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MINTZ–HER WORDS BLOGDecember 2007
On top of Tea Time, our holiday decorations are out of this world – we'll admit it, we've gone a little crazy. All Salty's have seven-foot-tall nutcrackers inspired by the Nutcracker Ballet (did you see them on KOMO TV's Northwest Afternoon?) and the outside lights are spectacular. West Seattle Herald's Editor Jack Mayne says, "Leave it to Gerry Kingen to do something special for the West Seattle community." All Salty's are decked out in lights from windows to roofs and inside, too. You can probably see us from outer space!
The Argosy Christmas Ship is planning a Redondo stop on Wednesday, December 12. If you're on the ship, you might need protective lenses when you get near the Redondo lights! Go to www.argosycruises.com/themecruises/xmasSchedule.cfm#2007schedule for the schedule. This is the 53rd year for the Portland Christmas Ship Parade on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Portland Managing Partner Linda Addy and her staff will be up with the birds and Fox-12 KPTV's Weatherperson Sophie Soong to support the crew with hot chocolate and bakery goodies as they report from Salty's on the Christmas ships lining up along the riverfront. The first segment airs at 5 a.m. and coverage continues for four hours on Friday, December 7. Go to www.christmasships.org/columbia.htm for the schedule.
Diana Dillard, the Culinary Arts teacher at Shorewood High School in Shoreline asked Alki's Chef Jeremy McLachlan to handle the Guest Chef Dinner duties in late November. This high-profile school program benefits future chefs and helps guide them into a career. Seattle Magazine Wants Your Vote! Do you have an opinion on the best restaurants of 2008? A ballot is inside their December issue or go to www.seattlemag.com to vote online. There are lots of categories including brunch, seafood, splurge, steak, view and more. It’s one vote per person and we would love your vote if you love us! We thank you for your time! November 2007Chef Gabriel Cabrera is offering you "Million Dollar Lunches at Redondo" for just $6.99 on the Market Sheet. Gerry's Kosher Hot Dog is his favorite and he says, "It's not your average hot dog. This big juicy baby is cooked plump, served on a grilled buttery bun (oh, an oxymoron!) with diced tomato, onion and sliced pepperoncini and relish." There's more! Crispy calamari Caesar salad, fish and chips, French onion soup, and Mac and Cheese with grilled focaccia. Visit www.saltys.com/seattle_south/menus.asp for the Redondo menus. Chef Dana Cress says to check out his new winter menu at Columbia featuring heavenly Seafood Mac and Cheese (crab and bay shrimp) for $18.95 at lunch, $23.95 dinner, or try it for only $5.99 during Happier Hours. Cress says you'll love the orchestra of multiple flavors in his Applewood Bacon-Wrapped Lemonfish with apple butter and sherry cider reduction for $22.95 at dinner or half portions are $17.95; lunch is $18.95. The Grilled House-Smoked Salmon with wilted arugula, bacon apple chutney and fig vinegar is a knock-out at $17.95 for lunch and $29.95 for dinner. Visit www.saltys.com/portland/menus.asp for the Portland menus.
The Alki bar and restaurant have a new cocktails menu, Beverage Manager Tim O'Brien reports. "Our new Caramel Apple Martini, just in time for Halloween, is a trick and a treat. Check out the Global Warmers section with hot drinks for cool nights including the steamy Naughty Toddy featuring Navan, a vanilla cognac." Visit www.saltys.com/seattle/menus.asp for menus. Congratulations to Alki voted Best Brunch in Western Washington
by an annual KING 5 reader's poll. "Salty's entices with spectacular
waterfront views, award-winning Northwest seafood cuisine and friendly
service. The brunch features an amazing array of Northwest seafood,
so come hungry." See Portland Chef Dana Cress will cook at the "Deep Water Grill" at the second annual Portland Northwest Food and Wine Festival. The festival is for wine lovers and gourmet food enthusiasts November 10 and 11 at the Memorial Coliseum in the Blazers Rose Quarter Complex, to raise funds for the Oregon Food Bank. Tina Curry says you can catch Chef Cress November 10 and other award-winning chefs cooking up a plate to be shared by the lucky guests seated at the bar. She also chose Chef Aaron Song, a recent contestant from Hell's Kitchen. Times are 4:30, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Visit www.nwfoodandwinefestival.com for more. Redondo Chef Gabriel Cabrera will be on stage at The Seattle Food and Wine Festival 3 p.m. Sunday, November 18. The event runs November 16 to 18 at the Washington State Convention Center. It takes place at the same time as the annual gift show and one ticket will get you into both shows! Visit www.seattlefoodwine.com for more. Our Portland PR maven, Bette Sinclair, tells us the Portland Mercury recently reported on Salty's in Portland, "On the banks of the Columbia river sits this upscale yet comfortable seafood house. Go for the view, good drinks, and atmosphere. Brunch on the weekends and mellow live music occasionally. Can get pretty crowded - with a bit of a wait on weekends, so plan accordingly." See www.portlandmercury.com/portland/FoundIt?restaurant=38354 for the full story. Portland jazz giant Mel Brown, who plays in Columbia's Café-Bar, was just inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. Catch him 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Fridays with Jof Lee and Saturdays with his trio. See www.omhof.org/honorees.html for the list of honorees and www.tonypacini.com/mbqinfopage.htm for more. Portland Pianist Andrei Kitaev returns to play jazz at Columbia. Managing Partner Linda Addy says, "We welcome his return and greatly appreciate his introducing us to Mel Brown years ago!" Kitaev will play Wednesdays, starting November 14, 6:30 p.m. to close. Kitaev previously played with Brown.
October 2007Mintz–her words.By Eileen Mintz, Public Relations Spokesperson for Salty'sAlki Chef Jeremy McLachlan has a new fall menu replete with fall goodies for you. The Dungeness Crab Macaroni and Cheese is calling you! It's comfort food like you've never had with four cheeses, tomato and arugula salad for $19.95 at lunch and $26.95 at dinner. The Sweet Soy-Glazed Black Cod is plate-lickin' great with green tea-scented rice, cucumber-jicama slaw, radish pickled shiitake salad and scallion coulis. It's $22.95 at lunch and $27.95 at dinner. Also new is Happy Hour on Saturdays (Monday to Saturdays) 4 to 6 p.m. with the menu featuring the return of Cheesy Sliders (little burgers with big taste) and Smoked Salmon Panini with chèvre and red onion for only $6.75 ($14.95 at lunch). Go to www.saltys.com/seattle/menus.asp to view Alki's new menus.
The third annual Shuck & Swallow Oyster Challenge is October 11 at Portland's downtown McCormick & Schmick's (235 SW First Ave.). Columbia Server Molly Hathaway is participating again! Aw shucks, good luck to you, Molly! Proceeds go to fire safety education. Call (503) 224-7522 for reservations. Salty's on the Columbia first opened its doors 20 years ago on October 17! They're celebrating with a contest to test your Portland, Oregon, and Salty's knowledge and winners receive prizes. Fill in the quiz and see your prizes at www.saltys.com/portland/quiz or ask for an entry form (or see our newsletter) when you visit. Managing Partner Linda Addy says, "The quiz tests you on Matt Groening, Portland founders and celebrities." Save November 10 and 11 for Portland's Northwest Food and Wine Festival. Columbia Chef Dana Cress will prepare Grilled House-Smoked Salmon for guests at the bar to share (times are 4:30, 6:30, and 8:30 p.m.). Buy tickets at www.nwfoodandwinefestival.com and help raise funds for the Oregon Food Bank.
On my way to the James Beard dinner I picked up Chef Charles Ramsayer formerly with Ray's Boathouse and currently with New York's Wild Salmon restaurant (he cooked the salmon course at the dinner!). I asked him about cooking for media personalities and Paris Hilton's name popped up. He reports, "The paparazzi constantly surrounded her. I just kept bringing food and she tried to enjoy it with body guards close by!" Poor Paris!
