spokane, washington was my home for 6 interrupted years
interrupted because
the years weren't consecutive
i attended university here
then left
transferred back for a job
and left again
i return several times each year
for meetings
and i find myself
envious of spokanites
yes
it. is. true.
each time i return to spokane i find new treasures
frozen mornings, warming to crisp afternoons
flaming red leaves of trees readying for winter
a crook of the river, hugging a long forgotten road
along a stretch of highway leading out of town
sits a charming eatery
a jewel of a place
called chaps
walking in the door
is more like stumbling into a magical cottage
i felt a bit like gretel
following the scent of sugar and spices
to an airy room
dressed in chandeliers, marbled tables
and
incredibly hip patrons
i am a pastry chef
for professional reasons (cough,cough)
i sample
the adorable young man behind the counter {trevor}
recommended
an
apple fritter
and
vegetable omelet with chorizo
(not on the menu)
(not on the menu)
i added a pumpkin latte
the omelet was overstuffed and oozing with cheese
joined with perfectly cooked breakfast potatoes
and freshly baked thick toast
the latte was as large as the harvest moon and filled with the flavors of pumpkin pie
it all was delicious, but i must admit
the fritter was my favorite
eschewing the cloying sweetness of a donut, for the mastery of a french pastry
it had me plotting my next visit before i finished my last
if you find yourself with a grumbling stomach
wandering the by-ways of the northwest
seek out chaps
a not-so-hidden treasure
in spokane washington