Chad White, Arbor Crest Wine Cellars collaborate on Mediterranean-influenced menu

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars has announced a new Mediterranean-influenced menu for its Cliff House tasting room in partnership with Spokane chef Chad White.

“I’ve been working with Arbor Crest on this menu since September,” White said Monday. “Their vineyard looks and feels a lot like Tuscany – the structures and the property. We wanted a menu that pairs well with the wines but also is approachable.”

White said the new menu includes traditional items such as charcuterie; three varieties of hummus (mushroom, beet and lamb), all of which are gluten- and dairy-free; vegetables, including a Mediterranean-flavored baked potato; four salads; and entrees, including a whole roasted Idaho trout, and pasta.

“We had a lot of fun playing with Mediterranean flavors for this new menu,” White said. The winery remains closed during the coronavirus pandemic, but curbside wine pick-up is available.

White was a cook in the U.S. Navy before competing on Season 13 of Bravo’s “Top Chef.” After competing on “Top Chef” and working in Southern California, White returned to Spokane, where he has opened the award-winning Zona Blanca Ceviche Bar, High Tide Lobster Bar (with two locations) and TT’s Old Iron Brewery and BBQ.

White has received, from various groups, awards such as Best New Restaurant, Chef of the Year and Best Barbecue in the Inland Northwest, and he became a James Beard Award semifinalist in February for Zona Blanca.

“Arbor Crest is a really beautiful property offering world-class wines, and I am hoping to complement that by offering world-class cuisine,” White said.

Flatbreads, fruits and cheeses and artichoke dip are among the items on Arbor Crest’s current menu for the time being. Also new at Arbor Crest Wine Cellars for spring and summer: the release of its pinot noir rosé for $22 per bottle.

“We’re excited to create this food and wine experience for our guests. We’ve been waiting for the right opportunity, and Chad has the vision and enthusiasm to support it,” said Shelby Enevold, Arbor Crest general manager.

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars is located at 4705 N. Fruit Hill Road. For more information, visit arborcrest.com.