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Birthday Tart

28-Jul-2005

 

I know you’ve seen this Market Stall Tart before, but I wanted to share this one with you since it was a little different than normal.  For a friend’s birthday "cake" I made two tarts, shoved them together and used some of the pastry cream to mask the seam.  Then we added candles in the seam – I eventually added more fruit to hold them up better.  Anyway, I thought this was a great idea and wanted to share it. 
 
Update August 9th:  I’ve entered this photo in the "Does My Blog Look Good in This?" event.  For a list of all entries visit the host, Spittoon and his post with all the photos. 
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from → Recipe

San Juan Island Summary

27-Jul-2005

      

 

I decided to do one final post about my time on San Juan.  This was partly because I posted all the indivudual posts in such a random way and order and also because I wanted to post these pictures of alpacas since they are so dang cute!  :-)  There are quite a few alpacas on the island but these photos were all  taken at Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm, an alpaca ranch and gift shop with everything you can think of made from alpaca wool. 

 
And I had wanted to talk about last year when I was lucky enough to see all three local orca whale pods; J, K & L swimming together – the three pods together embody over 100 whales!  I watched for nearly an hour as whales kept swimming by, often 10 or 12 breaching at a time.  Truly amazing.  And there was so much more to tell you about the island and its history… Okay, I know this is not food related so that’s where I will end. :-) 
 
Here’s a handy list of all San Juan posts and they are listed in actual historical order as opposed to whatever I happen to feel like writing about at the moment! 
 
 
And to keep up to date on all kinds of local happenings, check out Mrs D and Chopper Dave’s blog, Belly-Timber!
 
 
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from → Travel

Steps Wine Bar and Café

27-Jul-2005

There’s a new place in Friday Harbor that’s drawing some local attention.  While talking with Mrs. D from Belly-Timber the subject came up and then, in my wanderings around town, I noticed it and noted that it was only 100 yards or less from the ferry dock.  Great placement! 

I mentioned that while Mrs. D and I were talking we were joined by another local gentleman and at one point the conversation turned to places they liked to eat on the island.  One place that has been in good standing for quite some time is a place called Duck Soup.  I’ve never had the pleasure of eating there but know that it has been held in high regard.   The gentleman mentioned that
"since the change" he no longer enjoyed it as much as he had in the past, I didn’t ask for particulars at that point and we went on with the conversation.  He also mentioned that he was not so impressed with Steps, as he didn’t like what they were trying to do there. 

Well, I filed that away but didn’t think too much about it as I had been planning on having my final meal on Friday evening at Friday Harbor House, another highly regarded dining spot. 

When it came time to leave on Friday afternoon, I put my car in the ferry line (always best to line up early since ferry service is rather limited) and made my way up to Friday Harbor House.  I went in, took a look at the night’s menu.  A few things looked great but for some reason I just wasn’t in the mood.  I wasn’t really hungry enough, I think.  I wandered around a bit and then decided to check out Steps.  With it’s great location so close to the ferry, it seemed the perfect place for a light bite before leaving the island.

They open at 5:30 and I was the first person to arrive. (A note to the Steps people – you should open at 5:00, since that’s when people start lining up for that last direct ferry back to Anacortes!)  The hostess showed me to a seat and gave me pages of menus.  I began making my way though the extensive wine list.  The first thing I noticed was that wine was available by the 1/2 glass, as well as the glass and the bottle.  I love that!  I mean wine bars are all about trying new things out and offering 1/2 glasses gives you an opportunity to expand your tasting.  Also, there was no penalty for ordering a 1/2 glass – it was exactly 1/2 price of a full glass.  And their prices were fair, if not great, but this is an island… 

 
My server arrived at the table and offered to assist me in my decision making but didn’t obtrude in any way. She also offered me water: "Flat, Sparkling or House?" I had to laugh! Isn’t it just a bit pretentious to call tap water "House" water? :-) I ordered "House" water and went back to perusing the menu. I have to say that was the only air of pretension I saw while I was there. Mostly the servers and staff were very friendly and really wanted to be helpful. For instance, a large party was seated next to me after I’d been there just a few minutes. They were a bit loud, but only loud as in a group having fun. My server asked if I’d prefer to move to somewhere quieter and, although I declined, I thought that was a nice gesture. Also, one of the people at the table was having a bit of trouble reading the menu, so when their server noticed she brought him one of those little light-up magnifying glasses. I noticed other little things like that throughout my dinner.

I started my meal with a glass of 2004 J.K. Carriere Rose and a bowl of Cayenne Sweet Almonds. (I had ordered a 1/2 glass but my server couldn’t quite remember, so brought the full glass but only charged me for 1/2.) The Rose was beautiful – both in color and in taste!  The Almonds were more sweet than spicy.  I would have liked a bit more cayenne, a bit more bite, but they were a nice accompaniment to the wine and the portion was generous enough to be shared among a table of four.  I actually had most of mine boxed to take as a little snack for later on. 

