The Fitness & Feast Conundrum

First and foremost, I’m sorry, I told you I was gonna make this edition mega cheesy – like an Easy Cheese Silly String Party, but I’m gonna hold off one more measly week cuz I got my gosh-darn dates swapped. I promise though, it’ll be extra cheesy. I think there’s some pretty good gold to be found down below, though.

Inland Northwest Sports Blues 🫣

Welp, last week, my blood pressure spiked for a moment when I saw the Zags’ airplane almost get T-boned by a Delta flight, and then it spiked again when they almost blew a 20 point lead to Pepperdine. . . Days later, I sat my ass down at mass, and I prayed for the FAA and the Zags. . . seriously though. The good news is we were able to handle San Diego last night and we’re off to a decent start in WCC play. . . like that’s much of an accomplishment. I know, I know, I’m sounding like a Negative Nancy, and I mean the whole idea of this newsletter was to only lift up our community, in a sarcastic, fun way, but damn, we gotta do better. . . pulling for our Zags ♥️💙. . . 

This might be a conflicting storyline for some, but you know damn well the Cougs and Zags will be clashing on Saturday night at the Kennel. Admittedly, I will likely be strolling around McCarthy in my Zag garb, and praying that we start running sets for arguably our best NBA talent in Michael Ajayi. . . My friends will never hear the end of it from me until April (and neither will you). 

Here’s what else is going down in sports around the area: 

The Lady Zags and Lady Cougs face off at Beasley Coliseum in Pullman this Saturday, January 11th, at noon. It’s shaping up to be a solid matchup—Pullman vibes, high-energy hoops, and some serious rivalry bragging rights on the line. If you’re not heading down, you better be tuning in. Let’s see who brings the heat and who claims ownership of Eastern Washington Basketball! 🏀🔥

The Lady Vandals take on Sacramento State tonight down in Moscow, and it’s bound to be a scrappy showdown. If you’re in the mood for some high-energy hoops with a side-dish of Big Sky drama, check out this spot. A few three’s are sure to be rained and they’ll slap the cuffs on defense, the Vandals have been grinding all season, and this matchup is no exception. Tip-off’s at 6:00 PM—head down to the Kibbie Dome or stream it, but either way, let’s back our Idaho squad.

Let’s move on. . . 

🐔🐔🐔

. . . To Chicken – Division is quickly becoming just a reason for a Chicken to never give a thought to cross the road, but it’s also becoming a hungover college student’s safe house. Chick-Fil-A is proposing a new spot on the corner of Sinto and Ruby. . . 

I’m more of a Houston Hot Chicken guy, myself. . . but then again I’m a bit more spicy than the average bear (not like you care), but college kids are gonna have to plan their weekly pilgrimage to Jack & Dan’s around the fact that Chick-Fil-A ain’t gonna be open on Sunday’s. Oh well at least they’ll have options: check out the vid here.

Shower thought: if you love to eat Chicken, are you a Chicken hater or a Chicken lover (vegetarian’s please show restraint). 

Sinto ‘bout to look like: 

In other news, Spokane’s chicken game is about to level up big time. First up, Dave’s Hot Chicken is eyeing a spot in town. If you haven’t had it, think Nashville heat meets perfect crunch. This ain’t your average chicken—it’s the kind of spicy that makes your eyes water in the best way possible. Get ready to sweat, smile, and regret nothing.

Then there’s Raising Cane’s, the cult-favorite chicken finger joint that’s basically a religion for some. Their Cane’s Sauce is ridiculous—seriously, people write love letters to it. Simple menu, crispy perfection, and that Texas toast? Absolute game changer.

Between Chick-Fil-A, Houston Hot, Dave’s, and Cane’s, Spokane is about to become a full-blown chicken paradise. I’d poke a few holes in your belt, cuz you might need it. 🐔🔥

Trail Blazin Feast

Alright. . . Chad White, I’ve got my eyes on you–If you don’t know who Chad White is, well a quick google might do you some good, but the man’s responsible for curating some crazy good flavors to the area. Something of a flavor Shaman if you ask me. TT’s Old Iron BBQ. Zona Blanca. Sound familiar? Well now he’s taking his show on the road, and the experience behind it seems well worth it. . cuzzzz I’m tellin’ ya, some of his meals I’ve eaten might as well be the pinnacle of human expression. I know, I’m crashing out. . .  hard, but since he’s removed himself from some of his concepts, I’ve been on the hunt, waiting for his next thing. 

