Time for German beer and food - Road trip from Prosser to Leavenworth Washington

  Just off of U.S. Highway 97 prior to Blewett Pass

The second part of a road trip was a drive to Leavenworth Washington. Leavenworth is about 140 miles from Prosser. The day was sunny so off we went. Our only plan stop was to be at a fruit stand just north of Yakima.

  Fruit Stand - Selah RD. Yakima, Washington

Fruit Stand - Selah RD. Yakima, Washington

  Fruit Stand - Selah RD. Yakima, Washington 

  Fruit Stand - Selah RD. Yakima, Washington

  Fruit Stand - Selah RD. Yakima, Washington

Just off of U.S. Highway 97 prior to Blewett Pass

  Just off of U.S. Highway 97 prior to Blewett Pass

Leavenworth Washington...

The History of Leavenworth

"Leavenworth’s history does not begin with the alpine tradition of the town today, but with the proud heritage of the Yakama, Chinook and Wenatchi tribes. The Native American tribes lived by hunting the land for deer and elk, as well as fishing Icicle Creek for salmon. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful and bountiful lands in North America, the three tribes co-existed from Lake Wenatchee to the Icicle and beyond.

The area was eventually settled by pioneers in search of gold, furs and fertile farmland. Stakes were claimed, land was parceled out, and the Leavenworth area was soon bustling with settlers. By 1890, the original town was built on the Icicle Flats.

But it wasn’t until the end of the century that the town began to blossom with the arrival of the rail line. The tracks of the Great Northern Railway Company through Leavenworth brought opportunities for work, commerce and a new economy.

A healthy logging and sawmill industry created a thriving town until the Great Northern Railway Company pulled out of Leavenworth. The re-routing of the railroad and the subsequent closure of the sawmill converted the town from a bustling hub of commerce into a hollow, dying community. For more than thirty years, Leavenworth lived on the brink of extinction.

People in the town knew something had to be done to keep the town alive, so in the early 1960’s, in a last-chance effort to turn their precarious situation around, the leaders of the community decided to change Leavenworth’s appearance, hoping to bring tourism into the area. Using the beautiful backdrop of the surrounding Alpine hills to their advantage, the townspeople agreed to remodel their hamlet into a Bavarian-style village.

Hoping to create more than a mere facelift, the entire community rallied to create the illusion of Bavaria in the middle of Washington state. Besides completely renovating the downtown area, community members worked to begin a series of festivals. The Autumn Leaf Festival, Maifest and the extremely popular Christmas Lighting Ceremony were the first of many attractions Leavenworth offered to passers-by." - Leavenworth webpage

After checking into our hotel was often Munchen Haus. Munchen Haus is a dog friendly, wonderful bratwurst stand. Janet and I believe they serve some of the best bratwurst outside of Germany.

Munchen Haus - Leavenworth Washington

Munchen Haus - Leavenworth Washington
http://www.munchenhaus.com/

Munchen Haus - Leavenworth Washington

Munchen Haus - Leavenworth Washington - The BIG “BOB” Bratwurst

The BIG “BOB” Bratwurst***+ 1/3 pound, All Pork Traditional Wurst

Andrea Keller is one of our favorite restaurants for dinner. Their Schnitzel “Wiener Art” are the most authentic we've had. They serve Bitburger Pils in large cold bottles. They were also the first restaurant outside of Germany we were able to find Bitburger Pils.

  Andreas Keller - Leavenworth Washington

  Andreas Keller - Leavenworth Washington

Andreas Keller - Leavenworth Washington
http://www.andreaskellerrestaurant.com/

  Andreas Keller - Leavenworth Washington – with Johnny “V” 

Andreas Keller - Leavenworth Washington - Schnitzel “Wiener Art”

Schnitzel “Wiener Art”**** pounded pork cutlet. Delicious’s

  Andreas Keller - Leavenworth Washington - House Salad

House salad*** creamy yogurt German dressing

  Andreas Keller - Leavenworth Washington - Bavarian Beef Goulash

Bavarian Beef Goulash*** chunks of beef, brown sauce with spatzle

Gustav’s Grill and Sports Pub - Leavenworth Washington

Gustav’s Grill and Sports Pub - Leavenworth Washington
http://www.gustavsleavenworth.com/

Gustav’s Grill and Sports Pub - Leavenworth Washington

South is a fun Latin restaurant located next to King Ludwig's. They are also dog friendly in their outdoor patio area.

