I'm always excited for any excuse to be in the International District in the morning because it means going to one of my favorite coffee shops, the Panama Hotel. It's not every day that putting cream in your morning cup involves peering down into what is probably the only fully intact pre-World War II Japanese bathhouse in the United States. And it looks like soon, Panama nights are going to light up with history as well.

As I just found out from owner Jan Johnson, her tea and coffee house has been granted a liquor license, which means her delectable LAvAzzA Italian brew is going to be the star of a new menu of coffee-based cocktails. Nighttime hours are extending from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. And the food options -- which now consist of baked goods, a small selection of panini sandwiches and a weekly showcase of Japanese green tea cakes -- are also going to be expanded to compliment this wonderful development in coffee enjoyment.

Once some staffing issues are sorted out (several baristas are under 21), they'll get closer to honing in on the new offerings. But a liquor license has to be acted on within 60 days of its approval, so keep your eye on the Panama in the next three months and let me know if you find anything a little special in your cup.

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, check out The Incredible Feast, a farmers market extravaganza that brings more than 40 local farmers together with 26 of the city's best chefs for a culinary country fair. Among those in the kitchen will be Maria Hines (Tilth), ErickaBurke (Volunteer Park Café), Joseba Jimenez de Jimenez (Harvest Vine, Txori), Scott Emerick (Cremant) and so many others it makes my head spin.

The event takes place at the Phinney Farmers Market, Sunday, Aug. 26 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $65 for adults and $10 per child 12 and under. Microbrews and local wines will be available for purchase, and proceeds benefit the Good Farmer Fund, an emergency relief fund for farmers who suffer loss due to weather or other hardships, and the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance's educational programming.

What's on your table? E-mail cellerd@gmail.com.

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