washington

The Methow Valley, located in Washington's North Cascades mountain range, is an absolutely beautiful part of the state. It's an unforgiving place as well, and any home located in this area is susceptible to everything from dramatic temperature swings to forest fires and snowstorms. Johnston Architecture took these harsh conditions into consideration when designing The Miner's Refuge, a weekend home for two families.

The home is sited at the base of a hill and nestled amongst tall trees, which preserve the dramatic views while protecting the house from harsh weather.

For a look at the home's interior, read more

While in Seattle for Starbucks Coffee College, I didn't have much time to check out the Pacific Northwest, but I did have one free meal. I used it to visit Spinasse, an Italian restaurant in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. Helmed by Food & Wine Best New Chef Jason Stratton, the menu features rustic Italian from the Piemonte region. I loved the chef's complex food pairings, and I can't wait to taste more of his food at the Best New Chefs Dinner in Aspen this year!

To see photos of my meal, read more.

While in Seattle for Starbucks Coffee College, I had a chance to do everything from visiting the first Starbucks location to learning how coffee beans get roasted. But my favorite experience took place in the company's tasting rooms, where I learned how to evaluate coffees by a practice known as "cupping." See how I took my coffee appreciation to the next level — and how you can, too — when you read more.

The original Pike Place Market store was just one of the trips I took while in Seattle for Starbucks Coffee College. I also paid a visit to the company's pilot plant, which roasts coffee in small batches to test new coffee concepts and revisit old ideas. Learn more about it when you keep reading.

This past weekend, I had the privilege of flying out to Seattle to visit Starbucks headquarters and learn more about the company's practices, from coffee bean to cup. Fittingly, my journey started with a drop-in at the original Starbucks in Pike Place Market, the bean boutique where it all began.

Although the store moved a block south in 1977, I imagine its look didn't depart too much from the way it appears today. I didn't stay long, but left with the takeaway that even Starbucks, one of the most recognizable brands in the world, had humble beginnings when it began as a coffee roaster in the Spring of 1971.

Peek around inside the store when you keep reading.

One of my favorite discoveries at this year's Food Fête was the Lady Alice, a Washington-bred apple variety that's recently entered the mass market. Like a Pink Lady, the Lady Alice was painted with a mix of red, yellow, and green, but had an even deeper blush color. One bite revealed that it's both tart and intensely sweet, with a startling juicy crispness. I was told they'd hit Safeway stores in a few months. Until then, I'll just have to dream about my new favorite apple! What's your preferred variety and why?

Considering that everyone — Sugar included! — is getting caught up in the hype surrounding the Twilight series, it comes as no surprise that one couple, Annette and Tim Root of Forks, WA, have decided to launch a Twilight-themed restaurant in the town where the books are set.

Although the family-style eatery will be named Volterra, after the Italian city where the Volturi law-enforcing vampires live, the cuisine won't be Italian. Instead it will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on steak and seafood. The couple hopes to debut their themed restaurant, complete with bar area, early next Spring.

Since I enjoyed the first two books and found the movie hysterically entertaining, I think the idea of a restaurant sounds fun. How about you? Would you be interested in eating at a Twilight establishment?