Dizengoff Center on Friday Mornings, A Tel Aviv Food Fair

I am going to take you on a little eating tour of Israeli food. In Israel, instead of food trucks, some of the malls are packed with stations with mommas and pappas (Imas and Abas in Hebrew) serving you home cooked Israeli food. Israeli food is a lot more diverse than it gets credit for. It is more than just another Felafel or Shawarma. It’s Moroccan food. It’s Russian Food. It’s Italian food. It’s a mix of everything. It has influences from Spain, Tunisia, Iraq, Iran, Poland, Russia, Yemen and everywhere else you can think of.

Dizengoff center, a mall in the center of bustling Tel Aviv is packed to the gills Friday mornings with families and singles trying to get some home cooked food to start off the weekend. The crowd is a mix of everything; from people walking around with their bikes, to hipsters, to the fanciest strollers you can think of to very cute grannies who have lived in Tel Aviv forever.

This is good ol’ Ashkenazi food. This place called Goldie and Adi. This is the Ashkenazi version of Chullent. It is basically a stew that is put in the oven on Friday morning and cooks all through Saturday (the Shabbat). As religious Jews don’t turn on the oven on the weekend, this is a hot dish that stays in the warm oven. The dish consists of potatoes, eggs, beans, barley and meat. There are many different ways to make Chullent. Sephardic Jews have different versions but it all comes down to the one concept- a one pot meal.

Here are Italian Arancini, fried rice balls, these ones are filled with cheese.

These are Hungarian Cakes called Kurtos Kalas also known as Chimney Cakes. These spiced and sweet cakes are baked on a tapered cylindrical spit over an open fire and covered with nuts.

The next stop is Persian Food. They have many different kinds of rice. The one here has chickpeas, raisins and carrots. Then there is Ghondi. Every Jewish Persian house serves these chicken or lamb meatballs, especially served on Shabat (the Sabbath). This is because back in the day, ground chicken or lamb meat was expensive so it was a once a week kind of treat. The meatballs are made up of meat, ground chickpeas and ground cardamon.

Indian restaurants are hard to come by in Israel so finding Indian food here really made my day. By the way, if you are interested in learning more about Israeli Indian food, check out my friend Shula’s blog.

Every Mediteareanen meal should have olives, these are beautiful.
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Yemenite Jews are known for some of the most popular Israeli foods, all being especially indulgent. This is Mallawach. It is a huge pancake, made of puff pastry, brushed with lots of oil and cooked flat in a frying pan. It is traditionally served with grated tomatoes and Shug, a spicey hot condiment. Here it is layered with hummus and the grated tomato sauce.

Arepas are a favorite of mine. Nothing is Israeli about them but I have a dear Seattle friend from Venezuela who says Arrrrrrepa (rolling the r) in the sexiest way possible and since then I fell in love with them (thanks Valentina). I also love getting them at the Farmer’s Market every Thursday in Queen Anne, Seattle. They gained popularity in the last few months in Israel since a Masterchef contestant made them on the show. Until you have had one, it is hard to imagine the taste; a cross between a pancake and a tortilla. The exterior is crisp and the inside is soft. The ones here are filled with fried beef and vegetables and a secret sauce.

There are many other booths and restaurants which I will try to cover in a future post. This food fest is open Thursday afternoons from 4 pm until 10 pm and Fridays from 10:30 AM-4 pm. Come early and avoid the crowds.The same mall has a nice little kids area for free and a kids play gym with an entrance fee. On Fridays, there is a fashion sale where local designers sell clothes at lower prices. This is definitely a mall to explore.

Seattle Chocolate Salon 2013

This is a post by Marisa Ingram. Marisa is a food Lover and a baking addict with a case of travel wanderlust (more about Marisa below).

photo of Restless Chocolates.

It’s the rare visit to the grocery store that I don’t get waylaid in the chocolate aisle. With the large assortment available these days – including many local, artisanal varieties – it is difficult to pick just one. If only there was a way to taste each tempting new variety. Enter the Seattle Chocolate Salon. Returning for its sixth year, the Chocolate Salon allows you to do just that – taste away to your heart’s content. It’s like walking down the chocolate aisle and taking a nibble of each variety that catches your fancy, with the added bonus of chatting with the chocolatiers and learning about their sourcing, philosophy, and inspirations.

While sampling the myriad chocolates there were a few that stood out to me. When I first arrived I asked a woman standing next to me, who had been to every table, which was her favorite. She pointed immediately to Restless Chocolates . I headed over there and was surprised to learn that they are a brand new company, and in fact, today marked their debut. I sampled several chocolates and was impressed with their smooth and creamy milk chocolate Peanut Butter Cream variety. I spoke with the owner and learned that they are hoping to sell in farmer’s markets around Seattle this summer.

Another favorite was Pioneer Square’s Intrigue Chocolate Co. . At first I wasn’t sure about the flavors on offer. But once I tasted them I changed my mind – very quickly. I was impressed with these chocolates for two reasons. First, this was incredibly creamy, melt in your mouth chocolate. Secondly, unusual sounding flavors, such as Basil, were a revelation. Related to mint, a common partner to chocolate, basil surprisingly made an even smoother marriage with chocolate. And I learned that they extract these delicious flavors through simmering in heavy cream. Another favorite here was the Earl Gray variety – it tasted startlingly like a nice cup of Earl Gray tea but in the most perfect, chocolaty way.

The very last chocolate that I tasted was from Massachusetts chocolatier, Taza Chocolate. This one caught my attention due to its deliberately grittier texture. Inspired by traditional Mexican style chocolate which is stone ground, this chocolate’s unusual texture really added another sensory layer to my chocolate eating experience. I liked it enough that I would make a point of seeking out stone ground chocolate in the future. After sampling several varieties I was wowed by their 87% dark. As I was tasting this one it immediately reminded me of something I couldn’t quite place. I finally realized it had the flavor of a rich, dense, flourless chocolate cake – and it ended up being the one chocolate bar that I purchased to bring home. This was a feat indeed, when considering the multitude of options!

About Marisa:
Marisa has been an indispensable part of the Foodportunity team for the last two years.
She has a lifelong passion for home baking and a growing interest in all things fresh, local, organic, and seasonal. Though a native Washingtonian, a love for history took her to Charleston, SC where she obtained her degree in English from the College of Charleston. She works in human resources by day, but would love to give it all up for a life of travel.

Margarita Mixes, Acrobats and More

This is a guest post by Marisa Ingram.

Cinco de Mayo is almost here. To celebrate I attended a party hosted by Demitri’s to launch their new Margarita Mixes. Hosted at newish (and fun) Capitol Hill event space Fred Wildlife Refuge, this was a lively party made all the more festive by 7 piece Latin band the SuperSones . Acting as the perfect accompaniment to Margaritas, Mexican food was prepared by Executive Chef, Jaime Mendez of Los Agaves Wandering around the party I felt almost like I was at a circus gone crazy! Not only was there a performance by the mind-boggling aerialist Sally Pepper adding another layer of excitement, but there was also a photo booth and 2 miniature donkeys were hanging out upstairs!

About Marisa:
Marisa has been an indispensable part of the Foodportunity team for the last two years.
She has a lifelong passion for home baking and a growing interest in all things fresh, local, organic, and seasonal. Though a native Washingtonian, a love for history took her to Charleston, SC where she obtained her degree in English from the College of Charleston. She works in human resources by day, but would love to give it all up for a life of travel.

Jerusalem, Cookbook Review

I am in love with this book beyond words. I love anything that has to do with Yotam Ottolenghi. A year ago, I wrote a review of Plenty, the vegetable cookbook by the same chef.
Plenty is my favorite cookbook. Everyone knows that bloggers should never say they have a favorite anything. I mean, we are supposed to not be able to choose, just like we can’t choose a favorite restaurant because it really depends on the mood but I can clearly say and yell to the top of my lungs. I love “Plenty” so friggin much.

I was incredibly excited when Yotam Ottolenghi came out with his second cookbook ” Jerusalem”. This time, in collaboration with Sami Tamimi. The story is sweet: an Israeli chef opens a restaurant in London with a Palestinian Chef. Together they collaborate, work beautifully together, feed hungry hearts and souls- a symbiose that can only be found over food. They end up opening more restaurants together and coming out with a cookbook that presents recipes from both backgrounds, colliding, high fiving each other with Mediterranean elements and every vegetable you can think of.

I have been to Jerusalem quite a few times but have never connected with the place. Mind you, I haven’t explored Jerusalem food in the last decade, my only memories of the place is that The Wailing Wall is beautiful and that it gets really really cold. I know I am totally wrong and I will take the time to explore soon but to me Telaviv is the place to go in Israel. Give me action. I like busy life, gay friendly, lots of colors, bicycles, markets and I am a happy camper. I could eat somewhere different every night in Tel Aviv and never get bored (post on Tel Aviv is coming soon).

The book, though called Jerusalem shows foods that will you find all over Tel aviv and all over Israel.

What to expect:

-In true Ottolenghi style, the recipes have a long list of ingredients. If you want your food to have all the flavor profiles of an Ottolenghi dish then you probably need to get most of them, if not all. His stuff is always worth it, every time.

-Lots of vegetables. He uses eggplants, tomatoes, fennel and lots of fresh herbs.

-Home Cooking. Culturally, home cooking is everywhere in Israel. Kids finish school early every day. They eat lunch at home. You walk into a house and you will always find pots on the stove. Lunch is usually some kind of meat dish and evenings are salad, eggs and cottage cheese or creamy cheese and bread. Even with people working many hours and having very busy lives, home cooking is everywhere. Grandparents are always bringing boxes of food over for their kids. Even if you go to the park in the afternoon, you will see parents with containers full of food, feeding their kids.

- Stories of what every food means to the authors and cultural backgrounds. This is the best part for me, learning about the foods and their stories. That is what cookbooks are for.

Some of my favorite recipes are the Marinated Sweet and Sour Fish, Mejadra (lentils with rice), the Musabaha (warm chickpeas with hummus) and the roasted butternut squash with red onion, tahini and za’atar.

If you like your recipes exotic with interesting herbs and spices, then you will love this book.

Frolik, the New Restaurant in the Red Lion Hotel

Guest Blogger Marisa Ingram visits Frolik, the new restaurant and bar in town.

One word comes immediately to mind when I think of new restaurant and bar Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails – FUN. Just opened at the Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue, Frolik’s name alone will give you a hint of what to expect. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as to-go options, the real party takes place between 4-10pm every night when Frolik hosts “happy evening.” Not just one “happy hour,” but 5 hours – every night of the week. To add to the engaging environment they have an enormous outdoor deck (Seattle’s largest) with seating, a fireplace table, shuffleboard, and ping pong. And the glorious views of the Seattle skyline will remind you that you haven’t, in fact, been whisked away on holiday.

The fun continues on the inside with Xbox consoles as well as board games. I very much look forward to cozying up with a board game, some friends, and one of Frolik’s craft cocktails. I tasted several and my favorite, a “Rosemary Runamok,” was slightly sweet, but still light and refreshing. The cocktail list is quite long and you may also choose from a list of local beer and wine.

With award winning Chef Shailu Salian at the helm, the real highlight of Frolik is the food. Chef Salian has created some lovely bites . Sourcing from many local food purveyors including Salumi salami, Beecher’s Cheese and Taylor Shellfish Farms – Frolik makes an effort to offer local foods on its menu. Of the many bites I sampled, tops for me were “Grape, Goat Cheese, Pistachio Bon Bons,” and “Caprese Skewers.” I also sampled a luscious tiramisu – one of the best I’ve tried.

Frolik is located at 1415 Fifth Ave, Seattle WA. (206) 971 8000

About Marisa:

Marisa has been an indispensable part of the Foodportunity team for the last two years.
She has a lifelong passion for home baking and a growing interest in all things fresh, local, organic, and seasonal. Though a native Washingtonian, a love for history took her to Charleston, SC where she obtained her degree in English from the College of Charleston. She works in human resources by day, but would love to give it all up for a life of travel.

Azuki Bean Brownies, No Flour, No Eggs, No Nuts, No Kidding

Yes. Azuki beans in a brownie.

No. They don’t taste like beans. They taste like dense, chocolatey, delicious brownies.

Brownies!

They don’t have flour in them. They don’t have eggs and they don’t have to have milk either.

My kids are obsessed with them, especially the babies. I have already had twelve people taste them and not one person could guess the secret ingredient.

I got the idea from Chocolate Covered Katie. She has the most awesome recipes if you are trying to eat healthier desserts.

I used her Black Bean Brownie recipe with a few changes. I used Azuki beans because my nutritionist/naturopath ran some tests on me that revealed that I am slightly lacking in iron.
His first suggestion was to get some Azuki Beans. And of course, my first suggestion was that I make myself BROWNIES.

I used date syrup as the only sweetener in these and I used Kinder chocolate fingers (and just a few) instead of chocolate chips. I also made the same brownies with black beans but I found that the Azuki beans added a slightly better taste, maybe a tad bit sweeter.

This batter is totally fine for kids. No raw eggs or loads of sugar. My one and a half-year old tried it out for you. And yes, he wears his twin sister’s pajamas and his big brother’s shoes backwards. He is obsessed with everyone’s shoes but his own. He won’t keep his own shoes on for more than an hour.

Enjoy the brownies.

River Cottage Handbook Book Review

Today’s post is by guest blogger Marisa Ingram.

