A new kid in town - Madison Park Conservatory

● Moving into the the Seattle fine dining scene is an exciting project from partners Cormac Mahoney (Sitka & Spruce, Tako Truk), and Bryan Jarr. Their Madison Park Conservatory is in the space last occupied by the fondly remembered trattoria Sostanza. The motto here, “delicious plants and animals.” read more ☛

The Eco-Cocktail - 'Bee-22' from Auberge du Soleil

● Auberge du Soleil in the Napa Valley created the ‘Bee-22’ to celebrate Earth Day. A tangy blend of Marshall’s Farm wildflower honey, San Francisco’s organic No. 209 gin, Philo Apple Farm’s apple cider syrup, fresh rosemary from their garden, and Meyer lemon juice all add up to a wonderful, organic spring cocktail.

Tablas Creek Vineyard 2008 Esprit de Beaucastel 'Panopli'

The Panopli is a blend featuring Mourvèdre (54%) with Granache and Syrah rounding out the blend. This is an exciting wine from a producer we have admired for years. The all certified organic fruit is of outstanding quality and this shows in the bottle. Another dry year along the Central Coast offered up tiny yields and concentrated fruit that winemaker Neil Collins made wonderful use of. Up front, one is dizzied by aromas of sweet plum, java spice and coffee bean that are simply amazing. Rich on the palate and full of black raspberry and blueberries that, when combined with the silky texture, invite an evening-long exploration. Good acidity and balance through a long and pure finish. Only 500 cases were produced. Well worth seeking out.

price: $76.00
drink: 2012 to 2022
online 

So You Think You Can Rhône?

● So You Think You Can Rhône? Hospice du Rhône, the world’s largest gathering of Rhône variety wines and Rhône producers invites all wine lovers to get their Rhône on at the 19th annual Hospice du Rhône celebration April 28-30, 2011 in the acclaimed wine region of Paso Robles, California USA.

For 19 years, Hospice du Rhône has hosted diverse Rhône personalities from all over the world, Wines tasted at the event serve as a platform for long-remembered experiences. ☛

Nota Bene 2007 'Una Notte' - Columbia Valley, WA

This is an excellent southern Rhône-styled blend from Washington. Not found outside the Northwest, it is well worth seeking out. Wonderful aromatics of wild red berry fruit, dried currants and underbrush, followed by more wild raspberry, burnt orange, earth and spice. Nice weight, balance and length. The blend is 65% Grenache, 32% Syrah, 3% Mourvèdre. The wine was aged for 21 months in Meuller stainless barrels, and the Syrah in 18% new Tonnellerie Vernou French oak, with the balance in seasoned French and American oak from Saury, Alain Fouquet, Keystone and Vicard. Just 60 cases were produced.

price: $32.00

drink: 2011 - 2015
online 

Things we love: A great Traditional Cherry Pie!

● A great cherry pie is a good thing. Here is a ‘can’t miss’ recipe from a true dessert goddess—Chef Stephanie Jayne—from her new venture in Los Angeles, Crust. Want to order in? This pie and many other treats are available for home delivery. Here is a real ‘off the vine’ traditional pie you can make at home. read more ☛

Make Time for Change: Visit the Kids' Cooking Academy!

● Remember when cooking with your kids meant making mud pies together in the back yard? Time to rediscover the fun of cooking together…and do some good, too. Frigidaire and Jennifer Garner are teaming up to inspire families to roll up their sleeves and get cooking together. Starting today, people can join in the Frigidaire Kids’ Cooking Academy to get great recipes, how-to videos and tips starring chef and TV personality Mary Sue Milliken. read more ☛