Time to Plan a Red Mountain Wine Adventure

Ken Hatch, Trudi Syferd, Anne-Marie & Tom Hedges,
Dave Syferd, Cathi Hatch

Over the weekend, Ken and I had dinner with friends Trudi & Dave Syferd and Anne-Marie & Tom Hedges at La Spiga on Capital Hill, just down the block from the Ferrari of Seattle dealership.

In addition to enjoying a delicious dinner, we took time to discuss our upcoming ZINO Society Red Mountain Wine Adventure planned for June.  We don't have the details worked out yet, but are certainly planning a bocce ball tournament at the beautiful Hedges Family Estate property before dinner on one of the evenings.

Chester, our waiter

We enjoyed meeting La Spiga owner, Pietro Borghesi, and Chester, our waiter, took fantastic care of us.  The restaurant promised authentic Italian food from the Romagna region.  Though the lasagne was delicious, my personal food favorite was our shared pasta course of tiny handmade gnocchi in a sausage and cream sauce!

We will definitely plan to return!

Ken Hatch and La Spiga Owner, Pietro Borghesi

Cantinetta Encore

Chad Hinke with Bob Cremin

This week I have had the opportunity to dine at Cantinetta in Bellevue twice and both times were delightful!  On Wednesday evening, Ken and I had dinner with Bob Cremin (aka Brahma Bob), who was briefly in town between jet setting from Hawaii to Vancouver to Scottsdale to Miami and back to Seattle.  We so enjoyed catching up with him and all his adventures.

We met Cantinetta Manager, Chad Hinke, who along with his friendly and efficient service staff, made our evening delightful.  Bob ordered the lamb, Ken the Veal Milanese and I tried an outstanding pasta dumpling entree called Canoncelli.  The little handmade dumplings were filled with chicken and pork and served with crisp pancetta in a brown butter and sage sauce.

Delicious Zeppole

Of course for dessert, we had to order the Zeppole, since Bob had never tried them.  (That was my excuse at least!)  They were served warm and sugar dusted with the chocolate hazelnut Nutella running out of the center as we cut into them.  In fact, we couldn't even stop to take a photo until after each of us had consumed one of the delicious little temptations.

And then on Friday evening, our dear friend, Sarah Rindlaub, was in town visiting from their new home in Hong Kong so Patty Barrier and I met her for dinner at Cantinetta.

Owner Trevor Greenwood with Sarah Rindlaub,
Patty Barrier and Cathi Hatch 

It was so fun to catch up with one another and hear all about their new life in Hong Kong.  We look forward to making a trip over there to visit them and especially look forward to our scheduled golf trip together in August.

I was happy to see Cantinetta owner Trevor Greenwood there to greet us and once again the food and service was spectacular.  Patty and Sarah both tried the beet and fennel salad which I had so enjoyed earlier in the week and pronounced it delicious as well.  I ordered the Canoncelli because I was so impressed with it from my prior visit and it was once again fantastic.

Canoncelli

Zeppole!

Since neither Patty or Sarah had ever been to Cantinetta previously, I was "forced" to order the Zeppole once again for dessert so they could try it.  They both raved about it just as much as I do, and this time I was able to get the photo before we launched into them.

It was a perfect evening of great food and friendship!  

Screening for "The Barber of Birmingham"

Cathi Hatch, Director Robin Fryday, Matt Hooper

Last night, ZINO Society Team members, Mary Holmes, Christine Gilbert, Kate DesRosier and I, were invited by Matt Hooper, chair of the Arts and Entertainment practice for Foster Pepper, to attend a reception and the screening at the Neptune Theatre of his client's Academy Award nominated short documentary film entitled "The Barber of Birmingham". 

I enjoyed meeting the Co-Director and Producer Robin Fryday, who has worked on this film as her first film project.  She wanted to explore the impact of what the nomination and election of the first African-American president was making on the aging Civil Rights activists (also fondly referred to as the "Foot Soldiers of the Civil Rights Movement") in the South.  She chose to center her documentary around 85-year-old James Armstrong, an African-American barber and civil rights activist in Birmingham, Alabama.

