Welcome Autumn. Happy 1st day of Fall!
No Spring nor Summer beauty hath such grace., as I have seen in one Autumnal face. ~ John Donne
Lake Chelan
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”.
Smoking Monkey Pizza
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!
San Juan Island 2013
Looking for a well-rounded and romantic 3-day weekend in the Pacific Northwest? Visit San Juan Island! San Juan Island is the largest island of what is considered the San Juan Islands. It is located in the northwest corner of the United States with views of neighboring Canada. No matter the weather, this can be the perfect Northwest outing. http://www.visitsanjuans.com/ A possible itinerary to consider is:
Day 1:
Arrive early morning and take the ferry from the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. Take a tour of the ferry, pick your spot, and enjoy the ride. You will dock at Friday Harbor – you’ve arrived! In Friday Harbor, take some time to walk the town. While you are there, stop in at King’s Market. This is a great place to grab a gourmet sandwich, a good wine, your favorite periodical, and more. You’ll find a variety of shops and if you are there on a Saturday morning during the summer, check out the farmers market.
From here, head to Roche Harbor where you’ll be staying at the Quarryman Hall luxury suites. On your way there, stop by San Juan Vineyards for wine tasting. In Roche Harbor, see about checking in and take a walk around town. You’ll find old Kilns, play bocce ball, and you’re probably ready for a bite to eat by now. Check out the Lime Kiln Cafe and share a sandwich, as they are good in size. http://www.rocheharbor.com/
On this first night, you may want to try dinner at the Fireside Lounge at McMillin’s. But, before you head out for dinner, stop by the Hotel de Haro front desk and rent a DVD for the evening. If you are in need of snacks (ie. ice cream, popcorn, other…), visit the Country Store, the town grocery. Note: For us, this will have to wait until next time, but make reservations at Duck Soup Inn, it’s just outside of Roche Harbor and is highly recommended by the locals for a gourmet meal.
Day 2:
Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm and Country Store – this is a great stop to get out and roam the farm. There are three+ areas where the Alpaca’s roam. Take a few pics and stop in at the General Store. The General Store offers an array of Alpaca goods like scarves, hats, shirts, wraps/blazers, blankets, toys, and more. Two scarves were purchased here.
English (British) Camp – Take the trail down to the left and you’ll experience views of the waterfront, garden, and blockhouse…the view is from where the quarters of the generals stood long ago. The formal garden is patterned after the original one planted in 1867 for the captain’s homesick wife. English Camp is situated on Garrison Bay, an ancient home of the Coast Salish people.
Lime Kiln Point State Park – maybe my favorite stop of the trip. Lime Kiln State Park offers beautiful views, whale sightings are recorded by/at the lighthouse (or maybe you’ll catch a pod), walk amongst the trees to the restored lime kiln and limestone that was. You may see kayakers paddling by, stay for a picnic, or take that nature walk that you’ve been yearning for. Stop by the gift shop for a map. Truly Northwest.
Hike Young Hill (or Mount Young) 650 ft and experience views of the inlets, waterways, Vancouver Island, the Olympic Mountains, and Haro Strait . Victoria BC is just on the other side of the water. Even if you are not in shape, this is certainly doable. While you are up there, take the short intersecting trail and check out the British Camp Cemetery.
Sculpture Park – this interesting park allows you roam the acreage, down to the water, past the lake, and into the woods to view various types of art, statues, and the like. My all-around favorite was the easel with a mirror as the piece of art or I guess you could say that “you” are the piece of art. Others I enjoyed was the dragonfly, a spoon tottering, and chainsaw made of wood.
If you are looking for sportswear (clothing, jewelry, handbags), stop in and see Roche Harbor Sportswear, you’re sure to find something you’ll like. A stop in at Dominique’s House is a must-see as well.
To end the day, have a late afternoon therapeutic massage for two at Afterglow Spa, which is located on the side/bottom level of Quarryman Hall. Enjoy dinner at Madrona Cafe on the deck and if you are visiting in late Spring or Summer, you’ll more than likely experience the nightly lowering of the flags at sunset.
Day 3:
After checking out of the hotel/suites in Roche Harbor, a drive through the island to the other side just might be the ticket. On your drive over, did you happen to see the camel out and about? You might want to try the following:
American Camp dates back to 1859. There are a few renovated buildings standing. Camas bulbs have been harvested here for over 2,500 years ago; Camas and buttercups highlight one of this region’s last remaining natural prairies. There is a visitor center but it was closed on the day we visited. In the mid-1800’s, Great Britain and the United States settled ownership of the island through peaceful arbitration. This island is full of interesting history. One thing I wanted to note about this area, at both the American and English Camp, were the number of caterpillar nests in the trees on the property…fascinating.
A stop at Cattle Point Lighthouse is enlightening in that you get a whole different view from this side of the island. This side has vast sea views, rocky cliffs, wheat colored grasses, wildflowers, seagulls and you might even see a river otter. In order to get to the lighthouse here, we parked at the Interpretive Center down the street and walked to the trailhead up the street. Stop by South Beach while you are in area as it is a beach with driftwood, beach rocks, beach grass and of course, sand. Walk the beach, cook s’mores at the already present fire pits, or take a seat and read a book while letting the sand flow through your toes. You’ll see ships and sailboats there and yonder.
It’s amazing how much was seen in the two full days (three-day weekend) on San Juan Island. It’s time to head back to Friday Harbor to get in the ferry line for the mid-afternoon sailing. Depending on how much time you have for a wait, you can either stop by King’s Market to grab a sandwich for the car/ferry or try out a restaurant in town that is waiting for you.
All and all, this is a great trip to consider, whether it be for a honeymoon, anniversary, recreational weekend away, first time visit to Washington State and more. And if you are staying a bit longer, you’ll want to take the inter-island ferry to visit a different island within the San Juan Islands chain, perhaps Orcas Island. There are many things to do in the San Juan Islands such as whale watching tours, kayaking, biking, camping, glamping, and of course boating. One could write a book about living and experiencing the San Juan Islands…and they are out there.
References:
For more information or a different write-up, see the September 2011 San Juan Island posting here at http://www.within4hoursreach.com
http://www.wsdot.com/ferries/Schedule/Default.aspx
http://www.visitsanjuans.com/what-to-do/san-juan-island-hiking
http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=106
http://www.nps.gov/sajh/historyculture/american-camp.htm
http://www.visitsanjuans.com/what-to-do/san-juan-island-hiking
http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=105
http://www.stateparks.com/lime_kiln_point.html
Washington State Parks Turn 100 years old
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!
LeMay – America’s Car Museum and Frisko Freeze
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.
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.
Ish River
“Ish River”-
like breath.
like mist rising from the hillside.
Duwamish, Snohomish, Stillaguamish, Samish,
Skokomish, Skykomish . . . all the ish rivers.
I live in the Ish River country
between two mountain ranges
where many rivers run down to an inland sea.
– Robert Sund, March 29, 1979, Cloud House
Take It Outside
Join the new “green exercise movement.” Move your workout outside and you’ll soak up the beauty and the benefits of being in nature. Studies show that as little as 5 minutes of walking in a natural setting can increase your self-esteem, boost your mood, and slash high blood pressure. Not only that, but new research says that people who are active outdoors exercise longer that those who work out inside only. So lace up your shoes and head for the park or hit the trail. Mother Nature will reward you.
~ taken from Prevention.com, May 2013
Well said.
Bourbon Bash at Daniel’s Broiler
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.
Rover’s Restaurant
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.
Within 4 hours reach... 