A Week of ‘Food, Wine, Travel and Dining Out’

This is the week of our anniversary. We have plans to visit Orcas Island, Washington and stay at Rosario's Resort and Spa. It's the off-season on Orcas Island, Rosario's restaurant and lounge, as well as many restaurants on the island are closed for the season. By checking the web and making several phone calls we found enough open for the amount of time we were staying. Once we returned home we are planning to wine taste at Wicked Cellars, have our anniversary dinner at Lombardi's Neighborhood Italian Restaurant Everett Marina, attend a wine release party at Edmonds Cellar in Woodinville where May Palmer  - The Queen of Ivory Soul is performing and attendance a 50th birthday party.

Cascade Bay Orcas Island, Washington

Day One – Orcas Island

Ferry Terminal Anacortes, Washington

MOVIE - Ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island with a stop at Shaw Island, then on to Rosario’s.

Ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island with a stop at Shaw Island, then on to Rosario’s.

Moran Mansion at Rosario

Rosario Resort and Spa***+ 1400 Rosario Road
Eastsound, WA 98245
(360) 376-2222
http://www.rosarioresort.com

Music Room at Moran Mansion

Moran Mansion

Moran Mansion at Rosario is like stepping back in time. Built between 1906-1909 by Seattle Shipbuilder and Mayor Robert Moran, the mansion features original photographs from the late 1800's and early 1900's, original furnishings and fixtures, and an extensive display of the ships built by the Moran Brothers Company in Seattle.

Moran Mansion

Rosario Resort's guest rooms are surrounded by beauty of the San Juan Islands with views of East Sound and Cascade Bay on Orcas Island. We stayed in the Bayside Rooms located in the Skagit Building, a short walk from the Moran Mansion and Rosario Marina. Our room featured one king bed with sliding-glass doors that open onto a balcony with island views. The room has a television, small refrigerator, wireless internet (free) coffeemakers and private bathrooms, but no microwave. We enjoyed the room very much. The room was serviced daily even though we did not leave at the crack of dawn.

View from our room

Visitor

After checking in and getting settled it was off to Eastsound, Washington for lunch.
Eastsound is the population center for Orcas Island, the second-most populated and physically largest of the San Juan Islands. Eastsound consists of a few hotels and several restaurants, numerous gift stores, a large downtown grocery store, natural food store, hardware store, pharmacy, airport, and several churches. There is a public park that hosts events including the farmers market.


Lower Tavern Eastsound Orcas Island

We choose to have lunch at Lower Tavern, were they say they has “The Best Hamburger on the Island” you know what? It may be! It was the best we have had in a long time. Those fries were dynamite…

Lower Tavern**+
46 Prune Alley
Eastsound, WA 98245
360.376.4848

Cheeseburger and Fries at Lower Tavern Eastsound

The Madrona Bar & Grill***+ 310 Main Street, Ste. 105
PO Box 127
Eastsound, WA 98245
360.376.7171

Madrona Bar and Grill Eastsound, Washington

he Madrona Bar and Grill

View from Madrona Bar and Grill

The Restaurant at Madrona Bar and Grill

The Bar at Madrona Bar and Grill

Dinner was at The Madrona Bar and Grill where we started of with Bruschetta**+, Flat Iron steak****, with Blue Cheese, Potatoes Confit and Sliced Tomatoes and Coho Grilled Salmon****, with Roasted Yams, Broccolini.

Bruschetta - The Madrona Bar and Grill

Iron steak, with Blue Cheese, Potatoes Confit and Sliced Tomatoes - The Madrona Bar and Grill

Salmon, with Roasted Yams, Broccolini - The Madrona Bar and Grill 

The Madrona Bar and Grill

Then off to fine some place for an after dinner drink. We found a place next door called Vern’s Bayside Restaurant, we choose the Lounge…

Vern's Bayside Lounge **+
246 Main Street
Eastsound, WA 98245
360.376.2231

Bayside Restaurant Eastsound Orcas Island

Vern’s Bayside Restaurant Eastsound Orcas Island

Day Two – Orcas Island

Mia’s Eastsound, Washington

Mia’s Eastsound, Washington

Mia's***+
Eastsound Square
109 North Beach Road #A2
Eastsound, WA 98245
360.376.6427

Hot Cabana Sandwich - Mia’s Eastsound, Washington

Lunch time, we found a place called Mia’s. It’s a small breakfast and lunch only cafe. What a great place! The serves was right on and the sandwiches, very delicious. We both had the Hot Cabana Sandwich***+ on a baguette, with Ham, Salami, Jarlsberg, Kocher dill, mustard and coleslaw. Great use of coarse ground mustard, on the sandwich and in the coleslaw. 

