Seattle, WA

I’ve just received an update from Shannon Bird, Executive Director, Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail with the following information regarding upcoming events on the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail:

September:

One of the best times of the year to visit the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail in the Yakima valley! The valley is ripe with fresh produce - from corn, tomatoes, peppers, squash to apples, peaches, pears, and of course, grapes! Which brings us to the other reason to visit – it’s the beginning of harvest in the estate wineries’ vineyards in the Rattlesnake Hills. During the months of September and October, you can often see the wine making process in full swing. And, there are opportunities

Paradisos del Sol will celebrate their annual Wedding Anniversary Weekend – August 30 - September 1, “We’re at number 8!” said Barbara Sherman, co-owner with hubby Paul Vandenberg of Paradisos del Sol. Labor Day weekend is wedding anniversary time for them. They share the joy by having ‘Wedding Anniversary Weekend’. Married 10 years? They give you 10% discount on wine purchases. Number of years = amount of your discount. Now, because they believe any two adults can be wed, they don’t care if the state of Washington recognizes your marriage as long as your friends do. It’s about commitment! If you haven’t had a ceremony, you aren’t married. “Sorry, but living together isn’t what we call a commitment. And no, it’s not cumulative over six marriages! Widows and widowers qualify; it’s not your lack of commitment that made you single.” Their biggest discount to date is 67% - now that’s commitment! So bring your parents and join Paradisos del Sol in celebrating their commitment to love and family. For more information, call Paradisos del Sol at 509.829.9000 or 509.829.5590.

Steppe Cellars would like to invite you to Apple Harvest - Enjoy Gala and Golden apples fresh from the tree along with some cheese and wine September through October. They carry an assortment of picnic snacks that you may purchase and enjoy in their picnic area.

October

Two Mountain Winery opens their fields again on October 18th to those of you who want a real ‘winemaker experience’! Shadow Matt & Pat Rawn as you pick grapes, run the crusher, take readings and taste the wine in their ‘Winemaker for a Day’ session. 12 noon-2 pm. Cost is $25. This event sold out very quickly last year so make your reservations early! Call 509.829.3900 to reserve your place.

Eaton Hill Winery’s winemaker and owner, Dr. Edwin Stear, will feature his art in the tasting room at 530 Gurley Road, Granger WA throughout the month of October. Dr. Stear is a self-taught artist who delights in painting for relaxation. His paintings are of the outdoors in acrylics and oils, and will encourage you to try your hand if you have an urge toward self-expression.

October 1-31 . . . Taste the Grapes

Ever wonder what the fruit of the vine tastes like before it’s made into wine? Have you wanted to taste a fresh merlot or syrah grape, but didn’t want to grow it yourself? Now’s your chance! All during the month of October, wineries on the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail will be featuring “Taste the Grapes”. Wineries will have fresh grapes from the vineyards to sample, then you can sample the wines made from those grapes. Tour often during the month of October, since harvest times are different for different grapes.

HalloWine . . . October 25 - 26

HalloWine is a themed weekend in the Rattlesnake Hills where participating wineries ‘dress’ their tasting rooms in Halloween motif. Some wineries have pumpkin-carving contests, some wineries’ staff dress in costumes, and the treat at many is special discounts on wine and/or treats for visitors dressed in costumes. It is a fun time, with the wineries open from 10 AM – 6 PM. It is the weekend of October 25-26.

No ticket required – complimentary to the public. Watch their web site for updated information on which wineries are participating and what “thrills and chills” you will find that weekend. Here’s a sample of events that weekend:

Masset Winery will host some of the best, big pumpkin carving you’ve ever seen for HalloWine. Internationally known artists will provide the carvings – you’ll have to see these up close to believe they weren’t carved from fire and brimstone!

Paradisos del Sol: Halloween – Haloo-Wine – HalloWine!

The end of October is also the end of harvest. All the wineries are just wrapping up the tail ends. Stop in to taste a bubbling frothing fermentation. Corn mazes and pumpkin stands nearby. Join Paradisos del Sol in a REAL costume and they will sell you a wine for a buck!

