Good Answer

by Mike Corrigan and Susan Hamilton


Good answer pick: Suzanne Stone of Spokane


The secret's out. Some of us here at The Inlander thought we were the only ones who knew about the DONUT PARADE on North Hamilton. But there it was on Suzanne Stone's ballot for "Best Donuts." Seems she's loved the maple bars at the '50s-era donut shop since her days at Gonzaga Prep High School, which is just up the street from the local landmark. Pretty impressive coming from someone who normally doesn't like donuts. But anyone who's been in there will attest to the delectable confections in the display case made fresh daily.


Some of her other choices in the ballot's food and drink category also meet with our approval. THE ROCKET coffeehouses got her vote for "Best Bakery," even though she's not big on espresso, something The Rocket knows how to brew up right. For a quick lunch, she recommends the chicken strips at ZIP'S. The tartar sauce can't be beat, she says. Then it's CASA de ORO for Mexican cuisine, and with the new one they recently opened on the South Hill near her home only adds to its desirability. FRANK'S DINER is Stone's idea for a place to hit for breakfast. I'll bet half of Spokane agrees, judging by the line on Sunday mornings. BENNIDITO'S for pizza is where she heads for Italian fare. The pizza with garlic is especially tasty, she says, "Better than anyone else's." And rounding out her diverse tastes, the egg rolls at her favorite Asian restaurant, MUSTARD SEED, are so good that she "won't share them with anyone."


When it's time for fine dining, Stone strongly endorses LUNA on the South Hill. She finds the menu "creative -- not just your typical type of food." It even tops some of her favorite eateries in Seattle and New York. Spokane, Stone says, "could use more restaurants the caliber of Luna."