Spring is on the way

Northwest spring: could be 39 degrees with howling wind or 57 degrees and fluffy white clouds. And that's just the first half hour of the day. We may not be able to count on the weather (well, it is consistently strange), but we can count on great things happening. Find fun things to do, eat and drink here!

The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille cordially invites you to wine and dine this spring. Join them and discover their nationally-acclaimed dry aged steaks, fresh daily seafood offerings, and an award- winning wine list, all presented with unparalleled service in an atmosphere of relaxed elegance. With a special brunch menu for Easter (including Spring Artichoke Bisque, The Grille's Lobster Frittata, Bone-In Dry Aged NY Strip with Fried Egg, Pan Seared Salmon, and Crème Brûlée or Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake) and Mother's Day, make sure to reserve your table to enjoy great food and drink with family and friends!

The Capital Grille is located at 1301 4^th Avenue in the historic Cobb Building. Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dinner: Monday-Thursday 5-10 p.m., Friday 5-11 p.m., Saturday 4:30-11 p.m., and Sunday 4-9 p.m. On Easter Sunday, the brunch menu will be served 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and the all-day dinner menu from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Brunch is $49 per adult and $15 for children. Private dining accommodates up to 24. Valet parking available during dinner hours. 206-382-0900. www.thecapitalgrille.com

Jimmy's on Broadway

Jimmy's warm atmosphere with its calming colors, dark wood, and fireplace, is the ideal spot to celebrate Easter and spring's arrival. Easter Sunday brunch will include breakfast items that include corned beef hash, Broadway scramble, brioche French toast and more, plus lunch items like crab mac 'n cheese, and Mahi Mahi fish tacos. In addition, there will be spring-inspired specials and brunch cocktails. As always, items are prepared in their exhibition scratch kitchen. Snag a seat at the u-shaped bar, near the fireplace, or a comfortable table. Watch the ever-changing Capitol Hill scene or focus on friends and food!

Jimmy's on Broadway is located at 1100 Broadway on Capitol Hill at the Silver Cloud Hotel at Madison Street. Easter Sunday brunch will be offered from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 206-204-1188. Watch for the full menu at either www.facebook.com/jimmysbroadway or jimmysonbroadway.com

Barking Frog and Willows Lodge

No matter your brunch preference, Barking Frog, Willows Lodge, and Chef Bobby Moore have you covered! Like to take a seat and stay seated? Barking Frog's a la carte brunch menu, along with Easter signature items, is all about you. Choose Grand Mariner prawns, huckleberry pancakes, seared lamb loin frittata. Prefer to peruse your options, choose accordingly, and go back again? The buffet brunch in Willows' Sammamish Ballroom: ideal. Plus, you pick one of four seatings-arrive when you'd like. Following brunch, children under 12 may join in the Easter Scavenger Hunt around the property. Great food and fun!

Barking Frog is located at Willows Lodge at 14580 NE 145^th Street in Woodinville. Easter brunch at Barking Frog is available on Sunday, March 27, from 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m. For reservations, call 425-424-2999 or click here. Easter brunch buffet in the Sammamish Ballroom is $60 per person, plus tax, gratuity and EventBrite fee, $30 per child, ages 5-12, plus tax, gratuity, and EventBrite fee. Children under 5 are free. For more information and reservations, click on the seating you prefer. 10:00 a.m.,10:30 a.m.,12:30 p.m., 1:00 p.m.

Neighborhood Grills

You've found your favorite spot to go-the place you're most comfortable, where you can count on the food, drink, and atmosphere being consistently what you want. Why go anywhere else on a special day? That is why you'll be heading to a Neighborhood Grill for St. Paddy's (long) Weekend (no sense in limiting it to one day). Each location will be celebrating with Irish food specials all weekend. For those who simply must party on the day itself, you'll be rewarded with half-priced pints all day long (although that price is not valid with other discounts/coupons/promotions). Go green!

Special dishes available Thursday-Sunday, March 17-21, half-priced pints available March 17 only. Hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-close, and Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m.-close. Neighborhood Grills has five locations: Greenlake Bar & Grill, Eastlake Bar & Grill, Lake Forest Bar & Grill, Bremerton Bar & Grill, Maple Valley Bar & Grill. Check them out online at www.neighborhoodgrills.com

Ponti Seafood Grill

A restaurant for all seasons, Ponti is especially beautiful in spring when flowers appear, the Ship Canal begins to sparkle, and local spring produce brightens up the menu. What better way to kick off spring than Easter brunch at Ponti? Normally open only for dinner, it's a chance to enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere and amazing seafood during daylight hours. Easter brunch starts off with coffee cake, scones and a yogurt berry parfait; then a choice between organic mixed baby greens or roasted tomato soup. There are eight entrées to choose from, including a Benedict, hash, and grilled wild salmon. Spring!

Ponti is located at 3014 3^rd Ave N between the Queen Anne and Fremont neighborhoods, overlooking the Ship Canal. Happy hour is daily from 4-6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.-close. Dinner is served nightly from 5-10 p.m. Easter brunch will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 206-284-3000. www.pontiseafoodgrill.com

Queen Anne Olive Oil Company

Cooking can be a joy, especially when the dish turns out absolutely delicious. Ensuring that great flavor is about the ingredients you use. So why use a mass-produced olive (you hope) oil you know nothing about? Your best bet is to head into Queen Anne Olive Oil Company on top of Queen Anne hill. Graham family members are on hand to help you learn about each olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and truffle oil. Plus, you can taste before you buy. Right now there are new California, Spanish, and Portuguese olive oils in store. Start with the best to make all your spring dishes pop!

