Lorien Remains Healthy After 20 Years In City

Spokane’s oldest health-food store, Lorien Herbs & Natural Foods, is marking its 20th anniversary in March with a monthlong celebration featuring product samples, demonstrations and lectures.

Representatives from herbal supplement and cosmetics companies will be on hand to discuss their products, and there will be cooking demonstrations featuring such foods as Small Planet tofu. Selected items will be on sale throughout the month for up to 20 percent off, with occasional drawings for prizes.

“We’re hoping to create a little excitement,” says owner Bob Herman, who also just celebrated his 75th birthday.

Lorien is located at 414 E. Trent. For more information, call 456-0702.

Core values

Speaking of longevity, Safeway stores and the Washington Apple Commission are looking for an active, “on-the-go” grandmother to serve as the commission’s new “Granny Smith” spokeswoman.

The Pacific Northwest finalist will win $500 and compete for the title with 21 others from across the United States and Canada in a “Granny Finale” in Wenatchee in May. The winner will appear on supermarket posters and travel nationwide to promote apples.

To nominate your favorite granny, send an essay (100 words or less) on what makes her special, along with a nonreturnable photo, to: Granny Smith, 203 Bellevue Way NE, Suite 162, Bellevue, WA 98004. Entry deadline is April 4.

Lentil gymnastics

Down on the Palouse, the National Lentil Festival Cook-Off in Pullman is coming early this year, on April 5. That’s to allow local restaurants time to prepare commercial versions of the winning recipes to serve at the festival Aug. 23.

There are six categories: main dish, soups and side dishes, salad, dessert, breads and children under 14. The winner in each category will receive gift items and certificates from local businesses.

Registration is free; entry deadline is March 28. Look for registration forms at Pullman area businesses or call toll-free to (800) 365-6948.

Safety network

And across the state line in Moscow, Idaho, new forms of food-borne illness will be the focus of the fifth annual Food Safety Farm to Table Conference next Wednesday and Thursday at the University Inn.

The conference is sponsored by a group of researchers and food safety educators at Washington State University and the University of Idaho. While geared to professionals, it is open to the public. The fee is $150; call (509) 335-2954 to register.

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