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Latest Food And Dining

On the Menu: Teriyaki Grille

Teriyaki Grille, tucked away next to a tanning place in a strip mall on Yakima Avenue, is the sort of place you drive by a million times without even noticing … More →

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On the Menu: Greek Kabob Restaurant

It is a good thing I was alone when I went to the Greek Kabob Restaurant this week; I’m sure I looked something less than …

Seattle business combines modernist cooking, online learning

SEATTLE — Down at Pike Place Market, below the produce stands and fishmongers and spice merchants, sits an unusual business called ChefSteps. Peek in the …

On the Menu: Sharky’s Pizza Shack

I did not order the macaroni and cheese pizza at Sharky’s Pizza Shack, because I think it’s a stupid idea. Bread and cheese topped with …

To Make Chardonnay, Argentine Vintners Look to a Higher Power

Argentina is justly known for its malbec, a red wine that can be a great value at any price. But although malbec may be the …

Caffeinated gum prompts FDA investigation

WASHINGTON — For people seeking an energy boost, companies are increasing their offerings of foods with added caffeine. A new caffeinated gum may have gone …

On the Menu: Esperanza’s

I will always lament the loss of Sloppy Slaw Burgers and Ribs, because I never got around to trying the doughnut bacon cheeseburger. But I …

In sauvignon blanc, you can taste the weather

To understand the impact of climate on wine, look to sauvignon blanc. The weather affects other varieties, of course, but sauvignon blanc, a.k.a. sauv blanc …

Asparagus made for spring grilling

My asparagus convalescence — from a childhood spent eating the mushy, canned stuff — began late in my adolescence, when my mother boiled fresh spears, …

Recipes: Grilled asparagus

It doesn’t get much more springlike than a grill, a bunch of asparagus and a light lemony dressing. And this dressing is lemony: Add more …

On the Menu: Ay Caramba

I don’t know whether to feel happy that I finally tried Ay Caramba or disappointed that I didn’t try it sooner. I knew about this …

Fresh: Adventures with pizza

This month’s Fresh was a total experiment, inspired by pretty pictures of rustic pizzas I found online. While the process ended up taking a bit …

On the Menu: George’s Wok & Grill

I just got back from George’s Wok & Grill out in West Valley, and now all I want to do for the rest of my …

‘Sideways’ author to visit Yakima next week

Rex Pickett wrote the novel “Sideways,” a love letter to wine country that became a hit Oscar-nominated film, and he’s never been to Yakima before. …

World wine production may shift due to climate change

MELBOURNE, Australia — Areas suitable for viticulture may decline from Bordeaux to Australia as climate change prompts a shift in wine production to higher latitudes …

Lowly lentil rises up to become a staple of high cuisine

LOS ANGELES — As culinary fashion continues to wind inexorably lower on the luxury scale — from tournedos to beef cheeks, from foie gras to …

On the Menu: Xochimilco

Xochimilco is known for its Oaxacan-style mole sauce, and I am known for not really liking mole sauce. But, in the interest of journalism, I …

Fill holiday baskets with delicious, homemade treats

Wine fight over vintage fakes airs out in N.Y. court

NEW YORK — The market where vintage wines are traded like treasured works of art has gotten a taste test in a New York court …

Women breaking down gender barriers of craft beer

MILWAUKEE — Meagan O’Brien sipped her beer and bit her tongue as the man next to her tried to describe to his date some of …

On the Menu: Tazzah Mediterranean Cuisine

A few years ago, you couldn’t get Mediterranean food in Yakima. Yeah, there was the gyro guy at the farmers market, and for a while …

Fresh: A taste of spring

With signs of warmer weather in the air and weekends starting to fill with a growing list of outside chores, it seems summer might be …

On the Menu: Lone Star Ranch House

I walk into the Lone Star Ranch House restaurant at 8 a.m. and see a note, handwritten in marker, stuck on the bulletin board in …

The frying faithful serve up the cod at Fish Frydays

As the Yakima Valley begins to thaw from a deep winter, each Friday in Lent brings an intoxicating aroma through downtown Yakima: That of deep-fried …

On the Menu: St. John’s Bakery, Coffee & Gifts

Generally, I avoid places with menus I can’t pronounce. I remember enough Spanish from high school to do a serviceable job at our area eateries, …

Delicious news: St. John’s Monastery expands its kitchen

For nearly 20 years, St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Monastery has sat just off the highway near Goldendale. Enclosed in woods, the complex is …

Shake things up at the bar with tasty wine cocktails

Combine the Yakima Valley’s ever-growing wine industry with Washington’s new law making liquor available at your corner grocer, and you have a perfect opportunity to …

On the Menu: Sweet Beez

February 28, 2013

I managed to eat at Sweet Beez once since moving to the Valley two years ago: It was, of course, for an On the Menu. …

Que syrah, sirah?