Performer Johnny Gray

The event was hugely successful with SIFF, The Fearey Group, Seattle Theatre Group  and the Puget Sound Business Journal joining with Foster Pepper to host and support the event.  Foster Pepper partners Tayloe Washburn and Rafael Stone greeted the guests following a brief musical performance by talented songster and local winner of  America's Got Talent, Johnny Gray.  But, it was really Matt's remarks that resonated before he introduced his client, Robin, and the movie, as he described his grandfather's advice to make a difference with the "dash"; that little line on tombstones between date of birth and date of death and that what really matters is what we inbetween those auspicious dates.

Stained glass "Neptune"

There was a large turnout of people there for the screening and in addition to the people I have already mentioned, I had the chance to talk with several more including Bonnie & Rick Colette, Pat Fearey, Gordie Prouty, Sherry Zins, Nathan McDonald, Roger Nyhus, Judy Runstad, Steve Gahler and Nicole Vogel to name a few.  As we left, we were each encouraged to take a handout that included fifteen suggestions on how we can each take steps outside our comfort zones to support diversity.

Now, we all have our fingers crossed for this coming Sunday and the Academy Awards in the hopes that "The Barber of Birmingham" will be a winner!

C4C New Ventures Facility Ribbon Cutting

Linden Rhoads at podium

Ribbon cutting ceremony

Recently I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the University of Washington C4C New Ventures Facility at Fluke Hall.  It is a business incubator that provides UW start-ups access to lab and office space on the UW campus.  During the ceremony remarks, Linden Rhoads, C4C Vice Provost, accepted UW President, Michael Young's challenge as part of a larger commercialization initiative to double the number of start-ups produced by the UW over the next three years.

The new facility provides space to host up to 25 companies with 11,550 square feet of lab suites and 11,500 square feet of office space.  It provides dedicated space and facilities for translational research and early-stage business development and creates an environment where UW start-ups can work alongside other entrepreneurial teams and solve common business challenges.

At ZINO Society, we look forward to working with the folks at C4C to help support local entrepreneurism and active angel investing.

UW President Michael Young challenges C4C.

Sneak Peak at Chihuly Garden and Glass

Arlene Wright, Jan Rogers, Ken & Cathi Hatch

This afternoon, Ken and I went on a hardhat tour to see the progress being made on the new Chihuly Garden and Glass at the Seattle Center.  (As it turned out, we didn't really have to wear hard hats, just safety goggles.)

Ken Hatch and Billy O'Neill

When we first arrived, we were whisked past the lines of people waiting to go to the top of the Space Needle and directed to a special elevator which took us to the Skyline Level for a private reception and exhibition presentation prior to the actual tour of the construction site.  The new Chihuly Garden and Glass is promised to be the most comprehensive display of Dale Chihuly's artwork on public view.

We saw many friends and acquaintances at the reception and tour including Billy O'Neill, Mary Bass, Jerry Schwarz, Llew, Joni & Andrew Pritchard, Shelley & David Hovind, Leo Van Dorp, Jane & Dan McConnell, Betty Tong & Joe Miner, Tim Girvan, Joey Kirkpatrick, Flora Mace, Jan Rogers, and Arlene Wright.

The reception program began with the introduction of the new Chihuly Garden and Glass Executive Director, Michelle Bufano and Public Relations Manager, April Matson.

Cathi & Ken Hatch, Llew, Joni & Andrew Pritchard
photo courtesy of Scott Mitchell Leen

Glass House interior under construction

Model of the Glass House

At the end of the program, Michelle asked if there were questions that she could answer though she had only been in the job a couple of weeks.  Billy O'Neill stepped in to answer a few of the questions that she could not answer about what will actually be included in the exhibition installation and said that it will represent the 50 years of Dale's art, so about half of the art will be brand-new and about half will be from his previous bodies of work.  In addition, some of Dale's many collections will be showcased including fish decoys, shaving brushes, accordians and a number of others.  Billy's best response about what to expect when the project opens was that really no one has the full understanding of what Dale will ultimately include in the display because that is the creative process and how Dale works best.

