Getting The Most of Your Summer with Outdoor Dining: Part Three - ITALIAN KITCHEN

After a long week of all work and no play (other than my playful and relaxing lunch last week at Main Market), so this Wednesday night seemed like the perfect chance to grab my week by storm and get outside and make the most of this fantastic weather. I wanted to feel...transported. I want to travel the world...but without leaving Spokane. I knew just where to go.

LAST NIGHT
For your downtown Italian dining, many Spokane residents turn to classics such as Luigi’s and the Old Spaghetti Factory, but, one can't ignore that Italian gem, located off of Bernard and Sprague between The Onion and Suki Yaki Inn — the Italian Kitchen.  Here you will find a warm and inviting (and AUTHENTIC) dining experience, with fantastic and classic Italian food (that puts chains like Olive Garden in their proper place).


From dishes such as their Chicken Marsala and delicious Scampi, and specialty pastas like Gnocchi, Chicken Fettuccini and Seafood Puttanesca, not to mention their appetizers such as the Fried Mozzarella (their marina sauce is close to life altering), Calamari (which is pan-seared with garlic rather than the traditional battered and fried), and House-made Meatballs.  Even their bread is a creative experience; this warm doughy bread is laced with chunks of roasted garlic, with balsamic and olive oil for dipping.


I tried the Gnocchi, these plump and rich potato dumplings, which the Italian Kitchen serves with prosciutto, garlic, peas and shallots, all in a Parmesan cream reduction.


But to truly take advantage of your Italian Kitchen experience, sit outside along the sidewalk, which offers a half dozen tables on the surprisingly serene and romantic atmosphere.  With the addition of soft jazz music, attentive service, warm breezes and a relatively quiet street for downtown, it made for a great Friday night outdoors, especially with their extensive wine menu highlighting local favorites.


by: Devin Devine

Italian Kitchen
113 N. Bernard St.
Spokane, Wash.
(509) 363-1210
ItalianKitchenSpokane.com