South - Leavenworth Washington

South - Leavenworth Washington

South - Leavenworth Washington
http://www.southleavenworth.com/

South - Leavenworth Washington - Warm Flour Tortilla Chips with Guacamole

Warm Flour Tortilla Chips with Guacamole***

South - Leavenworth Washington - Chicken Fajita Sandwich

Chicken Fajita Sandwich*** grilled vegetables, chicken breast, melted Monterey Jack with garlic aioli

King Ludwig's has the best Schweinshax’n this side of the Atlantic. Always a great place to go. Say hi to Tracy.

King Ludwig’s Restaurant - Leavenworth Washington

King Ludwig’s Restaurant - Leavenworth Washington
http://www.kingludwigs.com/

King Ludwig’s Restaurant - Leavenworth Washington - Schweinshax’n

Schweinshax’n**** pork hocks prepared Bavarian style

Uncle Uli's Pub also has a fun outdoor area that is also dog friendly. We always and joy are time there. Our dogs love the meatballs.

Uncle Uli's Pub - Leavenworth Washington

Uncle Uli's Pub - Leavenworth Washington

  Uncle Uli's Pub - Leavenworth Washington – Lucy and Friend

Ducks and Drakes Restaurant and Lounge has moved to their new location where the old Katzenjammers Restaurant was. We were hoping that they would have been more dog friendly with their new outdoor area, but they were not.

  Ducks and Drakes Restaurant and Lounge - Leavenworth Washington

  Ducks and Drakes Restaurant and Lounge - Leavenworth Washington

  Ducks and Drakes Restaurant and Lounge - Leavenworth Washington

  Ducks and Drakes Restaurant and Lounge - Leavenworth Washington

  Ducks and Drakes Restaurant and Lounge - Leavenworth Washington

Ducks and Drakes Restaurant and Lounge - Leavenworth Washington
http://www.ducksanddrakesrestaurant.com/about.html

  Ducks and Drakes Restaurant and Lounge - Leavenworth Washington - Cheese Bread

Cheese Bread***

 The Icicle Brewing Company is a new brewery in town. They are located right across the street from the Leavenworth Festhalle. This was our first visit and I'll probably not be our last. Great new facility.

  Icicle Brewing Company's - Leavenworth Washington

  Icicle Brewing Company's - Leavenworth Washington

Icicle Brewing Company's - Leavenworth Washington
http://www.iciclebrewing.com/

  Icicle Brewing Company's - Leavenworth Washington

  Icicle Brewing Company's - Leavenworth Washington

Around Leavenworth:

  Leavenworth Washington 

  Leavenworth Washington

  Leavenworth Washington

  Leavenworth Washington

Good News - Food, Wine, Travel and Dining out Blog is now on Kinndle!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0053TGRN2

Did I also tell you “The Blog is Smartphone Friendly?”

One day trip to Eastern Washington Wine Country - Paterson, Prosser

It was a great weekend for a road trip to Paterson, Washington to visit Columbia Crest. Only 240 miles from home (LOL). The Saturday morning drive was relaxing. The weather was nice and the traffic was light.

Paterson…

Columbia Crest – Paterson, Washington

Columbia Crest – Paterson, Washington

Columbia Crest
http://www.columbiacrest.com/

Columbia Crest – Paterson, Washington

Columbia Crest – Paterson, Washington

Columbia Crest – Paterson, Washington

Columbia Crest is one of the premier wineries in the Northwest, producing such wines as Wine Spectators number one wine of the year for 2009. Fashioned after a country French chateau, the winery sits amidst 2,500 acres of estate vineyards just 20 minutes south of Prosser and 240 miles from Lake Stevens.

2008 Reserve Tempranillo Wahluke Slope***+ spices, blueberries, stone fruit, rich

2008 Reserve Malbec Horse Haven Hills***+ coco, fruity

2007 Stone Tree Vineyards Zinfandel*** ripe berries, pepper, chocolate

2005 Beverly Vineyard Cabernet Franc**+ cherries, light chocolate

2007 Columbia Valley Merlot***+ spice, white pepper, blackberries

2008 Coyote Canyon Reserve Syrah*** blueberries, chocolate, roasted coffee

Prosser…

Milbrandt Vineyards – Prosser, Washington

Lunch at Milbrandt Vineyards…
http://www.milbrandtvineyards.com/

Milbrandt Vineyards – Prosser, Washington

Milbrandt Vineyards – Prosser, Washington - Italian Cold Cuts

Italian Cold Cuts*** ham, salami, coppa with provolone cheese, mayo, mustard, tomato and lettuce. Very Good

