NEWS

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Thursday, August 17, Pike Place Market turns 99, and the lunchtime bash features a free concert by Soul Asylum at the north end of Pike Place. If you work downtown, it might be a great day to stroll to the Market for lunch and enjoy a snack with some free tunes. For a short hour you might indulge in the illusion that you’re on vacation with the tourists that have swamped our city.

The Great American Spam Championship takes place at the Puyallup Fair this September, and if you want to enter your favorite recipe in this or other contests (the long list includes best apple pie, Ghirardelli Chocolate Championship, and the Salsa Showdown), be warned—some contests require preregistration. Check the site for details: www.thefair.com.

FARM FRESH

Perusing the markets this week, some of the fresh, local crops you’ll find include salty wild sea beans (also known as glasswort or pickle weed), maroon carrots, and a variety of onions, including Cippolini, Red Torpedo, and Walla Walla. Basil is in season right now, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to choose from one of three types: Thai, Purple,and Lemon. Visit the popular Ballard Farmers Market, Sundays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at Ballard Avenue at 20th Avenue Northwest, www.fremontmarket.com/ballard.

Advance registration or reservations are recommended for most of the following events. Prices exclusive of tax and gratuity unless otherwise noted.

DRINK UP

Thursday, August 17—Saturday, August 19

Wine lots will be up for auction at the 19th annual Auction of Washington Wines, held at the Chateau Ste. Michelle winery—and who knows, there may be some great deals in store for a few lucky bidders. This black-tie event is a fund-raiser for uncompensated care at Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center and for the Washington Wine Education Foundation. In addition to some highly coveted wine, there are many elegant items up for bid–last year a dinner with Robert Parker Jr. was auctioned off for $70,000. Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, 1411 N.E. 145th St., www.auctionofwashingtonwines.org. WOODINVILLE

Friday, August 18

This African coffee tasting offers connoisseurs a chance to experience side-by-side taste comparisons of African varietals, including Ethiopia Yergecheffe, Kenya, Rwanda, Red Sea Blend, and a variety which tastes naturally of blueberries. $7.50 advance/ $10 (admission includes a half pound of coffee). Two tastings: noon–1 p.m. and 6–7 p.m. Trabant Chai Lounge, 1308 N.E. 45th St., 206-675-0668. UNIVERSITY DISTRICT

BACK TO SCHOOL

Thursday, August 17

‘Tis the season for berries aplenty, either from your local market or picked at a favorite spot. At Bon Vivant’s Cool Ice Cream and Great Sorbets cooking class, you’ll learn how to make your own frozen desserts, with or without an ice-cream machine. The menu includes a variety of ice-cream flavors, fruity sorbets, and sauces—30 recipes in all to concoct your own frozen treats. $78. 7–10 p.m. To register call 206-525-7537 or visit www.bon-vivant.com.

Sunday, August 20

If you stop by Pike Place Market for this Sunday’s Summer Chef Demo, you’ll meet Bruce Naftaly of Le Gourmand, that great French restaurant hidden in clear view in Ballard. Naftaly will demonstrate how to prepare our own favorite non-native weed, blackberries, just as they’re ripening in parks and backstreets all over town. Samples and recipes provided. Free. Noon. Tent at Pike Place and Stewart Street. DOWNTOWN

ON THE PLATE

Wednesday, August 16

Jewish culinary tradition has influenced the cuisine of several regions of Italy, most especially in Rome, Turin, and Palermo. This five-course dinner, with wine pairings, explores Jewish-influenced foods of Italy, prepared using only fresh, Vashon Island ingredients. Menu options include veal-filled tortellini and a fritter with Italian goat cheese. $75. 6 p.m. Ferrara Ristorante, 17526 Vashon Hwy. S.W., 206-463-4455. VASHON ISLAND

Friday, August 18

Pike Place Market’s 11th annual Sunset Supper at the Market features many, many restaurants, from 94 Stewart, to Union Restaurant, participating in this buffet-style outdoor dinner. This event, in which you’re encouraged to tour the market, snacking your way along and chatting with the chefs, is a fund-raiser to support the Pike Place Market Senior Center, Childcare, Preschool, Medical Center, and Food Bank. $85 and up. 7:30–11 p.m. Pike Place Market, 206-774-5252, www.pikeplacemarket.org. DOWNTOWN