Freshly pressed

The clientele at PRESS is a mixture of pharmacy students, medical students and hospital staff — Grey’s Anatomy is a running joke — plus, depending upon the time of day, journalists, moms, business types, book clubs and symphony goers. It’s a broad slice of Spokane’s population reminiscent of the Central Perk of Friends fame.

The French press service of freshly ground Doma coffee comes with a four-segment plate with sections for raw sugar, cinnamon sticks, shaved chocolate and whipped cream for your mixing and matching pleasure. The largest size ($10) serves four in fun black and white pinstriped mugs. There’s a full espresso menu, too.

If caffeine is not your drug of choice, martinis range from the traditional ($8, double), made “wet” or “dry” to suit your mood, to the espresso-based, such as the Caramel Macchiato ($8), made with Stoli Vanil vodka, Bailey’s Caramel, Bols Butterscotch, Doma espresso and cream. If you prefer fruity drinks, there’s the Press original Grapefruit Tini ($9, double), with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, Finlandia Grapefruit vodka and a dash of Cointreau. A dozen beers and even more wine selections round out the drink menu.

The food currently comes from a variety of local sources including White Box Pies, Luna, Fery’s and Rocket Bakery, but co-owner Marianne Guenther is also considering renting a kitchen “to have my mother — who is a chef by trade — make some of her award-winning desserts.”
If you’re looking for something savory, consider the three quiche choices, assorted Rocket sandwiches and mini muffalettas from Luna for your noshing pleasure.

The former oil-change shop has been converted to an urban-industrial motif; the space next door, currently under construction, will be Spokane’s first Samurai Sam’s, opening “hopefully before mid-May,” according to Guenther. This franchise features Japanese-style favorites such as teriyaki, grilled vegetables, and rice and noodle combos. Visitors to Press will be able to order meals from Samurai Sam’s as well.

As the weather warms, more changes and additions will be coming, including a five-bike rack, newly painted parking spaces, a small “sustainable farmers market” in the parking lot on Sundays mornings, and — as soon as Samurai Sam’s opens — a hybrid car plug-in.
All this variety is just what the doctor-to-be ordered.

— M.C. PAUL

Press, 909 S. Grand Blvd., is open daily 5:30 am-2 am. Visit www.presspokane.com or call 747-7737.