The Holidays at Prima!

The holidays always make me think of how much we have to be thankful for.  At the top of my list is being able to raise my family here on this beautiful island because of the amazing support from you, our awesome customers.  Thank you so much for your continued patronage.  And also deep gratitude to our families, including the awesome work family that works so hard for this place to succeed.

 
 Holiday info:  We will be open on Christmas Eve for LUNCH ONLY.  Closed Christmas Eve dinner and all day Christmas. We will be open all day New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.  Join us for our traditional New Year's Eve bash.  This year we've got Trio Nouveau lined up to play from 8 until midnight.  We will serve our regular dinner menu with some extra special specials along with a special champagne list.  Starting at 10:30 we will move some of the tables aside for some swing dancing (or whatever kind of dancing you feel like doing!)  If you are planning on staying through midnight with us, your reservation needs to be after 9:00.  Dinner will be served until 10:00, munchies available after.  We will again be selling the Tuzzie Muzzie hats, with proceeds to benefit the South Whidbey Children's Center.  Call soon for reservations...we always fill up quickly!

 


Langley businesses are competing to raise money for our local food bank, Good Cheer, with a holiday door decorating contest.  Vote for your favorite door design by depositing your vote (money) in the box in your favorite business.  We were so lucky to have Tobey Nelson, owner of the new local floral and event design business, Vases Wild, create our front door.  Please think of her the next time you have needs in the decorating arena...she's really great to work with.  Her website is www.vaseswild.com and you can also find her on facebook.


PLATS DU JOUR:  I finally convinced Sieb to do this...I'm so excited!  Instead of offering a dinner special Sunday-Thursday, we are offering plats du jour as follows: 
Sunday - Coq Au Vin - red wine braised chicken, mushrooms, bacon, fresh fettucine.
Monday - Bouillabaisse - mussels, clams, white fish, rouille, saffron fume'
Tuesday - 1/2 Roasted Duck - cheddar fritters, arugula, citrus-duck jus
Wednesday - CASSOULET!!!  lamb, pork, rockwell beans, garlic sausage, duck confit (you can tell which one i'm most excited for)
Thursday - Saucisson de Maison "choucroute" - house made sausage, new potatoes, manny's beer braised sauerkraut
Fridays and Saturdays we will run dinner specials as usual.

 $1000 cash giveway!  For every $20 you spend at participating Langley businesses, ours included, you will receive tickets to be entered into the drawing that will take place at noon on December 18th at the Boy and the Dog (must be present to win).  Did you know that 68% of dollars spent locally is reinvested back into your community?  KEEP THE CHEER HERE!!!!

December music schedule:
Danny Ward, jazz saxophone, December 1st & 15th
Trio Nouveau, gypsy jazz, December 8th and New Year's Eve!
Levi and James, jazz swing duo, Deceber 22nd and 29th

As always, thank you so much for your patronage and we hope to see you real soon!
Jenn and Sieb

Vases Wild decks our doors for the Good Cheer holiday Fundraiser!

Tobey Nelson, owner and operator of new local floral and event design business, Vases Wild, created the design for our holiday entryway.  I am so thankful for her enthusiasm and talent...she was extremely easy to work with and I'm thrilled with the look!  Little by little she'll be adding holiday elements to the inside of Prima as well.  Read her words below...

 "What  better way to introduce Vases Wild (my new floral and event design business) than by participating in a Good Cheer Fundraiser?!  (I love Good Cheer almost as much as I love flowers!)  Jenn Jurrians (owner of Prima Bistro) and I have been so inspired by the frosty mornings of late that we decided to use that as the theme for Prima’s holiday decorations this year, and for the Bistro’s entry into Good Cheer’s “Deck The Doors” contest.
Using the inspiration of sparkley silvery frost on moss-covered branches, I embellished Cedar garland with cuttings from my garden and branches from storm-downed trees in my neighborhood.  The ”bling” was all purchased from Good Cheer!

This holiday season, please support your community.  Head to downtown Langley for some shopping; stroll the streets and enjoy the decorations.  Stop in to Prima Bistro for a cup of good cheer and cast your vote for what we think is the best doorway in Langley!!  Keep Vases Wild in mind for your floral and decor needs – let me help make your holiday party sparkle, and your doorway a delight for the eye!  Check out my website for more information on my services.  www.vaseswild.com"

The Brussel Sprouts are here!