Have you ever fallen head-over-heels in love with a cookbook? I’ve had just that experience with Pam Corbin’s Cakes (River Cottage Handbook.) From the moment I cracked it open and landed on the recipe for “Cornish Fairings, a close cousin of the gingernut” it was love. It is such a lovely and charming little recipe book (and it is little, part of a series of small handbooks from the UK’s River Cottage http://www.rivercottage.net) that I took it to bed with me the first night in favor of the novel in which I was currently engrossed. I read of such things as Welsh Cakes, Jammy Dodgers, and Golden Syrup Cake. And as a lover of all things British, this book stoked my Anglophile (is Britophile a word?) fires right along with my palate. This is a good time to note that this book is imported from the UK and so it follows that the recipes in this book are in the metric system and use some seemingly (to my American ears) unusual ingredients. But I was in luck as I took an extremely useful class last year at Book Larder http://www.booklarder.com called “Baking in Translation – How to Bake British Without Freaking Out” taught by Paola Thomas who blogs at mirrormirror.typepad.com. One of the key takeaways from that class (that will undoubtedly help you with any British baking book) was that the “self-raising flour” called for in British recipe books is NOT the same thing we see on American shelves called “self-rising flour.” Fortunately, for us Paola has spent some time perfecting a substitute that you can make right at home – 1tsp baking powder to one cup or 150g all-purpose flour. If you are unfamiliar with British cooking terms and metric measures, the plethora of information on the internet will be your guide.

Here are some of my top picks from Cakes:

- Flapjacks are an altogether different entity in Great Britain than they are in the US. A British flapjack is more closely related to a granola bar – a softer, chewier and much more indulgent version (although the instructions do note you may cook them longer for a crisper flapjack.) Do make sure you aren’t greedy and impatient like me though. Make sure to let these cool in the pan completely, otherwise they may fall to pieces.

- Rhubarb Pudding Cake with Custard is possibly my favorite recipe in the book. Served warm from the oven and drenched in a pool of custard (I made mine from scratch but feel free to cheat with Bird’s tinned custard powder) this is all that a cake should be. Not too rich, yet warm, cozy, and comforting. And the distinct taste of rhubarb added that extra oomph to brighten this up into a lovely springtime dessert. This is one that I will return to again.

- I’ve long been a lover of scones but was almost entirely unfamiliar with their Welsh cousin, so I was quite intrigued to try my hand at Welsh Cakes. The ingredients are very similar as is the preparation of the dough, however a Welsh cake is fried up in a griddle – just a few minutes per side until it is a warm golden color. It is also much thinner than a scone and surprisingly tastes almost like a scone crossed with a pancake. Quick and easy to prepare, I have no doubt I will be making these lovely little cakes again soon. Corbin suggests these may be eaten with a bit of butter or some jam but they were so tasty just as they were.

- Cardamom Cake, redolent with a warm, cozy spice, this doesn’t sound like a springtime cake. However the spice in this cake is so light and bright that I was proved wrong. The cake may sink a bit in the middle, but as Corbin says, “don’t worry, just think of this as another of its charms.” And let me tell you, it has many. One being this is an understated cake, in the very best sort of way. While it is a spice cake, the flavor is perfectly balanced – leaving a subtle spicy aftertaste on your tongue after the last bite has been (sadly) consumed. Secondly, this cake has a delightfully crusty exterior that gives way to a wonderfully moist and delicate crumb.

If you can’t tell – I absolutely adore this baking book. I have baked quite a few of its other treats and none have disappointed, and I have an ever growing list of not-yet-trieds. This book is filled with simple yet supremely tasty baked goods. If you are looking for something fancy, you will need to look elsewhere for it does not put on any airs. It is a book to turn to when you are looking for a slice of comfort – something that can be made quickly and with relatively few ingredients on those days when you are craving a homey treat. This book and its recipes will warm you up from the inside out and have you dreaming of a cozy English kitchen with an Aga in the corner and a cup of tea.

About the author of this post:

Marisa has been an indispensable part of the Foodportunity team for the last two years.
She has a lifelong passion for home baking and a growing interest in all things fresh, local, organic, and seasonal. Though a native Washingtonian, a love for history took her to Charleston, SC where she obtained her degree in English from the College of Charleston. She works in human resources by day, but would love to give it all up for a life of travel.

Culination will Bring Kathy Casey into Your Kitchen

Today’s guest post is by Marisa Ingram.

Marisa has been an indispensable part of the Foodportunity team for the last two years.
She has a lifelong passion for home baking and a growing interest in all things fresh, local, organic, and seasonal. Though a native Washingtonian, a love for history took her to Charleston, SC where she obtained her degree in English from the College of Charleston. She works in human resources by day, but would love to give it all up for a life of travel.

Wouldn’t you love to have a professional chef with you at home in the kitchen?

A new tech startup, Culination, would like to help you do just that. I had the pleasure of attending a preview party for Culination, hosted by Kathy Casey at her Food Studios, where I learned about this up and coming “online collaboration between home cooks and culinary professionals.”
One of the primary features of Culination is connecting you, at home in your kitchen or on the go with your mobile device, with a professional chef who can help you learn how to cook – one of whom is Kathy Casey herself. While the internet is flooded with recipes, not many of them actually teach you how to cook, Culination would like to help you bridge that gap via multimedia lessons. Culination was conceived in part from its founders’ desire to educate. And what better topic than food – something we all share – a universal connection point. Culination will be launching an Indiegogo campaign on April 9th. Sign up here for the most up-to-date information on this exciting venture.
As host for this event, Chef Kathy Casey treated us to a sampling of several of the delectable deviled eggs in her new book “D’Lish Deviled Eggs.” If you haven’t checked out this book yet please run out and get a copy – it won’t disappoint. Each deviled egg that I tasted was packed with a phenomenal amount of flavor in a perfectly sized and visually appealing package. A favorite was the Chipotle deviled egg and I look forward to preparing it in my own kitchen very soon – as well as many others. Stay tuned for more on this delightful cookbook . . .

Roasted Vegetable and Goat Cheese Sandwich

This is the sandwich that I have been thinking about it all week.

It is nothing complicated but just the right combination of sweet roasted vegetables and creamy, oozy and slightly tart goat cheese. I use whichever vegetables I can find in the bottom of my fridge; the purplest of cabbage, juicy eggplant, slices of sweet potato and red and yellow peppers.

Roasted Vegetable and Goat Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients:
Purple Cabbage
Eggplant
Sweet Potato
Red and Yellow Peppers
Any bread. I used Ciabetta here.
Goat Cheese or Chevre of choice (one that will melt well)

1. Cut vegetables and drizzle with olive oil and salt. Roast at 425 degrees until you get the color you want (I like them a little burnt on the edges).

2. Layer vegetables on the ciabetta and cover with thin slices of goat cheese.

3. Grill in panini press or if you don’t have one then you can use a frying pan with a heavy pot on top to flatten the sandwich.

Teaching your Child’s Class about Nut Allergies

I remember the moment that I realized that my son would never have nuts again.

It hurt so much that it made my toes curl. I felt like someone sucker-punched me in the stomach and I cried so much that my sockets looked like enormous peanuts. My first reaction was denial.

Maybe there was a mistake. Maybe he moved too much during the allergy test. Doing an allergy test on a two year old is virtually impossible anyway. He must have fidgeted too much and he really must be allergic to some kind of vegetable that nobody wants to eat like peas (by chance he is allergic to those too).

I realize that this was a bit melodramatic of me. The kid is healthy. It isn’t a deadly disease and nuts can be avoided. I had just finished writing my book, the Food Lovers Guide to Seattle and he had nuts many times throughout the research. There was no reaction that I had noticed until the one night. I was at my own party when his neck started to swell and he started talking funny. And there it was, he was on his way to anaphylaxis land, where people stop breathing because of a damn hazelnut, a cute innocent hazelnut. But we were lucky that Benadryl stopped the swelling. His first scary reaction was stopped by the Benadryl. I have heard that this first reaction is the free pass. The one where you know but you don’t really know. Nobody wants to really know.

My son will never have these beautiful macarons made with almond flour. Photo credit: Jackie Donnely Baisa

I made the mistake of overgoogling. I saw horrendous photos of other kids with blotches everywhere. I read stories about moms who didn’t have play dates because they didn’t want their kids exposed. I read about people who don’t go into bakeries or restaurants or basically never leave the house. I am a food writer. How could I do this? How could I live my life in fear. Would I ever fly again? Could I take my son on an airplane full of people eating nuts around me. I didn’t sleep for a few nights because all I could think about was nuts. I dream that a Nutella jar with hands and feet was chasing us. For real, I did.

My son has a tree nut allergy. That means he can’t have tree nuts or else he can go into anaphylactic shock. He can’t have anything that touches them either. You can’t spoon some nutella in your mouth and leave the spoon on the counter. He can’t have marzipan or pesto or muffins with nuts. He is not allergic to peanuts. I can’t tell you how many times people have offered him a food with nuts in it and said, “there are no peanuts in it”. Peanuts are a legume and he can eat them as much as he wants.

We have learned to live with his allergy and gone past those over-dramatic days. We eat in restaurants, we fly across the world and we have lots of play dates.
He is now 4 and understands it. He won’t eat anything without asking if there are nuts in it. He remembers his Epipen every time we leave the house.

When my son started a new daycare, I wanted to make sure that the kids knew about his allergies and understood them so I put together a small lesson plan and came in to talk to the kids.
I brought ingredients and together we made homemade tortillas. I told the kids about how I like tortillas because they are my favorite type of bread. I like that they are flat and can be rolled up and don’t take up much room in the fridge. We talked about all the different types of bread and why we like them. Then we talked about how all breads are different but so many are still delicious. Then I explained that all kids are different. We talked about how one child might have glasses and one might have an allergy. We are all special in our own way.

We also talked about things that we shouldn’t touch such as medicine or cleaning products. We talked about how parents put these products high up because they can make kids sick. I explained that nuts may be okay for most of the kids in the class but for my son, they make him sick.

I also prepared a list of foods that may contain nuts along with a photo of his to hang at the daycare. This way, any teacher that comes in to help, can see this form. I took the epipen instructions and enlarged them so that they are clear and easy to see.

Being a part of the lesson plan gave my son confidence (I got to come to school with him), it helped his friends understand his allergies and the kids love pretend checking labels to see if nuts are anywhere around. I feel much more at ease now that I can educate his friends and his friends can watch out for him.

Do you have any tips for parents with allergies? How do you deal with allergies?

Thankful. Posts That Make You Weep.

I admit it. I am a wuss. I love heartfelt posts. I love reading about people’s lives. I spend my toughest moments reading posts about people’s lives, reading their life lessons, reading their coping mechanisms and reading about being grateful. Writing is such a beautiful thing. Reading is a beautiful thing. The internet makes sure that every waking moment there is something to absorb. Since the internet, we are never alone. We now know that if we are going through something, there is always someone who has been through it and can tell their story. The day that I discovered that I could blog, my life changed forever.

My mind pulls together pieces of information like a Tetris game. Today I want to share some of my favorite reads. They are not food-related. They are posts that will make your heart swoon. Some might make you cry. But most of all you will remember why every single one of us, has a story to tell and why life is so beautiful because we are different especially because our challenges are different.

My best reads.

1. Enjoying the small things. Kelle Hampton tells the story of her daughters, one who has down-syndrome and the other, the big sister, who loves and takes care of her sister. She takes beautiful photos of her kids, they are always dressed in the prettiest outfits and she makes me cry a lot. She reminds me that life is what you make of it. Start here..

2. You probably know Jamie Lynne Grumet as the foxy mom who posed breastfeeding her son on the cover of Time. I know many of you think it was too much but of course, remember, it got your attention and got everyone talking about breastfeeding. Ok, now let’s move on. She is a mom of two boys, one adopted from Ethiopia and she breastfed them both (or still does). Visit her blog here

3. My friend Jess Thomson is an incredible writer about everything food. I love her writing but I also really love reading about her son Graham who has Cerebral Palsy. This post tells the story. Then go back and read his birth story and then go read about all about the awesome books she wrote this year.

4. My dear friend Micaela Surdi lives life to the fullest. She reminds you to enjoy life and love yourself.

We each get a package and we need to find the happiness in the package. We need to unwrap the package and think of every layer as something that WE were given. Sometimes the paper is creased, sometimes it tears, sometimes the tape gets stuck to it. At the end, every layer is something for us to learn from, something to grow with, part of our own personal gift. The wrapping paper is really ugly sometimes or tacky or unexpected but it is your job to take it and remember that it’s the thought that counts. The paper is only a reminder that there is something there, something to appreciate, something to uncover.

What are your favorite heart-to-heart blogs? Share your favorite reads..

Mini Peanutty Chocolate Cheesecakes Recipe

This is a guest post from my friend, Deanna Morauski who will be featured on the Live Well Network this month. She cracks me up time and time again and makes me want to move into her B&B, the Old Hen. You can see Deanna on Joey Fatone’s new show “My Family Recipe Rocks” on the Live Well Network this month on October 27th.

Mini Peanutty Chocolate Cheesecakes Recipe

One of banking coworkers from the nineties was a saucy belly dancer with a motherly love for the twenty-year-old me. She went on to write a few romance novels right after we parted ways, but I remember her for something far more delicious – her peanutty chocolate cheesecakes. She is a lovely, colorful lady I will never forget and her racy little cheesecakes shall remain close to my heart as well.

CRUST INGREDIENTS:

1 package graham crackers (9 crackers)
4 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons sugar
CHEESECAKE INGREDIENTS:
11 ounces of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Preheat oven to 325F.

Crush graham crackers in food processor then slowly add melted butter and sugar. Line 48 mini muffin tins with mini muffin liners. Press 1 teaspoon of graham cracker into the bottom of each.

Place softened cream cheese into mixing bowl and use whip attachment to whip well. Add sugar and vanilla.

Melt chocolate chips over a double boiler then stir into melted chocolate.

Stir peanut butter into remaining cream cheese.

Place one teaspoon of chocolate mixture and one teaspoon of peanut butter mixture into muffin liners.

