If you can dream it…

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“If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney

“I don’t think about the miles that are coming down the road, I don’t think about the mile I’m on right now, I don’t think about the miles I’ve already covered. I think about what I’m doing right now, just being lost in the moment.” – Ryan Hall

“I tell our runners to divide the race into thirds. Run the first part with your head, the middle part with your personality, and the last part with your heart.” – Mike Fanelli

“The woods are lovely dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.” – Robert Frost

How To Cook A Wolf

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How To Cook A Wolf is one of four of Ethan Stowell’s Seattle area restaurants.  It exemplifies fresh ingredients…whether it be Scallops, Proscuitto di Parma, Pork Belly or those ingredients that decorate the plate, like peas, sultans, mushrooms, and more.  The pasta is handmade daily.  Located atop of Queen Anne hill, it offers a small outdoor dining and a window/door that opens to let the light in for the rest of us.  Choose a table or sit at the bar.  The decor is northwest, rustic, simple.  I appreciated the cork, slate entry, stone, wood walls/ceiling, and metal.

The plates are meant to be shared, so order a variety and share, share, share.  Our party enjoyed the following plates on this visit:

  • Bruschetta – Eggplant Caponata, Smoked Branzino
  • Beets – Arugula, Panzanella, Ricotta
  • Baby Greens – Toasted Pistachio, Roasted Shallot, Sultans  (favorite dish #1)
  • Spring Legumes – Soft Boiled Egg, Bacon, Pecorino-Toscano
  • Striped Bass – Sea Beans, Mussels, Radish
  • Scallops – English Peas, Bacon, Beech Mushroom (favorite dish #2)
  • Tagliarini – Spring Onion Pesto, Hazelnuts, Pangrattato
  • Gnocchi – Peas, Morels, Parmigiano
  • OK to skip the dessert, instead try (see below):
  • Limoncello.  Wine.  Prosecco.

A bit of a gem I would say.  Open daily 5 – 11 pm.  Reservations recommended.  And what else is on the menu?   “Ethan Stowell’s New Italian Kitchen” cookbook.  http://ethanstowellrestaurants.com/howtocookawolf/

Next @ESRseattle stop?  Tavolata.

White Water River Rafting

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Are you a beginner or a seasoned river rafter, either way you are sure to have a good time.  This was my first time river rafting, and I really appreciated that Wildwater River Tours made the experience educational, safe, and fun.  Kim and Eric were excellent guides.  I know I appreciated the how-to and safety tips beforehand.  If you follow what your guide says, you will have a good time.  Go with a friend, family member or with a group.

We saw Osprey (Seahawks!) and plenty of Mayflies.  Seeing that this is June, we wore wet suits – no helmet necessary.  Great weather and the water level was just right… it provided enough dips/waves for us to get a bit wet and experience a bit of excitement. We saw other rafters, kayakers, and a wave boarder too.

We all met at Riverside Park in Cashmere, WA and were then drove to an area in Leavenworth, WA for the start.  The rafting trip was on the Wenatchee River and approximately 16 miles.  The tours run April – July and can be 3-1/2 hours+ depending on the water flow. This is a class III+ river, this means that there are some nice rapids to maneuver through and can be a bit tricky, but with everyone working together a lot of fun too. Not for the very young, but a great time for everyone else.

http://www.wildwater-river.com/

Flat Iron Grill – Issaquah

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Flat Iron Grill is located at Gilman Village in Issaquah, WA.  This treasure serves up a mix of fresh dishes with a team that does it up right.  It is great for an evening out (maybe a weeknight if you’re taking your time) or a Friday or Saturday if you’re heading to a show (like we were… The Producers at the Village Theatre).  The patrons are a mix of regulars and first-timers.  I could tell you about the decor and vibrancy of the restaurant, but I couldn’t say it any better than the About Us page at http://www.theflatirongrill.com/

The menu has a nice variety of fresh, northwest, creative dishes.  It consists of a great selection of starters, entrees, and yes, dessert.  What really stood out for me was the freshness of the dish… halibut with spring onions, pickled rhubarb, pea shoots & green garlic butter sauce.  The black cod with a maple marinade, red wine beluga lentils & arugula was a hit as well.  A side of fingerling potatoes with sea salt was enjoyed.  Every dessert that passed our table looked appetizing.  And how about the whiskey library?  Quite the selection.

