When it comes to drinking white wine, many people adhere to the ABC rule—Anything But Chardonnay. That’s too bad given the fact that not only can good Chardonnay be delicious, it’s also a chameleon: Chardonnay expresses just what the winemaker wants it to. Age it in stainless steel or neutral (used) oak barrels to preserve…
At Heartwood beer has a special place. Choosing what’s on tap takes almost as much discipline and consideration as choosing what makes the wine list. Beverage Director Amanda Reed explains: Reed: I approach the beer selection similarly to how I approach the wine, spirits, and cocktail selections. I am seeking a well-rounded selection that…
Copper River salmon have arrived, Opening Day has come and gone, and across the Sound recreational fisherman are reading pots and buoys. Some might say these are the signs of summer, but the truth is, they’re heralding the arrival of rosé season in Seattle. For years drinking pink was practically taboo among wine enthusiasts thanks to…
Beverage Director Amanda Reed explains how she fell in love with brandy and the important role the spirit can play in Heartwood’s menus. Amanda Reed: Brandy is so interesting to me because it merges wine and spirit production. It’s a very layered process. After winning a Hennessy cocktail competition, I was fortunate enough to win a trip…
With Derby Day just around the corner, Beverage Director Amanda Reed has been busy replacing cold-weather cocktails with spring libations. New additions include, Aubry Robinson’s Gold Soundz, which includes, White Port, Lemongrass infused Oleo-Saccharum, Black Pepper, Lemon and Fig Bitters, as well as Courtney Randell’s Le Rêve, a spring inspired martini play with Hayman’s Old…
It has been said that Winston Churchill didn’t want vermouth added to his martini, just present in the same room. It seems vermouth has been very misunderstood. Vermouth, the French pronunciation of the German word wermut (wormwood) at it’s core, is an aromatized wine (infused with botanical) that is then fortified by adding a neutral…