In case you didn’t know, we have cutting edge contemporary dance emerging from the Madrona Bath House on Lake Washington! In that unassuming space, Donald Byrd, internationally renowned choreographer and director of Spectrum Dance Theater since 2002, creates performances that combine experimental, but classically grounded, choreography with deep emotional content. Byrd believes that art is not just entertainment, but that, at its best, it “enlivens” and “transforms” people. His choreography builds on multiple sources, classical, modern, vernacular, pop, and spiritual. As we watch his extraordinary company of dancers perform, we witness the extraordinary possibilities of the human body to express feeling through movement. In fact, according to one dancer I spoke with, Byrd’s movements sometime take the dancers themselves beyond what they thought they could do. Likewise, Byrd speaks of responding to the physical diversity of the dancers and what they bring to a piece. The website explains that these dancers “occupy the space where the classical, contemporary, intuitive, cerebral, visceral, right brain, left brain, control and abandonment converge.” Wow. That is stunning. Their movements shape suggested narratives in ever-changing relationships to space and gravity, tension and relaxation, compression and expansion. Byrd’s aesthetically compelling choreography works in tandem with carefully chosen music that is global, contemporary, and classical. The music is part of the experience, not simply an accompaniment. Byrd creates structures that allow you to “enter into” the music, as he puts it. He can listen to music for months and then choreograph a work quickly and intuitively. As a pioneering African American dancer (he danced with the Alvin Ailey company for two years, another norm-shattering African American choreographer) he began to think about race in relationship to his choreography early on. One example is the 1996 Harlem Nutcracker (I would like to see that performed here!). This year his season “#RACEish,” “an exploration of America’s 240 years of (failed) race relations” foregrounds race (other seasons have been “Love” and “War”). “#RACEish” began with a panel on “Invisible: The Dilemma of the Black Artist in America.” Prominent cultural leaders Barbara Thomas and Valerie Curtis-Newton addressed the contradictions of creativity as a generative force that is not racial, at the same time that leaders in the creative community who happen to be African American in Seattle have to deal with white perspectives that they can only perform in the context of their race; they are still invisible as part of the mainstream still dominantly white culture, unless the white culture is “looking” for black representatives. Two performances in late February foreground African American creativity: “Rambunctious 2.0,” with all African American composers, including the little known T.J. Anderson. Anderson’s music combines the vernacular and the spiritual with avant-garde musical sounds that reminded me of Stravinsky. Byrd’s choreography sparks from that score a poignant and intense piece called “Spirit Songs.” The second program, “Dance, Dance, Dance,” explores the little acknowledged “Africanist “aesthetic in mainstream music and modernism. According to Byrd, unrecognized African rhythms and movements (“angularity, coolness, pelvis thrusting and jutting, and rhythm”) imbue George Balanchine’s choreography. In early May, a “Rap on Race” will build around a 1970s conversation between anthropologist Margaret Mead and James Baldwin, in an unconventional format developed by actress Anne Deveare Smith and Byrd. Finally in late June “the Minstrel Show Revisited,” a difficult confrontational work, deals directly with racist stereotypes in the minstrelsy tradition, a tradition that actually continues to the present in many ways. That program forces the audience to engage with racism directly. Spectrum Dance Theater was founded in 1982 with a commitment to diversity in both its dancers and its audiences. Today, we still see more dancers of color in Spectrum performances than in any other company in Seattle. Byrd’s own willingness throughout his career to address racism as one theme of his choreography culminates in the current season. At the same time, his work always speaks to humanity and to the human experience. His approach to foregrounding race in these works is to demonstrate that African American roots and creators are a major nutritive force in contemporary life. But his purpose is not to segregate that force, but to integrate our understanding of contemporary creativity. Dance has a great capacity to embrace both the specific and the universal because its abstract form and movement is generated by the human body. Spectrum today actively promotes dance in the community, not only with its own school that teaches hundreds of students from toddlers to grandmothers, but also with many outreach programs to public schools. Byrd fervently believes that the arts, far from the marginal position into which they are being gradually isolated, are central to the community, that they provide solutions to the challenges of our contemporary world. We can all support these blazing artistic talents in our midst and ensure that Spectrum Dance Theater continues to be the most exciting venue in Seattle for dance that engages social issues and community involvement, by coming to their provocative performances and allowing ourselves to be transformed. By Susan Noyes Platt, www.artandpoliticsnow.com

