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Space Needle at 50!

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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:

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!

Hello April!

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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

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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.

 

Washington Wine Month

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March is Washington Wine Month!  If you missed the first festival of the month, the Poverty Bay Wine Festival in Des Moines, WA (one of my favorites), you will have other opportunities to partake in the festivities.  Other events this month are:

  • Walla Walla Wine @ Sodo Park – Monday, March 12th at Herban Feast http://wallawallawine.com/
  • Stop by your local wine shop for a tasting event – they’ll be able to tell you what you need to know about wine
  • Try a new varietal at a favorite restaurant
  • Taste Washington – Saturday, March 31st and Sunday, April 1st at CenturyLink Field Event Center  http://tastewashington.org/

Some events during the month are listed on various blogs, newsletters, and websites… like  http://www.washingtonwine.org/events/

Snow Day? Wintertime Activities

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It is wintertime –  has the snow fallen yet?  If it has, it is, or it just might, what are you to do?  Below is a list of indoor and outdoor activities that just might make your day a little better:

  • Head for the hills!  The mountains of Washington beckon with skiing (downhill, skate, cross-country…and more), snowmobiling,  snowshoeing, ice skating, and more… Mount Rainier, Snoqualmie Pass, Mission Ridge, Teanaway, Stevens Pass, Crystal Mountain, Mount Baker, Mazama/Winthrop, Leavenworth, travel into Canada (Whistler among others)….
  • Take a guided snowshoe or nature hike tour
  • Seek out and watch the snow geese, bald eagles, or other natural habitat
  • Take a walk around the local wetlands, nature preserve or town park
  • Go to a nearby lodge or resort (like Suncadia, Semiahmoo, Salish)
  • Power out?  Play a board or card game indoors – like Yahtzee!
  • Power out?  Listen to the radio and “do a little dance” – got batteries?
  • See a movie
  • Visit a museum
  • Clean, go through “stuff”
  • Go to the beach
  • Drink hot chocolate with marshmallows or hot tea
  • Visit the library
  • Take in a concert and a local club (like Fitz and the Tantrums at the Showbox – great show!)
  • Patronize a local business nearby your home
  • Sled with the neighborhood kids
  • Be creative when building your snowman
  • Bundle up and take the pooch out
  • Catch up on a craft or hobby you have been putting off
  • Cuddle up by a fire
  • Take photographs of trees, bushes, and other snow-covered landscape
  • and more…

 

Bistro San Martin

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Bistro San Martin, this gem of a restaurant in Arlington, WA, is worth any amount of time and or money to get there.  They serve a fine dining menu that includes a fresh sheet with a nice variety of fresh, seasonal seafood, meat, and vegetarian options.  The incredible handcrafted sauces add to the flavorful and delicious creations cooked-up in the open kitchen by Chef Martin…an excellent one man show behind the grill.  Steve, personable and engaging, is the perfect front of the house host.

On the menu this evening, the following was thoroughly enjoyed:

  • Mushroom Puff Pastry – Local Mixed Mushrooms Sautéed with Garlic and Fresh Herbs in Brandy Cream Sauce
  • Gnudi Ravioli Potato Gnocchi – with Ricotta, Parmesan, Spinach, Garlic, Brown Butter and Tomato Cream Sauce
  • Cup of Seafood Bisque – crab, halibut, and shrimp
  • Jumbo Sea Scallops – Pan-Seared Fresh Jumbo Sea Scallops with Sambal-Tomato Beurre Blanc and  Mixed Herb Chimichurri (South American Pesto).  Served with Edamame & Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan & Seasonal Vegetable Medley
  • Roasted Duck – “Maple Leaf Farms” All Natural Roasted Half of Duckling with a Seasonal Fruit Sauce and Red Wine Reduction, Basmati and Wild Rice with Toasted Almonds, Parsley, Green Onions and Seasonal Vegetable Medley
  • Raspberry Champagne Sorbet
  • Bottle of Five Star Cellars Merlot

The decor is a comfy mediterranean mix that has a warmth.  The flower vases are made from antique silverware which I thought was clever and added a nice touch.

All-in-all, a definite gem in the “Seattle” food scene.  The restaurant is closed for three weeks in January, so make a plan for a visit in the near future.  Reservations are recommended.  An all-around fabulous meal and experience!  Be sure to put it on your “must-try” list for 2012!

http://www.bistrosanmartin.com/

What are you going to make of your 2012?

