Seattle, WA

Once again I am running late on the weekend edition. It’s been a very busy week for me and I have family in town.

If you didn’t catch my earlier post, this weekend is Leavenworth’s longest running festival, the Autumn Leaf Festival. The festival is fun packed with climbing walls, inflatable toys, a master yodeler, the Knights of An Tir, all the German food you can eat and the brew that is true! Go forth and make with the merry!

Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival
When: September 26 - 28, 2008, 1-6pm
Where: 423 Evans Street, Leavenworth
$$$: $7.00 per person

Want to get out and have some fun while learning ways to save our planet? This weekend Ballard holds it’s 5th annual Fall Sustainability Festival. This year’s Festival is expected to draw 5,000 to 7,500 participants and will be modeled after an old time county fair. It will feature fun activities, contests, music, speakers and special exhibits that promote a sustainable future and raise public awareness about alternative modes of transportation, eating locally, clean energy, waste reduction, and much more through activities such as issuing Undrivers Licenses, a “Best Compost” Contest, the Eat Local Challenge, How to Raise Chickens in the City, a Home Energy Center, “Seattle Free School” Classes, and Sew Fun Bags!

The 5th Annual Fall Sustainability Festival
When: September 27th and 28th, 2008, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Ballard Commons Park
$$$: Free to the public

Another great opportunity for family fun and learning is the Bainbridge Island Harvest Fair. Families can watch sheep shearing and enjoy a petting zoo, live music, wagon rides, pie and scarecrow contests, and apple cider pressing (bring your own apples)

Bainbridge Island Harvest Fair
When: Sunday, 28 September, 2008, 11am-4pm
Where: Johnson Farm, 7573 Fletcher Bay Road NE, Bainbridge Island
$$$: Free

You know that fall has officially arrived when the pumpkin patches and mazes appear. If you’ve been anticipating these events, then you’re in luck. Craven Farms opened it’s doors just yesterday U-pick pumpkin patch; corn maze (extra fee); tractor-drawn hayride (weekends only, extra fee); Harvest Market with seasonal produce; nursery rhyme scenes constructed out of pumpkins; pumpkin slinger (weekends); and storytime farm tours that include a cookie for the kids, stories about farm life, and a trip to see the baby animals (weekdays only, beginning Oct 15, reservations required, $5/child).

Pumpkin Patch/Corn Maze
When: Ongoing Daily 9/27/08 - 10/31/08, 9:30am-6pm
Where: Craven Farms
$$$: Free

Music fans may be interesting in this weekends preeminent electronic music event, the 5th Annual Decibel Festival. Decibel Festival is a four-day annual music and arts festival held in Seattle. Founded in 2003, the festival bridges the gap between technology and creativity through visual art, workshops, panel discussions and cutting-edge electronic music performances. By assembling a diverse selection of international talent, Decibel Festival provides a forum for musicians, industry professionals and educators alike.

5th Annual Decibel Festival
When: September 25-28, 2008
Where: Various Venues
$$$:
All Access Pass = $175 : Access to all venues, all four days and nights (limited quantity available).
Deluxe Pass = $125 : Access to all club events, including “dB in the Park” and the “dB BBQ”.
Weekend Club Pass = $100 : Access to evening club events, Friday through Sunday.

For a little cultural fun, as usual, Seattle Center has it going on! The Italian Festival, that is. The culmination of Festa Italiana and the largest ethnic festival at Seattle Center, the Italian Festival features food, music, art, dance and participatory activities for the entire family. There’s the Salumi Salami Challenge, “The Great Italian Chefs” cooking demonstrations, the Bolla Grape Stomp, the DeLaurenti Bocce Tournament, an Italian film festival, children’s activities, an historical photo collection, a contemporary exhibit of photos of Italy, an Italian Classic Vehicle Show, and three stages with Free Entertainment. Sounds like fun to me!

Festa Italiana
When: Today, September 28 2008, 10:00am - 7:00pm
Where: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle
$$$: Free

Those are my picks for today. Get out and have some fun!

If you’re looking for a treat this coming weekend then consider a trip to Leavenworth where you can experience the Autumn Leaf Festival. The Autumn Leaf Festival, which began in 1964 with the start of the Bavarian theme, is Leavenworth’s longest running festival and features 3 days of fun for the entire family.

Floats from all over the NW accompanied by drill teams and bands will be in town to perform in the grand parade at noon on Saturday. The village is at its most beautiful, celebrating autumn with an abundance of fall foliage. With its climbing wall and inflatable toys, children will love this festival. Entertainment at the gazebo this year features colorful dancers, a master yodeler, the Greater Victoria Police Pipe Band and so much more. This year the festival features a new twist with the Knights of An Tir!