Leschi Marinas are at a Fork in the Path to the Future April 6, Leschi’s meeting at 7 pm, is the last time for a public meeting for Leschi as a neighborhood to decide what we think is important to the future of the Leschi Marinas. Park property is on the edge of being turned over to a private firm, Foss Waterway Management, to take over the development of improving the marinas and managing them for 30 years or more. The Leschi North and South Marinas are owned by the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation. The marinas are public park space. Do we, the public, want free access to use the docks and enjoy the close views of the water and the boats? Or, should the space be locked for use only by private tenants, the boat owners? Do we want to save Leschi Dock where the Christmas boats tie up and people sunbathe in the summer? Do we want to save the floating “Police Dock,” which the Leschi Community Council partnered with Washington Water Trails Association to build for use by kayakers and canoers? Do we want to permit renting marina space to jet skiers and speedboats, considering that these boats endanger swimmers, paddle boarders and small sailboats, as well as creating wakes that erode the shorelines? Do we want park space being taken for a meeting room for the boaters? Do we want to continue to provide exclusive parking spaces next to the Lake on park property for the boaters? These are all public policy questions that pertain to use of public lands and waters and to the concept of parks and recreation and what makes sense as healthful recreation that is safe and builds community. On April 6, we hope to have a meaningful public discussion. On hand will be representatives of the Parks Department and a member of the Public Advisory Team to explain the project and introduce some of the issues. It is expected that after our meeting, Parks Department staff will negotiate a contract with Foss Waterway Management and make a proposal about approving the contract to Seattle City Council by September 2016. ~John Barber

The two wading pools in our neighborhood, at Powell Barnett Park and Peppi’s Playground, have been closed for more than 5 years due to cutbacks in the funding by the Department of Parks and Recreation. The Parks Department has pushed for the development of water spray parks instead. Although spray parks consume less water because of recycling the water, they cost up to a million dollars to construct and are very expensive to repair. Wading pools are much beloved in our neighborhood because they have the advantage of low stress use by the smaller tots, plus a place for parents to dip their feet on hot days and talk with neighbors. Most of us have happy memories of our own childhoods or of parenting at wading pools. Instead of filling our convenient wading pools, the Parks Department wants our parents and children to travel to the Volunteer Park wading pool- which is an impractical trip by bus for parents with tots and not easy by car. Alternatively, the Department suggests using the spray park at Pratt Park, but that was recently shutdown. The spray park at Judkins Park was recently updated, but spray parks do not address the needs of the youngest children or provide the passive ambiance for parents. The communities served by Powell Barnett Park and Peppi’s Playground — Garfield, Madrona, Leschi, and Squire Park — are ethnically and economically diverse neighborhoods that should be benefiting from the wading pool program. Let’s ask the Department of Parks and Recreation to re-open the wading pools at Powell Barnett Park and/or Peppi’s Playground permanently starting this summer. ~John Barber

The new station #6 at the corner of Jackson and Martin Luther King Jr. Way looks like a state of the art station. In addition to being able to pull the trucks out onto MLK Jr. Way and pull back into the rear of the station from Jackson, they have the ability to control the traffic lights at that intersection. The other building spaces look ultra modern; including a kitchen to die for with gleaming stainless steel appliances and surfaces (although the attending fireman waffled a little when I asked if they were all good cooks.) I have to say I was not prepared for the crowds attending this open house; not having small children anymore, I forgot the attraction of fire trucks and firefighters for small children. The kids happily wore their red plastic fire hats and got their faces painted while the adults drank Starbucks’ coffee and munched on Top Pot donuts. An historic 1930 fire truck was a big hit; it was built by Mack and had a sturdy silver bulldog as a hood ornament. Historic trucks and equipment are housed at the Last Resort Fire Dept. Museum at 2nd and Main in Pioneer Square; it is open only on Wednesdays during the winter (11am-3pm) and on both Wednesdays and Thursdays (same hours) during the summer. Admission is free. Downstairs is pretty much devoted to the trucks, medical supplies, computer room, equipment room and other administrative offices while the upstairs is living quarters for the firemen on duty. There is an exercise room, bunk rooms, lockers, the awesome kitchen with a dining table for 8 and a TV room with comfy looking leather chairs. There are always 8 men on duty, and duty is a 24 hour shift (7:30am to 7:30am the next day); you don’t leave the next morning until your replacement gets there. Eight are on duty at all times; 4 men for each truck. The double stairway provides fast access to the fire trucks no matter where the firemen are on the second floor. Some myths were broken: the brass pole is gone (too many injuries) and I didn’t find a dalmatian. And for those who are worried about the old fire station, it does have historic status; although changes can be made inside, the outside must stay the same. For the time being, parking traffic enforcement officers are stationed there but the fire department does intend to sell this building in the future. ~Diane Snell