Bake for 20-25 minutes. Leave cheesecakes in pan until cool, the place them in fridge to chill.

Serve garnished with whipped cream and sprinkles just to satisfy your naughty side.

About Deanna Morauski

You can see Deanna on Joey Fatone’s new show “My Family Recipe Rocks” on the Live Well Network this month on October 27th. She will be making four scrumptious recipes throughout an entire episode filmed at her B&B, The Old Hen. The episode was deemed “One of the best episodes of the season” by the show’s producers. Follow along on with Deanna on Facebook or on Twitter for updates .

Deanna’s love for baking and cooking began as she sat upon a baker’s stool as a little girl. Her love for people grew in the midst of church potlucks. She expresses her loves today creatively through speaking, writing for her foodie blog, television appearances as well as hosting guests, including celebrities, at her inn, The Old Hen Bed & Breakfast in Snoqualmie Valley, Washington. She has never read a romance novel but she has indulged in many delightful sprinkles.

Foodportunity Food Blogger Contest Winners Announced

What’s your Foodportunity? We asked local bloggers to enter our contest and tell us what their Foodportunity is about. The winners have been chosen.

The judges are three popular and seasoned Seattle bloggers, Linda Miller Nicholson from Salty Seattle, Amy Pennington of Go Go Green Garden and Ronald Holden of Cornichon.org.

The Grand Prize goes to Fresh Picked Seattle. Check out her post about her Foodportunity. You will also find the most thorough food event calendar around on her blog. Check it out for free events, things to do and so much more.

The Second Prize goes to Peas On Moss for her post. Her blog chronicles the journey of a nutritionist and chef, read about how she dives deeply into everything food.

The Third Prize goes to Kristin Pot Pie. Bake her Pot Pie recipe and follow this blog all that talks comfort food, events and event planning ideas.

Follow @Foodportunityse on twitter where we will be tweeting the other inspiring entries over the weeks. See you on October 22.

Foodportunity Contest – What’s Your Foodportunity?

Dear Seattle Food Bloggers

I would like to invite you to participate in a special contest.

What’s your Foodportunity?

The Details:

We want you to answer this question in a blog post, a photo or a video. Be creative. We just really want to hear your story. What has Foodportunity meant to you? What does Foodportunity mean to you? Was Foodportunity the place where you came out of your shell? Is it where you get to eat lots of food and live to tell? Even if you haven’t been to one of the Foodportunity events yet, you can tell your story of what you would like your Foodportunity to look like. Is a Foodportunity, the mere collaboration of your favorite foods? It doesn’t have to be related to the event, just what does an opportunity in food look like to you? Be sure to use the tag #foodprt and @foodportunityse when you share it.

The Prizes:

Grand Prize:

1) Your own opportunity to showcase your blog or website at Foodportunity. We will have a high table for you alongside Aran Goyoaga of Cannelle et Vanille, Brian McCracken and Dana Tough, the Chefs and Owners of Spur, Tavern Law and the Coterie Room. You will be showcasing in the room with local authors like Jill Lightner of Edible Seattle Cookbook, Leora Bloom of Washington Artisans Cookbook and Judith Dern of the Food and Cooking of Scandinavia.

This is a huge marketing opportunity. You will be able to introduce people to your blog and share what you do in front of a large targeted foodie audience.

2) You will also receive a phone consultation to help you market your blog with ideas, tips and more.

Second Prize:
3 Cookbooks : a signed copy of Aran Goyoaga‘s new book, Small Plates and Sweet Treats: My Family’s Journey to Gluten-Free Cooking, Washington Food Artisans by Leora Bloom (a signed copy) and Desserts in Jars by Shaina Olmanson. (The winner will have to pick these up at the event or somewhere in the city).

Third Price: TBD but something for food Lover’s for sure!
(Check in as we will be adding prizes!)

The Details: The deadline for Submission is October 11, 2012. A panel of local food bloggers will be judging the entries based on 3 topics 1) Creativity 2) Food 3) Opportunity. The Judges are three popular and successful Seattle bloggers Linda Miller Nicholson of Saltyseattle.com, Ronald Holden of www.Cornichon.org and Amy Pennington of gogogreengarden.

That’s it. Go crazy. Have fun. Make a video. Make a recipe. Write a blog post. Please be sure to send it to us and we will tweet it out, share and spread the love. Use our hashtag #foodprt and please include details about the event so people can check it out. Tickets can be found at Brown Paper Tickets or more information about restaurants and companies at Foodportunity.com.

Suncadia with the Kids, a Vacation Near Seattle

It started with a phone call.

My friend: “So you are going on a relaxing getaway”. I answered with a “yea” and just left it at that. In my head, I was really thinking. Relaxing? Are you kidding? With infant twins and a 4-year-old? My friend laughed as if she could read my mind.

This trip really surprised me. It was somewhat relaxing, not sunbathing topless near the pool relaxing (not that I would know), not hmmmm I love being bored relaxing but really pretty amazing.
Warning: the word relaxing has been used way too many times in this post but it is really because I want to remind myself to relax and not worry about finding other words to describe this nice tingly feeling.

Suncadia, located just 90 minutes East of Seattle is a year -round mountain resort with lots of recreational activities: golf, kayaking, biking and during the winter, skiing and other winter sports.

Here is the bedroom.

The bedroom overlooks a little garden with a hot tub.
This is the most amazing detail of this trip, especially because we could put the kids to bed and then relax in the tub.

The trick was that they have happy hour every day from 9 pm at the Portals restaurant. One of us would go down and get some wine by the glass, (5 dollars a glass) and the other would put the kids to bed. I highly recommend this to twin parents who never get a break, or parents of any age or just anybody who needs a break.

The kitchen and living room are fully equipped with a washer and dryer, full kitchen including a blender, dishes, toaster, dishwasher and everything that you need to assemble dinner (except the food). We cooked and made our own dinners for some of the time. Note for next time, we should have gone shopping before we came because going to the grocery store seemed like a daunting task when you have a beautiful resort that you never want to leave!

We dined at the Portals restaurant.

The panoramic view from the restaurant is breathtaking. The restaurant was kid-friendly but still classy. This is not easy to pull off for a restaurant, it was almost as if all the kids that came in were on their best behavior. I think it was more the fact that the restaurant is roomy enough that you don’t really feel all the children in the room. I expected the restaurant to be really expensive as it is many times at these types of resorts. The prices were surprisingly reasonable, entrees at $12-15 dollars. I made a remark about the prices and they explained that this lower priced menu has only been around for about two months (the menu on the website is still the older one). The food was executed very well and we tried a myriad of items with Northwest ingredients.

They spoiled our son with a perfect fruit salad as we discussed what to order.

Every time, the babies needed a few minutes to expend energy, I took them to the little waiting room equipped with lots of kids books right near the dining room.

The view from the dining room.

We spent our day at the pools. They have water slides for the older kids and indoor and outdoor pools.

The spa was beautiful. I had one of the best massages of my life. It was the Glade Spring Signature massage which included a Paraffin Wax treatment for my feet. I really hate people touching my feet but this was such a warm and comfortable feeling and my feet were so soft afterwards.

In the morning, we had a little visitor. He was hanging right outside of the hot tub.

If you are planning a weekend away, the 7th Annual Harvest Festival is coming up on October 5-7th and October 12-14. These family friendly weekends include live music, kids activities, pumpkin patch and tons of stuff to do. More details can be found by calling the Suncadia Resort.

If you are going to visit Suncadia, bring your bike and go on a little bike ride in the wilderness. They have many bikes for rent as well. They also have activities like kayaking and other sports. Evenings can be spent around the bonfire, making s’mores pack up those marshmallows and your fancy chocolate.

If you are looking for a special place to spend your summers or winters, Suncadia just recently sold 30 Lodge condominiums during a sales event conducted by Kennedy Wilson. During this event, more Lodge residences were sold in one day than in the last two and a half years at the resort. In addition, Suncadia recently released more than a dozen new homesites in the Rope Rider neighborhood with prices starting under $100,000. Hmm. One can dream. Right?

Do you like reading about things to do with the kids? Do you need another vacation idea? Maybe a staycation? If so, read about my staycation downtown here.

Disclosure: I occasionally receive compensations in the form of trips, dinners or cookbooks. In this case the trip was covered by the public relations company handling Suncadia. I will say without hesitation that my responsibility is to my readers and that this will not affect my view or review. This trip was truly wonderful!

Foodportunity, a Giveaway and an Announcement.

I just recently announced that Foodportunity is coming up and that there is an awesome line up. What I didn’t mention yet is that we will have a surprise guest flying in for the event.

We have featured authors and chefs at Foodportunity. This idea came out of my own personal need to connect with these people. When I started blogging, I wanted to meet chefs and cookbook authors but I was always intimidated. The first time I had to interview a chef, I was sick to my stomach, like literally so nervous I couldn’t sleep the night before (including sweaty palms and everything).

Fast forward five years later and I don’t get nervous anymore, I have met so many of the people I admire. Yes, practice makes perfect with everything in life. Even meeting new people.

Every Foodportunity we have featured authors and chefs. They hang out in the front room (a.k.a the lounge) between 6:30 and 7:30. And they are there just to talk to you. You can ask questions, beg for recipes if you want, get books signed (bring your books) or just say hi. On October 22, be there. You can meet Brian McCracken and Dana Tough (Spur, Tavern Law, The Coterie Room), Jill Lightner (Edible Seattle: The Cookbook), Leora Bloom (Washington Food Artisans, Cookbook) and Judith Dern (A Taste of Scandinavia, Cookbook).

And now for the surprise. Aran Goyoaga of Cannelle et Vanille is coming to visit. Her photography is gorgeous, like heart pitter-pattering beautiful. Her recipes are delicious and inspiring. Little tarts, cakes and just so many desserts and dishes that are all gluten-free. You might have seen her on Oprah, Martha Stewart or when she was mentioned in Times Magazine, as one of their favorite bloggers. Just look at her blog and you will understand, her photography will make you swoon. She is coming out with her new cookbook the week of Foodportunity.

You get to meet her, talk to her and even win a book here.

The giveaway. Win the book. I have 2 copies!: Just leave a comment to enter the contest, share on Facebook (5 entries) or twitter for an extra entry. Just remember to comment and let me know. The contest is open to anyone in the U.S. but if you can make it to Foodportunity, you can get it signed. Winner will be chosen on Sept 20.
Update: The winners are Tamiko and Helen Anne.

Foodportunity October 22nd 2012

Save the date (and get your tickets) for Seattle’s premier food networking event

Foodportunity
October 22, 2012 Palace Ballroom

Sponsored by Washington’s Beef Community
wabeef.org/ facebook.com/wabeef / @WABeef
Join us as we challenge your taste buds in a blind beef tasting. Meet a local cattle rancher and learn about how beef is raised in Washington.

What: Foodportunity, Seattle food community’s premier networking event with tastes from Tom Douglas Restaurants, Din Tai Fung, TRACE, ART Restaurant, Hitchcock, Phnom Penh Noodle House, 35 th Street Kitchen + Bar and many more restaurants and companies.

Where: Tom Douglas’ Palace Ballroom, 2100 5th Ave Seattle, WA 98121

Who: Local chefs and cookbook authors will be available to answer your questions and get to know you. Come meet Brian McCracken and Dana Tough (Spur, Tavern Law, The Coterie Room), Jill Lightner (Edible Seattle: The Cookbook), Leora Bloom (Washington Food Artisans, Cookbook) and Judith Dern (A Taste of Scandinavia, Cookbook)

When: Monday, October 22, 2012, 6-9 pm

Cost: $25 early admission, $32 at a later date. Tickets available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/273178
Get your tickets before they sell out.

Do you have questions? Do you want to showcase your business?
Contact: Keren Brown – kerenlovestocook@gmail.com

photo credit: Jackie Donnely Baisa

Savory Sweet Life Cookbook

I have this friend, Alice. She is the friend that came to my house when I was on bedrest and ordered me not to move so she could cook dinner for my family. She walked into my house with a bag chock-full of groceries and cooked up a stew and some greens and then she walked out. Just like that. To do this, she left her 3 kids, her work and everything because she wanted to make sure that we were not hungry. I know everybody is busy but Alice Currah will always make time for her friends even when she is writing books, managing her incredibly popular and award -winning blog and juggling her family. Alice has so many life lessons to share, a conversation on the phone with her will leave me grateful and full of ideas. She always reminds me to take a step back and savor the moments.

She recently came out with a book called “Savory Sweet Life, 100 Simply Delicious Recipes for Every Occasion” named after her blog. I love this book for many reasons but the number one reason is because her food is impressive for the eyes but really easy to make. Every time I make something, people think I have been slaving for hours but in reality, everything is quick and easy. I also love that the book is organized by life experiences with chapter headers like “Snow Day”, “Welcome Home” and “Lunch Between Friends” so you don’t have to start pasting together recipes but you can choose a section and just go for it. It helps that all the ingredients are easy to find and many times already in my pantry so all I have to do is pick a recipe and go. We have made everything in the Father’s day chapter numerous times because we are kind of obsessed in this house with the peanut coconut sauce and the coconut rice. The photos are gorgeous and she took them all herself. The book is a great gift to give to a mom or anybody looking to cook impressive but not having the time to slave over the stove. Her photography is beautiful and the photos of her family are inspiring. She is a super mom and it is nice to see that if you work hard, you can have a nice balance of family and work.

Of all the things that I love about Alice is the fact that she is always ” Keeping it Real”. She is an honest person, who worked hard to get where she is; a talented photographer, cake decorator and cook. And she is always there to give good advice. Pick up her book at any bookstore and enjoy a Savory Sweet Life.

Here we are signing books together at Barnes and Noble. This was fun.

Kitchen Circus, the Ultimate Kitchen Competition

Do you love cooking? Do you think you can run a 4 -star restaurant? Rover’s wants you.