Columbia Server Assistant Moises Gomez (pictured here left) served a meal recently to LPGA winner Lorena Ochoa (right). He says, "Wow! What an honor!" "Sally's on the Beach!" – Read all about it! Blogger Ron Holden says to check out Le Monde, the largest daily in France. Following a trip to Seattle, a French writer recommended French visitors to Seattle take the water taxi to Alki to "eat at Sally's on the Beach [sic], a little West Seattle restaurant with great views of downtown." Read it in French at www.lemonde.fr/web/article/0,1-0,36-960754,0.html or in English at www.cornichon.org/000563.html Holden's blog.
September 2007
Did you see our story in last month's news about Salty's new cookbook Simply Fresh? You can recreate Salty's recipes at home! Buy it any Salty's or go online to www.saltys.com/gifts/giftshop.asp and place your order today.
Salty's at Redondo Beach has a new prix-fixe menu (aka Early Bird Menu and Sunset Dining menu). "The selections are now different from the dinner menu," says Executive Chef Gabriel Cabrera. Start with a salad or cup of soup, then choose your entrée (think seared Alaskan cod to top sirloin medallions) and dessert. Enjoy coffee, tea or soft drink, bread and dessert for only $19.95 from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday and Sunday 4:30 to 6 p.m., excluding holidays .See Redondo Sunset Dining Menu. The Seattle Chapter of Women for Wine Sense invites you to their third annual dinner and wine tasting, The Art of the Blend, at Salty's on Alki, Monday, September 10, at 6:30 p.m. It's all about exploring red blends with over 29 wineries from Washington and California. Alki Banquet Chef Noah Maikisch offers baby spinach salad with gorgonzola and housemade pancetta; entrée of beef tenderloin roulade with seasonal fresh vegetable (or potato gnocchi and gorgonzola cream for vegetarians); and Pasty Chef Jane Gibson's chocolate dessert. The cost is $65. Please contact Terese Flaherty-Vaniman at wino@iname.com to RSVP.
A Taste America™ celebration will be held in Portland at the Portland Public Market. See www.jbftasteamerica.com/city/portland.html for more.
Vote for your favorite chefs and restaurants on KCTS-9 Chefs and they will re-air the winning segments. Our vote is for (who would have guessed?) Redondo Chef Gabriel Cabrera and his Macadamia Nut-Crusted Sturgeon with Red Jasmine Rice and Papaya Salsa; Alki Pastry Chef Jane Gibson and her White Chocolate Mousse Cake. Go to www.kcts.org/weekend/kitchen/chefs to vote. Partial funding for KCTS Chefs is provided by Seattle DINING!, a local culinary online magazine. See www.seattledining.com for more.
Here's some great feedback! Tom Elliott, a regular in Portland, wrote to tell us that he frequently entertains clients at restaurants. He says, "I have never had better service than what I experience at your restaurant. I usually do the dinners but recently have been attending your brunch. I have been seated with your server, David Crown. I have to admit it; he is just about the most outstanding server ever! I could only hope for someone of his enthusiasm and attitude to be an employee of my establishment." Wow!
August 2007It's already time to reserve your space for holiday parties and receptions so you won't be left out in the cold! In Seattle call Alki's Director of Sales Collin Forseth at (206) 937-1085. If you're south of Seattle call Redondo's Manager Ben Robbins at (253) 946-0636, and in Portland call Director of Catering Dorothy Lane at (503) 288-4444, ext. 16. See http://www.saltys.com/privatedining/corporate_events.asp for more on Salty's private dining events.
Whether it's from a professional critic or a Salty's guest, we love to get your feedback. Whoever you are, we especially love it when you rave! This summer Ed Murietta of The News Tribune in Tacoma spoke highly of Chef Gabriel Cabrera's presentation of Copper River King Salmon. "Most memorable entrée I've had recently, grilled beautifully and served simply." He went on to say, "Sitting on Salty's deck is like being on the water … it feels like Southern California to me." Some may not like California comparisons, but in this case it's a wonderful truth. Over at the Federal Way News, Columnist Scott Anthony recently suggested to his readers that a good way to spend holidays is to stay in town, "Think of it, with nobody in town you can take your pick of any table at Salty's." Redondo Managing Partner Terianne Broyles replies, "Well, it's a popular place in the summer so please call us to make reservations!" Margo Horner of the Federal Way Mirror noted ways of handling the heat wave that hit our area. She suggests, "You could enjoy a margarita on the outdoor patio at Salty's … or ride the wave pool at Wild Waves Theme Park." Both are thrilling!
Speaking of raving fans, here's a raving email from Karen Radke of Phoenix: "I lived in Seattle for 5 yrs before moving, almost 9 years ago, to Phoenix, AZ. Salty's is my favorite seafood restaurant in Seattle!! The view is breath taking!!! I almost forget to eat while looking out onto the beautiful city. I miss a lot about Seattle, and Salty's is one of the things I miss most. I am planning a visit over Labor Day weekend this year … and you can bet … I will be making a visit to Salty's for the incredible view and the fabulous food!!!" Thanks for sharing, Karen! Media darling Alki Chef Jeremy McLachlan made appearances on KOMO TV's Northwest Afternoon on July 11 and 18. "What's for Dinner" featured fresh raspberries over honey lavender-glazed salmon. Chef McLachlan was a pro as he fielded questions on air from the audience. View him online at http://www.komotv.com/nwa/whatsfordinner/8585132.html which includes the recipe as well as the Chef in action on stage. NW Women's Journal "Power Happy Hour" in June featured Salty's on the Columbia from Portland's Happy Hour Guidebook by Author Cindy Anderson. She says, "With its deck and floor-to-ceiling windows, Salty's is the perfect place to enjoy the view of the Columbia and Mt. Hood. They even offer free shuttle pick-up from many of the airport hotels. Their brand new Happy Hour menu is better than ever with blackened salmon Caesar salad, coconut prawns, fish & chips and clam chowder." Anderson is a self-proclaimed happy hour expert. Visit http://www.happyhourguidebook.com to buy her book. All Salty's have outstanding Happy Hour menus. Visit http://www.saltys.com/food_wine/bars_live_music.asp for more.
July 2007Thanks ever so much for your vote on NWSource a/k/a Seattle Times online. Alki was top finalist for Brunch and one of the top finalists for Best Seafood, Best Dessert and Best Group Dining. Redondo and Alki were top finalists for Outdoor Dining and Most Romantic! Zagat is looking for opinions for their "Seattle's Top Restaurants" survey. Cast your vote by July 15 at www.zagat.com/vote. We hope you think Salty's should be included! Citysearch is asking for your vote! Salty's in Portland is nominated for Most Romantic, Best Group Dining and Best Special Occasion. We hope you agree and will go to portland.citysearch.com/bestof/categories to place your vote. Salty's on Alki in Seattle is nominated in these categories: Brunch, Date Spot, Dessert, Fine Dining, Group Dining, Outdoor Dining, Romantic Dining, Seafood, Special Occasion, Steak, View, Waterfront Dining, Wine List and Happy Hour. Wow! Salty's at Redondo is nominated for Best Waterfront Dining, Best View, Romantic Dining, Outdoor Dining, Breakfast and Best Bar Menu. We hope you agree and will go to Seattle.citysearch.com/bestof/categories to place your vote. Be sure to check out the new menu at Columbia. Portland Chef Dana Cress features dishes that sing of summer. Don't miss Piquillo Pepper Gazpacho, Blackened Halibut, Strawberry-Mango Salsa and Steak with Prawn Skewer are new. Managing Partner Linda Addy says, "Look for half orders of Cioppino, Ravioli and Achiote-Marinated Grilled Pork Tenderloin for light eaters or those who know our key lime pie is waiting for them!" See Saltys.com/portland/menus.asp for menus. If you're in Portland be sure to listen to Mark & Dave 4 to 7 p.m. weekdays on News Radio 1190 KEX to find out how you can win a table for four at Salty's on July 4th!