I would say those removing plates from the table were a bit eager; but overall, an excellent choice.  Be sure to ask what the specials are, as they will have some tempting options to choose from!  Lunch, Dinner, and Happy Hour.  I’m looking forward to the next time.  Reservations are recommended.

Wine Tasting in Red Mountain and the Tri-Cities

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Is the cooler, rainy June of the west side of the getting you down?  Well, check the weather and think about heading east of the Cascades?   An escape to Richland, WA and/or Red Mountain just might be the ticket.  Wine tasting and summer activities near the Columbia River… a mix of Spring Break and a weekend in wine country.  Set up a tour of a winery, and/or the vineyards, go on your own or with a group.  This is a true within four hours reach trip as it is approximately 3-1/2 hours from the Seattle area via I-90, I-82 and I-182.

Richland, WA is part of the area known as Tri-Cities, which includes Kennewick and Pasco and the Red Mountain AVA in Benton City is just a few exits away.  There is a variety of lodging options and activities for friends or for the whole family.  Are you making it a two or three-day weekend?  If you are making a three-day weekend, there are plenty of stops along the way, including Suncadia http://www.suncadiaresort.com/ and/or Prosser.   Prosser Vintner’s Village is recommended, especially if you have not been before.  http://prosservintnersvillage.com/

Looking for a bite to eat?  Anthony’s at Columbia Point is an always popular option.  How about a cheese plate at one of the wineries?  The Fromage plate at Col Solare is a real pleaser.  Figs and dried apricots accompany a nice selection of fine cheeses.  JBistro is located at J. Bookwalter Winery and is a great stop for an afternoon bite with some nice vino.  JBistro has a great full-service outdoor patio as well as indoor seating and a tasting bar.  They were most accommodating as we were there for only a short time.  Buy a bottle and I can recommend the flatbread (Prosciutto & Capicollo) and the Wagyu Wonton.  Check out the other savory options at the JBistro link at http://www.bookwalterwines.com/.

A must stop is at Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery.  It has a beautiful tasting room, landscaping and here’s your chance to play bocce ball too.  http://gooseridge.com/  There is history built on this land as the 1400 acres (3800 total) were established under the direction of  Dr. Walter Clore and was part of the largest single planting of true vinifera grapes in the state of Washington.

Fidelitas http://www.fidelitaswines.com/  An inviting tasting room with an industrial feel.  A worthy display of wine, info, and Fidelitas history, with winemaker/owner Charlie Hoppes making some of the best wines in the State.  Take a seat on the outdoor patio or inside on the barrel wood chairs (and don’t forget to check out the beautiful wood/glass table).

Col Solare http://www.colsolare.com/  is a destination.  We were fortunate enough to get a tour and what an afternoon, the things you’ll see.  The architecture is a mix of Tuscan villa and Northwest.  Try a cicchetti (small plate) on the deck overlooking the vineyard.  See above for a suggestion.  Taste. See. Enjoy, but make sure to call ahead to see if they are open to the public that day or to make a reservation for a tour of the facility.

Road Trips Rule!

It happened in June…

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What’s happening in June?  Lots!  Here is a sampling of activities to get you started:

  • International Kite Challenge, June 2-3, Ocean Shores
  • Portland Rose Festival (OR) – festivities run through June 17th
  • Washington Brewers Festival, June 15-17th, Marymoor Park in Redmond
  • Prospectors’ Days, June 8th – 10th, Republic
  • Check out the brand new Lemay-America’s Car Museum in Tacoma
  • Summer Concerts at the Locks, Seattle
  • Mural-In-A-Day, June 2nd, Toppenish
  • Explore Farmers Markets in your local area…or take a road trip
  • Maritime Gig Festival, June 2-3, Gig Harbor
  • Edmonds Rotary Waterfront Festival, June 1-3, Edmonds
  • Sorticulture Garden Festival, June 8-10, Legion Memorial Park in Everett
  • See April’s “Space Needle at 50!” posting
  • Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration, June 14-17, Leavenworth
  • Berry Dairy Days – 75th Annual, June 14-17, Burlington
  • Edmonds Arts Festival, June 15-17, Edmonds
  • Take a walk, run a marathon
  • Meeker Days, June 15-17, Puyallup
  • Strawberry Festival, June 15-17, Marysville
  • Fremont Fair and Solstice Parade, June 16-17, Seattle
  • Northwest Garlic Festival, June 16-17, Ocean Park
  • Taste of Tacoma, June 29-July 1, Point Defiance Park in Tacoma
  • Take a river rafting trip
  • and so much more…

