The Most Interesting Man in the World

Enrique Henao & friend, miso-crusted cod, Wine Spectator's Gwendolyn Osborn

You've seen the spots, great tongue-in-cheek copy: Announcer, after a series of preposterous set-ups: "He is...the most interesting man in the world." A solidly built, bearded gent with a bit of a Spanish accent. "I don't always drink beer," he says, "but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis." Pause, closeup, punchline: "Stay thirsty, my friends."

YouTube has a pretty good compilation here, and there's a website called StayThirstyMyFriends.com, which bounces you over to DosEquis.com.

But here's the thing. There's a real dude named Enrique Henao, a musician (beautiful classical guitar), who's a dead ringer for the actor in the commercials, and he really is the most interesting man in the world. Born in Colombia and trained as a musician by his father, Enrique donates the proceeds from all his performances to children's relief organizations in South America. You can book him for your next event through an agency called Entco. Or just go to Columbia Winery in Woodinville next Saturday.

We crossed paths with Enrique at Taste of Tulalip, an overwrought wine weekend at the Tulalip Resort Casino that kicked off last night with an seven-wine, eight-course extravaganza prepared by no fewer than nine chefs. Now, it's impossible to pull off a multi-course banquet by yourself, but the resort has a chef or two for each of its dining rooms (Casino, Cedars, Blackfish, Tulalip Bay, Eagles Buffet) plus an exec chef, a pastry chef, plus a food & beverage director and a sommelier. With each one contributing a fancy dish, complexity trumped execution; subtle flavors were lost. Not even the talented Dean Shinagawa escaped unscathed; despite the fussy plating, his miso-seared black cod was the evening's best dish but its soy ginger reduction overpowered the night's best wine, JM Cellars Longevity blend. (Might note here that Longevity's grapes came from Stillwater Creek and received a native yeast fermentation, same vineyard, same technique as Chris Sparkman uses for his Lumière chardonnay.)

Some 60 Washington wineries are involved in today's "lifestyle" seminars, and the whole event is given legitimacy through a sponsorship deal with the glossy Wine Spectator. magazine. Some appealing topics and tastings on the schedule, but nothing as interesting as Enrique.

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The International Vineyard, a new way to learn about wine in France, Italy and Spain: three-night programs for wine lovers in less-traveled regions.

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French Word-A-Day, fascinating lessons about language and daily life in Provence

Belltown Messenger, chronicle of a Seattle neighborhood's denizens, derelicts, clubs, bars & eateries. Restaurant reviews by Cornichon.

Small Screen Network, where food & drink celebrities like Robert Hess have recorded terrific videos.

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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