Next I ordered a 1/2 glass of the Alain Jaume St. Joseph 2001 Syrah.  This was a lovely wine but needed a bit of time to open.  The first sips were a bit astringent but I let it be for a few minutes and over just a little time it improved immensely.  As I was sipping I was also listening to the large group next to me – actually it was hard not to listen with the proximity being as it was.  One woman in the group had been to Steps five times already!  I think they’ve been open just a couple of months!  I guess her sentiments were not the same as the gentleman who talked about the place on Thursday night.  And then, this is what I found interesting.  The chef/owner of Steps, Matt Didn’t-catch-his-last-name, had originally been at Duck Soup.  Okay, now was this the change I’d heard about the night before?  And if this was the change that made Duck Soup now a bit inferior, why wasn’t Steps more fully embraced by the gentleman??  Now, I wish I’d asked more questions! :-)

No time to wonder.  My food was arriving and it looked gorgeous!  I’d ordered Broccoli and Cauliflower with Hazelnuts, Browned Butter and Lemon and Grilled Shrimp with Purple Basil Risotto and Sichaun Peppercorns.  (Interesting article about Sichaun Peppercorn in today’s NY Times.)

The broccoli and cauliflower were cooked to perfection!  Tender but al dente, the toasted hazelnuts and browned butter adding a bit of decadence while the lemon kept the tastes crisp and clean.  When I first bit into the Risotto, it was a bit too al dente but as the meal went on it finished to a perfect texture.  The purple basil added a nice perfume to the creaminess of the risotto.  The shrimp were heavenly!  A little spicy, a little buttery, bursting with flavor! 

At some point during the meal I ordered another 1/2 glass of wine.  This time I tried the 2003 Enzo Boglietti Nebbiolo  Langhe.  This is a really big wine and definitely needs time to open but once it does your mouth is very happy. 

I suddenly realized that it was just about time to load onto the ferry and you get in big trouble (read big ticket) if you are not back at your car in time to move it – especially when you end up blocking other traffic.  :-(  I quickly asked for my check, paid it and then made my way the few feet to my car, clutching my take home almonds and leftover shrimp and risotto. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Steps and with its proximity to the ferry I will definitely be back again – there were a lot of wines and foods on that menu that I’d still like to try, too!

Watch Belly-Timber for more information about Steps – probably sometime in August! You can find the post  here.

Steps
"Directions": We’re nestled in the alley across from the Pelindaba Lavender shop in the new Friday Harbor Center, on First St., in the middle of the block between Spring and East. St. Just up from the ferry landing.
360.370.5959
Closed Tuesdays, open at 5:30 pm

 

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from → Restaurants & Bars

San Juan Vineyards

26-Jul-2005

 
There are two wineries on San Juan Island and, very confusingly, they have very similar names.  This post is not about San Juan Cellars.  They are the wine tasting room/retail outlet you see right next to the ferry dock.  They have some interesting wines and the only place they are available is from that shop.  They also stock wines from around the world, lots of wine accouterments and funky little kitschy items.  It’s a fun place to while away a few minutes while waiting for the ferry. 
 
This post is about San Juan Vineyards.  Their tasting room is located about 4 miles northwest of Friday Harbor on Roche Harbor Road.  As you approach the tasting room you wander through farms of various sorts.  There are fields of crops, lots of cattle and directly across from the winery, horses and a camel.  Yes, I said camel!  Apparently, there used to be a petting zoo of some sort on San Juan but it had to close.  And I guess that meant the assets were sold off – one of which was a camel.  So now it spends its time hanging out with the horses at the place across from the winery. 
 

         

 

As you approach the tasting room you wind along a little path that takes you by gardens overflowing with lush plant life.  To the side is a set of raised beds and pools that add to the serenity of the place.  Except for the sound of the water and a few birds the place is totally quiet.  I enter the large tasting room and am greeted by the woman behind the counter.  My one nit about this place is that they do have a tasting fee which is not reimbursed when you purchase.  However, I chose not to let that ruin my mood as I try several wines and chat with the woman. 
 
As would be expected most of the grapes for the wine come from places other than San Juan Island, the bulk from Eastern Washington.  However, they do make a couple of wines from local grapes, the Madeline Angevine and the Siegerrebe.  I did not try those, however, as there were several others that I wanted to taste, among them the triple medal Syrah.  In addition to the wines, the tasting room is filled with all kinds of culinary treats – foods, serving pieces, glassware, picnic items – enough to keep you browsing for a little time.
 
I ended up purchasing a couple of summer wines, the 2002 Semillon-Chardonnay and the 2003 Pinot Gris – both on sale for about $10.  And a 2002 Merlot, also a medal winner. 
 
