The 7th annual Poverty Bay Wine Festival is scheduled for March 4, 5, and 6th. Tickets are now available and festival information can be found at the Rotary Club of Des Moines website http://www.dmrotary.org/ …great event!
Festivals & Events
Snowflake Lane
Snowflake Lane at the Bellevue Collection. Great energy…15 minutes of holiday joy…snowflakes fall, music, winter costumes with warm greetings, toy soldiers giving it their all, and when it isn’t raining…it really hits the mark. Make it an annual outing… or consider it every other year and you just might appreciate it even more. Visit nightly through December 24th at 7 pm…then December 26th thru December 31st…check out Celebration Lane. Also to enjoy in downtown Bellevue…the decor and ambiance of The Bravern. http://www.magicseason.com/events/snowflake.html
Happy Holidays…plenty to do!
Happy Holidays! So much to see…so much to do! Enjoy the festivities of the season by taking in any number of the following in the Greater Puget Sound area:
- Light displays…Garden D’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden, Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, Clam Lights at Gene Coulon Park in Renton , Space Needle, Zoolights at the Woodland Park Zoo, The Lights of Christmas in Stanwood
- Snowflake Lane…every evening at 7 pm at the Bellevue Collection until December 24th
- Bellevue Magic Season Enchanted Holidays at the Bravern – nightly lighting, visit Santa
- Enjoy the Holiday Star, Tree, and Carousel at Westlake Center in downtown Seattle
- Ice Skating…at the Bellevue Magic Season Ice Arena, Seattle Center
- Festival of Trees at The Fairmont Olympic Hotel
- Gingerbread Village display at the Seattle Sheraton and Bellevue Magic Season at Gingerbread Lane at the Hilton Hotel
- Reindeer Festival at Cougar Mt. Zoo in Issaquah and see Santa’s reindeer at University Village
- Arts and craft shows
- See the lights and enjoy carolers by ship
- Choose your tree at a tree farm
- Figgy Pudding Contest…but we missed it as it was yesterday
- Festivals of Lights at the Children’s Museum – Hanukkah, Diwali, Santa Lucia, Kwanzaa and Christmas
- Nursery decor – Molbak’s (Woodinville), Swanson’s (Seattle), Wights (Lynnwood), Squak (Issaquah), and more…
- Shop Shop Shop
- See the Sound of Music, the theater, or other musical performance
- Pacific Northwest Ballet Nutcracker and other dance performances around the Sound
- See the Seattle Men’s Chorus, the Northwest Boy’s Choir, and other fine classical music performances
- Give to Northwest Harvest, Salvation Army, or another charity…season of giving and goodwill
- Local lighting displays, tree lighting, and Santa…ex: Redmond, Renton, Country Village in Bothell, Auburn, Langley, and many more…
- and take a drive (or walk) to see what your neighbors have been up to
Taste of Tulalip 2010
The second annual Taste of Tulalip (Grand Taste, Saturday, November 14th) was again a success.
Taste of Tulalip is the Washington Wine Restaurant Awards 2010 winner for “Best event featuring Washington Wine”
http://www.tulalipresort.com/entertainment/taste-of-tulalip.aspx
The Rock ‘n Roll Challenge, mc’d by Q13 Fox’s Lily Jang, was fun to watch as there was healthy competition while viewing the big screens with some of history’s favorite Rock…I happened upon Guns n’ Roses and Free. Wine Tasting was plenty. I can give a shout out to 1. Lachini Vineyards (Oregon) 2007 Pinot Noir 2. Isenhower Cellars (Walla Walla and Woodinville) El Conquistador 3. Five Star Cellars…Everything! 4. Walla Walla Vintners Sangiovese 5. Flying Trout Malbec blend 6. 2008 Turnbull Red (Napa Valley) 7. and my favorite new find..Lantz Cellars (Lake Stevens)…especially the Syrah and the now released cabernet sav. And if you like to Tweet, watch the posts in the Twitter Lounge.
A good preamble for this event can be found at http://blog.seattlepi.com/eastsideinside/archives/227940.asp.
Missed the Grand Taste Pass at TOT this year? Mark your calendar for 2011 – Saturday, November 12th!
The food served at this event is varied, modern, and tasty. A variety included Crab Cobb Salad (my favorite..absolutely wonderful), Scallop sautéed in butter (so good…) and lamb, among others.
The Resort showcases top of the line guest suites. The rooms are all suites and offer many comforts of a road trip worthy getaway. The staff was fabulous…from housekeeping to the service by William in the Shehal Room while we enjoyed the Seattle Seahawks game the following morning.