If wine can be confusing — and it can — three grape names that add to that perplexity are syrah, petite sirah and shiraz. Syrah …

Meet the mama behind Big Papa’s

February 27, 2013

In the South, if you get invited to a barbecue, there’s only one question you ask: Who’s making the sauce?” Norka Davis wants there to …

Fresh: Quinoa salad a bowl of motivation

February 20, 2013

So how many of you are still eating healthfully, six weeks into 2013? If you are still going strong, I cheer you. High-five! I can …

More Oregon winemakers choose balance over brawn

February 25, 2013

Rudy Marchesi noticed a change in tone. It happened a few years ago, as he attended regular meetings of fellow winemakers in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. …

Group looks into fishy swaps at country’s eateries

February 24, 2013

CHICAGO — Diners who think they are eating red snapper may actually be munching on goldbanded jobfish. Those who order Alaskan cod may really be …

Don’t have time to eat breakfast? Drink it

February 20, 2013

BOCA RATON, Fla. — If you don’t have time to sit down for a bowl of cereal in the morning, companies are hoping you’ll want …

Maker’s Mark drops plan to water-down bourbon

February 18, 2013

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After backlash from customers, the producer of Maker’s Mark bourbon is reversing a decision to cut the amount of alcohol in bottles …

New book captures story of America’s wine growth

February 20, 2013

At the turn of the millennium, there were approximately 2,000 wineries in the United States. Today, there are close to 8,000. Much of the growth …

On the Menu: Jean’s Cottage Inn

February 14, 2013

Recently, staff photographer and fellow foodie Andy Sawyer asked me if my husband and I had been out to Jean’s Cottage Inn yet. But I …

‘Pretzel Lady’ offers up snacks with a twist

February 13, 2013

Debbie Lindsay has come to terms with the fact that she no longer has a name. To most people, she’s just “The Pretzel Lady.” But …

Red Wine and Chocolate continues the romance through Valentine’s weekend

February 14, 2013

YAKIMA, Wash. — People in the local wine industry don’t call it Presidents Day weekend; they call it Valentine’s Day weekend. It makes sense. Local …

On the Menu: Rodeo City Bar-B-Q

February 7, 2013

I judge barbecue places on their smell. You want that wall of seasonings to hit you the minute you walk in the door. So I …

Pressure is on when choosing V-Day vintage

February 10, 2013

Sometimes, the best response to a question is another question. Like when someone asks: What wine should my sweetie and I drink on Valentine’s Day? …

In Vino Veritas: Canadian winery emphasizes importance of soil

February 6, 2013

While visiting my family recently in Cowichan Bay, Canada, I decided to take a tour at one of Vancouver Island’s oldest wineries, Cherry Point Estate …

Cheesecake fundraiser is a tasty hit for St. John’s school

February 6, 2013

Hank Osthus gave his daughter a simple order when giving her the family cheesecake recipe: Don’t give it away. And Denise Copeland of Yakima has …

More state stores offering wine tastings

January 27, 2013

EVERETT — Step away from your shopping cart and belly up to the bar. It’s happy hour at the grocery store. In a roped-off section …

On the menu: The Vineyard in Grandview

January 31, 2013

I’m a burger guy. But I also frequent Lower Valley coffee shops in search of free Wi-Fi to work on my stories and photos for …

‘Valley Fresh Fare’ cooking show ending after two years

January 30, 2013

After more than two dozen chefs, hundreds of ingredients, dozens of wine pairings, and 28 episodes, KYVE’s “Valley Fresh Fare” cooking show is being discontinued …

901 Pasta owner showcases spicier side of menu

January 30, 2013

Ned Walsh is confident about the quality of his marinara. “I’ll put our marinara against anybody, anywhere. Our marinara is fabulous,” says the owner of …

Fresh: Soup’s on for health, flavor

January 23, 2013

It’s soup weather. Waking up in the morning, the sky is still dark and it’s nearly impossible to convince myself to leave the warm pocket …

More state stores offering wine tastings

January 27, 2013

EVERETT — Step away from your shopping cart and belly up to the bar. It’s happy hour at the grocery store. In a roped-off section …

On the Menu: Casa VittoRe

January 17, 2013

The first thing you’ll notice about Casa VittoRe is that it is really beautiful. Gallery-style lighting, dark woods against red brick, soft, textured pillows and …

