Eat All About It: Nightclub, event center planned in Richland

A nightclub fashioned in the glamor of old Hollywood is expected to open in late spring in Richland.

Michele Abrams of Richland is planning to open At Michele’s in the old Thomas O’Neil Cellars building at 2323 Henderson Loop. She plans to renovate the winery “to make this luxurious nightclub come to life,” according to a news release.

Plans include expanding the existing building with a 4,000-square-foot event center, banquet room and bridal room.

A ground-breaking is planned for mid-November.

Kennewick coffee shop among most unique

Rockabilly Roasting Co. in Kennewick was listed No. 6 on a list of 15 unique coffee shops in Washington state.

“Not only is the artisan coffee here roasted on site, but their smooth espresso makes for a perfect start in the mornings. Pair it with one of their fresh goodies from the local bakery and you’ll be all set,” said the OnlyInYourState website.

The shop is at 101 W. Kennewick Ave. in the historic Roxy Theater building.

The Rail Expresso closes

This week is the end of the line for The Rail Expresso and Deli on Kennewick Avenue.

Owners Christina and Rod Rader were trying to sell it, but plans changed because of funeral expenses for an elderly family member, according to The Rail’s Facebook page. They said the business’ landlord is working with them to get out of the rest of their lease.

They are selling off the entire business this week, save for a few railroad lanterns. They planned to sell the remaining food for $6 a plate or barbecue meat by the pound through Tuesday.

After a memorial service Nov. 18, the furnishings and equipment will be for sale, cash and credit cards accepted.

Most items will not have a price tag and the best offer will be accepted.

The Raders bought the shop at 2521 W. Kennewick Ave. in early 2012 from Brent and Deborah Debban, who operated it as the Daily Grind, a coffee shop franchise based in Pullman and Colfax. They renamed it The Rail in honor of Rod’s continued work on the railroad.

They’ve said on social media that they’ve had personal issues and lost business to larger coffee chains.

Holiday wine that helps

Kiona Vineyards and Winery will donate half the purchase price of two of its wines to the 2nd Harvest Food Bank for every bottle bought at the winery’s Red Mountain tasting room through Dec. 15.

The wines — Estate Red Mountain Riesling and Sangiovese — were selected because they pair well with upcoming holiday meals, especially turkey, ham and duck, said winery officials.

The riesling sells for $17 per bottle and the sangiovese for $25. The tasting room is at 44612 N. Sunset Road in Benton City and is open from noon to 5 p.m. daily.

New event for wine foundation Feb. 9 at Toyota Center

With Christmas decorations put out earlier every year, why not go ahead and start making Mardi Gras plans?

The Washington Wine Industry Foundation will have a new event this year on Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, Feb. 9, the last day before the beginning of the season of Lent.

Mardi Gras — A Party & Auction is schedule for the Toyota Center in Kennewick. The event will transform the annual Angel Share auction, previously part of the annual banquet of the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers, into a standalone event.

The celebration will feature themed food, mock casino gambling, live music and dancing along with a live and silent auction. Proceeds from the Angel Share portion of the event will go toward scholarships for students seeking careers in the wine industry.

Tickets will be $75 per person and include dinner, drinks and complimentary gaming chips. Ticket prices will rise to $100 after Jan. 15. Go to washingtonwinefoundation.org for more information.

Red Mountain wines at Clore Center

Wines from the Red Mountain American viticultural area are the focus this month at the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser.

Cabernet and other heat-loving grapes are the key products of the AVA, said center experts. That means lush, jammy, fruit-forward wines that benefit from hot weather. The area also is known for well-regarded vineyards.

Wines from Red Mountain will be available for a $5 tasting fee. The center, open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, also offers light food items throughout the week and an expanded dining menu on Friday and weekends from noon to 4 p.m.

This story was originally published November 17, 2015 at 6:58 PM with the headline "Eat All About It: Nightclub, event center planned in Richland."