You may not know that Hairspray The 20th (wow! 20 years) annual Taste of the Nation is Thursday, July 19, 6 to 9 p.m. at Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center. KCPQ TV Newsman Mark Wright hosts the event with musical entertainment, a commemorative 20th anniversary wine glass and a mini-live auction with legendary Auctioneer Jay Fiske. Wonderful wineries and restaurants participate including an Alki team led by Chef Jeremy McLachlan. Visit www.tasteofthenation.org/seattle_tickets for tickets; proceeds go to fight hunger.
Casey MacGill and the Blue 4 Trio who perform at Alki on Mondays and Fridays are playing at three opening parties at the new Novelty Hill-Januik Winery in Woodinville, Washington. See www.noveltyhillwines.com for more.
Mel Brown Trio did a live recording this past month at Salty's in Portland for their new CD release. Brown has played with Diana Ross and The Temptations. Portland Happy Hour has new hours! Now included are Sunday nights 7 p.m. to close for tasty tidbits. Also come Monday to Friday 3 to 6 p.m. Chef Dana Cress entices you with new dishes: Ceviche, Chicken Sandwich, Ahi Tuna Cake and Cuba Libres to this Top Ten-rated happy hour! Visit www.komotv.com/features/goeat and listen to Alki Chef Jeremy McLachlan explain changes at Salty's on Alki. June 2007
• Brunch
I love a good contest and I'd like to know if you don't feel Salty's is worthy. Please email me your thoughts at news@saltys.com. Father's Day Weekend, June 16 and 17, is fast approaching so be sure to make reservations soon for Salty's Sunday brunch (Saturdays too at Alki), or maybe you want to treat him to a wild salmon or steak dinner. Resident Brunch Pianoman Victor Janusz, Bassist Tim Koss and Saxman Brian Kent will play for fathers on Sunday at Alki. If you can't make it in, give him a Salty's Gift Card. Make reservations at www.saltys.com/reservations or go to https://www.saltys.com/gifts/giftcard.asp to buy gift cards. The first annual Duwamish Tribe Gala Dinner & Auction honoring Seattle's first people is Sunday, June 10, at 4 p.m. at the Museum of History & Industry. Proceeds benefit Duwamish Tribal Services, a nonprofit organization. Enjoy a live show by Gene Tagaban and The Little Big Band. Highlights include a cocktail reception, a traditional feast and a live auction of Northwest art. See www.duwamishtribe.org/html/Events.html for tickets. Salty's first ever eBay Mother's Day brunch auction raised $1,305 for Seattle Children's Hospital. Deborah Girdler donated $1,000 as the high bidder for Alki's table for 10 on the most sought-after day in their history. Both Redondo and Columbia raised funds with tables of four.
While American Idol finalist Sanjaya Malakar was signing
autographs at the Commons in Federal Way, Don't miss FareStart's Guest Chef on the Waterfront July 11 at Elliott Hall and Pier 66 on Seattle's waterfront. Tickets are $50 if purchased on or before June 15, $60 after. Enjoy over 50 restaurants, breweries and wineries along with fine food and spirits purveyors. See www.farestart.org/help/events/waterfront/index.html for more. Columbia participated recently at the Taste of the Nation in Portland. Alki's Executive Chef Jeremy McLachlan will do the same July 19, 6 to 9 p.m. at Fisher Pavilion at the Seattle Center. Proceeds go toward helping end childhood hunger. See www.tasteofthenation.org/seattle_tickets for tickets. The Bite of Seattle July 20-22 at Seattle Center will feature a chef demo with Redondo Executive Chef Gabriel Cabrera on Saturday, July 21 from 11:30 a.m. to noon. He takes center stage with Celebrity Host Carol Dearth. As a beneficiary, Food Lifeline distributes food to more than 550,000 people through a network of 250+ food banks, hot meal programs and shelters. You can help as you enter The Bite by donating ($5 suggested) or enjoying food from five restaurants in the Tom Douglas Alley ($10). See www.biteofseattle.com/home/featured for more information. Salty's Unbridled Act Awards for 2006 were announced for staff members voted as the best unbridled acts of passion. Redondo Server Vanessa Corey won for "Team to Guest" when she gracefully and tactfully helped a developmentally disabled teenager reunite with his family. Vanessa was immediately concerned that he was lost as he seemed confused and cold. The young man had wandered three miles from his home and had trouble communicating, writing his name in Korean and adding extra digits to his phone number. Vanessa says, "I'm a mother of a 13-year-old and I used my motherly instincts. He was worried that he was in trouble with his dad and didn't want the police involved, so I called the non-emergency number to find out if a child was missing. I then called the Federal Way police and a report had just come in." On top of being lost, he also has diabetes. Vanessa fed him to ensure he was all right. The family was very grateful. Salty's Marketing Communications Director Cindy Smith won Unbridled Act of the Year for "Team to Team." This recognition was given because "She pursues us relentlessly to make sure we're doing what we need to do," says Redondo Managing Partner Terianne Broyles. She juggles publishing the Good Times monthly news and email for guests and marketing collateral not only as the editor, copywriter and graphics designer but also as the in-house printer. On top of that, she handles advertising, the Saltys.com web site, marketing data base management, outside printing, and last but not least, budgeting. She also works with me closely to coordinate PR efforts. She tells me "I'm surrounded by unbridled passion! The Salty's team has an unbridled passion for the Salty's brand, not only the owners and the management team, but every team member, and especially you, Eileen!" I'm blushing!
May 2007You can still buy Mom her favorite thing, Salty's Sunday brunch!If you didn't make reservations early for Salty's hugely popular Mother's Day Brunch there's still a way to get in, believe it or not. All you have to do is place the winning bid on Salty's Mother's Day Sunday Brunch Auction and you'll help raise funds for Children's Hospital. All three Salty's have offered up primetime tables for a Mother's Day Brunch (and all proceeds go to Children's Hospital): Table for ten at Alki and tables for four at Redondo and in Portland. Place your bids at the links below with a deadline of Friday, May 11, 18:27:19 (6:27 p.m. and 19 seconds!) . Your reservations will be at 11 a.m. Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13 - Click here to bid on Ebay now. Ranked as one of the best children's hospitals in the country by U.S.
News & World Report, their stated mission is, “We believe
all children have unique needs and should grow up without illness or
injury. With the support of the community and through our spirit of
inquiry, we will prevent, treat, and eliminate pediatric disease.”
