Creative Newcomers Add Spice To Pig Out In The Park Lineup

Perusing the menu from this year’s Pig Out in the Park, I’m struck by how much is the same old, same old.

I suppose restaurateurs don’t want to fix something that’s not broken. Give the public what they want, never mind tempting them with something new and different.

The newcomers at this year’s Pig Out sound mighty interesting, though.

I’ll be lining up for the crawfish gumbo from Bayou Brewing, a restaurant-pub that should open sometime this fall, for the fish tacos from the II Moon, for the grilled chicken pita from Harry O’s and the strawberry-rhubarb pie from the Village Inn. I’m sorely tempted to order “the drowned cow” just to see what the Kalico Kitchen dishes up.

That’s not to say I’m going to snub some of the old faves like the Thai pizza from Rock City, the Red Lion’s corn on the cob, the steak sandwich from Lil’ Bit of Philly or the hand-dipped ice cream bars from Boehm’s.

But, as the event’s ad campaign says, you can possibly eat it all.

The noshing continues from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. through Monday at Spokane’s Riverfront Park.

Culinary changes

There are some big adjustments ahead on Spokane’s restaurant scene.

Sadly, the owners of Fugazzi are leaving town. Kit Garrett and Bobby Hancock are returning to Kentucky to be close to family. The new owner (the deal hasn’t closed yet, so he shall remain nameless) plans to keep things pretty much status quo with the same staff. But Garrett and Hancock were such fixtures at Fugazzi, their presence and attention to detail will surely be missed.

Chris Mueller, the former general manager at Patsy Clark’s, is on board at Luna. Mueller will ease the load for owners Marcia and William Bond.

Mueller brings years of experience to the front of the house, where he says his ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone who walks through the door has a wonderful experience.

Paprika has been so successful at its new South Grand location (across from Lindaman’s) that the owners have decided to focus strictly on dinner. Chef Karla Graves wants to spend more time making the evening menu creative, so today is the last day for lunch at the inventive eatery.

G’day, mate

Outback Steakhouse, an Australian-themed restaurant that features stuff like “jackaroo” chops and walkabout soup, will open a place in Spokane around the first of next year.

A Seattle-based franchise company called Evergreen Restaurant Corporation has opened nine Outbacks in the Northwest, with Boise being the latest entry.

There are more than 300 Outback Steakhouses nationwide, making it one of the fastest-growing dinner chains in the country.

Look for additional details in future columns.

GU’s dining district grows

Add two more names to the growing list of restaurants near Gonzaga on Hamilton.

Sonic Burrito and David’s Pizza have opened second locations just down the block from Arny’s, Starbuck’s and the Ultimate Bagel and just across from The Lotus Seed.

David’s is in a spot once occupied by a dry cleaner on the corner of Boone and Hamilton. The menu is the same as the downtown store, but at the larger Hamilton digs, there’s more seating, parking and (this will matter for the only the next couple of weeks) air-conditioning.

The Sonic Burrito has been such a hit on the South Hill that it has branched with its stuffed tortillas in the second spot. Sonic goes beyond south-of-the-border stuffings with its teriyaki chicken burrito and Thai burrito with shredded red cabbage and peanut sauce.

Both restaurants should appeal to budget-minded college crowd with prices ranging from under $2 for a slice and around $5 for a monstrous burrito.

New Sunday munchings

Sunday brunch is now being served at Hangman Golf Course. You’re not required to own clubs or have a handicap in order to dive into the buffet offerings served between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Each Sunday, duffers as well as non-golfer types can feast on fresh fruit, eggs, French toast, blueberry pancakes, sausage, bacon and hash browns, all for $4.95. That includes beverages and a view of players coming in (cursing or cheering) on the 18th green.

At the Lone Jack Steakhouse in Potlatch, Idaho, a new chef has ushered in Sunday morning offerings that include a pasta bar, made-to-order omelettes and crepes, caviar with toast points, roast turkey, ham and a variety of salads. Other items, such as chicken strips and small steaks can be ordered from the broiler.

Brunch is served from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. It’s $10.95 for adults, $5.95 for children ages 6 through 12. Kids under 6 eat free. For reservations, call (208) 875-1421.

Consumers rate chains

In the September issue of Consumer Reports, more than 60 chain restaurants were evaluated for food, atmosphere and value.

Of the chain dinner houses in our area, The Olive Garden, Tony Roma’s, Red Robin, Red Lobster and Applebee’s fared well, rating in the 70s out of 100 possible points.

The chain receiving the best marks was Houston’s, a steakhouse that specializes in huge portions.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: Pig Out in the Park

MEMO: Leslie Kelly can be contacted via E-mail at lesliek@spokesman.com or regular mail to Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210.