Bite of Seattle 2008

Wow! Hard to believe that it will be the third week of July already tomorrow. And what does that mean? It means that Bite of Seattle 2008 will be kicking off on Friday afternoon.

For those who have never experienced "Bite" before, you are in for a wonderful experience. But, first, make sure that you haven't eaten for at least two or three days before you show up at Seattle Center, in order to get the most out of your visit. There will be hundreds of food vendors there, from some of the most famous chefs and restaurants to lesser known, but just as good, "mom and pops."

"Tell me more," you say, "what can I get to eat, and is there anything else to do at this festival?"

OK, first things first. Food, food and more food.

Chef Tom Douglas, one of Seattle's best known, sponsors an area of the festival known as "The Alley." This event runs all three days of the festival. For just $9.50 per person, which goes to support Food Lifeline's hunger relief efforts, you can obtain a multi-course meal from a number of Seattle's most famous restaurants. This year's repast may be found at the link just previous to this sentence.

"The Bite Cooks" features cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs from the Great Northwest. Think the Food Network, with a totally PNW slant, and with plenty of audience participation. This particular event is also ongoing throughout all three days of the festival, and is held in the Alki Room near the Key Arena.

Finally, the food vendors. There are just too many to name here and to do them justice. A map of the festival grounds will confirm that. But a few highlights are certainly called for.

Do you like Cajun food? Have you ever eaten alligator? You can get either or both at the New Orleans Cookery.

Indian Food? Check out the Tandoor.

Margaritas. Shishkaberrys. Fresh roasted corn. Raspberry cobbler to kill for. It's all there.

And there is plenty of entertainment as well, as you can see from the map.

Entrance is free (other than to the Alley), and you can indulge just about any budget during your visit to the festival. Come one, two, or all three days (I can never get everything I want in just one day, so we go all three).

Allez, mes amis, laissez les bon tiemps rouller. (Come along my friends, and let the good times roll)!! See you there this coming weekend.