Fiesta 5k Ole! and Taco Truck Challenge

May 8, 2012May 9, 2012 / dkaltenb / Leave a comment

Cinco De Mayo on May 5th brought food and fit together! A great way to start May off, right? This is the first year for the Fiesta 5k Ole and the second annual 107.7 The End Taco Truck Challenge. http://www.fiesta5kole.com/ Both took place at Volunteer Park in Seattle. The run/walk started and ended at the park and wound through the historic neighborhoods nearby. Watch your footing here as the pavement/roads are not the best, but it was nice first year for this event. The event benefited the HopeHeart Institute http://www.hopeheart.org/. A margarita garden opened right after the race and the taco trucks opened for business shortly thereafter. The top three finishers (men’s and women’s categories) received awards and the best costumes also won a prize. Costumes consisted of ponchos, moustaches, sombreros, an inflatable Corona bottle, lime/pepper fiesta beads, maracas, and someone carried a pinata too. Live music started around 1:30 pm with the event ending at 9 pm. Those participating in the event received a white Fiesta 5k Ole t-shirt. Snacks and water were available after the run. Sponsors were on hand with samples and information.

The 107.7 The End Taco Truck Challenge had a good selection of vendors/mobile trucks to satisfy your taste buds. These included El Camion (the Challenge favorite), Contigo Modern Mexican, Here and There, Taquiera La Fondita, Lumpia World, Skillet, Charlie’s Buns ‘n Stuff, Snout & Co., Athena’s, Fusion on the Run, Streetzeria, and more. As the lines were quite long for El Camion, we enjoyed samplings from Lumpia, fish tacos from Here and There, and Tres Quesos Gordita along with Carnitas Rojas and Short Rib tacos at Contigo. I overheard that the Cuban Sandwich at Snout & Co. was quite good.

Some walking/running events have already come and gone, including the MS Walk (www.walk4ms.org), but others are right around the corner. Check out http://www.runningintheusa.com/race/List.aspx?Rank=Month&Month=5&State=WA&Page=1 for a list of events in Washington State. This site will allow you to sort by type of race, month, etc…

Month of May

May 1, 2012 / dkaltenb / Leave a comment

The month of May is the start of the festival season, the summer concert calendars have just been released, it’s a month of planning and one with so much to do.

There is a plethora of things to do this month – here is a sampling of ideas:

Apple Blossom Festival through May 6th in Wenatchee
Opening Day of boating season – May 5th
Watch the Kentucky Derby or take in a race at Emerald Downs
Gig Harbor Beer Festival – May 12
Spring Barrel Tasting, Lake Chelan – May 19-20th
The Mobile Food Truck Rodeo – May 6th – Fremont Studios
’49er Days – May 11-13th in Winthrop
May 18th – Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980 – plan a trip
Penn Cove Water Festival, Coupeville – May 19th
41st Annual Methow Valley Rodeo – May 26-27th
Rhododendron Festival, Port Townsend May 14-19th
Columbia River Wine and Pear Festival – May 19-20th, Hood River, OR
Market Flower Festival begins at Pike Place Market
43rd annual University District Street Fair – May 19-20th
Viking Fest – May 18,19,20th, Poulbso and Kitsap County
Camano Island Studio Tour – always on Mother’s Day weekend – this year May 11-13 with an encore weekend on the May 19-20. This is a nice event…drive around to various studios/homes – a wonderful variety of art
Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes walk/run – May 20th
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo on May 5th – http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2012/04/18/best-cinco-de-mayo-activities-in-puget-sound/
Pike Place Market – Seattle Cheese Festival, May 19-20th
Market Flower Festival begins at Pike Place Market
Summerfest May 26-28th in Long Beach
Northwest Folklife Festival at Seattle Center – Memorial Day weekend

Enjoy!

