Back to school, back to work, back to the kitchen, yes indeed. But who said it had to be your own kitchen?
First up, on Tuesday, Sept. 13, is "Cooking With Class," an annual fund-raising event for senior and community services. Some 20 top local chefs (among them, Eric Banh, Alvin Binuya, John & Brian of Skillet Diner, Jim Drohman, Wayne Johnson, Phlippe Thomelin) set themselves up at mini-kitchen stations in the lower level banquet room of Salty's on Alki, with a splendid view of the Seattle skyline. Each chef does a cooking demo for the guests at his table (they're all guys this year). Eat, shuffle to another table, repeat. And again. Three demos, three plates, virtually unlimited wine tasting from a score of participating wineries, $120. To register, click this link or call Connie Adams at 206-283-9067.
"Parties that Cook" is the name Bibbi Gignilliat came up with, in 1999, for her hands-on, team-building activities, in private homes and professional kitchens. Her company now runs events up and down the Pacific Coast. No kitchen? No problem, Gignilliat's teams will bring one into your space. The next event is “Sizzle & Swirl,” a cooking class and wine tasting at the Wine Outlet in Lower Queen Anne (946 Elliott Ave. W.) on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 6 pm. Tickets are $95. For menu details and registration, click this link.
From 4 to 7 pm on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 18, at the Bell Harbor Conference Center (Pier 66, 2211 Alaskan Way), an event called "Blend." (It's dedicated to Washington’s most popular wines, blends.) Selections from more than 40 producers, paired with gourmet cuisine from the kitchens of Columbia Hospitality Company's various properties around the region, including the Inn at Langley and Tendrils at the Cave B resort. Tickets cost $59 and benefit the Washington Wine Industry Foundation. For reservations, follow this link.
Also on Saturday, from 1 to 5, at Cedarbrook Lodge near SeaTac (18525 36th Avenue S.), there's a celebration of Eastern Washington heirloom tomatoes, called TomatoFare West, featuring cuisine from local chefs, sips from local wineries and breweries, and live musical entertainment. Details and tickets (a modest $25 in advance, $35 at the door) by following this link.
