Food Frenzy: Whole Hog, Planet Friendly Wine and Special Deals
Despite the fact that summer has blessed us with just over an hour this year, we've still got a handful of events we find fitting for seasonal escapades. Even in the sour weather, restaurants are still firing up the grill and digging holes to roast whole beasts, and keeping cases of Rose front and center. And, of course, one of the biggest Seattle festivals of the summer, the Capitol Hill Block Party, happens this weekend.
So here are some of your options for eating and drinking--whether the weather turns it around or not.
South Lake Union Mobile Chow Down: The Trucks Are Ready to Par-tay
You'd have to be on a total media black-out to miss the trend du jour - mobile food - and you'd be remiss not to join in the celebrations of it. Fortunately, you can toast the talk of the town in good company, because the City of Seattle is throwing a party to commemorate and celebrate this week's pro-food-cart changes in legislation. Trucks will converge at Lake Union Park today from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., at which point Mayor McGinn will make a few comments on street food and probably sneak in a reference riding bikes and extending bar hours. Even if chatting with the Mayor isn't your scene, go eat your lunch outside, listen music by Country Lips and bask in the beauty of your surroundings. Truck lineup includes: Skillet, Maximus Minimus, Molly Moons, Where Ya At Matt, Kaosami Thai Food Truck and Lumpia World.
Thursday, July 21, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. // Lake Union Park (860 Terry Ave N) // Free
Taylor Shellfish Capitol Hill Grand Opening
Taylor Shellfish, a longstanding farmers market staple, opened their newest outlet earlier this month in Capitol Hill's Melrose Market, a spot that's quick;y becoming the place to find the highest quality culinary delights. To celebrate, they'll be barbequing oysters in front of the store form 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and hosting a variety of how-to demos. Local author Becky Selengut will also be signing books. Check their website for a complete schedule of fishy events.
July 21, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. // Taylor Shellfish Melrose Market (1521 Melrose Ave)
Voodoo Vinters Book Event at Esquin Wine Shop: Biodynamic Winemaking
Biodynamic farming is nothing new - it's actually a practice traced back to the Paleolithic era. Now, it's found around the world, from Burgandy to Oregon. Specifically in Northwest, the practice is especially popular for Pinot Noirs in the Wilamette Valley. Katherine Cole, author of Voodoo Vinters: Oregon's Astonishing Biodynamic Winegrowers will be at Esquin Wine Merchants in Sodo tonight, to discuss the "beyond organic" winemaking movement. They'll also be pouring wines from Montinore Estate, located in the heart of Oregon's rolling grape country. If you are about the food you eat, the wine you drink and the planet, this is something that will surely pique your interest and inspire you to learn more about. Esquin promises thought and provoking conversation. We always find ourselves wanting to buy too many bottles of wine when we head to Esquin, so plan to peruse and take note on their favorites, because we know they'll soon be yours as well.
July 21, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. // Esquin Wine Merchants (2700 Fourth Avenue S Seattle) // Free
Farmers Market Inspired Pig Roast at Fresh Bistro
Y'all ready to put on your farm boots and go whole hog? Ok, well it isn't quite that kind of pig celebration at Fresh Bistro, but pretty damn close! Fresh Bistro purchases a whole pig from local purveyor "Cheryl The Pig Lady." Sides are foraged at the local farmers market based upon what is fresh. They are inviting people to point out things they see at the market that interest them as part of the Farmers Market Challenge, so don't be bashful- ask the chefs to cook perhaps baby turnips or mizuna from your local farmer. And get your eating silverware out to feast on a lot of pork. Babe is pretty tasty.
July 26, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. // Fresh Bistro (4725 42nd Ave. SW) // $20 per person, $16 with purchase of beverage (wine, beer, or specialty cocktail) // Reservations required by calling 206-935-3733
Capitol Hill Block Party Dinner at Lark: 3 Courses for $28
Going to Capitol Hill Block Party this weekend? You'll need energy for lots of dancing and celebrating, so eating is essential. Forget a hot dog or over-priced fair food (not to be confused with street food, that is for later in the night). Head to Lark Thursday through Sunday fo a specially priced three-course dinner. At just $28, we're especially excited about burrata with local favorite farmer Billy's tomatoes. One of the best simple pleasures of summer. Don't worry, there's really plenty to tantalize our taste buds. You'll find Seattlest heading straight to Lark for this well-priced feast this weekend.
July 21-24th, 5:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. // Lark (926 12th Avenue) // $28 per person (tax/gratuity/drinks additional)