After lunch we visited Kathryn Taylor Chocolates to fine some Artisan chocolate to with our wine. Kathryn Taylor Chocolates is an intimate space with quiet corners enjoy an elegant desserts os baked goods, coffee, espresso, chocolates or teas.

Kathryn Taylor Chocolates - Eastsound Washington

Kathryn Taylor Chocolates***
109 N Beach Rd, Suite D101
Eastsound Village Square
Eastsound, WA 98245
360.376.1030
http://www.ktchocolates.com/

Chimayo Restaurant, Eastsound Washington

Chimayo Restaurant****
Our House Mall
North Beach Road
Eastsound, WA 98245
360.376.6394

Chimayo Restaurant, Eastsound Washington

Diner time found us at Chimayo. Chimayo’s is an interesting place, Mexican restaurant by day and Italian restaurant by night. We started our meal with a wonderful appetizer of mussels. Cozze Siciliano***+ the mussels were prepared in a tomato base broth with onions, celery with a touch of red pepper flacks. Carrot Ginger Soup*** was next. For the main course we had Lamb Ragu**** Risotto with roasted fresh vegetables and Flank Steak**** Marsala demi glace with risotto and roasted fresh vegetables

Cozze Siciliano - Chimayo Restaurant

Carrot Ginger Soup - Chimayo Restaurant

Lamb Ragu - Chimayo Restaurant

Flank Steak - Chimayo Restaurant

Day Three – Orcas Island

Vern's Bayside Restaurant and Lounge

Restaurant and Lounge**+
246 Main Street
Eastsound, WA 98245
360.376.2231

View From Vern's Bayside Restaurant and Lounge

Vern's Bayside Restaurant

Bacon and Eggs - Bayside Restaurant

Fried Clam Strips - Bayside Restaurant

Lunch time on Orcas Island. Today we went to Vern’s Bayside Restaurant, nice decor and what a view. I love breakfast for lunch and since they were still serving breakfast I had their Bacon and Eggs*** with hash browns, they eggs were fresh and cooked perfectly. We also tried their Fried Clam Strips**, they had great portions.

Bilbo's Festivo - Eastsound Washington

Bilbo's Festivo****
310 A Street

Eastsound, WA 98245

Phone: 360-376-4728

Bilbo's Festivo - Eastsound Washington

Bilbo's Festivo - Eastsound Washington

 For dinner we tried Bildo’s Festivo. What great decor both outside and in. Bildo’s reminded me of great TexMex restaurant’s in Austin, Texas. They food was the best I have had in the state in some time. We had Chili Relleno****+ stuff with jack cheese, zucchini, chopped Spanish onion, and toasted pine nuts, with Spanish rice and refried beans, the chili was coated in a wonderful tasting coating and Crab Enchiladas*** with seafood sauce, rice and beans. Great place, great food, service was a bit to efficient for a evening meal.

Day Four – Orcas Island

Orcas Island to Anacortes Ferry

Time to head home…

Our trip to Orcas Island was wonderful. Rosario's under the new owners is gaining the excellence it has had in the past. Even though this was the off-season there were many fine restaurants still open in Eastsound. We would like to thank all the owners and staffs of these fine restaurants for their wonderful meals and service. Their passion for food and the industry shows.


Day Five – Wicked Cellars, Lombardi’s, Inn at Port Gardner

Today its time for wine tasting at Wicked Cellars with Guy Harris, owner of Cru Selections, a special dinner at Lombardi’s Neighborhood Italian Restaurant Everett Marina and a night at Inn at Port Gardner.

Wicked Cellars Wine Tasting

Today at Wicked Cellars Guy Harris, owner of Cru Selections lead us through a tasting of Washington and Oregon wines.