The Elliott Bay Water Taxi began daily service between West Seattle and the downtown waterfront Pier 55 (at the foot of Spring Street). It's a great way to get to West Seattle (and Salty's) and explore the West Seattle neighborhood. Our photo is from the 1920's West Seattle Ferry. Read about the memories of the old ferry by West Seattle residents at www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=3497 (HistoryLink.org is an online encyclopedia of local history in Washington State). They recall the days before the West Seattle Bridge existed, when the quickest way to get to downtown Seattle was by ferry (of course that's still true during rush hour today). Starting April 29, free shuttle runs through West Seattle connecting the dock at Seacrest Marina Park to Alki, the Admiral District and the West Seattle Junction. For anyone over the age of 5 (you know who you are), the fare is $3. Weekend service is hourly and on Friday and Saturday nights service is available until 10:30 p.m. Check times and status at http://transit.metrokc.gov/tops/oto/water_taxi.html or call (206) 205-3866. When the Mariners play at home, the Friday/Saturday night schedule is in effect. On weekdays, the boat sails approximately every 40 minutes during commute hours and hourly during the middle of the day. Operated by Argosy Cruises, the "MV Sightseer," a 149-passenger vessel, takes 12 minutes to make the crossing in good weather. The taxi runs through September 30. The Seattle Cheese Festival is returning May 18-20 with a weekend of activities and fun. You can taste more than 200 artisanal cheeses from local and international producers along the cobblestone street of the Pike Place Market in Seattle. First held in 2005, the Seattle Cheese Festival is a non-profit event that educates the public on handcrafted and farmstead cheese and benefits specialty cheese producers. This year's festival will kick off with the Rolling of the Truckles on Saturday at 10 a.m. when local restaurant owners and the Granite City Curlers race three barrel-shaped cheeses from Beecher's Cheese across the Market. Kids can participate in a scavenger hunt for cheese (like mice in a maze!). Donations of $1 (optional) go toward a scholarship fund for aspiring cheesemakers. Visit www.seattlecheesefestival.com to learn more. The 16th annual Premier Chefs Dinner that benefits Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center will be held on Sunday, May 20 at the Grand Hyatt Seattle. The Northwest's premier chefs will be on hand with amazing food. A wine tasting and reception start at 5 p.m. and the six-course dinner begins at 6 p.m. Cost is $250 guest level or $300 patron level. See www.fhcrc.org/chefs for more information. Woodinville will be the place to be the weekend of May 26 and 27 for the Washington Wine Highway Festival. Having been at their first event last year, I have to tell you this is really worth attending. It all takes place on the grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in Woodinville, Washington. Seventy wineries along with 50 restaurants (including Salty's) will be represented. Go to www.washingtonwinehighway.com for more information. Feeling lucky and creative? We have a contest for you! Woodinville Wine Country welcomes a new winery, Washington Wine Co., and challenges everyone to "Name it!" The owners are issuing a call to anyone who can come up with the perfect name. Enter on www.WashingtonWineCompany.com through May 30. The winner will receive two cases of Washington Wine Co.'s best wine each year for a decade, a very rewarding prize. The winner will also receive an annual private wine tasting by the winemaking staff when they pick up the annual wine case winnings. Slated to open in 2008, this new 12,000-square foot winery will be a focal point of the much anticipated European-style Woodinville Wine Village. Taste of the Nation–Seattle "Eat, Drink & End Childhood Hunger" is a celebration 20 years in the making. Join host Mark Wright of KCPQ 13 along with over 65 participants, including Salty's, on Thursday, July 19 from 6-9 p.m. at Fisher Pavilion in the Seattle Center. One hundred percent of ticket sales go directly to the fight against childhood hunger. General admission is $125 which includes access to the event, free parking, musical entertainment, a commemorative 20th anniversary wine glass, a mini live auction with legend Jay Fiske, two wheels of giving and a raffle. The event will sell out early. See http://taste.strength.org for tickets. Tuxes and Tails Co-Chair Herb Weisbaum (KOMO TV/Radio 1000 personality) says they broke their previous record and raised over $700,000! "I want to thank Salty's on Alki for yearly contributions toward our important live auction," he says. "It helps the local Humane Society continue to do their work and help those animals that need care."
After raving about the wonderful job Redondo did at the Poverty Bay Wine Festival in Des Moines in March, I discovered that I left out Manager Ben Robbins, Server Chris Conn and Lead Cook Monolo Munoz who ran the booth. It couldn't have been done without such great team support! The event was sponsored by the Des Moines Rotary Club and funds their charitable activities. April 2007Give Mom Salty's best and make reservations early for Salty's popular Mother's Day Brunch Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 12 and 13. Brunch is served on Saturday at Redondo and Columbia (special for Mother's Day) and as always at Alki. All Salty's will serve dinner on Saturday and Sunday. Don't miss this wonderful family tradition, a culinary adventure at Salty's. Everyone at Salty's works hard to do the best for our guests. We are
gratified and satisfied when others notice! Recently, we won several
awards we'd like to share with you. On March 12, winners of the Washington
Wine Restaurant Awards were announced by the Washington
Wine Commission which created the event to spotlight restaurants
that support the Washington wine industry. Last year, Alki Sommelier
Tim O'Brien was named Sommelier of the Year. This year,
he had the honor of bestowing the award on the 2007 winner Dave
Coyle of The Metropolitan Grill. Many thanks to the readers of Seattle Magazine – Alki won Best Seattle Brunch (see April issue for more).
Columbia's Managing Partner Linda Addy and Chef Dana Cress are justly proud that The Oregonian listed Columbia in their Happy, Happy Hour Guide with a perfect score! See the story on OregonLive.com.
Cal Erath, formerly of Erath Vineyards and the new distributor for Medici Vineyards, will host a Medici Pinot Noir tasting at Salty's in Portland on April 21 at 5:30 p.m. Make reservations for dinner and receive an exclusive sample of this world-class Pinot Noir that is supple, a classic and harvested from their east vineyard in the beautiful Chehalem Mountain Range. "This wine will be poured by Cal himself in our lobby," reports Linda Addy, Managing Partner for the Portland Salty's. Make reservations at www.saltys.com/reservations. Seattle Post Intelligencer's Pop Music Critic Gene Stout recently featured Alki's Victor Janusz in his "Seattle Noise" column. He interviewed him about his career and music style and where you can hear him perform. Congratulations to Victor who plays at Alki during Saturday and Sunday brunch. Talk about a great way to spend your weekend! See seattlepi.nwsource.com/pop/307639_postcard16.html for the story. Redondo's Managing Partner Terianne Broyles made a last-minute decision to join the Poverty Bay Wine Festival in Des Moines Beach Park when she found out they needed food to go with the many wines offered. She quickly got her team in place and Redondo chefs put together enough Salty's chowder to feed an army of ticket holders for this second annual event celebrating Washington Wine Month. Sponsored by the Des Moines Rotary Club, it lasted three days and offered music and food from local food vendors and restaurants. One hundred percent of the net revenues fund the charitable activities of the Rotary Club. A big Thank You! to Redondo's Van Driver Bryce Ancheta for giving so much time to meet, greet and promote Redondo at the event. See www.desmoinesrotary.org for more information.
March 2007Taste Washington's 10th Anniversary includes an Education Day,
In honor of Washington Wine Month, Salty's presents Alki's next Winemaker's Dinner with Three Rivers Winery of Walla Walla. Executive Chef Jeremy McLachlan has a five-course dinner highlighting fresh Alaskan Halibut. O'Brien and Winemaker Holly Turner worked together to choose wines with the balance and complexity to match the dishes presented. See more in story above. Sip Sexy Syrah returns to Alki, Wednesday, April 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. Seattle wine-lover and Sommelier David LeClaire has a vast array of Northwest boutique wineries providing tastes of their Syrah wines. Sommelier Tim O'Brien asks you to vote in his "Washington Syrah vs. the World's Syrah" challenge. The $35 entry fee supports FareStart programs. RSVP by April 2 to David LeClaire at (206) 526-1992 or email winelover99@comcast.net.
To meet Chef Gibson in person and to learn the tricks of making this extraordinary cocoa cake filled with bittersweet chocolate cream, sign up now for the hands-on class "In the Mood for Dessert" on March 21, 7 to 10 p.m. at Louise Hasson's Bon Vivant Cooking School. Gibson will also teach old Southern favorites Lemon Icebox Pie and Strawberry Cream Fraise. See www.bon-vivant.com to reserve space. Debbie Kaufman, publisher of the Federal Way Mirror, says Redondo is nominated for their ninth annual "Best Of" issue on newstands March 14. It names the best businesses in Federal Way, Washington. The awards presentation takes place Tuesday, March 13. I'll cheer for Redondo Managing Partner Terianne Broyles!
