Food & Drink

December Joy

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It’s December and there is much to do.  Do you send cards?  Do you have many people to buy for?  Have you decorated yet?  We all have our own story and experience and what is tradition for one may not be so for another.  Or maybe you’ll start your own tradition.  There are options for fun this time of year whether you’re on a strict budget or you’re not.  I have already done some of these on the list below.  Others I won’t.  Here is a list of possible holiday options this month:

Visit a local nursery – Swansons, Molbak’s, Wight’s, Squak Mt., and more – the gift shops and decorating possibilities abound

Put up your own decorations – a little outside light with the indoor poinsettia and/or tree

Seattle Center –  a sample itinerary might be 1) Space Needle  2) Armory – grab a snack and check out the train 3) see a play at the Bagley Wright Theater (Seattle Repertory Theater).  I can attest that The Hound of the Baskervilles is a great choice – open till Dec 15th 4 & 5) enjoy a dinner at Collections Café.  Chihuly exhibition is extra special this time of year  6) walk the grounds to view the lights and take to ice skating to celebrate Winterfest

Woodland Park Zoo or Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium– lights!  Note:  Bellevue Botanical Garden is still under construction and they are having a smaller display this year.  And don’t forget the Issaquah Reindeer Festival at the Cougar Mountain Zoo

Bake cookies, spiced nuts or other holiday treats

Get a jump-start on your healthy New Year’s resolution and hit the gym, go ice skating or head outside

Watch a holiday movie (or one that is popular this time of year) – Sound of Music, It’s a Wonderful Life, Holiday, Christmas with the Kranks, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Andy Williams Christmas, or catch one on the Lifetime or Hallmark channel

Make a point of getting together with friends

Check out Snowflake Lane at the Bellevue Collection with its 7 pm nightly show

Take in the theater, ballet, symphony, orchestra.  This is an especially good time of year to check out a local company

Shop Downtown Seattle – the lights, hustle and bustle are especially fun.  Snowflakes at Pacific Place, the Holiday Carousel, Argosy Christmas Ship Festival, Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Hotel, take a Ride the Ducks tour or take a whirl on the Seattle Great Wheel, check out Pike Place Market, and there is a new attraction this year – SnowGlobe Live!  Step inside the globe and get your picture taken – what a treat!

December

Walla Walla Wine

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Traveling to Walla Walla for a long weekend is the perfect way to experience one of the many diverse and special locales of Washington State; plus as a bonus you can sample some of the best wine made in the USA.   From the Seattle area, it is about a 4-1/2 hour drive, so I guess you could say that it is just beyond four hours reach.

A three-day weekend is suggested for your first time visit or for those of you that have been to Walla Walla before. This particular trip proved to be less time in town but still allowed for a good amount of tasting. See http://www.wallawalla.org/  for a well-rounded look at what there is to see and do in Walla Walla.   The following itinerary isn’t a cheap one, but a recommended one.

Stay –   51 East Main.  These vacation rentals are luxury apartments built with all the in-house amenities you desire (full length mirror, extra pillows, glass/dishware, coffee, DVD player) and some amenities that may surprise you as well, but are nice touches (like a calendar on the wall).  Each of the 5 apartments has a particular theme to it.  Visit http://www.51eastmain.com/  to view the options.   We stayed in the Home Room and our friends took The Cellar. It is located right in the heart of downtown Walla Walla so it is close to restaurants, tasting rooms, shopping, and more.   Questions about 51 East Main?   Let me know.  A stay at 51 East Main will definitely be had again.

Dine –

Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen – http://saffronmediterraneankitchen.com/   A bottle of local wine was brought in – Abeja’s Cabernet Sauvignon (corkage allowed if not on their wine list) and one was purchased as well – Saggi. The Orecchiette was enjoyed –  roasted heirloom tomato, speck, corn, chives-ricotta & Pecorino Toscano and the four of us enjoyed the mezze (flatbread with a variety of dips/spreads).   The menu is seasonal with mostly locally sourced items.

