What has More Game? 🏈 <> 💝

Alright, here’s some goodness for ya—if you’re a hopeless romantic like me, ya boy’s got some ideas... especially for those who’ve been burning the midnight oil and completely forgot that Valentine’s Day is pretty much a week away. I’m gonna make sure you don’t forget the goods (even if you forgot the rezys). At the same time, I’m fully aware that the majority of my audience is primarily women, so this gives you an opportunity to back up your forgetful significant other and—glow-up queen—treat yourself with a bouquet and some treats.

I think it’s also worth acknowledging that a huge American holiday is quickly approaching on Sunday. El Super Bowl is almost here, and though you might have been looking for a less predictable matchup, there are some good storylines here... Saquon / Jalen career revival, KC going for a historic three-peat, T-Swift. . . that’s a good start.

Lock in your Super Snacks

First things first, we have an unofficial national holiday quickly approaching: the Super Bowl, which means ya gotta make sure you’re grabbin’ the goods—cuz let’s be honest, watching the game with nothing but a water tank, Ritz crackers, and some Easy Cheese is not the move. Now, I know prices are going up at the grocery store, and that might seem a lot more appealing right now, given the current world dynamics, but I have some ideas below so you won’t have to resort to that 👇. . . BTW this ain’t no political forum.

Luckily some local grocers are running some Super Bowl-ish deals, so if you want to venture into the wholesale mecca that is Costco, and fight people for the last party platter–I get it, they’re on sale, but these local grocers are throwing their own savings party–Check out below: 

Natural Grocers: If you haven’t been yet, well use the Super Bowl as a great excuse to hack into a good medium ground between reasonable, and healthy – check out some of their deals 

My Fresh Basket: Yes, my favorite spot to load up a tub of poke and get out of control on their hot food bar. . . They got it all, and pushing some great deals from now until the big game. 

Running low on time, but you committed to contributing to the Potluck? 

Welp, if you’ve been reading this gosh darn newsletter, you know we have an abundance of chicken spots, but I would highly encourage you to head up to Ezell’s and grab a few boxes of chicken. I love getting busy in the kitchen, but on many a Super Bowl, I find myself skiing in the morning and not giving two shits about cooking in the afternoon—Nobody cares about your lack of effort, and they’ll love the chicken 🍗. Thanks for being there for me, Ezell’s.

Don’t Forget about the Flowers: 

I recall my days of practice on the Palouse, and the volleyball team singing—in unison—a line from Bruno Mars' hit single: “I should’ve bought you flowers.” I remember yelling across the fence at practice... “WELL, BUY ME SOME DAMN FLOWERS THEN!”

Gents, class up—get the flowers. Here are a few spots around the area that put together some great arrangements and will earn you some serious heart eyes 😍.

🌿 Evergreen Florist – The OG of Spokane flower shops. Locally owned, long-standing reputation, and arrangements that never miss. Whether you need a last-minute save or a carefully curated bouquet, these folks deliver quality and class every time.

💜 Lilac City Blooms – If you want something a little more modern, a little more aesthetic, these are your people. Think chic, artfully designed bouquets—fresh, fragrant, and straight-up Instagram-worthy. They also do dried floral arrangements if your date has that vintage coffee shop girl energy.

🌹 Appleway Florist – A Spokane Valley gem, perfect for those who appreciate classic, full-bodied floral arrangements. They offer same-day delivery, which means you can procrastinate (as always) and still come out looking like a thoughtful legend.

Long story short—don’t show up empty-handed. Hit up one of these florists, and let the flowers do some of the talking for you. 💐 Don’t show up like Nacho: 

Spo Sweets

Let’s not forget about the goodies—Dudes. Ladies. Treat yourself… celebrate your love for another, but—dammit—if nothing else, celebrate your love for yourself. There are a number of ways you can go about it, but something sweet (every once in a while) is a good start. Here are a couple of staples that put out some pretty epic goodness:

Bruttles: Hopefully, this is a safe space (but I know it’s likely not), but my mother used to dish out some of these bad boys when I was a kid. I always looked forward to Valentine's Day because she was gonna be slinging this peanut brittle around like crazy. I’ve been 40 since I was 12, so I always enjoyed sweets that are mild, have protein on the nutrition facts, and one piece will hold me over for hours. If you’ve never had this before, I implore you to try it.

