Coming soon from Jeremy Hansen: Octopus Gin and a classic French brasserie

Sailors and salty dogs, rejoice. An octopus-themed gin joint is on the horizon.

At the helm: Jeremy Hansen.

The Spokane chef and restaurateur is planning to locate the nautical lounge with Asian influences in the old Ridpath Hotel in downtown Spokane – alongside another new creation. Also in the works: a traditional French brasserie with seating for about 90 Francophiles.

Neither will be “super-fine dining,” Hansen said.

But they’ll stay true to the sustainable, farm-to-table philosophy he’s known for adhering to at his other chef-driven establishments.

Hansen and his wife Kate own and operate several eateries in downtown Spokane, starting with Sante Restaurant and Charcuterie, which opened in 2008. Their repertoire also includes Common Crumb Artisan Bakery, Hogwash Whiskey Den and Inland Pacific Kitchen.

A casual eatery, Biscuit Wizard, is in the works at the Saranac Commons building, which also houses the bake shop. It’s slated to open in July.

The other two new spots are planned for the first floor of the former Ridpath Hotel, which closed in 2008. Renovations are already underway, said Hansen, who’s hoping to open the bar and brasserie in October – although, he noted, “the bar might open sooner.”

Octopus Gin will feature – as its name suggests – gin-based cocktails. The logo will simply be an image of an octopus and the word “gin,” Hansen said.

The bar menu will be Asian-inspired menu and limited. The plan is to feature steamed bao buns, ramen and chicken wings.

Brasserie Ridpath is slated to offer the same menu all day long. And all days means from 7 a.m. until the brasserie closes at 3 a.m., Hansen said.

Some 30 to 40 entrees will be available, and the focus will be on French classics, such as escargots, steak and frites, foie gras and boeuf bourguignon.

Carafes of wine will be available. The plan is to offer a variety of French table wines in the $10 range.

Decor includes marble-top tables and French-style wicker furniture.

“Good things are happening,” Hansen said. “It’s going to be awesome.”