Rookery residents ready for reincarnation

It’s the last of a dying breed, and its days on the block are numbered. But that doesn’t give Chicken-n-More owner Bob Hemphill any reason to worry about his restaurant. He’s closing his doors today after 12 years on the corner of Sprague Avenue and Stevens Street. Starting tomorrow, he’ll spend the next two weeks getting ready to reopen the restaurant half a block away at 414 ½ W. Sprague Ave. on July 15.

Hemphill’s barbecue haven is the last restaurant open in the doomed-for-eventual-demolition Rookery Block. Hill’s Someplace Else was the first to close its doors, followed shortly afterward by Kao Moua’s sushi joint, Aki’s.

So far, the proposed demolition doesn’t seem to have caused too many casualties, aside from inconveniencing the owners, employees and regulars of the three restaurants.

Aki’s is opening later this month at 523 W. First Ave., and the now-vacant Hill’s storefront still sports a sign stating that the restaurant will reopen as soon as owner Steve Hill finds a new spot.

So all the rest of us have to do is stand by while three of our favorite restaurants play phoenix. That, and hope Rookery Block isn’t turned into another empty parking lot.

Linnie’s filling empty Shack

It was a painful day when the Shack, one of Spokane’s ultimate landmark restaurants, closed its doors.

But now, with more than a year’s worth of scar tissue built up, Linnie’s Thai Cuisine is renovating the building, at 1301 W. Third Ave., to use as a downtown Linnie’s location.

That means Thai food enthusiasts in the downtown area – many of whom probably would be happy for a Thai restaurant on every corner – soon will have another reason to rejoice. July 6 is the tentative opening date for the local chain’s third spot.

“We’re shooting for the sixth, man. We’re keepin’ our fingers crossed and we’re pushin’ hard for it,” said Renee Newberry, a server at the Linnie’s on 14th Avenue and Grand Boulevard.

The curry and Pad Thai addicts downtown are right there with you, Renee.

Trick Shot Dixie’s kitchen open for lunch and more

Chef Gary Smith of Trick Shot Dixie Outlaw Saloon and BBQ, 321 W. Sprague Ave., says he knows ribs.

Not to mention pulled pork, chicken, pork chops, burgers, smoked sausages and all the classic barbecue sides.

Yep, Trick Shot Dixie’s slow-cooked, meaty menu has arrived and is being served for lunch, dinner and late night.

Lunch runs $5 to $10; dinner $6 to $11. Trick Shot Dixie’s kitchen is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and from 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. It’s a bar, so remember, 21 and older only.

For more information, call (509) 230-5505.

Bonsai Bistro beckons

There’s a new Asian kid on the Coeur d’Alene restaurant block.

Bonsai Bistro, a Hagadone Hospitality-owned pan-Asian restaurant that boasts an exotic menu and lush Japanese gardens, opened at 101 Sherman Ave. on July 1. It’s taken a lot of elbow grease to get it together, but Director of Food and Beverage Rick Powers said it’s been worth the effort.

“We’ve got a great team. It was a difficult building to convert to a restaurant, but it looks unbelievable,” Powers said.

Sam’s on Regal Beer and Jazz Night rescheduled

Sam’s on Regal’s Jazz Night was rescheduled from July 1 to Aug. 6 because of a scheduling conflict with guest Steve Schaffer from Barnard Griffin Winery. Reservations can be made by calling 443-1881.

Online Information

In case some of you haven’t seen it, 7’s Web site ( www.spokane7.com) has a ton of cool information on regional restaurants. As of right now, you can search through at least 409 of them. Whether you want to find a restaurant that allows smoking, accepts Discover, stays open late, serves food on Sunday, or just about anything else, it’s there. The site even has 107 menus for restaurants that provided copies. We’re adding restaurants constantly, so keep an eye out. Also, check out readers’ recommendations of a restaurant’s best dish and leave advice of your own.