3/12/2003

ON THE PLATE

Mortons, the Steakhouse debuts a new bar menu this month featuring Northwest tastes, such as smoked Pacific salmon, alongside dishes like shrimp Alexander and broiled sea scallops wrapped in bacon with apricot chutney, all sized for sharing and priced at $11.95 and under. 1511 Sixth Ave., 206-223-0550. DOWNTOWN

Every Sunday in March, Earth and Ocean offers a special three-course prix fixe wine dinner. This Sunday, the menu includes a mushroom bisque with duck confit and rosemary oil and king salmon with creamy French lentils and tomato chutney, among others. $25 (wine not included). 510 p.m., 1112 Fourth Ave., 206-264-6060. DOWNTOWN

First conquering chain Krispy Kreme staked its claim in Issaquah, and now theres another caloric invader on the Eastside: Marble Slab Creamery opened its first Western Washington outlet in Redmond last month. Choose from over 40 flavors of ice cream, then watch as your choice is slapped down on a marble slab and enriched with mixins (nuts, candy, and fruit). 8916 161st Ave. N.E. (Bella Bottega Shopping Center), 425-885-3068. REDMOND.

The Frontier Room continues to ply Belltown with barbeque and Southern treats. Chef Paul Michael has added new items including hushpuppies, mini-barbeque sandwiches (get a plate of chicken, pork, and beef with coleslaw for $7.50), and bacon wrapped shrimp. Hitch up the horses an git yourself down there. 2203 First Ave., 206-956-7427. BELLTOWN

Saltys is greeting spring with new menu items at both Seattle-area locations. Saltys on Alki chef Byron Shultz is preparing his warm white asparagus salad with an Oregon truffle vinaigrette ($11.95). At Saltys on Redondo, chef Gabriel Cabreras composing seared Alaskan halibut over mashed potatoes and a garlic-, thyme-, and olive oil-grilled Portobello mushroom ($16.95$22.95). 1936 Harbor Ave. S.W., 206-937-1600, WEST SEATTLE; 28201 Redondo Beach Dr. S., 253-272-0607, FEDERAL WAY

Thanks to an early season, fresh Alaskan halibut has arrived at the Pike Place Market ($5.99$12.99 per pound). Halibut keeps well in the freezer, so head down to Pure Food Fish, Pike Place Fish, City Fish, or Jacks Fish Spot now and get any spring fish-buying urges out of your system. PIKE PLACE MARKET

Atlas new Texas menu gets down n dirty with little vittles such as the Lone Star Tostadas ($7.50) with smoked chicken, roasted poblanos, cotija cheese, cilantro, and pico de gallo; and big bites like the Hill Country Honky Tonk Brisket Bar-B-Q ($13.50) with Texas caviar, southern slaw, and ranch-hand fries. Good eatin! Available through mid-May. 2820 NE University Village, 206-522-6025. UNIVERSITY DISTRICT

Mardi Gras over, but the Coastal Kitchens southern party is just gettin down to bizness. Now through May 1, the ber-popular Capitol Hill restaurants serving up New Orleansinspired fare like Beauregard Parish bronzed catfish ($13.75) and Big Daddys Bowl of Gumbo ($6.25). Even the kitchens popular brunch is getting the Bourbon Street treatment with specials like bananas Foster French toast ($7.75) and, for the brave, a crawfish poboy breakfast sandwich ($8.75). 429 15th Ave. E., 206-322-1145. CAPITOL HILL

March 1216

Il Fornaios monthly special menu offers a culinary tour of Liguria, the sea-beaten Italian coastal province nearest France, under the experienced tutelage of chef Umberto Pala. Expect lots of seafood items, and surprisingly, basil, which grows here as nowhere else. 600 Pine St. (Pacific Place), 206-264-0994. DOWNTOWN

March 1217

McCormicks Fish House and Bar goes green all week long for its 26th annual St. Patricks Day celebration. Executive chef Phillip Swendts preparing Irish classics such as corned beef and cabbage ($8.95). Also lamb stew, shepherds pie, and bangers and kraut ($6.95$7.95, $1.95 for happy hour from 3:306 p.m. and 10 p.m.midnight daily). Look for Irish coffee and ales, too. 722 Fourth Ave., 206-682-3900. DOWNTOWN

March 13

Chef Mike Davis of the Salish Lodge and Spa takes the reins tonight as guest chef at FareStart. $16.95. 5:308 p.m. 1902 Second Ave., 206-443-1233 x17. DOWNTOWN

