Food & Drink

A La Bonne Franquette

/ dkaltenb / Leave a comment

A La Bonne Franquette opened this last month in the Mount Baker neighborhood of Seattle.  In fact, it is on 31st Avenue South… just up the hill from Leschi.  Chef Hamed brings experience and influence from around the world to this intimate French bistro.  Not only is the food and ambiance a hit, you will have to check out the divine views of the Seattle skyline and Olympic Mountains.

The menu here is simple yet varied, comforting, with a bit of gourmet thrown in.  The food really reflects the name as A la bonne franquette means that food is homey and prepared without fuss.  Check out http://alabonnefranquetteseattle.com/  for an example of their menu.  I have personally sampled the majority of the menu.  Try the Assiette de Fromages, Pate, or others to start.  As a side (or make it your main course), the Gratin de Pommes de Terre…Gruyere cheese potato gratin (so good!).  And save room for dessert… I am not a creme brulee fan typically, but this is indeed the best I have had.  Also, try the Pot de Creme de Chocolat (a rich chocolate mousse).  There are daily specials and they have a nice wine selection, a mix of French and Washington wines.

Bring your friends, drink a drink, taste the flavors! Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 5 pm – 10 pm.

September in Walla Walla

/ dkaltenb / 1 Comment

Walla Walla, WA!  Check out previous posts from February 2011 and October 2010.  Consider this an update as I found some changes in downtown Walla Walla.  Some of the long time merchants have closed or are closing, including Willow.  There are also a number of welcomed arrivals – Public House 124, Green Spoon, and Kerloo Cellars tasting room.  Walla Walla’s Farmers Market was in full swing this September weekend.  I purchased a number of photo cards that represent the beautiful work of J. Franklin Willis  http://www.jfranklinwillis.com/index.php.  I particularly like the barn and farm scenes.  Kerloo Cellars has been added to my favorites list.  A welcome addition to the Walla Walla wine community, making great tasting artisan wines.  http://kerloocellars.com/club.  Visits were made to some of my faves like Walla Walla Clothing Company, Sinclair Estates, Trust, The Marcus Whitman (ladies, you will love the full length mirrors), Five Star Cellars, and Kontos.  Oh, and I must give a shout out to the gift shop/lobby area of Three Rivers Winery.  Also, a tour and tasting (by appointment only) at Long Shadows www.longshadows.com.  Long Shadows is a real treat…personalized service, top-notch wines, and a state-of-the-art winery.  A Dale Chiluly glass chandelier hangs in the lobby as well as other pieces throughout the tasting room.  Allen Shoup, one of the founding fathers of the Washington Wine industry and founded this winery to showcase Washington wines to the rest of the U.S. as well as the world, by bringing in great winemakers from all over the globe.  Long Shadows has nine wine makers making six different main wines – Poet’s Leap Riesling (Armin Diel), Pirouette (Philippe Melka, Agustin Huneeus), Chester-Kidder (Gilles Nicault, Allen Shoup), Saggi (Ambrogio & Giovanni Folonari), Feather (Randy Dunn), Sequel (John Duval) and Pedestal(Michel Rolland).  I was fortunate to have met both Gilles Nicault and John Duval (John was here from Australia selecting the grapes for this year’s Sequel)  – both gracious and inviting.

Public House 124 – ooh la la.  We happened along this find while searching for what suited our taste buds and desire for a more easy-going evening out.  We found it to be a great place to socialize, eat, drink, and enjoy the Walla Walla scene, whether they were locals or visitors. The stylish decor is inviting and warm, with the brick walls, fireplace, variety of seating options, open kitchen, and TV’s at the bar for viewing.  An outdoor patio is a nice addition during good weather.  Public House 124 has a nice selection of cocktails and beer assortment.  The menu is a blend of small plates, sandwiches, and a few entrees thrown in.  The Pork Shoulder Torta was shared (with fries).  The starters included the special, tangy Korean Chicken Wings with Asian Pear Salad (Slaw).  So scrumptous, especially the pear slaw.  And the Scallion Crepes (almost like a wrap), included Peking style roasted chicken, cilantro, shaved Walla Walla sweet onion, and a flavorful hoisin sauce.  Highly recommended with a gracious and pleasant staff taking care of your needs.

Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Fest

/ dkaltenb / Leave a comment

The Des Moines Rotary presented the second annual Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival, September 10th at the Des Moines Beach Park.  Also, on this day, the Des Moines Farmers Market and Poverty Bay Arts Festival took place.  Come rain or shine.   Blues?  they got it!  Brews?  they got that too!  This year’s line up was Little Bill and the Bluenotes (excellent!!!), Rod Cook and Toast, Fabulous Roofshakers, and Left Hand Smoke.