Congratulations to Columbia's Accounting Manager Ben Bradley. He and his wife Sarah gave birth to a baby boy named Asa Noah Bradley weighing 7 lbs. 13 oz. Columbia's PR Mavens Bette Sinclair and Jenny Storer tell us that the TV show "On a Date" filmed a weekly episode in Portland. Couples auditioned and the show was shot for On Demand and Comcast Channel 14 KPTV Fox 49. Seeking a Portland location "with a distinct Portland personality" Producer Jivey Rivas chose Salty's on the Columbia with its "spectacular riverfront views and award-winning Northwest seafood cuisine." The show took many hours to film with eight crewmembers following the winning couple on their date, starting with ice-skating at Lloyd Center and then heading over to Columbia for dinner. After it wrapped, the entire On Demand television crew was invited by Managing Partner Linda Addy to unwind and enjoy dinner as guests of the restaurant. Portland's Jazz Giant Mel Brown was featured in the Portland Tribune February 16 Entertainment Section as Person of the Week by writer Barbara Mitchell. Known as the "Gentleman of Jazz," Brown has "kept the beat" for decades. At the age of 63, Brown refuses to slow down. He plays five regular "gigs" a week that include weekends at Salty's on the Columbia. He also made four appearances recently at Portland's Jazz Festival. Brown has worked as a staff drummer for Motown, recording and touring with highly successful entertainers such as the Temptations, Supremes and Smokey Robinson. I was surprised to learn that Brown by day is an accountant too! "I am a numbers nut," he says. "I wanted to be a professional musician at 12 but I still needed a back-up plan and the two jobs fit nicely together." On February 18, The 5th Avenue Musical Theater Company gave two tickets to Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story to one lucky winner at Alki, Laura Staton. Two of Alki's talented musicians, Matt Weiner (as Crickets bassist) and Mike Daugherty (as Crickets drummer), perform in the show. I attended the opening Press Night and can tell you that the crowd loved Alki's Casey MacGill's Blue 4 Trio members! They received a standing ovation. Also appearing was local performer and Songwriter Richard Gray, Billy Joel Huels who is the front man for the Dusty 45; and Jennifer Paz who played Buddy's wife. The finale included a surprise appearance of Mrs. Buddy Holly, Maria Elena, who spoke eloquently to the audience. The show closes on March 4. Gene Stout of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer highlighted Casey MacGill's Blue 4 Trio in the SeattleNoise column on February 9: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/pop/302933_postcard09.html and catch them on Monday and Friday nights when the performers return to their gig at Alki.
Salty's Webmaster Elise Abramson renewed her wedding
vows on KVI Radio with Kirby Wilbur
when her husband Chad submitted a winning poem. February 2007 Update
Read more about Chris’s story by P-I Columnist Robert L. Jamieson Jr. at http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/jamieson/303755_robert15.html Call Terianne Broyles at (253) 946-0636 if you’d like to help with the fundraiser. For an ongoing journal on his condition, please see http://www.caringbridge.org (select Visit and then enter “chrisniemeyer” for the Site Name). February 2007
AOL City Guide Winners! Many thanks for all of your votes. We greatly appreciate it. The winners are:
Wine Enthusiast Awards: In their ongoing search for America's best wine-driven restaurants, Wine Enthusiast awarded both Columbia and Alki the "Award of Distinction" for their wine and restaurant menu. Receiving this award proudly for Columbia is Sommelier Jason Ludlow. He notes that Columbia was only one of two restaurants in Portland to receive this award and one of four in Oregon. Alki Sommelier of the Year Tim O'Brien has accepted this award for the past three years and is most appreciative for this recognition. In Washington, only 18 restaurants have won this award. For more information see http://www.wineenthusiast.com or their February 2007 issue. Portland Restaurant of the Week: Audrey Van Buskirk of the Portland Tribune named Columbia the Restaurant of the Week. Headline read "River gazers, big appetites welcomed here." She recommended Columbia because of the view through those large windows that brighten up the dark days of winter, the size and taste of the dishes and the staff that gives remarkable service. "Inside is all bright and warm, with accommodating professional servers." "They don't stint on portion sizes," says Van Buskirk. She also commented favorably on the chunky crab cake with fennel and watercress salad and loved the wedge salad with gorgonzola dressing, bacon hunks, sliced scallions and kalamata olives. Thank you to our Portland PR Maven Bette Sinclair for introducing the prestigious Van Buskirk to Columbia. Get your tickets for Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story which runs from February 13 to March 4 at the 5th Avenue Theater. Two of Salty's on Alki musicians have parts in Buddy's band. I will be there opening night to catch Blue 4 Trio Drummer Mike Daugherty and Bass Player Matt Weiner perform on stage. Order tickets at http://www.5thavenue.org or call (206) 625-1900.
The team at Redondo is also putting together a bowling fundraiser to help hit-and-run victim Redondo Server Chris Niemeyer. Date of the event is to be decided. Call Terianne Broyles at (253) 946-0636 if you'd like to help with this fundraiser. For an ongoing journal on his condition see http://www.caringbridge.org (select Visit and then enter "chrisniemeyer" for the Site Name). The Northwest Burn Foundation's Annual Awards Gala Dinner and Auction is March 3 at Alki. Sponsored by Horizon Air, this event supports our firefighters and honors the people who make a difference in the lives of others. The social hour and silent auction begin at 6 p.m.; dinner is at 7:30 p.m. followed by the honoree program. Cost is just $50. To RSVP call the Northwest Burn Foundation at (206) 789-6878 by February 20. See www.nwburn.org/events.htm for more. I worked with the Washington Council of Firefighters Burn Foundation last year and they are still selling those fabulous 2007 Firefighter Calendars. Check out www.firefightercalendar.com (so what if January is over – the picture is still great!).
Save the date if you're pro-chocolate! Join me at the 16th Annual Chocolate for Choice event to be held at Ellis Pavilion at Safeco Field Wednesday, March 8. It's an evening of unlimited access to tasty chocolates from the finest dessert makers and chocolatiers in our area. Alki Pastry Chef Jane Gibson's team will be handing out chocolates while Chef Gibson and yours truly judge the chocolate design contest. For more information and tickets (starting at $50) call (206) 634-1990. The $75 and $120 ticket levels provide you with a box to carry out your favorite samples. See http://www.prochoicewashington.org/events/choco4choice.shtml for more information.
Gifts from the Earth, the annual event recognizing South
Seattle Community College's Culinary Arts and Wine Studies, was
a huge success on January 27. I've been invited to taste many grand
meals in my 17 years in the culinary business, but this ranks as one
of the top dinners I have ever been fortunate enough to enjoy.
Winemaker Holly Turner of Three Rivers Winery and Alki Sommelier Tim O'Brien have set March 20 for a Winemaker's Dinner at Salty's on Alki featuring the Walla Walla winery. In a recent Seattle Times article, Paul Gregutt called Holly Turner "One of a small number of winemakers who seem to have a bu | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mid-November
saw Redondo Chef Gabriel Cabrera at the Seattle
Food & Wine Festival. He did a fascinating risotto class
and received a huge round of applause. This soon-to-be-yearly event
is well worth attending, thanks to the great work of Jeanne
McNamee, co-producer. Chefs who appeared this year were Wayne
Johnson, Tom Douglas, Thierry Rautureau and John Neumark. I caught up
with our Gabe and Mauny Kaseburg, restaurant writer,
before the class (both pictured here). 
The
Lake Washington Chapter of the Puget Sound Anglers Association
was hooked by Alki Chef Jeremy McLachlan (pictured
here, right) and Sous Chef Paolo-Carey DeGregorio (pictured,
left) as they demonstrated how to "cook your catch" in November. My
story in The Mercer Island Reporter details the event at 
Bartender
Chris Darst toasts six new HDTV flat screens in his Alki Café-Bar.
Watch TV in ultra-high definition while you enjoy Chef Jeremy
McLachlan's ultra-high taste Cheesy Sliders,
back on the menu by popular demand. They're $12.95 or $5.25 during Happier
Hours Monday to Saturday 4 to 6 p.m. 
Heritage
House at the Market Executive Director Mark Williams
(pictured center with Chef Cabrera left and Chef McLachlan right) praised
Salty's staff in his recent newsletter as well as the generosity of
Gerry and Kathy Kingen, Salty's owners, for the fundraising
event Cooking with Class. Seattle DINING! (an event
sponsor) also wrote about it at 
Molly
Hathaway, Columbia Expediter and Pantry Cook, (pictured here
with Miss Oregon, one of the judges), was the only
woman competing with a group of chefs and firefighters at the third
annual Oyster Shuck & Swallow Challenge in October.
"Shucking 67 oysters in ten minutes had to be a personal best," she
says. The event held at McCormick & Schmick's benefits the Jeff
Morris Foundation. Visit 
The
Home Show 2 audience fell in love with Redondo Chef Gabriel
Cabrera at his demo on how to cook herb-crusted halibut. He
broke his signature plate just as he entered the show but a vendor saved
him with a dish on loan. "I returned the dish to her complete with my
herb-crusted halibut as a way to thank her," said Cabrera.
