It’s Spring Barrel weekend – finally!

by Jill St. George on Apr 27, 2012

Yakima's Cami Leonard-Corbin enjoys wine tasting at Masset Winery. Photo by Sara Gettys

With all hopes, you were able to take a peek at the most recent edition of Yakima Magazine – our very first wine issue! It includes stories about YVCC’s Vineyard and Winery Technology program, the new AVA in Naches Heights, DIY cork ideas and an excellent section giving the in’s and out’s of Spring Barrel - including a wine map. And the special wine edition couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time – with Spring Barrel right around the corner.

People come from all over for this annual tasting event…including busloads from Seattle. But of course why wouldn’t they? We have wonderful wines and a beautiful wine country.

The Spring Barrel event is held all weekend – Friday through Sunday. Hours vary depending on the winery. And although many wineries serve food or appetizers, it’s a good idea to pack yourself some goodies. And of course, have a designated driver.

For more information on where to go and what’s happening, click here.

Happy tasting!

Antiques Etc.

by Jill St. George on Apr 26, 2012

The charming entrance of Antiques Etc.

It would be hard to miss Antiques Etc. when driving up Tieton (and 57th)…especially for those of us with an eye for antiques. The cute white craftsman-style house is jam-packed with antiques from every era. But even before you walk through the front door,  the grounds are adorned with thousands of outdoor antiques and accessories to browse through. In small sheds and down gravel pathways, you’ll find anything and everything from vintage window frames to rusty reproductions of yard art. It’s sort of like a shopping playground for adults.

One of my favorite ways to accessorize the interior of my home, is using outdoor items – I just love the rustic, natural feel it brings inside. Antiques Etc. sells a plethora of outdoor accessories that could also be used indoors.

Take a peek at some of the lovely things I spotted while browsing Antique Etc.’s outdoor shop…

A shabby wreath hangs from an antique bike's handlebars.

This blue birdhouse would be darling in almost any interior.

Star-shaped yard stakes - a charming touch for a flower bed or an entryway.

Even an old basket of croquet balls can be decorative.

The entrance is adorable. I could have spent an hour browsing the porch alone.

Baskets are filled with antique and reproduction handles and trinkets.

Old rusty materials are used to make eclectic decor for the outdoors (or in.)

More decorative yard art.

I love using weathered terracotta pots indoors and out.

Old equipment and signs are everywhere.

How darling are those chairs?

Rusty and weathered.

Just lovely!

More than just waffles.

by Jill St. George on Apr 23, 2012

Asparagus omelet with ham, mushrooms and hollandaise sauce.

I suppose the beautiful weather may have something to do with it, but I have been craving asparagus more than ever lately. So when I drove past the Waffles Cafe billboard – reading “asparagus omelets,” I took a u-turn that would have put a police officer in a frenzy. After all, they’re a local seasonal veggie – they deserve special attention…right?

It was about noon when I drove by, so I wasn’t even sure if the waffle house would be open for lunch – but of course they are. And with a great lunch menu to boot. The asparagus omelet was absolutely delicious. But if breakfast isn’t exactly your thing at the noon hour, you might try their chicken cordon blue or their turkey melt waffle-wich – a sandwich served between two waffle halves.

Next up…crepes! They’re one of my fav’s, but have seemed to be hard to find in Yakima…until now!

They serve delicious side dishes as well - like their hashbrowns.

Fresh, yummy asparagus!

What’s on Stage?

by Jill St. George on Apr 20, 2012

Shanghai Pearl of Burlesque Bake Sale. Courtesy Photo.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Well if you love the theater…or even if you’re new to it, this weekend has plenty on stage.

BURLESQUE BAKE SALE. 6:30 p.m. April 21 at The Seasons, 101 N. Naches Ave. Comedy and dance featuring Shanghai Pearl, Janet Jett, Miss Cathy Kloster, Luigi Vermecelli and Jacquline Baker. Tickets: $50; VIP tickets $70. Proceeds benefit Art in Motion. 509-457-6791. Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/124387.

“THE FOREIGNER.” 7:30 p.m. April 13-14, April 19-21, April 26-28 and 2 p.m. April 28 at the Akin Center Theatre, 2608-A W. Nob Hill Blvd. Tickets: $15 adults, $12 seniors and children. 509-248-2787 or www.akintheatre.com. (Comedy.)

BARRAGE – “Soundtrack of the World.” 7:30p.m. April 18-21 at The 4th Street Theatre (at The Capitol Theatre), 14 S. 4th Street, A Musical where you’ll see, “Riverdance meets Stomp” – with the use of fiddles and violins. Tickets: $39-$49 – online here or at the box office at 19 S. 3rd Street.

Put a cork in it!

by Jill St. George on Apr 18, 2012

Photos by Sara Gettys

We all seem to have a stash of corks piling up somewhere, but what to do with them? In case you missed our special wine edition of Yakima Magazine, we featured four DIY projects to help you put them to good use – well, when it comes to decorating anyway.

So grab your glue gun and give it a go.

Photo by Sara Gettys

Initials are everywhere – on fireplace mantels, as bookends, even etched on wine glasses. Why  not make your own?

Directions: First, choose a letter. Then lay the corks out on a flat surface to form chosen letter. Using a hot glue gun, place a generous amount of glue on each cork. Glue together in a shape.

Photo by Sara Gettys

The cork magnet is the easiest project of all.

Directions: Simply hot glue a small magnet (available at craft stores) onto the back of the cork. Pop on the fridge to remind you that you need more wine.

Photo by Sara Gettys

Add some style to your dinner table with this super simple place card holder.

Directions: With a sharp knife, cut a slice into the top of the cork (champagne corks are easiest), so it will stand up. Slide in a piece of card stock, write a name and viola!

Photo by Sara Gettys

Yes, you could make a trivet with corks, or a picture frame or a bulletin board. But not many people make modern art with their leftover corks.

Directions: Buy a foam or wooden sphere at a craft store. The wooden sphere will be heavier, but the surface will be less apparent when finished. The size of the sphere is dependent on the number of corks you have. With a glue gun, glue each cork to the sphere, as closely as possible. Keep in mind where you want the “wine” side or the clean side to be on the outside (or both). Put it on a shelf and admire.

Still have leftover corks? When planting large pots, fill the bottom with corks to help with drainage and lighten the pot. Or you could shred the natural corks and add them to compost. And if you happen to have a wine barrel, you could put the corks in one layer on the end of it, and then add a glass top to make a decorative table.