December 2011 Archives
Asian Market update
As a followup to the October Asian Market tour with Pranee Halvorsen…
Yes, we DID cook dinner, using two of Pranee’s recipes. My favorite dish was her Kabocha squash soup (with Shitake and oyster mushrooms, and thai basil). We also cooked Thai Chicken Fried Rice. To round out the meal we had spring (fresh) rolls as an appetizer, as well as stir fried baby bok choy and snow peas. The six of us had a grand time; lots of chatter and laughter.
Now for the good news: south Puget Sounders: you don’t have to travel to Seattle to find ingredients for your favorite Asian recipes. There is a wonderful Asian market in Lacey!
The Hong Phat Market (at 1107 College Street, the corner of Pacific and College) has a large produce section, as well as dry goods and meat. I’m especially impressed with the produce; both the quality and price. As of yesterday, the sugar snap or snow peas are $3.59 a pound, far less than local chain grocery stores. A large package of baby bok choy is $2.69. Thai basil is $1.00 a bundle. Juicy limes are 20 cents. The market carries Kafir lime leaves ($1.00 a package), as well as lemon grass, Kabocha pumpkin squash and green papaya….plus much more.
I think Pranee Halvorsen (www.ilovethaicooking.com) would be impressed with the selection at Hong Phat. They even carry Mae Ploy brand coconut milk, one of Pranee’s favored brands. All of Pranee’s fans and students from the Bayview School of Cooking will appreciate this market!
Ballard: A Historic and Hip Neighborhood in Seattle
As so aptly stated in the Ballard Merchant Association’s website (www.inballard.com):
Ballard is a historic and hip little town in Seattle’s big city. Settled in 1853, Ballard has been refining its exciting neighborhood for over 150 years. Today Ballard is a place full of some of the best restaurants, pubs, shops, spas, and parks in Seattle. From the famous Ballard Locks, to festive old Ballard Ave, and shopping-rich Market Street, 
come play in Ballard and experience Seattle in a whole new way.
My friend (and apprentice rebel!) Paula and I took inBallard’s advice… we took the bus to Ballard to
“experience Seattle in a whole new way.”
Ballard: A Historic and Hip Neighborhood in Seattle- continue reading
The Grotto in Portland
A place of solitude, peace, and prayer.
Built in 1924, the 62-acre garden was designated a National Sanctuary in 1983. Deeply forested, the main plaza is set alongside a cliff in which an alter was constructed. This area is free to the public. For a small fee ($3), visitors can take an elevator to the upper gardens. The meditation chapel overlooks a spectacular view of Mount St. Helens. The garden paths wind through shrines, various chapels, statues, a peace garden and labyrinth.
Labyrinth
A very serene and meditative retreat that feels far away from a city.
Located at: NE 85th and Sandy Boulevard
This is an easy bus trip:
From downtown Portland, catch Bus # 12 on W. Burnside and SW 6th Avenue.
(From Sellwood, catch Bus 70 and get off on E. Burnside and 12th Avenue, and then hop on Bus # 12).
The 12 stops in front of the Grotto. (To get back into the city, # 12 bus stop is across the street).
