Rex’s and Fraiche close
After about nine months, the unusual pairing of Rex’s Burgers and Brews and Fraiche Contemporary French is over.
Owner Connie Naccarato closed both restaurants last week. The restaurants moved into the space that was formerly home to Niko’s restaurant and wine bar. The shared kitchen cranked out beef, bison and elk burgers, alongside the French cuisine featuring poached pear salads, escargot and duck confit.
Naccarato opened the restaurants with chef Jason Rex. They will continue their partnership in the Scratch restaurants, 1007 W. First Ave., Spokane and 501 Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Rex’s cuisine is also served at Rain Lounge, next door to Scratch in Spokane. There are menu details at www.scratchspokane.com.>
The brews and good times at Brews on Washington, 7 S. Washington St., came to a close on Saturday. Owners Brett and Katie Anderson announced on Facebook last week that the espresso shop and bar would close. The couple opened the shop, focused on regional coffees and microbrews, last year. “There’s no easy way to say it … Katie and I have enjoyed 13 crazy and rewarding months of entrepreneurship, have met scores of the most fascinating and wonderful people we could ever hope to know and have had the help of some of the greatest employees in town, but all great rides come to an end and unfortunately our ride comes to an end this week,” the Andersons wrote. Good Housekeeping’s book, “Grilling: More Than 120 Perfect Year-Round Recipes,” is a great guide for veteran and newbie grillers. Even better, the book is part of the Kohl’s Cares initiative, which means it’s $5 at Kohl’s stores. Money raised by sales of the book go to kids’ health and education initiatives. The recipes feature ingredients that will make you want to fire up the grill long after the traditional season is over. Look inside today’s Food section on Page C3 for the recipe from the book for Spicy Garlic Lamb with Minted Cucumber Raita.Brews on Washington closed
Good reasons to keep on grillin’