So here’s the next WILD thing he’s cooking up: Trail Feast—Chad White’s latest culinary adventure takes fine dining outdoors. Imagine a multi-course feast surrounded by nature’s beauty, swapping s’mores for dishes that’ll make your taste buds sing.

With seasonal, local ingredients and Chad’s signature magic, this isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Forests, riversides, maybe a mountaintop—it’s like your favorite camping trip got a gourmet upgrade—check out this little teaser:

I’m almost bummed to be spreading the word cuz seats are limited, and knowing Chad White’s track record, they’ll sell out fast—and I don’t want you to take my spot. If you’re ready to mix epic flavors with breathtaking views, Trail Feast is your next must-do. Don’t wait—book it now!

Bad News

Alright, Spokane—bad news alert. Gordy’s Sichuan Café is closing its doors. 😭 Personally, I’m going to miss the mouth burn in the best way possible while also feeding your soul? Gordy’s was more than just a spot for Sichuan—it was a damn institution. . . so I’m going to need a moment of silence for our little spicy sanctuary on the South Hill.

For 25+ years, they’ve been slinging that perfectly balanced heat, and now? Well, now we’re all collectively in our feels. If you’ve got the chance to swing by one last time, do it. Order the dan dan noodles, the dumplings, and literally anything else that makes your taste buds scream “THANK YOU.”

This is the end of an era, folks—pour one out for Gordy’s—here’s the full story from the Spokesman.

Immersive Art

I really get down for art. . . and, well. . . have you been to the Van Gogh immersive experience? Well, you should. . . I don’t want to hear all the B.S. I get shoved down my throat during this time of the year—"there’s nothing to do around here during winter.” “The gray just makes me wanna stay in bed all day.” Okay—cool—I’ll call you a whaaaaambulance 😩. . . cuz you’re wrong and this is friggin’ sweet. Fair warning, it’s hard to describe—only some of you baby boomers who hit Woodstock back in the day might get it—but this requires way fewer ahem enhancements for the same vibe.

Think Van Gogh, but make it alive. His art surrounds you—like, literally. The colors, the swirls, MADNESS (but in a good way)—it’s everywhere, larger than life, pulling you into his world. Starry Night? Oh, it’s not just hanging on a wall. It’s moving, it’s breathing, and you’re in it. You feel the brushstrokes. You feel the chaos. It’s like walking through a dreamscape, and honestly–This is eyeball therapy for this gray season.

So, no excuses. Hit the exhibit, grab some tickets, and have your internal voice to tell your seasonal blues to “take a hike.”  🌌🎨

Post Falls Food-Truck-Court? Wha-Wha-Wait What??

Alright, foodies, listen up—Post Falls is stepping up its game. Construction’s kicking off for Eats on Spokane Street, the soon-to-be hot spot for all things delicious. Smack dab between Post Falls Brewing Co. and Brew Bar PNW (yeah, they know what they’re doing), this place is bringing the heat with a food truck court and two killer restaurant concepts.

Melissa Valdovinos, the mastermind behind it all, is rolling out MelFit Healthy Kitchen for all your protein-bowl, panini, and gluten-free dessert cravings, plus Nachos Cantina because… nachos. Did I mention seven food truck slots with hookups and a waiting list of 30 vendors ready to serve? Yeah, it’s gonna be a vibe.

Set to open spring 2025, this’ll basically be a foodie playground in the making–watch out for the food influencers. . . Remember, the camera eats first. 

Just as awesome: 

I'm particularly psyched about this one: A year-round farmers market in Spokane?! Pinch me—unless it’s Sunday and I don’t know it, then I’m probably already at brunch. The Scale House Market is shaping up to be the spot for local foodies, craft enthusiasts, and anyone who’s ever romanticized the idea of grabbing fresh produce in the middle of January 🙋.

Here’s some imagery for ya–artisan goods, MEAT! farm-fresh veggies, and that sweet, earthy vibe we all love from summer farmers markets—except now it’s happening all year. No more holding out for spring to snag your favorite local honey or securing a freezer full of beef. Plus, the plans for this place look sleek. Modern design but still cozy enough to feel like Spokane through and through.