Mt. Rainier Road to Paradise Wine Fest… and more

April 30, 2012May 1, 2012 / dkaltenb / Leave a comment

Need a getaway to the Mt. Rainier area? The Mt. Rainier On the Road to Paradise Wine Festival in Ashford, WA is held in the Spring and Fall every year. The Spring festival was held on April 28th and in the Fall, it is scheduled for November 3rd. Keep track of the event at http://www.road-to-paradise.com/index.html. The Spring wine festival showcased 11 wineries, 1 brewery, and Mountain Lodge Farm cheese. Also, celebration artist Teresa R. Oltman showed her paintings and painted wine glasses. I happened to purchase a great piece of art made of acrylic and oil (see pic below). http://teresacelebrationartist.blogspot.com/ Appetizers and bbq pork sliders were available for purchase (or with the tickets that come with admission). Live entertainment was enjoyed – Bill Compher was the perfect starter http://www.cedarcreektreehouse.com/music.htm and the Randy Oxford Band, the perfect end to the event. Local artist, Teresa Oltman sang on a couple of songs with the Band as well. http://randyoxford.com. Shoestrings also performed. A welcome addition to a trip to Mt. Rainier during the slower tourist season in the spring and fall. Some lodging offered complimentary tickets to the festival with a stay.

We stayed at the Nisqually Lodge – it is clean and has an inviting lobby for conversation. The bed is not so comfortable, but works. http://www.escapetothemountains.com/NisquallyLodge.htm

I scouted out the food options and found that Copper Creek Inn would make a nice stop for breakfast. It is no Maltby Cafe, but the location and ambiance are ideal. Copper Creek’s menu is plentiful. To give you an idea of what the menu looks like: Breakfast – Build your own omelet, Hikers Hot Stack Old-Fashioned Pancakes, Sunrise Breakfast (and many side options); Lunch – Cheeseburger, Turkey Bacon Club, Grilled Ham ‘n Cheese, Soups and Chili; Dinner – Pasta, Steaks, Trout and Fried Chicken. Their specialty of the Inn is Copper Creek’s blackberry jam and their world-famous blackberry pie, since 1954 is served all day… and more. Various cabins are available for lodging and be sure to stop by the gift shop. Copper Creek Inn is located two miles from the Mt. Rainier National Park entrance and has been around since the 1940’s (built in the 1920’s as a service station and lunch counter). Check out all the details at http://www.coppercreekinn.com/

Experience the forest! www.discovertheforest.org Unplug.

And remember…you are in the heart of one of the most beautiful regions in the world, so get out and enjoy a nice hike on one of the abundant trails all around you and the many waterfalls that fill the mountain air with a peaceful tranquility.

Al Boccalino – Seattle

April 30, 2012May 1, 2012 / dkaltenb / Leave a comment

Al Boccalino, near 1st and Yesler in Seattle, offers cooking classes taught by the famous Luigi DeNunzio himself. The class is a communal meal, you take home a recipe, and have fun! Vino is offered (you are in Italy for goodness sake…ciao bella!) and you take home some cooking tips! Luigi was a fine host on this night; there were 22 of us and four were chosen from a random drawing to help cook. The ingredients are already prepped, so that makes it easy to get started. The crowd was mixed, which was quite refreshing in that it really showed the uniqueness of life and lifestyles. Arrive early to engage and get to know your dining partners.

Some of the tips that Luigi wanted us to know…

Buy spices at a spice store. Spices shelf life is 8-12 months.
Taste… and meet people
If there is a picky eater (like some of your children), they will be picky thinkers – I like this one for kids and adults alike. At a young age, you don’t know if you like it or don’t like it – you need to taste it, experience it, keep on tasting it, be consistent
Bruschetta is pronounced “brewsketa”
No need to add oil to the water when boiling water for pasta, salt the water like the sea.
Break eggs on a flat surface, not on a rim of a bowl/dish
Try to taste without discrimination, explain what it is that you are tasting
Use your senses – smell, taste, touch, as well as common sense. A balance between patience and passion is needed.
Capability is not a substitute for authenticity
When you plan a couple of meals a little at a time, you get better results
Some of the ingredients or prepared food from one meal, should be used to make a new dish another day

The meal this night consisted of Bruschetta con la muffoletta, Penne zucchini & pecorino romano, pork sausage, and Mele al brandy. Various wines and after dinner drinks were offered… prosecco, wine, grapa, lemoncello, and more…

The Al Boccalino menu is subject to change (even on the night of the class)…there is always something for everyone.

For more information, visit http://www.seattleslittleitaly.com/al_boccalino.htm or call 206-622-7688.

Space Needle at 50!

April 21, 2012May 17, 2012 / dkaltenb / Leave a comment

Today begins a six month celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the World’s Fair and the Space Needle… as a Seattle, Washington symbol and attraction. The celebration runs April 21 – October 21st, 2012.

