Tomato Basil Soup with Yams

The contest is over and there is a winner. More details very soon...
For now, a soup recipe!

Tomato Basil Soup with Yams
This is a recipe for tomato basil soup with yams. The yams make it extra creamy and less tomato- like. The texture and combination of flavors make it irresistible.

3 tablespoons of oil
20 grams of butter
1 onion ( diced)
3 carrots cut into big cubes
5 garlic cloves ( minced)
2 yams (peeled and cut into big pieces)
9 tomatoes grated
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
2 tablespoons of sugar
Salt and Pepper
2 liters of water

Fresh basil as desired (about a handful)
Fresh cilantro as desired,

Serving suggestion: Parmesan cheese

1. Heat oil and butter in a pot.
2. Add onions and sauté until soft.
3. Add carrots and sauté for 3 minutes.
4. Add garlic and sauté for one minute.
5. Add yams, tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper and water. Bring to a boil.
6. Lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Blend soup in blender.
8. Return to stove and bring to a boil.
9. Add basil and cilantro. Cook for another minute. Cover and let stand for a few minutes.
10. Serve with parmesan.

Seattle Food Blogger Event at Sorrentino

The last food blogger event was almost a week ago but I couldn't find the time to write. Better late than never. Here goes...
The bloggers.....No particular order (actually I think it's the way they sat in the restaurant)

Eileen at Mintz your words
Sara at From food to dinner and Adventures of a Hungry Girl
Mohini at Mango Power Girl
Rachel at Eateateatenjoy and Stick a Fork in it
Ronald at Cornichon
Katrin at Simply Culture
Jay From Seattlest

Of course some of the bloggers bought friends but I decided to mention only the bloggers themselves.

Sorrentino
The food was authentic Italian food. Hand made pasta, pizza and other Italian food made of all natural ingredients. I ordered the three-meat sauce specialty pasta with
slow-simmered ragout of homemade pork sausage, chunky beef and veal meatballs, topped with fresh ricotta. I really enjoyed the dish especially the sweet sausage which they make themselves. My hubby ordered the pizza which I couldn't stop eating!
Thanks Everyone!

Note: It was super bowl night so some of the bloggers couldn't come but don't worry guys there will be another event soon.

Foodie Gossip

Union has adjusted it's menu to make prices more accessible....
They have many options for fewer than 20 dollars
Some pasta options...
Pennine with Tuna Confit, Capers, Olives - $13
Umbricelli with Lamb Bolognese, Parmigiano Reggiano -$14
Chitarra with Mediterranean Mussels, Parsley Pesto - $13
Potato Gnocchi with Black Trumpet Mushrooms, Mascarpone - $15
Some other options....
Roasted Veal Liver with Thumbelina Carrots, Rutabaga, Aged Balsamic -
$16
Ocean Trout with Cauliflower, Meyer Lemon, Yellowfoot Chanterelle
Mushrooms - $17
Skate Wing with Marinated Beets, Blood Orange - $15
Pork Tenderloin with Braised Red Cabbage, Roasted Onion, Bacon - $16
Moulard Duck Breast with Celery Root Purée, Chestnuts, Cherries - $17

Capital Grille finally opened in Seattle! The Capital Grille is known for its dry-aged, or hand-cut beef selections. It also has an extensive wine list. The place seats 250 guests and has private dining rooms as well. It is located in the 96 year old Cobb building at 1301 Fourth avenue.
Yes, it's a chain but a high- end chain with upscale food for those who can afford to
pay for a great steak.

Wine Trails of Washington- Wine Book for Lovers..

Yesterday evening I attended the book launch party for Steve Roberts book , Wine Trails of Washington, A guide For Uncorking your Memorable Wine Tour.
The event took place at The Tasting Room, the comfy wine bar located in the post alley of The Pike Place Market.

Roberts signed books, made everyone smile, and just made sure his positive energy naturally rubbed off on the wine loving crowd.

The book(608 pages)gives details of wineries all over Washington with contact numbers, tasting hours, maps and lots of information that will keep your morality high and your wine glass full as you visit the abundance of wineries that Washington has to offer.

I also found out about Vin Du Lac Winery, located in Lake Chelan and the chocolate wine pairing events in February. They are even pairing some unique white chocolate with the wine. Apparently many wineries do chocolate pairing in February, how romantic!


cover and design of book by Lisa Pettit Design
To order Roberts book or just check out the website for book, click here

Greek Gods Are Coming

The contest deadline is Feb 8th....just a few days...
No pressure....
Hmmmm !150 dollar dinner....at restaurant of choice
Perhaps you will win some other great prizes....
Come on, a little yogurt never hurt anyone...

Enter at your own risk...

The Big List of Valentine's Day Dinner Options

Valentine's day is just around the corner. I put together a list of some of the Valentine's Day dining options. Make your reservations quick. Come on, before it's too late.