Rotie Cellars 2008 Southern White Blend***+ pineapple, mango, honeysuckle

2007 Stevenson temperance Vineyard Pinot Noir*** oak, cocoa

2007 Stevenson freedom Vineyard Pinot Noir*** cherries, complex

2007 Stevenson Barrie Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir*** blueberry, oak, espresso

2008 Airfield Runway Syrah**+ blackberries, smooth tannins

2007 Covington Cellars Rough House Red***+ red fruit

2008 Cuillin Hills Cabernet Franc, Wahluke Slope***+ black currant, spices, soft and velvety

2008 Angel Vine Columbia Valley Zinfandel***+ blackberries, black raspberries, jam, spices

We finished the week with a wonderful anniversary dinner at Lombardi's Neighborhood Italian Restaurant Everett Marina and a great night stay at the Inn at Port Gardner***+. Unfortunately because of illness we had to miss Edmonds Cellars release party with May Palmer and our friend’s 50th birthday party…

View from our room - Inn at Port Gardner

Lombardi’s Neighborhood Italian Restaurant Everett Marina

Thanks you all for a week we will not soon forget...

Lombardi’s Neighborhood Italian Restaurant Everett Marina Wine and Food Pairing with the fabulous Julie of Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard and weekend wine tasting at Wicked Cellars Everett.

Lombardi’s Neighborhood Italian Restaurant Everett Marina Wine and Food Pairing with the Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard

Weekend started early for us this week. Thursday we were at Lombardi's Neighborhood Italian restaurant Everett Marina for a wine and food pairing event with Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards. Chef Chris Viner and the kitchen staff created for us; Butter Poached Prawns on Italian Flat Bread, Pancetta Wrapped Pears, and Oven Roasted Duck Breast, paired with splendid wines from Goose Ridge.

Lombardi’s Neighborhood Italian Restaurant Everett Marina Wine and Food Pairing with the Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard

Chef Chris Viner

The Fabulous Julie of Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard

Like Lombardi's, Goose Ridge Vineyards is family-owned and is dedicated to limited production, handcrafted wines from select, estate-grown grapes.

May Palmer “The Queen of ivory soul”

May Palmer “The Queen of ivory soul” will be performing at Lombardi's Everett Marina “A night of jazz” February 17^th, from 6 to 8:30

Evening was not without surprises May Palmer “The Queen of ivory soul” shared our table, what a surprise. It was also announced that May Palmer “The Queen of ivory soul” will be performing at Lombardi's Everett Marina “A night of jazz” February 17th, from 6 to 8:30 and it's a free show!

Butter Poached Prawns on Italian Flat Bread

Butter Poached Prawns on Italian Flat Bread*** surprised bite of cayenne pepper
2007 Riesling, Columbia Valley*** fresh, Apple, stone fruit

Pancetta Wrapped Pears

Pancetta Wrapped Pears***+ surprisingly tasty
2008 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley*** creamy, toasty

Oven Roasted Duck Breast

Oven Roasted Duck Breast***
2006 Syrah, Columbia Valley*** vanilla, spice

Braised Pork & Mushroom Ragu

Braised Pork and Mushroom Ragu***+ my favorite
2006 Merlot, Columbia Valley*** dark plum, black cherries

Chocolate Mousse Tart

Chocolate Mousse Tart**+
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley***+ leather, Cedar

Wicked Cellars

Fridays wine tasting at Wicked Cellars featured “Zin a little, Zin a lot” with Darren Burgess of Unique Wines.

Wine tasting at Wicked Cellars featured “Zin a little, Zin a lot” with Darren Burgess of Unique Wines

Don’t forget the small appetizers at Wicked Cellars

2007 Steele Wines Writers Block Zinfandel**+ red fruit, toasted oak


Rutherford Ranch 2006 Napa Valley Zinfandel**+ plums, black pepper


2008 Dashe Cellars Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel*** raspberry, black cherry, black pepper, cloves


2008 Steele Winery Catfish Vineyard Zinfandel*** chalky, raspberries, cedar


2008 Robert Biale Napa Ranches Zinfandel***+ pepper, black cherry, spices


2008 Klinker Brick Old Ghost Old Vine Zinfandel***+ smoky, black pepper, black cherry

After a little wine tasting we were off to Daruma Japanese Restaurant*** for a little sushi. This is a wonderful little restaurant on the Everett water front. We spend are time in the back with the view of the Sound. Time for a little sushi…

Sushi at Daruma Japanese Restaurant

Beef Teriyaki at Daruma Japanese Restaurant

Saturday Wine tasting at Wicked Cellars whose wines take you on a summer trip across Europe from Spain through Southern France to Italy's Veneto region outside Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet.