Piety Flats Winery celebrates HalloWine with Kris’ favorite Pumpkin Soup, a tasty orange delight that will have you screaming for more. Available at the winery.

Wine Cruise

Alaska Inside Passage Cruise, 09 May 2009

Have you registered for the inaugural Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail cruise yet? Only 60 cabins were available to begin with and they are going fast! Call today to reserve your cabin, or to get the information direct from AAA Travel in Yakima, Washington - 509 248-3491

Included are special wine receptions, seminars and food pairing classes with ‘Rattlesnake Hills’ wines.

I’ve just received a note from God’s favorite band, the Asylum Street Spankers, saying they’ll be playing Bumbershoot!

If you live in the NorthWest, this may well be your last chance to see them live in the foreseeable future. With gas prices and food prices going up, they are barely making ends meet with the touring they once did comfortably. This has forced them into the decision to sit still in Texas for a while and instead work on a new album.

This news does not upset us Texans, as we’re quite happy to have God’s favorite band back in our own backyard again for a while.

Here is a look at their current schedule:

8.28.08 Thursday Boise, ID Neurolux 8pm 208.343.0886

8.30.08 Saturday Seattle, WA Bumbershoot Seattle Arts Festival, 3pm Kids Show @ Wells Fargo Stage (kids), 6:45pm @ Starbuck’s Stage

8.31.08 Sunday Portland, OR Aladdin Theater 8pm 503.233.1994

9.1.08 Monday Eugene, OR McDonald Theatre 8pm 541.914.0788

9.3.08 Wednesday Ashland, OR Jackson Wellsprings Resort 8:30pm

9.4.08 Thursday Arcata, CA Mazzotti’s on the Plaza 10pm 707.822.1900

9.5.08 Friday Crystal Bay, NV The Crystal Bay Club 9pm 775.831.0512

9.6.08 Saturday San Francisco, CA Red Devil Lounge 7pm & 10:30pm 415.921.1695

If you’ve never heard of the Asylum Street Spankers, here is a video to give you an idea of their style:

Don’t worry if you hate country music. I am not a fan of country music myself. They have a unique sound and they are just fun to watch. They play a multitude of instruments up to and including an old fashioned washboard, banjo’s etc. Don’t label them, though, one member is a called “Sick” and he sports a mohawk. The lone female singer, Christina Marrs, has dulcet tones that sing bluesy tunes or Betty Boop style lyrics equally beautifully.

Wammo, their male lead singer, was at the forefront of slam poetry in Austin. This background in spoken word is unmistakable in their tongue in cheek, amusing tunes which often poke fun at politics.

In short, go see them!

This weekend marks one of Seattle’s most anticipated event, Bumbershoot! Whether it’s art, music, theater, comedy, spoken word, film or dance, Bumbershoot has it all. What began as the Seattle Art Festival in 1971 has grown to become one of the largest urban art and music festivals in the world. Held annually over Labor Day weekend, this event takes place in the 74 acre Seattle Center, the epicenter of downtown Seattle. Bumbershoot has been host to famous artists of all genres. In addition to the entertainment, you’ll find the usual offering of excellent cuisines from around the world. Pack up the family for a fun filled day!

Bumbershoot
When: August 30-Sept. 1st
Where: Seattle Center
$$$: Adults $40, Children 5 and under Free, Children 6-10 and Seniors, Patrons with disabilities $15

If I was in Seattle this weekend, though, I’d be at PAX. I am, after all, a geek girl and a huge fan of PAX creators, those awesome Penny Arcade dudes, Tycho and Gabe. Someday I will make it to Seattle during PAX. For those of you a bit less geeky than me, PAX is a 3-day gaming fest. Some have described it as the Burning Man of the gaming world. Even better, it’s quite affordable if you happen to be lucky enough to live in or around Seattle.

PAX 08
When: Friday, August 29 2008, 2:00pm - Saturday, August 30 2008, 1:00am
Where: Washington State Convention & Trade Center, 800 Convention Pl
$$$: Day pass $30, 3 day pass $50
Event Schedule
Exhibit Hall Map
Hotels

If you’re a geek and live in Seattle and you fail to attend this event, your geek card will be revoke. Nuff said!