Whitehouse-Crawford http://www.whitehousecrawford.com/home.php Champagne to start, a bottle of Five Star Cellars Stellar.  Enjoyed the Al ceppo pasta with sweet and sour eggplant, sweet corn, roasted duck, and Pecorino Romano as well as the Rustic tomato soup with Dungeness crab and croutons.

Vintage Cellars Wine Bar http://vintagewinebar.org/  Check out the live music, visit with friends on the outdoor patio, and try a glass or bottle of their wide selection of area wines (or maybe now is the time for a beer).  See their Facebook page for up-to-date events.

The Marc’s Vineyard Lounge located at the Marcus Whitman Hotel http://marcuswhitmanhotel.com/the-vineyard-lounge  for a cocktail and appetizer.  The Tempura Local Vegetables and the Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip hit the spot.

Olive –  http://olivemarketplaceandcafe.com/ –  If we didn’t stop at the Red Monkey http://redmonkeylounge.com/  for a bite and to watch the Seattle Seahawks game, then the fig and brie flatbread would have been had here. Instead, we took a break and shared one glass of wine while hangin’ out on the comfy leather furniture there.

Bacon and Eggs –  http://www.baconandeggswallawalla.com/  This is a new to us and now a favorite!  Be prepared to wait for a table on the weekend as it is also a local favorite.  Farm-to-Table food that satisfies and starts the day out right.  I had the -Bacon & Eggs- Try the mimosa and a side of cornbread and freshly made guacamole.

Wine Tasting –

On this particular wine tasting adventure, we had friends with us that had not been to Walla Walla before so the goal was to visit high quality big red wines and to experience a variety of locations/types of the wineries/tasting rooms (a farm, modern building with views, traditional vineyard, airport).   They may be part of a large conglomerate or a small winery making just a few hundred cases.  Most of these wineries had a white wine to taste as well.  A few had Rose.  Others might make these but are already sold out because of the small amount of cases made, or they are only available to wine club members.  Once you have found a favorite, joining a wine club just might be the ticket, especially if they are small production and have a wine or two that are only available to the wine club members.  Some wine clubs send wine 2-3 times a year and others more so.  Some allow for choosing the wine you receive (like Five Star Cellars) and  the others will send you what they want.  The wineries in Walla Walla are divided into four main areas, West Walla Walla/Lowden, Downtown tasting rooms, The Airport/East Walla Walla and South along the State line. There are also wineries just across the border in Oregon (like Tero Estates) and those near Waitsburg.

Below are the wineries that we visited on this trip.

West – Bunchgrass

South – Amavi, Va Piano (the Cabernet Sauvignon and their special Las Collines Syrah (single vineyard) were especially good)), Northstar (Cabernet Franc)

Airport – Five Star Cellars (the whole line up!  I left with the Supernova but will circle back for the others in due time), Kontos Cellars

Downtown – Trust Cellars (2010 Syrah – Walla Walla Valley), Otis Kenyon, Sinclair Estate Vineyards (Syrah, Roussanne Marsanne).

Based on my purchases you might think I like Syrah, eh?  I will say that Walla Walla Syrahs are especially fruitful and Walla Walla produces some of the finest Syrahs in the world. I have found that these wineries produce a great deal of different quality varietals as well.

Other – See previous Walla Walla postings for shopping, more wineries, and things to do (Oct 2010, Sept/Feb 2011). The Farmers Market looked to be slim pickins’ this weekend/year so a drive by was all that was needed.  You can fly and rent a car or make the drive and explore.  Do remember to make sure that your car is good working order and is ready to cross the Pass.  Based on your timing, you may want to stop at Red Mountain (Richland area) or Prosser. The area around Richland is a good separate trip in itself, as is Yakima/Zillah.

So, come to Walla Walla to taste and to play.  Good people, good product, good visit.

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Lake Chelan

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Lake Chelan Wine Valley is perfect spot for a getaway especially during our wonderful Washington summers. Check out the Come Visit Us section of http://www.lakechelanwinevalley.com/ for some good tips!  Lake Chelan Wine Valley has a climate that is well-suited for growing grapes and boasts some very good up and coming wineries.

