Tea at Saint and Scholars in Snoqualmie

After a Mother's Day luncheon and gardening with my mom, Dan and I ended the day at our friends' Irish pub, Saints and Scholars for their special occasion High Tea.

Everything was delicious and we happily ate through all of the options. Two standouts were the salmon rosette and the salted chocolate pot. It was so nice to slow down and enjoy ourselves at this little tea party.

#hightea #snoqualmierestaurant #irishpub 


 

Phenomenal Northern Lights in Seattle

 

This is a view East toward the Cascade Mountain range 

Much of the country experienced Northern Lights last night, but only Seattle had the lead singer of the band Death Cab for Cutie watching it with them. I'm sure their famous song Northern Lights was sung by thousands last night as we witnessed something extraordinary. 

Below is a link if you'd like to listen to this dreamy song from 2018. Lead singer and songwriter Ben Gibbard grew up in Western Washington and currently lives in Seattle where he too, no doubt, saw these dramatic northern lights.

Looking up

Incredibly, this is the roof of my house with the northern lights streaming over it. I purposefully framed the photo to include the house to add some perspective. It looked like the sky had cracked open and let the color stream into our dimension.  

#northernlights #seattle #deathcabforcutie #springnights #celestial #summersky

Snoqualmie Falls and Huxdotter Coffee: I Insist

Whenever someone comes out to visit us, we make sure to take them to see Snoqualmie Falls. You can see the famous Salish Lodge & Spa on the left side of this photo. It is perched above the Falls and was the location of the fictious Great Northern Hotel in the hit television show Twin Peaks.  

Do you want to hear a coincidence I've never been able to explain? When I was in college, everyone had an answering machine with a tape on which you recorded an outgoing message, "Hello you've reached..."  I had never watched the show Twin Peaks, but I liked it's eerie opening music so I used that as my answering machine message. No message from me. Just the music. Very random. 30 years later I live in the town where it was filmed. It somehow feels like foreshadowing, doesn't it?

This is the view looking away from the Falls. When the conditions are right you can see a rainbow in the air! With luck, the sun has to be shining and there has to be enough water rushing over the falls to create a mist. I've caught it several times and it is magical - be on the lookout.

And then you'll need coffee. On most of my scenic drives in Snoqualmie Valley, I make up a reason to stop in North Bend for Huxdotter coffee. They offer fun and delicious drinks like the Twin Peaks latte (that is the famous Twin Peaks covered in snow - on Mt Si). I love to sit outside and see the Mountain looming large, though I only ever order a classic latte and it is perfect. 

These are the requisite stops when you have a 2 hours on a beautiful day. Lots more to see and wonderful places to shop, but you must see the Falls first.

#mtsi #huxdottercoffee #salishlodge #snoqualmiefalls #snovalleylife #pnw
 

 

Saints & Scholars Irish Pub in Snoqualmie Impresses

Ribbon Cutting at Saints & Scholars 10-3-2022

I am thrilled to share an inside look at Saints & Scholars Irish Pub in Snoqualmie, Washington! Our dear friends, Amanda & Adrian spent the last 2.5 years pouring their heart and soul into this magnificent project and it is stunning. 

Amanda & Adrian share remarks with Mayor Katherine Ross

A view into the bar before the crowd streamed in

The ribbon cutting was at 2 o'clock and as everyone gathered, live bagpipe music brought a celebratory mood to the air. Mayor Katherine Ross spoke of the enormous challenge Amanda & Adrian had faced when taking on a new restaurant and bar. Little did anyone know that 6 months later we would face a global pandemic. The couple had always imagined expanding the kitchen to be able to serve a full menu and they definitely wanted to convert the space into an upscale Irish experience, but I don't think anyone thought that it could be this beautiful. Amanda is the secret sauce that that elevated this combination of tables, food and mood into an establishment to remember. And be drawn to again and again. 

  

A moment for a pint during an afternoon filled with bagpipe music

A drink with our neighbors Nicolette, Trevor and Dawn after the Ribbon Cutting

The Glendalough: Botanist Gin, Fresh Lemon, Cucumber, Basil, Lemon Agave

The custom millwork was made in Ireland.

Guinness & Shepherd's Pie and Fried Chicken Sandwich with Side Salad

Dan and I had the Shepherd's Pie and Fried Chicken Sandwich with a side house salad dressed in champagne vinaigrette. Yes, this is going to be very popular place. 

Look how beautiful this little hallway is! Each piece of art was chosen with care.

Amanda joined us for a little while to celebrate.

The Apothecary cabinet and botanical prints - a nod to the wonderful world of drinks and spirits.

The beautiful and bountiful selection of whiskey

Aqua lights are a mood

In the formal bar area, a stream of aqua light glows from beneath the bar to compliment the stained glass panels that were painted, fired and glazed in Ireland before being set in the wall at Saints & Scholars. The menswear suiting that lines the back of each leather barstool is a nod to the rich history of Irish tweeds and seeing this touch made my heart swell. 