Redondo
Chef Gabriel Cabrera will be a featured chef at the ninth annual fall
Seattle Home Show 2 on Thursday, October 11. He's starring
at noon at the Qwest Field Event Center in Seattle, demonstrating herb-crusted
pan-seared halibut with purple potato mash and chèvre butter.
This year's show focuses on green living, but we think most people will
focus on Gabe! See 
Under the Alki Moon wine dinner with Italian Chef Roberto Russo (pictured here with Salty's Co-Owners Gerry and Kathy Kingen) is
moved to a future date. He's busy getting ready to introduce his new cookbook Good Ciao, a collaboration with Kathy Kingen and Salty's
chefs. We're on the edge of our seats waiting with anticipation!
We'll keep you posted!
Cooking
with Class was a big success at Alki six years running. Andaluca
Chef Wayne Johnson (pictured here) gave it his all,
frying pans included. Alki's team taught the art of shucking oysters
to standing ovations. The amazing organizer, Connie Adams
of 
In
attendance at the James Beard Taste America™
gala held last month ("A dinner to remember") was Puget Sound Business
Journal Columnist Patti Payne (pictured here to my
right).Although she had to leave early, she made a surprise return to
catch the last course! Herb Weisbaum of KOMO News did
an outstanding job as MC. Mina Williams of 
Columbia
hosted an appetizer party for 60 listeners of The Buzz 105.1
FM who pledged school supplies for underprivileged kids and
under-funded schools. Managing Partner Linda Addy says
the boatloads of supplies delivered forced them to set up additional
tables! "It was amazing," said Addy, "not a dry eye around."
Want
to throw the first pitch at a Mariner's Game? Just go to either
Salty's on Alki in Seattle or Salty's at Redondo just south of Seattle
and enter for a chance to throw the first pitch at the Mariners' September
14 game. Entry ballots in the lobby area will be available September
5 to 12. 
"Sunday
brunch at Salty's on Alki in Seattle is extended an extra hour to 3
p.m.," announces Brunch Chef Levi Palli. He's also added a
refreshing chilled melon soup and a prawn and scallop ceviche. "I love
to make our guests happy with so many choices," says Palli. He's held
the Brunch Chef position for the past three years during which time
Alki has won numerous brunch awards. 
Alki
Pastry Chef Jane Gibson's cooking demo of "The
Best Chocolate Cake Ever" re-airs on KCTS-9 Chefs Cook
2007 Saturday, September 29, at 2 p.m. See 
Seattle
Times Reporter Mark Yuasa writes that Puget Sound
Chinook salmon runs are strong this year. Proving him right was Stephanie
Du Bois, a Redmond-area angler, who pulled in a 31-pound king
salmon near Alki August 18! Wow! 
Columbia
raised a tent seven years running at the Bite of Oregon
last month benefiting the state's Special Olympics. Hard at work were
(left to right) Operations Manager Matt Carter, Manager
Troy Baker and Managing Partner Linda Addy.
The
20th Annual Golf Outing at Washington National Golf Club saw Redondo
Chef Gabriel Cabrera (pictured right) and Lead Cook
Manolo Munoz (left) putting "on a show my customers
are still raving about. It was crowned as one of the highlights of the
day," says Glenn Leonardsen (pictured center), Cargo
Sales Manager for SAS Cargo. Wow again!
If
you love food, wine, beer, music and fun you don't want to miss the
24th annual Bite of Oregon benefiting Special Olympics
Oregon held on the Portland waterfront. Salty's has participated for
7 years! Come see Chef Dana Cress serve Salty's world-famous
signature Seafood Chowder and salmon with Salty's Blackening Spices
as well as new summer creations. The event is at Tom McCall Waterfront
Park on August 10, 11 and 12. There is a fireworks show on Friday night
and legendary musician Patti Smith on Sunday night! "Hope to see you
there," says Managing Partner Linda Addy. See 
If
you love wine, check out the wine menus for both Alki and Columbia which
once again won the prestigious Wine Spectator Award
of Excellence. Congratulations to Sommeliers Tim O'Brien (Seattle)
and Jason Ludlow (Portland) for ensuring winning wine menus five years
running in Seattle and four years in Portland. See 
Raving
fans are just what I discovered at Salty's on Alki in July. Visiting
from Oregon, Mark Burris of GE Capitol Solutions loves
the Alki view and food. "They're the best reasons to be here," he said.
"Service was great. It's the perfect place to be." Burris is pictured
here on the far right with cousin Will (and wife Rana) Inboden holding
Katie (Mark's daughter). Visiting from Washington D.C., Will and Rana
found Salty's "the best combination of view and food in Seattle!"
I
ran into Ron Holden at the Seattle Bite (he's the foodie
behind the 
Managing
Partner Bonnie David (yes, those are pigtails) and
Chef Jeremy McLachlan (pictured left to right in photo
by Holden) handed out Tomato Gazpacho with Herbed Dungeness Crab and
Avocado Coulis. The Alley raised funds for Food Lifeline, feeding families
in need. Chef McLachlan was tickled to be there: "Oh, it's a privilege
to help! Thanks to Tom who is an inspiration!"
FareStart's
Guest Chef on the Waterfront is a must-do carnival-style tasting event.
It's Wednesday, July 11, 5 to 9 p.m. at Bell Harbor's Elliott
Hall & Pier 66. Seattle's top restaurants are featured and Alki
Chef Jeremy McLachlan is giving away samples of new
menu dishes. Visit 
the musical was born at the 5th Avenue Theatre. It returns in the form
of a major motion picture starring John Travolta (yes,
that's him, pictured right) with advance screening on July 16, at 7
p.m. to benefit the 5th Avenue Theatre, Enterprise Community Partners
and Cascade Land Conservancy. The event includes a Big Hair Contest,
a 1960s dance lesson and Hairspray door prizes. For tickets (a range
of prices) call (206) 625-1900 or visit 
Redondo
Chef Gabriel Cabrera appears on stage at The Bite Cooks which
showcases Seattle celebrity chefs in cooking demonstrations. Emcee Carol
Dearth of RainCity Cooking School welcomes him on Saturday,
July 21, 11:30 a.m. to noon. Watch him demonstrate how to make Seared
Wild Salmon with Watercress Vinaigrette and Pico de Gallo in the Alki
Room on the north side of Key Arena at Seattle Center. See 
Zoobilee's
On The Rocks, A Frisky Formal is Friday, July 20, 7:30 p.m.
to 1:00 a.m. at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma. Dozens
of local restaurant and beverage retailers serve food and cocktails
with Redondo happily sharing Salty's famous seafood chowder. This black-tie
event benefits the zoo. Call (253) 404-3657 or visit 
Columbia
supports the Portland Zoo's "Mane Event" Zoolala July 21, 7
to 10 p.m. More than 700 guests in black tie and gowns join peacocks
parading through the grounds of the zoo. Portland Chef Dana Cress serves
Blackened Salmon Caesar. Dining, music and dancing will help bring the
roar of the lion back to the Oregon Zoo. See 
Louise
Talley, co-chair of the Federal Way Symphony Garden
Tour, tells us the Federal Way Symphony holds their 8th Annual
Garden Tour Saturday, July 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Included are seven private gardens, vegetable-filled terraces (did you
know that artichokes flower? see photo), landscaped hillsides, a collection
of over forty hardy fuchsias, ponds, garden art and glass mosaics, a
Japanese-inspired garden and English garden settings. Ticket price is
$20. A pre-ordered box lunch from Metropolitan Market may be ordered
for $10 through the symphony office at (253) 529-9857 prior to July
7. Plants and garden art will be available from local artists. See more
at 
Alki's
Piano-man Victor Janusz performed "I Can See Clearly
Now," "CJam Blues" and "Our Love Is Here To Stay" prior to presidential
contender Barack Obama's address to a crowd of 500
invited supporters at the Westin Ballroom. He later met Barack for a
photo op (photo by Daniel Dusek). 