Willowood Farms delivered our first batch of brussel sprouts.  Here's how we prepare them...they are sorta a big deal.

Trim the ends and pull off any bad leaves, cut in half, and blanch in heavily salted boiling water until they are cooked but have good crunch in the middle (3-5 minutes - depends on your quantity).  Melt butter (a lot) in pan, wait until it's foaming, place sprouts in pan cut side down, leave at high heat, once they are browning add salt, pepper, chopped garlic and we use fines herbs.  Toss until garlic cooks (30 seconds or so).  That's it!  The trick is to not be scared of butter and high heat.

Staff Retreat

We will again be closing for 3 days, October 24-26th for our annual and much needed staff retreat.  We load the cars up with TONS of food and drink, a few stand up paddle boards, a few dogs, and take the crew to an undisclosed location (although I think they've figured it out).  We use it as a time to decompress and enjoy each others company - we apologize for any inconvenience, but thank you for understanding that it's a really important time for us and our crew.  Particularly this year as we lost our dear friend and pastry chef Natanya Johnson to Type 1 diabetes at the end of August - we so appreciate all the thoughts and prayers that were and continue to be sent her way.

Now displaying the art of Karin Bolstad...October-December!

It's a coincidence, but Karin and I went to high school together in Seattle...I ran into her a few years ago when we were picking our kids up at school here in Langley.  I immediately was drawn to her work as the subjects are these very interesting women that I want to create a story around so I was so excited that she agreed to a show at Prima.  Her work will be up through December...come enjoy it!

Karin's words:

My artwork is primarily figurative. I use vintage photographs and postcards as my models, and then embellish the paintings with vintage jewelry, paper, fabric, and found objects. This particular group entitled "The New Normal: Chapters" started out simply with the theme of women and books. As I started working on it, I lost my father to a sudden heart attack. That changed the direction of the paintings to the stages or "chapters" of my life since then adjusting to the new normal of not having him in my life.  There are 6 pieces from this group I will have up and 5 more coming. There is also some older work that will be available for viewing and/or sale. I hope you come by Prima Bistro between now and the end of December, if not just to enjoy the fabulous food!

You can see more of my work at www.karinbolstad.com.

Closed Sunday, August 28th

Celebration of Life for Natanya Johnson
November 30, 1978 – August 19, 2011

The community is invited to join Natty J’s family and friends in a celebration of her beautiful life at an open house at Prima Bistro, 201 1/2 Second Street, Langley, on Sunday, August 28th from 2:00 to 6:00 pm.

Natanya is beloved by everyone who knew her, and even the lives of those who don’t are better for her short time with us. Her bright spirit lit up the world around her, and those of us left behind are fortunate to have witnessed her grace under pressure, as well as delight in her creativity, generosity and humor.

It is a finger-food potluck if you desire to contribute. Please bring a token of love for the mandala and a memory to share, if you wish.

August Newsletter

new sign in front by local artist david gignac!

the dead farts society

last night's salmon special...with first of the season chanterelles and local dwarf grey sugar peas

We've had lots of fun so far this summer...the Georgetown Brewery beer makers dinner was awesome and we will be making a tradition of holding it on the last Monday of July...I've already heard from a few of you that you've penciled it onto your calendars!  And a huge thanks to those of you who celebrated our 5th anniversary with us...unbelievable to me that this is our 6th summer!

We continue with live music every Thursday night, 1st Saturdays with Deja Blooze 9-11 (come for dinner after the art walk this Saturday and catch some late night blues), and 4th Sundays with Trio Nouveau.

We've tweaked our happy hour a bit...here's the lowdown: many $5 appetizers specials, $5 well drinks (gin and tonic, rum and coke, etc), $5 margarita or champagne cocktail or sangria, $1 off draft beers and glass pour wines; and the $5 glass pours of the Vieille Ferme white, red, or rose.

