Back in Seattle after three weeks in France and straight to the market. Live basil plant, gorgeous red sunflowers, and the good things of summer in the Pacific Northwest: berries, tomatoes, zucchini, sweet onions, peas.
Exciting, dealing with all this bounty! Don't want to waste even a minute clearing the countertop. Slice the tomatoes, top with chopped onions, fresh basil, olive oil, Russell's 532 seasoning (salt, pepper, mystery spice), olive oil, balsamic. Hmm, seems to be room in the center of the tray for another salad. Quick! Mushrooms, yellow pepper, avocado, rice-wine vinegar. Heaven.
Resolution for the rest of the summer: no processed foods. Nothing frozen or shrink-wrapped. To the extent possible, won't buy stuff that comes in a box, bottle or can. Exceptions for milk and yogurt containers. And wine.
Footnote about the Mother & Child sculpture in the kitchen foliage: it's a study for Frederick Littman's popular bronze fountain in Portland's Council Crest Park. Hey, there's the Basilique de Notre Dame in Vézelay, why not a Notre Dame du Basilic at home?
French Chef Sally is my friend Sally McArthur, who hosts luxurious,
week-long cooking classes at the Chateau du Riveau in the Loire Valley.
Local Wine Events.com,
the worlds leading Food and Wine tasting calendar. Spirits and Beer events as well. Post your own event or sign up
to be notified when new events are po
sted to your own area.
VinoLover, Seattle wine promoter David LeClaire's bulletin board of tastings,
dinners and special events.
Wine Educator Dieter Schafer maintains a full schedule
of Seattle-area tastings and seminars
for amateur wine drinkers and professional alike.
Nat Decants, a free wine e-newsletter from Natalie MacLean, recently named the World's Best Drink Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia. Wine picks, articles and humor; no ads.
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