The second edition of Pike Place Palate is available for early orders. Learn about honey producers, a flower grower, Market restaurants, and much more. There’s also a directory of all Market retail shops and craftspeople (divided by category)–a great help for holiday shopping. Read more here and order your copy today!

The Tasting Room: Wines of Washington’s ebullient manager, Jen Doak, sent out the following news of the homey wine bar’s sixth anniversary:

“Raise a glass and toast six wonderful years in the Market at The Tasting Room’s 6th Anniversary Party on Tuesday, December 2, 2008! The festivities begin at 5 p.m., with all of our winemakers in attendance showcasing their favorite wines. Savor artisan cheeses and other hors d’oeuvres while sampling fine vintages and enjoying big savings — 10% off single bottles, 15% off half cases, and 20% off full cases. As always, Wine Club members save 20% off any bottle. It’s a great way to get your holiday shopping done — and our winemakers will personally autograph the bottles for you! 

“Tickets are just $15 per person, with a $10 credit applied toward any wine purchases. Can’t join us that evening? We’ll gladly honor the discount on any call-in orders and have our winemakers autograph your selections. (Call-in orders must by placed no later than 3 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, to have them autographed by the selected vintner.) 

“Reservations are highly recommended, as spots are extremely limited. To RSVP for this exciting event, email Jen or call 206-770-9463 today!” 

We all know the Pike Place Market is a magical place any time of year, but during the holiday season, when hundreds of lighted Christmas trees (not to mention flying pigs) twinkle atop its venerable rooftops, it is especially so.

Join Market vendors, West Edge dwellers, savvy locals, and curious tourists from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, for the annual tree-lighting ceremony near Seattle’s own porker with a purpose, the iconic Rachel the Pig.

According to a press release, “Pike Place Market becomes even brighter than its famous red neon clock when thousands of lights are turned on all at once at 5:00 p.m. The lights are along buildings and rooftops that line Pike Place. There’s even a towering 25-foot tree and reindeer pigs! (Or are they pigdeers…or reinpigs?) Look for the lighted carrot, pear, and strawberry, too.

“Leading up to the excitement of the lighting will be the festive holiday sounds of the Seattle Brass Quintet at 4:00 p.m. Sit and enjoy the rousing sounds of trumpets, French horn, tuba and trombone.

“Throughout the afternoon Market-goers of all ages can enjoy a number of holiday activities, such as these:

–The harmonies of the Dickens Carolers as they tunefully stroll from noon to 4:00 p.m. through the Market.

–Make a holiday decoration at the Kids’ Crafts tent near Rachel the pig, noon to 4:00 p.m.

–Donate cans of food for the Downtown Food Bank. Bring five cans and get a free eco-friendly, reusable shopping bag while supplies last, noon to 4:00 p.m.

–Santa hands out candy canes and poses for photos, noon to 5:00 p.m. Check out the Market’s vintage truck, too.

–The third level DownUnder celebrates with “Deck the DownUnder” with decorated store fronts and other activities.”

I rarely get political, but when it comes to the Pike Place Market, I gladly make an exception. On Tuesday, I urge you to vote for City of Seattle Proposition No. 1 in support of a six-year levy promising $73 million for much-needed and long-overdue improvements to the Market’s crumbling infrastructure, heating and cooling systems, and additional public restrooms. 

As long-time Market News “Passages” columnist Paul Dunn recently pointed out, “With this levy the Market needs to reaffirm the guidelines to preservation that brought it from Mayor Dorm Braman’s ‘somnolent fire trap’ to Washington State’s #1 tourist attraction and now a vibrant and successful business and residential location. This election is as important as the 1971 Initiative to Save the Market, which opened the money gates to rehabilitation and renovation in the 1970s.”

For more information, or to volunteer or make a donation, please visit Citizens for Pike Place Market. 

But most importantly, VOTE! 

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels rallied the troops at the Top of the Market meeting space on August 20. The Mayor and supporters are waging a campaign to urge voters to pass a six-year levy promising $73 million for much-needed and long-overdue improvements to the Market’s crumbling infrastructure, heating and cooling systems, and additional public restrooms.  

