The number one question I’ve received after graduating from college has definitely been, “What are you still doing in Spokane?” Interesting and fair. The early 20’s is an awkward time. A time to transition, begin a career, and explore the world, which, as told to me by my commencement speaker over a year ago, is my oyster. Had I gone to school back home in LA, I may not have been asked the same question. The nightlife is filled with the newest and chicest dance clubs in the midst of the unique culture and diversity of Los Angeles.  Of course there’s the food. As a LA native myself, I cannot deny my longing for Kogi Korean BBQ tacos or LA hot dogs wrapped in bacon greeting me in the street after a night on the town. The food scene itself would beg the question: “Why would anyone want to leave this city in the first place?”

For those modern day hippies, LA may be a bit too “LA” as a back drop for their early 20’s. It seems that the place for our generation is Austin, Texas. It’s the wild west for 20 somethings who want to work where they play. Among other strengths, Austin ranks number one on Kiplinger’s list of “Best Places to Live” in 2010 and boasts a music scene that fills the streets every night of the week. The South by Southwest independent movie festival in March gathers hundreds of movie makers and thousands of audience members together to enjoy the art of cinematography. The countless number of bars and great nightlife make it an appealing and exciting place to be young and free.

So, here I am in Spokane, WA. I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Christian and this is where I LIVE. I recently graduated college here in Spokane and am currently an AmeriCorps Volunteer working as a program coordinator for an after school program for at risk children. This is where I WORK. I write this blog with the help of my friend Molly. She is from the bay area of Northern California and I will leave it up to her to introduce herself later. Me, Molly and some of our friends were recently chatting about what life is in Spokane for 20 somethings. Where do we go? What do we do? Why are we still here? If you are driving west on I-90 en route to Seattle or, maybe, you are an out-of-town college student attending a local university frequenting the college bars on the weekend, the answers to these questions, in my experience, can be a bit difficult to answer. So, we are highlighting a city that offers some hidden and not-so-hidden gems. Welcome to our blog: “Dine in the 509” Here, we will answer these three simple yet commonly asked questions. We answer them not in defense, but simple as a matter of fact. Welcome to the Lilac City! This is where we live, this is where we work, and this is where we Dine in the 509.

Peace,

Christian