Big Fat Wine

I had seen a commercial for The Grape Adventure wine bar and bottle shop a couple of months ago and have been meaning to stop by and check it out for awhile.  When Joel and I pulled into the parking lot of the cluster mall, we thought we might be in the wrong place.  It didn’t look like the pictures on the website or the commercial (does it ever?).  Creative photography I think they call it.

After our experience with the parking lot we were pleasantly surprised when we walked through the door.  They’ve done a wonderful job with the decorating and use of space.  The lights are dim in the bar/restaurant/tasting area giving it an inviting aura.   We seated ourselves in one of the few opened tables and within just a minute our server was at our table with the menu.  They have a pretty good selection appetizers, food and wine.  We ordered a cheese plate and both chose a flight of reds to start, then Joel had the mushroom swiss burger and I ordered the creme brulee .   The triple cream brie, on the cheese plate, was really good and the creme brulee was fantastic.

The atmosphere is what makes this place.  It’s cozy but also alive.  Lots of conversation.   I got the impression that the other people there all knew each other.  It seemed to be a great neighborhood hangout.   One of the “tests” that we have for  places we go to taste is, “would you bring friends here?”  The answer here is, yes.  I wouldn’t bring a friend if we were looking for a chic tasting experience but I would bring a friend if we wanted to relax, talk, taste some wine and maybe meet some really “real” people.

While this place might not be big and fat, it is definitely pleasantly plump.  We will be back for a grape adventure at The Grape Adventure.

As Always
Love, Laugh, Learn… LIVE!

What a wonderful day.  I slept in, the sun was shining, coffee was ready when I woke up and we had 2 tastings scheduled, heaven.

We picked up 4 bottles from Chateau Ste. Michelle and hung out to taste but we didn’t go over to the retail side because there was a concert today, which I would have known if I had checked our events page, and it was crowded.  I would have loved to go to the concert but we didn’t buy tickets in time and the show sold out.  If anyone went to Crosby Stills and Nash tonight let me know how the show was.

When we left the winery we needed a bite to eat so we hit Barbecue Pete’s in Kent on our way home.  The special today was baby back ribs.  I love food you can eat with your hands.  They were cooked to perfection, the meat fell off the bone,  great flavor, great sauce.  Look for them every year at the Puyallup Fair, in Puyallup Washington  or at their Kent Washington location.

Of course, I got barbecue sauce on my shirt so we had to stop by home to change.  Then it was off to WineStyles in Federal Way for the members pick up and tasting.   The event started at 5:00, we arrived about 5:25 and the back area was already full.  As with most wine events the people were wonderful and we were able to squeeze in.  We tasted several selections and were treated to a glass of 2006 Goose Ridge Vineyards Vireo (Thanks Scott, our treat next time).  I loved the earthy nose and flavor, we bought a bottle to enjoy later.

The day lived up to its promise,  it makes me excited about what tomorrow will bring.

As always,

Love, Laugh, Learn… LIVE!