FoodTrek: FEAST (before famine)

I'm pretty sure my going-out habits are like a version of social anorexia/bulemia. And I'm not downplaying the seriousness of eating disorders, they are serious and not to be joked around with, unless you're a witty writer on Arrested Development, then nothing is sacred.  I'm  just saying it's literally Feast and Famine when it comes to my penchant for restaurant-going and cocktail-ing. The month of October has had me on steady 12-16 hour days, 1 day of a Cheeto-binge meltdown of despair, questionable weekends (minus one joyous Oktoberfest, praise the Beer Gods), and me checking off the "bathing optional" box. But at least the month of September was super-duper fun. And the Cheeto binge was so totally worth it - Prozac in a bag, yo.

This is usually meant for AFTER a long day, I had it before stuff went sideways - Photo by Wasabi Prime

 It's called "work" for a reason. Otherwise we'd call it something more pleasant, like "fun," or "sleeping more than 4 hours a night." It's not important what I was working on, simply that we've all been in those situations where for whatever reason, you can't climb over the mountain, you just have to dig through it with a rusty teaspoon, and it was a reminder over why I'd sooner become a hobo than return to Corporate America. I was prepared for a Month of Crazy, and so while I had the energy to do so, I did a Leaving Las Vegas/Dead Wasabi Walking whirlwind for a month, catching up with friends, heading to favorite places and just enjoying what was left of the amazing Global-Warming-is-Upon-Us extended summer. I hate the word Staycation, because it makes you sound like the person who insists on calling appetizers "apps" or says "chillaxin" without even a hint of douchey self-awareness -- but that's essentially what this month-long restaurant/cocktail tour was. It was a genuine treat, I can't even begin to describe how happy I was, and it was all thanks to the good friends and marvelous places we visited, right in our own city.

My ideal summer afternoon, including an awesome photo-bomb at Local 360 - Photos by Wasabi Prime

When people visit Seattle and they want a recommendation for a genuine Northwest food experience, I always tell them: get thee to Local 360. The concept is fantastic, they source as much of their menu as possible from local producers and farmers within a 360-mile radius. And why shouldn't they -- the Pacific Northwest region is bountiful and all that rain helps things grow. The menu changes regularly with the seasons, you can skip the standard menu altogether and just order whatever is on their fresh sheet, and you'll be eating peak-seasonal meals. On my last visit, I kept to liquids versus solids -- their bar has a ton of locally produced spirits. I went with an Old Mischievous Ways, which was like an Old Fashioned on summer break, named aptly for the Fremont Mischief John Jacob rye whiskey they use, along with a spiced simple syrup. I went lighter, trying their take on the classic French 75 - the NW 75, a mix of Voyager Gin from Pacific Distillery in Woodinville, fresh lemon, geranium liqueur and sparkling wine. The rose geranium liqueur is by BroVo, a distillery from Washington I'd never heard of until now, but was quickly charmed by its delicate floral flavor. It reminded me of the St. Germain elderflower liqueur that became very en vogue with cocktail-making. Once my St. Germain is gone, I'm switching to BroVo. The flavor isn't exactly the same, but that fragrant essence is similar, and it's always great to support your local distilleries. They help keep the bad days away, as does Local 360's awesome bartenders. Note to self: totally doing the local liquor flights the next time I Unleash the Kraken at 360 - consider yourself warned.

Delicious nibbles and the most heavenly cracklins (that aren't really cracklins) at  Coterie Room - Photos by Wasabi Prime