Milbrandt Vineyards – Prosser, Washington

Milbrandt Vineyards – Prosser, Washington

2008 Estate Evergreen Chardonnay***+ melon, vanilla

2008 estate Malbec*** chocolate

2007 Sentinel**** jam, cedar, vanilla

2007 Estates Late Harvest Riesling*** honeysuckle, apricot

After lunch we checked into our hotel the Inn at Horse Haven a Best Western property. We stayed in the older of the two buildings. They do not allow pets in the newer building.
http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/US/WA/Prosser-hotels/BEST-WESTERN-The-Inn-at-Horse-Heaven/Hotel-Overview.do?propertyCode=48121

Wine tasting…

Coyote Canyon – The Loft - Prosser, Washington

Coyote Canyon Winery
http://www.coyotecanyonwinery.com/

Coyote Canyon – The Loft - Prosser, Washington

2007 Syrah**+ cassis, vanilla

2006 Reserve Syrah*** tar, dark chocolate

2006 Robert Andrews red*** pepper, cassis, jam

2008 Cabernet Sauvignon**+ black fruit, cedar

2009 Viognier*** melons, honeysuckle

2010 life is a Rose’*** hard candy, apple

Martinez and Martinez Winery
http://www.m2-wine.com/

Martinez and Martinez – The Loft - Prosser, Washington

Martinez and Martinez Winery is solely owned and operated by the Martinez Family. The Family focuses on producing small lots from their 30 year old block of Cabernet Sauvignon, Martinez Vineyard; and other exceptional vineyards within the Horse Heaven.

We had a great visit with Kristy and Andrew Martinez. This was the first time we met the winemaker Andrew.

2009 Roussanne**** melons, dried fruit

2007 Cesa’r red wine**+ black pepper, cherries

2007 Cabaret Sauvignon***+ dried fruit, jam

Canyons Edge Winery
http://www.canyonsedgewinery.com/

Coyote Canyon – The Loft - Prosser, Washington

This was our first visit to Canyons Edge Winery in their new location. They are now located in the Winemakers Loft area of Prosser, Washington.

2008 Sauvignon Blanc**+ grapefruit, pineapple

2006 Sangiovese*** dark fruit, spices

2006 Merlot*** Cedar, spice, black currants

2006 Sage Brush Red*** blackberries, vanilla

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon*** sweet oak, spices

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Haven Hills Reserve***+ vanilla, light oak, currants

Willow Crest Wine Estates – The Loft - Prosser, Washington

Willow Crest Wine Estates
http://www.willowcrestwinery.com/

Willow Crest Wine Estates – The Loft - Prosser, Washington

2010 Pinot Gris***+ honeydew, pears

2010 Rosé*** strawberries

2007 Riesling**+ pineapple, tropical fruit

2010 Riesling*** apricot, peach

2008 Merlot**+ BBQ sauce

2007 Syrah**+ pepper, anise

2007 Grenache**+ fruity, light pepper

2007 Mourvedre*** white pepper, cloves

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon*** smooth, ripe fruit, plums

2008 Collina Bella**+ bacon fat

Syrah port*** fruit, dark chocolate

Dinner at Johnny’s Pizza Stone and Pub…
http://www.johnnyspizzastone.com/

Johnny’s Pizza Stone and Pub - Prosser, Washington

It must have been a bad day. We often walk over to Johnny's Pizza Stone and Pub for a pizza and cold beer after tasting wine all day. This time we thought we would order other things off the menu, so we did. This must've been a bad service day four was slow to nonexistent at times. Angele where were you when we needed you. The next time we are in Prosser we will try it one more time. We always give a place a second chance.

Johnny’s Pizza Stone and Pub - Prosser, Washington

Johnny’s Pizza Stone and Pub - Prosser, Washington - Mac & cheese bites

Mac and cheese bites** mac and cheese battered, eight served with ranch dressing. Sorry no taste with this one

Johnny’s Pizza Stone and Pub - Prosser, Washington - St. Louis style smoked pork ribs

St. Louis style smoked pork ribs*** very tasty

Johnny’s Pizza Stone and Pub - Prosser, Washington - Boneless hot wings

Boneless hot wings*** taste like Frank's hot sauce, quite nice

Luca’s Ristorante and Pizzeria, Lake Stevens and Wicked Cellars, Everett - Phelps Creek Vineyard with owner Bob Morus

Lucas Ristorante and Pizzeria, Lake Stevens

Lucas Ristorante and Pizzeria, Lake Stevens…

Lucas Ristorante and Pizzeria, Lake Stevens

Lucas Ristorante and Pizzeria, Lake Stevens

Luca’s Story:
"Inspired by a beautiful Lake Stevens native, Luca Nasti moved to the United States in 1994 from Naples, Italy. The journey began in 1990 when he met his future wife, as her family was station in Naples. After dating for a few years Luca’s love was moved back to Lake Stevens with her parents and it wasn’t until February 28, 1994 that Luca bought a one-way ticket and came to the U.S. to reunite with his true love and soon to be wife. The Nasti family was united in marriage less than a month later, March 17, 1994. After many years of working, Luca found his passion and decided to bring the taste from his home town in Italy to Lake Stevens, by opening up Luca’s Ristorante and Pizza in 2003" - Luca’s Ristorante and Pizza website