Did you notice the hanging crystal decanters used as decorative lights in the front window? Do you remember where all of the beautiful cut glass crystal wine glasses came from when you were registering for your wedding? Ireland. These chandeliers bring a touch of jewelry to a beautiful ensemble called                Saints & Scholars Irish Pub. I insist you come and experience this 
bespoke Irish restaurant for yourself. 

Bailiey's Creme Brulee - someone's a genius

Bless Amanda, Adrian and their entrepreneurial spirit, for building this restaurant from scratch during a pandemic was a Master Class in design, planning and grit. Slainte!   

*Note: Saints & Scholars Irish Pub is wildly popular already and they are relying on Open Table to manage the reservations for dinner. You can check availability and reserve a table here.

#saintsandscholars #irishpub #irish #snoqualmie #snoqualmiewa #grandopening #newrestaurant #seattle #seattlerestaurants #seattlefoodie #finddelight

Heirloom Cookshop: An Evening to Relax and Braise

The neighborhood that I moved into is new construction and with the boom of the tech industry in Seattle, it has attracted families from all over the country and the world. I am really enjoying my new neighbors and I'm grateful that they are planning many fun ways to connect. In November, some of us enrolled in a one-night cooking class called "Braising" at Heirloom Cookshop in Snoqualmie, Washington. You should read my first post about this cool food-focused business.

The 4-hour class started with a glass of wine and a beautiful board of prosciutto, cheese, dried apricots, candied nuts and Marcona almonds to snack on. We introduced ourselves and discussed how familiar we were with cooking & braising in our own kitchen. Chef Schu explained that braising revolves around searing and caramelizing the exterior of food and then cooking it in liquid at a lower temperature to develop flavor and ensure tenderness. Since one of the recipes required a long braise, we would be preparing the first few steps of the recipe and then switching to one that she had cooked the night before, so that we would be able to taste the finished product - so smart. We would be making Ancho Chile-Braised Short Ribs, Yogurt-Braised Chicken with Sumac, Ginger and Cilantro, Braised Cabbage with Fennel and Pancetta and Caramelized Braised Pears with Cinnamon Whipped Cream.

The students sat at stools around a beautiful wood bar top table. Chef Schu teaches from one side, near the stove and it really works. We could see her explaining knife skills and follow her instructions for cutting up vegetables or preparing the pears. Of course, we needed to approach the stock pot to see how the chicken was searing etc., and we were able to come over and look to gauge the process. I know how to cook, but I thought it was a really fun and relaxed class full of good information. Our group and the other students asked a lot of questions and it led to some great side conversations with Chef Schu about cooking, sourcing and loving food. 

We took notes throughout the class on the recipe packet provided, and now we can recreate these hearty braised dishes at home. While the pillar of a cooking class is the instruction, you need to know that the meal we created was delicious too.  

The ancho chile beef short ribs were rich, tender and satisfying. The yogurt-braised chicken was really nice. The sumac gave it a feeling of sweetness, but that was balanced out with lemon and salt. I enjoyed it and I would certainly make it on my own. The cabbage was a pleasant surprise. I can't say that I'm likely to make it, but I certainly won't pass on cabbage anymore when it is a choice. The pears with cinnamon whipped cream was as wonderful as it sounds and we ate ourselves silly on this dessert.

The entire evening was fun and I'd take another class in a second. In fact, I'm eyeing her Valentine's Candy-making class. If you enjoy food and cooking, I encourage you to visit the Heirloom Cookshop in historic Snoqualmie.

#heirloomcookshop #snoqualmie #cookingclass #foodgoals #cheflife #chefkristenschumacher #smalltownlife #sustainablebusiness #food #cookshop #smallbusiness #womanownedbusiness #cookingclass #braising101 

Heirloom Cookshop: Food Focused in Snoqualmie

I consider myself lucky to live close to a stylish, food-focused business like the Heirloom Cookshop. Located in a historic building in downtown Snoqualmie, Washington. Chef Kristen Schumacher's Heirloom Cookshop is part retail (I covet the salts, oils and boozy cherries), part cooking school (I just attended her class on Braising) and part grab & go gourmet lunch spot. The business also hosts a year round Happy Hour every Thursday from 5-8 and has organized a weekly Green Market with vendors in tents selling fresh produce, baked goods and local flowers on Friday nights from 4-7 pm during the growing season. Bravo.

I love everything about Heirloom Cookshop and appreciate that the various aspects of the business are like satellites revolving around the sun. It all relates to good food, fresh flavors, sustainable practices and culinary triumphs. 

Tomorrow, I will tell you all about my first class at Heirloom Cookshop. 