Remember
Peaches the Portland Pig rescued from the Columbia
River by Line Cook Josh Thorburn? Managing Partner
Lindy Addy says Peaches was bred at the home of Kevin
and Lynda Silveira and on May 5 gave birth to 11 piglets. They're
all held daily so they grow up friendly just like their mom. They say
Peaches is a rock star mom. Hopefully she got something special on Mother's
Day for all this!
I
wrote a thank you note to Seattle Times Wine Writer Paul
Gregutt for remembering Alki in his Washington Wine
Highway column. He replied, "My pleasure. I take a lot of hometown
(West Seattle) pride in Salty's and especially Tim's (Tim O'Brien,
Sommelier) many accomplishments." The event held at Woodinville's Chateau
Ste. Michelle over Memorial Day weekend saw Alki Pastry Chef Jane
Gibson and Accounting Manager Maggie Hanson
lending a hand (pictured here). 
Portland
Salty's Sommelier Jason Ludlow hosted Winemaker Steve
Westby and Cellar Master Mark Pape (pictured
here) at the recent Witness Tree Vineyard wine dinner in Portland. Ludlow
says, "My favorite pairing was wild mushroom salmon roulade with Elemental
Cellars Syrah 2004." Alisa Sloan from 
Redondo
Van Driver Bryce Ancheta delivered a Sunday brunch
invitation. Sanjaya accepted and Redondo's brunch guests had quite a
surprise! Manager Scott McDowell reports that Sanjaya
was shy, humble and gracious. As you can see from our photo, he went
with a "non-event" hairstyle for the brunch. (Photo left to right are
friend Chad Quist, mom Jill Blyth, sister Shyamali Malakar, Sanjaya
and Ancheta.
Alki
Executive Pastry Chef Jane Gibson always says Yes!
to the Taste of West Seattle, a fundraiser for West
Seattle's Helpline. Working the event with Jane (pictured center)
were fellow Bakers Julie Hammond (left) and Karen
Smith (right). She donated her fabulous cakes and then dashed
off to Chicago for a meeting with 18 other worldwide Chocolate Ambassadors.
They were VIP visitors and judges for a Chocolate Masters competition
at the French Pastry School and learned about Barry Callebaut
Chocolate products.
Columbia
is planning a feast for the Witness Tree Vineyard Winemaker's
Dinner on Friday, May 18. Winemaker Steven Westby
(right) and Cellarmaster Mark Pape (below right) will
be on hand, along with Portland Salty's Executive Chef Dana
Cress and Sommelier Jason Ludlow. See front-page
story to see the menu details. For those of you who don't live in the
Portland area, it might be time to start planning your visit! 
A
driver jumped the curb right in front of Salty's in Portland and struck
three parked cars in the parking lot. Columbia's Managing Partner Linda
Addy commended Lunch Chef Damian Mann and
Line Cook James Krull for pulling the female driver
from her overturned vehicle and checking on an injured male in a parked
car. The impact moved him from the front seat to the rear! See 
Taste
Washington was a huge success. Congratulations to Alki and
Redondo for helping feed over 1,500 guests. It was one of the largest
public wine events in the United States and despite record crowds, Salty's
did not run out of food! "We would never let that happen," says Alki
Chef Jeremy McLachlan says. (Photo is of Salty's gorgeous ice sculpture
by Creative Ice in Kent, Washington.)
My
husband Dave and I attended with O'Brien, Alki Director of Sales Collin
Forseth, Alki Chef Jeremy McLachlan, Alki
Accounting and Office Manager Maggie Hanson, Redondo
Managing Partner Terianne Broyles and Redondo Beverage
Manager Veronica Smith (pictured here with O'Brien
in photo courtesy of Tom Mehren of 
Redondo
took two top awards in the Federal Way Newspaper Business Awards.
Our excitement was again noticeable when it was announced that we won
both Best Seafood Restaurant and Best Sunday
Brunch. Winners were chosen from a readers' poll that included
readers from Federal Way, Redondo, Des Moines, Kent, Auburn and North
Tacoma. Redondo's Chef Gabe Cabrera accepted the award
with big smiles (pictured here). 
If
you're a food and wine lover, save these dates! You want hot? You want
sexy? Don't miss Sexy Syrah at Salty's on Alki April 4,
from 6 to 9 p.m. Syrah is one of the world's hottest wines right now
– it's seducing wine enthusiasts everywhere with bold spices,
rich fruit and silky texture. Local Sommelier David LeClaire
and Alki Sommelier Tim O'Brien present over 30 wineries
for this sixth annual event. Salty's banquet chefs present an array
of appetizers designed to pair beautifully with the Syrahs. Sexy Syrah
raises funds for FareStart, an organization that empowers
men and women to create new lives through food service training, life
skills and job placement. In other words, you'll be helping your fellow
man by attending! Call (206) 526-1992 or email 
Taste
Washington is an annual event you can't miss! The Ultimate
Wine Experience – The Grand Tasting takes place Sunday, April
15, at Quest Field Event Center. Two-hundred (200!) wineries from Washington
offer sips of their prized wines. This is the largest regional tasting
in the U.S. Nearly 75 local restaurants will give away tastes to pair
with wines. "If you love great wine and delicious food, then this is
an event you won't want to miss," says Chris Stone,
Washington Wine Commission Consumer Marketing Director. The grand tasting
begins with a two-hour VIP wine event at 2 p.m. ($125) followed by general
tasting from 4 to 8 p.m. ($85). This remarkable event has grown impressively
in the last ten years and we are pleased that both Alki and Redondo
will be represented. The Main Stage area will offer information on many
popular wine topics such as future trends. See 
The
18th annual Tuxes and Tails gala to benefit the Humane
Society on April 21 will have an Italian flair with many animals and
humans wearing costumes. It's bound to be the most "barked about" event
of the year. With KOMO TV's Herb Weisbaum and his wife
Deb as co-chairs, you can be assured it will be fun!
Titled "Una Sera a Venezia," the evening will highlight a pet and celebrity
fashion show consisting of 40 local personalities with their own beloved
pet or a loving pet begging for adoption. Also included are dinner,
live entertainment and a silent and live auction plus a raffle of a
$1,000 shopping spree from Nordstrom. Guests in attendance can join
in the "fund a need" project to help purchase a mobile adoption unit
that can also be used as a classroom to visit schools and as an emergency
vehicle to save pets in time of disaster. Auction items include dinners,
an overnight hotel stay, a golf package and more! For more about the
event, tickets or to find out how to get involved, see 
I
can almost promise great weather when the Washington Wine Highway
food and wine event takes place on Saturday, May 26, and Sunday, May
27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville.
Year two of this successful outdoor event is assured with wine tastes
from many of the area's finest wineries and numerous local restaurants.
Guests experience this event through a series of regionally-themed tents
highlighting the tastes, sights and adventures found in four Washington
wine regions: Puget Sound, Yakima, Columbia Valley and Walla Walla.
"The annual Washington Wine Highway event is a virtual road trip that
highlights our renowned wine-making regions and connects Washington
State from Woodinville to Walla Walla through outstanding food, wine
and destination tourism," says Mike McClure of Woodinville
Village. Alki will participate on Saturday; we hope to see you there!
If
you didn't attend The Liver Foundation fundraiser Flavors of
Seattle in March, you missed a spectacular event. The Alki
team of Chef Jeremy McLachlan, Pastry Chef Jane
Gibson and Pastry Sous Chef James Gibson and
Brunch Chef Levi Palli (pictured here left to right
minus Jane) created an extraordinary meal and a table (also pictured
here) that stood out as one of the most colorful. 