Nefarious Cellars – my hands down favorite.  Great wine.  Great location.  Great view of the lake.  Perfect for sitting on the patio with a glass of wine. The winery tastes and sells not only what you might find in a store, but also some winery only and limited production wines.  My favorite of the hard to find is the Rocky Mother.  Oh my.

Tsillan Cellars: A beautiful Tuscan Villa motif with a wonderful restaurant attached to the facilities – The Sorrento, is a great gathering place for you and your friends. The tasting room is very big and can accommodate larger groups at the same time.

Tildio Winery, Manson: Nice wines, the winemaker Katy has been there since almost the beginning of wine production in the Lake Chelan AVA, a must if tasting on both sides of the lake.

Cairdeas Winery, Manson – now this was a pleasant surprise.  The entire line up was enjoyed and we walked away with a number of bottles. Small family winery with a nice atmosphere. Get there now before they start selling out as production is small.

Karma Vineyards – Karma is a very nice place for lunch and a tasting.  The tasting occurs at the table, with flights that are brought to the table.  We splurged and tasted a couple flights each .  For lunch, the summer salad and clams were enjoyed.  The atmosphere is refreshing and takes you to a relaxing zen type vibe.  The vineyards are located right there.  Karma is often closed for wedding events, so check ahead of time if opened to public on day you’re there.

Other wineries visited were Tunnel Hill Winery, Hard to Hoe Vineyards in Manson, and almost made it to Mellisoni Vineyards, but timing was such that it didn’t work as they are by appointment only.  There are other wineries that were not visited, like the well-known Vin du lac which has a nice Bistro for lunch and overlooks the lake as well.

Things to do on a hot summer day – Take a dip in the lake, rent a jet-ski, take a boat ride, walk around town, get a golf game in, try the water park, and more.

I like Lake Chelan Wine Valley’s slogan…. “Naturally Intoxicating”.

 

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Smoking Monkey Pizza

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I honestly can say that the pizza made at Smoking Monkey Pizza in Renton, WA is the best pizza I’ve had.  The dough is fabulous and the toppings are fresh and flavorful.  You ‘ll get a kick out of their pizza titles and savor the selection. Smoking Monkey Pizza is located in the heart of downtown Renton on 3rd Street.  There is parking in lots nearby or on the street around the corner.  http://www.smokingmonkeypizza.com/

What types of artisanal pizza and other specialties do they have?  Check out a sample menu on the website…you’ll get an idea.  The mozzarella breadsticks are recommended and certainly you can’t stay (or take away) without having a pizza.  They come in 12″ or 16″.  Maybe you’ll go for a number of 12″ pizzas and take some home with you.  Many of the ingredients are local and their mozzarella and ricotta cheese is homemade.  Mmm Mmm Good.   What pizza have I tried (on a number of occasions)?  The DTR (Downtown Renton) – olive oil, prosciutto d’Parma, gorgonzola, mozzarella, pear, the Quattro Stagioni – San Marzano tomato sauce, Italian sausage, speck, mozzarella, Grana Padano, crimini mushroom, kalamata olive, and the Renton Theater – olive oil, speck, fontina, pecorino, crimini mushroom, caramelized onion.  Do I have to pick a favorite? Wine, beer, and soft drinks are also available.  And a sampling was had of their fresh squeezed blackberry lemonade which was a nice treat too.

Here’s a “Rave” for the great service.  I would expect there should be lines around the corner every night of the week for this treasure.  You can dine in or carry out.  They also use 2Go Services.   It is rare that I want to sit down and get right to work on a posting, but this certainly did it for me.  So, get off the couch and try it out!

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Bourbon Bash at Daniel’s Broiler

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The 2nd annual Bourbon Bash was held at Daniel’s Broiler in Bellevue, WA the weekend of March 16th.  What makes this event a real treat is the hard to find and relatively new bourbon/whiskeys can be found here.  With your admission fee, a glass and tasting/reference booklet is provided, and then you will be on your way to tasting away.