 I'm so excited with the work of our current artist, Michel Tsouris...I absolutely adore her encaustics.  Here's a link to her website: http://www.karthia.com/index1.php

It is so amazing to me that in the 5 years of business the way I've changed how we market ourselves is amazing...it's all about social media now...facebook, twitter, our website and blog, online reviews, etc.  You can help us out with that by telling the world how much you like us by writing us a review on urbanspoon or yelp or trip advisor...these sights have turned out to be the way a lot of our business is being driven to us...so the more that's positive out there on the web, the better!

Also, we would love for you to find us follow us on our new facebook page as the old group is being archived 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Langley-WA/Prima-Bistro/112647415485768

There are MANY events coming up in Langley and Whidbey Island in the next few months.  To see the entire schedule go to www.visitlangley.com. 

The thing I'm most excited about is the Island Shakespeare Festival outdoor production of Romeo and Juliet happening the next 3 weekends.  For more information visit http://www.islandshakespearefest.org/

One of our great bartenders, Nick Horton, is also a kayak guide for Whidbey Island Kayaking...they'll take you out for a 2 hour tour for right around $50/person - what a great day trip...come up for a paddle and then grab lunch here!  http://www.whidbeyislandkayaking.com/

And you don't want to miss the Island County Fair, August 18-21;

Here's what's showing at Museo, with the opening this upcoming Saturday: 
In her first exhibit at Museo, Jan Hoy will be showing works in bronze, clay and multimedia pieces that use varying combinations of clay, bronze, steel, and aluminum. Her works are about Minimalism, the boiling down of a form to it¹s basic design elements.We will also be featuring recently created encaustic landscapes by local artist David Price. These works draw the viewer into their rich and layered surfaces. Each piece speaks to a place that is somehow familiar and timeless. None of the works are of any particular scene, but are inspired by images and views he has seen in the past.The show opens on Saturday, August 6 with an artists¹ reception from 5 to 7 pm. The exhibit runs through August 30.
And this just in from Brackenwood:

Hi Everyone, just a reminder that our Artists' Reception for our August show is this Sat. from 5-7PM. Langley's First Sat. Art Walk should be a wonderful summer event and we hope to see you all there. Sharon Spencer has produced some very beautiful and unique pieces for this show in bronze and mixed media. Skip Smith's, a master at the Lith printing technique, produced images that are somewhat antique and painterly and absolutely lovely. The show continues thru August 29th, 2011.

Rene Neff and Anne Waterman

--
As always, thanks for the patronage and we hope to see you soon!
Jenn and Sieb

Georgetown Brewery Beer Dinner!

Join us on Monday, July 25th for a beer paired, 5 course dinner.  Tickets cost $65 and are going fast.  Not only do you get to have an awesome dinner, but you get to hang with Manny...what could be better!

Online review sites have the ability to get me super fired up.  Someone can have a complaint about a little thing, not say a word to the server and then go online and completely bash us.  It does make an impact.  People do read yelp and trip advisor and make their decisions based on what they read.  I have learned that there are super savvy reviewers and people who are out there with some sort of ax to grind.  I do sometimes use yelp when I'm trying to figure out where to eat...and I completely ignore the one star reviews...unless there are a lot of them for a particular restaurant.  I like to read the 3, 4 and 5 star reviews and I mostly look for people who have some whit about them and critique a business fairly.  FOR EXAMPLE...Elizabethe A recently reviewed us on Yelp (i got her permission to use this photo).  I LOVE this review and I really love the photo.  She obviously gets our restaurant.  She mostly loves everything.  And she gives us some good critiques on a few things as well...which we always consider and use for tools to improve.

Every single menu listing sounded to-die-for so we just ordered as many things as possible and shared. In the order that they appeared:

Scallop crudo: any place that is not a sushi restaurant that serves RAW scallops gets a billion points in my book. The dish came out with a generous heap of beautiful, fresh, delicious sliced RAW scallops, mixed with roasted red peppers and topped with a citrus vinegar dressing. I hate to start too strong, but it was the best dish of the meal.  Pork belly: Nice fatty hunk of pork belly served with an apricot mustard that I was less than pleased with. I think that a simple apricot preserve probably would've suited the dish better.
Lamb chops: topped with some kind of honey glaze which was the perfect amount of sweetness and served with a slice of fried polenta that almost reminded me of corn bread. Even though the lamb chops were cooked well done, it still had amazing tenderness and flavor.
Bone Marrow: it was my first time! We received a generous amount accompanied by some toast and a little parsley caper salad. My description of bone barrow would be "like fat but it disappears in your mouth before you get to fully enjoy it". Yea so I'd probably rather be handed a hunk of fat to spread all over my bread and eat. But that's just my personal preference
Fingerling potatoes: fried in duck fat. a hybrid between roasted potatoes and a french fry, these fingerling potatoes were cut in half, fried in duck fat, making them extra rich and slightly crisp, and then served with a sinfully creamy aioli with the perfect amount of lemony tang. This dish is a must-have.
Steamed mussles: steamed in a white wine, garlic broth. Half a pound was enormous, mussles were delicious and meaty, simple, yet perfectly done. Can't say much more about that.
Cheesecake with blackberry balsamic redux: the cheesecake had a whipped texture which is not usually my favorite. I prefer it to be dense, but that's just me. The redux was not balsamic-y enough for me. But it was still good.
Smores chocolate blah lava blah blah graham cracker blah cake: The usual chocolatey explosion dessert that all great restaurants are required to have and this one was very well done. The lava cake had the perfect texture, firm on the edges and molten in the middle. Great whidbey island vanilla ice cream,  a little heavy on the marshmallow sauce on top. If you try to order this and eat it all by yourself you are a fool. I am a fool.

Every ingredient was perfect, ever dish well thought out, every item executed well.

Anyhow, thanks Elizabethe A for taking the time to mindfully review the restaurants that you review and I promise the sweetbreads won't be 86'd when you come next time and it'll be on me!

CLOSED THE EVENING OF FRIDAY, June 10th for a Private Event...Apologies for the inconvenience!

SWING DANCE!!!

On Saturday, May 21st from 9:30-11:30 we'll be moving aside the tables so you can get your groove on to the tunes of Trio Nouveau!  Come join in the fun, or have fun watching!  This is in conjunction with Langley's Fashion Weekend...go to www.visitlangley.com for all the details on the weekend.  Dinner service until 9:30, after that late night bar munchies!

See you then!

Current Newsletter

Let's talk about the deck.  We've had some customers very irritated with us that the deck is not open on those rare sunny HOURS we've experienced in the last few weeks.  We will need a good stretch of dry and warm days (not minutes) to get that thing open.  Things need to dry out for a few projects to get accomplished and it actually takes a chunk of time to set it up, pull out the umbrellas, and get organized.  We also have to look at staffing in a very different way when we open the deck.  If anyone wants that thing to be opened it's us (for obvious revenue reasons), but it really requires some time.  Last year it wasn't open until after Memorial Day because of the icky April and May weather.  Our goal is to have it open as soon as a nice stretch of dry days happens (with a forecast showing more dry days).  Please just be patient and understand that we want it open more than you!

 Our music schedule for the next few months is as follows:
Danny Ward, jazz saxophone: Thursdays, April 21st, May 5th, May 19th - 5:30-8:30 (pic courtesy of Drew Kampion)
Trio Nouveau, Django inspired jazz: Sunday April 24th 6-8, Thursday May 12th,  5:30-8:30,and Saturday May 21st (9:30-11:30).
James and Levi, jazz swing duo, Thursday April 28th and May 26th.
Deja Blooze, roadhouse blues, Saturday May 7th - 9:00-11:00
Mark the weekend of May 21st as Fun and Fashion weekend in Langley - flash fashion, trunk shows, fashion show, wine/beer/food flights all around town, late night music, and early morning yoga sessions.  The final details of the weekend will be unveiled soon.  At Prima, Trio Nouveau will be playing from 9:30-11:30 on Saturday night (the 21st) and we're bringing in some professional swing dancers to lead the fun...free lessons and pointers to dance the night away!


Many of you have asked for the secret to preparing the brussels sprouts (which will be coming off the menu soon unfortunately) and really it's very simple - no secret to it at all.  Trim the ends and pull off any bad leaves, cut in half, and blanch in heavily salted boiling water until they are cooked but have good crunch in the middle (3-5 minutes - depends on your quantity).  Melt butter (a lot) in pan, wait until it's foaming, place sprouts in pan cut side down, leave at high heat, once they are browning add salt, pepper, chopped garlic and we use fines herbs.  Toss until garlic cooks (30 seconds or so).  That's it!  The trick is to not be scared of butter and high heat.


