FoodTrek: From Vegas to Seattle - To There and Back Again

It had been too long since I'd had a proper adventure, and what other place is fit for adventuring than Sin City itself, Las Vegas? The last time I was there, I made it a point to Skip the Strip (Aug 2013 post), and I continue this very satisfying pattern of avoiding the bright lights, big city, celeb-chef-land of trendy restaurants and frankly everything imported, but nothing truly local. I've spent many years enjoying that part of the city, and it will always draw crowds and endless fascination. And pools that catch on fire. Yes, I was in town during the Cosmopolitan Cabana Party From Hell, but only heard about it via Facebook and personal texts asking if I could see the smoke. I had no idea what the hell anyone was talking about. What could possibly be more exciting than a mother-effin' pool on mother-effin' FIRE? This latest jaunt to Vegas, Downtown-Local Style and lovin' it!

"Deconstructed" carrot cake at Therapy - the dessert I wish to marry - Photo by Wasabi Prime

FoodTrek: Edible Artistry at Salish Lodge's Chef's Studio

Summer in the Northwest isn't all backyard barbecues and camping trips, we can shirk our Birkenstocks for a lovely sit-down dinner that takes advantage of the precious growing season that gives this region such a noteworthy culinary reputation. I had the pleasure of previewing a new dining space at Salish Lodge and Spa, their freshly-minted Chef's Studio, that offers a unique, hands-on approach to eating and drinking locally.

Setting the table for an edible show at Salish Lodge's Chef Studio - Photo by Wasabi Prime

FoodTrek: Delightful Annual Food Coma at SWFE

Pardon the lateness of this report on this year's Seattle Wine and Food Experience (SWFE), but I felt like I was still digesting all of the deliciousness a full week after it had happened. What an adventure for the tastebuds this event is! I had the benefit of attending with a small group of friends which I'll say is the best way to explore a day-long food/wine festival. Not just for the social factor, but you have a SWAT team of culinarians, strategically planning routes to specific sample tables and it's easy to share bites so you don't wear your appetite out too soon. Consider this your survival guide for making the most out of a delicious day of food and drink!

Lobster salad from Purple Cafe and Wine Bar at SWFE - Photo by Wasabi Prime

FoodTrek: Get Whisked Awhay to Whistler for a Wheekend!

Whistler for a weekend?! Don't forget Wil Wheaton and Wheat Thins! It's rare that I get to use the so-often underused letter "W," so pardon my enthusiasm. Last week, I tantalized with a recap of this year's Cornucopia food/wine festival in Whistler BC, but, as promised, I wanted to share some truly wonderful dining experiences that are available year-round, as well as the overall charm of this lovely resort town in the Great North. Whistler - ONWARDS!

An apple white chocolate mousse that tastes like clouds, from Alta Bistro - Photo by Wasabi Prime

FoodTrek: To Put On Your (next) Holiday Wish List - Cornucopia

So, here's to all the OCD longterm planners and wishlist-makers out there, already looking for something to do for next fall - Cornucopia Twenty-Fifteen, LIVE THE DREAM! I wish I had my own Flux Capacitator-installed DeLorean, so that I could have experienced this year's Cornucopia 2014 in November, write the post, and then 2.21 gigawatts my booty back to September/October, to say: arrange some time off in November, buy your tickets to Cornucopia, and head on over to Whistler, BC to overwhelm your senses with All the Nomz. Sadly, I cannot bend the laws of space and time, so I tell you now to get preparing for next year's Cornucopia, and consider this your hit list for enjoying one hell of a culinary weekend.

Araxi Big Guns Wine Dinner - start the weekend off right with caviar and bubbly - Photo by Wasabi Prime

FoodTrek: Tis the Season... For Dessert!

I know everyone's in the countdown planning stages for Thanksgiving, but I've already got visions of sugarplums dancing in my head. Sorry, Turkeyday -- I'm all about Christmastown! Holidays are equivalent of having dessert first, and there's nothing more fitting than an entire post about --  you got it -- DESSERTS!! And even better, wine paired with desserts, at Seattle's very own Fairmont Olympic Hotel.

Become a Honey Veil devotee -- you won't be sorry - Photo by Wasabi Prime

FoodTrek: Eat, Drink, Be Merry - Repeat as Necessary

It's no secret that I've been fully appreciating the fact that my schedule has been freed up considerably. Granted, it's at the expense of a sad loss that still makes my heart heavy -- I miss you forever, Indy! But being out and about, reconnecting with friends and just getting back into the social network of Seattle's food and drink scene has been invigorating to the soul. With no other agenda for this post beyond me going nuts, running around like a madwoman in Seattle, I give you this latest love letter to the Emerald City!

