Get Your First Friday On!

by Jill St. George on Nov 9, 2011

Photos by Jennifer Dagdagan

I’M A PRETTY BUSY GIRL, so nights out for me are few and far between. But in the name of research, I recently had the opportunity to hit up one of downtown Yakima’s First Fridays — a monthly event that has become so popular it’s spread to some establishments on Yakima’s west side.

The first Friday of every month, many downtown businesses are often full to overflowing, with restaurants, wineries and shops offering specials and entertainment for customers who can walk from hangout to hangout. So I grabbed my notepad and my good friend Andrea, and we hit the town for a girls’ night out.

Spice up Your Holiday with these “Drinks Through the Decades”

by Robin Salts Beckett on Nov 9, 2011

by Andy Sawyer -- Photos in gallery below by Chad Bremerman and Andy Sawyer

The holidays usually mean two things: you’re going to eat too much. And you’ll probably enjoy a drink. Or two.
We don’t judge.

But if you’re tired of the ol’ Gin and Tonic and need some inspiration for your wet bar, look no further. In the spirit of television’s recent Mad Men craze, we did a little research on popular drinks from decades gone by, with suggested concoctions following. It’s easy. Just pick an era, and build a party around it. Your guests could even do what we did on the following pages and dress the part.

For folks who prefer mocktails, just replace the alcohol with a non-alcoholic drink such as lemon-lime or club soda (and please, don’t drive after drinking). Salut!

Food for a Good Mood

by Heather Caro on Nov 9, 2011

If Yule-tide festivities leave you feeling blue, a holiday diet may be partially to blame. Moods are linked to the body’s own production of brain chemicals and can be influenced by what we eat. Jam-packed schedules combined with readily available sugary sweets — and one too many cocktails — can be a recipe for a stressed-out season. But with just a few menu changes, your mood may improve — even if you can’t get out of attending that awkward annual office party.

Retro Richland

by Robin Salts Beckett on Nov 9, 2011

The Emerald of Siam offers "no cover" evening music; Stevie and Marylou Show perform. Photos by Michelle Ellis

Richland is surprising.
One of the three communities in the nearby Tri-Cities, Richland has its own small-town, “retro” vibe, with a good bit of architecture recalling the ‘50s and ‘60s. And since it’s just over an hour away, Richland makes for a quick — and fun — getaway.

Bert’s Pub: King of Comfort Food

by Robin Salts Beckett on Sep 12, 2011

Photo by Robin Salts Beckett

I think I have a pretty great Macaroni and Cheese recipe. It’s tasty. My friends talk about it and everything.

But put it side by side with the Pepperjack Macaroni and Cheese at Bert’s Pub, and I’m a little embarrassed.

A Coke and a Smile

by Robin Salts Beckett on Sep 12, 2011

Photo by Gordon King

Since 1911, Coca-Cola has been distributed in Yakima, which means the company is celebrating its 100^th anniversary in Yakima this year. To commemorate that landmark, there’s a special “Yakima” coke can. Pick up yours at area grocery stores.

Pictured here with a slice of ? from one of our favorite pizza joints: Mike Bastinelli’s Russilo’s Pizza and Gelato.

Mike Bastinelli’s Russillo’s Pizza and Gelato

1 W. Yakima Ave., No. 6

Yakima • 509-453-0325

Russillospizza.net