Breweries participating were Odin, Big Al, Hood Canal, Harmon, Elliott Bay, Airways, Stone, Scuttlebutt, Georgetown, Fish Brewing, and M.T. Head.  Masset Winery poured two varietals.  My favorites (based on what style was being served) were M.T. Head and Fish Brewing Company…especially Reel Ales Starfish Imperial Red Ale and Spire Mountain Apple Cider.  This was a nice event to try new styles and breweries.

B & E Meats, as a sponsor, was cooking up their tri tip beef at the Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Fest.  If you want a great selection of fresh products, stop by (or go out of your way) for Steak, Roast, Spareribs, Ground Beef, Ham Shanks, Pork Sausage, Wieners, Fryers, Whole Turkey, Crab Cakes…and more!  http://www.bnemeats.com/  While you are making a day of it in Des Moines, be sure to stop by B & E Meats and Corky Cellars!  Both located on Marine View Drive.  Corky Cellars has an inviting decor and a varied selection of wine, beer, and gifts.  Tastings occur every Saturday 11 am – 5 pm.  Ric and Dianne are the best!  Stop by, say Hi!, enjoy a taste, and bring some home with you!  http://www.corkycellars.com/

Check out http://www.dmrotary.org/events.php  for a list of sponsors and more event info. No pets.  Age 21 and over.  Free Parking. Bring your chair and/or blanket. Located near the beautiful scenery of the Puget Sound.  Proceeds benefit Highline Music 4 Life. http://www.highlinemusic4life.org/.

A Day of SEA

/ dkaltenb / Leave a comment

A day spent visiting places or seeing things beginning with SEA.  The Seattle Art Museum, Seatown, and the Seattle Seahawks!

The current exhibition at the Seattle Art Museum  http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/   is Beauty & Bounty:  American Art in an Age of Exploration runs June 30 – September 11, 2011.  Yes, you have only one week left to see it.  This exhibit was mainly made up of oil on canvas with some photography and sculpture thrown in.  It also contained the exhibit Reclaimed: Nature & Place Through Contemporary Eyes.  Not my favorite exhibit but I did enjoy the following works of art:

  • Northwest Field Recording (2010) – ink on paper, Victoria Haven  http://www.vichaven.com/  Side A and Side B.  I would love this for my home, office or other…
  • Estes Park (1869) – oil on board, Albert Bierstadt
  • Afternoon along the Shore (1878) – oil on panel, Herman Herzog
  • Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (1878) – oil on canvas, Thomas Moran

Seatown – this restaurant is located on the busy corner of Western and Virginia in Downtown Seattle.  Just a hop skip and a jump to Pike Place Market or across the street to the park where the waters of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains can be seen.  Seatown is a Tom Douglas creation and offers prime viewing of the hustle and bustle of a summer’s day (perfect for the tourist in all of us).  Based on the menu selection and the competition around every corner, I can recommend it for lunch or a late afternoon bite.  The not so pleasant part of the escape – our server had a nonchalant attitude and she took her time with getting us our bill.  What we did enjoy however, besides the location, was the Dungeness Crab Cocktail, Oyster combo, and the Dahlia Bakery bread (with butter and rosemary lardo).  Check out the menu here:  http://tomdouglas.com/index.php/restaurants/seatown

Seattle Seahawks –  the Seattle Seahawks played their longtime West Coast rival, the Oakland Raiders.  I have a hard time not saying Raiders without ESPN’s Chris Berman’s take on it.  They played at CenturyLink Field in the last preseason game before starting the regular NFL season next Sunday.  The sunset this evening was a beauty.  Prior to the game, Safeco Field’s “The Pen” opens for happy hour where you can quench your thirst and snack on a slice of pepperoni pizza at APizza (or other).  Good stuff!  Seahawks won 20-3.  Next up – Emerald Downs (see May 2010 post)

Crabbing near Anacortes, WA

/ dkaltenb / Leave a comment

An essential Northwest experience IS crabbing (and boating) in the Puget Sound.  It will be a day that you will remember.  It is fun and can be a learning experience too.  I know I learned about buoys, what makes up the food/bait, traps, and that if the crab is female or if it is under the size limit, then the crab should be returned to the waters.  I also found that others take crab that are not their own…very bad!  There is a limit on the number of crabs that can be taken per day during the season and on this day, it was five.  The season for area 8-1 (Deception Pass) currently is open Thursday through Monday and runs through September 5th.  Check out the following site for more interesting facts (and rules) on crabbing in the Puget Sound area:  http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/crab/. 