The part of the Pike Place Market Gum Wall that doesn't gross me out - Photo by Wasabi Prime

Food Trek: A (Wine) Barrel of Fun at the Auction of Washington Wines Picnic

I'd like to say it's no picnic being a food blogger, but that's a total lie -- it's totally a picnic. With incredible food and wine. I attended my first (but not last) Picnic and Barrel Auction, the kickoff event for the 3-day Annual Auction of Washington Wines. It's a big meet-and-greet with local winemakers, sips and bites of all kinds, and it's a fundraiser for Seattle Children's Hospital and the viticulture and enology research departments at Washington State University.

Cheers to Washington Wines! - Photo by Wasabi Prime

FoodTrek: Vancouver Noir

It was a dark and stormy night on the rain-slicked mean streets of Vancouver... um...welllll... to be honest, it was daytime, and not a drop of rain in sight. People were easy with friendly smiles and pleasant "hello's," but don't think it's all sugar-spun sweetness in this picturesque Canadian harbor town -- there's an element of mystery and a tantalizing hint of danger that lingers in the historic City of Vancouver. Gold rush treasure-hunters, cops n' robbers, Prohibition-era private clubs. The ghosts of this Pacific Rim metropolis leave a haunting trail of legends and rumor, as well as inspiring a renewed interest in the charm of all things vintage and past. This was my own magical mystery tour of Vancity, unlike any typical tourist visit.

Vancouver at night, what a beautiful sight! - Photo by Wasabi Prime

Food Trek: Vancouver's Natural Wonders, From Sunrise to Sunset

Seattle has a great affection for its Canadian neighbour, Vancouver, and it's not just because we're close enough to knock on their door and borrow a cup of sugar. The moment you see the distinctive skyline, populated with beautifully modern glass towers, you're also welcomed by Vancouver's natural beauty. The lush greenery and expanse of Stanley Park, the picturesque harbor community of False Creek, the forested views of North Vancouver just across the Burrard Inlet, all set against the glorious surrounding mountain views that the Pacific Northwest region is lucky to have. It's an ideal balance of urban and rural, having the cultural benefits of a metropolitan city, but never being so far removed from the abundance of natural resources that built and continue to allow Vancouver to flourish. I fell in love with Vancouver when I first moved to Washington over a dozen years ago when I took the trek up north to play tourist -- I was hooked. Every time I go, I fall in love with this beautiful city that feels like a breath of fresh air. And awwww yeah, they've got poutine. 

The natural wonders of Vancouver... in a skillet. Edible Canada's outstanding duck poutine - Photo by Wasabi Prime

FoodTrek: Pioneer Square-Dance

Get ready for another exciting episode of: Wasabi Prime and Her Adventures in Wandering Aimlessly (and loving it)!! *heroic musical theme* Now that we're in the early stages of being able to reasonably consider the season called Summer, I'd like to submit what I'd like to call a Perfect Afternoon of Seattle Wandering, aka, the Pioneer Square-Dance.

Drink up, it's sunny! Calvados cocktail at Bar Sajor - Photo by Wasabi Prime

FoodTrek: Gathering of Flavors at Kaisho

The term kaisho is a Japanese term for a place to meet or gather, but having a chance to further explore the menu at the Bellevue restaurant Kaisho, I would also call it a gathering of various Asian and Western flavors, and having them all meet for a delectable feast. I was doing the very arduous (not arduous) task of food/drink research and had the opportunity to sample several of Kaisho's dishes and cocktails. It was too much flava-flavor to keep all to myself, so I had to share on the blog. So here -- feast with your eyes, then  jump in your car and feast with your appetite!

East Meets West (and South) - Kaisho's Thai Fried Chicken and Kimchee Waffles - Photo by Wasabi Prime

FoodTrek: Going Out to Eat? Have ALL THE GOOD STUFF

Yes, I realize it's St. Patrick's Day today (no, it's not, I just completely spaced on when this would post). But it's as good a transition as any to talk about luck and good fortune. I don't have to find some end of a rainbow to realize how very lucky I am for a lot of things, one being that I live near a city like Seattle with so many great food offerings. I'm also very fortunate to be able to work from home, for myself as an Evil Boss Overlord, which also means for financial and practical reasons, I have to be selective about my adventures outside of my Hobbit-House. Going out to eat isn't just food for fuel, it's an experience. That being said, when I go out, I want All the Good Stuff, even if it's just a hamburger, pie for breakfast, and breakfast for lunch.