Spokandy: If Spokane had a chocolate Hall of Fame, Spokandy would be the first inductee. These guys have been slinging handcrafted chocolates since 1905, meaning they’ve got over a century of experience making your sweet tooth sing. Whether you’re going all-in on a classic box of assorted truffles or snagging some of their signature Huckleberry Chocolate (a local rite of passage), you really can’t go wrong. Smooth, rich, and basically a one-way ticket to indulgence. Don’t sleep on this place—whether you’re gifting or just treating yourself, Spokandy is a staple that delivers every damn time. Don’t hate, but I usually end up like this on V-day:

Super Bowl & Snow Bowls

If the Super Bowl is strictly an afternoon event, then I would encourage you to try to get at least 8 runs in on the mountain. . . or—hell—make a full day out of it if you couldn’t care less about this Sunday’s matchup. The entire damn mountain will be practically yours, and given the current conditions, that might be the best hack of the weekend.

Everywhere’s getting hit. . . here’s what they’re projecting on the mountains this weekend:

Mt Spokane:  Next 5 Days: 3” New Snow

49 Degrees North: Next 5 Days: 2” New Snow

Lookout Pass: Next 5 Days: 9” New Snow

Schweitzer: Next 5 Days: 5” New Snow

Silver Mountain: Next 5 Days: 6” New Snow

Personally–I’ll be visiting our neighbors to the east in Whitefish, Montana–I’m about to be like: 

Here’s something I want to start doing more of: Photo of the month

This one was taken by Trevor B. – Thank you for this moooooody shot – Spo Val is showing off. 

Respond to this email if you have a good shot 📸 you want me to post – I’ll give you a shout out. 

BTW here’s a quick rolodex of things to do this weekend: 

Romantic Spa Boat Rental : Cozy up on Lake Coeur d’Alene with a private spa boat rental. Think hot tub, scenic views, and absolutely no stress. Check out here 

Northern Nights Winter Dinner Cruise : A dreamy evening cruise on the lake, complete with a gourmet meal and a picture-perfect winter backdrop.  Check out here

The Chocolate Affair : Stroll through downtown Coeur d’Alene, where local shops transform into pop-up chocolate havens. Eat your weight in sweets, no judgment.  Check out here

Funny Funny Funny Joke Joke Joke : If you’re looking for a night filled with belly laughs, this stand-up comedy showcase is bringing the heat (and probably roasting a few audience members).  Check out here 

Lend Me a Soprano : A hilarious twist on a classic, this stage comedy at Spokane Civic Theatre delivers mistaken identities, high notes, and nonstop laughs. Check out here

Lock In Your Fine Dining Escapades 

From what I can tell, most reservations at the places I was going to plug are already filled to the brim.  There are plenty of good options around the area, but if you’re trying to get a little more than a kiss on the cheek and a little gratitude, then be prepared. I’m not even gonna waste my breath encouraging certain dinner spots like Tony’s on the Lake, Beverly’s, Churchills, etc. . . they’re booked. 

So here’s what I’m gonna do, I’m gonna give you a few fire spots with upscale brunch, so if you’ve completely spaced on dinner reservations for Valentine’s day (for shit’s sake), shame on you, maybe you can make up for it with a fire brunch the next day or on Sunday the 16th. Also bonus points if your significant other is down to crush some uber eats without the promise of a fine dining experience. We want to avoid the following reaction: 

Francaise: If you’re looking to make up for a missed dinner reservation, Francaise is bringing that refined-yet-approachable French bistro experience right to downtown Spokane. Croque madame? Check. Lemon ricotta pancakes? Check. A perfectly curated brunch menu that feels indulgent but not over-the-top? You got it. Plus, nothing says I’m sorry I forgot to book Churchill’s quite like a glass of sparkling rosé and a flaky, buttery croissant.

