addition to his food empire.
Number three featured Indaba Coffee, notable to Zagat for its "immense precision" and variety.
Ruins caught Zagat's attention fourth. The restaurant features a menu that changes weekly, "dancing around the globe from Peru to India to Russia and beyond" according to Varriano.
Fifth, Zagat highlighted Stella's Cafe, as Spokane's go-to sandwich shop with excellence from its vegan options to its pulled pork.
Chaps Diner and Bakery offers meals all day, but was notable to Zagat for its breakfast. Varriano let reader's know the oatmeal and chorizo omelet were staples and not to be passed up.
Zagat ventured miles outside of Spokane for their final favorite. Fleur De Sel in Post Falls is "pure French" in its food and so welcoming "you're likely to be kissed on both cheeks upon entering" according to Varriano.
Sante's co-owner, Kate Rose Hansen, agreed with Zagat's idea that Spokane offers the historic and the modern.
"Things are happening here. There's so much growth," said Hansen.