Check out the Schedule of Entertainment for a full listing of events.

Get there early and enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast served by The Lions Club Senior Center.

Leavenworth Senior Center
September 27, 2008
Time: 1:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: 423 Evans Street, Leavenworth
Fee: $7.00 per person
Information: 509-548-6666

If you can’t get enough of that home cooking, head back later for the Spaghetti Feed!

Time: 1:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: 423 Evans Street, Leavenworth
Fee: $7.00 per person

The Lion’s Club Senior Center’s famous all-you-can-eat Spaghetti Feed will have your mouth watering with spaghetti, fresh green salad, garlic bread and dessert!

If this coming week is out of the question for you then stay tuned for more information about the Leavenworth Oktoberfest going on October 3rd & 4th where you will enjoy the traditions of a truly Bavarian festival put on for your pleasure. Hear local and international entertainment, mouth-watering German food prepared fresh daily and a hearty brew. Not only has this event been expanded to three weekends, you now get a third venue for your price of admission. There’s even a keg tapping ceremony every Saturday.

I apologize for being a bit late this weekend. I trust that you all had a wonderful Saturday and I’ll catch you up on things to do for tomorrow.

If you don’t mind a little bit of a drive go check out the Wenatchee River Salmon Festival. The festival offers a fun way to connect with nature and educate yourself and your family on our natural resources and the incredible environment in which we live. There will be fun for all ages, including music, food, art and cultural exchanges with Native Americans.

The Wenatchee River Salmon Festival
When: 18-21 September 2008
Where: Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery
$$$: Free

How to get to Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery

Travel to the west end of Leavenworth on US Highway 2, and turn south onto Icicle Road for a two mile drive to the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery. Follow the signs that take you left down Fish Hatchery Road, past Hatchery Park and into the main parking lot and Visitor Center area.

It’s not too late to attend one of the coolest events in September, the Fremont Oktoberfest! “Voted one of the top 10 places to toast Oktoberfest by the USA Today. There are over 70 award winning handcrafted beers pouring.” Admission to the garden includes a souvenir cup and 4 beer tokens. Entertainment at the Adobe main stage will host live music all weekend long.

The FREE Festival area will host over 100 local craft and import vendors, a kids area featuring root beer tasting, crafts, and zucchini car races, live entertainment including the wacky Texas Chainsaw Pumpkin Carving Contest, and the Beck’s by the glass beer garden. ”

The Fremont Oktoberfest
When: Sunday, Sept. 21st, 2008 11am – 6pm
Where: 35th Ave N. and Phinney Ave. N.
$$$: $15 advance/$20 at the gate

Sunday evening plays host to one of the most enchanting evenings in September, Luminata. You can make or buy a lantern and bring it with you to Greenlake where you’ll meet where you’ll meet with other lantern carrying folks for a magical walk around Green Lake.

Luminata - Fall Equinox
When: Sunday, Sept. 21st 2008, 7-10pm
Where: Green Lake Boat Launch
$$$: Free

My wine lovin’ friends might want to jump in with both feet, head to Woodinville and do the Grape Stomp! Celebrate the autumnal equinox with Brian’s latest release - the 2006 Abracadabra - and appetizer’s provided by Chef Peter Kelly of Spazzo’s.

Grape Stomp
When: Sunday, September 21st, 2008, 12-4pm
Where: Brian Carter Cellars, 14419 Woodinville-Redmond Rd., Woodinville, WA 98072
$$$:
$20 Brian Carter Cellars Wine Club Members
$30 for non Wine Club Members

They warn to dress appropriately if you plan to join in the grape stomp!

If you love cars there is a new car show in town. The First Annual West Seattle Junction Car Show promises vintage cars, trucks and hot rods. Check it out!

First Annual West Seattle Junction Car Show
When: Sunday, September 21 2008, 8:00am - 4:00pm
Where: West Seattle Junction, Sw Alaska St. And California Ave Sw
$$$: Free

Those are my picks for tomorrow. Whatever you do, have fun and be safe!

Back in June, Salty’s announced a recipe contest to celebrate 30 years of serving wild salmon in the Northwest. Participants were encouraged to submit their “totally original, wildly creative and tastiest recipe for cooking wild salmon”. The winner and five friends/family members would be treated to a hands-on cooking class with a Salty’s Chef, and would then dine on the goodies from the class. Mmm, sounds fabulous to me!

This month Salty’s announced the winners so I thought I’d share the winning recipe. As you all know, I’m a huge fan of Indian food so this recipe looks like a winner to me! The winning recipe was submitted by Tim Bottler of Portland, Oregon. Tim is apparently a regular Happy Hour attendee at Salty’s Portland location.

