Tom Douglas : Fresh Sheet

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The Dahlia Lounge is turning eight years old on November 15th. The food scene in the Northwest is still getting tons of press. It's interesting to observe the rest of the nation still looking out to this corner of the world. Back in my Cafe Sport days, I remember thinking that the world had to be bored with us since it seemed we were in nearly every newspaper and magazine. That was in 1987 - ten years later, we have just experienced the biggest run of press since I've been in this business. Along with neighboring chefs and restaurants, we were recently featured in USA Today, Sunset Magazine, CNN, TVFN, NBC, Gourmet, Bon Appetit and Food Arts. From my eating and cooking tours, it's always a pleasure to talk to people who have heard about Seattle and want to know if it is really as hot as they've read. Since Emmett Watson's an old customer of mine, I feel obligated to tell people that it rains all the time and you should really never come here. It doesn't seem to be working.

We regard our customers as "foodies" - people who live to eat, rather than eat to live. Your interest and support in our shared passion gives us a chance to express and expand upon our creativity. In response to the popularity of the Palace cheese plate, we are taking this interest in food to the next level. We're excited about opening our new cheese shop, Cook & D'Amico Ltd. The idea of being able to explore all the cheeses of the world in one shop with a tasting room and aging cellar is very exciting. Inside this newsletter, you'll find more information on "The Plan".

Taste of the Nation is undoubtedly the premiere tasting event in Seattle. Heading in to our 11th year as co-chair, this event is most near and dear to my heart because it is the restaurant industry sharing it's strength with the foodbanks of our community. Next year's event will be held on March 15th at the Seattle Sheraton. For the first time ever, we'll have tickets available to sell before Christmas. Yes, I think you know what's coming - "what a great holiday gift". Dinner at 60 of the finest restaurants in Seattle, including outstanding wines, beers, coffee and more. If you buy before December 25th, you get 6 free Ginzu knives. No, just kidding - but I will sweeten the pot. How about this; any ticket bought comes with a gift card for dessert to any one of our restaurants. I would love your support. Call Maureen at 448-2001. (Tickets are $75 per person, Table of Ten for $1000)

I was invited to Los Angeles to film a segment for the Terry Bradshaw "Home Team". The L.A. restaurant scene: The new Spago, on Cañyon Drive: definitely worth visiting for the L.A. experience. Campanile - had an outstanding dinner once again. I love the way Mark Peel cooks his greens; Pastry Chef and partner Nancy Silverton is one of, if not the best baker in this country. World class. I still miss the old City restaurant, lost during the LA recession. Things seem to be coming back however - the town was jumpin'.

Someone please call and tell me where to eat on the east side of the state. I spent last weekend in those parts and while I enjoyed my visits to the Freestone Inn in Mazama and Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop. I'm still looking for a place where you get off your horse, mosey into a bar and eat ranch steaks and pan-fried trout, instead of rosemary-lemon shrimp and risotto cakes. Suggestions invited.

Speaking of Eastern Washington, with the holidays coming up, I've just placed an order from Methow Valley Meats for my favorite ham. For ten years I've been ordering these applewood smoked hams, and they're delicious, especially with my secret coffee-chile glaze. If you are interested in ordering a ham, Methow's number is 509-997-2343.

Happy Halloween - Tom and Jackie