February 9, 2016—Attending: Diane Snell, Diane Morris, Kim Murillo, Jeff Floor, Yousef Shulman, Amy Fink, Janet Oliver, John Barber, and Tracy Bier. Treasury/Kim We rec’d a $1000 Sparks Grant as reimbursement for 2015 expenses. Kim made a motion to put the grant into a restricted fund to benefit the annual Art Walk. Diane noted that in doing this we would be forgoing general fund reimbursement to establish and Art Walk Fund. The motion carried, the vote was unanimous. LURC/Jeff The current issue is the Promenade 23 redevelopment project. Several LCC board members attended the LURC and Vulcan public meetings. Affordability – both with the project and how it affects the neighborhood -- was a big issue with the neighbors in attendance. Also, there was an emphasis on keeping local businesses in the neighborhood and big-box stores out. Vulcan gave the impression they want their project to benefit the specific needs of the community. 23rd Ave Issues/Diane S. Diane attended a meeting with small business owners and Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant. The ongoing SDOT work on the street is taking a toll on their businesses. The construction has made it difficult to police to respond to crime in the area (e.g. jewelry store incident). Diane and Tracy recommended that the council write SDOT about the situation. The council also discussed a shopping flash mob idea Madrona came up with to help businesses on 23rd. Parks/John Leschi Marina – Parks rewarded the contract to Foss. Feedback about dogs in the parks – Is there a possibility for an off-leash area? Just FYI that this is being discussed. Cheasty Bike Park – The hearing examiner overruled the city’s determination of non-significance, and the proponents will need to produce an EIS. Frink Park – Some paths may have been built through wetlands; John and Darrell will inspect and report back. Website/Yousef Kirsten Hopperstad will work with Yousef on finding a hosting site and will work on the migration in June. Stairways/Diane M. Do we need to cancel the March stair clean due to weather? Also, if there are any stairways that should come first, please let Diane Morris know. Programming John proposed a general meeting featuring Foss to discuss Leschi Marina issues.

Madrona News Editor Barbara Parker writes this month’s editorial. We both received calls from a worried business owner and Barbara graciously offered to write up the concerns. The 23rd Ave. construction mess has created many challenges, but especially for small business owners on and near 23rd Ave. At present, only a single southbound lane of 23rd is open from Union to Jackson, and soon there will also be a southbound lane only along 23rd to Madison. And as we all know, cross streets are frequently closed for utility and other work, creating additional challenges for small business owners. But the construction mess is not going to get better soon. The timeline for completing work from Jackson to Cherry started late and is going to be extended by at least three months; construction between Cherry and Union was started earlier than planned; and it is not a sure bet that any phase of the project will be completed as scheduled. A group of business owners on and near affected areas of 23rd met in late Jan. to discuss their concerns. Together, they agree that something they really need is for the public to be aware that businesses are open and need the public to support local area shops. Small business owners are especially vulnerable to downturns in traffic, so it is up to us to remember that and make every effort to boost our presence at businesses on and near the 23rd Ave. Doing so could be the crucial element to sustain small businesses and keep our neighborhoods interesting and exciting. Going forward, small business owners intend to meet to collaborate on tactics that can help keep them all in business. Those assembled represent a wide range of businesses all along 23rd, including Earl’s Cuts & Styles; Oda Barber Shop (which closed because of the construction); Update Barber Shop, Uncle Ike’s; Sea Suds; 99 Cent Plus; Arco AM/PM; Magic Dragon Chinese Eatery; WGM Jeweler & Company; 701 Coffee; Midtown Center; and Flowers Just 4-U. For information about future meetings, please contact Sara Brereton at 701 Coffee at 779-5482 or 701coffee@gmailcom . Following a Seattle Times front page article in early Feb. explaining the plight of 23rd Ave. merchants affected by construction, the City of Seattle agreed to reorder its construction schedule to reopen 23rd between Jackson and Yesler in March, one to two months earlier than currently planned. The Office of Economic Development will also provide $102,000 of new funding for marketing the area and business support — but not direct mitigation payments to area businesses. The city said the additional funding follows recent grants of $220,000 for “economic and cultural development projects” in the Central District. So for now: keep patronizing these businesses or stop in for the first time to show your support for small business owners in and near 23rd Ave. ~Barbara Parker, Madrona News Editor Note from Leschi News Editor: It has since been clarified by the city’s Office of Economic Development that the promised $102,000 is NOT in addition to the previously promised $200,000 but is in fact, a reduction to $102, 000 despite the economic hardship. Many of these businesses are months behind in rent.