Lucas Ristorante and Pizzeria, Lake Stevens - Antonio

Antonio*** tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and smoked mozzarella, sausage, roasted peppers, Parmigiano, basil

Wicked Cellars, Everett

Wicked Cellars, Everett - Phelps Creek Vineyard with owner Bob Morus

Wicked Cellars, Everett - Phelps Creek Vineyard with owner Bob Morus

Phelps Creek Vineyards is an Oregon winery founded by owner Robert Morus in beautifully scenic Hood River, Oregon. The winery sources fruit from its own Phelps Creek Estate Vineyards as well as other top quality vineyards on both sides of the Columbia River within the Columbia Gorge AVA.

Phelps Creek has a sister winery, Mt. Defiance Winery, also owned and operated by Robert Morus in Troutdale, Oregon.

2009 Phelps Creek Unoaked Chardonnay, Columbia Gorge***+ pears, apples

2009 Phelps Creek Chardonnay Reserve, Columbia Gorge***+ apples, citrus, silky

2008 Mt. Defiance Columbia Gorge Hellfire White Wine*** melon, apples

2009 Phelps Creek Oak Ridge Vineyard Gewurztraminer, Columbia Gorge**+ ripe fruit, honey

2008 Phelps Creek Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge*** tobacco, toast

2008 Phelps Creek Pinot Noir Estate Reserve, Columbia Gorge***+ tobacco, toast, smooth

Balefire, Wicked Cellars and The Everett Marina

Balefire Everett

Balefire Everett

Balefire Everett**
http://www.balefirebar.com/

Balefire Everett

Balefire Everett

About Balefire:
“We're not a beer bar, and we're not a wine bar. We're both. We like to say that we specialize in fine fermentables. For years we've had to go to one type of bar for one beverage and another type of bar for another. That simply doesn't make any sense, so we built a bar to treat both equally. We hand-select the best beverages in terms of value and quality to give you the best experience possible.” – Balefire website

We went to Balefire for a quick something to eat and drink before an event nearby. It seemed more of a tavern atmosphere than wine bar. The waitress was friendly. Balefire is more of a beer and wine bar than a restaurant. So if you are looking for a fun place to try different beers and wines this is a fine place to go.

Balefire Everett - Empanadas

Empanadas*** four savory lamb pastries topped with harissa (a red chili sauce)

Balefire Everett - Three cheeses

Three cheeses, crackers, grapes and salami**+ Romano, blue cheese, cheddar cheese

Wicked Cellars Everett

Wicked Cellars Everett

Wicked Cellars - Walla Walla Vintners Tasting with Todd Morgan

Wicked Cellars Everett - Walla Walla Vintners Tasting with Todd Morgan

Bonded in 1995, Walla Walla Vintners is a limited-production winery in Walla Walla dedicated to making handcrafted, premium red wines --Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cuvée, Malbec, Merlot, and Sangiovese from grapes grown in the Walla Walla AVA.

2009 Columbia Valley Sangiovese**+ red cherry, light spice

2009 Columbia Valley Cabernet franc*** currant, light chocolate, vanilla

2008 Walla Walla Valley, Pepperbridge vineyard Malbec*** spices, chives, berries

2008 Walla Walla Valley, Morrison Lane vineyard Syrah***+ fresh jam, Logan very

2008 Sagemore vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon**** black Cassis, toast, white pepper

Everett Marina...

Everett Marina

Woodfire grill
http://www.anthonys.com/restaurants/info/woodfire.html

Everett Marina - Woodfire Grill

Everett Marina - Woodfire Grill

Everett Marina - Woodfire Grill

“Anthony's Woodfire Grill features specialties from its custom-built rotisserie, applewood-burning oven and an applewood grill. As a part of the Anthony's family, Anthony's Woodfire Grill serves signature fresh Northwest seafood selections such as margarita crab, as well as applewood roasted St. Louis style ribs and sirloin beef kabobs.” - Woodfire grill website

Around Everett…

Sojen Cellars Everett
http://www.sojencellars.com/

Sojen Cellars Everett

Terracotta Red
http://terracottaredbistro.com/

Terracotta Red

Terracotta Red - Crispy Drunken Chicken