When this opens, I’ll be sure to let you know – I’ll be yelling it from the Summit House on Mount Spokane. I’ll be cruising through the aisles, sipping local cider, and trying to justify buying another handmade cedar cutting board. Spokane, you’re on the up-and-up.

Check out what this is gonna look like 😍 she’s B. E. A. UUUTIFUL–Check The Link For More

We’re about wellness and thriving ‘round here—so this week’s edition has been brought to you by Spokane’s very own ChiroLux

You might look like this while you’re reading the scoop 👇:

Well. . . the ChiroLux Curv can help. It can reinstate the natural curvature of your neck, while improving the blood flow needed so you can generate juicy ideas, or new and creative ways to eat Indian food—I mean naancho’s? . . c’mon 🤤 gimme some more: Check out the ChiroLux Curv here:

Sweatin’ Off the Street Eats:

Alright now that I’ve inspired you to find the nearest food truck and gain an unhealthy 15 pounds in the next week, I wanted to throw out a few thoughts of how you can give the ever-so expanding belly the Heisman, and theoretically keep to your new year’s resolution before “give-up-friday.” I know you might have your local gym you're going to, likely you have your routine, but I feel like fitness classes are a great way to build community. . . here’s 5 gyms that break up the monotony of the Smith Machine, and help you break a sweat in a different way. 

BTW, I know that I push a bro’y tone, but I have three sisters and will speak to all. 

BeYoutiful Hot Yoga:

. . . but I’m callin’ out the dude’s first. I know we’re obsessed with our biceps, triceps, legs, chest, but I’m stiff as a breadstick left out overnight. . . and I’m sure plenty of you are as well. BeYoutiful Hot Yoga is pretty. . . well hot. . . but also renewing. You might walk in grumpy because the duration of your workout isn’t underneath a bench press, but you leave elated, because you’ve detoxed and–for the first time in years–you can touch your toes! Look, the instructors are amazing, and there are plenty of locations you can choose, from the South Hill to Coeur D’Alene. 

Spokane Boxing: 

Rick Wellever’s been at it for years, and we’re so thankful for it. As an ex-professional fighter himself, he’s trained hundreds of amateur and professional boxers. I’m not saying you need to lace ‘em up and hop in the ring against God-knows-who, but the workout they deliver is incredible. You’re working different muscles, you’ll have some practical self-defense in your back-pocket, and you’ll incinerate up to 700 calories in a session, and it’s located right downtown. 

Empire Fitness:

I have a bit of a bias. . . mostly cuz there’s a Wellness Tree attached to it, so once you’ve completed your EMP class, you can crush an acai bowl. Obviously, there’s other redeeming qualities. . . I love their Tread classes personally, they’re like spin classes on top of the line Woodway treadmills. There are a few variations to the classes, but I find them all fun, challenging, and a good way to meet people. They also offer run clubs, yoga classes, etc. . . and hey if you’re still not sure about a membership, grab a friend and hit a class because the first one’s free!

CrossFit Spokane Valley:

Alright, for those of you who thrive on a little intensity and some friendly competition, this is your spot. CrossFit Spokane Valley is a solid mix of grit and camaraderie. You don’t need to be a seasoned athlete to join—they welcome all fitness levels. You’ll find Olympic lifts, HIIT-style workouts, and a community vibe that keeps you coming back. Plus, nothing says “I crushed it” like lying flat on the mat after a WOD, right?

The Union Studios:

If you’re looking for a fitness space that feels more like a wellness retreat, The Union Studios is where it’s at. With options like yoga, strength training, and cycling, they’ve got a little something for everyone. Their Fusion Flow class is a crowd favorite—it’s like yoga’s cooler, more dynamic cousin. The atmosphere is inviting, the instructors are fantastic, and the vibe is less "gym bro" and more "zen master." Bonus: They’ve got two locations, South Hill and Kendall Yards, so you can switch it up depending on your mood (or how close you want to stay to your favorite coffee shop post-class).

Anyway–I’m spent. . . Hope your 2025 is off to a hot start and Oregon Ducks football fans have recovered. . . I was actually rooting them on too 😭