There are a wide variety of sparkling wines made throughout the world. Lets first establish the idea of champagne vs. sparkling wine. Sparkling wine can only be called champagne if it comes from the region of Champagne, which is just outside of Paris. … read more

Are your ready for a fight? Gig Harbor’s NetShed No. 9 has found a wildly successful formula with its organically grown Chef Fight Night (think “Top Chef” or “Chopped”), all while finding a way to utilize its beautiful waterfront facility in the evening … read more

To master the art of grilling, it’s best to start with a piece of high-quality meat. While some supermarkets have been responding to the consumers’ demand for transparency, it’s still a good idea to find a great local butcher shop and get to … read more

If you walk past the Occasions Coffee and Crepes “hole-in-the-wall” spot in Gig Harbor too fast, your first impression is likely to be that of a coffee/gift shop. Walk a little slower, and you many notice the menu by the door — and … read more

Located on a 55-acre farm on the Olympic Peninsula in a restored vintage dairy barn, the setting is enchanting and the concerts feature world-class classical music performances all summer long. The grounds and barn are beautiful, and the barn has a rich history. … read more

Drive too fast through downtown Poulsbo, and you’ll likely miss the double restaurant in a solid-cement building on the edge of Front Street. But once you’re there, depending on which of two sides you choose, you’ll either discover an upbeat setting (at Paella … read more

I have been curious about the origin of wines and their names since I began writing about wine in 1988, so I decided to start researching the information. Here is the first look, along with some tasting notes, so be prepared for more … read more

During the last few years, Gig Harbor has grown from a relatively quiet little town to a shopping and dining destination — it’s almost hard to recognize the former sleepy fishing village, even from a decade ago. As the dining scene has exploded … read more

Winter brings shorter days, longer nights and lower temperatures. There are few things more comforting than coming in from the cold to a house filled with the intoxicating smells of homemade bread and a pot of soup. The beauty of most soups and … read more