Seattle is home to many things: Starbucks and coffee, Nirvana and the grunge scene, and the Seattle Center and Space Needle!
(Photo courtesy of the University of Washington)
Since its unveiling at the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle has been a mascot for Seattle, towering over the horizon and a constant fixture in iconic Seattle photography. This year our beloved landmark turns 50 and Seattle is hosting six months of commemorative events in honor of this milestone occasion.
SkyCity at the Needle (the revolving restaurant atop the Space Needle) asked five local luminaries to each create a dish that invokes the past decades since it first opened. I am honored to be among those chefs, representing the 80’s (minus the Aqua Net hair and shoulder pads)! These dishes will be featured on a special Tasting Menu which will be available all through the month of May.
The view from SkyCity!
Earlier this week, my team and I stopped by at the Eye of the Needle for the special launch party for the Tasting Menu. Here’s my crew getting ready to try it out!
Erwin and I in between tasty bites!
SkyCity Executive Chef Jeff Maxfield is taking on the 60’s with a retro Dungeness Crab en Brochette, featuring housemade bacon. Shiro Kashiba, owner of legendary Shiro’s Sushi is reppin’ the 70’s with his Poke Belltown, made with raw tuna, creamy vinaigrette, scallions and orange tobiko.
I’m bringing back the 80’s with my Fullers’ Warm Spinach Salad with smoked duck, shitake and enoki mushrooms and sesame dressing – served with “oh so 80’s” triangle cut housemade crackers with wasabi goat cheese. Seattle institution Tom Douglas recreates the 90’s with his Aromatic Steamed Wild Salmon served with kimchee fried rice and grilled asparagus with hazelnuts. Crush’s Jason Wilson guides us through the present with his Painted Hills Strip Loin: slow-cooked in beef tallow, roasted veggies and a porcini bone marrow puree!
The tasting menu is $62 (in honor of 1962, of course) and is a great bargain to try all these dish. Space is limited so make sure you book your reservations!
And to whet your whistle, make sure you check out their commemorative cocktail menu. My Seattle Needle Tipple is one of the signature drinks being featured for this special occasion. Douglas Fir-infused vodka is shaken with an apple-honey tincture, fresh lemon juice and splash of champagne then garnished with a floating cranberry! D’lish!
So shoot sky high into the future and help celebrate 50 years of our iconic Space Needle! –Kathy
