Alpine Bistro ~ Spokane

December 17^th 2011 was a Saturday night just like any other night but with one exception. It was my seventeenth wedding anniversary­. Seventeen years of marriage on the seventeenth and my wife wanted to do something special.

She had seen a flyer for a four course dinner at The Alpine Bistro for the night of seventeenth. She quickly called and made us reservations which resulted in an unforgettable evening together.

When we arrived, we were greeted at the door with a warm smile and hello. Barb Snyder and Mandy Emerson were serving that evening and looked as happy to be there as we were. The inside was warmly lit and a fire burned near the front window. The atmosphere was intimate and although the bistro was filled with many guests I found it to be very private and extremely cozy.

We were shown to a nicely set, softly lit table for two. As we sat and sipped our water Don Townshend introduced himself, thanked everyone for attending the dinner, then offered to answer any questions about the four different wines that were being served.

Our dining experience began with a half glass of Sauvignon Blanc and an appetizer. The Shrimp Scampi was seared, blanketed with garlic and wine sauce then served with crustinis. Perfectly portioned and designed to prepare our appetite for the second course.

Quickly to follow the appetizer was their Cranberry Walnut Salad accompanied with a half glass of Sangiovese. Crisp romaine and fresh spinach was topped with cranberries, walnuts, blue cheese, and bacon. The powerful bacon flavor almost completely dominated the salad and should have been prepared with a bit more delicacy.

The main entrée was served with perfect timing as we finished our salad. Alpine Bistro’s German Steak was prepared by Melissa Sneed. The New York steak was topped with black forest ham, half a pear and a slice of melted Swiss cheese. The entrée was served with baked red potatoes and Townshend’s Vortex red wine. The flavors mixed miraculously together and the Vortex wine served only to enhance them. This delicious steak instantly became one of my personal favorites. I found the dish to be a bit over portioned within a four course meal.

The Vortex wine also became an instant favorite for me and my wife. We have added the wine permanently to our personal home selection.

Townshend’s Viognier white wine, a late harvest sweet wine, accompanied the fourth and final course, the dessert. Mango and pear crisp with walnuts then topped with vanilla bean ice cream. This dish was perfectly portioned and a most delightful end to the meal.

My experience at the Alpine Bistro was truly unforgettable and one I look forward to repeating again and again. I definitely recommend an intimate evening at the Alpine Bistro. Now you "Know Before You Go!"

Logan Knight ~

http://www.alpine-bakery-spokane.com/