Though Curmedgeon Ken did complain a bit about having to walk through the construction site, it was fun to feel the scale of what the Chihuly Garden and Glass will be and especially the glass house portion with its soaring glass ceilings.  There were workmen on site working on the project to try to achieve the scheduled May opening.  I am sure when the Chihuly Garden and Glass opens, it will take Seattle's collective breath away!

A Russian Celebration for Valentine's Day Book Club

l-r: Diane Kuenster, Jan Rogers, Kathy Haggart,
Susan Neumann, Cathi Hatch, Joyce McCallum,
Pam Kaiser, Sherryl Wilson

Once each year, it is my turn to host the book review and luncheon for my Book Club at my home and this year my turn fell on Valentine's Day.  I thought about setting the table with hearts and flowers but then realized that it might be more fun to reflect the book we were reading this past month which was the biography, "Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman" by Robert K. Massie.  The book is 628 pages long and completely covers Russian history from Catherines's birth in 1729 as a German princess through her death in 1796 as Empress of Russia.  I still haven't had time to actually finish the book (according to my Kindle, I am 58% of the way through), but I feel like I am living in Russia during that era as I read it because it is so full of detail.

Salad of Belgian Endive, Hearts of
Palm, Beet & Pistachio Nuts

Meringue with Berries and
Chocolate Chip Cream

Susan Neumann was the designated book reviewer this month and she did a fanastic job of finding interesting details and reviews to share.  Also attending Book Club this month were Diane Kuenster, Sherryl Wilson, Pam Kaiser, Joyce McCallum, Kathy Haggart and Jan Rogers.

I decided to produce a hybrid Russian theme with touches of Valentine's Day as well.  The table was set with cobalt blue china while the flowers were definitely Valentine's Day since they included red roses and pink and white tulips.  The menu was also a mixture and included the following:

Amuse Course

Miniature Blinis with Creme Fraiche and Caviar

Shot of Icy Russisn Vodka served in jewel tone crystal shot glasses

Salad Course

Belgian Endive, Hearts of Palm, Heart-Shaped Beet with Pistachio Nuts, Blue Cheese and Vinaigrette

Heart-Shaped Parmesan, Pesto and Prosciutto Palmiers

Entree Course

Oversize Raddiatore Pasta with Carmelized Onion and Fennel with Bacon,

Roasted Asparagus, Fresh Shaved Parmesan, Seasoned Bread Crumbs served on a bed of

Sauteed Garlic Spinach and topped with s Soft Poached Egg

Dessert Course

Heart-Shaped Baked Meringues filled with Fresh Strawberries & Raspberries

and topped with Chocolate Chip Cream

Kathy Haggart and Susan Neumann

Judy Bone, Caterer Extraordinaire with Diane Kuenster
and Jan Rogers

Long-time friend and caterer, Judy (Bone) Hebert of Hey Jude Catering partnered with me to produce the luncheon calmly and efficiently as she always does.

Book Club was a success, but now I just have to finish the book!   

Sweetheart Birthday Dinner

Cathi Hatch & Birthday Girl Judith Kindler

Valentine's Day dinner was a festive occasion hosted at Broadmoor Golf and Country Club by friends Kyle Johnson and Judith Kindler to celebrate Valentine's Day AND Judith's birthday.  Joining them along with Ken and me, were Cathy & Tom O'Keefe, Pam Anderson and Tim McKee, Barbara & Mike McKernan and Lance Mueller.  We all missed Chloe, who was in the desert for a golf tournament which it sounded like she was winning.

David Eng

We were seated in an elegant private room located just behind the Library.  It was nice that it was private since we became a little rowdy as we tasted the many premium Italian wines that Kyle had brought to share.  In addition, Pam brought a bottle from her cellar which was a 1945 Mouton Cadet Rothschild which David Eng, the General Manager carefully opened and decanted.  Considering that it was a wine that was 67 years old, it was quite amazing.  The color had faded and the wine was slightly cloudy, but the bouquet and mouth feel were actually quite good and the wine was very drinkable.  It was fun to read later that a case of 1945 Mouton Rothschild sold within the past couple of years in the Asian market for over $17,000 per bottle!