Alki's
Three Rivers Wine Dinner with Winemaker Holly Turner,
pictured here with Salty's Sommelier Tim O'Brien, was
a sold-out success March 20. Chef Jeremy McLachlan,
Sous Chefs Paolo-Carey DeGregori and Trevor
Stevens and Pastry Chef Jane Gibson went all
out to impress the diners with food that paired beautifully with Three
Rivers wines selected by Sommelier O'Brien. Sales Director Collin
Forseth led the banquet staff to great heights, bringing out
course after course that wowed the guests. Word is out! Chef McLachlan
made the best cassoulet of duck confit and house sausage. It took many
steps to produce this dish, and it was one of the most delicious dishes
ever presented at an Alki wine dinner. Chef Gibson's dessert of a Caribbean
Dream with passion fruit, mango and coconut closed the dinner with a
bang. She timed it perfectly with a thunderstorm over Alki (the gods
were applauding we say!) 
The
TV show "On a Date" filmed an episode in Portland with
the lucky couple dining at Salty's on the Columbia. We're sure the waterfront
view was instrumental in making the event romantic, but our photo shows
the camera and lights crew were, well, like a third wheel (the crew
got their free meal after the event and who wouldn't hang around for
free grub).
a
full day of educational seminars presented by the nation's top enological
experts, on April 14, 9 to 4 p.m. at Seattle's Bell Harbor Conference
Center . New on the agenda is an evening event for 20 Somethings,
future and present fans of Washington wine, with a Washington wine tasting,
live local music and culinary delights prepared by some of Seattle's
hottest young chefs including Alki's Jeremy McLachlan on Saturday, April
14, 7 to 11: 30 p.m. with a cost of $40. Don't miss the Ultimate
Wine Experience on Sunday, April 15, 4 to 8 p.m. at Quest Field
Events Center where you can meet winemakers, sip wines and sample foods,
all for $85. See 
Alki's
Executive Pastry Chef Jane Gibson was filmed by public
TV station KCTS, Channel 9, for KCTS Chefs 2007. It
aired in February and will air again on Saturday, March 24 at 2:45 p.m.
Gibson taught Host George Ray to make the "Best
Chocolate Cake Ever" (not an idle claim). Gibson is the Northwest
Ambassador of Barry Callebaut Chocolate (see 
Alki
Pastry Chef Jane Gibson and I will both serve as judges
at the 16th annual Chocolate for Choice held Thursday,
March 8, 6 to 9 p.m. at Ellis Pavilion, Safeco Field in Seattle. There
will be chocolate as far as the eye can see and enough for everyone
to taste. Master of Ceremonies for the evening is Cathy Sorbo,
Seattle Post-Intelligencer columnist and NPR comedian. Joining
us at the judges table are such luminaries as Seattle Mayor Greg
Nickels, General Director of the Seattle Opera Speight
Jenkins, KEXP Radio personality Riz Rollins,
King County Executive Ron Sims, and television personality
and activist Tony Ventrella. While guests at the event
eat chocolate, the panel of 14 judges will determine the winning dessert.
The evening also features a silent auction of utterly delicious chocolate-themed
items and a live auction of tantalizing chocolate creations. "YUMMMMMY,"
as Rachel Ray would say! For more see 
British
stage and film legend Michael York stars in
Lerner & Loewe's Camelot at the 5th Avenue Theater
March 20 until April 8. York kicks off Seattle's spring theater season
as King Arthur in a new touring production of Camelot. Lyricist Alan
Jay Lerner's children have revised the production for today's audiences.
It's a must-see with tickets priced from $20 to $73. Call (206) 625-1900
or toll free (888) 5TH-4TIX, or go to 
Redondo
Managing Partner Terianne Broyles donated the use of
the restaurant for six hours for the MDA Lock-Out on
February 22. The participants raised $45,000 in a single day. Executive
Chef Gabe Cabrera hosted the group who were making
calls for donations to "get out of jail." Broyles says, "Gabe went above
and beyond anything I could have imagined and chose fantastic dishes
to feed the volunteers during the day-long campaign." Broyles will present
a check to the Muscular Dystrophy Association on KCPQ-Fox
TV during the September MDA Labor Day Telethon.
They
received an all-expenses paid trip to Arizona. Elise says, "Did you
hear the radio broadcast? I was about to say the secret to a long marriage
is treating your marriage as though you're always newlyweds and having
romantic dinners like we do frequently at Salty's. Kirby teased me about
my tears and sniffling and I became too flustered to get my words out.
I got that advice from one of our first visits to Salty's when our server
looked at us and assumed we just got married and that we looked like
we were on our honeymoon. The servers at Salty's have always been so
friendly as though they were our personal friends. That's one of the
biggest things that keep us coming back." We love Elise, too. Her brilliance
and handiwork with Saltys.com and guest emails is greatly appreciated.
Watch
and learn! Producers Paula Nemzek and Nicole Metcalf
are getting ready for KCTS Chefs 2007 to air on February 24.
Alki Pastry Chef Jane Gibson made her famous "Jane's Best Cake
Ever" (see photo) at a taping in our pastry kitchen with KCTS Host George
Ray. Now the viewing audience will learn the secrets of her cake!
Gibson's segment will show at 11 a.m. on February 24 and again at 3
p.m. on Sunday, February 25. The program includes the promotion of the
cookbook with recipes from over 200 restaurants in Washington and British
Columbia. Included are recipes from Redondo Executive Chef Gabe Cabrera
and Alki's Executive Chef Jeremy McLachlan. As always, isn't
it great to support public television through eating? See 
Doing
good: Redondo Managing Partner Terianne Broyles tells me
the Muscular Dystrophy Association Lockout is scheduled for Thursday,
February 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the restaurant. This is a crucial
and fun opportunity to raise funds for an important cause. Thank you
to all the volunteers who will participate. Find out more at 
Flavors
of Seattle is the premier annual fundraising event that brings Alki's
Executive Chef Jeremy McLachlan along with 21 other chefs from
the area's top restaurants together for an evening of epicurean excellence.
It also raises funds for liver disease awareness, education and research.
This American Liver Foundation Pacific Northwest Chapter Gala
is scheduled for Monday, March 5, at 6 p.m. at the Seattle Grand Hyatt.
See more at 
Oregon's
Wonder Woman Susan Sokol Blosser appeared at one of two recent food
and wine dinners at Columbia (we understand she did not wear her cape).
Why a wonder woman? She taught American history, knows Japanese and
French, spent eight years on a school board, ran for political office,
drove her own tractor, raised three children and still had time to be
the President and CEO of the award-winning Sokol Blosser Vineyard and
Winery which she and her husband built from scratch over the past 38
years. 
Whew,
I'm tired just writing it!!! Oregon Business Magazine once
chose Sokol Blosser as one of the 100 Best Companies to work for in
Oregon.Congratulations to Executive Chef Dana Cress and Sommelier
Jason Ludlow (pictured left with his wife Laurie at the dinner)
and their staff for these two outstanding evenings. Also in attendance
was Columbia Bartender and Server Amy Ball with friend Tony
Ringering (pictured right). 
Alki
Executive Chef Jeremy McLachlan outdid himself when he designed
a nine-course meal that included an amuse bouche of king crab, white
truffle risotto, salmon with caviar atop a lighted salt box, lobster
with filet presented on an alder plank, Eastern scallops prepared three
ways, plus a chocolate box to take home and a cheese course presented
beautifully on a piece of granite. The final space in our bodies was
filled with espresso that included a Lemoncello mist! Working hard alongside
Chef McLachlan (photo, center) was Sous Chef Paolo-Carey DeGregorio
(left) and Pastry Chef Jane Gibson (right) and her son and fellow
employee James Gibson. 
Alki
Director of Sales Collin Forseth and Chef Noah Maikisch
introduce their updated Seattle Banquets and Catering Menu at an invitation-only
open house early February. Guests invited to the menu tasting include
time-honored business clients and brides who vied a year in advance
to schedule their wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners for the summer
of 2007. Other events that are popular include retirement and birthday
celebrations. The Alki group recently catered a 50th birthday party
for Salty's Partner Kathy Kingen to much acclaim (she's pictured
here with Collin Forseth). 
A
favorite dish at the party was a simple jumbo prawns and king crab legs
with a romescu sauce. Of course you can also hold banquets and private
dining events at the Portland Salty's too. For Banquets at Redondo
Beach consider Saturday mornings which is open to events. See