Gingered Salmon with Curry Sauce, Shiitake Mushrooms and Sesame Date Rice
Winner of the Salty’s on the Columbia Salmon Recipe Contest 2008
Many thanks to Tim Bottler of Portland, Oregon

Soy Ginger Marinade

4 each 5-ounce Salmon fillets
4 tablespoons Canola Oil
1 cup Soy Sauce
3 tablespoons Fresh Ginger, peeled and chopped

Combine soy sauce and ginger in small bowl and mix well. Reserve 2 tablespoons marinade for shiitake mushrooms. Place salmon on large plate and pour marinade over salmon. Set aside.

Shiitake Mushrooms

2 tablespoons canola oil
3 ounces Shiitake mushrooms, de-stemmed
2 tablespoons Soy-Ginger Marinade (see recipe above)
3 cloves Garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Butter
4 tablespoons White Wine

In medium sauté pan heat 2 tablespoons canola oil over medium high heat. Add mushrooms and sauté 2 minutes. Add ginger marinade, garlic, butter and white wine. Cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Set aside.

Curry Sauce

4 ounces Yellow Curry Paste
1 cup Hot Water
14 ounces Coconut Milk

In a small sauce pan combine curry paste and hot water. Mix well. Add coconut milk and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes

Sesame Date Rice

1 pounc Jasmine Rice
5¾ cups Water
1 tablespoon Kosher Salt
6 ounces Dates, chopped
1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds

In medium sauce pan bring water and salt to boil. Add rice and boil for one minute. Reduce heat to simmer. Cover and simmer 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.

To prepare salmon:
In heavy sauté pan heat 4 tablespoons canola oil over medium high heat. Place marinated salmon in pan and sear quickly on each side. Cook an additional 3 minutes per side.

To assemble:
Pour ¼ cup curry sauce in center of plate. Scoop a large dollop of rice and place in middle of curry sauce. Pour mushroom sauce over rice and place salmon on top of rice.
Garnish with a sprig or two of chives.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to try this recipe. Try it yourself and let me know what you think!

Well Seattle, while you’re enjoying balmy fall weather, the gulf coast is being pummeled by hurricane Ike. I hope your families living in those regions are safe.

Did you know that most October fests are celebrated in September? That goes for THE Octoberfest, too. You know, that one that happens in Germany. Well, it does and so does the Wallingford Wurst fest which isn’t the worst fest, just the wurst fest. Mmmm…wurst! The Wurst Festival features rides, an array of delicious foods, games for kids of all ages, craft booths, homemade sweets, a book sale, a Biergarten and a raffle, plus live entertainment on an outdoor stage.

26th Annual Wallingford Wurst Fest
When: Sat-Sun, September 12-13, 10:00am - 10:00pm
Where: St Benedict Church, Seattle, WA
$$$: Free

and if one Oktoberfest isn’t enough for you, have another:

2nd Annual WABL Oktoberfest 2008
When:
Friday, September 12th, 4-10pm (Happy hour 4-6pm- 2 bonus tokens!)
Saturday, September 13th, 1-10pm
Where: Pyramid Alehouse parking lot, 1201 1st Ave. S.
$$$: $25

Every fall since 2003, The Stranger has given a check for $5,000 and an obscene amount of attention to a filmmaker, a writer, a visual artist, a theater artist, and an arts organization making startling, original work. There is no application process. A panel of Stranger editors and critics descends into a cave and conducts their deliberations by candlelight. Winners are notified via cake. The $5,000 comes with no strings attached. This year’s geniuses are playwright Paul Mullin, filmmaker Lynne Shelton, writer Sherman Alexie, visual artist Wynne Greenwood, and theater collective Implied Violence.

6th Annual the Stranger’s Genius Awards
When: Saturday, September 13 2008, 9:00pm
Where: The Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave, Seattle
$$$: Free

Sponge, a children’s language center, invites families to a free Autumn Moon Festival. When American children gaze up into the night sky, they search for the man in the moon. Children in China, Japan and Mexico, however, look for the rabbit in the moon. In honor of the Moon Festival, which is widely celebrated in Asia, Sponge will offer a moon- and rabbit-themed day of crafts, mini language classes, snacks and fun.

Children can participate in a special art project–rabbit screen-printing (bring a t-shirt)–and learn some new language as they sing, dance and play in Mandarin, Spanish, French or Japanese. Children ages newborn to 7 years old and their families are welcome. Please RSVP for the Sponge Moon Festival event by calling (425) 274-5188 or emailing events@spongeschool.com.