Go crabbing with a few friends and bring along some good food and wine (for those not driving anyway).  And if you don’t own a boat, there are services that will allow you to partake in this pleasure.  They will take you out in a boat, you’ll catch the crab (no experience necessary), bring you back to the shore and then it’s off to cooking the crab.  An example of this is U-Catch Crab Feast from Camano Culinary Creations http://camano-culinary-creations.com/UCatchCrabFeast.aspx.  In one word, feasting on the Dungeness Crab right after it has been caught – YUM!  If you are curious on how to crack crab, take a look at this – http://www.oregondungeness.org/cracking.shtml  I know I will be studying this prior to my next adventure with crab.

If you desire FRESH..LOCAL oysters or other shellfish to go with your Dungeness Crab feast, visit a Taylor Shellfish Farms retail store in Shelton, Bow or Seattle.  See their website for more information.  http://www.taylorshellfishfarms.com/

Happy Crabbing!

Anthony’s at Cap Sante Marina, Anacortes

/ dkaltenb / Leave a comment

Anthony’s Restaurants have made a hit of this location and concept on Q Street in Anacortes, WA.  Opening last year, the decor and food is all Northwest!  Located near Rose Point, Anthony’s at Cap Sante Marina offers guests an impressive view of the marina and boating activities year round.  Two different outdoor dining experiences can be had and on a Sunday in August, lunch was enjoyed by the fireplace on the covered outdoor deck.  The atmosphere really enhanced the experience (the weather was balmy, all were relaxed).  Brunch is also served on Sunday.  Choices made this day were satisfying no doubt:  Penn Cove Mussels & Fries (traditional or ginger sake) and a Northwest Cioppino & Caesar Salad.  The Cioppino consisted of Wild salmon, Manila clams, Penn Cove mussels and Alaska cod in specially seasoned tomato-basil sauce.  Order some bread to go with and top it off with a tasty beverage.

Anthony’s in Anacortes makes for a great day trip  http://www.anthonys.com/restaurants/info/Anacortes.html…stay and walk the marina, plan for the various festivals throughout the year, or enjoy the oh so many nearby recreational options that the Anacortes area has to offer.  http://www.anacortes.org/index.cfm

Palisade Restaurant

/ dkaltenb / Leave a comment

Do you have someone visiting from out-of-town?  A business dinner or special event coming up?  Or maybe a desire for an all-around pleasant experience?  If so… Palisade is a wonderful spot for lunch, dinner, brunch and more.  The quality is superb and the views of the marina, downtown Seattle, and Mount Rainier…breathtaking! You may also enjoy the player piano, the water feature in the lobby, and Dale Chihuly glass hanging above.  Deck seating is an option.  We decided on the First Seating which offers a three course meal for $29.99 Mon-Fri 5pm-6pm and Sat & Sun 4pm-5pm.  All choices made were enjoyed, including the Salmon Bisque (which was a real treat in that they place the bowl in front of you with the salmon in it and then surprise you by pouring the bisque into the bowl), the Hearts of Romaine salad and the Butter Lettuce with Roque River Blue Cheese salad.  The favorite entrée of the evening was the Washington Dungeness Crab Cakes which is rich crab cakes that are hand-formed with Dungeness crabmeat, fennel, fresh herbs, Old Bay seasoning, then pan-seared golden brown. Served with sweet-and-sour plum butter sauce and escarole-watercress salad with a charred lemon vinaigrette.  The dessert offered was sorbet or a small ice cream sundae.  For a look at their entire menu, check out their website and click Menu and click Print Menu on the left to view.   And the wine chosen? the ’07 Chateau Ste Michelle Cold Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – perfect!  Mark, our server, was professional and provided some excellent recommendations.  Visit anytime…reservations recommended.  Palisade restaurant is located at the Elliott Bay Marina just across the Magnolia Bridge in Seattle.  Definitely worth it and definitely satisfying!  http://www.palisaderestaurant.com/page/home