I saved my appetite for The Coterie Room, a mere sneeze away from Local 360. It was my first visit to Coterie, but not to the location -- they took over the old Restaurant Zoe space, which is a really pretty little jewelbox corner spot in the Belltown neighborhood. My friend insisted we go for the cracklins. I know, it sounds crazy -- go to this fancy-schmancy darling restaurant and order... fried pork rinds?? But oh these crispy, melt-in-your-mouth creations of Divine Swine! We sat at the little bar, which you should all know, is the ideal place to be at any restaurant -- and not just for the easy access to booze. We chatted with the bartender who was full of menu recommendations and interesting wines to try. He explained why the cracklins aren't even really cracklins -- it's pure pork fat suspended in a tapioca starch mixture, which is then left to set and thin shavings are made from the block, and that's the "skins" that are fried. The tapioca mixture allows it to puff up and crisp like a traditional pork rind, and the flavor is pure, buttery pork fat that if you let a bit of it sit on your tongue, it completely melts down into a bacon-y whisper. I don't need to live forever. I don't want to live forever. I want to be a rockstar young corpse from overdosing on these faux pork rinds. But not before more snacks. Chickpeas/garbanzo bean fries are like the new polenta fries. And I heartily welcome this trend. Imagine fried hummus -- creamy and sweet with a velvety smooth texture. And also three times hotter than the sun's surface, so bite cautiously, but you will be rewarded. We rounded out our dinner of little plates with Coterie's steak tartare. You can't beat a classic, especially at a McCracken and Tough restaurant, as they put such high standards on ingredients and preparation. You could hear the cow mooing, the beef was so fresh. It had the right balance of clean-flavored raw meat, like tuna done sashimi style, seasoned enough to where you savor it but you don't feel like the beef's natural raw flavor is hidden. It took me a while to appreciate raw foods -- I was the hot dog and scrambled egg kid, remember? But it's like a drug, once you get that first good high of something prepared very well, you're always on the lookout for the next flavor hit.

Diving in at Blueacre's oyster happy hour - and oh, crab and shrimp tater tots? Yes, please - Photos by Wasabi Prime

My other raw food addiction has become oysters. This mystifies my parents, and rightfully so, given our no-seafood household. But one never questions how one gets to be a shellfish-addled addict, it's just a thing that happens and you're left to wander the streets, a glazed-over look on your face, stalking whatever bivalve you can get your tweeker hands on. For an oyster fix, Blueacre Seafood will be your Dr. Feelgood, especially at happy hour. It's whatever seasonal oyster they have on-hand, a dollar each, and it's shucking awesome. Yes, you could go to some sports bar and get a monster pile of nachos covered with cheese that came out of a jar for like, $3 at happy hour, but honestly -- why would you? That beautiful, saline-fresh flavor of a just-cracked open oyster -- it goes as well with a glass of bubbly or a cold beer, and they're surprisingly filling. It's a pretty good protein base, so I admit, I'll usually have a few oysters if I'm planning on making a night of things. Still not sold on raw creatures of the sea? No worries, have some spicy crab and shrimp tater tots. Of course I had to order them! They were on their happy hour menu, but I'd have an entree-sized pile of these if I could. Imagine if a tender crab and shrimp dumpling made sweet, sweet love to a crispy potato tater tot. This would be their delightful offspring. I don't need to say anything more than that, because I'm sure you're heading out the door right now to have some of these, and don't forget to get some oysters along with it!

Koral and my un-model-like meal for Fashion Week in Bellevue - Photos by Wasabi Prime

My usual happy hour oyster fix when I'm on the Eastside is over at Koral - they have a great happy hour menu that includes a Buffalo Trace Manhattan,which I enjoy frequently. For a while they had oysters, but it's a seasonal item, and they change their menu items up a bit. I was in downtown Bellevue almost every night during this year's Fashion Week, taking runway photos. That was actually a good reason to stay up super late, not so much partying like a rock star, but shuffling home and editing tons of runway photos every night. If you want to take a peek on my Jaunty Magpie blog, I shot the Independent Show, Nordstrom Show and Front Row. I always wonder why I do this every year, the schedule can be pretty exhausting, but when you're in the madness of the crowd, the music, and the models strutting their stuff, the excitement and energy is as much of a drug as oysters and raw steak. It's also fun to visit favorite spots for a bite to eat before the shows. Koral, of course, since it's right in the Hyatt where the runway shows are -- no oysters on this visit, but they had some thick-cut truffle salt Parmesan fries that were calling my name in a most un-fashion model-like way. I had the voice of Emily Blunt's character from The Devil  Wears Prada screaming in my head, "...And you eat CARBS!!!"

Korean comforts at Chan in Seattle, and delicious morsels from the sea at Black Bottle Postern - Photos by Wasabi Prime

I also put in some quality time at Black Bottle Postern's bar, waiting for a fashion show to start. I purposely went extra early to just soak in an extra hour or two of just being a barfly. But a well-heeled one -- I had a new dress and a big sparkly necklace on, I was fancy, dammit. It's not weird to eat and drink by yourself because you can order the dishes you love and don't have to share with anyone. This logic is sound. I chose gluttony as my sin that day and got their crispy salt and pepper squid, and the spicy, smoky Manila clams and chorizo. Sharing might be caring, but I was looking out for Numero Uno that day because I was starving like a model and those nine almonds just weren't going to cover their bases for a long day.

