I debated about making this my second post here, but I figured that you should know a little about me if we are going to be traveling companions; even if only virtually. So here it goes.
I came to the Pacific Northwest from the Mojave Desert. Growing up in the desert, you find that you watch the rain when you get it. I still do that. Because you know, it doesn’t rain here as much as most people think! Once I got past marveling at the green (and the blue – I really love water), I found that there was a great benefit to all this water I had never considered. The food!
Soon I found that all my produce was coming from farmers’ markets and local produce stands. I became a regular at a particular stall in Pike Place Market – Sosios. I learned so much from the crew there. All about what was local and seasonal, what was fresh, what went with what. I still recall the first time I ever ate a local white peach – I never knew there was such a thing as a white peach before that day – and it was nearly a religious experience (if you are in Seattle in August, go to Sosios, ask for the “Oh My God Peaches’)!
It was a small step; one that was fostered by meeting people who liked good food, people who liked to cook, and chefs who liked to share their philosophy of food with their patrons. Then came the wine; learning about how food can make a wine taste completely different, how subjective wine is, how it is a total sensory experience. It seemed a great stroke of luck that I was laid off from a company I loved (great, great people – I still miss them) but I job that I wasn’t thrilled with. It gave me the chance to start this! And so here we go. The next chapter is just getting started.
A final note; I wouldn’t be doing this if it weren’t for some really wonderful people; please indulge me while I do a few thank you’s. First off, my amazing brother and brother-in-law (I’m sure much here will be written about them) – Erik and Bob. This wouldn’t be without you guys. Brother Geoff who gives good advice and listens to me complain. Cousin Lani (if you are in the Lodi/Sacramento Valley area and like Zinfandel, please check out Macchia Wines – www.macchiawines.com, good stuff!) – my role model; a smart, savvy entrepreneur as well as great all around person who has given me encouragement and courage. And finally, Beth and George - thanks for letting me crash and for being my own private tasting panel.
Okay, administrative stuff is done. Time to open a bottle.