New business opens in Medical Lake
MEDICAL LAKE – A new downtown business is offering a mix of wine, beer and books.
The Athenaeum, 116 N. LeFevre St., is setting itself apart from other restaurants here with that mix.
“Me and my husband opened Roam Coffee House in 2021,” Co-owner Shelley Quigley said. “The opportunity arose to buy the current building; we wanted to facilitate another business coming in.” Both former educators, they initially envisioned a bookstore, but opted for the beer and wine aspect first, aiming for a curated space inspired by European coffee houses.
“It’s based on the ancient Greek word Athenaeum, a gathering place for the learned to debate,” Quigley said, revealing the inspiration behind the establishment’s name.
A feature of The Athenaeum is its learning center, offering painting and pottery classes.
Amanda Shepard, the pottery instructor, also works at the coffee house. She is a fiber, ceramic and polymer clay artist who guides guests through pottery throwing.
Donna Peterson, the painting instructor, teaches patrons to paint seasonal images of haunted mansions and summer barns.
The learning center will host various classes, from paint nights to pottery sessions, with plans for subscription-based drop-ins.
Quigley envisions a diverse range.
“Paint nights, a variety of pottery from intro to stoneware. We’re thinking of creating a subscription-based drop in for not as guided pottery times,” she said.
As the food menu evolves, The Athenaeum promises several seasonal “cozy offerings,” like a ciabatta French dip and a changing seasonal dessert, such as the handcrafted caramel apple pie, are popular with customers.
The bar serves draft beer and wine, including seasonal drinks like winter sangria and mulled wine.
The Athenaeum has planned a Grand Opening Gatsby Gala in January.
“When we decided to do the wine bar, we wanted a new aesthetic,” Quigley said. “We went with an art-deco theme. So, we wanted to honor that.”
The event will include a jazz trio, appetizers, a best-dressed prize, drawings and optional tarot card readings — a festive embrace of the winter season, she said.
“We’re working on creating a Maker’s Market,” Quigley said. “Gwen Pevonka is a local artist that’s helping us curate.”
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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