written by Cara Strickland
There is nothing more universal than the need for food, but not everyone has the same access. Enter FareStart. Since the 1990s, they’ve been seeking to meet people at their most basic needs. Now they offer job training for careers in food service and the culinary arts (check out their restaurants and cafes for a bite or a coffee). Their mission also includes providing nutritious food to underserved populations. One of the new ways they are meeting that goal is with free community markets intended to help connect people with high quality produce and pantry items, while offering them the opportunity to pick out what they need and want, preserving their dignity and hopefully offering some joy along with their food. Each of FareStart’s programs might approach feeding people from a different angle, but that’s part of what makes it so special. Visit their website to find out how to get involved, or stop by one of their locations and taste for yourself.
GREATER SEATTLE AREA
www.farestart.org
CRAVINGS
COFFEE
Zoka has been roasting coffee since 1996, with the goal of creating a community gathering place, complete with thoughtful beverages and fresh pastries. They roast their coffee in Bellingham, and sell it through their four coffee houses as well as through the mail and in select stores. They seek out the best coffee by building relationships with farmers (they visit in person) and it shows. You can’t go wrong with any of their single origin brews.
KIRKLAND, SEATTLE LOCATIONS
www.zokacoffee.com
STEAK
A staple in downtown Spokane since 2007, Churchill’s is a Chicago-style steakhouse featuring USDA Prime steaks trimmed by a master butcher, served in a fine dining environment. Beyond the meat, they’ve been recognized by Wine Spectator for their extensive wine list, and are known for their house-made desserts. Can’t make it in? You can buy their aged steaks for shipping nationwide.
165 S. POST ST.
SPOKANE
www.churchillssteakhouse.com
RUM (AND TIKI DRINKS)
If you’re in need of a little escape, allow a tropical wind to carry you to Rumba, a fun, tropical bar with a vast selection of rum, perfect for sipping straight or mixing into a tiki drink, and then pairing with a selection of small bites and desserts. If you can, sneak next door for a drink in an underwater sunken ship at sister bar Inside Passage.
1112 PIKE ST.
SEATTLE
www.rumbaonpike.com
BREAKFAST
If it has been a while since you stopped in Ellensburg, you might not have seen The Early Bird, a charming spot offering eclectic and fresh breakfast (and lunch). Don’t miss the cinnamon brown rice porridge with fresh fruit or the smoked salmon toast, and be sure to pair it with a choice of several freshly squeezed juices.
412 N. MAIN ST.
ELLENSBURG
www.earlybirdeatery.com