Tulalip hosts a great array of restaurants. As this was a Saturday evening and the Resort and Casino were packed, we picked up some snacks to go and brought them in to the Canoes Cabaret for consumption while we danced in our seats to The Spazmatics..and then cut a rug at mpulse Lounge. On Sunday, while watching the Seahawks game, we enjoyed Prime Rib, Club Sandwich, and Burgers in the Shelal Room.
Spend the weekend, stay the night, enjoy the experience of pure delight!
Things to Do in the Northwest
If you are wondering what is going on this weekend around the Puget Sound or your community, check out the NW Weekend section of The Seattle Times every Thursday. Parts of this section can also be found at http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/traveloutdoors/?from=stnvpg1
NW Weekend has a variety of sections to tempt you… Best Bets, Weekend Highlight, Getting in Gear, and a detailed section called Datebook. In Datebook, you will find various community events such as Animal Events, Benefits, Biking, Dance, Fairs/Festivals, Food Events, Hobbies, Museum Events, Sports, Performance…and the like. There is always one main story showcased as well – this week it is Monte Cristo and Maples…Autumn Treasures of the Mountain Loop.
If I was to head off to one of the events this weekend…I think I might choose Issaquah Salmon Days http://www.salmondays.org/ Enjoy!
Puyallup Fair
The 2010 Puyallup Fair is up and running…September 10th – 26th! The Puyallup Fair is the World’s 8th largest fair. Now that is something!
Not only does the Fair have a concert series, but it also has a variety of entertainment and music throughout the Fairgrounds. Last year, I saw Heart, a local favorite, for the first time here at the Fair. Wow! Ann can really belt out the tunes and the band (including sister Nancy) were fabulous! The sound system and early Fall weather really made for a great show. I would certainly see a show there again. This year’s line-up showcases a little bit of everything including Adam Lambert, Heart, Willie Nelson, John Legend, Daryl Hall and John Oates, Queensryche, Billy Currington, Kid Rock, and more…
Like most fairs, the Puyallup has its rodeo, the rides, and the exhibits (art, photography, 4-H, hobby hall, floral, and the colorful displays of fruit and vegetables, grains, and more). Sample your favorite fair food…whether it be a corn dog (my personal favorite), elephant ears, scones, enjoy the wine garden, corn-on-the-cob, BBQ, or try the international cuisine or healthful food options. Whatever your choice, you will be able to find something unique that you more than likely will only get once a year. Cooking oil at the Fair is Trans Fat Free. And what is a fair without animals…the barns are filled with pigs (Whee!), rabbits, horses, chicks, cows, and the like. What is your favorite part of the Fair?
Check out their website for tickets/admission, directions, hours, parking, and other info…http://www.thefair.com/puyallup-fair/
Farmers Markets of the Puget Sound
Whether you are a local or visiting from afar, a Farmers Market is a place to experience community. The Farmers Market is a great excuse to take a road trip. Fresh and local quality fare can be found here…such as homemade pasta, seafood, sauces, jams and jellies, crafts, beautiful fresh flower arrangements, plants, and organic or local fruits and vegetables (what these markets are typically known for). Or try a snack such as roasted corn on the cob, donuts, a hot dog from the local non-profit group, or maybe a dish on the ethnic side. Many entertain with live music as well.
Most are open from late May/early June through October. Some are open year-round. Farmers Markets can be found on a country road, a big city, or anything in between. Find a list of Farmers Markets in the Puget Sound area here: http://www.pugetsoundfresh.org/farmers_markets.htm
Pick A Festival, Any Festival
75 degrees, sunny, beautiful day for Kirkland Uncorked
Another word for Summer in the Pacific Northwest = Festival. How can you not love it? or summer for that matter? My guess is that the weekend of July 16th, 17th and 18th showcases more festivals than any other. Take your pick –
– Seafair Indian Days Pow Wow http://www.unitedindians.com/events002.html
– Sequim Lavender Festival http://www.lavenderfestival.com/
– Kirkland Uncorked http://www.kirklanduncorked.com/
– Bite of Seattle http://www.comcastbiteofseattle.com/
And there are many more….Northwest Raspberry Festival in Lynden, Darrington Bluegrass Festival, San Juan Islands Lavendar Festival, Summer Beer Taste, Wedgewood Art Festival, Mill Creek Street Fair, Gig Harbor Summer Art Festival, The Best of Magnuson Park, Meet the Bainbridge Island Winemakers, Mukilteo Waterfront Festival, Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival, Seattle Bon Adori, Bald Eagle Days Festival, Mustang Club of America Grand National Show, Kirkland Classic Car Show, Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic, and more…
7/17 – Kirkland Uncorked – 17 wineries, Pyramid Brewery, live music, restaurant sampling, art, boat show, cook/grill off, 75 degrees, sunny, sparkling Lake Washington waters…benefiting the Hope Heart Institute – good times!
