Bloglander

Since there was no Food Blotter last week, we’ve got a lot to catch up on. First, if you’re counting down the days to Pig Out in the Park and wondering why there’s no mention of it in this week’s Inlander — be patient. Next week’s issue will have lots of Pig Out information so it’s around during the full weekend.

The Santé team is back from New York City, where they had the prestigious honor of serving dinner at the James Beard House. Chef Jeremy Hansen wrote more about it (including the menu) here, and our publisher also wrote about the trip in this week’s issue. They’ve got other news, too: The new Butcher Bar will be opening soon, with craft cocktails and a late-night menu.

The cronut craze has arrived in Spokane. Read more about Downriver Grill’s new weekend breakfast dishes and drinks in this week’s Entree newsletter, which also has news about Wild Dawgs reopening and a new craft distillery called Tinbender moving into the same building as Spokane Public Market.

If you missed it earlier this week, the Original Phat Truck made its final appearance at last Saturday’s Garland Block Party.

Next week on Aug. 29 is the official Inland NW Ale Trail Kick-Off party at Saranac Public House. With 16 breweries scattered from Republic, Wash., to Wallace, Idaho, the Inland NW Ale Trail is not so much a trail as a collector’s guide. Pick up a map, then collect stamps from 10 of the breweries to get a free mini-growler. Washington’s own beer blogging expert, Kendall Jones, was in town for the inaugural weekend to check it all out. Laughing Dog, one of the breweries on the trail, is having an 8th birthday party this Saturday if you’re looking to get a head start in Sandpoint. Another, Ramblin’ Road, is in the middle of an expansion and currently planning an early October taproom opening.

After choosing finalists from readers’ nomination, CraftBeer.com has opened voting for the 2013 Great American Beer Bars. Manito Tap House is one of only 10 selected to represent the Pacific Region, and apparently they’re not satisfied by getting named Spokane’s Best Beer Bar by Inlander readers in this year’s Best Of poll. Kidding, you can never have too many prizes. Vote here.

The Daily Meal chose 28 “Coffee Roasters We Love” without even making anyone vote, and selected Doma as one of the beloved. (We somehow missed it when the Post Falls coffee roaster got selected in March by Food & Wine magazine, too.) Collect also has a fun post this week about the art adorning Doma’s Summer Lovin’ coffee, which is tasty if you can find a can.

Looking for more? Check out our full calendar for food events.