Like a college town in farm land

When I got the assignment to cover the Immix story, I thought I was being sent to investigate a new pharmaceutical company in town. IMMIX RESTAURANT & WINE BAR is actually an attractive restaurant housed in the old Pita Pit location in downtown Cheney.

Matt Irvin, executive chef/owner, named the restaurant Immix after the old English definition to mix or mingle. The restaurant’s motto “mix, combine, & fuse” refers to a blending of flavors from various cuisines. To give you an idea, the lunch menu features Caribbean fish tacos ($9), Greek spinach salmon salad ($10) and a seared Ahi tuna salad ($11).

The Southwestern chicken wrap ($9) was a sizable portion of zesty chicken, bacon, pepper jack cheese and lettuce tossed with a tangy-spicy Caesar dressing. The menu listed pasta salad as the accompaniment, but I was able to substitute a cup of soup instead. A diner at the next table was raving about the sweet tomato basil soup with Italian sausage, with good cause. Chunky with marinara-like flavors, it reminded me of a spicy version of lasagna in a cup.

The dinner menu offers starters from $10-$12 including a crab-and-artichoke-heart-stuffed portobello mushroom. Entrée salads ($13-$15) include a Greek garden salad and a classic chicken Caesar; several sandwiches are also available. Entrees ($17-$23) feature a variety of cuisines, including Cajun black and blue prime rib, filet of top sirloin with Thai spices and a Greek curry chicken, all served with soup or salad.

On my visit, diners appeared to be primarily EWU faculty and others who were old enough to recognize George Michael’s music in the background. Immix’s success will depend on the ability to draw in a diverse customer base, including students on a tight budget. Even though the name didn’t grab me, the food did. I’ll keep an eye on this place. — KIRSTEN HARRINGTON

Immix Restaurant & Wine Bar, 122 College Avenue in Cheney, is open for lunch Tues-Fri 11:30am-2pm and dinner Tues-Sat 5pm-9pm. Call 235-6001.