Langley's Mystery Weekend is featured in this awesome travel blog.  This really shows the funky and quirky murder mystery tradition that happens in Langley each February...
http://mikebarish.com/2011/04/14/cruze-arati-murder-mystery-in-langley-washington/

For most up to the minute updates, particularly daily/nightly specials, follow us on twitter or friend the I love Prima fan page on facebook. 

As always thanks so much for your continued patronage and hope to see you real soon!

Ron Kasprisin

Ron Kasprisin, professor of Urban Design at the University of Washington,  watercolor artist, part time actor, winery owner, author, and our very loyal bar patron is the first to be interviewed in our new blog series featuring our most loyal and regular patrons.  We believe that what makes any restaurant special is the unique cast of characters that can most often be found there.  We provide the food, drink and awesome staff, but those who choose to spend their time with us are the key factors in creating the soul of the place.  We are so honored by the large group of locals creating Prima's soul.  From now through the end of June, Ron's watercolors will be featured (and for sale!) in our back dining room.

Prima: What brought you to Langley…and how long ago?

Ron: A desire for small town and outdoor living away from the city and suburbia, with an art oriented community

Prima: Who is your favorite other Langley local, other than yourself, and what question should we ask them?

Ron: Wow! Willard! Ask him about his relationship with Crystal Gale! And the universe of course.

 Prima: What is your drink/food of choice while dining/drinking at Prima?

Ron: Rongento red wine, oops, I mean Argento Cabernet and the scallops and short rib dish

Prima: Who is your hero?

Ron: Besides myself, Leonard Cohen followed by Ghandi

Prima: Have you ever been a part of the shirtless man journey sing alongs?

Ron: No, I only take off my shirt to the ladies who will sing along

 Prima: Why Prima?

Ron: It's a great place to meet with people, great staff and owners.  It's an intimate bar and it's close to home.

 Prima: Have you ever fallen down the back stairs?

Ron: Not yet and I have fallen up them in my rush to get some Rongento

Prima: Did you meet your significant other at Prima (or the former Star Bistro) and what happened?  And how often? 

Ron: No because I want to be able to keep coming back there!

Prima: What is something that you’ve done in this restaurant that we probably shouldn’t know about?

Ron: Hmmmmm. I really don’t want you to know about how I did it with the pasta pan

Find out more about Ron at www.ronkasprisin.com 

or follow his blog at www.kasprisinridgestudios.blogspot.com

MONDAY, APRIL 11TH, closed from 2:00-5:00 for last minute hood cleaning and maintenance. Apologies!

Need a place to stay while on Whidbey???

As you have it, our eldest's piano teacher has these great vacation rentals and we want you to know about them! Secluded, beautiful property.  Multiple units.  Quiet and peaceful.   3.5 miles from Langley.

I directly copied the info below from her website, www.pinecottageandchalet.com 

Contact Kathy Fox for details at 360 730 1376.

Perched above the Saratoga Passage, embraced by tall cedars, the property offers inspiring vistas of water and the Cascade Mountains - Pilchuck, Glacier Peak, Mount Baker and the Three Fingers are all visible on clear days. At night, the lights of Camano Island dot the horizon and meld with rising stars.

       There is a warm heart at the center of both the Cottage and Chalet, emanating from natural wood and soft corners, making them inviting getaways for all seasons. Quiet surroundings are interrupted occasionally by eagle cries. There are several nestings nearby which can be spotted from window or porch.

       Kitchens are stocked with breakfast provisions the night before so that your privacy is guaranteed and schedule choices are your own.

       Each accommodation has its own phone line.

The Chalet offers spacious accommodations where you can go by yourself, with your family, or another couple, and feel a comfortable privacy.  The Pine Cottage has the feel of a snug and well appointed ship's cabin.  Finished entirely in knotty pine, this one room cottage has an efficient galley.  Sleeping accommodations include a queen size bed and a fold out from the comfortable love seat that faces Saratoga Passage.