Love is in the air. This month we feature two categories of wine. First, you’ll see a few high-end, high scoring, rare behemoths that you could cuddle up with on a cold, gray day. Second, intriguing new Italian imports that have captured our heart. Usually the offering is a Hot Seven list, but I figured since this February has an extra day, why not throw in an extra wine and make it a Great Eight list! 2012 Mount Eden Vineyards Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains ($58) “Taut and vibrant, the 2012 Chardonnay is one of this winery’s finest. This tiny winery in Saratoga is one of California’s underappreciated treasures. Mount Eden is a labor of love, producing small amounts of Cabernet, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Chardonnay comes from two shy-bearing parcels on the mountaintop, giving a mix of ripe and structured cuvées that spend a year in French oak and undergo full malolactic fermentation. The wines are styled to age for 10 years or longer.” -#5 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2015, 95 points. 2013 Brick House Pinot Noir Les Dijonnais Ribbon Ridge ($51) “Fresh and expressive, soft in texture, this offers generous flavors of cherry, raspberry and clove that linger effortlessly against velvety tannins. Drink now through 2023. 517 cases made.” –Wine Spectator, 93 points. 2012 Baer Ursa Columbia Valley ($37) “The core glows with ripe blackberry, dark plum, mint and floral flavors, gliding over lightly prickly tannins into the long and compelling finish. Feels almost weightless, but has tremendous depth. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Drink now through 2020.” #28 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2015, 94 points. 2011 Reverdito Barolo ($22) Michele Reverdito is what they call a “rising star” winemaker in Barolo. “The best deal in Barolo I’ve ever found. Any fan of Nebbiolo, and really any fan of Italian wine, should not miss out on this. All the character of Barolo is in here—complex aromas of licorice and rose, dark red fruit on the palate. This will be a staple at my house given its ridiculous quality-to-price factor and the fact that I can pop the cork and drink it. Why settle for simple Langhe Nebbiolo when you can drink Barolo any night of the week?” –northwest-wine.com. 2013 Struzziero Irpinia Dry White Coda di Volpe Italy ($14) 100% Coda di Volpe (foxtail), named for the shape of the cluster. Coda di Volpe is a white Italian wine grape varietal that has been historically grown in the Campania region around the town of Naples. It has rich and intense scents of fruit and flowers with notes of orange. Fresh and soft to the palate, it has tones of citrus fruits and quince. 2013 Tenute Rubino Susumaniello ‘Oltreme’ Salento Puglia ($13) Made from native grape Susumaniello, this conveys aromas of charred earth, mature plum and a hint of coffee bean. The soft, dense palate offers juicy black cherry, pomegranate, licorice and a note of black pepper alongside ripe, velvety tannins. Drink through 2016. New item 2014 Monte Tondo Corvina Rosso Veneto Italy ($11) Corvina is the great grape of the Valpolicella region, but it is almost always blended with other varietals to create the classic Valpolicella cuvée. Monte Tondo’s Corvina is extraordinarily rare. It is redolent of pie cherries, Seville orange peel, pepper, and crushed stones. Bitter medicinal herbs and fine tannins work alongside brisk acidity to make this one of the most versatile and table-ready wines. ALSO! Stay tuned for next month when we unveil the 2nd installment of the Leschi Market Wine Awards. The Top-10 wines of 2015 as well as several other smaller awards mixed in. Always a fun read and recap of the last year’s worth of wine. CHEERS! ENJOY! Kenneth Benner, a Seattle area native, is a trained chef and has worked in such restaurants as Barbacoa, B.O.K.A. Kitchen + Bar, and Dahlia Lounge. Ken is the wine buyer at Leschi Market. He has a passion for learning, a meticulous palate, and a tenacity for searching out the best for his customers while offering some of the most highly coveted wines in the area. His wine column is intended to inspire and explore new choices in wine, learn about wine with his readers, and share his knowledge and experiences in the wine world. Check out the latest at www.LeschiMarket.com or request to be added to email updates or send questions, comments, or suggestions to ken@leschimarket.com and follow the wine department directly on twitter at twitter.com/leschimarket .