The power of Mine, All Mine! was with me when I had a strong hankering for Korean food one chilly afternoon. I appreciate the new interpretations Chan does, like with their bulgogi sliders or even their cocktails, but that evening, I wanted their skillet bi bim bap. It's a great combination of a classic dish and using a small cast-iron skillet like the hot stone grills some Korean restaurants use. The food comes blazing hot, which is good if you're relaxing with a glass of wine and a kimchee sampler. I really like their daikon kimchee -- it's slightly sweet, I almost thought maybe it was pickled apples or something crazy like that. The heat and flavor are more traditional, not the more Japanese-style vinegar-pickled versions of kimchee you get bottled at the stores. It's got a deeper flavor from shrimp paste and the Korean chilis are like Szechuan peppercorns, a smoky, slow heat that builds as you eat. Total flavor and sensory experience in one meal, my stomach grumbles as I write this, disappointed we're not eating sizzling skillet bi bim bap with kimchee right now.

Closing out the night at Vessel, my new favorite thing to do - Photos by Wasabi Prime

It feels strange to finish off a long night with cocktails, but I've happily enjoyed many evenings getting wrapped up with a drink or two at Vessel. They're in a great spot, right in the heart of downtown Seattle, on the corner of Olive and 7th. It's so close to where the Mister works, the next time I get a spare moment, I'll meet him for a post-work drink. Any excuse to let the bartenders take control and make something amazing, plus have you heard of foie gras popcorn? Because butter is so middle class. Of the last few visits, I've only ordered one drink off the menu, everything else I said, mix up something fun. This is definitely the bar to give whoever's at the rail carte blanche for what you should be drinking that night,  you won't be disappointed. I've been sticking to whiskey-based drinks, but one night I had a Scotch-based cocktail that was incredibly smoky and hearty. It was like Chuck Norris in a glass, it was so manly. And twice as likely to beat the crap out of you, so just one was enough. I like that the bar menu gets changed out based on whoever is working that night, so when you go, you'll see a person's name at the top of the bar menu pages, showing who designed those drinks for the evening. It's like a restaurant, except that instead one chef, you have many. I need to get over to Vessel during the day -- it's not a vampire, this bar and restaurant comes out in the sun and offers a full lunch menu during the weekdays - Chef Cameo McRoberts is at the helm of their very cool open kitchen space, and the menu deserves a proper taste-through.

So, despite my current overworked/under-bathed status, I was, indeed, a Real Girl during the month of  September, enjoying fashion shows, sipping cocktails and knocking back oysters all over town. With any luck, I'll be a girl-about-town again soon, but until then, I'll look dreamily at these photos and remember fondly that thing called a social life.... and maybe play some Barbara Streisand "Memories" a la The Way We Were. 

FoodTrek: PAX Snax

You're walking through the downtown streets of Seattle and you catch a glimpse of a demonic-looking clown with a big red wig and glittery nose, sipping a beer on a patio. You turn your gaze to find a leather barding-clad warrior with mech-like gauntlets and an oversized greatsword casually slung over his shoulder as he's waiting for the "walk" sign to change at the crosswalk. But you don't panic. You don't even wonder if your sanity is about to shatter into a million little pieces. You're just making your merry way to the Seattle Convention Center because it's Penny Arcade Expo 2012 (PAX) and you've got three days to party down like a nerdy maniac.

If you hadn't already heard, PAX is the annual video game conference put on over the Labor Day weekend by the creators of the insanely popular web comic, Penny Arcade. You're thinking, "Oh that's quaint, how nice to have a little event so people can play video games and dress up in superhero outfits made of old sheets." Maybe twelve years ago it was quaint, when PAX used to be held in Bellevue's Meydenbauer Center, but since then, it's an anime-spherical-slo-mo-explosion-blast that has created an exponentially larger expo. It attracts all the mega PC and console game companies like Nintendo, Microsoft/XBox, Sega, Ubisoft, Konami, along with numerous smaller, but no less popular game companies, which thereby cause an attendance swarm of around 60-80 thousand people. Yes, that number is fo' reals. It's an epic nerd army descending upon Mordor for three days to get precious playtime on as-yet-unreleased games, attending panels of game industry experts, and one of the rare times you can bust out that handmade Yu-Gi-Oh! costume and not get beat up for wearing it. Granted, I have yet to make it through all three days of PAX -- I made it to the opening day on Friday and was completely overwhelmed by The Great Wall of PAX Attendees. I spent most of Saturday there, but skipped out on Sunday, due to the nearly 14 hours of sleep my body desperately needed.

