Turn up the heat with Two Snooty Chefs

If you are a discriminating connoisseur or a gourmet cook looking for that next fun spice mix, you’ll love Two Snooty Chefs!

This “made in Kitsap” brand was developed by local veteran chefs Chris Plemmons and Gary Fuller — who may not be really snooty, but definitely know a good spice rub when they use one. The two award-winning, certified executive chefs offer gourmet blends like salmon chemise and Italiano de Capri, as well as various “uppity selections” like prep bowls, spice cans and such.

The pair have recently published a cookbook — so if you’re at a loss at how to use the many enticing rubs and spice blends, all you need to do is peruse it for ideas.

The Two Snooty Chefs brand is available at many Kitsap Peninsula area stores, from Gig Harbor’s Vanilla Bean to Bremerton’s FreshLocal, as well as online directly from their website. Get cooking and have fun!

'FRESH, The Movie' comes to Historic Orchard Theater

Port Orchard’s Historic Orchard Theater will host the next installment in the “Sustainable Cinema” series, “FRESH, The Movie," Sunday, March 28 at 4:45 p.m.

The documentary is in contrast to the series’ last screening, “Food Inc.,” by providing a vision of the possible by profiling people from all over the country who are successfully devoting their lives to producing food differently — producing organic, ecologically farmed products. Those featured include Michael Pollan, Will Allen and Joel Salatin.

This topic has great timing, as more people are interested in learning about locally produced, sustainable foods. Cost of the screening is only $3!

The series are sponsored by Kitsap County Commissioner Charlotte Garido.
The Orchard Theater is at 822 Bay Street in Port Orchard; see more details at www.orchardtheater.com or call 360-895-0564.

Great hangout in Poulsbo: Hot Shots Java Coffeehouse

If you’re looking for a casual location for a short meeting, a comfy spot to chat with a friend over coffee, or a place where you and your laptop (or your book) can land for a while, downtown Poulsbo’s Hot Shots Java Coffeehouse is the place to be.

Hot Shots serves organic, fair trade coffee as well as fresh pastries and quick lunch munchies like paninis. The atmosphere is friendly — and roomy! The spacious coffeehouse has plenty of tables for workaholics (and free WiFi), and a cozy spot with cushy seats for those looking to relax.

Businessmen working on crossword puzzles, teens dropping in after school, friends enjoying a waffle cone ice-cream — the Front Street coffeehouse has seen them all. Having fun here is highly encouraged: You’ll find a half-dozen board games, as well as an art exhibit with photography or paintings for sale.

If you stop by Friday between 2 and 5 p.m. or Saturday between noon and 4, you can also listen to live music by local musicians. Come find out why Hot Shots was voted the best coffee shop in the "best of North Kitsap" reader contest!

Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse hosts jam night, comedy

Not that you need an excuse to get out and enjoy a good cup of java, but in case you do, Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse has created a couple. The next two Friday nights, the downtown Poulsbo coffee house will host events that are sure to attract a small crowd.

On March 19, hang out from 5 to 7 p.m. for an open mic/jam session event, whether you come to join in or just listen to local musicians. Admission is the price of a cup of coffee — can you think of a better “two-for-one”?

On March 26, comedians Jan Barrett and Renee Perrault will bring a little more urban flavor to Poulsbo. The two women are national headliners and have performed at New York City and California venues. Cost is $10, with tickets sold in advance.

While you’re there, enjoy an exhibit of paintings by local artist Beverly Savinski (and, of course, a good cup of brew or two)!

Writers to get inspired at Kiana Lodge

Writers and aspiring writers, grab your creative muse and head for the picturesque Kiana Lodge on April 17 for the fifth annual Field’s End Writers Conference. The one-day event has 20 breakout sessions in four tracks, with topics ranging from nonfiction writing and finding an agent to writing for children and using humor in fiction.

Environmental journalist and renowned author Bruce Barcott will give the keynote address on the topic of perseverance through the book writing process.