Saturday Wine tasting at Wicked Cellars

Antano 2009 Viura White Rioja**+ melon, stone fruit

Chateau Mourgues du Gres 2009 "Les Galats Dores," Costieres du Nimes** grapefruit, minerals

Chateau Mourgues du Gres 2008 "Les Galats Rouges," Costieres du Nimes** red fruits, minerals, blackberries

La Sauvageonne 2009 "Les Ruffes," Languedoc*** white pepper, woodsmoke, dried cherries

Villa Girardi Valpolicella Classico Superiore "Bure Alto" 2004 (Ripassa)*** black pepper, spicy, sweet cherries

A Weekend of Wine Tasting, Music, and Learning

Wicked Cellars and Odom Wines

We started with wine tasting at Wicked Cellars, May Palmer - The Queen of ivory soul at Sojen cellars and Wine Barrel 101 at Davenport cellars.

Wicked Cellars Everett Fridays Wine Tasting Appetizers

Friday at Wicked Cellars Stephanie Seybold from Odom Wines showcase and share some of Napa Valley's and California's best wines at prices you can appreciate.

2008 Luna Pinot Grigio*** grapefruit, pear, mango, orange zest

2008 Silverado Sauvignon Blanc**+ grapefruit, honeydew, minerals

2008 William Hill Napa Valley Chardonnay*** vanilla, honeysuckle, pears

2008 Irony Napa Valley Merlot*** blackberry jam, toasted oak

2009 Layer Cake California Cabernet Sauvignon** cherries, berries, coffee

2007 Louis Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon*** red fruits, licorice, silky tannins

2007 Hewitt Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon**** Blackberry, black cherry, tannins, plush

~~~

The next stop for the afternoon was Sojen cellars. This was a special weekend for Max and Jen of Sojen cellars. They not only are celebrating their one-year anniversary as Sojen Cellars Saturday with May Palmer - The Queen of ivory soul. On Friday May Palmer performed for her fan appreciation party and we were lucky to be there. If you had not heard May Palmer - The Queen of ivory soul perform she will make you smile, sing and dance with her because you can’t resist her energetic performance, she is a must see... but Caution, May Palmer may give you “Happy Feet.”

May Palmer-the Queen of ivory soul at Sojen cellars fan appreciation party

May Palmer-the Queen of ivory soul at Sojen cellars fan appreciation party THE MOVIE

Sojen Cellars are becoming famous for the Friday and Saturday music nights. I would recommend that if you're the Everett area come in and check them out. You will have a wonderful time and hear great music.

A special thanks to Terracotta Red modern Asian bistro for letting us in a few minutes before closing and still providing a great meal… Delicious

Terracotta Red modern Asian bistro

~~~

Saturday - Barrel 101 at Davenport Cellars

Davenport Cellars for a special event. Davenport Cellars a boutique winery owned and operated by Jeff and Sheila Jirka

A trip to Woodinville to visit Davenport Cellars for a special event. Davenport Cellars is a boutique winery, owned and operated by Jeff and Sheila Jirka. Their winery and tasting room are located in Northeast Woodinville in what is commonly referred to as the "warehouse district." Great wine and great people.

Davenport Cellars Barrel 101

Have you ever wondered how barrels are made, what a toast level is, or how barrels effect the flavor of a wine? Davenport Cellars hosted private event to teach us everything we wanted to know about barrels.

Davenport Cellars Barrel 101 Jeff Jirka

Davenport Cellars Barrel 101 Jeff Jirka

Davenport Cellars Barrel 101 Old Wine Barrel Tools

The presentation about the wood used to make barrels, the processes of barrel making and barrel terminology and it was followed by a tasting of six barrels samples - three wines, a Merlot, Malbec and a cab, each from two different barrels. As we taste, we discuss how each of the wines differ in aromas and flavor. Very informative and not to mention, a lot of fun.

Davenport Cellars Barrel 101

Weekend wine tasting at Wicked Cellars and a new restaurant, Papa’s and Beer, a California Style Mexican Grill & Cantina in Lake Stevens

Wine tasting at Wicked Cellars with Lars Sorensen of cascade trade

2011 a New Year of wine tastings can't wait to get started. We are lucky enough to start the wine tasting year with Lars Sorensen of Cascade Trade. Lars was the host at Wicked Cellars Friday. We tasted wines from Italy, California, Washington and Oregon.