Volterra
5411 Ballard Avenue, Seattle
A four course meal for $65 plus 20% gratuity and sales tax
(206)789.5100

0/8 Seafood Grill and Twisted Cork Wine Bar, 900 Bellevue Way, Bellevue
The soft, acoustical guitar from Angelo Pizarro will serenade the dining room and create the perfect mood for lovers.
(425) 637-0808

Ponti Seafood Grill
3014 3rd Ave.N
5 course menu
$70 per person exclusive of beverage, tax and gratuity.

Valentine's day dinner for the vegetarian at Cafe Flora
2901 E. Madison St., Seattle
45$ per person, tax included
(206) 329-9100

Icon Grill, 1933 Fifth Ave., Seattle
Have a romantic dinner and some decadent desserts ....


Sorrentino
2128 Queen Anne Ave. N
50$
Highlight: Fettuccine with salmon & peas & Ravioli with rose-petal ricotta & pomegranate seeds
206-694-0055

How to Cook a Wolf
2208 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle
5-courses and a glass of prosecco for $65/person
(206) 838-8090

Union
1400 First Avenue, Seattle
The 7-course menu is $95/person

The Oceanaire
1700 7th Ave, Seattle
Chef Eric Donnelly will be creating a number of special items for the special occasion.
206-267-2277

His and Hers' Desserts from Purple Café and Wine Bar
Examples...
His: Chocolate Hazelnut Cigar with Brandy Anglaise, Chocolate hazelnut roulade cake, rolled in chocolate, covered in cocoa nibs, drenched in a liquor sauce
Hers: Honey Panna Cotta with Raspberry & Rose Champagne Sauce, Creamy panna cotta filled with a raspberry mousse, drizzled with a rose champagne sauce, sprinkled with toasted options

Valentine's beer lover's dinner at Pike Brewing Company
Full dinner and lots of beer (sneak peak: Pike Chocolate Salami).
Beer only(65$+tax and tip)
Wine or beer(75$+tax and tip)
206 622 6044

Troiani Ristorante Italiano, 1001 Third Ave, Seattle
206.624.4060

Valentine's Day Dinner at Tavolàta
2323 Second Avenue, Seattle
Tavolàta will be offering a 5-course menu in the dining room for
$65/person.
(206) 838- 8008

Valentine's dinner for a great price- $79.99 per couple(excluding tax and tip)
Zephyr Grill & Bar, 240 W. Kent Station St. #104, Kent

35th Street Bistro
709 N. 35th St, Seattle
Five-course prix fixe menu will be offered from 5 p.m. for $65 exclusive of beverage, tax and gratuity. Vegetarian options are available as well as optional wine pairings ($35).
206-547-9850.

Beato
West Seattle at 3247 California Avenue SW
special five-course tasting menu for $70 per person, With wine pairings, the cost is $90

Live music and latin love feast at the Palace Ballroom
2030 Fifth Ave, Seattle
Early Show
$105 (plus gratuity and tax) per person and includes entertainment, 3 flights of tapas, dessert, and 1 drink.
Late Show
$55 (plus gratuity and tax) and includes entertainment, 1 flight of tapas, dessert, and 1 drink.
For Reservations contact Christina Logman 206.448.2001 or click here for more info

For those who don't like the crowd on Valentine's Day, the celebration continues.....

Sunday, February 17
Sweetheart Brunch at Waterfront Seafood Grill
2801 Alaskan Way, Pier 70, (206) 956-9171
For $150 per couple, enjoy a bottle of bubbly and roses at the table, the restaurant's spectacular view, live New Orleans flavored jazz and an interesting menu.
2801 Alaskan Way, Pier 70, (206) 956-9171

Post-Valentine's Day Lunch at Rover's, $50 (Valentine's day is booked)
2808 E. Madison, Seattle
Menu will feature amuse bouche, 3-course lunch, champagne and mignardises. Wine, tax, and gratuity are not included.

If you have more options, please add them in the comments section.


Last Week before the deadline for Greek Gods Yogurt Contest, click here for more details.

Wine Dinner at Columbia Tower Club.

Check out this wine event.... Friday, February 1st

Fifth Annual Platinum Wine Dinner at Columbia Tower Club

Eric Degerman, Associate Editor of Wine Press Northwest and his panel of judges chose
fifteen Platinum Wines from the Pacific Northwest.

Braiden Rex Johnson, Wine Press Northwest columnist and author of Pacific Northwest Wining and Dining, will be available throughout the evening to sign her new book.

The wine dinner begins at 6 p.m. with a wine and hors d’oeuvre reception.
Seating is at 7 pm.
A five-course dinner paired with five wines, prepared by Executive Chef James Hassell. Tickets are available to nonmembers for $130, plus tax and gratuity, including a one-year subscription to Wine Press Northwest. For reservations and more information, call the Columbia Tower Club at (206) 622-2010.