Country dining and a bull named Boss

CHENEY - A new family restaurant steeped in rural charm has arrived to supply the Cheney community with a gathering center to enjoy "comfort food with flair." The Farmhouse Café, located at 1630 1st St., is a country-style eatery that opened last May, with an eclectic menu for an eclectic clientele. "I think Cheney was desperate for something like this," said head chef Tracee Sanchez. "There was nothing as far as a sit down, nicer, from scratch, restaurant in Cheney."

The interior is wonderful blend of modern dining and rural décor, complete with rustic furniture, strung lights, and a candy machine seemingly lifted from an episode of I love Lucy. But for many, the most exciting feature within is the menu - a uniquely constructed course to accommodate any dietary restrictions. Over 90% of the dishes are gluten free or can be made gluten free, which has drawn people from across the region. "So far, I've heard that people are traveling here," Sanchez continued. "They'll come and talk to me about their allergies."

It's the ability to accommodate, unique in a small town, that the restaurant prides itself in. "People with restrictions think just because they don't like something or have an intolerance . . . they have like one option," said Sanchez. "And we really want them to have the same experience someone with no allergies gets. So that means a lot to us. We really try to accommodate anyone."

And that specialization hasn't gone unnoticed by local patrons. The Farmhouse Cafe boasts over 1,000 Facebook followers and a bevy of five-star reviews on Google. One diner said, "Great food and loved the atmosphere! Best house salad I have ever eaten. Dinners were delicious!" Another touted the peach cobbler, writing, "Good food. Neat atmosphere. Staff is super friendly. Did I say how good the food was. Wow. And the peach cobbler.... perfect way to finish the meal."

This should come as no surprise given Sanchez's distinguished culinary background. Prior to making the leap into the Pacific Northwest, she earned her stripes in the bustling city streets of Nevada, serving the Las Vegas Strip with gourmet meals.

And if you're wondering about the massive bull standing out front, that's Boss. When the owner's favorite bull passed away, he did what anyone would have done: he had a replica made. Boss now lives in Cheney, corralled outside of the café to welcome patrons inside with an enchanting glance.

If you want to enjoy American comfort food made from scratch, see a replica bull named Boss, and enjoy the company of the friendliest people in Cheney, the Farmhouse Café is open from 11 to 8 Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and 11 to 9 on Friday and Saturday.

Scott Davis can be reached at [email protected].