District Bar opens at Knitting Factory

The District Bar is now open at the Knitting Factory, 916 W. First Ave.

The new gastropub features the Mississippi Gulf Coast roots and culinary experience of executive chef Gary Evans, who started at MGM/Mirage’s Beau Rivage Casino and Resort in Biloxi, Miss., and worked at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya in Albuquerque and the Davenport Hotel’s Palm Court Grill.

Evans is putting a spin on classic bar grub, including his take on cheese sticks, which instead are beer-marinated, panko crusted hearts of palm, glazed with bourbon sauce. The house-made potato chips are soaked in beer, then fried and served with herbs, truffle oil and garlic aioli. Entrees include bacon-wrapped burgers and dogs, grilled pork chops topped with bourbon pepper pork jus and beer-braised short ribs. Craft cocktails range from classic to current and the taps feature selections from Spokane, the region and beyond.

The District Bar opened Friday. It is open 3 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday and 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Owners said Monday the restaurant is separate from the Knitting Factory and was not affected by police efforts to shut down the concert house after a nearby shooting this week.

Barrels and Bites tickets on sale

Tickets are on sale for Barrels and Bites, the second annual fundraiser and auction for Spokane Public Market.

Local wines will be paired with cuisine made from market ingredients. The money raised will be used for a commercial kitchen and café at the Spokane Public Market, 24 W. Second Ave.

Tickets are $40 each until April 1, when the price becomes $50. Barrels and Bites will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 26. Tickets are available online at www.brownpaper tickets.com or at the market, Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Find more at www.spokane publicmarket.org.