Kyle Johnson with Tom & Cathy O'Keefe

The menu was lovely.  The service began with tiny smoked seafood canapes atop Broadmoor mint biscuits and following delicious entree choices which included a Snake River Farms Top Sirloin, Prawn Stuffed Sole, Osso Bucco or Green Tea Smoked Duck Breast ended with a beautiful duet of desserts.

Lance Mueller and Ken Hatch

Kyle with MIke & Barbara McKernan

Judith with Pam Anderson & Tim McKee

We all enjoyed going around the table, at Judith's request, and talking about something that we love.  However, by the time we made it all around the table which took about an hour, many had forgotten what the question was and it was hard to maintain attention from the entire group.  I was the last person to share and I'm pretty sure that very few were listening by that point.

And following that, Judith gave each of us a tribute and shared with the group why each of us is important to her.  Now we all want to live up to her belief in us.

What a delightful way to celebrate Valentine's Day and Judith's birthday!  Thank you Judith & Kyle!

Hope Heart Wings of Hope Gala a Success

Ken Hatch, Tom Douglas, Cathi Hatch

On Friday evening, Ken and I attended the Hope Heart Institute Wings of Hope Gala at the Paramount Theatre.  Ken was on the Hope Heart Board of Directors many years ago now and it is always fun for him to see all the new people that are involved in supporting the organization that Dr. Lester Sauvage started over 50 years ago.

Sandra & Phil Nudelman, Sue & Jim Bianco

The Tri-Chairs of the Wings of Hope Gala this year were Vanessa Strickland, Keri Kiefer and Dee Reiff.  We also had the opportunity to meet Liz Quinn who will take Vanessa's place next year as one of the Tri-Chairs, as Vanessa steps down now after being part of the Gala leadership for the past three years.

Kjell Schei, Ken Hatch

Scott Rabinowitz, Staci Snyder

During the cocktail party before we sat down for dinner, we enjoyed seeing Committee members Kate Harrison, Debbie Constantine, Susan Ewaiko, Courtney Womack and Scott Rabinowitz, who is also the Chair Elect of the Hope Heart Board of Directors.  In addition, we saw friends Sue & Jim Bianco along with Phil & Sandra Nudelman, Kjell Schei and Tom Douglas.  It was also fun to run into Danielle Ahmed, whom I hadn't seen in several years, who is now the Theater General Manager for Tom Douglas Restaurants.  And of course, I couldn't resist buying raffle tickets from the cute young women with black angel wings.

The food was delicious and perfectly cooked even though it was an event for over 300 people.  Tom Douglas and his team really do outstanding work.  The auctioneer was Jim Dever, whom I had not seen previously.  In addition to bringing a huge amount of energy to his role, the most memorable thing he did was ride a skate board across the stage in a handstand.  Impressive!

The Presidents of the United States of America

Following dinner and the auction, the featured alternative rock band, The Presidents of the United States of America, turned up the volume and people had a fantastic time listening and moving to the music.  My ears were ringing from the decibel level, but I look forward to playing the new CD that was part of the swag bag we received when we departed.

Camp Korey at Your Local Market

Ken Hatch, Jason Brown, Cathi Hatch

On Friday evening, Ken and I stopped at ZINOpreneur, Jason Brown's Your Local Market for a festive party to benefit Camp Korey.  Ten percent of all sales that evening were paid to Camp Korey, plus there was a silent auction that also benefitted the Camp as well.

Sam Brown interviewing Ken

Ken is relatively new on the Board of Camp Korey, and it was Ken that originally connected Jason with Executive Director, Lane Youngblood and the leadership of Camp Korey.  It was quite a party with sampling throughout the store plus wine and beer tastings.  Ken was interviewed by one of Jason's sons, Sam Brown, who was collecting video interviews of customers and guests attending the party.

