Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Chateau Ste. Michelle: Music & Wine, Fabulous Time

In my business, location is key. So take it from an expert in the field - Chateau Ste. Michelle is the perfect location for a summer picnic, great wine, and fabulous music.


Chart toppers Martina McBride, Steve Miller Band, Ringo Star, Pink Martini, and more big name bands have elected to stop in Woodinville this summer for The Chateau Ste. Michelle Concert Series.

Here is the calendar of events and names scheduled to appear at this years summer concert series.

Pack a basket and head over to this beautiful vintner's setting.  Have a good look around, you may just see me there too!

Cheers and Enjoy!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Counting On Condo's?

There have been a number of interesting articles recently discussing Seattle's condo market.  Included in the bunch is an interestingly optimistic article, "Saviors at the Gate," authored by Matthew Halverson for  Seattle Met Magazine.  In it, Halverson discusses the recent (well, not so recent) influx of out-of-towner's purchasing condo's in our Emerald City, contending that these buyers account for a "significant" condo market band-aid.  

Similarly, The Seattle Condo Blog has dozens of archive articles, many of which parallel Halverson's "Saviors" sentiments.  Included in this informative collection is a current accounting of Seattle's condo market for June 2010.  In it, blog author(s) report on our "buyers market" using a variety of statistics and details - most of which supports the general tone around town.  

Before I share some of the stat. information provided by Seattle Condo Blog, I would like to quickly turn your attention to a couple of other bookmark worthy blogs. 

Here are a couple of the visual aids provided in Seattle Condo Blog's accounting for June 2010.










































































Happy Reading!












Wednesday, July 14, 2010

The Bite Is Back!








The Northwest's premier food festival is just around the corner, and producers of this foodie fair bring more to the table this year than ever before.

Running July 16th-18th, this years "bite" will offer more eventsentertainmentways to be charitable, and of course, more fabulous food. 

Speaking of fabulous, what foodie event would be complete without wine tasting.
Among this years scheduled wine tasting participants expect to see Samson Estates Winery, Hestia Cellars, Barefoot Winery, Stina's Cellars, Noble Estate Wines, Bear Flag Wines, Hoodsport Wines, Patterson Cellars, Knipprath Cellars, Canoe Ridge and Sagelands.












Another new addition to the festival are the "Green Bites" vendors who will be offering delicious and sustainable plates. 


For those of you looking for a bit more action...

Here is a peek at what you can expect from this years bite events calender:

Jimmy John’s Freaky Fast Sandwich Making & Eating Contest
Saturday July 17th, 2pm, Fisher Green stage. 
 World-Class Major League Eaters versus Jimmy John’s Sandwich Makers. You’ve probably seen the Major League Eaters gobbling down hot dogs and chicken wings on TV and wondered who in the world would ever challenge them. Well, Jimmy John’s, purveyor of all things freaky fast, is doing it. But, this is not just an eating competition. Jimmy John’s is betting that one team of their sandwich makers can make sandwiches faster than three World-Class Major League Eaters can eat them. Who will win? Will it be the speedy sandwich makers or the gluttonous competitive eaters? You’ll just have to show up to find out!
Tully’s Coffee & The Bite of Seattle Tumbler
Tully’s Coffee is proudly participating in their third year as the Official Coffee Sponsor of the Comcast Bite of Seattle! To celebrate, Tully’s is offering the limited edition Bite of Seattle Tumbler at their coffee booth and participating Tully’s Coffee shops. For every Bite of Seattle Tumbler purchased, Tully’s Coffee will donate $2.00 to benefit Food Lifeline. Further sweetening the deal, Tully’s Coffee will fill up your new Bite of Seattle Tumbler with a FREE beverage upon purchase*. Pick up a Bite of Seattle tumbler and sip on some coffee goodness while also doing some community goodness!
*Tumblers available in July. Offer valid while supplies last.
“PLUMPED” IN SEATTLE - FOSTER IMPOSTER CHICKENS MAKE APPEARANCE AT BITE OF SEATTLE
Foster Farms Continues 2010 West Coast “Say No To Plumping” Tour and Food Bank Fundraising Program
Foster Farms and the plumped Foster Imposter chickens will be making a public appearance at the Bite of Seattle this year! As part of the  company’s Say No To Plumping campaign, the Imposters will be on hand to raise awareness of “plumping” – the injecting of saltwater into fresh, raw chicken at a significant health and economic cost to consumers – and to continue Foster Farms’ efforts to raise money for local food banks. Attendees will have the chance to take commemorative photos with the Imposters and receive free promotional items including t-shirts, hats and shopping bags. All donations made at the event  will be matched dollar for dollar by Foster Farms and contributed to The Washington Food Coalition.
Beringer Great Steak Challenge w/ Special Guests:  The Deen Bothers!
The 2010 Beringer Great Steak Challenge is coming to your town! We’re bringing a great contest with us. Beringer will provide everything needed for the event: the setup, grills, food, and staff, including entertaining emcee. Up to ten local contestants will square off in a grilling contest featuring some of the best steak around. One winner will be selected to participate in the televised finals in Napa Valley, California! Beringer will also bring wine selections for pairing with grilling entries.
Comcast Canstruction Challenge
The first annual Comcast Bite of Seattle Canstruction Challenge will take place this July 16th -18th, 2010 in the heart of the Bite and within the Fisher Pavilion Building adjacent to our very popular Bite Cooks shows.  The Bite of Seattle Canstruction Challenge will feature a minimum of eight and up to twelve newly created Canstruction displays to be voted on by the public, professional judges as well as possibly a tie in with the Chefs of the Bite Cooks.  The Bite of Seattle Canstruction Challenge will be an interactive and high-energy competition that will provide entertainment for all Bite goers and provide as a way to give to Food Lifeline.  We thank Walmart for their sponsorship of Canstruction and the Food Lifeline organization.
Robert Mondavi Discover Wine Tour
Let us bring the wine country experience to you, with the fourth annual Robert Mondavi Discover Wine Tour 2010.  Featuring wines from the Robert Mondavi Private Selection and Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley portfolios, the tour provides an interactive experience educating guests about wine and entertaining. The Discover Wine Tour is for learning, experiencing, and tasting - and above all, enjoying. After all - isn’t that what wine – and life - is all about?
Family Fun Zone - New Location - Featuring Dock Dogs!
Don’t miss the new Shishkaberry's Family Fun Zone located near the EMP at Seattle Center. With great entertainment and lots of fun for kids, this area is a family favorite.  New to the area this year will be Dock Dogs competitions as well as a large assorted of kids inflatables and of course the Shishkaberry's/Radio Disney Kids stage.
Bicycle Playing Cards 125th Anniversary Tour
Don’t forget to stop by the Bicycle Playing Cards 125th Anniversary Tour where you can make your own custom card, learn about new and classic games, play online, and tour the Museum – located on the Fisher lawn.

