It is interesting when chance meetings turn into something larger and lasting. Such is the case with how I came to know Denise and Brett Isenhower of Isenhower Cellars. About seven years ago, my wife and I were having breakfast at the Mill Creek Inn (now the Inn at Abeja) in Walla Walla when we found ourselves sitting next to Denise Isenhower. Denise and her husband Brett were in their second year with Isenhower Cellars making wine onsite at the Mill Creek Inn. Their winery is now located south of downtown Walla Walla on Pranger Road. On the Saturday...

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Posted by Thad at 02:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to visit Smash, a wine bar located in the Wallingford neighborhood. Opening earlier this year, Smash has joined a growing list of wine bars in the Seattle area. Based on various reviews, it appears Smash is not without some controversy when it comes to people's food and wine experiences there. Folks seem to have had either a great or a dismal experience at Smash. I figured it was time to see for myself what all the debate was about. Although service was good from the time we entered until the time we left,...

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Posted by Thad at 08:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

With all the frustrations of air travel today, it is good to know some folks are trying to make one's experience inside the airport more enjoyable. Over the last few years, Sea-Tac Airport has gone thru extensive renovation, with a new terminal marketplace created to provide travelers a great spot to cool their jets before boarding their flight. Last Friday, with my flight delayed, I discovered a new wine bar called Vino Volo while strolling thru the terminal marketplace. Vino Volo is not only a wine bar, but also a retail shop where you can purchase a bottle of wine...

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Posted by Thad at 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

With family in Walla Walla, my wife and I visit the area often and with each trip we try to get out to a restaurant to enjoy the local food and wine. Of all of the places we have been to, these are the restaurants we would recommend. We hope you get a chance to try one or more on your next visit to the Walla Walla Valley. CreekTown Cafe (509-522-4777) We first started going to CreekTown Cafe when it opened several years ago and have always had a great meal and a wonderful experience dining there. Beyond the great...

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Posted by Thad at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)