 

JAPAN RELIEF EFFORT: Text Redcross at 90999 to make a $10 donation while dining at Prima and we'll enter you into a drawing for a $100 Prima Gift Certificate!

Closing at 3:00 Sunday, March 20th for a fundraising dinner for the South Whidbey Children's Center. Apologies, but it's for the kids!

OYSTERS! by lucas clark

Rachel and I recently retuned from a few days in Vancouver BC. A short but sweet mini vacation as well as the opportunity to celebrate the successful conclusion to our first year of wedded-dom! Hard to believe, it is only one year since Sieb and Jenn shut down Prima and helped us throw the best party of our lives. During our trip, we shared many of the highlights from that day, including some of the hysterical toasts and speeches. Many of which I had forgotten. One of my favorite memories was the Herculean efforts of our self-appointed designated driver, Sam (the infamous wine rep from Noble Wines). Sam made sure that all those in need arrived back (safe and somewhat sound) to each nook, cranny and corner of the island (and China City). A personal note to Sam: if and when Rachel and I get married again, we promise you will get an actual invitation!  As long as you promise you don't wear that headband.

We stayed at an old (it was built in 1279 BC, or something like that) but beautiful hotel called the Victorian, on Homer Street in Gastown. However, we did opt for a suite rather than one of those classic European style accommodations with shared bathrooms. I am way shier than Rachel. We went with few plans except to visit a few museums and of course drink and eat (in that order). Somehow we never made it to the museums but were incredibly successful with the latter.

Leaving out the drinking, we did an excellent job of re-exercising our seafood taste buds, with a particular focus on oysters (it was a second honeymoon… of sorts). We ate them at nearly every place we went. The best, in our humble opinion, was a medium sized oyster from the Strait of Georgia, called a Gem, which we found at the Pourhouse Restaurant also in Gastown. I can only say that in every way we had a great time… thank you, thank you, you delectable and beneficial mollusk!  That's Rachel's dinner at Cork and Fin over there on the left.  She ate it all.






Speaking of oysters, we (Prima Bistro, you, me, all of us) are so lucky to have one of the greatest oyster resources on the west coast in our backyard… Penn Cove. Penn Cove oysters have won 7 of the last 8 Most Beautiful Oyster Competitions held each year at the Elliot Oyster House in Seattle – which, by the way, we beat in King 5’s Best Out Door Dining category, last year. I’ve had Penn Cove oysters at Bay 13 in Portland (Rachel’s former place of work), Zuni in San Francisco, Spago in Las Vegas and of course all over Seattle. They are the perfect ambassador for the flavors and beauty of Whidbey Island (except possibly the view of the mountains from Cascade Avenue on a blued sky afternoon). They pair exceptionally well with many of the fine white wines we have on our menu.  Pictured above are Penn Cove selects...served how we serve 'em...on rock salt, with a white wine mignonette and lemon.

In the 19th century Oysters (just like lobsters) were not the luxury item they are today; cheap and eaten primarily by the working class. Just another clue to my growing conviction, either I was born into the wrong class or, at a minumum, the wrong century! According to wiki, the first oyster beds to become word famous were located in waters around New York City and became popular in that city’s booming restaurant trade.
While oysters are traditionally featured in summer white wine events, I think they are delicious any time of year, even when there is a little snow on the ground. So, put on those mukluks (if necessary), come in for a little wine (maybe a Sam sighting), we’ll shuck you a dozen of Penn Cove’s finest, and the rest, well…

What's new this month...

We are really excited about some of the new additions to the menu...namely we added a Cote de Beouf into the steak frites section after we received rave reviews and a few ultimatums that we put it on our regular menu - a 32 ounce bone in ribeye for 2 people - served steak frites style. Daily our kitchen crew is creating a $3.00 brochette (basically a shish kabob but don't tell Sieb I called it that) at happy hour - $4 after happy hour.  Today's brochette for example is hanger steak, new potato, red onion and portabello mushroom with a fire roasted red pepper harissa sauce.  Additionally we added a delicious winter salad of napa cabbage, kumquats, and blood oranges with a baked goat cheese crottin.  Also the blend of sangio, merlot and primitivo from Whidbey Island Winery under the label of Prima Red has been released, is available at Prima and is DELICIOUS! 
Label design by local artist David Gignac.