Revenge of the Nerds - Photos by Wasabi Prime

And the crazy thing is? I don't really play video games. I love tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons or Dominion, because I'm analog like that, but after losing feeling in my hands after too much time on a Gameboy, I backed off games and left it to the experts. I mostly go to support the Mister and the gang at Runic Games, this year more than ever, since they used PAX as a venue to announce the release of the heavily-anticipated Torchlight II -- September 20th, if you haven't already marked your calendar with a big, squiggly, serial-killer red Sharpie circle.

Torchlight II - highly anticipated by humans and Mutant X carriers alike - Photos by Wasabi Prime

I like attending PAX to see old friends, take some crazy photos and honestly, just spend whatever spare moments I can with Brock, as I'm pretty much in Game Dev Widow purgatory before and during the show. But it's not just spousal duty, PAX is a fun, safe environment where capes, purple hair and battleaxes are the New Normal. People in costumes are pretty cool about getting their photos taken, eager to show off a battle pose -- of course they'd be fine with it, otherwise why else would they dress up? But I appreciate the eagerness to be photographed. And for the most part, attendees are pretty nice, albeit a little shy. You get a wide mix of people who attend PAX: the timid, foot-shuffling gamers who patiently wait in 3-plus hour lines to play a precious 10 minutes of an unreleased game; the attention-seekers who don't even dress in a recognizable costume, they just fly their freak flag and wear something outrageous that screams PLEASE DEAR GOD, LOOK AT ME!; the high-functioning nerds who likely work a corporate job or at one of the game companies, so it's a big networking boondoggle to see old friends; and then there's the self-important douchebags who think the only worthwhile universe is one within the screen, and can't bother to be civil to anyone else. Yes, these mouthbreathers exist and every year I seem to run into a few of them, which gives good, upstanding gamers a bad name. Thankfully the nice and pleasant folks far outnumber the Worthless Trolls.

The most important rule of PAX: DON'T BE A DICK. Or this guy will cleave your ass - Photo by Wasabi Prime

The one thing that kills me every year at PAX is the endless parade of greasy pizza slices and flaccid sub sandwiches. It's an Atkins Nightmare, all the overprocessed carbs floating around the convention center. My Gluten Sense is tingling and it's saying: Stop the Madness! I realize sandwiches and pizza are fast and convenient, but I wouldn't say inexpensive, given the event area/tourist pricing. The Starbucks in the con center is priced higher than the regular Starbucks barely a half block away. The convention center had flyers for food suggestions -- they were always out so I never got a chance to see what their suggestion list was, but I could already guess it was chain restaurant/fast food hell. There's nothing wrong with going to a national chain to grab a bite, but if you're an attendee, not working as a vendor with limited break times, you have an incredible city of deliciousness within walking distance!

It's a world of pure im-a-gin-ation... - Photos by Wasabi Prime

In between taking photos, I use PAX as an opportunity to, as Aziz Ansari would say: Treat Yo Self. I take in my favorite restaurants or spots I'd been meaning to visit, and it's usually at odd hours, so no wait time, just a relaxed cocktail and nosh break. Take note of some of the previous and just-enjoyed PAX lunch/snack break spots that are within reasonable walking distance:

Six Arms Pub - It's a McMenamins brewpub with tasty grub. Sandwiches, burgers, wraps; very casual with funky-cool interiors - great for lunch. Spicy tater tots and a microbeer = primo. About a 10 minute walk uphill from the Con Center, not a typical PAX spot, so not usually crowded. Mentioned in a previous PAX WP post.

Victrola Coffee Roasters - Located near Six Arms along Pike, it's the much-needed upper after a sleepy microbrew downer, as you make your way back down to PAX. Incredible coffee with the strength and power to see you through the rest of the day. If you're coming all the way to Seattle, you absolutely have to get a luxurious latte, topped with a pretty foam design. Mandatory! Mentioned in a previous PAX WP post.