Les Miserables Seattle

/ dkaltenb / Leave a comment

Les Miserables in Seattle, opening week – highly recommend it!  “Les Miz” is at the 5th Avenue Theatre, showing August 9th through the 27th….so you still have time to see it!  I was really impressed with the score and enjoyed the new updates…the “moving” backdrop for example.  It is the 25th Anniversary of Boublil & Schonberg’s legendary musical.  I saw Les Miserables in New York City on Broadway almost 25 years ago and it was a pleasure to see it once again, now in Seattle.  The musical is approximately three hours in length including intermission.  So, you certainly get your money’s worth.  I especially liked “I dreamed a dream” performed by Betsy Morgan (excellent voice) and the song “On My Own”.  The star of the show was indeed J. Mark McVey who played Jean Valjean.  The entire cast was really good, and the conductor, Robert Billig, and the Orchestra, really fabulous.   http://www.5thavenue.org/show/lesmiserables1112/

Prior to the show, we had a bite at the Daily Grill.  Sean, the manager was friendly and hospitable.  I had the Grill Chop Salad, Mac & Cheese, and a glass of Fall Line Cab Franc.  Yes, I know…not the most low-fat meal.   The Daily Grill has locations across the U.S.A.  http://dailygrill.com/locations/daily-grill-seattle-washington

Summertime in the city is always a wonderful time…go out and experience it while it lasts!

Seahawks Training Camp

/ dkaltenb / Leave a comment

Since the new VMAC (Virginia Mason Athletic Center) was built on the shores of Lake Washington in Renton, WA, the Seattle Seahawks have opened up practice/training camp to the public.  This year there are 15 practices between July 29th and August 15th.  It is a nice opportunity to see the new recruits and veterans get ready for their upcoming NFL season.  You will see a scrimmage and drills.  The practice lasts about two hours and possibly a bit longer with the signing of autographs.  You must register at trainingcampregistration.seahawks.com and only those who register will be allowed at camp.  At registration, you will be charged a $5 transportation fee.  Chairs and snacks may be brought in, with restrictions of course.  There is merchandise and also food and beverages available.  Sports Authority offered a $10 coupon for anything purchased over $25 there at the complex.  We indeed made use of this. Park at The Landing in Renton (3rd and 4th level of the parking garage) and take the shuttle buses to and from the event.  They have the process down well…you will check in at the Landing prior to boarding.  This is a nice afternoon for the kids, family, and friends!

Whether it be prior to or after training camp, check out The Landing.  The Landing is still expanding but you will find a nice variety of retail options – Regal Cinemas (entertainment), services, shopping, dining, and more.  http://www.thelandinginrenton.com/.  Today’s stop was at Vino at the Landing…always recommended.  http://www.vinoatthelanding.com/home

Gig Harbor Wine and Food Festival

/ dkaltenb / Leave a comment

The second annual Gig Harbor Wine and Food Festival, held on the grounds of the Harbor History Museum, took place on Saturday, August 6, 2011.  The festival included 35+ wine (and a few beer) participants, cooking demonstrations, classes, a celebrity chef cook-off, as well as the opportunity to bid on some very nice luxury items and dining packages.  Proceeds benefit the Harbor History Museum and the Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association.  http://www.harborwineandfoodfest.com/

This year, the visiting Celebrity Chef was Chef Kevin Gillespie, a 2-time semi-finalist for the James Beard Foundation ‘Rising Star Chef of the Year’ award, a fan favorite of Bravo’s “Top Chef” season 6 and executive chef and co-owner of the Woodfire Grill in Atlanta.  He took part in a cooking demonstration, the chef cook-off, and also signed books during his time here.   Celebrity Chef Thad Lyman of Brix 25 was a big part of the day along with Chefs Jasmine Biernacki (Piece of the Earth Farm), Chef Jeremy Barber (Horseshoe Lake Golf Course) and Chef Tin (Clearwater Casino).   My favorite restaurant sampling served was the Wild Boar Bourguignon from JW (Jason Winniford) and humble cook Justin Goodfellow…delicious!   http://www.jwgigharbor.com/  There were wine and beer classes along with other interesting seminars… like “What’s in your Basket?’  And the wine?  it was good to try a few of those that I had not yet heard of, although there were many more that I did not get to. 

Not that an overnight is needed, but I want to give the Inn at Gig Harbor a mention.  It is a full service hotel and event center.  The bedding is really comfortable, the service all-around is good, and breakfast at The Heritage Restaurant was enjoyed.  If you are familiar with Gig Harbor, it is located closer to the freeway than to the waterfront.   http://innatgigharbor.com/  Also, when walking around town, visit The Harbor Peddler.  It has a nice variety of gifts, personal items, home decor, etc…  The Harbor History Museum is a recommended stop http://www.harborhistorymuseum.org/ and while walking the waterfront, check out the various signage providing historical info.  www.gigharborguide.com