Queen Anne Olive Oil is located at 1629 Queen Anne Avenue North. They are open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 206-420-2989. queenanneoliveoil.com

Captain Whidbey Inn on Penn Cove

It's a long, cold winter and early spring: let this historic inn provide a romantic dinner and getaway! You'll enjoy a relaxing evening and private fireside dinner in your waterside cabin. Chef Ryan will prepare a special four-course Northwest dinner for the evening to be delivered to your cabin. When feasible, the chef will visit and discuss the ingredients and preparation that has gone into your dinner. Zagat says of Chef Ryan's dishes, "The seafood is stunningly fresh and good!" The Inn has timbered walls and stone fireplaces; waterside cabins have wood-burning fireplaces, decks, and private baths. Make it a winter to remember!

Captain Whidbey Inn is a 30-minute ferry ride from Seattle or Edmonds, at 2072 Captain Whidbey Inn Rd, Coupeville. The Private 4-Course Dining package with overnight stay is available Wednesday-Sunday nights in waterside cabins during March. Package includes complementary continental breakfast. $320 for one night, add second night for $175. If you prefer you may dine in the dining room. Black out days apply (including Valentine's weekend). Does not include alcohol, gratuity, or taxes. 360-678-4097. www.captainwhidbey.com

Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Inspired by Japanese tradition, Sansei offers contemporary interpretations of sushi and Asian cuisine. With four locations in Hawai'i, it's about time Sansei arrived in Seattle. Located across the street from the Paramount Theatre, it's the perfect downtown spot. Sansei's chefs create imaginative items like their signature Panko Crusted Ahi Roll, and award-winning Asian Shrimp Cake with Ginger Lime Butter and Cilantro Pesto. It's a lively space whether you're in the dining room, lounge, or at the sushi bar. Plan some extra time: it's a fairly large menu that deserves some looking-over time.

Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar is located at 815 Pine Street in the Premiere on Pine Building. Hours are Sunday 5-10 p.m., Monday-Thursday 4:30-10 p.m., Friday 4:30 p.m.-2 a.m., and Saturday 5 p.m.-2 a.m. 206-402-4414. sanseiseattle.com

bin on the lake

Sip and savor this spring with a beautiful wine dinner at bin on the lake, paired with distinguished wines from Long Shadows Vintners. At bin on the lake, cuisine highlights locally-sourced ingredients that capture bright, seasonal tastes of the Northwest. They believe that something extraordinary happens when food and spirits are skillfully paired, amplifying the unique flavors of each, and are proud to partner with Long Shadows for this exceptional event highlighting Washington Wine Month. Please join them for a four-course dinner with pairings, as well as a welcome reception wine. Purchase tickets now on Eventbrite.

bin on the lake is located at 1270 Carillon Point in Kirkland at the Woodmark Hotel. The Long Shadows wine dinner takes place Thursday, March 24, at 6 p.m. $125 per person includes a four-course dinner with wine pairings, welcome reception wine, tax, gratuity, and Eventbrite fee. 425-803-5595. www.thewoodmark.com/bin-on-the-lake

Taylor Shellfish Farms Oyster Bars

You've had Taylor Shellfish products at events, fundraisers, and restaurants. Why not go straight to the source and enjoy one of their Seattle oyster bars? Oysters, clams, mussels, and more with beer, wine, and other beverages that perfectly compliment the bright, clean, distinctive flavors you've come to love (and be addicted to). Oyster bars are casual, with a neighborhood feel, great for a quick bite or a lengthy meal. You know the quality since they own the entire process from hatchery to table. Sustainably-farmed, world-class shellfish. They're calling you.

Taylor Shellfish Farms oyster bars are located on Capitol Hill in the Melrose Market, 1521 Melrose Ave, 206-501-4321, Sun-Thurs 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-11 p.m., happy hour Mon-Fri 2-4 p.m.; on Queen Anne at 124 Republican St, 206-501-4442; and in Pioneer Square at 410 Occidental Ave, 206-501-4060. Queen Anne and Pioneer Square are open daily 11:30 a.m.-close, with happy hour Mon-Fri 4-6 p.m. tayloroysterbars.com

Puget Sound Express Taste of Northwest Cruise

Puget Sound-waterways, seafood, artisanal products, wildlife. Wouldn't it be great to find a tour linking all this so you focus on enjoyment vs. bothersome details? You're in luck! Puget Sound Express offers a perfect 3-day tour on their Glacier Spirit. Experience Pacific Cuisine while touring Washington's Olympic Peninsula. For two nights, accommodations at Resort at Port Ludlow, and a cooking demo. By day, a from-the-sea mussel lunch and tour at Penn Cove Shellfish, wildlife refuges, chocolate truffles at Elevated Ice Cream, an all-you-can-eat Dungeness crab dinner, and ciders/wines/homemade pizza at Finnriver Farm and Cidery. Let the spirit of the Northwest rejuvenate you.

Puget Sound Express Taste of Northwest Cruises depart from Seattle/Edmonds twice this year: May 6-8, and October 7-9. Family-owned, you will love their vessels with large outdoor viewing decks. For more information, call 360-385-4288 or email info@pugetsoundexpress.com. Three-day tour $1,195 double occupancy or $1,295 single occupancy. www.pugetsoundexpress.com

March 2016