Blueacre Seafood - Off of 7th, barely a stone's throw from the Con Center, you've got a great place for seafood. Don't let the delicious creatures of the sea be reduced to greasy fish n' chips or an excuse to stuff your face with chain restaurant cheese biscuits. The ocean is tasty, and you'll learn to appreciate oysters and shellfish in a new way, as I did at a dinner with friends a while ago, which has continued to bring me back to Blueacre. They also do box lunches, so FYI to PAX booth workers who wish to break free of their soggy club sandwich fate. 

Vessel - Cocktail hour just got more awesome. Just reopened on Olive/7th, it's the famed cocktail bar that will up the ante of spirit-drinking in the main downtown area. Cosmopolitans, no more! I visited Vessel on Friday night, which was comfortably filled with locals and PAX-goers in the know who wanted a damn fine frosty beverage. I need to go back, I spent far too little time here. Will definitely be on the Mister's hit list for post-work cocktail hour and I'll have to join them!

Urbane - Located in the Hyatt, maybe a block away from PAX, they've got a beautiful menu that's deliciously local. I was there Friday night during dinner rush, and while every place was packed, their bar was open and a welcome calm from the PAX storm. You can stick with comfort zone favorites like a hamburger or ooey-gooey mac n' cheese, but give their lamb meatballs and fried chickpeas a try. A just-right amount of food that leaves room for a cocktail (or two). Their Little Negroni is a smoother variation to the classic Negroni, using Aperol instead of bitters.

Bar snacks and cocktails at Urbane - Photos by Wasabi Prime

Chan Seattle - Head towards Pike Place Market, and nestled in the courtyard of the Inn at the Market is this little gem. It opens at 5, so it's perfect for a post-PAX nosh. Delicious Korean food, and don't be afraid if you're not familiar with the cuisine, you can start off with modernized spicy pork or bulgogi beef sliders, as seen on a previous post, and then move on to the more traditional market bi bim bap.

Seattle Coffee Works - Yes, you could see the first Starbucks in the Market, but why not go to a one-of-a-kind coffee shop with powerful brews and a chance to taste and appreciate different beans? Before making the trek back towards PAX, get your favorite coffee drink or wait a spell and have one of their unique cold press coffee drinks. It's worth the wait; the flavor is smooth and less bitter, as heat is what tends to draw out the bitterness of the bean.

Cocktail hour at the Market - get out from behind that computer and get drinking! - Photos by Wasabi Prime

Alibi Room - It's hidden, but use the Gum Wall in Post Alley as your guidepost to finding this place. You could have sad, soggy pizza at PAX or walk down to the Market and grab a table at the Alibi Room and have one of their amazing pizzas made fresh with ingredients right from the Market. Their happy hour goes from 12-6pm on weekends, even more reason to take a break and power-up with something delicious.

Steelhead Diner - Also in the Market, near Chan, this diner is great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Beautiful view of the water and the menu is a perfect way to appreciate local flavors, whether you're a visitor or a local. As for me, I indulged in the Canadian favorite, Poutine (fries, gravy and cheese curds from nearby Beecher's), and a summery gin gimlet because it was such a sunny, beautiful afternoon.

Steelhead's Poutine - comfort food done right! - Photo by Wasabi Prime

Cafe Campagne - Feeling more like French food than French Fries? Cafe Campagne is another Market spot that I like for lunch or breakfast. It opens early, which is nice if you're downtown before the typical 10am brunch starts. I like their Pâté de Campagne, as seen on a previous post, but if liver isn't your thing, their croque-madame, a grilled gruyere and ham sandwich topped with a fried egg, is like a breakfast sandwich on happy pills. And no one will throw a sidelong glance if you're having a glass of bubbly with breakfast.  

Local 360 - A longer walk, 15-20 minutes, but worth the trip north, towards the Belltown neighborhood. Incredible way to taste the Northwest, as the majority of its menu is regionally sourced and perfectly prepared. Fantastic hamburger and the bacon Bloody Mary is a kick, as seen on a previous PAX post.

Dota Tournament and world-record breaking bubble-blowing for Kirby - Photos by Wasabi prime

This list of foodery/drinkery locales by no means covers every potential meal option -- there are many more places to visit that don't have to include the Golden Arches, and Michael Phelps has enough millions, so skip the meatball sub in lieu of something truly fresh and local. It breaks my food blogger heart to see so many people visiting the cuisine-smart city of Seattle and hitting the "fast food" button when there are so many amazing places nearby. You'll be more likely to find Seattle-based game studio devs and artists sipping small-batch distillery cocktails or microbrews because they know it's the good stuff, and they know life is meant to be enjoyed equally, both in front of and away from the computer screen.