Feast Portland is coming this September and a Giveaway!

I have Portland on the brain right now as I am heading there this weekend for the International Food Bloggers Conference. I can’t wait! I will be speaking at the conference on the subject of building community online and offline. I really love IFBC because it is an intimate conference with awesome food and a great opportunity to connect with people.

Portland is the ultimate getaway for me ; only a 3 and a half hour train ride where I get to relax and read or sleep and everything is walkable with creative restaurants everywhere. If you are not going yet, you should try to snag a ticket because this will be a conference that you will want to attend.

Photo credit: Jackie Donnely Baisa

Anytime I hear the name Portland, my eyes light up so imagine how exciting to see information about Feast, the Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting on September 20-23. This is a huge event bringing together famous chefs from all over the world. The line up includes food celebrities, writers and chefs like Mark Bittman from the New York Times, April Bloomfield from the Spotted Pig, Andrew Knowlton of Bon Appetit and many more. The event is about getting these culinary talents together, from PDX to New York City, everybody will be mingling and cooking together. There are private dinners, educational panels, tastings and so much to do. The event is sponsored by Bon Appetit Magazine, This is going to be rocking event and your opportunity to taste from Portland’s best restaurants as well as food from some of the top chefs across America. Get tickets here

Giveaway: You have the chance to win an exclusive tasting package worth $350 for this event. The package includes: Two tickets to the Sandwich Invitational, Two Tickets to the Coffee That Rocks panel with Andrew Knowlton and Two Tickets to the Friday Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting. Descriptions below. Just leave a comment to be entered to win. Share my blog and this contest on Facebook and receive 3 entries (comment back to let me know). Share on twitter for an extra entry. (I just added this one to give you more opportunities) The winner will be chosen on Monday September 3. The winner is Jasmine Campbell. Thanks for entering.

Portland Monthly Sandwich Invitational
Presented by Widmer Brothers Brewing
Location: Director Park
Date: Thursday, September 20, 2012
Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Price: $95
Experience the creative spirit of America’s most innovative culinary talent through their chef’d-up interpretations of sandwiches brought to a whole new level at Feast Portland’s kick-off flagship tasting event. From po’ boy to banh mi, savor the best sandwiches you’ve ever tried paired with craft beers made by Portland’s landmark Widmer Brothers Brewery under the stars at Downtown Portland’s chic Director Park. Though the definition of sandwich – and even what counts as bread – is up for creative interpretation, the end result will be pure magic.
The Lineup:
Adam Berger, 24th& Meatballs (PDX)
Ben Bettinger, Imperial (PDX)
Ned and Jodi Elliott, Foreign & Domestic (Austin)
Aaron Franklin, Franklin BBQ (Austin)
Jason French, Ned Ludd (PDX)
Duff Goldman, Charm City Cakes (Baltimore/LA)
Ken Gordon, Kenny & Zukes (PDX)
Tommy Habetz & Nick Wood, Bunk Sandwiches (PDX)
Jenn Louis, Lincoln (PDX)
Molly Moon Neitzel, Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream (SEA)
Rodney Muirhead, Podnah’s Pit BBQ (PDX)
Naomi Pomeroy, Beast (PDX)
Sarah Schafer, Irving Street Kitchen (PDX)
Ethan Stowell, Tavolata, How to Cook a Wolf, Anchovies & Olives, Staple & Fancy Mercantile, Ballard Pizza Company (SEA)
Cheryl Wakerhouser, Pix Patisserie (PDX)

Coffee That Rocks
Location: Director Park: Drinks Pavilion
Date: Friday, September 21, 2012
Time: 10:00am- 11:00am
Price: $45
Bon Appétit Restaurant and Drinks Editor Andrew Knowlton and Portland coffee experts give the lowdown on choosing the right equipment and showcasing fun ways to prepare coffee at home. Learn the pour over, Aeropress, siphon brewing, and a culinary coffee trick or two to make the most of your morning ritual.
Participants:
Andrew Knowlton, Bon Appétit (NYC)

Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting: Friday
Location: Pioneer Courthouse Square
Date: Friday, September 21, 2012
Time: 2:00pm-5:00pm
Price: $60/day or $100/both days
Portland’s so-called living room transforms into the city’s dining room for two days as dozens of the region’s most celebrated wineries, breweries, vendors and artisans take over the award-winning Pioneer Courthouse Square for Feast Portland’s premiere daytime event. Experience the scene, meet the chefs and winemakers you’ve read about, and enjoy cooking demonstrations from celebrated chefs like Chris Cosentino, April Bloomfield, and Naomi Pomeroy at the KitchenAid Main Demo Stage.
KitchenAid Main Demo Stage Schedule
Chris Cosentino, Incanto, Boccalone (SF)
Friday at 2:30pm-3:30pm
Amanda Freitag,Food Network, Cooking Channel (NYC)
Friday 3:45pm-4:45pm

Correction: The date of the giveaway has been updated.

Chipotle Parties at West Seattle Farmers Market Sunday August 19

I am a huge fan of Chipotle for many reasons. I love that the food is healthy, kid-friendly and most of all nut free. My son has a tree nut allergy and we eat there all the time because we feel safe. Not to mention, they strive at making food with intergrity and I don’t think I have ever seen a dessert on the menu which means less temptation at a weeknight dinner.

On Sunday, August 19, Chipotle will partner with the West Seattle Farmers Market for one of four stops on its West Coast Farmers’ Market Tour.

The event will include:

· Fresh Tomato Salsa demo using products sourced from the farmers’ market

· Info booth featuring buy one-get one-free cards as well as Chipotle Burrito Bucks good for one free burrito

· Live music from singer/songwriter and former professional surfer Timmy Curran

A musician, retired professional surfer and a spokesperson for the Surfrider Foundation. During his successful surfing career, he was one of the best surfers on the World Championship Tour. It wasn’t until he was in his late twenties did he fully realize the gifts of song writing and vocal talent. Today, Timmy has been touring for 5 years, and has released three full-length albums

Last week Chipotle announced that 2012 will mark the second year in a row the company has committed to serving at least 10 million pounds of local produce. In Chipotle’s case, locally-grown means that the produce originates no further than 350 miles from the restaurant in which it is ultimately served.

In 2011, this goal translated to more than 320,000 lbs of Northwest produce – bell peppers, jalapeños, red onions, and oregano – served at Chipotle restaurants in Washington and Oregon. Most notably, Chipotle served up 25,800 lbs of bell peppers from Fewel Farms in Prosser – or 96% of the total bell peppers served at Chipotle locations in the Northwest.

How to Make Hummus and More Grilling Tips

It is not every day that I get this excited about sharing a recipe. There is so much that I want to share but most of it gets put aside in my mind while I change another exploding diaper or save a restless child from trying to put a sharp shiny object in its mouth.

Life is just like that right now. And then there are barbecues. The kind of barbecues that remind you that dinner can be easy and quick and you don’t have to plan too much.

I am well aware that barbecue for you is not barbecue for me. When I say barbecue, you might think of ribs or steak or chicken wings. When I think of barbecue, it all ends and begins in the same place, around a plate of hummus.

Yes, hummus! I can not eat food on the grill without hummus somewhere on the table.

It has to be on a round plate and have layers of flavors and colors. I can’t do it any other way. Hummus is like the round table of legumes. You need to use your bread to wipe the plate. You need to sit around the plate with a friend or your spouse and keep talking and eating until it is gone. And keep swiping your bread in a circular motion. I can’t have it any other way.
Every meat tastes better with hummus. Bread tastes better with hummus. Heck even lettuce tastes better with hummus. I could eat a whole head of lettuce wrapped in hummus.

The recipe is on the bottom but first let me tell you some more about what I like to grill.

Grilling for me has to be easy and fast. Applegate Farms hotdogs are a quick and tasty way to get food on the table. They are not the hotdogs that you get that are full of the icky bits of meat that nobody wants. Applegate farms meats don’t have antibiotics, their livestock eat a complete vegetarian diet, they are grass-fed and made with natural and organic ingredients. They are popping up all over Seattle and Portland lately and I have come to love this easy alternative for dinner.

This post is part of the Applegate blogging program (full disclosure below) but I have absolutely no problem telling you that I am very picky about my hotdogs, especially since I know my little boy is going to eat them. The products are made from whole muscle meat and no mystery ingredients. I also love that the company says that if you are not familiar with an ingredient, you can email them and they will tell you all about it. Plain and simple, I don’t do well eating fake stuff so I feel good knowing what goes into the hotdogs I serve my kids.

A weeknight barbecue dinner in my house includes hotdogs, hummus, corn on the cob and at least one salad.

There is always a large salad. I will put every vegetable I find in it. And my secret ingredient is pickles. They add just the right amount of crunch and I don’t need to add salt to the salad.

.

And now for the hummus. It is not a recipe but more of a ritual. Here is how you can do it at home.

Hummus

Ingredients:

2 Cans of chickpeas (or use dried chickpeas soaked over night and cooked).
1-2 cloves of garlic (optional)
Juice of half a lemon- one lemon (depends on preference)
salt
2-4 tablespoons of tahini
olive oil
*Za’atar Spice
Cumin
Paprika
Salt of choice
parsley

*Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend made up of dried herbs, sesame, sumac and other spices. You can find it at any specialty spice shop such as World Spice Merchants, Market Spice or any Middle Eastern Specialty store.

Start by draining the chickpeas (you can save some liquids to thin out the hummus later) and then putting them in the food processor. Add the tahini, I use between 2-4 tablespoons (start with 2) and process until you get a paste. Now taste. Add more tahini if you like it that way. Add the lemon juice. Keep tasting. Add cumin to taste, start with one teaspoon and then add another if you like. Add Salt. You can always add a few drops of the leftover liquids if it is too thick.

Now take a small round plate. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to swirl it around the plate in large circular swirls, making the rounds around the plate. Cover the whole plate.

Drizzle oil between the lines of the circles. This is not the time to be stingy. Be generous.
Now get some of the za’atar spice if you have some. Sprinkle away generously again. Add paprika and sprinkle away.

Now top it with parsley.

Sometimes I also like to fry mushrooms and onions and put those on top.

That’s it! Use your bread to dip into the hummus in kind of a wiping motion (kind of like wiping the counters down). If you have pita, even better. We like to use tortillas that have been heated in the oven until crispy. And lettuce, particularly iceberg lettuce is great for dipping.
This is easy for the kids too. My son loves it with crackers or baby carrots. M Even my babies love it. Hummus on a spoon without all the spices in it is a perfect snack for teaching babies how to hold a spoon. They just hold it and lick it.

If you don’t feel like going “the whole nine yards”, you can buy hummus but find the time to layer the rest of the stuff on top of it. It will make a world of difference.

Who needs spoonfuls of peanut butter when you can snack on spoonfuls of hummus?

Do you want to know more about Applegate Farms, follow them on Facebook.

Disclosure:
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Applegate blogging program, to earn My SocialMoms Rewards Points. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. To read more posts on this topic, click here.

Summer in Seattle, Food and Wine Events and Bastille Day

Time to get your calendars out. Summer in Seattle is jam-packed with things to do and there is something for everyone.
For a guide with all the places to eat in Seattle, check out my book ” The Food Lovers’s Guide to Seattle” So much to do, so little time.

What kind of lover are you?

For the farm-to-table food lover…
There is Outstanding in the Field.
.

For the tea lover…
Starbucks is opening a retail tea store in Seattle this fall.

For the Pike Place Market lover…
Sunset Supper is the place to be on August 17th.

For the bonfire lover…
Tom Douglas serves food around the fire. These casual gatherings held in Victor Steinbruek park bring together locals and tourists to eat grilled salmon grilled by Tom himself for $15 a plate. All proceeds go to Seattle Parks Department in an effort to help make this city’s parks remain beautiful and used by the community. There will be 4 dinners total, and the first one started on June 30th, from 5-7 pm. For more information, visit

For the seafood lover…
If you haven’t been to Boka lately, then you definitely should go. Chef Peter Birk, formerly at Ray’s Boathouse is the new Chef at the restaurant and his food is top notch with a focus on fresh seasonal seafood. For a great deal, catch the happy hour daily from 2:30 – 6:00 pm & 9:30 pm

For the bacon, poutine and comfort food lover, don’t miss Skillet’s book launch. There will be awesome food and bacon jam!

For the cupcake lover…

Cupcake Royale just opened a new shop on Pine with Bakeshop-
inspired ice cream.

For the romance lover… Don’t miss the chance to party like the French. Celebrate Bastille Day in Seattle.

Every year there is a street party in the alley behind Cafe Campagne.The festivities include burlesque dancers, lots of wine, street food and an oyster-shucking station. You can also catch a beautiful view with some French music at Maximilien or squeeze into Le Pichet for live music and celebrations. I know from years of experience that the best way to party like the French is to make it to all three.

Madison Valley is throwing their first “Bastille Bash” on July 14, to celebrate Bastille Day with a lively, family-oriented street fair. The festivities will include French inspired food and wine tastings, sidewalk sales, kids activities, live French music and more. The event will take place along East Madison Street from 27th to 29th Avenues, with nearly 30 restaurants, bakeries, retailers and fitness studios participating. There will be food from Cafe Flora, Harvest Vine, Luc, Voila Bistro and so many more. Small plates will be available for $2-$6.
Event proceeds benefit the Children’s Response Center, a nonprofit that provides legal services and counseling to children of abuse and trauma in King County.

There is an all day celebration starting at Bastille Restaurant and Bar with drink specials and more.

Every year Seattle Center has a big event with everything French.

For the wine lover…
Mondavi Winemaker Dinner
Dine al fresco on Saturday, August 4th with the wine pioneering Mondavi’s as Marc and his family bring their legendary Napa bottling selection to Tulalip Resort Casino.