This is a really fun place to visit and I’d definitely stop in again to taste through the wines I didn’t get to this time. 
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from → Wine

Pelindaba Lavender Farm

25-Jul-2005

 

I’ve been putting off writing this entry.  Not because I didn’t want to write about it – I love this place – but because I took 48 photos of lavender!  Bushes, blossoms, bees on lavender, fields of lavender.  48 photos.  Do you have any idea how hard it is to go through and select just  a few from that number!!  Sure, a few are out of focus and a few are just plain bad, but that still leaves tons to cull through! 
 

 

Oh, and I know that some of you don’t realize that lavender is a culinary herb.  You think of it mostly as an aromatic in sachets, air fresheners, candles or relaxation aids such as eye covers or neck rolls.  But lavender has a proud history as a culinary herb.  According to a cookbook I purchased at the Pelindaba Lavender Farm, prior to WWI lavender was used in many recipes that now call for rosemary.  There is speculation that with the turmoil that the war brought along with loss of huge lavender fields south of London, due to disease, the available supply dropped and rosemary was substituted. 
 

 

Well, back to the "story".  As I mentioned in at least one other post about my time on San Juan Island Friday was a rainy day.  I had been touring around the island trying to dodge the showers and still see and do everything I had planned.  One of the places I wanted to visit was the lavender farm.  I’d been to their in-town shop in the past but had never taken the time to stop by the farm.  I was particularly interested as I grow several types of lavender and have been thinking more and more about how to put it to good use.  I recently had some lavender shortbread cookies that were so good!  And that just gave me a little kick in the pants to get it figured out.  
 

 

As I approached Pelindaba it began to pour!  I pulled into the lot and took a little time to organize myself and was planning how to minimize the effect of the rain on my time there.  While I was getting it all together the rain suddenly just stopped!  I grabbed my camera and jumped out of the car to take advantage of the break to snap a "few" photos. 
 

 

First I walked out to the fields just to take in the amazing purple-hazed view.  It was really beautiful!  Then I took a few photos in the fields and eventually made my way back towards the gift shop.  Outside the gift shop is a display garden with many varieties of lavender, all marked so you know what you’re looking at.  I wound around the paths taking more photos.  One of the things you notice about lavender – besides the many shapes and variations in color – is that lavender plants are almost always covered with bees.  They just can’t get enough of the stuff.  The most common bee you’ll see on the plants is the bumble bee – the adorable, fuzzy good-natured bee that’s only purpose in life is to pollinate as many flowers as possible.  If you are afraid of bees this is one you don’t really need to worry about.  The only thing they are interested in is doing their job.  I think the only time they will sting is really by accident – if you squish them in some way you are likely to get jabbed by the stinger but they don’t really wield them as a weapon.  In fact, once on something like a lavender bush, where they become intoxicated with the pollen, you can actually pet them!  Very gently and carefully stroke their fuzzy little backs being careful not to damage their delicate wings or bodies. 
 

 

Next I made my way into the gift shop where I was greeted by all manner of lavender products!  On the porch (the gift shop is in a little house) there are stacks of cookies and candies made with lavender.  Inside the shop there are rooms devoted to personal care products, such as lotions, powders and bath oils; areas devoted to aroma products, such as candles and dried stems for the fire or barbecue; decorative items, such as wreaths and bouquets of dried flowers; and culinary products. 
 

 

There are multiple products in all categories but after picking up a couple of items like candles and bath salts I focused on the culinary category.  I was amazed at the breadth of products!  It was hard to make a decision about what to buy.  I ended up with a couple types of tea, lavender sugar, a couple of cookies, and lavender honey among other things.  Many of the things I purchased were to give me ideas of what to create on my own.  I think one of my favorite purchases though, is a little cookbook assembled by the folks at Pelindaba, called "Culinary Adventures with Lavender".  It’s a little spiral bound book with ideas and recipes ranging from appetizers to desserts and everything in between.  I’m inspired! 
 

 

Although the display gardens showcase maybe 20 or more varieties of lavender, I learned that at Pelindaba they really only use two varieties in their products.  Provence, for culinary items and Grosso for the fragrance items.  Provence is a bit milder, while Grosso provides an intense oil. 
 

 

The rain held off my whole time at the farm.  I was happy for the people there, too, as they were busy setting up for the annual Lavender Festival which was taking the place over the weekend.  Next time I’m back on the island I will definitely be back out at the farm and I may try to take advantage of the Lavender Fields Day Spa, too!
 
In the meantime I have my supply of lavender products (I’ve been drinking one of the teas nearly every day) and my cookbook for inspiration.  Now to harvest some from my yard and start experimenting! 
 
