Puget Sound Area

Washington Wine Month 2014

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March is Washington Wine Month and to wrap up the month, there are two great events this weekend – try something new or try a favorite again.

March 29th – Capital Food & Wine Festival – Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, WA  – http://www.capitalfoodandwinefestival.com/ Purchases are encouraged.

March 29th and 30th – Taste Washington – CenturyLink Field Event Center in Seattle – http://tastewashington.org/  Drink. Eat. Learn. Stay. Participate.  Also, look into attending the First Annual Taste Washington Magnum Party on March 27th at Chihuly Garden and Glass

Stop by your local wine shop or tasting room for a taste of what’s being poured.  A good way to keep up with what’s been poured is to get on their mailing list.

If you are up for more food and drink, check out Anthony’s Restaurants Oyster Festival. http://www.anthonys.com/restaurants/best-of-season/

Can’t get much better than that this weekend.

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

Washington State Parks Turn 100 years old

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Washington State Parks turn 100 years old this year.  It was March 19, 1913 that the Washington state park system was established.  It’s their Centennial and events are planned throughout the year.  How many state parks are there in Washington?  117 according to  http://www.parks.wa.gov/  and 186 if you’re looking at http://www.stateparks.com/wa.html.  So many to see, so much to do.  Whether it’s hiking the trails, picnicking, camping, taking in the views, and the list goes on.  There are those parks along waterways, in the desert, on an island, in a forest, near a lake or river.  Do you have a favorite?  My favorite would be Rosario Beach/Deception Pass.  And you know, I have not been to nearly a quarter of them, so guess what, we have a lot to see.

How can you help keep the Washington state parks up and running? Help support the Parks by donating, purchasing a Discovery Park pass, and accepting the $5.00 Parks fee when you renew your license tabs each year.

And if you are up for a challenge and like marking things off your list, there is a State Parks Centennial GeoTour Passport tour.  100 caches 100 parks 100 years.  How does this work?  Check out http://www.parks.wa.gov/geocaching/geotour/default.aspx and print your passport.  Visit as many parks as you can to claim caches.  As of this posting, I have been to two of the WA State Parks listed.   http://www.geocaching.com/adventures/geotours   http://www.wsgaonline.org/files/parks/wastatepks2013-overview.pdf

Get out there!

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LeMay – America’s Car Museum and Frisko Freeze

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LeMay – America’s Car Museum just turned one year old!  Happy Anniversary!  It’s located near the Tacoma Dome on 2702 East D St.  There is a beautiful variety of automobiles from the early 1900’s on.  And if you aren’t a car buff, you’re sure to enjoy.  ACM (America’s Car Museum) has four levels with ramps on each side, all filled with automobiles (of sorts) and don’t forget to check out the walls there for interesting information, whether it be the history of Ferrari or how a “green” car is made.   The Indy 500 collection just opened in June.  And my goodness, opening August 9th is “60 years of Vette” – now this will be a must see!

Besides the cars on display, the building also contains the Museum Store, Classics by Pacific Grill Cafe, and banquet room for that special event on your calendar.  The Museum also showcases a number of fun as well as educational areas, like the State Farm Theatre, Auto Care Center, and ACM Speed Zone – try your hand at racing in a CXC simulator or on the slot car track – this can really add to the overall experience.  And check out the ACM website to view upcoming events, like the Vintage Motorcycle Festival and the Summer Drive-in Movie Series.

Interested in what the collections are located here?  The four levels contain the Harold E. LeMay Collection, Custom Coachworks, British Invasion, Nicola Bulgari Collection, Indy 500 Racing, Ferrari in America, Alternative Propulsion, and Collection Galleries.  The collections will change periodically, so more than likely you will want to visit again.

Check out a number of my favorites below.

http://www.lemaymuseum.org/

A day of Tacoma was made of it as a stop was made at Frisko Freeze as well as a Tacoma Rainier’s baseball game. Frisko Freeze first opened in 1950, and still looks like a drive-in (of sorts) of the 50’s.  Frisko Freeze has a drive-thru window and limited parking.  The seating is outdoor only… in your car, on the curb, on a bench.  It’s seen a lot in the 6+ decades.  The prices are low and the reputation of tastiness still privales.  What was ordered?  Onion rings, French fries, a large pop, cheeseburger and double “beefburger” with cheese.  And the favorites were?  Onions rings!  And what to try next? a blackberry milkshake.  There are 8+ kinds to choose from.  And if you want a Malt instead, choose one.  Not only do they have burgers, they also have a fishwich, shrimpwich, corn dog, fish and chips, and more.  Frisko Freeze is located at 1201 Division St., Tacoma, WA.

 

 

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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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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!

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!

Chihuly Garden and Glass

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Chihuly Garden and Glass is an all-around must see!  Out of the various outings this holiday season, this was indeed my favorite.  Located at the Seattle Center (near the base of the Space Needle), Chihuly Garden and Glass is a gem whether rain or shine, day or night.  It showcases the inspiration and work of artist Dale Chihuly.

