News
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The Kirkland-based, family-owned grocery chain Larry’s Market has filed for bankruptcy. The first Larry’s Market opened in 1964. Currently, Larry’s operates six specialty markets, including stores in Seattle, Bellevue and Tukwila. Citing competition from Wal-Mart, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, as well as high overhead and debt, Larry’s is seeking a buyer.
Curious to hear a bunch of intellectual foodies discuss genetically modified food? Le Pichet teams up with the Seattle chapter of the Chef’s Collaborative to present a talk, “Genetically Modified Food: Friend or Foe?” with Lark’s chef Jonathan Sundstrom, UW prof Phil Beareano, and WSU’s Jim Cook, moderated by Greg Atkinson. 2:30–4:30 p.m. Sun., May 21, Le Pichet, 1933 First Ave., 206-256-1499.
Two Seattle bars, Zig Zag Cafe and Fun Kun Wu, have made Esquire magazine’s Best Bars in America list! Haven’t checked them out yet? Located downtown at 1501 Western Ave., on the Pike Place Market hill climb, the Zig Zag is noted for really knowing its drinks. Fu Kun Wu (5410 Ballard Ave. N.W.), tucked inside the swank teak decor of the Thai restaurant Thaiku, is known for the aphrodisiac qualities of their cocktails—some of which contain the herb yohimbe.
If you happen to be trekking to Bellevue’s Crossroads Mall to do a bit of shopping on a Tuesday, stop by the new farmer’s market there. The Crossroads Farmer’s Market opens May 23, and will be located in the parking lot just south of Circuit City. Sponsored by Hopelink, the market is open Tuesdays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. through October 10. Crossroads Mall, NE Eighth St. & 156th Ave. N.E. 425.644.1111
Diet for a Dead Planet: Big Business and the Coming Food Crisis is an investigative journalist’s exploration of our food system, by Christopher D. Cook, who writes for The Nation, Harper’s, and Mother Jones. “Stands in the classic American tradition of muckraking journalism. Cook offers an extensive and frightening catalog of the perils in our food supply,” says the San Diego Union-Tribune. Cook reads at 7:30 p.m. Wed., May 24, at Elliot Bay Book Company, 101 S. Main St.
Advance registration or reservations are recommended for most of the following events. Prices exclusive of tax and gratuity unless otherwise noted.
Farm Fresh
Craving some fresh-picked asparagus? With 27 farmers markets in King County, you shouldn’t have far to go. Familiar locations include Capitol Hill, the U District, and West Seattle, while new markets open this month in Wallingford, Duvall, and Des Moines. This week’s crop includes: arugula, dandelion greens, sorrel, garlic chives, morels, and king bolete mushrooms. For complete listings of market locations and days of operation visit www.pugetsoundfresh.org.
On the Plate
Wednesday, May 17
Support Boomtown Cafe by indulging in a three-course meal prepared by Tango chef Michael Bruno. Starting with a fallen Valdeon blue cheese soufflé with fruit compote and port syrup; then, a scallop, prawn, mussel, and mushroom paella (available vegetarian upon reservation); followed by dessert. $25 minimum donation. Two seatings: 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Boomtown Cafe, 513 Third Ave. 206-625-2989. DOWNTOWN
Friday, May 19
Cupcake Royale is colonizing our city with their cute, delectable concoctions! Their newest cafe opens today in West Seattle. From the vanilla buttercream to the mocha Mo Fro and the Coconut Bunny, this place has got your sweet tooth covered! 6–10 p.m. Cupcake Royale/Verite Coffee, 4556 California Ave S.W. 206-932-2971. WEST SEATTLE
Sunday, May 21
Food Lifeline joins forces with Starry Nights Catering to offer Mambo Away the Hunger: Cuban food, drinks and Mambo lessons. Enjoy a great meal, have a few drinks, and take Mambo lessons from an expert instructor, all for a good cause. Twenty percent of ticket sales will be donated to Food Lifeline, helping to feed hungry families in Seattle. $45. 7 p.m. Starry Nights Catering & Events, 11200 Kirkland Way #220, 425-284-2479, www.starrynightsseattle.com. KIRKLAND
Thursday, May 25
Flying Fish throws a five-course Salmon Celebration Dinner with such seafood temptations as Olympia oysters on the half shell (for starters), followed by Copper River salmon with bacon and sorrel cream and Quinault razor clams with watercress, morel, and goat cheese. For dessert, strawberry rhubarb crisp. $100. 6:30 p.m. Flying Fish, 2234 First Ave. 206-728-8595. DOWNTOWN
Drink Up
Wednesday, May 17
Wine for Novices: a workshop explaining the mysteries of glassware, grape varieties, evaluating and storing wines, and ordering the right wine in restaurants. $18. 6:30–8 p.m. Wed., May 17. Pacific Science Center, Second Avenue at Jones Street. 206-621-9463. DOWNTOWN
Wednesday, May 24
A wine tasting at the zoo? Yep. Set against the backdrop of the jaguar exhibit, this unusual after-hours event will find you sampling South American wines and hors d’oeuvres. The menu features an Argentinean Malbec, a Chilean Carmenere, scallop ceviche, empanadas, and yucca frites. While you sip and snack, an expert will tell you more about the big cats. $30. 7–9 p.m. Wed., May 24. Woodland Park Zoo’s Jaguar Cove exhibit, near the West entrance at North 55th Street and Phinney Avenue North. 206-684-4825. PHINNEY
Back to School
Wednesday, May 17
Learn to craft your own homemade pizza with summer-specific toppings like cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Ever wonder how restaurants make that great focaccia and rosemary bread? You’ll go home knowing how to make this quick, tasty snack, and with enough pizza dough for a large pizza of your own. $35/$30 members. 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Issaquah PCC, 1810 12th Ave. N.W. 425-369-1222. www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/pcccooks/calendar. ISSAQUAH
Tuesday, May 23
Empower your kids in the kitchen. A hands-on cooking class for kids ages 6–10, Kid’s Snacks will teach your children how to create their own fruit and veggie treats. Kids will go home with recipes and the goodies they’ve created. Free; registration and parental supervision required. 3:30–4:30 p.m. Whole Foods Market, 888 116th Ave. 425-462-1400, ext. 0. BELLEVUE