Ross Mickel of Ross Andrew Winery

It was nice to re-connect with Ross Mickel of Ross Andrew Winery who was there pouring his newly released Boushey Vineyard Syrah.  We saw several other friends there also including Betty Tong, Brendan O'Farrell, Peter Weiss, Theresa Dowell and Greg Jones, and many other Camp Korey supporters and friends.

Libations on Location (LOL!) at Local 360

Lucas Schenck, Brian Gawthrop, Cathi Hatch, Ed Brennan, Supida Sanders,
Michael Roupp and Kate Holmes

Last night, a group of ZINO Society members and guests got together at Marcus Charles' Local 360 Cafe and Bar on First Avenue in Seattle for a ZINO Society Libations on Location! networking event.  It was my first visit to Local 360 and when I walked in, I realized that it is located in the old Flying Fish restaurant location.

Dr. Ben Conmy, Bernie Dochnahl,
Christine Gilbert

Cathi Hatch with Tim Narby,
:Note Bene Cellars

Karen Ducey, Mary Holmes,
Lucas Schenck

David Palmer, Carla Sanders,
Jeremy Ruby, Ricky Holm

ZINO Society plans several networking events such as this LOL! during the space of a year in addition to the eleven investment meetings and forums that occur every month except August.  These events give our investor members, our entrepreneur members (ZINOpreneurs), our sponsor/corporate members and our social members a chance to interact and connect.  It is always fun to see old friends and meet new ones at each of these events.

Ken Hatch, Randy Squires

Denny Dochnahl, Eric Blackstone

Local 360 provided delicious hors d'oeuvres including Bocorones and Soft Boiled Egg, Goat Cheese and Tapenade Crostinis, Rosti Potato with Smoked Salmon and Salmon Roe and my personal favorite, Pork Belly Rillette with Pickled Shallot.  The featured ZINO Society Wine Professional Member was Tim Narby of :Note Bene Cellars and he poured a selection of four of his wines which included his 2007 Syrah, and three Bordeaux blends; 2007 Abbinare, 2007 Miscella and 2008 Cheval du Ciel Vineyard.  Though I liked each of the wines, my two favorites were the Syrah and the Cheval du Ciel Vineyard blend which included a major component of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

It was a great party once again!  Thank you Marcus and Tim!

Who Ever Thought of Tempura Deep Fried Bacon?

Diane & Paul incredulous to see Tempura Fried Bacon

This evening Ken and I met Paul and Diane Birkeland for dinner at John Howie Steak at The Bravern in Bellevue.  We didn't have to fight the bridge and we can always count on the management team and staff at John Howie Steak to make it a great experience. 

Ken also appreciates how easy and convenient it is to be invited to park the car right outside with the valet at no cost since we have Barrier license plate frames.  He also loves having everyone at the restaurant know his name and so warmly greet us.  Many of our favorites were there this evening including Annie, Lisa and Chris.

Our waiter, Chris with Ken and Cathi

Neither Diane or Paul had ever been to John Howie Steak before, so though everyone is watching their cholesterol and weight, we had to introduce them to the Tempura Deep Fried Kurobuta Bacon with Maple Sambal Ponzu Sauce.  Both were incredulous when the order was delivered to our table, but we all did manage to eat it in spite of of our better judgement.  Yum!

Paul brought a lovely magnum of Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and we recalled having been there together a few years ago and having a wonderful experience tasting wine in the garden and watching the owner's big dogs devour overripe persimmons every chance they got. 

Cherries Jubilee prepared tableside.

Ken & Cathi Hatch, Diane & Paul Birkeland

We were a little more restrained with the rest of our order and shared salads and ordered small steaks or salmon.  Paul enjoyed trying to taste the difference between the American Prime beef and the American Wagyu-style beef.  But then it was time for dessert and though we all said we didn't really need dessert, we couldn't pass up the Cherries Jubilee prepared tableside.  It was delicious with two varieties of cherries; one tart and one sweet.  Chris was our server, and as usual did a fantastic job of taking care of us and making us all feel special.  We will of course return to John Howie Steak!

Tonight I think I will dream about Tempura Deep Fried Bacon.