If you are not a bourbon afficiando, the Bourbon Bash is a great opportunity to learn about how bourbon is made and try a variety to determine what your style might be.  There are bourbons made of rye, wheat, barley, corn or a combination, and more.  Bourbon Whiskey can be made in any state but it is generally known for in Kentucky.  Most bourbon is aged for more than four years, but at two years it can be called “Straight Bourbon” and the oldest bourbons being aged in oak up to 30 years.  To learn more about the history of bourbon, check out a few sites like http://www.bourbonheritagecenter.com/history/bourbon-pioneers/  Or  http://thehill.com/capital-living/food-and-drink/23026-the-history-of-bourbon-a-happy-accident

At the Bourbon Bash, there were over 40 (actually 80) different bourbons to taste.  My favorites, and some of these I actually own, were Pappy Van Winkle (20 year, 23 year), Black Maple Hill 16 yr Bourbon, Booker’s True Barrel Bourbon, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Buffalo Trace Creme  (this was brought out as a special taste), E.H. Taylor “Tornado Survivor” Bourbon, Elijah Craig 20 Year Bourbon, Jefferson’s 18 Year Reserve Bourbon, 1792 Ridgemont Reserve Bourbon, Old Pogue Master’s Select Bourbon, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, and a “young” one, Burnside Bourbon (Portland), as well as Lexington Bourbon Whiskey.  You won’t get to all of those presented but it’s good to try something you aren’t familiar with or that might be hard to find.  Maybe you’ll get to the others on your next time around?

If you want more information on next year’s event, join Schwartz Brothers mailing list and you will be updated of upcoming wine dinners, events, and notable happenings at all the Schwartz Brothers restaurants.

 

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Rover’s Restaurant

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Opened in 1987, Rover’s Restaurant is closing its doors (at its current location anyway) at the end of April – one month to go!  It is one of Chef Thierry Rautureau’s (also known as the “Chef in the Hat”) ventures.   The Fedora is his favorite. You also might know him from his appearances on Top Chef and others.  There are times that Chef Thierry is there to greet the guests but on this night, he was not.  Scott, the Sommelier and our server Paul took very good care of us.  Rover’s is on many people’s bucket list….maybe it’s on yours?  Make your reservation now and believe me, you will not be disappointed.  I was fortunate enough to experience this gem and my one word to describe it would be – Priceless!  The evening was magical, although not inexpensive by any means, and certainly worth the bucket list designation.  Mind you, I have been to Rover’s once before, but it was so good to experience it again.

Rover’s is considered fine dining but business casual dress is considered appropriate.  It’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner for two, for a group of friends celebrating a birthday or a business dinner.  The menu is Pacific Northwest with a French accent, as the website notes.  The plates are small bites, small portions.  Just enough to give you a flavorful introduction. You can choose from one of the three multi-course Degustation tasting menus or choose your selections a la carte.  The a la carte selections chosen were just perfect:

  • Amuse Bouche
  • Ling Cod
  • Diver Scallop
  • Foie Gras Sautern
  • Roasted Leg of Lamb
  • Waygu Beef
  • European and Local Cheese Assortment
  • Symphony of Desserts

The wine list is top-notch!  We had a glass of  Schramsberg, Blanc de Blancs, Sparkling, 2007  and also brought in our own bottle of Maya, 2000 vintage to celebrate this event.  A corkage fee is applied (you may bring in one bottle) and it cannot exist on their wine list.  See the FAQ section for more information.

All the way around, What a treat!

Chef Thierry’s other restaurant, Luc, which is a casual affair, is just a couple doors down on E. Madison in Seattle, WA

http://thechefinthehat.com/rovers/

Why is the restaurant called Rover’s?

Old Rover was a country dog,
He led a single life;
He always said he’d rather not
Be troubled with a wife.

One day beneath the orchard trees
With his friend Don he sat;
And about “meets” and sporting news
They had a pleasant chat.

At last Squire Rover said, “I mean,
While you’re a guest of mine
To ask the neighbours to the Hall,
With you, friend Don, to dine.”

Don wagged his tail, and thanked his friend
With very great delight;
“And may I ask,” he, smiling, said,
“What guests you will invite?”

“Well, let me see: there’s Mr. Bull,
And Mrs. Bull, his wife;
Jane Bull, and Mr. Newfoundland,
Who saved young master’s life.

“For ladies-young and pretty too-
There are Italian pets,
Toy terriers, and Cuba belles,
Who live in first-rate sets.