 
P.S.  I have no idea of the photos I used in this post were the "best".  I finally just gave up and rather randomly picked a few.  :-) 
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from → Recommendations

Where are the Photos?

25-Jul-2005
I appear to be having some photo issues this morning.  It looks like Flickr is the culprit so I hope they get it all cleared up soon.  Sorry about that! 
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from → Uncategorized

Sur la Table Fall Classes

22-Jul-2005
Sur la Table’s fall schedule of classes are now available online.  Take a look and get signed up – the most popular classes fill fast!
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from → Recommendations

Meet the Bloggers – Expanded Edition

21-Jul-2005

    
  

 

Last week at this time I was on a ferry headed towards Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.  It was a gorgeous day and as soon as I set foot on the ferry for the short one hour trip I found myself going into "island mode".  Your body relaxes, your mind slows down and as you drink in the beauty of the surroundings your soul just sighs in anticipation. 

 
I was only going to be able to stay on the island overnight – an unfortunate series of pre-planned classes and events had me squeezing in this shortest of trips – but I had several things planned that I was really looking forward to.  One of those was, hopefully, meeting up with Chopper Dave and Mrs. D of Belly-timber.  We had exchanged a few emails and it was just up to me to show up if I could. 
 
Debarking the ferry seem to take forever for some reason and then, this is inevitable, you end up in your own little ferry-created traffic jam until enough people head off down side roads.   I wanted to get checked into my room and  take a little walk before heading back into town to meet the Friday Harbor bloggers.  I finally covered the four miles to my lodging.  I had never been to this place before and wasn’t quite sure what to expect.  It was a nice place and my room was  very comfortable.  Fluffy queen bed, loveseat in front of the gas fireplace, jacuzzi tub, slate floors and counters, a deck overlooking one of three lakes on the property, a ceiling fan for the warm days, rustic lodge-y stuff everywhere you looked.  Lovely.  Well, no time to really soak it all in – I was off to new adventures!
 
I took my walk and then made my way back to "town".  I sauntered into a local establishment where Mrs. D said I would be most likely to find her and Chopper Dave.  Seating myself at a little bar I inquired about the aforementioned people.  Lo and behold, I was seated right next to Mrs. D!  Now, although I always enjoy meeting people, meeting someone you know only via an online persona is always a bit scary – I mean now you are face to face and what you’ve thought they’d be and what they’ve thought you’d be is now exposed to reality. Sort of like internet dating but maybe worse since, in theory, you have so much in common!
 
Well, I had nothing at all to worry about!  Mrs. D is even more interesting in person than online!  We ended up chatting for 3+ hours, with Chopper Dave occasionally popping in to see how things were going.  We shared histories – how we got to where we are, geographically speaking – interests other than food, experiences, thoughts on blogging and bloggers and food, and just chatted away about anything and everything.  It was really a great time.  Towards the end of our time, a local gentleman joined us and provided more interesting insite about himself and life on San Juan Island. (A little note here – San Juan Island actually has two towns – Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor.  99% of the island is in Friday Harbor, although "downtown" is a relatively small part of that.  Most residents just say they live in Friday Harbor and don’t really mention the island, so much. Roche Harbor is mostly resort, not so many permanent residents.)  In summary, it was a very pleasant experience and one I hope to repeat on this side of the Sound, if and when Mrs. D and Chopper Dave make it into Seattle. 
 
I love this blogging world!  It’s brought me in contact with all kinds of interesting people who have such amazing and varied backgrounds!  It’s so great how this little blog ends up adding a whole new dimension to my life. 
 
After we shared a glass or two of wine and chatted over some lovely salads, I got back in my car and headed back to my home away from home.  A mini-bottle of champagne, a deck overlooking the lake and a jacuzzi tub awaited me! 
 

 
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from → Travel

Sunset Supper at the Market Reminder

20-Jul-2005

Sunset Supper at the Market is quickly approaching.  July 29th is the last day to purchase discount tickets. 

Quote

The Seattle Times: Food & wine: Food flash: A fund-raising mystery
Supper event at the MarketTickets for the Aug. 12 Sunset Supper at the Market event are on sale now. The evening features tastes from more than 50 local restaurants and 20 beverage purveyors, live music and dancing. Proceeds benefit the Market Foundation and human-service agencies located in the market: the Pike Market Medical Clinic, Senior Center, Child Care & Preschool and the Downtown Food Bank. If purchased before July 29, tickets are $55/general admission-$70/reserved seating and after Aug. 1 run $65-$80. Tickets and information: 206-774-5252 or http://www.pikeplacemarket.org.

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from → Recommendations

Walla Walla Makes the NY Times

20-Jul-2005
There is a nice article about food and wine and life in Walla Walla in this morning’s New York Times.  You can read it here.  (Free registration required)
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from → News
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