Catering and Book Signing at Brian Carter Cellars in Woodinville August 2nd

Here is an event post from the EAT & DRINK website:

EAT & DRINK: Upcoming Events

08/02/08 - A Food & Wine Experience with Brian Carter Cellars Location: Brian Carter Cellars, 14419 Woodinville-Redmond Road NE, Woodinville, WA 98072Join us Saturday, August 2nd at Brian Carter Cellars in Woodinville from noon until 5:30pm.

Sample through several of their award winning wines including the Tuttorosso, Oriana and Byzance, as featured in the first two editions of EAT & DRINK In The Northwest. There is a nominal tasting fee of $8.00, refundable with any wine purchase of $24.00 or over.

Meet the co-creators of the innovative book EAT & DRINK In The Northwest, Marcus Pape and chef Melissa Peterman, and try a sampling of appetizers inspired from the recipes of the second book, EAT & DRINK summer edition.

EAT & DRINK In The Northwest is a completely new kind of food and wine pairing book. Tastefully designed and easy to follow, it makes an excellent gift for wine lovers, foodies, and anyone seeking a little Northwest flavor! Visit the Brian Carter Cellars tasting room Saturday, August 2nd and pickup your copy of the new book as well as the first release.For more information contact Brian Carter Cellars.

Diving For Dungeness Crab in the San Juan Islands

This weekend a couple friends invited me out to the San Juan Islands where on a smaller island, that someone owns (yes the whole island) is letting us spend the night. Some of the people are going diving on Saturday for Dungeness crab which we will cook up for dinner. I'm certified as an advanced diver, but it has been 4 years since I dove last and that was in Fiji. I think I will leave it up to the avid divers to have the fun, in the chilly waters of the Pacific and hope they run into giant octopus and wolf eels along the way. I'll let you know how we cook them up.

Sea Beans!

Sea Beans! I've found only at farmer's markets although I know there are other places that have occasionally carried them. I have so much more to say about these green, crunchy haricot verts of the ocean but I've been swamped this week. All I can say is that if you find these fantastic sea beans or sometimes called drift seeds, pick yourself up a bag! See this great link about sea beans for the information I wanted to give to you but don't have time to fully share. The Ballard Farmer's Market is where I saw them last.

Quick Tip on Cooking Them: Blanch in boiling water, stop the cooking in an ice-bath, toss lightly in olive oil and either eat them as is or them make a great salad or Asian soup addition.

Ohhhh Portland

Yes, Portland Oregon,

You Foodie Town You,

Thank you for giving me two beautiful food experiences in Portland, Clyde Common and Blue Hour

More to come...

Upcoming Whisky Dinner

Awhile back I was writing about a whisky dinner I was asked to pair Johnnie Walker whiskies with. Sounded like a great challenge for me and so, in a couple weeks I am cooking for 12 winners of the auction from Seattle Works. Here is a peek at the menu.

Friday August 8th
Johnnie Walker Whisky Pairing Dinner
For Seattle Works Auction Winners

Cocktail and Appetizer Starter
Johnnie Walker Red Label Cocktail
Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Prosciutto
Roasted Pears in Vanilla with Hazelnuts on Phyllo

Smoked Salmon 2 Ways
Johnnie Walker Black Label
Seared Fillet of Salmon Garnished with Smoked Salt
Smoked Salmon over Baby Greens

Sky and Turf
Johnnie Walker Green Label
Seared Duck Breast with Mushroom Risotto
Pistachio Crusted Lamb with tender carrots and celeriac puree

Dessert
Johnnie Walker Gold Label
Molten Chocolate Cake
Caramel Bite

Cheese Course
Johnnie Walker Blue
2 soft cheeses, a blue and a goat cheese
2 harder cheeses, Mimolette and Manchego
with water crackers, bread, honey and mostarda

What are you doing on Sunday?

Marcus and I will be renting a booth at the Fremont Outdoor Market this Sunday July 13th from 10-5 to sell copies of EAT & DRINK in the Northwest, meet new people and enjoy some sunshine! If you are running errands on Sunday- stop by the booth!

Eat & Drink Book Event This Friday at Village Books in Bellingham!

Looking forward to the book event for Eat & Drink in the Northwest in Bellingham. Bellingham holds a special place in my heart, for one, I went to Western Washington University and secondly, I was married at the Lairmont Manor an absolutely stunning venue. One of my favorite places in Bellingham when I went to school there was Village Books, so I am excited to return as a co-author. I'll be talking about food and wine pairings and serving small bites of recipes from both the first edition and the second.

Village Books

Friday, July 11, 2008 7:00 p.m.

Village Books, 1200 Eleventh Street
Bellingham, WA 98225

Thanks to Seattle Uncorked!

Last night I was a guest chef for Seattle Uncorked Wine Club's cooking class series. Founder, Sommelier David LeClaire allowed myself and 12 other students to take over his kitchen to cook 5 dishes from Eat and Drink in the Northwest summer edition paired with wines suggested from the book or similar choices.

• Prawn and Avocado Salad with Cilantro, Orange & Lime Vinaigrette
• Sautéed Morels and Asparagus with Soft-Boiled Duck Egg & Parmesan Crouton
• Grilled Flatbread with Pepadew Peppers, Goat Cheese & Grilled Tomato Sauce
• Pork Tenderloin with Fresh Cherry & Rhubarb Compote
• Barbequed Harissa Flank Steak with Grilled Corn Salad

I had a great time meeting new people excited to learn more cooking techniques and try out some new flavors they may have not had before as well as eager to roll their sleeves up and get dirty! It was a lovely summer night with a lovely host, thanks everyone who came and cooked and tasted and sipped!