If you’d rather spend the day hanging out on the Sound, then here is your event:

Harbor Days
When: August 29 - August 31, 2008
Hours: Fri. 8/31 5:00 pm - 8:00 Sat 9/1, Sun 9/2. 10.00 am - 7:00 pm
Where: Percival Landing, Olympia, Wa
$$$: Free admission and parking

Harbor Days is an annual festival where tugboats return to the southernmost tip of Puget Sound for three days of entertainment, food, art, history, and a last farewell to the summer. Vintage, working and retired tugboats are moored at Olympia’s Percival Landing. Many of them are open for tour on Saturday of the festival. Be on hand at noon Sunday as the tugs leave shore to participate in the Annual Harbor Days Tugboat Races, out in the deep channel of the bay. Extra attractions include a children’s area, model tugboats, and the Lady Washington (star of the Pirates of the Caribbean) & her crew. Hope you can join us and experience the South Sound’s classiest event…with a little something for everyone in the family!

6th Annual Car Show
When: Sunday, Aug 31 12:00p to 4:00p
Where: Country Village, Bothell, WA
$$$: Free Admission, $15 to enter a car

Enter a car or just go to admire the entries.

If your car tastes run more to the higher end then you might like this one instead:

Italian Concours d’ Elegance
When: August 31, 2008
Hours: Registration 8am Show Hours 11-4:30
Where: Pier 62/63, Seattle
$$$: Admission $5, Motorcycle Entry $20, Automobile Entry $35

The Italian Concours d’ Elegance is a car and motorcycle exposition of Italian design and engineering in the automotive world. There will be examples from all of the major Italian Manufacturers including: Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Aprila, Ducati, Vespa and Lancia.

Have a great weekend!

Brick over at Nutrition Frenzy just published a great article on 4 Simple Ways to Superpower Your Salads.

Firstly, that got me to thinking about this wonderful Pear & Fennel Slaw my partner started making recently that is just out of this world. I took at look at Brick’s criteria and found that it meets them all quite nicely.

Secondly, it got me thinking about the expression, “Salad Days”, so of course I had to look up that expression. That, my friends, is the danger of the internet. You start down one path and the next thing you know, your entire day has disappeared. On the other hand, you usually end up a little more knowledgeable than you started out. At least that’s my excuse, and I’m sticking to it!

Salad Days, for those of you who are curious, refers to a youthful time in your life, often colored by inexperience, enthusiasm, idealism, innocence, or indiscretion. Ohhh, la la! The phrase was coined by none other than the greatest writer of the English language, William Shakespeare in the tragedy, Antony and Cleopatra in 1606. Cleopatra gives a speech at the end of Act One in which she expresses regret over her youthful indiscretions with Julius Caesar:

“…My salad days, / When I was green in judgment, cold in blood…”

According to Wikipedia, “The metaphor comes from Cleopatra’s use of the word ‘green’—meaning someone youthful, inexperienced, or immature. The probable allusion is to certain leafy plants (such as dandelions) that are edible when young and tender.”

Getting back to the Pear & Fennel Slaw. A friend had given me a sack full of pears from his garden. My partner knew we had fennel in the vegetable drawer so he cleverly looked up recipes that combined these two ingredients. The recipe he found turned out awesome and worked well with firm, but ripe, pears. It was spicy, tangy and just downright yummy. Give it a try:

Pear & Fennel Slaw

~Makes 2 cups

Dressing:
1/4cup white wine vinegar
1/4cup granulated sugar
1/4teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon celery seed
1/2teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4teaspoon Kosher Salt
Tiny pinch cayenne pepper

Slaw:

1 medium fennel bulb, julienned
3 small just-ripe pears, slightly firm, peeled and julienned
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Place all dressing ingredients into a saucepan. Bring dressing to a boil and continue to boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool thoroughly.

Gently combine fennel and pears in a medium bowl. Toss with cooled dressing, lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.