The Seattle Center showcases festivals, sporting events, fireworks at the Needle on New Year’s Eve, arts & entertainment, and holiday happenings. The Seattle Center is changing and leaving behind some history with it. One thing that the Space Needle represented fifty years ago is the future (space age), and today in 2012, the anniversary celebration takes on “The Next Fifty” in which the city will be focusing on the areas that will promote future development and well-being for the area. Many human interest stories and other are being showcased right now… whether it be the iron worker that helped build the Space Needle, the shuttle drivers, or of those that came to enjoy the rides. It was just recently that the amusement part of the Seattle Center has been removed. Elvis Presley showed up at the fair in the late summer to shoot “It Happened At The World’s Fair”. There have been books published. The local newspapers, magazines, and news stations of the Puget Sound are featuring these stories. Check out their websites for past photos, stories, and a list of events.

A number of events, publications, and attractions that are surrounding this celebration are:

Today, April 21st, 2012, the fee to get to the Space Needle’s Observation deck is only $1 – closing at 3 pm today
The top of the Space Needle is painted Galaxy Gold (orange)
See the International Fountain 50 years later…still running strong after a replacement in 1995 – all the facts are at http://www.seattlecenter.com/locations/detail.aspx?id=8
Check out an exhibit at the EMP (Experience Music Project)
Displays at the Seattle Center include “The Future Remembered”…and more
Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) – exhibit “Now and Then” April 9th – June 9th
See the King Tut exhibit at the Pacific Science Center before it leaves the USA – May 24, 2012 – January 6, 2013
The brand new Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit/museum is scheduled to open in May
Ride the Seattle Monorail – travel between the Seattle Center and downtown Seattle
Visit the Cottage at Heritage Park (exit 181 East in Lynnwood) – see memorabilia and drop a note in the basket that represents a memory of the World’s Fair. My parents actually had their first date at the World’s Fair. While you are there, visit the South Snohomish County Visitors Center – it offers a wonderful selection of brochures and information about the Pacific Northwest, as well as some history of the Alderwood Manor area.
Visit History.com for a slide show http://www.history.com/news/2012/04/21/50th-anniversary-of-the-1962-worlds-fair-slideshow or
KCTS9’s http://kcts9.org/when-seattle-invented-future-1962-worlds-fair
Seattle Met’s Timeline piece http://www.seattlemet.com/arts-and-entertainment/articles/seattle-worlds-fair-timeline-february-2012/
And if you still want a little piece of history, see about purchasing a Space Needle Pen – http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2018156389_spaceneedlepens07m.html

I could go on and on about all the activities, both those that regularly occur here, as well as those that focus on the 1962 World’s Fair 50th Anniversary. To help you gather your itinerary and make your plans: www.spaceneedle.com; www.seattlecenter.com; www.pacificsciencenter.org; www.thenextfifty.org; www.mccawhall.com; www.chihulygardenandglass.com; www.seattlemonorail.com; www.keyarena.com; www.empsfm.org; www.2daysinseattle.com; www.visitseattle.org

Whether you are 20 or 90 years of age, take the time to learn or to remember, and you will no doubt find it fascinating. This was and is both a local and international celebration. So cool!

Courtesy of http://www.seattlecenter.org

Washington Artisan Cheesemakers Festival

April 8, 2012April 8, 2012 / dkaltenb / Leave a comment

The Washington Artisan Cheesemakers Festival, held on Saturday, April 7th at the Seattle Design Center (Sixth Ave S) showcased some of Washington finest cheesemakers, but also a number of local cider, beer, wine, and artisan food vendors. 21 and over. This event is a benefit for the Cascade Harvest Coalition. http://www.cascadeharvest.org/

There is cheese made from cow, sheep and goat. There is organic, raw, and farmstead. Farmstead cheese is a cheese made from milk from the farmer’s own herd or flock, on the farm where the animals are raised. The types were varied. Cheesemakers came from Tacoma, Seattle, Adna, Winlock, Bow, Chehalis, Vashon, Dayton, Freeland, Eatonville, Port Townsend, Omak, Fall City, Lynden, Twisp, Tieton, Doty, and Darrington. Quite the mix! After tasting many of, but not all, my hands-down favorite is Dinah’s Cheese from Kurtwood Farms on Vashon Island http://www.kurtwoodfarms.com/ – excellent quality! Cow/soft-ripened/bloomy/Aged 30 days/Farmstead. Others that I enjoyed were Willapa Hills Cheese (Two-Face and Big Boy Blue), Beechers Handmade Cheese (Flagship), and Backcountry Creamery’s Trailblazer and Camp Chego. Also, Mountain Lodge Farm’s table/display was nicely done as well as their selections…Chevre and Paradise.