Il Vino Italiano Regna Suprema The quality of Italian wine becoming available to consumers lately is unparalleled. Week after week, the Leschi Market tasting panel sees more and more wines that command our attention. So much so in fact, the wine department expanded the Italian section to accommodate the influx. Been drinking Brunello your entire life? Are you curious yet intimidated by Italian wines and varietals? No matter which end of the spectrum you find yourself on, or somewhere in the middle, now is the time. From high end to inexpensive, the choices, the quality and the pricing has never been better. What follows is a “hot seven,” of sorts, however I do encourage you to stroll through the Market to see the abundance of new and exciting wine! 2011 Schiavenza Barolo Prapò ($56) “Sweet cherry and plum notes are complemented by licorice, leather, tar and tobacco flavors in this muscular, beefy red, which is balanced, with a long aftertaste that emphasizes its savory, briary side. Best from 2019 through 2033. 275 cases made.” - Wine Spectator, 95 points. 2009 Vignalta “Agno Tinto” Rosso del Veneto ($21) 75% Petite Sirah is blended with 25% Syrah. In 1998, the 40-year-old vineyard of Tocai was grafted with Petite Sirah. This is the newest red wine at Vignalta and one of its most innovative. The wine has been greeted with a ‘standing ovation’. It is warm, with notes of raspberries and blackberries. Spicy and elegant …an iron fist in a velvet glove. 2014 Cantina Altarocca Arcosesto Bianco Orvieto Classico Superiore Umbria ($15) “Altarocca at 350m above sea level has a longer ripening season. Using classic Umbrian varietals, such as Grechetto and even Procanico, it has a deep respect for tradition, but also a highly modern approach to winemaking, using low yields, sustainable methods and the best technology. This wine is bright and sunny, with citrus and granite overtones.” -Small Vineyards 2008 La Fiorita Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany ($48) “Alluring from start to finish, this boasts cherry, earth, spice and mineral flavors. Firmly structured, remaining vibrant and long on the finish. Best from 2015 through 2026.” - Wine Spectator, 91 points. 2014 Tenute Rubino Susumaniello ‘Oltreme’ Salento Puglia ($13) Made from native grape Susumaniello, this conveys aromas of charred earth, mature plum and a hint of coffee bean. The soft, dense palate offers juicy black cherry, pomegranate, licorice and a note of black pepper alongside ripe, velvety tannins. 2014 Gran Passione Rosso Veneto ($12) This rich, deeply colored red is made from 60% Merlot and 40% Corvina from select vineyards in Veneto. In homage to the Amarone wines of Valpolicella, the vines are cut but the grapes are left to dry naturally on the vine, a method known as Appassimento. The result is a rich luscious nose full of sweet, ripe dark cherry, plum, vanilla and Christmas spice. The body is rich and velvety, with lots of juicy fruit. 2014 Erste + Neue Kellerei Rosso Classico Superiore Alto Adige Italy ($10) This 100% Schiava comes from select parcels within the micro– zone of Lago di Caldaro (Kalterersee) Classico Superiore. Its fragrance is reminiscent of spring wild flowers, crushed peppercorn, red and blue mountain fruits and hints of campfire. Light-to-medium bodied yet generous mouthfeel, with a balanced acidity and a brilliant fruity finish. CHEERS! ENJOY! Kenneth Benner, a Seattle area native, is a trained chef and has worked in such restaurants as Barbacoa, B.O.K.A. Kitchen + Bar, and Dahlia Lounge. Ken is the wine buyer at Leschi Market. He has a passion for learning, a meticulous palate, and a tenacity for searching out the best for his customers while offering some of the most highly coveted wines in the area. His wine column is intended to inspire and explore new choices in wine, learn about wine with his readers, and share his knowledge and experiences in the wine world. Check out the latest at www.LeschiMarket.com or request to be added to email updates or send questions, comments, or suggestions to ken@leschimarket.com and follow the wine department directly on twitter at twitter.com/leschimarket .