“And as for sporting characters,
I really needn’t say
How many members of the hunt
Have kennels down this way.”

Said Don, “A very pleasant set!
It will be quite a treat
So many worthy dogs, dear friend,
At your kind feast to meet.”

The invitations were sent out,
And no one can decline
At Rover’s hospitable board
With his friend Don to dine.

A cordial welcome they are sure
At Rover’s house to find;
And dogs, like children, love to go
Where friends are always kind.

And now the happy day is come,
The guests are ushered in;
And Rover, very grandly drest,
His friends is welcoming.

First to arrive is Mr. Bull-
He seldom is too late,
Though for his wife, and daughter too,
Sometimes compelled to wait.

Next comes Miss Fanny, Dressed in silk,
A gold chain round her neck,
Her black eyes shining like two stars;
With flowers her head is decked.

And by her side a noble dog,
Bearing a glorious name;
From snowy mountains far away,
General St. Bernard came.

The guests have all at last arrived;
Then loudly sounds the gong,
And to the dining-room, in pairs,
They slowly moved along.

And soon were seated at the feast-
A dinner à la Russe-
The soup and fish were handed round
By footmen grand in plush.

While all the time they ate and talked,
Dessert, attention claimed;
And very pretty looked the fruit
In autumn flowers framed

“I hope,” said worthy Mr. Bull,
“You’ll not forget, dear host,
To keep our good old custom up,
And let us drink a toast.”

Dog rover nodded an assent,
And rising, said “I give
The health of our most gracious Queen,
Long may Victoria live!”

And thus the pleasant evening sped
(Too rapid in its flight),
Until the ladies (with warm thanks)
To Rover bade “Good Night.”

Then, gathered in the smoking-room
To talk all matters over,
The sporting dogs remained awhile
With “that good fellow” Rover.

How long they sat and all they said
I shall not stop to say;
But I have heard they left the house
Just at the break of day.

From a Northern Irish fable about a dinner party for animals thrown by Rover the dog.

March Meets ?

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It’s March which means Spring is just around the corner.  It’s time to think about spring cleaning (have you cleaned behind your appliances recently?) but it also Washington Wine Month and there is much to see and do around town.  So do both…stay in and get things cleaned up and get out and about to see what there is to see.  A number of suggestions for this month are:

  • Skip everything else this weekend and head to the Poverty Bay Wine Festival, Des Moines, Mar 1-3
  • Take a tour/walk of Kubota Garden, Seattle
  • Experience the Washington Coast – road trip worthy to awaken those weary bones
  • Penn Cove Mussel Festival, Coupeville, Mar 2-3
  • Taste Washington, Seattle, Mar 23-24
  • Participate in an Easter Egg hunt
  • It’s Dine Around Seattle time – check out  http://dinearoundseattle.org/ to view the participating restaurants – you can’t go wrong with these great selections, Puget Sound area
  • Shen Yun 2013, McCaw Hall in Seattle, Mar 28-30
  • Do you have a love of Opera or would it be your first time?  La Boheme, Seattle, thru Mar 10
  • Visit the new MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry), Lake Union, Seattle
  • It’s that time of year!  Irish Festival, Seattle Center, Mar 16-17
  • March 20th is Daffodil Day!  It’s the Spring Equinox!

Volterra Restaurant – Kirkland

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Volterra Restaurant is a fairly new gem of a restaurant in Kirkland.  The original Volterra is located in Ballard and is still a major draw for foodies in the Puget Sound area.