Picnic and Barrel Auction on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at 4:00pm, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville

Check out the Winemaker Dinner Series, or the 25th Anniversary Wine Gala on Saturday, August 18th.

What are you doing this summer?

Far Eats is Now Open in Belltown

Geogy Chacko, the chef and owner behind Belltown’s Far Eats was the chef part of the team that created the original Beba’s Delis, and the Chutneys group of restaurants. This Indian restaurant offers Chaats, savory small plates or snacks with dishes like Curried Penn Cove Mussels, Scallops Fenugreek Lamb Burgers with Masala Fries, Cilantro Calamari, Curry Leaf Beef, Eggplant Bombay and Goat Chili and Black Pepper Chicken drizzled with Honey. The prices range from $5.00- $14.00.

The hours start at 11 am and continue until the evening with a thali lunch (11 am-2pm) and a happy hour menu from 4pm-6pm. Far Eats is located at 2301 5th Avenue, Seattle WA. The phone number is 206-770 3287.

Far Eats will be at Foodportunity on Monday June 25. Come meet the chef and taste some of what this restaurant has to offer.

Owner and Chef Geogy Chacko

Foodportunity June 25

“Foodportunity” celebrates summer’s arrival with chefs, cookbook authors and the food community
Food networking event to be held June 25 and connect Seattle’s vibrant food community; Fonté Micro Coffee Roaster to sponsor

Seattle, Wash. May 30, 2012 – Foodportunity, a series of networking events for food professionals, will take place on Monday, June 25 from 6 – 9 p.m. at Tom Douglas’ Palace Ballroom, 2100 5th Ave.

A group of local chefs and authors will be available for questions and conversations about their books (hot off the press) in the Palace Ballroom lounge between 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

● Thierry Rautureau of Chef in the Hat: Rover’s & Luc, and Rover’s cookbook
● Alice Currah of SavorySweetLife.com, and Savory Sweet Life cookbook
● Michael Natkin of Herbivoracious.com, and Herbivoracious cookbook
● Jess Thomson of Jessthomson.wordpress.com, Pike Place Market Recipes, Top Pot Hand-Forged Doughnuts
● Cynthia Nims of Monappetit.com, Gourmet Game Night, and Salty Snacks

Tom Douglas, recipient of the 2012 James Beard Foundation award for Outstanding Restaurateur, will provide his Palace Ballroom facilities to host the event and serve a selection of appetizers. Additional participating restaurants showcasing and serving bites at the event includes Lark, McCracken & Tough Restaurants, RN74, Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar, Dinette, Ray’s Boathouse and many others. More participating restaurants and companies can be found at http://www.foodportunity.com.

Foodportunity, created by Seattle event planner and food blogger Keren Brown, is open to food journalists, bloggers, public relations professionals, restaurateurs, farmers, companies and all food-passionate people.

The event will be sponsored by Fonté Coffee, one of the finest independent coffee roasters in the Pacific Northwest. Fonté sources the top one percent of coffee beans from around the world and ships them to a worldwide clientele. Fonté also operates a European bistro-style Café & Wine Bar, across from the Seattle Art Museum located just steps away from the Pike Place Market.

Early admission is $25 (including booking fees; $32 at a later date), which includes appetizers from restaurants and companies. Tickets can be purchased through http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/244390 .

The first 40 Foodportunity ticket-holders to send an email to info@foodportunity.com will get a seat at the 8:30 p.m. “speed networking” session led by Rachel Belle, reporter on KIRO FM’s Ron & Don Show, and host of daily segment “Ring My Belle.” For showcasing information, contact: kerenlovestocook@gmail.com.

About Keren Brown

Keren Brown, writer of FranticFoodie.com, created the line of networking and educational events known as Foodportunity. The networking events in Seattle and Portland connect the entire food community. Keren Brown was named “Doer of the Week” by MarthaStewart.com and featured in numerous publications such as Puget Sound Business Journal, Portland Business Journal, Sunset Magazine, Seattle Times, Chicago Tribune and Edible Seattle. In addition to her own blog she writes for MyNorthwest .com. She is the author of the “Food Lovers’ Guide to Seattle” (Globe Pequot Press), a guide to all the best restaurants, bakeries and specialty shops in Seattle.

About Fonté Coffee Roaster

Celebrating it’s 20th year, Fonté Coffee Roaster has grown to become one of Seattle’s premium coffee roasters, providing single origin and specialty coffees and tea for cafes, retailers, restaurants and hotels. The company was founded in 1992 by Seattle native Paul Odom, with a passion to create coffees that would please the most discriminating enthusiast. Fonté meticulously sources and selects beans from around the world. Using a hand roasting process performed by tenured Master Roaster Steve Smith, the beans are “roasted-to-order”, packaged and shipped within twenty-four hours to ensure the highest quality flavor for the coffee connoisseur. Visit the retail location at 1321 First Ave in downtown Seattle, across from the Seattle Art Museum and just steps from Pike Place Market or online at http://www.fontecoffee.com

photo by Nate Naismith

Food Events, Restaurants and More Seattle in the Know

Summer, Summer. People in this city are beaming with happy smiles, new energy and the restaurant scene is running around like a chicken without a head. There is way too much to keep up with but I put together a short list of things you might want to check out.

1. Duke’s Slightly Slanted Happy Hour. All 6 locations are slanting things but I recently got to attend a media event on South Lake Union and let me tell you, this is a great place to sit and have a slanted time (okay I will stop using this word) on the patio while enjoying the warm weather. The menu includes items like Naked Wild Alaska Salmon Slider with Alaska Coho Salmon molasses bread with basil pesto and sliced tomato, Fresh Dungeness Crab Slider , NW Coast Dungeness Crab with fresh avocado and homemade chipotle aioli and Goat Cheese & Pesto Slider with Laura Chenel goat cheese with homemade pesto on a mini flour tortilla. For drinks they have a Bloody Bloody Mary , Housemade infused imported Pinnacle vodka with Demitri’s All-Natural Bloody Mary Seasoning garnished with two jumbo prawns and Katy’s Naughty Lemonade, Smirnoff Raspberry with fresh squeezed Lemonade, Sierra Mist and Cranberry juice.

2. This Thursday!
Macy’s Great American Chef’s Tour, Kick off by Tom Douglas
“Macy’s Great American Chefs Tour” is embarking on a cross-country road trip, pairing the celebrity chefs of Macy’s Culinary Council with live cooking demonstrations, food tastings and a celebration of local culinary talent. MCC chef Tom Douglas kicks off the more than 15-city tour at Macy’s Downtown Seattle on Thursday, May 31. There are some amazing chefs involved and it is only $10.

3. Cafe Flora’s 20th Anniversary.

4. Evo Kitchen Tapas and Cabaret recently opened on East Olive Way. Check the calendar for details.

5. Corks and Canvas event at Pan Pacific Hotel. I am always looking for fun things to do with my girlfriends and though eating is always first on our list it is always refreshing to add another element to the evening. The Pan Pacific Hotel has these Corks & Canvas events where there are blank canvases for you to paint and an instructor or two to guide you while you paint your version of The Space Needle view. It is such an interesting concept paired with cocktails and Chef John Howie’s fabulous food.

Crumble & Flake bakery is the bakery that everyone is talking about lately. Oh and Autumn from Get Your Hotcakes opened a Molten Chocolate Cakery. Trust me that girl knows what she is doing.

And Foodportunity tickets are on sale now at the early bird price.

What did you do on the long weekend? What do you like to do in Seattle?

If you don’t have my book yet, now is a good time to map out your summer eating schedule. The Food Lovers’ Guide to Seattle is the guide to the best bakeries, restaurants and specialty shops in Seattle. Send me any questions by email about Seattle food too. I am happy to help.

Cafe Flora Anniversary Party and Ticket Giveaway

photo credit: Michael Natkin

Cafe Flora, the Madison Valley restaurant known for its charming vegetarian fare is celebrating 20 years next weekend. 20 years in restaurant years, now that is a milestone! I have tickets and you can win them.

They are throwing a big bash at the restaurant to celebrate with guests, vendors and past chefs.

The event is Saturday, June 2nd at Cafe Flora in Madison Valley. I It will be a farmer’s market style event with Cafe Flora’s beloved growers and vendors set up throughout the restaurant, atrium and tented courtyard. There will be food from Cafe Flora chefs using local vendor produce, wine and beer, live music, CSA sign ups, and former chefs to mingle with, including their founding chef Jim Watkins. Ticket proceeds will benefit the Bailey-Boushay House, also celebrating 20 years.

Details:

Tickets are available for purchase here
VIP admission 5-6 p.m. $50 – guests receive special anniversary cocktails by Oola Distillery, wine, beer, food, live music, early admission, Cafe Flora gift bag
General admission 6-10 p.m. $30 – guests receive wine, beer, food, live music, Cafe Flora anniversary gift
Located at 2901 East Madison Street http://www.cafeflora.com/

Vendors include:

Airfield Estates
Alexandria Nicole Cellars
Big Al Brewery
Columbia City Bakery
Foraged and Found
Full Circle Farms
Growing Washington
Local Roots
Oola Distillery
Oxbow Farm
Remedy Teas
Rockridge Orchard Cider
Stumptown Coffee
And more!

Giveaway:. And here is how you can win.

1) Leave a comment
2) For every tweet about this post, you get one entry.
3) For every Facebook share 3 entries

Be sure to tag @franticfoodie or @foodportunityse so I can find it.
Winner will be chosen on Monday, May 28 by random number generator.

Food Festival in Lynnwood, Cheese Festival at Pike Place Market

Can you believe that the weekend is already here? This weekend is the famous Seattle Cheese Festival at Pike Place Market. They have a fresh mozzarella making demo, local chefs doing demos and the chance to taste so many different cheeses.

If you are in Lynnwood, check out this food event this weekend.

Food Revolution Snohomish County, a movement aimed at encouraging growing, cooking, preserving, and eating real healthy food, brings a new community event to Lynnwood.

Celebration of Food Festival Comes to Lynnwood Convention Center May 20

The Celebration of Food Festival will be a free, family event where participants can taste, explore, and experience real food 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, May 20, at the Lynnwood Convention Center, 711 196th Street Southwest, Lynnwood, 98036.

“This event brings together people who are passionate about delicious, local, wholesome food,” said organizer Chris Hudyma. “Farmers, ranchers, culinary professionals, youth, students, and business owners will offer activities to inspire the enjoyment of real food.”

The Celebration of Food Festival is sponsored by Cascade Harvest Coalition, Cedar Grove Composting, Central Market, City of Lynnwood, Edmonds Community College, Sno-Isle Food Co-op, Verdant Health Commission, and Whole Foods Market Lynnwood.

The event will include free samples, demos, displays of foods in categories throughout the center: Surf & Turf, Sweet & Nutty, Kickin’ Flavor, Veggies & Fruit, Great Grains, and Preservation.

Vendors at the event will include: Hot Cakes Confections (owned by Edmonds Community College Distinguished Culinary Arts Alumna Autumn Martin), Northwest Wild Foods, Smokey Point Bakery Café, and Theo Chocolate.

Photo credit: Jackie Donnelly Baisa

Are You the Ultimate Mario Batali fan?

Calling All Chew Fans – From Coast to Coast!!

ARE YOU THE ULTIMATE CHEW SUPERFAN? Is it your dream to cook with Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Daphne Oz or Clinton Kelly? If you live in or around the Seattle area, send us an e-mailat tellthechew@gmail.com with your name, age, contact information, and why YOUwant to cook with our hosts!

You never know — one or more of you could end up appearing on our show!

Bring Home the Win with Chicken

Dear Readers.
I wanted to share this cooking contest opportunity. Good Luck friends!
Keren

LAST CALL FOR ENTRIES: DEADLINE JUNE 3 TO COMPETE FOR $10,000 PRIZE IN THIRD ANNUAL FOSTER FARMS FRESH CHICKEN COOKING CONTEST CELEBRATING WEST COAST BOUNTY OF LOCALLY GROWN FOODS
Winner to receive Grand Prize of $10,000, one-year supply of Foster Farms fresh chicken; all finalists receive trip to the Napa Valley to compete at The Culinary Institute of America

LIVINGSTON, Calif. – Foster Farms announces the last call for entries for its third annual Foster Farms Fresh Chicken Cooking Contest. The West Coast’s premier cooking contest features a grand prize of $10,000 plus a one-year supply of Foster Farms fresh chicken*. The deadline to enter is June 3, 2012 at 11:59:59 p.m. PDT.

Foster Farms is encouraging home, amateur and professional chefs in California, Oregon and Washington to stir up locally-inspired cooking creativity and submit their favorite, original, fresh chicken recipes for consideration. Recipes must feature Foster Farms fresh chicken and should be inspired by fresh ingredients grown on the West Coast as a testament to Foster Farms’ commitment to foods that are fresh, locally grown and always natural. The scoring structure will be weighted to reward contestants whose recipes highlight truly fresh and local ingredients. Last year’s winner was a home chef and the 2010 winner was a cooking school student whose win helped launch her culinary career.

“We are inspired by the entries we’ve received so far which reflect the abundance of fresh, local ingredients available to us on the West Coast,” said Ira Brill, director of marketing services for Foster Farms. “We encourage cooks of all abilities to join the competition and share their own masterpieces of culinary originality.”

Foster Farms will host Regional Semifinal cook off events in San Diego, Calif., Portland, Ore., and Seattle, Wash., in August and September 2012 where contestants will compete for a chance to secure one of the six spots at the Finals event. The contest culminates with the Finals on September 28, 2012 at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena in California’s Napa Valley. The Semifinal and Finals events will be judged by a panel of leading food media and culinary professionals. All events are attended by media and a select number of consumers.
· Fifteen semifinalists – five from each state – will receive $100 and compete in person at regional competitions held at prestigious culinary venues in Seattle (Kathy Casey Food Studios), Portland (The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Portland) and San Diego (The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – San Diego). Six regional winners – two from each state – will receive $1,000.

