Class act
Jackson said her desire to host classes helped prompt the move. This fall, Niche is hosting a “Wine Tasting for Beginners” class through Clark College’s community and continuing education program.
“In the old location, it was very hard to have a small gathering because the space was all just one kind of galley style,” said Jackson. The new venue not only has a designated kitchen area, but it also has small rooms, lending itself to hosting classes and expanding retail options.
The Riverview Tower location also gives the bistro its own kitchen space. Previously food prep was done at the bar.
After the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, that meant the old Niche couldn’t accommodate bar seating. With a kitchen, bar seating is back, Jackson told The Columbian.
Jackson also expects to bring back port tasting, Champagne tasting, and other tasting events that used to be held at Niche before the pandemic.