Keep eating all that junk food, you'll wind up looking like these guys - Photos by Wasabi Prime

FoodTrek: Seattle State of Mind

We are lucky. We are incredibly lucky. This thought was running through my head when I was at an event in Seattle, celebrating the opening of a new Korean restaurant and bar, Chan, and being surrounded by so many incredible food writers, bloggers and edible enthusiasts. If there's a New York State of mind, then there can definitely be a Seattle state of mind when it comes to what you're eating.

Yes, sliders are everywhere, but they sure are cute to photograph! - Photo by Wasabi Prime

Nestled in a cozy little spot in the courtyard of the Inn at the Market on Pine, right by Pike Place Market, Chan is joining the well-populated ranks of Seattle restaurants, expanding palates into the realm of Korean cuisine. It's not a giant restaurant, it's small and intimate, looking almost like a little sushi place, with its long communal bar area where a lot of the guests will likely sit (the place was in party-mode, so most of the tables and chairs were moved out so the group could mingle). Along with flavorful food, Chan focuses on sustainability, using local ingredients prepared with familiar Korean seasonings and flavors, like spicy pepper paste, fresh ginger and garlic, all balanced out with sweetness.

Friday night at Chan in Seattle - like a foodie-reunion! - Photos by Wasabi Prime

It's an open kitchen – you see everything being prepared, so there's no hiding what's being worked on. It almost feels like you're in the home of a friend who has a big, airy kitchen, and you're the lucky guest, enjoying a cocktail or two while someone cooks dinner. Chan's menu is a mix of modern and traditional, with familiar items like a marinated grilled pork bulgogi, pickled vegetable banchan, and newer twists like layering the bulgogi into friendly little sliders and a sticky-sweet-spicy take on chicken wings. The names on the menu may not yet sound familiar to your ears, but you take a bite and it's instant recognition of flavors you've probably had before, and it emboldens your palate to try everything.

Tasty bites; bulgogi, savory rice cakes, chicken wings and the almighty slider - Photos by Wasabi Prime

Chan is part of a growing interest – I see more Korean-style restaurants opening up, and they're not trying to be slaves to tradition, but experiment with the food and present the base flavors in a way that's approachable to everyone. I think Korean food is a perfect combination – it's refreshing with spiced pickled vegetables, and satisfying with grilled marinated meats cooked to a sizzling finish. It's savory-spicy-sweetness, the right mixture that appeals to so many tastes. Chan's proximity to the Market makes it an easy choice for visitors, and it's food cooked with sincerity, something that Seattleites can get behind and support. Where other cities would shove a large tourist trap-style chain restaurant close to a popular city destination, Chan is a small, pleasantly tasty oasis that's presenting a slice of what makes Seattle so special.  Exotic, flavorful and sustainable – a good mantra to have, and very much what I'd consider a Seattle state of mind.

Yes, you can pickle that, Chan - Photos by Wasabi Prime

I felt lucky to be at Chan for the event, but one of the biggest reasons I felt so fortunate was that I was surrounded by such great company. I saw so many people I hadn't seen in a long time and many that I've chatted with over Twitter or Facebook, but we've never managed to meet in real life, at least until now. Seattle has a diverse and intelligent food community. I know this isn't breaking news – a lot of cities have food-smart folks, I just appreciate the fact that this area has a combination of people with restaurant industry background and enthusiasts who put a priority over where the food comes from. There are a lot of people here who garden or regularly buy their produce from farmers markets and community supported agriculture subscriptions. Nobody's perfect, we can't eat every meal in an artisan organic way, but it's something people strive towards and there's an overall sense of awareness over true quality. It makes going to an ingredient-conscious place like Chan feel like less of an eco-trendy sound bite and more of a regional movement towards getting everyone to a better place. And there's a great base of people who express these ideas in their own way, whether it's what they cook, write or photograph. It was a good reminder for myself to be aware and thoughtful, to value the ingredient and those who wave this banner every day.

Spicy sticky goodness - chicken wings done right - Photo by Wasabi Prime