Winemakers from around the state will pair up with leading restaurants, chefs and food experts at The Bellevue Collection for the second annual Culinary & Wine Showcase.
At the event, which is open to the public, guests can enjoy seven days of well-known favorites and emerging Washington wines and culinary experiences, along with special events at The Bellevue Collection’s restaurants. Two featured ticketed events will benefit the Washington Wine Industry Foundation.
The event will take place May 26 to June 1.
Here’s what’s on the agenda:
The Showcase: A Night of Perfect Pairings will honor the 2008 Seattle Magazine Washington Wine Award winners during an evening of Washington wines and culinary treats, all paired by the evening’s special guest, Evan Goldstein, the author of Perfect Pairings. It’s at the Westin Bellevue, Thursday, May 29, beginning at 7 p.m. Cost: $50.
Women Wine & Shopping: Dishing with Kathy Casey tops this girls’ night out event. People will learn how to host a festive party, from tasty cocktails to great menus and decorating tips, including tablescape designs, tastings of local wines and tempting treats. All participants receive a signed copy of Casey’s book Kathy Casey Favorites. The Westin Bellevue, Saturday, May 31, beginning at 7 p.m. Cost: $35.
Complimentary to the public is the How to Grill Like a Pro, with John Sarich, noted culinary director for Chateau Ste. Michelle. Sarich teams with Jack Gilmore, founding corporate executive chef for Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill and Dan Thiessen, chef and owner of 0/8 Seafood Grill and Twisted Cork Wine Bar, to share their grilling tips. The event is located (rain or shine) at Bellevue Square’s Fountain Court (in front of Macy’s external doors facing Bellevue Way), Sunday, June 1 from 1 to 3 p.m.
“Throughout the week we have a number of events that celebrate our own Washington wine industry as well as the incredible host of outstanding local and regional chefs we have on the Eastside,” said Jennifer Leavitt, vice president of marketing, The Bellevue Collection.
Leavitt added that most events are free and open to the public, including the return of the popular Viking Cooking Stage, which will feature cooking demonstrations from chefs from around The Bellevue Collection whipping up favorite creations. For $5, shoppers 21 and over can even enjoy five tastes of Washington wines at the Tasting Lounge adjacent to the cooking demonstrations.
The Viking Cooking Stage hours are Wednesday from 5 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Friday from 6 to 8:30 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Tasting Lounge is open Wednesday through Friday during the Cooking Stage demonstrations.
Additional events at Oil & Vinegar include those with titles such as “Hot & Spicy,” “Easy Appetizers,” “Dress it Up,” “Summer Sizzle,” “Surprising Combinations” and “Beyond Wine.”
Vino 100 will host “An Evening with Brian Carter,” twice named “Winemaker of the Year” by Washington Magazine, plus a session called, “How a ‘Five Star’ Quality Wine is Made.”
Winemaker dinners are being hosted by Cypress, Ristorante Luciano, 0/8 Seafood Grill and Twisted Cork Wine Bar, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and Maggiano’s Little Italy.
For more information, a complete schedule of events and to purchase tickets to events happening at The Culinary & Wine Showcase at The Bellevue Collection, visit www.bellevuecollection.com/event.