Kiana Lodge is a beautiful facility on the water that is sure to inspire any writer! Stay for dinner afterwards and unwind at MorMor Bistro downtown, Taprock Northwest Grill, Chung’s Teriyaki or one of many other Poulsbo’s great dining establishments.

Conference registration closes on April 8. Field’s End is a Bainbridge Island-based nonprofit with the mission of supporting the writers community and helping writers improve their craft. See more conference details at http://www.fieldsend.org.

High Altitude Breakfast Friday Morning 3/19/10

You will not want to miss the opportunity hear from Ed Viesturs,world famous mountaineer, while breakfasting in support of the Bainbridge Schools Foundation. The event is free, but bring your checkbook to this exciting fundraising event. For reservations or more information, visit www.bainbridgeschoolsfoundation.com

Find the luck of the Irish on Kitsap Peninsula

Celebrate St. Patty’s Day in style on the Kitsap Peninsula — you’ll find corned beef and cabbage, green beer, Irish music and even some celebrities here on Wednesday, March 17. Here are some ideas for a local celebration:

Head to MorMor in Poulsbo, where famed local Celtic music celebrities Rick May and Gil Yslas will play authentic Irish music 6-9 p.m. A $25 three-course menu will include Irish fare, including a desert. Call to make reservations between 5 and 8 p.m.: 360.697.3449 or email info@mormorbistro.com.

Hang out with the Kitsap Pumas Soccer Club at Old Town Bistro in Silverdale. You can play the Lucky 7 game for free to win prizes, drink green beer and listen to music including dance tunes and St. Patty’s party anthems. Ladies get half-off drinks and food from 9 p.m. to closing.

Check out Shannon’s Irish stout and the braised corned beef and cabbage on the menu, among other Irish specials, at Silver City Brewery in Silverdale.

For a little harp and bagpipe music — plus beer specials and Irish food — stop by MoonDogs Too in Port Orchard.

If you don’t care for the corned beef, you can still get into the mood at Admiral Theatre in Bremerton, where Men of Worth will take you back to the Gaelic lands with Celtic folk music and storytelling. And if you want more, come back on Friday, March 19, for the Irish Rovers — a group that topped the charts in the ’80 and still have what it takes.

Have a fun St. Patty’s Day and watch out for that leprechaun!

Casual eats in Silverdale: Pip’s Bagels Co.

If you like bagels, you’ll love Pip’s Bagels Co. in Silverdale. This is a place to not only get your daily bagel fix but also visit for a casual lunch and try one of the many sandwiches made on fresh-baked bagels.

Blueberry, sun-dried tomato, cranberry-orange poppy, jalapeno, Mediterranean — how do you choose? And if that’s not enough choice, check out the list of cream cheese flavors: from raspberry and garlic herb to honey nut raisin and salmon. Naturally, you’ll have to come back for another taste.

Pip’s has a café-style atmosphere (complete with free WiFi) so it’s also great place for a breakfast coffee meeting with a friend. If you’re looking for a quick lunch that’s much healthier and tastier than the fast food variety, you have about a dozen choices of bagel sandwiches or you can build your own.

There is something for the kids here, especially those who can’t live without their PB&J, as well as for the “health nuts”— hummus is one of the toppings available, and there’s a sandwich just for you!

Forget the dozen donuts; if you want to treat your office mates in the morning, grab a dozen Pip’s bagels — made from scratch, boiled, high in fiber and preservative- and transfats-free. Now, that’s the way to kick off your morning!

Pip’s is at 9517 Silverdale Way, open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, with shorter hours on the weekend. For orders larger than a dozen, call a couple of days in advance, (360) 698-2598.

Clear Creek Task Force

The Clear Creek Task Force needs your help! Adult volunteers are still needed for various days to help plant trees for the 'Salmon in the Classroom' Project. This will take place during the school day with two sessions most days, generally from 10:00 ‘til 12:00p.m. and 12:30 ‘til 2:30p.m. Dates are 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 22nd, 24th, and 26th, (please contact for date availability). Some days only have a morning session.