Ev'ry-body in the club gettin' Tipsy - burger from Tipsy Cow - Photo by Wasabi Prime

FoodTrek: Hungry Like the Wolf at SWFE

When I attend a big food/beverage tasting event, it's exciting, and it's also like that moment in the movie Gladiator, where Russell Crowe's Maximus is preparing for battle, the tension is palpable, and he calmly instructs his army: "At my signal, unleash hell." I imagine that's probably how the food/drink vendors feel right as the doors open and hundreds of people pour in, with that gleam of hunger in their eyes. Seattle-town takes its food and drink seriously. We'll dedicate a whole Sunday to wandering the rows in Exhibition Hall of Seattle Center, pacing our way through dozens of restaurant samples and a literal ocean of wine/spirit/beer/cider sips. You'll never get through every single thing, but it's a challenge to try all your favorites, while making new ones. Get ready to rumble - Seattle Wine and Food Experience just rocked Seattle's world.

SWFE - endless rows of perfect miniature bites! Prawn salad from Purple Cafe and Wine Bar - Photo by Wasabi Prime

FoodTrek: Treat Yo Self - It's the Best Day/Night of the Yeeeeeear!

Kudos to all you For the Glow/health-conscious/clean livin' folks pushing ahead through January and beyond. This is not a post about any of that. This is a post about livin' large (within reason) and celebrating that most wonderful of unofficial self-proclaimed holidays that should be proclaimed as often as possible: TREAT YO SELF: 2014.

Get your disco sparkle jacket -- tis the season! - Image from NBC's Parks and Recreation

FoodTrek: Our Journey to Northern France - Alsace that Ends Well

I shared the German half of our trip to Europe, and now I'm sharing the French-German portion that drew our adventure to a delicious close. Since we were on a tour that followed the Rhine, we visited the Alsace region of France, a beautiful area that has as much German influence as it does French, since cities and towns changed hands between the two countries over the last few hundred years. As a result, you get a distinctive combination of both cultures, delicious food and wine, and some interesting history. Shall we proceed? Allez!

Welcome to France, commence pastry gorge - Photo by Wasabi Prime

FoodTrek: Wine and Dine on the River Rhine

"So, what did you guys do on your trip to Germany?" My gut (har-har) response is, "We drank a lot of local wine and ate a lot of local food." You really do explore a region through its meals, because for places that are centuries-old like Germany, a lot of its living history is in its traditional cuisine. We weren't necessarily having nothing but bratwurst and sauerkraut for the duration of our visit, but we did try to eat and drink things that were directly related to the places we were at. If I were to sum up our visit through Germany, cruising along the Rhine, what we had on the plate and in our glass certainly added additional flavor to all the incredible sights we were treated to.

View from atop Heidelberg Castle - a true feast - Photo by Wasabi Prime

FoodTrek: Cruise Cuisine, aka, "Cruisine"

You probably already saw a bit of the whirlwind trip we took in early November over Twitter -- we literally hopped aboard a river ship and cruised our way along the Rhine River, through Germany and France. Incredible, right? We were long overdue for a big vacation, and it was a reminder of why a bit of an adventure, even an easy, well-organized one, is a good thing. It had been a stressful, hectic year, and one of the most welcome things about this trip was the fact that we were fully taken care of -- one of the big draws of cruise vacations -- and when it comes to starting a vacation off right, being able to indulge in being looked after is such a glorious thing. And this was one trip where we weren't shy about saying we liked eating on the ship -- honestly, can you beat the view??

Feeling pretty royal on our vacation along the River Rhine - Photo by Wasabi Prime

FoodTrek: Treat Yo Self! Brunch and Wine Tasting

Summer may have waned, but you can also count the summer rush of visitors mellowing as well, which makes it all the more reason to be a leisurely tourist in your own town. Less traffic, less hassle, more fun times to be had, even for the rainy days ahead, because there is no rain on your parade when you do brunch and wine tasting in the Wood-Hood, aka Woodinville.

Breakfast Sandwich of GIBRALTAR at The Commons Cafe in Woodinville - Photo by Wasabi Prime

FoodTrek: Wasabi in Ciderland

When you happen upon a giant toadstool and a sample of cider in front of you, without the invitation of "Eat Me/Drink Me," the answer is clear: Drink the Cider. A few days of heavy rain produced some impressive, albeit deadly mycological delights in the South Lake Union Discovery Center Lawn, but the sun came out to shine at this year's Cider Summit Seattle. So follow the White Rabbit, we're heading to Ciderland.

Welcome to Ciderland - this year's Cider Summit Seattle - Photo by Wasabi Prime