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Chateau Ste. Michelle’s 2003 Ethos Syrah placed very well in the 2006 Sunshine & Wine Washington State Wine Competition in Yakima, sweeping the categories Best of Show, Governor’s Award for Best Red, and Ruth Anglin Award for Best Syrah.The next big wine competitionis the Seattle Wine Society’s 32nd annual contest Aug. 5 at South Central Community College. This event offers approximately 200 wines to taste, showcasing vintners from British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington.
On July 20, Taste of the Nation, a gourmet fund-raiser to fight hunger, takes place in cities across the country. Over 65 Seattle restaurants, breweries, and coffee roasters will convene at Seattle Center’s Fisher Pavilion, offering a diverse selection of comestibles, with big-name chefs in attendance: Tom Douglas, Thierry Rautureau, and Joseba Jiménez de Jiménez. Beneficiaries include Food Lifeline and the Children’s Alliance. Last year’s Seattle event raised a quarter of a million dollars.
Advance registration or reservations are recommended for most of the following events. Prices exclusive of tax and gratuity unless otherwise noted.
Farm Fresh
This week at the farmer’s markets you’ll find fresh, local crops, including red currants,exotic tayberries (a raspberry/blackberry cross), English peas, haricots verts,and other varieties of beans, not only green, but yellow and purple as well.
Many markets also offer a great selection of cheeses, including morbier at the U District location (Saturdays 3–7 p.m., University Way Northeast and Northeast 50th Street), fresh brie at the Columbia City Market (Wednesdays, 3–7 p.m., 4801 Rainier Ave. S.), and camembert at the Magnolia Market (Saturdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 2550 34th Ave. W.).
Drink Up
Thursday, July 13 With a minimal commitment of time and money, you’ll sample the wares of Oregon’s WillaKenzie Estate. Held at Morton’s, this $10 wine tasting will feature a selection of pinots, including pinot noir, pinot gris, pinot blanc, and the less-well-known pinot meunier—a grape frequently used to make champagne. Nibbles will accompany the wine, including tenderloin sandwiches. $10. 5–6:30 p.m. Morton’s, 1511 Sixth Ave., 206-223-0550. DOWNTOWN
On the Plate
Friday, July 14 It’s Bastille Day.What more perfect place to celebrate the French Revolution than at Le Pichet’s annual bash? This great French restaurant promises a selection of Paris street-food favorites and music by the gypsy jazz Djangomatics and DJ Cheeba. 6 p.m.–midnight. 1933 First Ave., 206-256-1499. DOWNTOWN
Monday, July 17 Ethan Stowell, executive chef from Union (one of Seattle’s most talked-about restaurants), creates a gourmet meal to support the fund-raising efforts of Boomtown Cafe, a restaurant where inexpensive, quality food is produced to support city’s low-income and homeless communities. To make this feel-good meal deal go down even easier, guests at tonight’s dinner will receive a $25 gift certificate for Union. $35. Doors: 6:45 p.m. Dinner: 7 p.m. Palace Ballroom, 2100 Fifth Ave., 206-625-2989. DOWNTOWN
Back to School
Thursday, July 13 If you want to learn to make tapas from a master, Summer Tapas from Tango is the perfect class. Tango’s Chef Michael Bruno will demonstrate how to concoct gazpacho, seviche, and an array of signature Spanish small plates. $65. 6–8:30 p.m., Dish it Up!, 2425 33rd Ave. W., Suite B, 1-800-322-2665, www.dish-it-up.com. MAGNOLIA
Tuesday, July 18 In connection with his new book, Perfect Pairings: A Master Sommelier’s Practical Advice for Partnering Wine and Food, the award-winning Evan Goldstein will be on hand for book signing and wine sipping. Perhaps he’ll be able to solve those wine-pairing puzzles that you’ve been pondering: What vino goes best with barbecue? What dessert wine best complements a fine tiramisu? Free. 4:30–6:30 p.m. The Tasting Room, 1924 Post Alley, 206-632-2419. DOWNTOWN
