I ran over to Purple Cafe Bellevue today to pick up my takeout lunch (Cream of sherry mushroom soup and their Greek & Grains salad). While waiting to pay, I noticed their stack of Cook + Cork books for sale, some autographed. I’m a huge fan of Purple Cafe restaurants and meant to buy this when it came out last ...

  Last night Bob and I decided to take a long, leisurely walk from my English Hill home to dinner in Woodinville via the Tolt Pipeline Trail. Jen helped me drop my car off in the soccer field parking lot earlier in the day – I didn’t want to walk back up Heartattack Hill in the dark on our way ...

Our Woodinville Wine Blog trio convened for lunch on a beautiful and warm spring day at Willows Lodge’s Barking Frog restaurant.  It was my first trip to this casual and airy bistro, and I was very excited to meet up with the ladies! The moment I saw the outdoor seating options, I knew this would be a trip that would not disappoint. ...

On a recent weekday morning, three ladies from Woodinville Wine Blog met up for lunch at Barking Frog. Eager to visit with each other, we all showed up early – about half an hour before their 11:30 am Lunch opening time. We happily set off on a walk through their immaculately maintained landscaped property, exploring all the beautiful areas hotel guests ...

Jen and I wanted to meet up with another photographer to collaborate and plan future projects. Craving a whiskey milkshake, I suggested Hollywood Tavern. Away we went, although I came to my senses and realized I shouldn’t order a whiskey dessert drink during a business meal! We looked longingly at the fireside Adirondack chairs outside, but it was still fairly ...

On a recent spring Sunday, my friend Bob and I spontaneously decided to go to lunch at Vivi Pizzeria in Woodinville. The prospect of sitting in the sun on their beautiful outdoor patio surrounded by colorful flower planters was delightful. A neighboring table awaited hungry diners. I ordered a glass of “Abracadabra” from Brian Carter Cellars, remembering how nice it ...

#1. William Church Winery offers $5 Friday wine tastings from 12 noon all the way til 8pm! #2. A 60s style girl group, Los Orchids, performs at Matthews Winery on Friday night beginning at 6:30 pm. How fun will this be to dance to, right? #3 – Chateau Ste. Michelle is generously putting on a free concert on Sunday on their front ...

DeLille Cellars Woodinville is hosting their Spring Barrel celebration this weekend and it is sure to be a fabulous time! They are releasing their 2016 Rosé that I can’t wait to taste.  There will be several other wine selections on the menu for you to savor. Tickets are $35 and include tasting, light appetizers, and live music!   You will also ...

Looking for a place to take Mom for brunch on Sunday?  Call Purple Cafe and Wine Bar Woodinvile at (425) 483-7129.  As of today, Monday, they have just a few tables left.  Opening an hour early at 10 AM!   There is an array of indoor and covered outdoor seating and Purple is easy to find at 14459 Woodinville-Redmond Rd NE, Woodinville, ...

On a recent cold but beautifully sunny day, Jen and I took a moment to drive into the beautiful grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle, craving the approach of Spring. The vines are beginning to grow. Looking at them reminded me of walking through the vines on my way back from outdoor summer concerts last year – a lovely memory! We ...