August 23, 2009

A Picnic of Plenty, a Barrel of Benefits

Since its inception in 1988, the Auction of Washington Wines has raised more than $23 million, with this year’s dinner-auction bringing in a perfectly respectable $1.5 million for both uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Washington Wine Education Foundation. Cornichon's alter-blogger (and alter-eater/drinker) Jacqueline Pruner attended this year's opening picnic and barrel tasting. Here's her illustrated report.

Chateau%20Ste.%20Michelle%20Event.jpg Mesquite%20Grilled%20Heirlooms.jpg

About 100 wines from across the state were poured at the kickoff on the grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle. Impending rain didn’t keep moisture-loving Washingtonians from enjoying a tasty picnic presented by Andaluca and Tulalip Resort Casino.

Chef Wayne Johnson--celebrating ten years at Andaluca--came up with a mojo grilled chicken with soft polenta (not much of a polenta fan, but I really enjoyed it); Tulalip chef David Buchanan served a sweet-meets-savory, blackberry-glazed Copper River salmon; and Chef Charles Ramseyer (back in Seattle after a figurative brush with death in New York) and with help from the students of the Seattle Culinary Academy--presented BBQ-perfect sides like mesquite-grilled asparagus & heirloom tomatoes and green pea and Tillamook cheddar salad – both worth going back for seconds. Or thirds.

The highlight came from Dean Shinagawa – Chef and GM of Tulalip Bay Restaurant, on the right in the photo below -- who provided a Thai-style pesto-crusted filet mignon, served with Yukon gold potato hash, baby mixed greens, Oregon blue cheese, and raspberry mint dressing. The filet literally melted in the mouth and had by far the most complex flavor mix of the evening. A treat with virtually any of the wines!

Hoglund%20%26%20Shinigawa.jpg Thai%20Pesto%20Crusted%20Filet%20Mignon.jpg Bottles%202.jpg

Posted by Ronald Holden at August 23, 2009 11:00 AM | TrackBack

Recent Entries

TIK logo.gif
The International Kitchen
Cooking school vacations in Italy, France & Spain.

Archives
Links

The International Vineyard, a new way to learn about wine in France, Italy and Spain: three-night programs for wine lovers in less-traveled regions.

The International Kitchen, the leading source for culinary vacations in France and Italy.

French Word-A-Day, fascinating lessons about language and daily life in Provence

Belltown Messenger, chronicle of a Seattle neighborhood's denizens, derelicts, clubs, bars & eateries. Restaurant reviews by Cornichon.

Small Screen Network, where food & drink celebrities like Robert Hess have recorded terrific videos.

French Chef Sally is my friend Sally McArthur, who hosts luxurious, week-long cooking classes at the Chateau du Riveau in the Loire Valley.

Local Wine Events.com, the worlds leading Food and Wine tasting calendar. Spirits and Beer events as well. Post your own event or sign up to be notified when new events are po sted to your own area.

VinoLover, Seattle wine promoter David LeClaire's bulletin board of tastings, dinners and special events.

Wine Educator Dieter Schafer maintains a full schedule of Seattle-area tastings and seminars for amateur wine drinkers and professional alike.

Nat Decants, a free wine e-newsletter from Natalie MacLean, recently named the World's Best Drink Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia. Wine picks, articles and humor; no ads.



Powered by
Movable Type 3.35
More blogs about food wine travel.
Who links to me?
Comments
Post a comment









Remember personal info?