· The six regional winners will head to the Finals in St. Helena to compete for the grand prize of $10,000 and a one-year* supply of Foster Farms fresh chicken. The six finalists will receive travel and lodging accommodations in the Napa Valley.

· Special “People’s’ Choice Award” winner will be selected by consumer spectators.

The contest is open to all California, Oregon and Washington residents over the age of 18. Following the conclusion of the contest, all entrants will receive a cookbook compiled from this year’s 15 semifinalists’ recipes.

For complete contest rules, please visit http://www.fosterfarms.com/cookingcontest. View last year’s recipes and more on Foster Farms’ new Pinterest page at http://pinterest.com/fosterfarmsca. No previous grand prize winners of the Foster Farms Fresh Chicken Cooking Contest are eligible to participate. Entries can be submitted online at http://www.fosterfarms.com/cookingcontest, by email at cookingcontest@fosterfarms.com or by mail to Foster Farms, Cooking Contest, P.O. Box 306, Livingston, CA 95334. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more information.

Day 5 of Foodportunity Giveaway, Herbivoracious Cookbook

Today is the last day of the Foodportunity Giveaway. Sign up for my blog to keep up with the Seattle food life and more contests! If you want to win the Herbivoracious cookbook, scroll down here.

Today I am giving away a copy of the Herbivoracious Cookbook. You don’t have to be a vegetarian to fall in with love this cookbook because you will find recipes packed with so much damn flavor that you will not miss the meat. Michael Natkin, the beloved blogger and author known as Herbivoracious is your ticket to flavorful dinners with interesting ingredients. He knows what he is doing and is such a nice guy that if you ask him any question via twitter or Facebook or in person, he will go the distance to find the answer. Here is what I wrote about his cookbook. He will be at Foodportunity answering questions and taking the time to talk to you. Scroll down to find out how to enter.

Networking Tip of the Day: Dress for Success. People ask me all the time if there is a dress code for Foodportunity. There isn’t. You can wear anything that you want. Though remember that you want people to be attracted to talking to you and making connections and it helps to look nice. Dress the way that represents you. If you are not sure, you can just wear a pair of black pants and a shirt. At one of our events, one of the farmers wore the clothes that she wears on the farm and that was really special. If you feel like dressing up you can. If you feel like dressing down then that is fine too. It really is about feeling comfortable in your skin.

Will we see you at Foodportunity?
Foodportunity is a networking event for Seattle’s food community. The event is June 25 from 6-9 pm. More information here

The giveaway!

How do you win? (Winner chosen tomorrow morning)

1) Comment on this post for one entry
2) Tweet about this for one entry and tag @foodportunityse (the more tweets, the more entries!)
3) Facebook share information about our event http://franticfoodie.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/foodportunity-june-25-you-are-invited/ (5 entries)
4) Pinterest: Repin 2 things from our Foodportunity board for an entry

Day 4 Foodportunity Giveaway, Pike Place Market Recipes Cookbook

This is day 4 of the 5 day giveaway. Make sure to check back tomorrow to enter the last contest this week. Scroll down to win this book!

If there is one place in Seattle that holds the key to my heart, it is the Pike Place Market. It was the best part of writing my book the “Food Lovers’ Guide to Seattle“.
I just loved going to the market and eating from all the places. Sometimes I would “so call” research the same places again and again just so that I would have an excuse to pinch the produce that leads the way into the market. My favorite place to shop is Corner Produce. That is the produce place right on the corner at 1500 Pike Place. It may not be the place where you will find the most exotic produce (though you can find just about everything) but they have this little corner and there you can find dollar bags of produce. Definitely the place for someone like me who just can’t decide what to make. And there is a game I play every time. It’s called ” Make Do” and I pick up a few dollar bags and make something with whatever is in the bags. Sometimes you will find a couple avocados, or some corn on the cob, a couple mangos or even a full bag of limes. That’s where the uglier produce gets tossed to the side but we all know not to judge a book by its cover!

Local food writer Jess Thomson just came out with a book called “Pike Place Market Recipes:130 Delicious Ways to Bring Seattle’s Famous Market Home.” What you need to know about Jess comes through in everything she does. She pours her heart and soul into her writing. In this book, she basically connects you with the souls of the market and gets their recipes. But that’s not it, she also gives you tips on what to do with foods you can find like her 10 way lists where she gives you 10 inspirational things to do with ingredients. This book is jam-packed with recipes and beautiful photos that highlight the beauty of the market. This is such a nice gift for someone who likes to cook. Jess Thomson will be available at Foodportunity on June 25 to answer your questions and today’s giveaway is a copy of her book. Yes you can be one of the first to get this beautiful book. The photos are by the ever-so-talented Claire Barboza. Jess Thomson is a fantastic writer and you can read more of it here.

Networking Tip of the Day: When you meet someone new, make sure to ask about them first. We tend to spend lots of time talking about ourselves but a good networker will ask about the other person. Remember to spend your time listening. This will make you a better networker and people will be drawn to you.

Will we see you at Foodportunity?
Foodportunity is a networking event for Seattle’s food community. The event is June 25 from 6-9 pm. More information here

The giveaway!

How do you win? (Winner chosen tomorrow morning)

1) Comment on this post for one entry
2) Tweet about this for one entry and tag @foodportunityse (the more tweets, the more entries!)
3) Facebook share information about our event http://franticfoodie.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/foodportunity-june-25-you-are-invited/ (5 entries)
4) Pinterest: Repin 2 things from our Foodportunity board for an entry

Day 3 Foodportunity Giveaway, Networking Tips and Gourmet Game Night

One of the best parts about the Foodportunity networking event is bringing people who I admire together.

When I just began writing about food, all I wanted was to do was connect with people who inspire me and that is when I met Cynthia Nims.
She has written many books including authoring a book with Thierry Rautureau from Rover’s and Luc (the funniest chef in town). And she is incredibly down to earth and inspiring. It is such a pleasure to have them together at http://www.foodportunity. Thierry is hilarious and so incredibly talented and Cynthia has written many cookbooks including a must-have if you like to entertain called. “Gourmet Game Night” and “Salty Snacks” which has not been released yet. Here is my review of it. This one has been on my living room table for a while and even more lately since board games have been a way of bringing my family together after dinner. Today’s giveaway is a copy of Gourmet Game Night.‘

You can meet both Cynthia Nims and Chef Thierry Rautureau at Foodportunity. They will be available to meet guests and answer questions. Foodportunity is a food networking event that connects Seattle’s food industry. Come and eat from the best restaurants in town and taste from many local companies. Tickets on sale at Brown Paper Tickets for the June 25 event. More information here

Networking Tip of the Day: Talk to the person in the corner. At every event, there is a person standing in the corner of the room that might be having trouble talking to people. Go talk to that person. if You see someone alone, that is your chance to start up a conversation.

The giveaway!

How do you win? (Winner chosen tomorrow morning)

1) Comment on this post for one entry
2) Tweet about this for one entry and tag @foodportunityse (the more tweets, the more entries!)
3) Facebook share information about our event http://franticfoodie.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/foodportunity-june-25-you-are-invited/ (5 entries)
4) Pinterest: Repin 2 things from our Foodportunity board for an entry

Good Luck

Day 2 of Foodportunity Giveaway and Networking Tips

Today we are giving away a gift pack of Demetri’s Bloody Mary Seasoning. You can host your next party by just adding tomato juice.

And with that this Williams Sonoma Cheese Cookbook. You will be the life of your next party!
Who doesn’t love cheese? Beecher’s is a favorite of mine.

Networking Tip: If you are having trouble striking up a conversation, give a sincere compliment. Surely you will see something you like. Tell the person you like their purse. If you see them wearing a color you like, just tell them that. Such an easy way to start a conversation. Sounds trivial but remember the other person might be having a hard time starting the conversation too.

Will we see you at Foodportunity?
Foodportunity is a networking event for Seattle’s food community. The event is June 25 from 6-9 pm. More information here

How do you win? We choose the winner in the morning so you have until tomorrow to enter. And check back tomorrow for another prize.

1) Comment on this post for one entry
2) Tweet about this for one entry and tag @foodportunityse (the more tweets, the more entries!)
3) Facebook share information about our event http://franticfoodie.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/foodportunity-june-25-you-are-invited/ (5 entries)
4) Pinterest: Repin 2 things from our Foodportunity board for an entry

Good Luck

Foodportunity 5 Day Giveaway and Networking Tips

photo credit: Jackie Donnely Baisa

Mondays are tough, for all of us. So we at Foodportunity want to make that easier for you.
We are starting this week off with a $25 Fonte Coffee Gift Card. And we are having 5 days of giveaways. Yes, 5 days. Every day, check in and you can win. For more on how to win, scroll down.

Networking Challenge: Every day, check in for a networking tip, task or inspiration.

Day 1: Get your business cards ready. Do you have cards? Now is the time to print some out. People want to know how to contact you. Don’t have a job yet? That is ok, just have your name and information on the card. And when exchanging cards at the event, remember to look at the card. Pay attention. It will help you remember the person.

Here is the link to the event details, just in case you don’t have your ticket yet.

How do you win? We choose the winner in the morning so you have until tomorrow to enter. And check back tomorrow for another prize.

1) Comment on this post for one entry
2) Tweet about this for one entry and tag @foodportunityse (the more tweets, the more entries!)
3) Facebook share information about our event http://franticfoodie.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/foodportunity-june-25-you-are-invited/ (5 entries)
4) Like Fonte Cafe and Wine Bar on Facebook for 1 entry (let us know in the comments)
5) Pinterest: Repin 2 things from our Foodportunity board for an entry
6) Like Foodportunityse on Facebook for 1 entry (or just let us know that you already like us)

Crumble & Flake is now Open

Just when you think Capitol Hill couldn’t get any more walkable (or charming to say the least), a new patisserie
graces the neighborhood.
Neil Robertson, Seattle’s famous Pastry Chef, formerly at Canlis and Mistral Kitchen opened Crumble & Flake yesterday. Tiny and modern, the magical pastry shop on the corner of Olive Way sweetened opening day with colorful French Macarons, cream puffs (filled to order) in two sizes, croissants, cookies, double brownies, cinnamon rolls, and the list goes on.

Crumble & Flake is located at 1500 E Olive Way. More information at Crumble & Flake

I loved the Cheweo (I can’t resist two cookies sandwiched in cream) and my assistant Marisa Ingram was raving over the Capirinha Macaron.

A Pinterest Giveaway- A Pinportunity

We are having a Pinterest Giveaway. Win a $25 Fonte Gift Card. All you have to do is repin 5 pins from our Foodportunity June 25 2012 board and follow us:).

Deadline is Friday, May 4, 2012.

Happy Pinning!

Seattle Chocolate Salon and Giveaway. Win two tickets.

Listen up Chocolate Lovers. This is your chance. You can have all the chocolate you want. I am talking bite after bite. I am talking chili chocolate, basil chocolate, spicy chocolate, sweet chocolate and every brand you can think of. On May 6, you can have it all

I am honored to be speaking at this event about the Seattle Food Scene. Come listen. We can share chocolate. I won’t judge your chocolate eating abilities if you don’t judge mine. I promise. Even if you have chocolate stains on your clothes.

Seattle Chocolate Salon
Where: Bell Harbor Conference Center
When: May 6
Who: Anyone who loves chocolate
Why: Why not? One day of all the chocolate you can want.

Buy Tickets Here

Giveaway! Winner notified on Monday!

Update, we have a winner! Sophia Katt you won! Thanks for all the entries. More giveaways coming soon. And follow Foodpotunity on Pinterest for more giveaways.

I have two tickets to give to one very lucky chocoholic. There are many ways to win.
1) Comment for one entry
2) Tweet the giveaway with @Frantic Foodie for another entry (every tweet is one entry, you can tweet as much as you want)
3) Like the Foodportunity Facebook page or follow Foodportunity on Pinterest (3 entries each). Just comment here to let me know. If you already liked the Facebook page then let me know and you still get the points.
4) Share on Facebook for 6 entries. Tag @Foodportunity

Good luck!

BlogHer Food Seattle and Free Restaurant Advice

This year BlogHer Food is in Seattle. You know what that means.

It means that you can learn about food blogging, meet new people, connect with people you want to meet, learn how to shoot video, learn how to incorporate humor into your blog, learn how to build a career in food and much more.

I will be speaking this year too. I am on a panel with Hank Shaw. Yes, Hank is the hunter of all hunters. Really. He hunts for his own food, he shares the stories, he motivates, he is marketing genius and he is just a really awesome guy that has a lot to share. Our panel is all about: BootStrapping a Book Tour: Modern- Day Marketing in today’s publishing environment.

We will be spilling the beans on how to promote yourself, your book, your tour. How to make it interactive, fun and how to fill your schedule with events that will work for you and engage your audience. I will be sharing my ideas about my book promotions for the “Food Lovers Guide to Seattle” and Hank will be telling us about his multi-city book tour for his <a href="“>book and blog “Hunter Angler Gardener Cook“. And even if you don’t have a book, come and learn about ways to promote your brand.

If you are going, comment here. I would love to meet and talk.

Free Restaurant Advice If you need suggestions on what to eat and where, email me. I will be happy to respond. Please make sure to send me a little about yourself so I can cater the suggestions to your style. My email is kerenlovestocookatgmail.com I also have signed copies of my book if you want to buy from me (at a discount).

And if you are a local food blogger and you are not on my Seattle Food Blogger List, please email me. I throw events all the time that bring the local bloggers together.

