News on People and Events

Ted Baseler, First Citizen

Since its inception in 1939, the First Citizen Award has recognized individuals and organizations that enhance the area's quality of life through visionary leadership, civic engagement, and dedication to building healthy communities through volunteerism and philanthropy.

Ted Baseler, president and CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, is this year's awardee. He is being recognized for his dedication to building Washington state into a top global wine producing region, and his passion and benevolence centered around higher education and uncompensated medical care for children with limited access to care. The event was held on May 28 at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel; speakers included Christine Gregoire, the 22^nd governor of the State of Washington; Ron Elgin, consultant, author, entrepreneur; Patti Payne, columnist for the Puget Sound Business Journal; Dr. Elson Floyd, president of Washington State University; and Bob Betz, Master of Wine, founder and winemaker of Betz Family Winery.

Erik Liedholm, Certified Coffee Sommelier

Sommelier and Distiller Erik Liedholm (Company Wine Director/Partner, John Howie Restaurants), has added another title: Certified Coffee Sommelier. He received the Nespresso Coffee Sommelier™ certification via an invitation-only program open each year to a small group of wine sommeliers and accredited chefs from around the world. Training is conducted by international coffee and culinary experts at the Nespresso factory in Avenches, Switzerland, and certification indicates a unique understanding of the botany of coffee, quality and process of coffee creation, and knowledge of coffee's aromatic palette to create culinary pairings.

"Similar to wine, premium coffee has diverse flavor, texture and aromatic profile subtleties," commented Erik. "It was intriguing to evaluate these nuances to discern the best way to harmonize coffee with different food, spirits and even water -- overall, an interesting parallel to the wine tasting experience."

What's next, Erik?

Chef Thoa Nguyen crushes Bobby Flay on Food Network

Okay, "crushes" may be too strong a word, but we're proud of the fact that Thoa is one of very few contestants to best Bobby on his show. Hey, the website says "Beat Bobby Flay" so we guess Thoa took that seriously.

The show aired in May and Thoa had to defeat Chef/Owner Jason Hippen of Jay's on Third in New Jersey to get the chance to go up against Flay. Flay ( click to watch show) Her version of Bibimbap, a Korean rice bowl, is what took him down.

Thoa owns Chinoise Café in the Issaquah Highlands and Wabi Sabi on Rainier Avenue South. She will open Sushi Chinoise in the Beardslee Crossing development in Bothell later this year.

David LeClaire, Seattle Uncorked, returns with 13^th annual Rosé Revival

June 18 is the day for tasting rosé and some cool white wines at Ray's Boathouse. Like you need a reason to go to Ray's… But this is a good reason: 30+ dry rosé and summer white wines. You'll meet Northwest winemakers and taste small lot rosé from Sangiovese, Syrah, Cab Franc, Tempranillo, Grenache, and Pinot Noir. White varietals include Semillon, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Albariño, Gruner, and Pinot Blanc. There will be wines from Italy, France, Argentina, Australia and more. Plus Ray's Boathouse will provide salmon sliders (in a box!).

Proceeds from the event support Save Our Wild Salmon, a coalition of organizations working to restore self-sustaining, abundant and harvestable populations of wild salmon and steelhead. Wine bottles will be available for purchase to take home.

Details:

Date: Thursday, June 18, 2015
Time/Cost: 6-9 p.m. $35; 5 p.m. VIP early entry, $50
Location: Ray's Boathouse
6049 Seaview Ave NW
Seattle, WA (west of Ballard)
Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1396712

June 2015