Rays Boathouse hosts a wine dinner with winemaker John Bigelow of JM Cellars. $75. 6:30 p.m. Northwest Room, 6049 Seaview Ave. N.W., 206-789-6309. SHILSHOLE

March 15

Lisa Dupar Catering hosts a wine dinner with DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate winemaker Christian Upchurch. On the table: monkfish with white truffle and snap peas; pheasant with juniper and cardoons. In the glass: 2000 DeLille Cellars D-2, 2001 Chaleur Estate Blanc, 2000 Harrison Hill, and more. $100. 79 p.m. 17825 N.E. 65th St., 425-881-3250. REDMOND

Chateau Ste. Michelle chef Laurel Davis and Canoe Ridge vineyard manager Mimi Nye join forces to highlight terrific terroirs with a multicourse chef dinner. $99. 7 p.m. Chateau Manor House, 14111 N.E. 145th, 800-267-6793. WOODINVILLE

March 15April 15

Love cheese pizza but bored with the same old mozzarella? Pagliacci offers its Pizza Bianca starting midmonth. Atop a roasted garlic and cream sauce are four cheeses: ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, and romano. Eccellente. All Pagliacci locations.

March 18

The Dahlia Lounge takes inspiration from Joyce Goldsteins Saffron Shores: Jewish Cooking of the Southern Mediterranean and creates a menu featuring poisson chermoula (grilled fish kebabs) with Moroccan orange salad; Mechoui (roast lamb with Moroccan spices) with harissa, lemons, and couscous; and almond cigars with orange blossom honey. Three wines will accompany. $75. 6:30 p.m. at Dahlia Lounge, 2001 Fourth Ave., 206-682-4142. DOWNTOWN

March 19

The Boomtown Cafes March dinner is donated and prepared by Chef Shah Kahn of Cucina Mama Mia, with wines from Click Imports. Includes baked chicken marsala and an Italian trifle with mascarpone. $20 donation for dinner, $7 donation for wine tasting. 5:307:30 p.m. Boomtown Caf鬠513 Third Ave., 206-625-2989, www.boomtowncafe.org. DOWNTOWN

March 22

Havent heard of Slow Food yet? Its an international organization pushing for the recognition of local, artisanal, and traditional foodsthe anti-McDonalds, in short. The Seattle chapter is hosting a tasting focusing on Washington wines and a local cheese-centric buffet (Quillasascut goat cheese bruschetta, roast chicken, and Sammish Bay herbed gouda). Youll help keep the wheels turning in favor of quality food: the proceeds go toward a student scholarship to Quillasascut Farms culinary school. $50. 10 a.m.2 p.m. LeRoux Room, 1000 E. James St. (Seattle University), 206-525-2288. FIRST HILL

THE GRAPEVINE

For a guide to Washington Wine Month tastings and dinner events, visit the Washington Wine Commissions Web site at www.washingtonwine.org.

March 12

Ten Mercer and Stonestreet Winery host a dinner and wine tasting. Stonestreet winemaker Mike Westrick will pair a 2000 Sonoma Chardonnay and Stonestreet Legacy 96 and 97 to a house salad, cabernet smoked New York steak, and artisan cheeses, among other pairings. $65. 6:30 p.m. at Ten Mercer, 206-691-3723. LOWER QUEEN ANNE

Taste any of McCreas latest single-vineyard syrahs, including some that have yet to be released, at the Fremont Red Apple Market and Wine Bar. Its rumored that McCreas first late harvest viognier may even be uncorked. Food will be served. $20. 6:308 p.m., 3601 Fremont Ave. N., 206-633-3663. FREMONT

Pike and Western Wine Shop believes the southern Rh�s string of above average vintages ends with the 2002 vintage. They say its time to stock up on the good stuff, so theyre hosting a tasting of some of their favorites. $15. 7 p.m. 1934 Pike Place, 206-441-1307. PIKE PLACE MARKET

March 12-25

Learn your way around wine from bottles produced right here in the great state of Washington. Dieter Schafer will guide you through all five Washington viticultural areas in this three-class series. $80. 69 p.m. Tuesdays at South Seattle Community College, 6000 16th Ave. S.W., 206-764-5339. WEST SEATTLE

March 13

Ron Coleman of Tamarack Cellars is the guest of honor tonight at Cascadia. Taste every vintage of the Tamarack merlot, as well as some other wines not previously available to the public. Wines will be paired with a five-course meal. $95. 6:30 p.m. 2328 First Ave., 206-448-8884. BELLTOWN