In his short speech, Nickels emphasized that the November referendum is equally as important as the “Save the Market” campaign waged by Friends of the Market in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

“Back in 1971, Seattle voters brought the Market back from the brink of destruction,” Nickels said. “We saved it from the wrecking ball. Now we need to save it from the ravages of time so it can be around for another 100 years.”

The levy proposal includes:

$68.6 million for major repair, structural, and infrastructure and accessibility upgrades to all Public Development Authority (PDA)-owned Market buildings, as well as associated tenant space alteration costs.

$4.4 million in estimated financing costs. 

For more information, or to volunteer or make a donation, please visit Citizens for Pike Place Market. 

Cold soups were the dish du jour at the 13th annual Sunset Supper at the Market, held on Friday, August 15, from Serafina’s Chilled Cauliflower and Leek Soup with Salsa Verde to Le Pichet’s Chilled Summer Melon Soup (garnished with a yummy smoked prawn and chive crème fraîche) to Andaluca’s Gazpacho with Dungeness Crab.

Cocktails in many forms were also popular items, the most innovative being Volterra’s Bellini Gelée (upscale Jell-O shots, anyone?!?!).  Sangria BalMar, from the popular Ballard cocktail bar (BalMar), paired well with the Gazpacho. 

Other popular dishes included the Paella Mixta from Tango Restaurant & Lounge, which chef Mike Bruno serves up from his huge paellera (paella pan) each year; Cafe Campagne’s Petite Lamb Burgers; and the Sorrento Hotel’s Anderson Ranch Lamb Chops with Northwest Bing Cherry Glaze. 

My favorites included Kaspar Donier’s Northwest Red Snapper Tacos with Corn Salsa and, for dessert, Rose’s Chocolate Treasures Sunset Rose–a dark-chocolate, gold-dusted rose filled with creamy caramel. 

One of my favorite annual food-and-wine events about  town takes place again this year on Friday, August 15, from 7:30-11:00 p.m. at the Pike Place Market. During Sunset Supper, you can enjoy delectable food and drinks from dozens of Seattle’s top restaurants, wineries, and breweries while dancing the night away to live music under the stars. Some of this year’s restos include: 94 Stewart, BalMar, Matt’s in the Market, Purple Cafe & Wine Bar, Serafina, Tango Restaurant & Lounge, Tulio, and The Ruins. Precept Wine Brands, Hoodsport Winery, Inc., Pike Brewing Co., SKYY Spirits, DRY Soda Co., Barnes & Watson Fine Teas, and Starbucks will keep the crowds well hydrated. Sweet treats come from Molly Moon’s Handmade Ice Cream, Procopio Gelateria, Rose’s Chocolate Treasures, and The Confectional. For tickets visit the Pike Place Market Web site or call 206.682.7453. 

The best magazine never to hit the newsstands debuted earlier this month. Pike Place Palate features stories on all things food-related at the Market. I was honored to write the introduction for the premiere issue of the magazine, in which you’ll discover shopping tips, features on farms and farming, as well as recipes from Market farmers and restaurateurs. This twice-a-year publication will be mailed to downtown Seattle residents, but those living outside the Market neighborhood can order a copy by visiting the Market Web site.

And now that summer is in full swing, why not pick up a copy of the Pike Place Market Cookbook or the Pike Place Public Market Seafood Cookbook for fresh recipe ideas from the Market’s leading farmers, fishmongers, restaurateurs, and chefs?

The Summer Sundays Chef Demonstrations at the Pike Place Market got off to a strong start with Chef Dana Bickford of Eva Restaurant making the premiere appearance on June 8. Summer Sundays, during which the north end of Pike Place is closed to cars so farmers can sell on the street, is always a festive time in the Market. This year the Chef Demos run through Sunday, September 28. Here’s Chef Tyler Krost from Il Fornaio in downtown Seattle passing out samples of his Panzanella (Summer Bread Salad) to hungry customers.