Gardening 101 Who knew that those coffee grounds from your cuppa (or several) could have a second life in your garden, whether flower or vegetable beds? Many of us toss our coffee grounds and coffee filters in to the yard waste bin (a good thing), but a recent article by Melissa McGinn (Madison Park Times, November 2015) suggests an even better solution for home gardeners. Coffee grounds are a rich source of nitrogen with a ph that is essentially neutral. This is a good thing to add to our acidic Northwest soil. If you have a worm bin, those red wrigglers just “adore coffee grounds.” The rough texture of the grounds sprinkled around veggie and flower plants helps deter slugs and snails from feasting on your crops. Adding crushed eggshells to the mix is even more effective. Cats usually dislike the texture and aroma of coffee grounds, so they may not use our garden as a litter box. Other uses for coffee grounds by non-gardeners suggested by Jennifer Simpson in This Old House magazine: Deodorize your refrigerator Clean tools and dishware Hide scratches on dark furniture Give paper an “antique” look Exfoliate hands when washing after handling garlic or fish Reduce dust from fireplace ash ~Diane Morris

Sizzling summer staples are here! From “porch-pounders” to backyard BBQs, there’s a little something here for everyone. Enjoy these reds, whites and pinks to get you through the summer satisfied. Have a fun and safe summer Leschi! Red Wines 2013 Avennia Arnaut Syrah Boushey Vineyard Yakima Valley ($46) “The 2013 is a rock star. Offering sensational purity in its meaty, dark fruits, olive brine, beef blood, currants and hints of violets, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, impressive concentration and a great finish, where it shows additional minerality. Coming from the two oldest blocks at Boushey Vineyard, this is a serious, age-worthy Syrah.” –Wine Advocate, 93-95 points. 2014 Darby Purple Haze Columbia Valley ($18.69) Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petite Verdot and Syrah. When you combine the warm, ripe vintage 2014 with the keen, deft ability of Darby, you get the best wines. Big, exuberant and not overdone. Like fine architecture. 2014 Francesco Cirelli Rosso Montepulciano d’Abruzzo ($17.99) This is the Montepulciano grape. It delivers a nose of baking spice, cherry pie and tomato leaf. Juicy purple fruits dominate the palate but it’s made fresh by some herbal notes. Just enough structure to let you know that this wine is unmistakably Italian—no excessive fruit, everything balanced and a bit rustic. Organic farm certified by IMC. 2014 Domaine La Manarine Carignan Rouge Côtes du Rhône ($13.09) Domaine La Manarine is a small, family-owned winery established in 2001. The vines average around 35 years in age. This wine is 100% Grenache and produces a classically spicy, full-bodied wine that speaks clearly of the “garrigue” of the region. The wine is bottled without filtration. Unoaked, with aromas of dark berries and ripe, rustic tannins. White Wines 2014 DeLille Cellars “Chaleur Estate” Blanc Columbia Valley ($35.99) “An amazing nose of sweet Sauvignon Blanc provides cream, key lime and Herbs de Provence. Maybe the best descriptor is ‘wow!’ showing flavors that are rich and expansive. It’s not all about the Sauvignon Blanc though—the Semillon is evident on the palate with guava and citrus honey notes. 2014 is a vintage of classic balance and elegance reinforcing the pedigree of this wine.” –Winery notes. 2015 Butter by Jam Cellars Chardonnay California ($16.99) Made by winemaker Rob Lloyd of Rombauer fame. “Rich, bold and luscious, this is an easy-to-love creamy California Chardonnay. The fruit we choose has juicy, ripe, stone fruit and baked-lemon aromas. Cold fermented to the perfect, rich creaminess and aged in our own blend of oak, gives this wine a lovely, long, vanilla finish that’s uniquely Butter!” –Winery notes. Rosé Wines 2015 Tranche Rosé Pink Pape Blackrock Estate Vineyard Yakima ($14.99) 31% Cinsault and 23% Counoise and 46% Grenache. “Pale salmon in color with light pink hue. Delicate aromas of rose petal, honeydew melon and white peach, with lifted notes of sweet pink grapefruit and lemon peel. The wine is fresh and lively upon entry, with bright stone fruit and mountain berry flavors complemented by wet river rock minerality. Driving acidity and citrus qualities provide focus and direction, drawing out the palate to a mouthwatering finish. 