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4 Cool Things Foodies Should Do at Semiahmoo Resort

This Washington resort just south of the Canadian border has upped its grub game

semiahmoo-beach-shot_croplead

The gorgeous Semiahmoo golf resort on a scenic spit in Blaine with a killer view of Canada — hello, White Rock, B.C.! — recently ramped up its list of cool things to do while visiting. Just in case you get tired of all the chillin’ on the beach. Here’s a few to consider:

1. Cozy Wine Dinners
In February, I took a trip up north for one of the monthly wine dinners, this one featuring Betz Family Wines and its owner, Steve Griessel, talking the small group of enthusiasts through the past, present and future of one of the state’s most respected producers while savoring an amazing five-course menu that included roasted bison tenderloin, crispy pork belly (my fave pairing, with the 2015 Syrah La Cote Patriarche from Red Willow Vineyard) and grilled winter kale. That salad was dressed in a honey-Brie vinaigrette I can’t stop thinking about. Imagine a mellow version of blue cheese dressing. Perfect with the wine. These events are popular, so get that rezzie booked NOW. Here’s the wine dinner schedule for the rest of the year.

2. Sip the Best Caesar in the Lower 48
OK, this Canadian version of a Bloody Mary might be one of the very few versions served in the USA, but it still deserves huge ups for trying to get that tasty trend going. The secret is a blend of spicy tomato juice and the traditional Clamato. Go ahead and roll your eyes, that “exotic” product gives the savory cocktail an exotic umami. Plus, this version comes with an extraordinary number of pickled asparagus spears, so it’s practically a salad. Unlike the brunch-driven Bloody Mary, this drink can and should be sipped at all hours of the day and night. Preferably at a seat by the window in the beautiful Packers Bar and Grill.

Photo via Facebook

3. Take a Selfie with the Celebrity Chef
Bruno Feldeisen is one of the entertaining judges on The Great Canadian Baking Show, a spinoff of the cult classic, The Great British Baking Show. Once you taste one of his sweet creations like the seasonal fruit galette or the velvety maple creme brulee, you’ll know exactly why he qualifies to dish critiques of those clever contestants. While he’s also been on the savory side of the kitchen for years, his deep experience in the pastry world includes several James Beard Foundation nominations.

4. Make S’mores on the Beach
The friendly front desk set up guests with everything needed to make those nostalgic goodies at the water’s edge, just steps from the property, right past the croquet, the outdoor volleyball net and the bike trail. All those games and more — including a year-round, outdoor pool — are crazy popular with families which flock there during summer months and on weekends. 

 

Restaurant Roundup: 3 Pearls and Restaurant Week Redux

Restaurant Roundup: 3 Pearls and Restaurant Week Redux

Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.

When something tastes good, you gotta go back for seconds—and that’s exactly what we’re doing for this fall’s Seattle Restaurant Week, Oct. 18-31. Building off a successful spring spread, this edition brings back curated menus at various price points ($20, $35, $50, and $65) at restaurants, bars, cafes, and pop-ups across the greater Seattle area….

House Special: A Taste of Ecuador at Bad Chancla

House Special: A Taste of Ecuador at Bad Chancla

Chef José Garzón brings a coastal Ecuadorian classic to his 335-square-foot Capitol Hill kitchen, where he hopes to introduce more dishes from home. 

There is not much room at Bad Chancla. The bright pink walk-up on East Olive Way seats a handful of people elbow to elbow, mostly outside, and the kitchen behind the counter is small enough that chef and co-owner José Garzón can talk to you while he cooks.  Garzón grew up between Guayaquil and the…

Opening Night: GoodMart Makes Lunch Feel Like Luxury

Opening Night: GoodMart Makes Lunch Feel Like Luxury

Victor Steinbrueck, owner of Fremont’s acclaimed Local Tide, opens his second seafood-centric restaurant in the heart of Ballard.

On a Thursday afternoon I was able to walk right up to the counter at GoodMart on Ballard Avenue and order lunch, which surprised me.  GoodMart is owned by Victor Steinbrueck, who opened Local Tide in Fremont during the height of the pandemic (August 2020) and built it into one of Seattle’s most acclaimed seafood…

Where to Warm Up With a Drink This Fall and Winter in Seattle

Where to Warm Up With a Drink This Fall and Winter in Seattle

From swanky speakeasies to a cozy literary bar, these spots serve inventive cocktails and zero-proof options.

Seattle’s drearier days are slowly arriving, but it’s not all gray and gloom from here. Finding a cozy spot to warm up is part of the trick to enjoying the darker, colder months. The right place lets you bring a friend, a book, a journal, or simply yourself, and let time pass by.  Whether you…