The friends, the fun the food…and of course, the flamenco; this was the theme of our short trip to Washington this week. Amor y Sangre en Seattle was the title of the Valentine’s performance we produced at the Jewelbox Theater in Ben’s home town. This small theater within a bar/restaurant called the Rendezvous has been around since 1927 and apparently was once a prohibition era speakeasy and showed Paramount’s first “talkies”. I’ve been to Seattle several times and each time I love it even more mostly because of the very cool and friendly people. Many complain about the constant clouds and rain but honestly for a So Cal girl it’s a much welcomed change.
Somehow between rehearsals, the performance and a workshop we managed to squeeze in so much of the unique awesomeness of this town, the unassuming restaurant gems and the unique specialty shops. For some reason I was hungry the entire time we were there so let’s talk food! The Spanish Table has all items Spanish including wines, cheeses, cured meats, chocolate, nuts, cook books, cd’s, dvd’s, paella pans and much more. We left with a spicy red from the Rioja region. Clam chowder fans head to Post Alley for several choices of great soup at Pike Place Chowder, it’s a great little spot to people watch as well. I stopped drinking coffee cold turkey on December 26, 2012 and have been exploring different types of tea ever since. If you’re visiting Seattle and you don’t have a lot of time to explore the many great tea houses in the city try to concentrate your time at the Pike Place Market and head to Market Spice or my favorite Vital Tea Leaf. Do you love northwest native art as much as we do? Then visit the Raven’s Nest and Northwest Tribal Art to see intricately carved totems, boxes and masks.
We made no Valentine’s plans. So cruising back to Ben’s parents house rockin’ some cassette tapes ready to call it a night, Ben’s old guitar buddy (and head chef) called and invited us to his restaurant, The Harvest Vine. Located in the central district this tiny place serves up creative Basque tapas and dishes that are simply amazing. Getting a seat at this place on V Day was impossible but we ended up with the best seats in the place- at the counter for a 5 course meal, chatting with the chefs and watching them work their magic. Ole y happy V Day!
Flamenco in Los Angeles 
Ole!!!!!!!!! Seattle loves you too! AWESOME show, very much looking forward to the next!