Volterra in Kirkland is located on Kirkland Ave and parking can be found in the parking garage close to/behind the restaurant as well as on the street and neighboring lots nearby.  The feel of the restaurant was almost European like with the exterior restaurant walls being windows, letting the natural light in. Our server was quite knowledgeable (has been to Italy before) and provided excellent service.  The bar has a nice variety of seating options and is located on the other side of the restaurant from the dining room.  We were fortunate to visit at brunch/lunchtime and found that the menu to be varied and enticing.  To get an idea of the menu options, check this out:  Wild Boar Sausage Benedict, Chestnut Pancakes, Duck and Yukon Gold Potato Hash, Dungeness Crab Ravioli, Roasted Eggplant Pouches, Gorgonzola Burger, Open Face Porchetta, Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad… and more.  Our party ordered a Bellisimo Bloody Mary and White Peach Thyme Bellini’s to drink.  The brunch items chosen were:

  • Wild Mushroom and Truffle Scramble – topped with Fontina, arugula and white truffle oil.  Served with Volterra hash browns.
  • Pear and Gorgonzola Frittata – White wine poached pear, Prosciutto and Gorgonzola Dolce.  Served with Volterra hash browns. (see photo below)
  • Milano! Milano! – Savory herb bread pudding topped with 2 eggs any style, asparagus tips and smoked Gouda cream  (can add Ham or Bacon).

Although all entrees were enjoyed thoroughly, the hit was probably the Milano! Milano!  It’s unique and flavorful.  They are also known for their Fennel Salt.

http://volterrakirkland.com/

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Le Grand Bistro Americain

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This gem of a restaurant at Carillon Point in Kirkland, WA is sure to please.  The visit took place nearly six months ago, yet I thought it worthy to mention.  Le Grand Bistro Americain serves up great views of Lake Washington, parking, service, and French/American style steaks, raw bar, and more.

Le Grand Bistro just happened to be the restaurant of choice during last October’s Seattle Restaurant Week. http://seattletimes.com/seattlerestaurantweek/ It also has participated in http://www.dinearoundseattle.org/ The evening started out with a Bordeaux ~ ch. le graves barrau ’06, Cabernet – Proletariat and a bubbly – Dom. Carneros Brut ’06  and then we moved on to the 3 courses for $28 options.  We were very impressed with how the manager stepped in to assist with service when everything was happening at once (it got busy!)

All choices made were enjoyed completely:

Wine – Cabernet – Proletariat

Appetizers –

  • Oysters on the Half Shell four, with mignonette
  • Chef’s Soup
  • Charcuterie (Choice of 2) rillauds, country pate, jambon cru, rillettes

Entrées –

  • Moules Frites mussels steamed with white wine, bacon, parsley, touch of cream, served with french fries  A suggestion:  wear a bib 🙂
  • Boeuf Bourguignon stew of beef with bacon, red wine, pearl onions and mushrooms

Desserts –

  • Glaces
  • Creme Brulee
  • Fromages (Choice of 2) comte, delice de bourgogne, bleu de basque, ossau iraty, cirrus

Check out the menu options for happy hour, lunch, dinner, and how about brunch? It looks delicious!  http://www.bistrolegrand.com/menus/

February Adventure Awaits

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February is a month that allows you to get out and experience a host of different avenues… whether it be to catch the Superbowl at a local establishment, go snowshoeing, or take in a wine and chocolate festival.  A number of options are:

  • Just missed the Enumclaw Wine & Chocolate Festival, Feb 1-2…I attended… but if you didn’t, maybe next year?
  • Seattle Wine and Food Experience, Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, Jan 24
  • See Cirque du Soleil’s Amaluna at Marymoor Park
  • Start thinking about registering for your favorite marathon, walk or dash
  • 2013 Northwest Flower & Garden Show, Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, Feb 20-24
  • Have you checked out an Everett Silvertips game yet this Winter?
  • Visit a museum or art gallery – try the Bellevue Art Museum’s (BAM) Biennial 2012: High Fiber Diet which continues through Feb 24
  • Seattle RV & Outdoor Recreation Show, CenturyLink Field and Event Center, Feb 7-10
  • 2013 Seattle Home Show, CenturyLink Link Field and Event Center, Feb 16-24
  • Take in a restaurant this month or have someone in for a nice dinner.  Did you hear that Rover’s is set to close in April?
  • Check out a Wine & Chocolate Festival this month.  Decide where you want to go… Yakima, Lake Chelan, Olympic Peninsula and more… Feb 9-10 or 16-17
  • It’s a great month for a snowshoe hike or cross-country skiing – visit the Washington Trails Association site for ideas
  • In the mood for a movie?  Plenty to choose from this month – action or maybe a love story?
  • Enjoy!