Inland Pacific Kitchen: IPK isn’t just brunch—it’s an experience. This isn’t your average eggs-and-bacon situation. We’re talking elevated, experimental dishes that hit every note on the flavor spectrum. Expect top-tier ingredients, a creative spin on the classics, and a vibe that makes you feel like you put in effort—even if this was a last-minute pivot. If your significant other has a palate that leans adventurous, this spot will turn things around real quick.

Izzy’s Comfort Kitchen: Alright, let’s talk comfort food done right. If you’re trying to make a heartfelt (yet delicious) apology, Izzy’s is here to bail you out. The Southern-style dishes here are straight-up soul-soothing. Chicken and waffles? Biscuits and gravy? Stuffed French toast? If your partner loves food that hugs you back, then this spot will smooth things over before that first cup of coffee is even finished.

Honey:  If you’re already in Coeur d’Alene, this spot is groovy asf. Honey has that warm, cozy aesthetic that makes you feel like you just stumbled into an artsy little brunch oasis. Everything on the menu is scratch-made, and their breakfast poutine is an absolute game changer (I hope they still have it). Yeah, they’ll remind your significant other why they tolerate your occasional lack of planning skills.

Now, go book a table before this plan B turns into a C-minus.

Samurai Swords & Spokane—A Cultural Crossover You Didn’t See Coming

If you’re new to the Spo and thought it’s just craft beer and Gonzaga basketball, think again—because the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC) is about to hit you with a history lesson straight out of feudal Japan.

So Japan’s been getting a ton of buzz, for good reason, their tourism has skyrocketed as it should, and their complex, fascinating, and unique history is magnetic. I was over there in the fall and you might find yourself on the next flight to Kyoto when you take a stroll through this exhibit. Right now, the MAC is running two exhibits simultaneously—one showcasing the legendary samurai warriors and their armor, and the other diving deep into the ancient craft of Japanese swordmaking. If you’ve ever found yourself watching Kill Bill and thinking, Man, I could really go for a katana right now, this might be as close as you get. You might see me there blankly looking at the exhibit like:

The samurai exhibit explores the honor, discipline, and straight-up badassery of these warriors, featuring full suits of armor, weapons, and historical artifacts that’ll make you appreciate just how tough these dudes were. Meanwhile, the swordmaking exhibit walks you through the meticulous process of forging a blade—a craft passed down through generations, requiring master-level patience and skill.

So, whether you’re a history buff, an anime junkie, or just looking for a reason to pretend you know about Japanese culture, hit up the MAC before these exhibits wrap up. No, you can’t take a sword home—but hey, at least you’ll walk out feeling a little more cultured. 

What’s On Tap for Sports in the Inland Northwest?

Alright, if you’re looking to get out of the house, yell at referees, and drink an overpriced beer (or six) while watching some solid competition, you’ve got options. Here’s what’s coming up in the world of sports in the area. 

Gonzaga Hoops | The Rollercoaster Continues

The Zags are back in the Kennel this Thursday, February 6, taking on Loyola Marymount at the Kennel. There’s been some improvement, but yikes, let’s just say this season has been a bit more character-building than usual. But hey, every great story needs some adversity, right? Game tips at 6:00 PM, so even if you can’t get a seat, visit my friends at the Bier Hall at No-Li for some brew (and some heartburn).

Then on February 8, they hit the road to play Pacific in a late-night showdown (5:00 PM tip), before returning home on February 13 for a battle against San Francisco. If you think Gonzaga games are loud, just wait until you see the Twitter wars if we struggle in any of these games.

Spokane Chiefs | The Boys are Buzzin’

There’s just something about Chiefs hockey—the fights, the speed, the fact that some of these kids can barely grow a mustache but are out here throwing hands like they’re f*cking Jon Snow. Here’s what’s going down at the arena The Spokane Chiefs are at home on:

• Saturday, February 8 vs. Victoria Royals (6:05 PM). Come watch some future NHLers and try not to spill your beer during the fights.

• Tuesday, February 11 vs. Wenatchee Wild (7:05 PM). Midweek hockey? Yes, please.

• Saturday, February 15 vs. Tri-City Americans (6:05 PM). This rivalry gets chippy, and I am here for it.

Hope you’ve had a killer week. . . get ready for more commentary next week on the holiday of Looooove 💗