Per 1/2-cup serving: 150 Calories, 1 g Protein, 39 g Carbohydrates, 0 Total Fat, 0 Cholesterol, 160 mg Sodium, 5 g Fiber. Calories from fat: 0 percent.

I’m sure that Brick could provide us with more information on the health benefits of pears and fennel but I believe that both are rich in Vitamin C and fiber.

And now I am going to stop before I get caught up in the history of fennel. Danger, Will Robinson!

Seattle Sandfest
When: Saturday, August 23, 2008, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Where: Westlake Park and Westlake Plaza.
$$$: $1 suggested donation

Sand sculpture competitions, a giant kids sandbox, art activities, live music, retailer promotions and more! All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound.

Here is a great community event:

Seattle Paint Out
Where: Pioneer Square, Chinatown/International District, Belltown, Capitol Hill, West Seattle
$$$: Free

At this community event you can volunteer to help clean and cover graffiti while working with a small group and a red wagon to carry supplies. A lunch break may be provided in the neighborhood by a local restaurant.

BELLTOWN
WHEN: Saturday, August 23rd - 9am-1pm
WHERE: Mars Hill Church Parking Lot, 2333 Western Avenue

CAPITOL HILL
WHEN: Sunday, August 24th - 1pm-4pm
WHERE: Fire Station #25 (1300 East Pine Street)

CHINATOWN / INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT
WHEN: Sunday, August 24th - 9am-1pm
WHERE: Hing Hay Park (423 Maynard Ave S)

WEST SEATTLE
WHEN: Saturday, August 23rd - 1:30pm-4:30pm
WHERE: Target Store - 2800 SW Barton Street

PIONEER SQUARE
WHEN: Sunday, August 24th - 9am-1pm
WHERE: Grand Central Arcade (216 First Avenue South)

Summer Sounds & Comcast Cinema Series
When: August 22, 2008
Where: 910 Ninth ST SE, Auburn, Wa
$$$: FREE. Concessions available for a nominal fee.

Live music followed by a concert under the stars in a gorgeous park setting. Featured Movie: TBA. Event hosted by Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation.

Tibet Fest
When: August 23 - August 24
Where: Seattle Center House, Fisher Pavilion
$$$: Free

Ritual and tradition are the heart of Tibet Fest, where the modern and ancient combine in an effort to preserve Tibet’s unique cultural identity. Not only just the country of Tibet, but neighboring Nepal, North India, Ladakh, Bhutan and Mongolia.

Performing groups share centuries old stories and legends through lilting melodies and rhythmic movements, wearing symbolic masks and authentic costumes made of rich fabrics and brocade. A Tibetan-style bazaar with traditional handmade items, prayer flags and more, creates a festive atmosphere. Instruments include unique combinations of flutes, horns, drums, bells and cymbals.

And one for my wine buddies:

Leavenworth Wine Tasting Festival
When: August 23, Sat: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Where: Sleeping Lady Retreat and Conference Center
$$$: $25 Singles, $45 Couples, $15 Concert Only

The Cascade Foothills Farmland Association sponsors this event each year. Not only can visitors sample fine wine from different wineries - they can enjoy Artist Booths, live music and great entertainment.

It’s a great weekend in Seattle for the budget conscious with lots of free things to do!

Brasilfest
When: August 17 2008, 12:00pm
Where: Seattle Center
$$$: Free

Follow the drumbeats to BrasilFest, which celebrates the unique diversity of this South American cultural melting pot. Brazil’s African, Portuguese and indigenous roots are celebrated with classical guitar, samba rhythms and the percussive beats of traditional folk music. Watch a demonstration of the elegant and powerful capoeira martial arts, see glittering costumes and eat authentic food while learning about this varied culture. Presented by Brazil Center and Show Brazil Productions.

Hempfest 2008
When: August 16 2008, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Where: Myrtle Edwards Park
$$$: Free

The theme for this, the seventeenth year of Seattle Hempfest, is Industrial Hemp. With our nation’s stumbling economy, soaring gas prices, and recent global shortages of food and energy we can’t afford to ignore the fact that industrial hemp can play a useful role in securing the vital interests of our nation. There are so many various uses for hemp, it really may be the the world’s most resourceful plant. We are putting a special “hemphasis” on the things Hemp can deliver, and we will have some special displays and presentations from some of the nation’s leading experts this year at Hempfest. Make sure you check out the Hemposium while you’re there.