For tips on choosing a cheese, you may want to consider the following: kind/texture, rind, and age. And for tips on how to serve and store cheese, check out these sites: http://www.newpi.coop/Products/Cheese/HowtoEnjoyCheese.aspx; http://www.artisanalcheese.com/products.asp?dept=1013

After tasting the 20+ Cheesemakers selections, most can be purchased at the festival cheese shop. Additional drink tickets could be purchased here as well. To try these tasty bites, be prepared to stand in line. A suggestion…”light” live music would be nice as well as maybe to incorporate the artisan cheeses in specialty dishes made by local restaurants. To view the full list of Cheesemakers, Sponsors, Artisan Food, Wine, Beer, and Cider vendors, check out: http://washingtonartisancheese.com/

Hello April!

April 1, 2012April 23, 2012 / dkaltenb / Leave a comment

It is April 1st and it is a time to think ahead to sunnier days and the upcoming festival season. Have you started getting tickets to the plethora of summer concerts? Did you know that this March was the 3rd wettest on record for March in Seattle history? Why am I thinking Summer when it is Spring? It’s the time of year to Spring ahead, right?

Looking for something to do this month? Here is a sampling of ideas:

Head to Mount Vernon (and surrounding towns) to see the tulip fields – the largest display in the great US of A
It’s National Park Week – admission to the National Park’s is free all week April 21 – April 29th
Enjoy a new restaurant during Seattle Restaurant Week – April 8 – 12th and 15 – 19th
Washington Artisan Cheesemakers Festival – April 7th at the Seattle Design Center
The Space Needle starts their 50-year celebration this month (a separate post coming soon)
Pike Place Market – April 20th Arcade Lights: a celebration of artisan food, beer, and wine
Support a cause – how about the MS Walk on April 15th? Alaska Airlines Arena/UW
Go shopping for a pop of color
April 21st – World Class Crab Races and Feed, Westport, WA
Moooove on over to the Spring Fair in Puyallup – April 19th – 22nd
See the Pacific Northwest Ballet perform Carmina Burana and Apollo at McCaw Hall
Check out the 3rd annual Mt. Rainier Spring Wine Festival in Ashford, WA on April 28th (2-8 pm)
Astoria, OR hosts the 30th annual Astoria Warrenton Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival – April 27, 28, 29th
Take a walk on a trail closest to you…or maybe within four hours reach?
It’s baseball season – get in to the swing of things with a Seattle Mariners game at Safeco Field
Check your listings for an Earth Day event
Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival 2012 at the Seattle Center

The Scotch and Vine

April 1, 2012 / dkaltenb / Leave a comment

The Scotch and Vine Restaurant, located on Marine View Drive S. in Des Moines, WA, is a treasure…there to delight your palate and quench your thirst. The ambiance (a mix of vintage wine decor, dark woods…warm and inviting) with jazz/blues played overhead and live entertainment during the weekends. The great food, a large selection of bourbons, wine, scotches, local beer (like Big Al Brewing), and the hospitality… can’t be beat. The menu is varied and what comes from the kitchen – delicious!

David, Jill and crew make you feel welcome and Chef Adam in the kitchen, cooks up top-notch creations. On this visit, the Black Hills Gold Buffalo and N’awlins was had, along with Fry Bites (smashed pan-fried fingerling potatoes – a must side), a beverage and the can’t go wrong, favorite – a 15 yr. Pappy Van Winkle. Mm Mm Good! The Black Hills Gold Buffalo is a bison burger, served on a divine artisan bun, Beecher’s flagship cheese, Frisee lettuce, and a black bean corn salsa (which I asked to be served on the side). Also served on the side is a trio of mustard and aioli for dipping with Fry Bites (or to be used on your sandwich). This was a nice accompaniment as I am a big mustard fan! The N’awlins is an Andouille sausage and beef burger with WSU crimson fire cheese.