It is made up of an Exhibition Hall, Glasshouse, Theater, and a Garden.  The galleries showcased in the Exhibition Hall are the Northwest Room, Sealife Room, Glass Forest, Persian Ceiling,  Mille Fiori, Ikebana and Float Boat, Chandeliers, Macchia Forest, and Drawing Walls. The Glasshouse is the centerpiece of Chihuly Garden and Glass.  There is also a theater that presents short videos and the Gardens, which offers a lush landscape of art that depicts nature.  Visit  http://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/ to obtain more info on the various exhibits.

One thing I liked was that the museum provides plastic umbrella bags for use if you have just come in out of the rain.  Hint:  If you are a King County resident, have your ID ready and you’ll get $4 off the regular admission price.  They have a number of ticket package options available, including a ride to the Observation Deck of the Space Needle.  The Bookstore will tempt you with Chihuly coffee table books, glass ornaments, Pendleton blankets (especially designed for the Chihuly), and other fun gift items.  The Bookstore can be entered without admission to Chihuly Garden and Glass.

The Collections Cafe, located within the Exhibition Hall (come by anytime as the entrance is open to all that pass by), is complete with vibrant colors, vintage accordions hanging from the ceiling, vintage radios, a collection of bottle openers, and more (although I am not a fan of the carnival chalkware).  Each table has a glass enclosed center that showcases a different theme.  Each plate that passed our table looked especially delicious – they screamed fresh Northwest!  I will look forward to my next visit.

“I never met a color I didn’t like” – Dale Chihuly

“I love to find the beauty in everyday objects” – Dale Chihuly

 

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Holly Days of December

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It’s a holly jolly time of year!  Dash through the snow (maybe the rain?) and see about…

  • Christmas Lighting Festival, Leavenworth, Dec 1,8,9,15,16
  • Holiday Barrel Tasting, Walla Walla, Dec 7-9
  • Winterfest, Seattle Center, through Jan 6
  • Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis,various WA state locations/dates
  • Wildlights, Woodland Park Zoo, through Dec 23
  • Head to your favorite nursery – Wight’s, Molbaks, Squak Mt., Swansons, Emery’s and more…  The Dept. 56 display at Wight’s Garden & Home is nicely displayed this year (fabulous actually) – check out the props!
  • Winter Beer Festival, Hale’s/Seattle, Dec 7-8 http://www.washingtonbeer.com
  • Bellevue Magic Season, Bellevue, through Jan 13
  • Holiday Ale Festival, Portland OR, Nov 28 – Dec 2
  • Downtown Rockin’ New Year’s Eve, Yakima, Dec 31
  • Saint Nick’s Winter in Woodinville, Nov 30 – Dec 2
  • Green Lake Pathway of Lights, Green Lake Park, Dec 8
  • Great Figgy Pudding Street Corner Caroling Competition, Seattle, Dec 7
  • End of the World Party, search it out, Dec 20
  • How about a holiday craft show?
  • Winter Solstice Lantern Festival, Vancouver BC, Dec 21
  • Seattle Men’s Chorus, “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, Puget Sound Area, through Dec 22
  • Argosy Christmas Ship Festival, Lake Union/Washington, through Dec 23
  • Garden d’Lights, Bellevue Botanical Garden, through Dec 31
  • Zoolights, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma, through Jan 1
  • Toy Train Christmas, Northern Pacific Railway Museum, Toppenish, Dec 1-2, 8-9, 15-16
  • Have you started your Christmas cards yet?
  • Choose a bit of culture… Black Nativity, The Nutcracker, The SantaLand Diaries, Fiddler on the Roof, etc…
  • and fa la la …more

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Encircled with cedar…

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Cedar is like our mother.  Our whole lives were encircled with cedar.  – (Jerry) Dennis Jones, Tulalip Master Carver (1940  – 2003)

We are the salmon people.  We knew if we were to continue our heritage, we needed to find a way to bring the fish back.  –Terry Williams, Commissioner, Fisheries and Natural Resources, Tulalip Tribes

And the 2012 Taste of Tulalip highlights?

Small plates – 1) Chef David Buchanan – Dungeness Crab Towers (with roasted corn and apple bacon) 2) Chef Gerry Schultz – Smokey Risotto (smoked port belly, smokey bleu cheese, chanterelle mushrooms, roasted red peppers, sage and cippolini onions) 3) And it’s hard to resist a Seared Furikake Smoked  Scallop – Chef George Riedel

Wine – As far as the vast number of high quality wines available… some of my favorites included Five Star Cellars, Stephenson Cellars, Rasa Vineyards, JB Neufeld (all Washington State),Tenuta Dell Ornellaia (Northern Italian) – Wow!  And many more…

This event is one of the best of its kind.  Easily SOLD OUT, so plan ahead for November 2013!  Interested in a great night’s stay?  Stay at the Tulalip Resort – comfort at all turns…

http://www.tasteoftulalip.com/   http://www.tulalipresort.com/comfort/index.aspx