March 14

Let French professor and wine connoisseur Paul Milan take you to France and back again as you compare wines from Burgundy to their Northwest counterparts. Consume hearty hors doeuvres while you bid on wine and youll be promoting more cultural exchanges: the proceeds from the auction benefit international studies scholarships. Donation $15. 6:308:30 p.m. LeRoux Room, Seattle University Student Center, 900 Broadway. FIRST HILL

Tonight at the Dahlia Lounge, Pike and Western Wine Shop hosts Lucca Currado from Vietti winery in the Piedmont region of Italy. Chef Eric Tanaka will prepare a Piedmont-inspired dinner to match Currados wines. $75. 6:30 p.m. 2001 Fourth Ave., 206-682-4142. DOWNTOWN

March 14-16

Tour four Paso Robles zinfandels for 10 bucks at Impromptu Wine and Art Bars three-day salute to the California wineries. $10. 510 p.m. 4235 E. Madison St., 206-860-1569. MADISON PARK

March 15

Been curious about wines over in eastern Eastern Washington? Meet Spokane area winemakers and sip their wares. Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, Latah Creek Winery, Knipprath Cellars, and others will be featured. Free. 14 p.m. Esquin Wine Merchants, 2700 Fourth Ave. S., 206-682-7374. SODO

In honor of cherry blossom season, the Fremont Red Apple Market and Wine Bar hosts a sake tasting. Chefs Mimi and Mike will whip up some food to match. $5. 36 p.m. 3601 Fremont Ave. N., 206-633-3663. FREMONT

March 16

Snoqualmie, a Chateau Ste. Michelle sister winery, opens in April. In celebration, Snoqualmie winemaker Joy Anderson will uncork a few bottles for the public. $30. 13 p.m. 14111 N.E. 145th St., 425-415-3300. WOODINVILLE.

March 18

The first annual Washington Arriving Vintners Event (WAVE) will showcase up to 15 new Washington wineries. New contenders will stake their claims while you wander and sample their wares. $35. 69 p.m. EMP, 325 Fifth Ave. N., 206-624-5757. SEATTLE CENTER

Every Tuesday, Sapphire Kitchen and Bar features a special wine and five-course prix-fixe dinner to match. Tonight the wines a David Bruce 2000 petit syrah from Californias central coast. Call for prices (featured wine averages $22$28; accompanying meal averages $26-$32). 5 p.m.close. 1625 Queen Anne Ave. N, 206-281-1931. QUEEN ANNE

March 19

Serafina hosts a four-course St. Josephs Feast. The menu includes baked Alaskan halibut with Ligurian fishermans sauce and couscous; roasted lamb loin with mushroom bread pudding; cocoa cannoli; and features wines from Chinook Winery. $75. 7 p.m. 2043 EASTLAKE Ave. E., 206-323-0807.

David LeClaire, Library Bistro sommelier, brings together syrahs from all over the state as part of Washington Wine Month. Light appetizers will accompany. Think about securing a designated driverthere are over 50 varieties. $20. 47 p.m. 82 Madison St. (Alexis Hotel), 206-624-3646. DOWNTOWN

If youre enthusiastic about wine, youre probably matched by Hotel Vintage Parktheyve dedicated each of their 126 rooms to Washington wineries. Tonight, Tulio wine director Michael DeGano will teach a class all about Washington selections: tasting, etiquette, and pours. Get a taste from each region as well as your very own etched wine glass. $10 (free for hotel guests). 6:157 p.m. 1100 Fifth Ave, 206-624-8000. DOWNTOWN

Sakes not the only match for Asian food. Tonight, Dragonfish Asian Caf頩ntends to prove it with a four-course dinner and pairings from Washingtons LEcole winery. Wines include a 2001 LEcole No. 41 barrel-fermented Semillon and a 2000 cabernet sauvignon. Dishes include an amazing-sounding pepper-crusted prime beef topped with plum wine demi, accompanied by Vietnamese white corn cakes and sesame-grilled asparagus. $50. 6 p.m. 722 Pine St., 206-467-7777. DOWNTOWN

March 20

Esquin Wine Merchants have wines from Red Mountain vintners Andrew Will, McCrea, Hedges, Kiona, Terra Blanca, and Sandhill. Taste them tonight. Free. 56:30 p.m. 2700 Fourth Ave. S., 206-682-7374. SODO

