Seattle Weekly food writer Leslie Kelly caught up James Beard Award-winning chef Holly Smith recently, chatting about her success, the evolution of her cooking style, and what’s in store for Cafe Juanita’s landmark 10^th year.

A snippet:

Seattle Weekly: What impresses people is that even though you’re a celebrity chef, you’re truly in the kitchen cooking.

Holly Smith: It’s funny. As more people open multiple places, you’re not going to see those people in the kitchen because you cannot be in two places at once. People always ask me about opening a second place, but this feels just right.

And there’s more where that came from. To read the interview in its entirety, click here.

Olive oil takes center stage at TASTE Restaurant on October 2, when The New American Olive Oil dinner will showcase dishes made with the popular oil.

In addition to a workshop, olive oil tasting, and book signing (Dame Fran Gage will be on hand to sign copies of her book, “The New American Olive Oil”), the evening will include a fabulous four-course dinner coordinated by Fran Gage, TASTE director Danielle Custer and executive chef Craig Hetherington.

On the menu is lamb and bulgur-wheat meatballs, foraged chanterelles with poached farm egg, fresh Ricotta gnocchi, and fish stew. For dessert, try olive-oil ice cream with grape and rosemary focaccia and Beecher’s Honey Blank Slate cheese or Almost Flourless chocolate cake.

Those who enjoy a unique cocktail shouldn’t miss the Extra Virgin Martini, created by TASTE mixologist Duncan Chase, which combines craft spirits with dehydrated olive-oil powder.

For reservations, call 206.903.5291 or email tasterestaurant@tastesam.com by Monday, September 27.

Travel blog Roomalicious recently ranked the top 10 hotel restaurants in the Napa region, noting, “Napa’s culinary experience is truly like no other. Foodies, connoisseurs, and wine buffs flock to this area to get a taste of award-winning food and wine from the finest restaurants.”

The restaurant at Kenwood Inn & Spa was ranked eighth in the Casual Dining category.

“The Restaurant in the Kenwood Inn & Spa epitomizes the rustic, sophisticated spirit of wine country. The Italian-inspired menu is served in a cozy terracotta dining room, complemented by an award-winning wine bar. We recommend the salmone fiorentino with spinach and rock shrimp stuffing, fresh dill potato cake and lemon butter sauce.”

To read the entire article, click here.

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