 We heard of the first sighting of a grey whale in Saratoga passage yesterday.  Throughout March and April these sightings are common place as they migrate north on their journey from mexico to alaskan/canadian waters.  I picked up a new pair of binoculars over at Wander on Whidbey (one of my favorite newer shops, filled with outdoor gear...our own mini REI) so if you see a spout ask your server for the binocs to get a better view!  The Welcome the Whales Day is April 23rd - a parade and lots of educational opportunities - a great weekend to come up... especially if you have kids.

Our music schedule has some changes this month:
Danny Ward (there he is in the photo playing last week, photo courtesy of Drew Kampion)
will be playing Thursday March 3rd, 17th, and 24th

Trio Nouveau will be playing Thursday March 10th and Sunday March 27th
Deja Blooze will be playing the 2nd Saturday rather than the 1st - March 12th, from 9-11
and James and Levi will be playing March 30th

side note...did you realize that Danny Ward was playing sax in that one scene in An Officer and a Gentleman...he's got some GREAT stories about Richard Gere and the crew of that film!

This is the first weekend of the month so that means new exhibits in the galleries and the art walk is tonight.  Brackenwood's show is entitled "A Feast For the Eyes." and features oil painter Gail Weir and textile artist Cary Ann Hamer - opening on March 5th.  And opening at Museo on the same day is a show featuring Dan Ishler's ceramics and Kandis Susol's encaustics.

Wica has some awesome upcoming shows -  http://www.wicaonline.com/ as does the Whidbey Children's Theater - http://www.wctonline.com/
And we'll be teaming up with the Clyde next weekend when they show the Black Swan - we're going to try to replicate that tequila drink so come in before or after the show - http://www.theclyde.net/



We will be closed for a fundraising dinner for the South Whidbey Children's Center on Sunday, March 20th





As always, thanks for the continued support and we hope to see you soon!

Jenn and Sieb

If it's red and it's wet...I'll drink it...by Lucas Clark

Lucas Clark...Prima's general manager, our brother in law, awesome server and bartender and master of tom foolery will be submitting monthly blogs...here's the first!

My grandparents were married for over 60 years, and at least 50 of those where happy. I can only attest this kind of marriage longevity to a deep appreciation for red wine, food, and family.
My appreciation and education of big California red wines started when I was 15 at a family Christmas party.  I distinctly remember my father bringing out a well aged red something or other and showing it off to the family, pouring us each a taste so there would be enough to go around;  all the while, my grandfather looking at him with some amount of disdain and right before slugging the whole thing down saying, "If it's red and it's wet I'll drink it." Thus began my lifelong appreciation for wine that is both red and wet. I learned how to drink great wine from my father, and how to drink wine from my grandfather.

This short history brings me to my current favorite wine, Morgans Cote De Crow. It is a blend of 50% Syrah and 50% Grenache, grown in the St Lucia Highlands area of California. Great with food, without food, or on a cold morning in front of the fire watching the storms blow by. This Rhone style wine with a dark ruby red color smells of strawberry jam and cloves; with herbs, cranberry and spicy flavors on the mouth. The wine is  fermented in open top tanks and receives manual punch downs. They use 18% new oak, which gives the wine a subtle spice and hints of vanilla. Morgan is a family owned winery, in operation since 1982. In 1996 they bought 65 acres in the St. Lucia Highlands, where they started growing grapes organically on the Double L Ranch.

If my grandpa was still alive, I'd take him a bottle, sit down with him and ask about his childhood days riding the train, conducted by his father, to the Russian river to fish for salmon. He would have told me about eating salmon roe and spending the night under the stars next to the river. He taught me to hunt deer, clean trout, and drink way too much red wine. His life, more than anyone I’ve known, was about the most important things; wine, friends, family, good food, and wine.
I suggest drinking this wine with a friend, a lover, or someone friendly enough to become a lover, while enjoying scallops and short ribs. Don’t run home through the pouring rain. Stop for a moment and appreciate the rain as Gene Kelly might. It's winter for the next 2 months and we might as well drink red, because it's gonna be wet.