637 cases made.” –Winemaker notes. New vintage. 2015 Hecht & Bannier Rosé Côtes de Provence ($14.99) “For our Côtes de Provence we take a path quite apart from the one we follow for our Languedoc Rosé with its high proportion of Syrah. We have sought a Provence Rosé of immense charm and minerality redolent of dried herbs and mountain flowers. A blend of 45% Grenache, 40% Cinsault and 15% Syrah.” -Gregory Hecht. 2015 Domaine de Triennes Rosé Vin de Pays de Méditerranée ($13.99) A collaboration between Jacques Seysses of Domaine Dujac and Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti. “Pale pink. Red fruit and notes of citrus contribute to the aromatic complexity. It has the harmony and elegance that has earned worldwide appreciation of the rosés of Provence. Principally Cinsault, blended with Grenache, Syrah and Merlot.” –Winery notes. 2015 Domaine De Fontsainte Rosé Gris de Gris Corbieres Languedoc-Roussillon ($13.09) Salmon color with superb amethyst tints. Fine separate legs run slowly down the glass. Expressive and particularly tonic, the wine immediately gives off notes of raspberry, cherry and freshly picked strawberries - followed by exotic aromas such as pineapple and mango. Kermit Lynch Import.” –Winemaker notes. 2015 Domaine Saint Nabor Gris Rosé Vin de Pays du Gard ($9.39) “This Rosé is bright and glistening with a raspberry pink tint. It has a bouquet of red fruit aromas and honeysuckle with linden-tree nuances. The wine has a fresh acidity. It is light, crisp and easy drinking, with acidulous red fruit flavors of wild strawberries and blueberries with mineral nuances.” –Winery notes. CHEERS! ENJOY! Kenneth Benner, a Seattle area native, is a trained chef and has worked in such restaurants as Barbacoa, B.O.K.A. Kitchen + Bar, and Dahlia Lounge. Ken is the wine buyer at Leschi Market. He has a passion for learning, a meticulous palate, and a tenacity for searching out the best for his customers while offering some of the most highly coveted wines in the area. His wine column is intended to inspire and explore new choices in wine, learn about wine with his readers, and share his knowledge and experiences in the wine world. Check out the latest at www.LeschiMarket.com or request to be added to email updates or send questions, comments, or suggestions to ken@leschimarket.com and follow the wine department directly on twitter at twitter.com/leschimarket .

BOOK REVIEW The map of the scenic byways of Madrona and Leschi are just part of the pleasure of Jake Jaramillo and Cathy Jaramillo’s Seattle Stairway Walks . This is a beautifully constructed pocket-sized guidebook as the books publisher, The Mountaineers Books, is so well known for. It’s packed with 25 walking tours, with detailed instructions, photographs and stories. Jake and Cathy led a tour of the Madrona/Leschi walk on February 9 and I was happy to tag along with the group of 20. We began at St. Therese’s School, wound our way down to Madrona Woods, hooked through the Madrona Stream Restoration, then up and down Leschi streets and stairways, past the Leschi Natural Area, finishing where we started—after climbing down 371 stairs and up 299 stairs. I wasn’t sure how I would do, since I hadn’t done that much climbing in a while, but it went well for me and seemed okay with the rest of us. Along the way, we had talks about neighborhood history and a pitch for joining FeetFirst, the tour’s sponsor. What is so special about these tours? To me, it’s the surprises and discoveries along the way—sudden views, spectacular homes snuggled in the hilly woods, treasured habitat areas nurtured by local volunteers, and great cues for walking shortcuts. It’s not bad exercise either. Jake and Cathy are obviously head over heels in love with their adopted city, having moved here a decade ago from southern California. This book is highly recommended. I grabbed my copy at Costco, but many local bookstores are carrying it. I’m keeping it in a zip-locked bag as it’s destined to weather frequent excursions. Oh, and check FeetFirst on Facebook for more photographs of stairway walking tours, and the website feetfirst.org. Who knows, walking with FeetFirst could become a habit, just as tromping with this book could become a habit! ~John Barber