#heirloomcookshop #snoqualmie #cookingclass #foodgoals #cheflife #smalltownlife #sustainablebusiness #food #cookshop #smallbusiness #womanownedbusiness 

Boeing Classic #18: The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge

We had the perfect day to enjoy the Boeing Classic at The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge. We sat for two hours next to the 18th green and watched as each group of the players finished the day in this beautiful setting.

In the photo above, you can see defending champion Bernhard Langer (in gray) reach to shake hands with Colin Montgomerie (bright blue), with Skip Kendall (yellow) right behind. It was a great day with PGA Tour Champions.

This signage honors the winner for the last 12 years. Who will be the 2017 Boeing Classic champion?

2017 Boeing Classic Golf Tournament: Remembering Arnold Palmer

Life in Washington just keeps getting better. The Boeing Classic golf tournament is practically played in our "backyard." 

I parked and took the spectator shuttle over to The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge on Friday morning in time for the opening ceremony and the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flyover at 11:20 am.

Before the jetliner approached, volunteers lined the 18th hole as if they were a runway and opened their umbrellas one-by-one as a tribute to golf legend Arnold Palmer, who passed away last year.

The umbrellas are open and the jet is approaching from the left over the mountains. 

I didn't plan on sharing this video of the Boeing Jet flyover, so it is choppy...but it was too cool not to share. 

The belly of the plane had a giant umbrella decal in honor of Arnold Palmer, which, when I saw it, caused me to tear up. We miss you, Arnold Palmer and send our love and admiration.

#BoeingClassic #BoeingClassic2017 #WhereLegendsPlay #ArnoldPalmer #golf

Happy Valentine's Day: Cookie Decorating

Happy Valentine's Day! This day holds a special day in my heart as it was the day in school that we celebrated my August birthday. I was always in charge of the class treats and I loved it.

This past Sunday, I attended a cookie decorating experience that I had signed up for on a whim. I am very new to my area and I thought that an hour of cookie decorating could help me to meet some people who live nearby. 

The brainchild behind "come use our frosting and sprinkles to make some sweet treats for your family" is Katie from Steve's Doughnuts in Snoqualmie. She had everything ready and we could make 6 masterpieces for $5. These are my edible works of art. 

It was fun, unexpected and delightful. I met 3 nice women in the area and I the cookies were delish. Thanks, Katie.

My First Speaking Engagement in Washington!

My first public speaking engagement in Washington is just 2 weeks after I arrive as a new resident!

The Mt. Si Artist Guild presents local author Anne Reeves for a delightful journey into the small everyday inspirations that fuel our creativity. Anne is an accomplished speaker and author that can guide you on your own personal creative journey and perhaps publish your own book!

Saturday, October 15, 2016 starting at noon.

$12 for MSAG members and $15 for non members

Art Gallery of SnoValley 8130 Railroad Ave in downtown Snoqualmie, WA

SnoValley Art Gallery: Art + Friends

"I'll be there!" That was my response when my new friend, Patti Bondi invited me to an art gallery opening - one in which she was showing her work! I had admired Patti's fine paintings in her home and was excited that she would have an opportunity to showcase her work in a permanent space with other local artists. 

A group of 12 women from the Mount Si Artist Guild banded together to open their own art gallery in historic Snoqualmie, Washington. Isn't that wonderful? 

The Art Gallery of SnoValley is located at 8130 Railroad Avenue, just across from the Northwest Railroad Museum. I feel so very happy for these artists, because their gallery is exactly 3 minutes from Snoqualmie Falls, a famous destination that draws 1.5 million visitors a year. If those same visitors feel inclined to stretch their legs and explore Snoqualmie, the gallery will have a steady stream of customers.

The artists of the Art Gallery of the SnoValley at the grand opening (above).

From where I stood, this gallery opening was a big success. In spite of the rain, there were art lovers of all ages streaming in the door. This is a supportive climate, for sure and it seems to me that the artists and residents have a mutual admiration society going on. Snoqualmie is one lucky town.

In terms of the art itself, I think the gallery will thrive because of the wide variety of artistic styles represented (still life, abstract, landscape,animals,sculpture) - that kind of selection, coupled with local landscapes, will certainly add to the gallery's draw. It was exciting to see a red dot next to some of the artwork, indicating that the piece had been sold that night. 

I was also really happy to see that some of the artists offered small prints of their larger paintings, which allows even those with a limited pocketbook to participate in the world of art. 

As a collective, each member takes a shift in the gallery. When you stop in, be sure to meet the artist and ask about their work. My friend, Patti Bondi is shown below with her lovely painting of hydrangeas, "Moonlight Becomes You." 

My favorite painting of Patti's is called "Make Lemonade." It is a still life of fresh lemons near a blue and white porcelain box. Click the link in the sentence above to take a peek.

Thank you, Patti, for inviting me to celebrate your new venture. 

Art + Friends = A Bright and Colorful Future in Snoqualmie.