Carra Treviso "Pulcinello" Prosecco**+ dry, crisp, fruit flavors

Anne Amie Amrita Cuvee 2009 Willamette Valley Oregon*** dry, crisp, fruit forward, peach, and brisk acidity

Lenne' Estate "Le Nez" Pinot Noir 2008 Willamette Valley Oregon*** dark cherry, mocha, plum

Chandler Reach "Corella" 2007 Yakima Valley Washington*** juicy, fruity

Enotria Barbera 2007 Mendocino County California**+ ripe fruit

Chandler Reach "Monte Regalo" 2007 Yakima Valley Washington*** ripe berry, blueberry

Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel 2008 Russian River Valley California**** what a nose, jam, wet Cedar, the star of the tasting

Wine tasting at Wicked Cellars staff pick

Saturday's tasting was Wicked Cellars staff pick, focusing on maximizing the pleasure to value ratio.

Bisol's Desiderio Jeio NV Prosecco Brut** citrus, apples

Moulin de Ferrand 2009 Entre-Deux Mers, Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon**+ flowers, pears, bright and fresh

Cottonwood Winery Marina Piper 2007 Pinot Noir*** barbecue sauce

Gran Feudo Crianza 2002, Navarra*** burnt toast, Lead pencil, BlackBerry

Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red, Lot Number 53**+ plum, dusty earth

~~~

We had the pleasure this weekend of trying a new restaurant in Lake Stevens, Washington. The new restaurant is located in the old Alfie's Pizza building. It's called Papa’s and Beer, a California Style Mexican Grill & Cantina.

Papa’s and Beer, a California Style Mexican Grill & Cantina

Papa’s and Beer**+
9302 N Davies Rd
Lake Stevens, WA 98258
425.903.4069

The Restaurant:

Papa’s and Beer is a bright, friendly restaurant. The staff was both friendly and helpful. This would be an ideal place to take the family, the restaurant was full of both family and couples. The bar is still a work in progress waiting for the proper licenses. We would like to see less lighting (it’s very bright) and at some point find a way to reduce the noise level.

Papas and Beer Bar

The Food:

The menu is full of value and chooses, you will not leave hungry. We ordered the Fajita Quesadilla off the appetizer menu. The chicken was grilled perfectly, as were the vegetables and spiced just right. While the portion was plentiful, I found the Chile Relleno and Tamale Combination lacking flavor for my palate.

Papas and Beer sample menu

The Experience:

We enjoyed our experience and would recommend giving Papa’s and Beer a try. Will we eat there again? You bet… Can’t wait to try other food on the value pack menu.

Papas and Beer Fajita Quesadilla

Fajita Quesadilla*** grilled chicken and vegetables, cheese, pico de gallo, small spoon of sour cream and guacamole

Papas and Beer Chile Relleno and Tamale Combination

Chile Relleno and Tamale Combination**+ with beans and rice

~~~

The Food Network"s Alexandra Guarnaschelli Inspired Whole Duck with Green Peppercorn Glaze

Alex Guarnaschelli Whole Duck with Green Peppercorn Glaze  

Duck, what a great way to start the New Year. We choose Alex’s recipe after watching her new show Alex’s Day Off. Her show can be seen on the Food Network Sunday mornings.

Light brine with water, light soy sauce, honey and peppercorn brine

Breast side down for a minimum of 30 seconds

Preheat oven to 500°F, in a separate large pot make a light brine with water, light soy sauce, honey and peppercorn brine. Submerge the duck, breast down for a minimum of 30 seconds.

 Remove pan from oven turned duck over breast up

Reduce heat in oven to 400° Place duck breast side down for approximately 20 to 25 min. Remove pan from oven turned duck over breast up using a turkey baster remove the excess fat. Return the duck to the oven and cook for another 45 min. to an hour, depending on the size of the duck.

Preparer glaze by adding ingredients to a small pot and reduce

Alex Guarnaschelli Whole Duck with Green Peppercorn Glaze

Pour half the glaze over the breasts


While the duck is cooking, preparer the glaze by adding ingredients to a small part and reduce. Remove the duck from the oven and tasted with the drippings in the bottom of the pan. The duck should register run 150°F internal. Transfer the duck to a platter and pour half the glaze over the breasts and thigh meat. Reserve the rest the glaze for plating. Allow the duck to rest for about 15 min. Carved the duck and arrange on a platter. Seasoned the duck was salt if desired and top with the remaining glaze.

Alex Guarnaschelli Whole Duck with Green Peppercorn Glaze 

Alex Guarnaschelli Whole Duck with Green Peppercorn Glaze

This recipe can be found at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alexandra-guarnaschelli/whole-duck-with-green-peppercorn-glaze-recipe/index.html