Central Area Community Festival
When: August 16 - August 17, Saturday Noon - 8PM, Sunday 1PM TO 8PM
Where: Seattle, 2323 East Cherry Street
$$$: Free

An annual festival held in Seattle and hosted by the Central Area Community design to celebrate diversity, heritage and the rich history the community offers. This two-day event features art and cultural exhibits, games, rides, crafts, informational, merchandise, food, and service booths. Fun, food and entertainment abound at this event.

Seattle Faerie Festival
Where: Volunteer Park Amphitheater
When: Aug 16, 2008 at 10:00 am-10:00 pm
$$$: $2 suggested donation

The queen of faeries, Amy Brown, will be in attendance for this Festival. There don’t seem to be many details but it sounds like fun! Entertainment, magic, children’s activities, food, wizardry, vendors and all things faerie, family friendly event; dress in your best Faerie garb for the costume contest, grab your glitter, paint your pooch.

It’s a happening weekend in Auburn this weekend:

Auburn Good Ol’ Days
When: August 08 - August 10, 2008
Where: Auburn, Washington
$$$: Free $15 for the VIP party Friday night

This is a celebration of life; fostering benefit to musicians, authors, poets, artists of all ages, athletes, essayists, non profit organizations, hobbyists, candidates, local businesses, regional businesses, national businesses, the city programs, vendors, volunteers and above all, people and their families.

Festival Latino
When: August 08 - August 10, 2008
Where: Auburn, Washington
$$$: $5, Children under 12 FREE, Everyone FREE on Friday before 5pm and 2pm

The largest Latin Festival in the Puget Sound region. With over 25 carnival rides, 100 booths, delicious food from all over Latin America, high energy entertainment, and a few surprises along the way, this years event is expected to draw over 40,000 people.

It’s a pretty happening weekend in Seattle, too:

Pacific Northwest Quiltfest
When: August 08 - August 10, 2008
Where: Seattle, Washington
$$$: $10.00/three Day pass-$20.00 Parking

Pacific Northwest Quiltfest is the largest juried and judged exhibit of quilts from Alaska, Alberta, British Columbi, Idaho, Montana, Northwest Territories, Oregon, Washington and the Yukon.

Seattle Music Fest at Alki Beach
When: August 10 - August 12, 2008
Where: Alki Beach
$$$: SMF is free with a small, suggested donation.

Three days of amazing music at one of the most beautiful beaches around. New music, new things to do, new foods to try, and an atmosphere like no other event.

Seattle Tattoo Expo
When: August 8-10 2008, 12:00pm - 10:00pm
Where: Seattle Center
$$$: 1 Day: $15 Advance, 3 Day: $35, Day of Show: $20/day

Contests, artists from all over the country (New Jersey to Alaska), with an artist seminar on Friday, Aug. 8 presented by Shawn Barber.

City Chase Seattle
When: August 9 2008
Where: Myrtle Edwards Park, 3130 Alaskan Way W

City Chase, the world’s largest urban adventure series, is a one-day urban adventure race that NBC Chicago has billed as a one-day “Fear Factor meets Amazing Race.” Part scavenger hunt and part obstacle course, City Chase is a full day of navigating around Seattle on foot and using public transportation to compete in physical, mental and humorous challenges. Challenges from last year’s series had participants rappelling down a rock walls, holding live snakes and alligators, and singing before a live audience. Charity is an important component of the event as well–last year Chicago participants raised over $8,000 for Special Olympics doing tasks for strangers on the street! This year partial proceeds from the event will be benefiting Seattle Works. The Seattle team with the best time will advance to the 2008 US National Championships. The victors will represent “Team USA” at the 2008 World Championships in November in Marrakesh, Morocco. To save $25 on team registration simply enter YelpSeattle when signing up for a new team.