And This Is Why I Dont Eat Calamari

I can't stand when they come out with whole deep-fried squids. I can eat the round, rubberband-looking ones, but this? No way.

Do You Like Food? Become Part of the Seattle TasteCasting Team

So I just saw an amazing post over at TheSeattleTraveler.com that I have to share. Apparently TasteCasting, a gathering of socially networked people also in love with food, is forming a team here in Seattle. Awesome! Here's what Mary Jo Manzanares, editor of TheSeattleTraveler.com had to say:

Here’s how it works: Restaurants, bars, diners, bakeries, or any other food and beverage establishment, invite TasteCasting members to attend a tasting at their venue. It may be a way to research new menu items, it may be to showcase a new chef, or it may be a way to juice up business and get people in the door. Whatever the reason, you are invited to be a part of it.

What is expected of attendees: In return for a free tasting, we want you to constructive feedback and suggestions with your host, as well as broadcast your experienced to your friends and follows via Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, a blog post, or any of publication or social media where you are active. You can share everything from the food specific (ingredients, tastes, menu) to the overall impressions (ambiance, venue, service, overall experience, etc).

Looks like Mary Jo is involved with the formation of the Seattle team, so send her an email if you're interested. Thankfully, it doesn't look like you don’t have to be a food writer to be a part of the fun. You just need to involved in social media, enjoy food, and be willing to share your experiences. Make sure to check out the TasteCasting website to find out more about the organization.

I just applied to be on the team, so keep your fingers crossed for me!

Gourmet Popcorn is an Addiction

On our impromptu Seattle adventure yesterday, we kept coming across people selling gourmet popcorn. Now I love carmel corn, but the popcorn we saw was on a whole new level. Of course, we ended up buying some (ok. maybe a lot) along the way. How can you not when Kukurza (located on 2nd and Pike downtown) is selling Buffalo Wing & Cheese flavored popcorn!?!


Here's a closeup so you can see what it looks like (too bad you can't taste it - so good!). It's a very yummy mix of sweetness, Ranch and a little spice. You're just going to have to take my word on it and go down to their store to try it out. They'll let you try any of their popcorn varieties which include Jalapeno Cheese, Rocky Road and more. Check out their selection at http://www.kukuruza.com/.


The second purchase was from a vendor at the Ballard Seafood Fest. Killian Korn reeled me in with free samples and then sealed the deal when they had me try their Huckleberry flavored popcorn. Yum! There other samples included Vanilla and Classic, but they also have quite a few varieties to pick from online at http://www.killiankorn.com/.

Enjoy and let me know if you find any others!