Cicchetti kitchen and bar

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Cicchetti kitchen & bar, located on E. Boston St. in Seattle,  is a great spot for small plates with an authentic Mediterranean flare.  Cicchetti, pronounced (chi-KET-tee), means a small snack or plate of food.  Think Venice, Italy.  It is located behind Serafina, its big sister.  The restaurant/bar layout, air flow, a wood-fired oven, rustic/artistic decor, and a little outdoor seating gives this space a great neighborhood feel.  The service (Tyler) was great and I especially liked the open kitchen to view the hustle and bustle.

Happy hour is served 5 pm to 6:30 Tuesday through Friday.  The kitchen and bar are open late. Cicchetti also has DJ’s that spin a variety of genres on “Vinyl Night”.  Cooking classes are held here as well.  You might want to keep this location in mind for a private event, rehearsal dinner, and more.  Check out their website at http://serafinaseattle.com/cicchetti/ for more info.

We enjoyed a sampling and can recommend the following:

  • Fried Pecorino
  • Pizza Margherita (liked the olive oil drizzled on top)
  • Charred octopus with chickpeas, salsa verde, taggiasca olives & caramelized cauliflower
  • Arancini (Risotto fritters)
  • Spanish style chocolate mousse with Partanna extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and crostini
  • Prosecco

Make an evening of it or stop in prior to a show!  We are glad we stopped. stayed. enjoyed.

The flow’rs are bursting…

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“How fair doth Nature
Appear again!
How bright the sunbeams!
How smiles the plain!
The flow’rs are bursting
From ev’ry bough,
And thousand voices
Each bush yields now.
And joy and gladness
Fill ev’ry breast!
Oh earth!–oh sunlight!
Oh rapture blest!
Oh love! oh loved one!”
– Goethe, May Song

Russell’s and Woodinville Wine Tasting

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Looking for a way to spend your Saturday?  No need to look further.  Located in Woodinville, WA there is a plethora of wineries for your tasting pleasure.  And looking for a delicious meal to cap off the day (or to enjoy another)?  Russell’s is a tucked away gem in Bothell.  Russell Lowell is known for creating fine fare, providing a great selection of Northwest wines, catering, and more.  http://www.russelllowell.com/

Not only does Russell’s cater, they have a cafe at Molbak’s, a beautiful loft “The Loft” for weddings and events, and it hosts a Winemaker Dinner Series every month.  View the website for the schedule.  My definition of the decor is Pacific Northwest, classic, rustic elegance – love it!  Russell’s serves breakfast and lunch Monday-Friday and dinner every night of the week, except Monday.  Russell’s menu is varied and speaks Pacific Northwest.  On this night, our party’s mouth-watering choices included the Classic Chopped Caesar Salad (satisfying), New Bedford Sea Scallops (fabulous), Gorgonzola and Walnut Ravioli (rich and delectable), Grilled Salmon, Double Cut Pork Chop, Pan Seared Chicken Breast, and more (a little bit of everything, eh?)  The bread served with the balsamic dipping oil was especially flavorful.  The corkage fee of $10 was appreciated.  The recommended dessert of the evening was the Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp (seasonal).  I will definitely be back!

And while you are in the area, why not take in some wine tasting at the numerous wineries and tasting rooms in Woodinville?  Picnic. Enjoy the outdoor seating. Cool off in the cellar. Learn something new.  Take a bottle (or a case) home with you.  http://www.gotastewine.com/woodinville-wineries.php

Fiesta 5k Ole! and Taco Truck Challenge

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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…