Information on individual vendors, events and more can be found on the festival website.
For your quick clicking pleasure, see below.
FREE ADMISSION
Seattle Center
Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Happy Eating and Cheers!

Friday, July 9, 2010

Mad For Madison Park



Noted as one of Seattle’s most affluent neighborhoods, Madison Park is known for wide tree-lined streets, numerous walking paths, and magnificent Lake Washington view properties.











Homes in this established neighborhood do well in their blending of older stately homes and modern Northwest architecture, most of which sit between mature landscapes, and lush gardens.  Madison Park’s eclectic business district offers a balanced mix of specialty shops, eateries, and every day convenience’s.   This closely held community is loaded with family-friendly amenities, and with a number of well-appointed parks, courts, and family-supportive community groups, residents enjoy multiple venues for informal and fun-loving interaction.








Seattle summer sun attracts people from all over to Madison Park beach, which is often brimming with action and sunbathers.  It has been said that Madison Park feels like an “at-home vacation destination,” and for busy Seattle residents, this neighborhood is often just the ticket. 
I encourage anyone to make time for Madison Park this summer. Whether it's a glass of good wine, a cold beer, or a walk through the park, this neighborhood is a wonderful escape inside our sometimes hectic city.
Cheers! 

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Madison Park Days are upon us!

As reported by the Madison Park Blogger, the annual Madison Park Days are here!

Residents and visitors of this swank waterfront community take to the streets for the Children's Parade and Picnic In The Park (among other family friendly activities).
This years community celebration begins today, and is scheduled to wrap this Saturday, July 10th.


















This fine weather calls for some summer fun, and Madison Park may be just the ticket.

Whether you head down for the festivities, or jet straight to the beach, Madison Park's darling "city center" and waterfront locale make for a fantastic Seattle summer afternoon.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Washington Wines Festival - uncork for a cause!

 










The Washington Wines Festival kicks off this weekend.  Bound for yet another successful year, this annual festival honors beautiful Washington wine while playing host to a wide variety of swank events and professionally instructed activities, including fly-fishing lessons, tennis, yoga, golf, and a seminar with a Master Sommelier - this festival is sure to impress.

A quick peek at this years schedule of events can be found below.  For those interested in learning more about this fabulously successful fundraising event, follow this link.


2010 Washington Wines Festival Events:
 Friday, July 9th
Noon, Check-in
Friday Night Live Auction
Winemaker Dinners, Featuring Celebrity Chefs
Entertainment - Shelley & the Curves

Saturday, July 10th
Breakfast & Activities on the Grounds
Wine Tasting Lunch
Live Auction
Dinner
Entertainment - The White Sox All-Star Band and Vince Mira
Sunday, July 11th
Breakfast

Ticket Prices and Options:
Two Patron Tickets $5,000 for " Wine Weekend", includes accommodations.
Two Tickets $4,000 for “Wine Weekend”
Individual tickets $2,000 per person for Wine Weekend.
Friday night only Ticket $750 per person. Saturday only Ticket $750 per person.
Purchase tickets for the 2010 Event. For further information contact Suzanne Hight,
Washington Wines Festival Director (206) 236-6167 or zanes@comcast.net.  

                      
*Image and information sourced from http://www.washingtonwinesfestival.com/index.asp.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Flying Fish on the move - To South Lake Union

The location may be different, but the fantastic food is still the same.
The Flying Fishknown for its fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere, honors its reputation as a Seattle seafood trendsetter with each extraordinary plate. Written proudly in their easily navigable website, Christine Keff explains “When we first opened in 1995 no one here had heard of mong chong, opaka paka, monkfish liver or cod cheeks. Now some of those items are commonplace on menus around the city.” Well over a decade later, the Flying Fish continues on as a Seattle staple.


Learn to cook like the pro's.

Our cooking classes are informal, fun and designed to educate not intimidate. So step into our kitchen with Chef Christine Keff you’ll soon be cooking those Flying Fish favorites at your house. Classes include a three-course lunch paired with wine from our award-winning list!
All classes begin at 10:30 and are $55 per person
For information or reservations call, 206.728.8595.

Whether you are in the mood to sit in, or step behind the counter for classes from one of Seattle's most talented chef's, be sure to check out their new home on Westlake Avenue at the South end of Lake Union.



Cheers and Happy Dining or Cooking!