Seattle Cheese Festival 2010
The 2010 Seattle Cheese Festival took place on May 15-16th. Good weather and my love of cheese couldn’t keep me away this year (as I had not been previously). http://www.seattlecheesefestival.com/ The festival takes place on the cobbled streets of the Pike Place Market – Seattle.
The event offers a sampling of dozens of artisinal cheeses from producers around the world. There is a wine garden (mostly lower priced wines), educational seminars, and cooking demonstrations. Also, there are over 35 Seattle area restaurants that offer a “Cheese Fest Best” dish during the week of the festival (the restaurants are not at the actual Festival). My husband and I tasted some of the cheese offered and purchased a Roquefort (most cheese was available for purchase at a discount). My favorite was a Gorgonzola from Italy. Also, we liked that Mt. Townsend Creamery http://www.mttownsendcreamery.com/ brought some of their specialty cheeses as well. The festival has a lively atmosphere but I probably wouldn’t go back anytime soon as the logistics are not well executed. Many people stood in long lines while others would walk up to their destination and take their sample. Frankly, if you stood in those long lines (as we did at the beginning), it would make for a very long day. But cheese is always fun – isn’t it? Sample a variety of cheese at Whole Foods, take a class or try DeLaurenti’s Saturday wine tasting (which is paired with cheese). DeLaurenti’s is a primary sponsor for the festival.
DeLaurenti Specialty Food & Wine is a must-see when visiting the Pike Place Market (or Seattle). Whatever your culinary endeavors are, the deli offers the best specialty foods, cheese (hundreds offered) and deli meats around! http://delaurenti.com/
Macrina Bakery & Cafe offered a number of different breads at the Festival. Macrina offers bread, pasteries, cakes, catering, wedding cakes, and a number of delicious cafes serving brunch and lunch. http://www.macrinabakery.com/ Oh Mamma Mia!
A number of notable mentions for take-out are Piroshky-Piroshky (did not try today) and Mee Sum Pastry. A favorite at Mee Sum is the Pork Hom Bow. On this day, we had the Pork Hom Bow and a Pork Stick. http://www.piroshkybakery.com/ Of course there are numerous other notable options at and around Pike Place Market. I will leave those for another outing on a different day. Salud! http://www.pikeplacemarket.com/
Merlot Gone Mad
May 2nd – Merlot Gone Mad at the Tulalip Resort Casino in Marysville, WA. This event showcased over 50 Washington State wineries (serving Merlot), an educational wine seminar and Tulalip chef demonstrations. The Tulalip chefs prepared merlot-friendly foods for sampling. My favorite offering consisted of a Heritage Salmon over fire-roasted corn fritters (Blackfish Restaurant)
Sorry, couldn't wait!
and a Rotisserie leg of American lamb with hard cider apple salsa and stone ground mustard crostini (Eagle Buffet). The Tulalip Bay Restaurant and the Banquet and Pastry chefs also provided delicious options. If you haven’t been to the Tulalip Casino for a meal, it is certainly worthwhile (with a variety of cuisine and pricepoints to choose from). If you are looking for a future food & wine event…mark your calendars for The Taste of Tulalip, November 12th and 13th, 2010. http://www.tulalipresort.com/entertainment/taste-of-tulalip.aspx
Interesting to note: there was an actual Tweet table which presented the Tweeters tweeting as they were tasting during the event. Also, that morning, The Seattle Times published an article on Stan Jones, longtime leader of the Tulalip Tribes –http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011757441_stanjones02m.html
The Tulalip Resort Casino is adorned in Northwest and Native American decor. The Hotel offers guest rooms and suites, amenities include banquet/meeting rooms, the Oasis pool (which looks like an oasis…waterfall included), spa services, gift shops, a comfy fireplace/lounge, and a walkway that leads us to the restaurants, casino, and entertainment. For those of you with an interest in fine dining, the Tulalip Bay Restaurant invites you to watch James Beard House invitee Chef Dean Shinagawa work his craft or experience the intimate wine room that contains a handcrafted chandelier designed by artist Dale Chihuly. Oh, and on your arrival, waterfalls and Orcas will greet you. http://www.tulalipresort.com/
Within 4 hours reach... 