Now before you go, I suggest you check out the International Food Blogger Conference that is happening in August. I love this conference and will be speaking there too. I will be posting more soon but here is a little preview,

Cupcake Camp Seattle is Here

Every year at about this time, there are loads and loads of cupcakes to be eaten.

If you like the sweetness of a cupcake and being around lots of other cupcake lovers then you won’t want to miss this cupcake eating extravaganza.
There are contests for all ages and levels. You can enter the professional bakers, amateur bakers or youth category Details here:

My friend Matt Ebert won last year!

For a recap of Cupcake Camp two years ago, read this post by Cakespy. Yes, that is me sitting in a life-sized cupcake.

Mad Men Season 5 at Luc

I Admit it. I have never watched an episode of Mad Men. Don’t hate me for this. One day I will get around to it. I will. I promise. My friend Linda has Mad Men parties and stuff. She is cool like that.

What I do know for sure is that it is my responsibility to share events that I think you will love. And actually any reason to go to Luc for dinner or snacks or just to sit on the bar and chat with the charmingly French Chef Thierry Rautureau “the chef in the hat” is a good enough reason for me.

So here is your chance. Every Sunday, Luc is screening the 5th season of Madmen.

Seating begins at 9:30pm

Come in 60’s era cocktail attire and receive $6 Classic Cocktail Specials & FREE snacks

More information here

Herbivoracious, Michael Natkin’s New Cookbook

When I first moved to Seattle over 5 years ago, I was desperate to meet other bloggers. I didn’t know one person here so I started emailing the bloggers behind my favorite blogs. New friendships blossomed as well as the Seattle Food Blogger Events, my group that brings local bloggers together to talk about food. Michael Natkin of Herbivoracious was one of my first friends here (he came to the first meeting) as well as one of the first blogs that I started to read daily.

I know Michael Natkin from just about the time when he started his blog journey, I remember him staging at Cafe Flora, I remember the day that the restaurant got reviewed and his dish happened to be the one that the reviewer raved about. It gave me hope as a newbie blogger, it was a sign that if you reach for your dreams and you work hard, great things will happen. One of my fondest memories was an underground dinner that Michael invited me to. Michael taught me that vegetarian food can be complex in flavor, he made buckwheat blini topped with asparagus caviar and creme fraiche and a Panko crusted hard-boiled egg with smoked asparagus and sherry gastrique. This was before I was so deeply immersed into food, asparagus caviar was an idea that I had no idea could happen and his menu blew me away.

photo credit: Michael Natkin

photo credit: Michael Natkin

I watched over the years as Michael’s blog grew, his readership grew and now I am holding the galley of his cookbook (it is basically the pre-cookbook, not all the photos are in it but I get to read all the recipes and experiment.)

This book is really amazing. Michael knows how to make vegetarian dishes explode with flavor. I admit that I eat meatless quite a lot, mostly out of convenience. With 3 kids at home, my husband and I tend to divide up the tasks and he does most of the shopping because I do the cooking. I hardly plan my meals in advance so I cook vegetarian because it is convenient and fast. Michael seems to plug the things that I miss into meatless meals in here without missing even a bit of flavor. He gives you that exact ingredient that you need to make a meal pop and that is what it is.

Some of the things that I loved about this book:
- He explains cooking. I am a pretty good home cook but I have to say that sometimes I wonder what I need to add to make my dish pop. He gives explanations about how to add acid, salt and just what would make a difference.
-He doesn’t use fake proteins. There is tofu in it but you won’t find imitation meat or anything of that sort.

- He has some of my favorite Jewish recipes; I am sure that many would have no idea that they are Jewish because they are Sephardic (the polar opposite of blintzes or potato latkes), you will find recipes like Sabich and Mujadara (Middle Eastern rice and lentil pilaf). For me, these recipes
are much more comforting than bagels and lox, which people perceive as Jewish Food.

- There are recipes from all over the world; the recipes are influenced from Morocco to Spain, Italy to Israel, and the Southeast Asian and Indian regions.

- The recipes are tested by a dad of two. They are family- friendly recipes that you can make at home. And there are lots of explanations.

You can pre-order the book here.

Before I end this review, I am going to share his recipe for Sabich. The summer days in Israel (we visit a lot) are often so hot that you feel as though you never want to eat again. On those days, all I can find room for is watermelon and feta or popsicles but suddenly in the deep afternoon, the hunger hits and grabbing a Sabich on the street, a pita full of fried eggplant, egg and lots of vegetables is the best way to hit the spot. Amba, a pickled mango is found in every Sabich but it is indeed an acquired taste, I have always avoided it because it seems to come out of your pores which does not seem the least bit appetizing on a day of sweltering heat (my friend’s swear by it though).

Michael’s Sabich Recipe (with introduction)

Iraqi-Jewish Eggplant Sandwich (Sabich)

VEGAN OPTION
GLUTEN-FREE OPTION
MAKES 4 SANDWICHES
30 MINUTES

Sabich is a popular Sabbath food for Iraqi Jews, who, when they emigrated to Israel and set up a community in Ramat Gan, brought the sandwich with them. It has since gained widespread popularity, and of course, in typical Israeli fashion, there are 100 variations and 200 opinions about which one is best.
There is something about the creaminess of the egg and the fried goodness of the eggplant that works really well together. And the garnishes of Israeli salad (tomatoes and cucumbers with a bit of lemon juice), hummus, onions, pickles, parsley, and amba give your mouth the full workout of sweet, spicy, sour, herbaceous, smooth, and crispy.
Amba is a pickled mango condiment. You may be able to find it at a Middle Eastern grocery, or check the Internet for a recipe and make your own. If you can’t find it or make it, use a little harissa or other hot sauce instead.

Ingredients
2 plum tomatoes, finely diced
Half an English cucumber, finely diced
Juice of 1 lemon
Kosher salt
1⁄4 cup vegetable oil
1 large eggplant, peeled and cut into generous 1⁄4-inch slices
4 large eggs, hard-cooked, peeled, and sliced (omit for vegan)
2 cups hummus (store-bought or make your own)
1 cup pre-seasoned tahini (sesame paste, also known as tehina or tahina) or 1 cup plain tahini seasoned with 1 clove minced garlic and lemon juice to taste
1⁄2 cup loosely packed fresh flatleaf parsley leaves
Half a small white onion, minced
1⁄2 cup thinly sliced or diced dill pickle
Amba (pickled mango; more information in the book)
4 pita breads (omit and serve as a salad for gluten-free)

Directions
1. In a small bowl, make a simple salad of the tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon juice, adding salt to taste.
2. Put the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant in batches until completely tender, turning to brown on both sides, about 7 minutes total; drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. (You can also grill the eggplant instead of frying for a different, lighter taste.) Transfer to a serving dish.
3. While the eggplant is frying, put the eggs, hummus, tahini, parsley, onion, dill pickle, and amba in small bowls so diners can build sandwiches to their own specifications.
4. Toast or grill the pita bread.
5. Serve it forth, preferably with a cold beer, and encourage everyone to make a gigantic sandwich

Recipe© Michael Natkin and used by the permission of The Harvard Common Press.

Do You Want to be a Food Blogger and Get Paid?

This might be the perfect job. Go for it!

Richmond, BC, Canada – Tourism Richmond is launching its largest initiative since the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games by announcing a global audition for a once-in-a-lifetime employment opportunity that will appeal to a food-loving hyper-communicator and adventurer at heart. Boasting over 400 Asian eateries within a population of 200,000 and renowned for having some of the best Chinese cuisine in the world, Richmond is a hidden gastronomic gem that’s a must-add to any West Coast visit. Hoping to capitalize on the international rise in culinary tourism, Tourism Richmond is employing a blogging epicurean who can vividly convey the city’s many restaurant offerings online through the written word, photography and video.

“Richmond’s Foodie Blogger” is a one-year contract role with a salary of $50,000, apartment and living compensation (negotiable upon final selection) and a daily stipend for all restaurant meals. And to help burn off all those daily restaurant samplings, the job even includes a one-year membership to the Richmond Olympic Oval (home to a 23,000 square foot fitness centre). Open to anyone around the world eligible to work in Canada for 12 months, applications for this unique role are open March 1 to 31, 2012.

For a transparent and authentic experience for both the blogger and his/her followers, content will be determined by the selected candidate with minimal input from Tourism Richmond. Richmond’s Foodie Blogger will, nevertheless, be provided with all the resources and tools necessary to effectively navigate the city.

But this position won’t be a walk in the park – the selected applicant is required to visit at least one of Richmond’s 800+ restaurants per day, post online content daily, manage community engagement across various social media channels and must demonstrate a willingness to explore all that Richmond has to offer outside of its food scene.

“Our ideal Richmond Foodie Blogger will be a great communicator, social media savvy, and most importantly, be open-minded and willing to try new things,” says Tourism Richmond CEO Tracy Lakeman. “We know we have some of the best Asian cuisine on the globe and this is the ideal time to showcase it – all of it. Based on market research, we already know that visitors are attracted to Richmond for its authentic Asian influence as well as its affordability and accessibility to Vancouver, Whistler and Victoria – we are the gateway to British Columbia.”

“Our culinary offerings are like none other and we believe the best way to demonstrate that is through the eyes and stomach of an online foodie presence,” she adds. “The 365 Days of Dining campaign is a long-term strategy for tourism growth in Richmond that is expected to grow in momentum throughout the year. We look forward to working closely with our community partners on this project and hope it will create greater public awareness of our amazing city. Its natural beauty, rich history, multiculturalism and diverse cuisines are enough to whet any traveler’s appetite.”

Interested bloggers can apply online via Tourism Richmond’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/RichmondBC) starting March 1. This is a genuine candidate search and a standard interview process will apply. Tourism Richmond will review all applications and whittle the list of prospective bloggers down to 10 finalists. All finalists will then partake in two rounds of interviews before Richmond’s Foodie Blogger is selected. Applicants outside of BC will likely be interviewed via Skype.

For all Twitter chatter related to the 365 Days of Dining campaign, refer to hashtag #Richmond365.

More About Richmond’s Unique Culinary Scene:

Home to the Vancouver International Airport (YVR), only a 25 minute ride from downtown Vancouver on the Canada Line rapid transit system and close to the U.S. border, Richmond has long been the preferred go-to destination for Asian cuisine. With a population that’s 65 per cent Asian and with the largest proportion of Canadian residents of Chinese ancestry (45 per cent), Richmond boasts more than 400 Asian-influenced eateries and its diverse dishes span the continent of Asia.

Richmond’s bustling city centre, dubbed the Golden Village, is Canada’s most vibrant Asian community and the best place to indulge in this award-winning fare. From vast food courts in Hong Kong-style shopping centers to strip mall hole-in-the-walls, there’s never a shortage of culinary gems to discover. Also within this one-of-a-kind district resides the famed Alexandra Road – the city’s ‘Wai Sek Kai’ or ‘Food Street’ – where 200-plus Asian eateries are nestled within a three-block radius.

Declared by everyone from the New York Times to Conde Nast Traveler as having “the best Chinese food outside of China,” freshly-prepared dim sum, sizzling hot pot, frothy bubble tea, flaky pastries and steaming bowls of congee also await at every corner.

Then there’s our world-famous Asian-influenced Summer Night Market: Recently declared by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the best night markets in the world, this lively outdoor extravaganza opens May to September and features vendor stalls laden with quirky trinkets (haggling permitted!), live entertainment and most importantly, dozens upon dozens of food carts to choose from. Nightly crowds of over 20,000 flock here to enjoy signature Asian street foods like Hong Kong-style bubble waffles, stinky tofu, beef skewers, BBQ squid and dragon’s beard candy (a Chinese version of cotton candy).

But Richmond isn’t limited solely to its Asian cuisine – the scenic and historic fishing village of Steveston (which today remains Canada’s largest commercial fishing harbour) is renowned for its fresh seafood offerings, artisan coffee shops and tempting bakeries. With all this, plus fine-dining restaurants, funky diners and the homemade offerings of Richmond’s public markets to choose from, there’s more than enough variety to keep a hungry blogger busy for a year.

About Tourism Richmond:

Tourism Richmond is a non-profit, membership driven destination marketing organization (DMO). The primary mandate of Tourism Richmond is to enhance awareness about the destination through sales and marketing initiatives and by providing excellent visitor and member services. Ultimately, Tourism Richmond’s goal is to increase economic activity related to tourism for the City of Richmond and all stakeholders. Tourism Richmond is British Columbia’s fourth largest DMO and a former Venue City for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Plenty by Yotam Ottolenghi, Loving Vegetables Again

Just like everyone else, cooking comes in and out of my life like a long-term relationship. Sometimes you are present; in love, obsessed, sometimes you are just in it and sometimes it is just a part of your life, your every day routine.

I don’t think that this is necessarily bad, being happy in a relationship is about the big picture, it is not about being too busy to see your spouse for a few days but it is about knowing that like everything in life, it’s a limbo, sometimes you want more of it and sometimes you just need less. Cooking is the same for me.

I cook just about every day but the amount of presence and passion in it varies widely.
Sometimes I spend my days, slaving over the food in the kitchen, I am happy to be there hours on end and on other days, I just want to get something on the table and call it quits. Once in a while a cookbook comes into my life and I am love-struck; carrying it with me everywhere, in my bathtub, on the bus and in every room of my house. Sometimes, that same cookbook will pull me into the kitchen and I might spend hours forgetting about all that I have to do.

“Plenty” has been that cookbook for me. It has been my kitchen renaissance. It has restored my love in cooking after 9 months of a difficult pregnancy including 3 months of barely being able to walk and bed rest and an adjustment to a life of 2 new nursing newborns that can only communicate by screaming at the top of their lungs and flashing me with their heartbreaker smiles and their chubby toes. And to add the mix, I have a 3 year old who has discovered that N-O spells No and my own business, www.foodportunity.com Don’t get me wrong, I love my life but finding the time to leisurely cook has not been my top priority lately.

