Mar 26, 2011 Posted by Bean

Food and Wine Pairing with Michael Mina

Michael Mina  moved from Egypt at the age of 2 to Ellensburg, Washington. He is returning to Washington state to open his 23rd restaurant, RN74 Seattle. He started cooking at an Ellensburg restaurant at the age of 15.  After watching Robin LeeAt age of 16 he decided he would become a cook, his dad insisted on some college time and a year of work before Michael went to CIA at Hyde Park.   Design,... read more

Jan 23, 2011 Posted by Bean

Belgianfest 2011- Sold Out Success

W ashington Beer Commission’s 2nd annual Belgianfest was a showcase for Washington brewers’ skill and creativity in crafting Belgian style brews. Although last year’s inaugural Belgianfest was relatively small, this year’s boasted a bigger location, more brewers and more beer! Even with a bigger location at Magnuson Park, both tasting sessions of Belgianfest 2011 sold out. It was... read more

Oct 17, 2010 Posted by Bean

Great Pumpkin Beer Fest Attracts Huge Crowds Saturday

Gone are the days of people pooh poohing pumpkin beer. Before noon, eager beer lovers lined up for the Elysian Great Pumpkin Beer Fest. At noon, patrons paid $18 to be equipped with a pumpkin glass, six beer tickets and a beer guide. Outside in the back parking lot, five beer stations were set up with six taps each. Thirty pumpkin beers from around the country were first up on tap. 13 other pumpkin beers... read more

Sep 25, 2010 Posted by Vivian

Fremont Oktoberfest 2010 – Four ‘other’ beers

The responsibility weighed heavy as I browsed the online list of beers expected at the Oktoberfest in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle this weekend. Bean, our beer palate guru, is in Spokane covering the Oktoberfest on the east side of Washington leaving me, beer palate noviciate, to taste and discuss beers alone. Having discussions with myself is usually not a problem. However, if it happens while I... read more

Sep 22, 2010 Posted by Bean

Washington beers win at 2010 Great American Beer Festival

Last weekend, brewers and beer lovers converged in Denver for the Great American Beer Festival (GABF). According to the Guinness  Book of World records, there are more beers on tap at GABF than anywhere else. More than 2,000 different beers from more than 450 of the nation’s finest breweries were available for tasting. In addition to the public tasting, beers were submitted for judging in 79... read more