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Jeremy Hansen still plans to get his gin bar

This is a White Lady cocktail, a frothy gin drink prepared by Simon Moorby of Hogwash Whiskey Den. Moorby will be overseeing the transition of the bar at Inland Pacific Kitchen, the den’s sister establishment, into a gin-forward offering. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)
By Adriana Janovich adrianaj@spokesman.com(509) 459-5446

Jeremy Hansen still plans to get his gin bar.

The Spokane chef and restaurateur is working to transform the bar program at his Inland Pacific Kitchen restaurant into a gin-forward offering.

Hansen had originally planned to open a gin bar and brasserie in the old Ridpath Hotel. But construction and other delays have pushed back that project indefinitely.

So Hansen is re-imagining the bar program at IPK.

Bar manager Simon Moorby will spearhead the transformation, which is slated to debut Jan. 4. The bar menu will feature gin cocktails with sous vide infusions, Hansen said.

The food menu will be made up of “non-traditional, pan-Asian” small plates overseen by chef Chong Vang.

Hansen said he isn’t renovating the space. The restaurant – elegant, modern, done in muted hues and exposed brick – opened in late 2016. But he does plan to provide “a darker ambiance.”

Hanson and his wife, Kate, also own and operate Sante Restaurant & Charcuterie, which is slated to close within the next three to six months. The Hansens plan to open a saloon-style establishment called Smoke & Mirrors in the downtown location that currently houses Sante.

They also own and operate Hogwash Whiskey Den, Biscuit Wizard and Common Crumb Artisan Bakery.

The bake shop, too, is undergoing a transformation. Retail is expected to resume in mid to late January or early February. Profits will go to support 509 Cooks, which Hansen describes as “a culinary first-responder to people in need in natural disasters.” It builds on his recent volunteer work in Puerto Rico.

Hansen had wanted the no-longer-coming-soon Ridpath Brasserie and gin bar to cater to residents – the hotel is being renovated and converted to apartments – as well as late-night and downtown diners.

The old Ridpath Hotel closed in 2008.

The classic French restaurant and gin bar were slated to open in summer 2017 on the first floor of the old hotel. That was pushed back to fall 2017, then spring or summer 2018.

In March 2018, Hansen told The Spokesman-Review, “Things just keep coming up.”