Late owner’s love of cookies keeps Prosser bakery open

January 16, 2013

Glenna Dragoo had a dream: Running her own cookie business. That dream evolved steadily over the past six or so years — from the warmth …

New bistro and cafe opens in downtown Yakima

January 11, 2013

If you haven’t noticed yet, there is a new restaurant in downtown Yakima: Casa VittoRe Cafe and Bistro. It opened all of seven days ago …

Regional wines win big in San Francisco competition

January 14, 2013

CLOVERDALE, Calif. — Five Mid-Columbia wines earned best-of-class awards at the nation’s largest wine competition. The winners were announced Friday at the San Francisco Chronicle …

On the Menu: Golden Bull

January 10, 2013

The Golden Bull has been the only restaurant offering Chinese food in Selah since it opened on First Street in 2011. And owners Franky and …

Give your kitchen an English flair, ‘Downton Abbey’ style

January 9, 2013

The romance. The intrigue. The big, beautiful country house. We can analyze the recipe for success of “Downton Abbey,” the British television import whose Season …

What to eat while you watch ‘Downton’

January 9, 2013

Planning a Downton party to enjoy Season 3? Why not whip up some of these authentic English recipes inspired by the show. This recipe for …

On the Menu: El Mirador

January 3, 2013

It’s reassuring, when you walk into a Mexican restaurant, to see someone making fresh tortillas. It’s an indication that they pay attention to the little …

Tony’s chef says great calamari all about practice

January 2, 2013

The calamari at Tony’s Steakhouse is known Valley-wide as the best fried squid in town, says chef Freddie Milanes. The popular appetizer has been a …

In Vino Veritas: Craft spirits a new opportunity for Washington

January 2, 2013

In 2008, a craft distillery license was established through the Washington State Liquor Control Board. Over the past five years, there has been an increase …

Nog up the New Year with twists on old favorites

December 26, 2012

The best way to keep warm this holiday season is with a festive twist on the nog and toddy. Rich, frothy homemade eggnog can be …

Choose the good bubbly this New Year’s

December 27, 2012

A vintner recently asked me to name my favorite wine. It’s a common question, since I write about wine, and I usually demur with some …

On the Menu: Selah’s Taco Shack

December 20, 2012

There comes a point where we ask ourselves: Do we really need another taco place in the Yakima Valley? The answer, of course, is yes, …

Mario Batali: Ciambella, a simple, delectable cake fit for a holiday table

December 20, 2012

Start story here first for web. …

Fresh: Road to gifts paved in good intentions

December 19, 2012

;The holiday season is here — every year it sneaks up on me. I am always two steps behind: the leaves aren’t even raked and …

Add flair to meal by cooking with white wine

December 19, 1912

KENNEWICK, Wash. — If you want to add a bit of flair to an upcoming meal, try incorporating wine as an ingredient. Cooking with wine …

Lighten up your holiday recipes with these tips

December 13, 2012

This time of year, your calendar is likely to be full of holiday parties, office gatherings, cookie exchanges and family meals. The common theme of …

Reader recipes filled with memories of holidays past

December 19, 2012

A Christmas cookie is such a simple thing. Sugar, flour, butter, all mixed in a bowl, shaped and baked, decorated with sprinkles and your favorite …

What to get the foodie

December 19, 2012

Dreamy chocolate Julie Waterman works flavorful ingredients (tart cherries and toasted almonds, citrus zest and ginger) into handcrafted bars at her Indulgence Chocolatiers warehouse in …

Butcher-friendly kitchens should explore these cookbooks

December 19, 2012

Meat is hot: The butcher is back and interest in the source of the pork, beef, chicken and other proteins on our plates continues to …

On the Menu: Kiki Chinese Restaurant

December 13, 2012

I got takeout from KiKi Chinese Restaurant this week, and it all smelled so good on the drive home that I couldn’t handle it; I …

New findings show cheese first made 7,500 years ago

December 13, 2012

LONDON — Little Miss Muffet could have been separating her curds and whey 7,500 years ago, according to a new study that finds the earliest …

Capture the flavors of the Yakima Valley with edible Christmas gifts

December 12, 2012

Ah, Christmas. The season of searching for a gift for everyone you’ve ever met. It has to be perfect — something that captures the essence …

Regulations make shipping your wine gifts difficult, but not impossible

December 5, 2012

After a long search, you’ve finally found it: The perfect bottle of merlot for your picky Aunt Mildred. There’s no way she won’t love the …

How to host a wine party this holiday

December 7, 2012

KENNEWICK, Wash. — During the holiday season, parties and get-togethers are common, and how to put on a wine-tasting party is a question that is …