For more information: clearcreektrail@yahoo.com or
www.clearcreektrail.org

Sister City Kure Banquet

You are cordially invited! Help Bremerton honor our sister City, Kure Japan, at the Kitsap Conference Center Saturday April 17 with a banquet and no-host social. 37 dignitaries plus delegates will be welcomed. Semi-formal attire. No-Host Social starts at 6 PM, Dinner (Prime Rib or Chicken Oscar at 7PM). $50 per person. RSVP required by April 12 to Elaine Valencia at 360.473.5266. See you there!

It's Murder ‘N Mayhem in Port Gamble

Things may go very wrong in Port Gamble on March 27 as Murder ‘N Mayhem ensues townwide. Join in a game of solving the mystery of who "killed" Andrew Pope Jr.—as you watch the Port Gamble circa 1850s come alive.

Start the evening at the old ticket booth in the historic post office/theater at a program that includes the story outline and the introduction of characters. Roam the picturesque town from 2 to 5 p.m. to question the potential culprits and to hang out at area businesses. Then, you decide, was the murderer from this world, or hailing from far beyond, where only spirits live?

At 5 p.m., you can watch the mystery unfold back at the theater, plus enjoy food, wine and prizes!

This afternoon will be to die for! And it’s for a good cause — the nonprofit event is sponsored by the Greater Kingston Kiwanis and the town of Port Gamble. Tickets are $15 and available at businesses in Port Gamble and some in Kingston.

For more information call The Dauntless Bookstore in Port Gamble at 360-297-4043.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at MorMor Bistro

No plans for St. Patrick’s Day yet? Why not head down to MorMor Bistro and experience a treat you will never forget.

Famed Local Celtic Music Celebrities Rick May & Gil Yslas will be on board from 6pm - 9pm playing Poulsbo's best in authentic Irish music.

A full MorMor menu is available as well as an awesome St. Patrick's Day 3 course menu for just $25 per person.

Home & Garden Expo at Kitsap Fairgrounds March 19-21

Don't miss the upcoming Home and Garden Expo at the Kitsap Fairgrounds! It's a great way to welcome Spring and catch How-To-Workshops while visiting your favorite exhibitors. The Kitsap HBA always does a great job of providing inspiration at this expo; "The Biggest and Best Home Show West of Seattle! " See you there!
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Find locally grown and produced goodness at FreshLocal

FreshLocal in downtown Bremerton is a foodie’s dream come true. If you love organic, farm-fresh products that are produced locally, you’re in for a treat here.

The store has a little bit of everything: organic flowers and grains, teas, eggs, fresh meet, pastries, toiletries and more. You’ll find many labels with local names, from Kingston’s CB’s Nuts peanut butter (that’s just to die for!), cheeses from Poulsbo’s Crimson Cove Smoked Specialties, and Kitsap’s most heavenly Bella Bella cupcakes, to eggs from Pheasant Field Farms in Silverdale and jams from Creviston Valley Farm on the Key Peninsula — yum!

Currently about 15 local producers are represented at the store but there are plans to grow. The nonprofit grocery store is a direct line between farmers and consumers, and a truly unique place to visit on the Kitsap Peninsula!

The store is cozy but there is a small seating place if you want to linger a bit. FreshLocal also offers a produce subscription, which works similar to a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share — check the website for detail.

Don't miss Old Town Silverdale art walk this Friday

Stroll through Old Town Silverdale this Friday, March 12, 6-8 p.m. and enjoy the company of artists while viewing beautiful work. The Old Town Silverdale Art Walk is only hosted once every quarter — so don’t miss your chance!

This month’s event includes student art from the Central Kitsap School District and the Kitsap School of Arts, as well as 10 local artists. Their work will be displayed at various businesses throughout the district, including Monica’s Waterfront Bakery, Olympic Veterinary Hospital and Linda’s Knit and Stitch.

Each venue hosts a reception for the respective featured artist. At Monica’s, get a bonus: a free cookie with a donation to the food bank!

More details at www.oldtownartwalk.com