Canlis hosts Cayuse Vineyards Christophe Baron for its March wine dinner. The Walla Walla winemakers French take on Washington syrahs has earned him a reputation as the man from Walla Walla by way of Champagne, France. Meet Baron and taste his wines over a Canlis dinner. $125. 6:30 p.m. 2576 Aurora Ave. N, 206-283-3313. QUEEN ANNE/AURORA

In celebration of Washington Wine Month, the Dahlia Lounge prepares a five-course meal and wine pairings from Walla Wallas Seven Hills winery. Wines include a 2001 pinot gris, a 2000 merlot, a 200 merlot reserve, a 2000 syrah, and a 2000 cabernet sauvignon. Dinner looks to be a feast with Dungeness crab gratin, smoked squab, and roast venison. $75. 6:30 p.m. 2001 Fourth Ave., 206-682-4142. DOWNTOWN

March 22

More Walla Walla wares. Today at Esquin Wine Merchants, taste wines from Walla Walla wineries Canoe Ridge, Russell Creek, Glen Fiona, Walla Walla, Saviah, Whitman, and Waterbrook. Free. 14 p.m. 2700 Fourth Ave. S., 206-682-7374. SODO

ON TAP

The beer folk at Hood River, Oregons Full Sail Brewing have introduced a new seasonal beer for spring. Like all of their seasonal brews, Switchback Ale reflects the adventure-seeking spirit of their sporty nook of the Columbia River Gorge. This one, a medium-bodied American red ale with sweet caramel tones, is a tribute to mountain-bike racing. About $7 a six-pack in stores now through June.

March 14

In 1952, Allied Arts was founded under the name the Beer and Culture Society. Beer and conversation have gone hand in hand since, well, just about forever. These days, on Allied Arts Beer and Culture Nights, smart, energetic and public-spirited citizens come together around beer and snack food for uninhibited discussion. Tonight the hot topic is the waterfront boulevard option for replacing the Alaskan Way viaduct. All are welcome. $25 suggested donation ($15 members). 7:3010 p.m. 526 First Ave. S., #521, 206-624-0432. SODO

DEAL MEALS

As if the four Chow food group restaurants needed to win any popularity votes, theyre introducing the remarkable Chow Tax Relief Plan, available till Tax Day (April 15). Each weekday, a menu item (Mac n cheese with salad; beef stew with a biscuit; spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread; meatloaf with buttermilk mashed potatoes and green beans; or chicken and dumplings) will run you just $5 from 5 p.m. till resources are gone. So show up early at the Jitterbug, Atlas Foods, Coastal Kitchen, or the 5 Spot.

For a second year, 25 local restaurants are offering a month of specially priced three-course meals through March: $25 at dinner, $12.50 at lunch. Available dates and deals vary, so check the line-up at www.northwestsource.com/dinearoundseattle

All this month, 15 Indian restaurants around the Sound are offering three courses for just $15, with one dollar of that slim tab to go to UNICEF (The U.N.s childrens fund). Check out the list of participants at www.seattledining.com/Indian.

BACK TO SCHOOL

March 14

Its mid-March and its still cold and wet. Whole Foods cooking class on Spanish soups should warm you up. Learn to prepare three regional specialties including garlic with poached egg and chilies; light cream of lobster; and clam with Borlotti bean. $20. 68:30 p.m. at Whole Foods Salud Kitchen, 1026 N.E. 64th (Roosevelt Square), 206-985-1500. ROOSEVELT

March 15

Try your hand at creating a seafood chowder appetizer, rack of lamb, and a seasonal fruit crisp dessert under the tutelage of Palisades executive chef Mike Bryan. Then have it for lunch with a wine pairing for each course. Attendees go home with recipes and a surprise gift. $75. 10:30 a.m. 2601 W. Marina Pl. (Elliot Bay Marina), 206-285-1000. MAGNOLIA

March 18

Tequila! Learn about the history of this spirit distilled from the juice of the prickly agave. Plus, learn what foods go best with tequila at ZTejas instructional tequila dinner. $45. 69 p.m. at ZTejas, N.E. 8th and BELLEVUE Way N.E. (Bellevue Square), 425-467-5911.

March 29

Yarrow Beach Caf頣hef Cameon Orel has spring on her mind as she demonstrates how to prepare baby field greens and caramelized Vidalia onions with three-pepper relish; Alaskan halibut with bay shrimp, Brie stuffing, wild rice souffl鬠and grilled asparagus; and double chocolate bread pudding with brandy custard sauce. $39. 11 a.m.1 p.m. at the Yarrow Bay Grill & Beach Caf鬠1270 Carillon Point, 425-803-2941. KIRKLAND