Make it a very vino Christmas

December 5, 2012

The holidays are upon us. As you scramble to find the perfect gift for the adults on your list, I urge you to choose the …

On the Menu: El Porton is a notch above

November 29, 2012

There are a bunch of midrange, sit-down Mexican joints in Yakima, and most of them are decent enough — oversized portions slathered in cheese and …

Yellow Church Cafe chef introduces a little piece of heaven

November 28, 2012

Three years ago, Taylor Cole was a teenage dishwasher at a bistro on the west side of the state. Young and passionate, he caught the …

Let strong flavor of sweet onions co-star on your table

November 28, 2012

In my kitchen, sweet onions have gone from a seasonal treat to a year-round staple. They’re not substitutes for traditional yellow onions, which I still …

Steak-ing claim with a different holiday appetizer

December 26, 2012

WAPATO -- After seven years of serving Red Wine BBQ Meatballs to Thanksgiving in Wine Country visitors at Piety Flats Winery, co-owner Kris Russi decided …

On the Menu: Seoul Teri-House

November 22, 2012

Tearing crispy, fatty, delicious meat from the bone with your teeth is one of my life’s raw, carnivorous pleasures. So when I went to Seoul …

Fresh: Face day of cooking with strength from mixed berry scones

November 21, 2012

Although the superstar meal of Christmas and Thanksgiving is always the dinner, I’ve started some of my own traditions around the start of the day. …

Tori Spelling Spells Out Holiday Hosting

November 22, 2012

Think you need a big budget in order to throw a great holiday party? Think again. Tori Spelling, star of the original version of the …

Gourmet Doughnuts at Home ... Fancy!

November 22, 2012

Move over cupcakes. It’s time for doughnuts to take their star turn. So, bring on the sprinkles, the chocolate, the bacon. Yes, even the bacon. …

Pass the Cheese ... & Charcuterie

November 22, 2012

Sophisticated, stylish and as smooth as fine barrel-aged bourbon. That’s the tone to set when entertaining this holiday season. You can pull this off with …

Yakima Valley, Rattlesnake wineries issue invitation spend Thanksgiving in Wine Country

November 20, 2012

YAKIMA, Wash. — What to drink with that leftover Thanksgiving turkey? Probably rosé, according to Patrick Rawn, co-owner of Two Mountain Winery outside of Zillah. …

Turkey Talk: Do you have your menu?

November 19, 2012

We’ve been talking turkey for about 19 days here on Appetite, and the Big Day is only four days away — I told you it …

Hey, where’s the cream filling?

November 16, 2012

It’s finally happened. After decades of feeding the snack needs of America, Hostess Brands is shutting down. The Associated Press began reporting the story this …

Ditch dessert tradition: Everyone loves cupcakes

November 18, 2012

Cupcakes are a total stretch for a Thanksgiving dessert. I realize this. But a coworker brought these in the other day, and several people demanded …

Turkey Talk: Cupcake-sized apple pie

November 16, 2012

Yesterday we talked about finger-pie alternatives for pecan pie. Today it is apple pie. This recipe comes from Yakima Herald-Republic news producer TJ Mullinax and …

On the Menu: La Fonda

November 15, 2012

Whenever I’m visiting a new Mexican restaurant and sopitos are on the menu, that’s the first thing I’m ordering. They’re a relatively uncomplicated dish, but …

For White House Thanksgiving, Red or Rose Works Best

November 15, 2012

The abundance we celebrate on Thanksgiving presents an interesting challenge to the family member in charge of wine for the feast. There is simply too …

Turkey talk: Pecan pie alternatives

November 15, 2012

I love pecan pie. Love it. But it’s kind of a mess to eat. Pie in general, really. So this year, with the number of …

Experts tackle tough turkey questions

November 14, 2012

TACOMA — Rick Rodgers is something of a traditionalist when it comes to cooking turkeys. Not that he hasn’t tried every method under the sun. …

Turkey Talk: Get stuffed

November 13, 2012

Stuffing is absolutely my favorite part of Thanksgiving. It is just so good. And yet, like so many Thanksgiving dishes we enjoy, it’s something we …

Turkey Talk: Potatoes by any other name

November 12, 2012

I love sweet potatoes, and the new fad-level of them is amazing. You can get them every where. Sweet potato fries are the new “hot” …

Give your taste buds some flavor

November 12, 2012

If turkey weren’t so bland, would we even need gravy at the Thanksgiving table? Cranberry sauce, too? Not that we can’t all be thankful for …