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Whether you believe that December 21st, 2012 is the end of our days here on earth, or not… what do you want to make of this new year?  Here are a few ideas:

  • Once a quarter, go to an art gallery, museum, the symphony, or see a play or musical
  • Get active and enjoy an outdoor activity once a month
  • Try a new restaurant on a regular basis
  • Visit the Space Needle – it’s the 50th Anniversary!
  • A business idea…encourage others to try your new product (ex: release a different beer every month)
  • Have a party on December 20th
  • Be a spectator and go to a sporting event that you haven’t seen yet or been to in a while
  • If you are watching your funds…how about going to a new park or walking trail?

Whatever it might be, make a plan (or be spontaneous) and get out there!

September in Walla Walla

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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.

San Juan Island

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San Juan Island is just one of the 172 San Juan Islands (four are served by ferry).  You can get to San Juan Island by plane, boat or ferry.  Anytime of year is a nice time to visit.  We happened to hit a rainy cloudy day in August, but it was still romantic, still inviting.  http://www.visitsanjuans.com/ and http://sanjuanisland.org/ are good websites that will provide much of what you need to know.

We arrived to San Juan Island as walk on passengers via a ferry originating from the Anacortes Ferry Terminal.    Check out the following site to find parking rates and other info:  http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/vesselwatch/TerminalDetail.aspx?terminalid=1&CFID=803704&CFTOKEN=64308448

Friday Harbor –  take a stroll through this walkable town and see what there is to see – the marina, museums, antiques, boutiques,  a movie theater, art galleries, bookstores, community theater, wine tasting.  You can catch a whale watching or kayaking tour as well.  I particularly enjoyed the park next to the marina…featuring a pond/waterfall, picnic facilities, and artwork dedicated to the Salish people.  It was interesting to see that the leaves had started to turn on the island.  Everything in Friday Harbor is within walking distance and dog friendly.  If you want the best hot chocolate (I have ever tried) or foamy latte, visit The Doctor’s Office…a Treatment Cafe before heading back to the ferry, it will hit the spot!

Wondering how we got to Roche Harbor as it is across the island?  San Juan Transit!  San Juan Transit provides transportation, tours, charters, and connections on San Juan Island.  They have an actual schedule and place of pickup with a fee of $5 each way per person (along with other options depending on your need).  There are also other routes around the island with stops at the IMA Sculpture Park, Lakedale Resort, an Alpaca Ranch, San Juan Vineyards, Pelindaba Lavendar Farm, and others…  Our driver was kind enough to point out some of the attractions along the way, including a quick stop to see Mona (a camel), the most famous resident on San Juan Island.  🙂  www.sanjuantransit.com  Other options are taxi, bike, or moped…like Susies Mopeds www.susiesmopeds.com  The timing was perfect as we were able to walk around town and have lunch too.

Roche Harbor –   Established in 1886…A historic seaside village – see the beauty!  This former company town was built up around the Roche Harbor Lime Company back in the day.  Enjoy the museum, gardens, sculpture park, walk the pier, view the yachts in the world-class marina, or play Bocce ball.  Lodging options include hotel rooms (like the Hotel de Haro) and Gift Shop as well as cottages, condos, and village homes. Lunch was had at Madrona Bar & Grill.  Seafood, salads, and other abound.  The steak sirloin wedge salad, clam chowder, and shrimp basket were nice choices (especially the salad)…oh, and add a local Amber and their specialty Bloody Mary to the bill.  Madrona Bar & Grill is located on the bottom level of the historic John S. McMillin home.  Roche Harbor is a premier destination wedding site.  Shopping – stop in at Dominique’s House – a fine selection of furnishings and accessories for the home or boat (and personal items too). I happened to find a beautiful metal bowl made by hand (Beatriz Ball) to be used for some rocks and other natural elements collected over the years. www.dominqueshouse.com   http://www.rocheharbor.com/Home.html

As a side note, if you want convenience and some relaxation too, stay in Anacortes at the Ship Harbor Inn as it is just a short walk away from the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. http://www.shipharborinn.com/   http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/  Don’t forget to stop in Anacortes for a bite or light shopping.

One day is a good start on seeing the Island and it definitely makes for one great day!  To see more of it though…stay three!

Crabbing near Anacortes, WA

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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!