That is until “Plenty” came along. Israeli- Born Yotam Ottolenghi’s book is a vegetable book by a carnivore. Just forget the vegetarian part because the book is truly everything in meat and more. Most of all in the first 2 weeks that I have this book, I have made a dozen recipes. Need I say more? Probably not, but I will.

What I love about this book…

- The Ingredients. Pomegranate Molasses, za’aatar and other spices that just rev up a dish to the fullest.

-The Spice Combinations. One of the things that I want more in a book is spice ideas. It is all in this book. Middle Eastern Spices meet vegetables. savory Spice blends, sweet ones. Books that are well-seasoned take the guessing out of cooking for me.

-Eggplants, Onions and others. Here vegetables like eggplants steal the show. It is so easy to keep cooking with the same vegetables but this book is a reminder that virtually every vegetable can go from good to wow!

- Search by vegetable. Need I say more? How easy can a book make me want to cook.

- Restaurant- caliber recipes. The recipes remind me that dinner can be as good as a restaurant good if you mix up the right ingredients.

- Lots of Ingredients. Some people don’t like this part but I love this, I pretty much have the whole every day cooking down pat but I really need food that is going to woo me.

And the photos. I just love the serving suggestions, photos etc. Just what I need to keep motivated.

Have you started cooking from “Plenty”? Which recipes have you tried and loved?

Last Minute Valentine’s Day Ideas in Seattle

Are you still wondering what to do this Valentine’s day? It’s time to think outside of the box, read my suggestions at Journal Newspapers.

Do you want some more ideas?

1. Dinner at Six Seven located in the Edgewater Hotel. With new restaurants opening up on a weekly basis, it is easy to forget some of the city’s favorites. The view of the water here can’t be beat.
The Valentine’s menu includes romantic oysters, butter poached Maine lobster, black truffle and leek bread pudding with haricot vert, caviar butter sauce and even a dessert that has a bit of everything: bleeding heart pavlova, vanilla whip, Pinot roasted strawberries and layered chocolate marquis, chocolate crumb, bourbon caramel.

2. Take your loved one flying with Ifly, indoor sky diving for all ages.

3. Pick up something special for the foodie, custom- made aprons from Skirt Work Crafts, Chef Cameo Roberts takes vintage tees and turns them into these stylish aprons. They scream “love” without the kitsch.

4. Sweep your special friend away to Salish Lodge for a “Love at the Lodge” package. Think jetted tub for two, chocolate fondue and some alone time.

5. If staying home is in the cards, why not make some homemade pasta with your lover? Fresh pasta doesn’t even need a sauce. Toss it with some garlic, Parmigianno Reggiano and some truffle Cream from La Buona Tavola. This tutorial will teach you how.

6. For an underground restaurant experience, check out this 4 course dinner event.

7. Pike Chocofest. Every year, chocolate, beer and restaurants are combined for a night of fun at this event. It is two days before Valentine’s day so you can celebrate twice.

What are your plans for Valentine’s day?

Top Chef Executive Event at Palace Ballroom

I will be a judge at this event on February 1 and I wanted to share. This event is part of United Way of King County’s program to fight hunger. It is a really great cause and will be a fun event. Also, learn more about Hunger Action Week coming up in March.

Four chefs from the Tom Douglas stable will pair off with four local execs to prepare a sumptuous meal using ingredients typically found at a food bank. Chef Douglas and a celebrity panel will judge the results. Come cheer on your favorite cheftestants and cast your vote with a donation to United Way. The team with the tastiest food and most votes (aka, dollars!) wins.

If you have questions about this event, please contact Marie Zahradnik at 206.461.8475 or uwkcrsvp@uwkc.org.

Date: Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Address:
Palace Ballroom
2100 Fifth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121
United States
If you’d like to attend this event you can register online.

Day 7: Foodportunity Resolutions and Giveaway: Win a $25 Gift Card to Lot 3, Barrio or Purple

Day 7: Foodportunity Resolutions and Giveaway. Win a $25 Gift Card to Lot 3. Barrio or Purple Restaurants. Thanks Google Places!

Winner of Day 7: ECkids, Please contact me for your prize.

Day 7: Today’s giveaway is a $25 Gift Card to any restaurant from the Heavy Restaurant Group. Your choice of Lot No.3, Barrio or Purple. This gift card is brought to you by Google Places.

Resolution 7: Spend more time with your friends. Enjoy those moments. Life gets busy and it is easy to feel like you are connected with the people you love via Facebook. Make it your priority to go out with an old friend and have dinner. Moments like those are priceless.

For those new to Google places, Google Places is a local recommendation engine that connects people with the places they love. You can easily find, rate and review places you’re familiar with, share your opinions with friends, and as you and your friends rate and review more places, you’ll see recommendations based on your tastes and those of your friends in your local search results. Google Places is great for users, as it helps them find new places they might like, and it’s great for businesses and organizations to help them get discovered and increase awareness.

And before I continue. Foodportunity tickets are still on sale. Tickets sell out for this event so if you intend to go then don’t miss it. It is THE networking event for everyone food-related. Lots of food, chefs and networking for $25. Now go get your tickets. More information at Foodportunity.com . And Metropolitan Market is the main sponsor so that means that there will be lots of goodies.

Now for the contest! This one will run until 3:00 pm tomorrow. It is the last one this week so we wanted to make sure that you have time to enter.
Don’t forget to share information about the next Foodportunity event, tickets here.

The contest! We want to know your resolutions and help you get there. Every day for 7 days, we will be giving away something that will spoil you. The catch, baby steps. You need to have one goal each day and keep it. Then, it is your reward. The prizes will be gift cards, books, dinners and other fun rewards.

How do you enter?

Bonus Entry: Get 3 entries. Like our Foodportunity Facebook Page. Let us know.

Bonus Entry: Follow @GoogleSeattle and mention your favorite restaurant and why. Comment back and let me know.

Bonus Entry: Get 3 entries for every place you review on Google places. Comment here to let me know.

1) Leave a comment on the daily post for one entry.
2) Tweet the contest out and leave another comment letting us know for an additional entry. (Just say, I tweeted) Use Hashtag #foodprt
3) Facebook it and let us know (3 entries)
4) Tell a friend about the Foodportunity event. The more friends you tell, the more entries. (Email us at Foodprt8atgmail.com letting us know who you told , just a first name and why you think they would be interested)

The winner will be chosen by random number generator daily. Check the post the day after by 5pm and see if you won. If you won, email us your information and we will send the prize your way (foodprt8atgmail.com)

Day 6: Foodportunity Resolutions and Giveaway. Win Cakespy’s New Book

Day 6: Foodportunity Resolutions and Giveaway! Today’s giveaway is Cakespy’s New Book, Sweet Treats for a Sugar -Filled Life. ($22.95 value)

Kalyn, you won this giveaway, contact me for your prize!

Resolution 6: Lighten up! Seriously, sometimes you just need a good laugh. And Cakespy’s new book will leave you all smiles.

Jessie Oleson is known in the blogosphere as the dessert spy, illustrator and gallery owner behind Cakespy.com. She spends her time searching high and low for all the best desserts in town. Her book is full of recipes to make original and unique desserts at home.
Some are a little outrageous like Biscuits with Chocolate Gravy and Birthday Cake French Toast and others will surprise you like Homemade Cadbury Cream Eggs, Cupcake- Stuffed Cupcakes and Twice Fried Doughnuts. If you like sweets and really cute things then you will want this book.

Foodportunity is your chance to come meet Jessie in person. She is a featured guest and will be available to meet and answer any questions that you have.
And if you want to be a Cakespy, enter her contest here (free plane ticket included). Yes, she really is amazing!

And before I continue. Foodportunity tickets are still on sale. Tickets sell out for this event so if you intend to go then don’t miss it. It is THE networking event for everyone food-related. Lots of food, chefs and networking for $25. Now go get your tickets. More information at Foodportunity.com . And Metropolitan Market is the main sponsor so that means that there will be lots of goodies.

Now for the contest!
Winner will be chosen tomorrow afternoon. Don’t forget to share information about the next Foodportunity event, tickets here.

The contest! We want to know your resolutions and help you get there. Every day for 7 days, we will be giving away something that will spoil you. The catch, baby steps. You need to have one goal each day and keep it. Then, it is your reward. The prizes will be gift cards, books, dinners and other fun rewards.

How do you enter?

Bonus Entry: Go into Foodportunity.com and check out the partners and restaurants. Then comment here with the name of the food business that you want to try!

1) Leave a comment on the daily post for one entry.
2) Tweet the contest out and leave another comment letting us know for an additional entry. (Just say, I tweeted) Use Hashtag #foodprt
3) Facebook it and let us know (3 entries)
4) Tell a friend about the Foodportunity event. The more friends you tell, the more entries. (Email us at Foodprt8atgmail.com letting us know who you told , just a first name and why you think they would be interested)

The winner will be chosen by random number generator daily. Check the post the day after by 5pm and see if you won. If you won, email us your information and we will send the prize your way (foodprt8atgmail.com)

Day 5: Foodportunity Resolutions and Giveaway! $35 Fonte Gift Card

Day 5: Today’s giveaway is a $35 Gift Card to Fonte Cafe and Wine Bar And yesterday’s winner is Amanda S. Please contact me for your prize!

Resolution 5: Start your day with a positive attitude. Waking up isn’t easy but if a cup of Joe is what you need to get you smiling. Then so be it. Start your day with a smile and the world will smile back at you. Make it your goal to radiate your surroundings with positive energy.

Fonte Coffee is the place to get some work done with a smile on your face or just to open the newspaper and read the morning news. If you would rather your coffee at home, just order online. Besides, Fonte loves the community. They just donated $11,000 to Pike Market Child Care, the profits raised from sales of Fonté’s 2011 “Limited Edition Holiday Blend”. This significant donation will underwrite a year’s worth of school supplies for all four classrooms at PMCCP, and assist the organization in reaching its goal of making high quality childcare and preschool programs available to children in need.

And before I continue. Foodportunity tickets are still on sale. Tickets sell out for this event so if you intend to go then don’t miss it. It is THE networking event for everyone food-related. Lots of food, chefs and networking for $25. Now go get your tickets. More information at Foodportunity.com . And Metropolitan Market is the main sponsor so that means that there will be lots of goodies.

Now for the contest!
Winner will be chosen tomorrow afternoon. Don’t forget to share information about the next Foodportunity event, tickets here.

The contest! We want to know your resolutions and help you get there. Every day for 7 days, we will be giving away something that will spoil you. The catch, baby steps. You need to have one goal each day and keep it. Then, it is your reward. The prizes will be gift cards, books, dinners and other fun rewards.

How do you enter?

Bonus Entry: Go into Foodportunity.com and check out the partners and restaurants. Then comment here with the name of the food businesst that you want to try!

1) Leave a comment on the daily post for one entry.
2) Tweet the contest out and leave another comment letting us know for an additional entry. (Just say, I tweeted) Use Hashtag #foodprt
3) Facebook it and let us know (3 entries)
4) Tell a friend about the Foodportunity event. The more friends you tell, the more entries. (Email us at Foodprt8atgmail.com letting us know who you told , just a first name and why you think they would be interested)

The winner will be chosen by random number generator daily. Check the post the day after by 5pm and see if you won. If you won, email us your information and we will send the prize your way (foodprt8atgmail.com)

Day 4: Foodportunity Resolutions Challenge and Giveaway, 2 Must Have Books for Food Lovers

Day 4: Today’s giveaway is a set of books that will complement your food library. My book, the Food Lovers’ Guide to Seattle ($14.95) and Food Lover’s Guide to Wine by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenberg ($25)

The winner of yesterday’s giveaway is Kate from Kan I have some more? Email me your address.

Resolution 4: Explore new restaurants and learn more about choosing and drinking wine.

Food Lovers’ Guide to Seattle is the ultimate guide to the best restaurants, bakeries and specialty shops. This book gives you a backstage pass into the Seattle food scene. It is the perfect gift for any food lover.

Food Lover’s Guide to Wine is an indispensable reference, formatted like the authors’ two previous bestsellers The Flavor Bible and What to Drink with What You Eat, an encyclopedic A-to-Z guide profiling hundreds of different wines by their essential characteristics-from body and intensity to distinguishing flavors, from suggested serving temperatures and ideal food pairings to recommended producers (including many iconic examples). Here you can learn all you need to know about wine.

And before I continue. Foodportunity tickets are still on sale. Tickets sell out for this event so if you intend to go then don’t miss it. It is THE networking event for everyone food-related. Lots of food, chefs and networking for $25. Now go get your tickets. More information at Foodportunity.com . And Metropolitan Market is the main sponsor so that means that there will be lots of goodies.

Now for the contest!
Win both of these books! Winner will be chosen tomorrow afternoon. Don’t forget to share information about the next Foodportunity event, tickets here.

The contest! We want to know your resolutions and help you get there. Every day for 7 days, we will be giving away something that will spoil you. The catch, baby steps. You need to have one goal each day and keep it. Then, it is your reward. The prizes will be gift cards, books, dinners and other fun rewards.

How do you enter?

1) Leave a comment on the daily post for one entry.
2) Tweet the contest out and leave another comment letting us know for an additional entry. (Just say, I tweeted) Use Hashtag #foodprt
3) Facebook it and let us know (3 entries)
4) Tell a friend about the Foodportunity event. The more friends you tell, the more entries. (Email us at Foodprt8atgmail.com letting us know who you told , just a first name and why you think they would be interested)

The winner will be chosen by random number generator daily. Check the post the day after by 5pm and see if you won. If you won, email us your information and we will send the prize your way (foodprt8atgmail.com)