The menu has something for everyone and you just might get a kick out of the references made to Squirrel food, Rabbit food, Just Beet It, You Say Tomato… Artisan Cheese, a variety of Succulent Starters, Field Of Greens, Beef and Bleu salad, The Southern Belle (Louisiana gumbo), Lawrence Elk (elk burger), The Portobello, Seared Chicken, Crabby Risotto, and more.

The restaurant has a private room upstairs, complete with full bar – reserve it for a party, business meeting, or other. Like The S&V on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, and check out their website for more info (and sign up for their newsletter). http://www.scotchandvine.com/ The Scotch and Vine has a Wine class, Scotch class, Whiskey tasting, and weekly wine tastings on Thursdays (come by at meet the rep/wine maker). Wine is available for take home purchase as well. Live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Stop in for happy hour.

I had an enjoyable dining experience and I know you will too! Go by on a weeknight or for one of their tastings. Open daily.

Happy Hour at Koral

March 18, 2012 / dkaltenb / Leave a comment

Koral Bar & Kitchen, new to downtown Bellevue, WA, is located in the Hyatt Regency. Koral is a new venture by the owner/operators of Pearl (one of my favorite happy hour spots). The decor is modern rustic (at least that is my take on it) and the menu varied. You might say some things belong, others maybe not. In the bar, seating can be found at the bar, longer tables for groups, and a number of high rounds for smaller parties. To try out this new joint, we ordered the following:

Oxtail Sliders – flavorful and satisfying – the best option on the happy hour menu
Macrina Potato Bread (needed for the extra cheese from the Pub Cheese dish) – recommended!
Charcuterie – with all the true Charcuterie plates in the area, this one misses the mark – definitely skip this! The pickled cucumber was nice.
Pub Cheese – pretty good – a salted soft pretzel with a “clump” of cheese. A little out of place with the rest of the menu though.
Tai Tung Pot Stickers – enjoyed! Pork and Vegetable filling. The sauce is nothing to write home about but it is a nice selection anytime, although Din Tai Fung is right across the street.

At happy hour, the appetizers and drinks are half off, with the beer at $2. A pretty good value to set you up for the evening. The service was ok as you had your main server and others helped serve and clear. Their specialty cocktails are a bit overworked, some hit the mark while others fall incredibly short – stick with a beer (selection is limited) or a more classic drink.

Will we be back? Yes, as I would like to try the main menu, it’s a great location, and like the concept…but with all the great choices in the area, I’m not sure how soon that will be. http://koralbellevue.com/

Epulo Bistro

March 18, 2012 / dkaltenb / Leave a comment

Located on Main Street in Edmonds, WA, Epulo Bistro is a neighborhood treasure… serving up charming ambiance, quality menu selections, good presentation and warm hospitality. As the restaurant filled with patrons, and the noise level rose, the setting still remained warm and inviting. This visit was to celebrate a special occasion; our choices for the evening included:

Cheese: “Caveman” Blue Cheese, Peppered Goat Cheese, Mt. Townsend Creamery Trailhead, Honey Comb, Fig Compote, Drunken Cherries
Oysters – “Kusshi” Oysters on the ½ shell with citrus chilli, mignonette, and lemon (on the daily Featured Items menu)
Painted Hills Short Ribs, Roasted Potatoes, Arugula Pesto, Crispy Walla Walla Onions
“New Bedord Scallops” – Butter poached sea scallops, tri-color lentils, mirepoix, leek caviar juice (on the daily Featured Items menu)
Zeppole – handmade doughnuts dusted with cinnamon and sugar served w. salted caramel anglais
Panna Cotta – Classic Italian vanilla cream, served with seasonal fresh fruit. On this night it was a Pear crumble.
We enjoyed some of Epulo’s specialty cocktails to start and brought in our own bottle of wine for dinner (corkage $15)

Many other menu option choices exist…which will be tried on another visit. One thing to note: a friend highly recommends the Snake River Farms Wagyu “Flavor Cut” 6 oz as well. Dinner served nightly. Closed Monday. Brunch served on Saturday and Sunday.

I am sure some things have changed since late 2009, but I think this blog posting is an interesting addition – http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/allyoucaneat/2010344320_epulo_edmonds_welcomes_another.html

Epulo, whether it’s for a special event or an evening out, it’s sure to hit the spot. http://www.epulobistro.com/