The Whitworthian

Issue date: 11/13/07 Last Updated: 11/15/07

Charm, class and great cuisine abound at one of Spokane's longtime Italian favorites, Europa Restaurant and Bakery.

"It's casual fine-dining that's welcoming to families," said Janice Maas, who owns Europa with her husband Dennis. "It has an old-world feel. People always say they feel like they're somewhere else."

Europa's menu items include many traditional Italian pastas and pizzas, soups and salads and meat dishes. Also, the in-house pastry chef provides a wide array of desserts, as well as a wedding cake service.

Ultimately, the authenticity and superior quality of these items is what sets Europa's cuisine apart from that of its more commercialized competitors.

Europa has been a part of the Spokane restaurant scene for 26 years, 18 of which have been with the Maas family. Maas said the restaurant world had always interested her, and when she had the chance to purchase Europa, she did not hesitate.

"This opportunity presented itself, and I jumped on it," Maas said.

The Maases are the third owners of Europa, but the restaurant has kept much of its identity despite the changes in ownership. The original owners, a Yugoslavian family from an Italian-influenced town, crafted the original recipes and idea for Europa. The restaurant has evolved in its appearance, but many of the original recipes have remained even as the menu has expanded.

"Europa has been a wonderful part of the community," Maas said. "And I've been able to be a part of so many wonderful things because of having Europa this long. I just love this place."

Europa has weekly specials, including Martini Mondays and half-priced bottles of wine on Tuesdays. The restaurant features a private banquet room that can accommodate up to 50 people. Europa's lounge also hosts acoustic music shows on Sunday and Monday nights.

Contact Bethany Hergert at bethany.hergert@whitworthian.com.

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