Sponge Autumn Moon Festival
When: Sunday, September 14 2008, 10:00am
Where: Sponge, 375 Nw Gilman Blvd., Issaquah
$$$: Free

An outdoor showcase of eco-friendly products, services and information aimed at helping people live a greener life is coming to downtown Edmonds. Sponsored by Green for Good with support from Sustainable Edmonds, the Green Edmonds Festival will festival include:

• Booths offering green/organic/sustainable products, services and food/drink.
• A children’s crafts area featuring recyclable/recycled materials.
• A solar-powered stage with live music from the classic hits band The Murphtones.
• Informative speakers on topics ranging from greener home remodeling to cooking with local/organic ingredients on a budget to planning environmentally friendly holiday celebrations.

Green Edmonds Festival
When: Saturday, September 13, 2008, 11 a.m. until 6 p.m
Where: Frances Anderson Center Playfield, 700 Main Street; Edmonds WA
$$$: Free (participants are encouraged to bike, walk, take a bus or carpool)

I don’t know about you, but the state fair always takes me back to my childhood. The 4-H club, home made pies, junk food, hay rides, circus rides and a tummy ache from eating too much candy. Ahh, those were the days! This weekend is your chance to step back in time.

The Puyallup Fair
When: September 05 - September 21, 2008
Sun. through Thurs.10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Fri, Sat. 10:00 am - 11:00 pm
Where: Puyallup Fair & Events Center, SR 512 to Meridian St Exit, 110 9th Ave SW
$$$:
Adults: $10.00
Youth (6-18 years): $8.00
Seniors (62+): $8.00
Children 5 & under: FREE
Parking: Weekdays - $8.00
Weekends - $10.00

Don your grass skirts and get to Seattle Center this weekend for a little bit of Hawaiian culture. Did you know that more than 50,000 Hawaiians now call Washington home? Well, okay, neither did I, but now we do! In partnership with Non-Profit Organizations & Clubs serving the Hawaiian Community in the Pacific Northwest, the Seattle Center will share Hawaii’s history and culture with all the residents of Washington through live performances of the hula, mele and ‘olelo as well as exhibits, films, workshops, keiki activities, and ono food!

Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival
Where: Seattle Center, Center House 305 Harrison Street, Seattle
When: Sunday, September 7, 2008, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
$$$:FREE!

If open air concerts are your bag then Point Defiance is your weekend destination. Featuring 4 stages with Live music ranging from rock, blues, country/southern rock and acoustic music. Additionally there will be art from regional artists, a live animal display by Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, a live “hands-on” Raku demonstration, a large kid zone with bounce houses by Carnival Time and a very special workshop for musicians.

Point Defiance Music Fest
Where: 51st Street and Pearl in Ruston/Tacoma WA
When: Sept. 6th from 11 am to 8 pm
$$$: Free, all age

If classic cars are more your cup of tea then Edmond has it going on this weekend with their Hot Autumn Nights Car Show. You’ll find 400 classic cars lining Main Street and thousands of visitors there to relive yesteryear. The show also includes a beer/wine area, and street dance with the New Blues Brothers.

Hot Autumn Nights Car Show
Where: Downtown Edmonds
When: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm, Saturday, 6 September, 2008
$$$: A fee only for car entrants. Free admission and parking

Can’t bear to leave Fido home alone? Then head over to Sand Point Magnuson Park for the annual PAWSwalk. Fido can enjoy agility courses, an off-leash area, musical performances, delicious snacks and doggie contests. All proceeds benefit PAWS. Bark in the Park also features PAWSWalk - a doggie walk-a-thon. Sign up to have people sponsor you and your dog!

17th Annual PAWSwalk
When: Saturday, September 6, 2008
Registration/Check-in 8 a.m. - Walk Begins 10 a.m.
Where: Seattle’s Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way
$$$: Registration fee for PAWSWalk

Want to get outside? Like apples? Well, grab the kids, or your spouse or significant other or just a friend and head over to the Curran Apple Orchard. Don’t miss this great University Place tradition! Join us on Sunday, Sept. 7th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for a good old fashioned Cider Squeeze. Meet Johnny Appleseed and the Big Apple while enjoying music by the Wickline Bluegrass Band and the Golden Opportunity Barbershop Quartet.

Curran Apple Orchard Cider Squeeze
Where: The orchard is located at 3920 Grandview Drive West in University Place, between Brookside Drive and Rock Road, near the roundabout
3920 Grandview Drive West
University Place, WA
When: Sunday, September 07 2008 @ 01:00 PM PDT - 04:00PM
$$$: Visitors can pick apples for free starting on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 1 pm OR purchase bagged apples at the event. Bring a clean jug and picking bags from home or purchase jugs at the event. NO HOME GROWN APPLES ARE ALLOWED to prevent the spread of disease.