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.

Ahhhhhh! Penterra Spa!

Scott Swerland & Spa Director, Angela McClellan

Earlier this week, ZINO Society members and guests attended a delightful and relaxing LOL! (Libations on Location) at Penterra Spa at The Heathman Hotel in Kirkland.  Though I had known there was a spa in The Heathman, I had never had the opportunity to see how lovely it is and indulge in some of their services.

Penterra Spa Director, Angela McClellan, welcomed us to the spa and signed each of us up for a mini spa service so we could sample what they offer.  I came out with my eyebrows tinted and framing my face better, while others indulged in mini manicures and mini massages.  I was also very impressed with the warmth, competency and professionalism of the Penterra Spa staff. 

Christine Gilbert, Darlin Gray

ZINO Society Events Director, Christine Gilbert, was there in her purple flowered robe to oversee the details of the event and ensure that everyone had a wonderful time.  Trellis Restaurant provided delicious "spa appetizers" and a selection of wines so that we could keep up our energy between spa services and talking with one another.  There is also a low lighting relaxing room where one can sit on a comfortable chaise, snuggle under a cozy blanket and sip tea or lemon water while waiting for a spa service.  Several seemed to enjoy that room as well, but I didn't dare sit there in fear that I would nod off during the party. 

Chic Hendricks books his
next spa appointment.

Irene Retel, Michelle Kauffman,
Jack Burns

We welcomed a few new members to their first ZINO Society networking event including Scott Swerland, Chic Hendricks and Mike Stewart.  ZINO Society marketing intern, Liza Cantu brought her mom and a friend who won one of the special spa package door prizes.

Nancy Harnasch, Lisa Mikesell

Llewellyn Preece, Mike Stewart

Bill Chao, Scott Swerland, Brad Vancour,
Jack Burns, Kelly Leonard 

Maureen O'Hara, Kate DesRosier, Bob O'Hara, Carol Taylor

Some of the other event attendees included Brad Vancour, Nancy Harnasch, Jack Burns, David Berthon, Irene Retel, Lisa Mikesell, Maureen & Bob O'Hara, Mary Holmes, Bill Chao, Kate DesRosier, Darlin Gray, Llewellyn Preece, Carol Taylor, Kelly Leonard, Michelle Kaufman, Carol Taylor and Eden Elliott Waggoner.

I left with some new face cream (which I am counting on to make me look much younger!) and look forward to booking another appointment with the 20% discount that each of us received at the party.  Ahhhhhhhhh!

Fantastic Don Quixote!

Carole Ellison, Bob Cremin

Kaori Nakamura as Kitri

What a tour de force was the Pacific Northwest Ballet opening night performance of Don Quixote tonight at McCaw Hall!  When Ken and I arrived for the pre-performance cocktail party and dinner this evening, the anticipation in the air was palpable.  PNB had arranged to rent the ballet production including choreography, costumes and sets from the Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam and this ranks as one of the largest productions PNB has ever performed.  Don't miss this production!

At the opening night dinner, PNB Artistic Director, Peter Boal, introduced many of the personnel that the Dutch National Ballet had sent to help PNB produce these performances including the choreographer, Alexei Ratmansky, scenic and costume designer, Jerome Kaplan, and James Ingalls, lighting designer, four ballet masters to help stage the ballet on the PNB dancers, and a wigmaster.  Peter also recognized dancer, Kiyon Gaines, who had joined us for dinner and was recently promoted to the level of PNB  Soloist.

Richard & Winnie Baxter, Lynn & Frank Lindsay

Retired PNB Dancers, Jordan Pacitti & Ariana Lallone

We saw and talked with scores of friends at the ballet including Winnie & Richard Baxter, Eliza Flug, Barbara Cahill, Linda & Toby Warson, Peggy & Michael Swistak, Aya Hamilton, Peter Horvitz, Pam & Dan Baty, Carole Ellison, Bob Cremin, Elisabeth Bodal, Barbara Ries, Margaret Del'Osso, April & Steve Kieburtz, David Brown & Elaine Bauer, Julie Skerritt, Gail & Tom James, Diane & Paul Birkeland, Rian McLeod, Jane & David Davis, Betty Bottler, and Janet Ketcham to name a few.

Peter Boal providing "dance advice" to Richard Baxter

Since Dr. Richard Baxter is preparing to compete in the upcoming Seattle Dances contest benefiting Plymouth Housing Group, at dinner he took the opportunity to seek a little dance advice from PNB Artistic Director, Peter Boal, hoping to increase his chances of winning a mirror ball trophy on March 3rd when he dances the tango with his professional dance partner.  Good luck Richard!

The dancing this evening was spellbinding and PNB Principal Dancers Carla Körbes and Karel Cruz were magical in the roles of lovers, Kitri and Basilico.  Actor Tom Skerritt was funny and endearing in the title role of Don Quixote.  And Bathurel Bold and Maria Chapman were also riveting as the matador Espada and his lover, Mercedes.

I think I will dream tonight about extraordinary dancers leaping and spinning, brilliantly hued matador capes swirling and coquettish fans flicking open and maybe a few windmills too.