Girls' Night Out November 2012

 Looking for an evening of girly fun with wine included?  Girls' Night Out is the place you want to be on November 17th from 5-9.   Past Girls' Night Out are extremely well attended and a fun place to socialize for a good cause.  Enjoy the complimentary Hors D'oeuvres, dessert and wine while sampling the vendors wears and shopping local goods to your hearts content.

Every girls night out is a fundraising event for Women's Health and the last event in April of this year was a huge success, featuring local stores such as Grays General Store, Harbor Drug, Lunch, Bryan & Son Jewelers and Satsop Landscaping and Nursery.  Come on out with your best girl friends to enjoy the shopping experience this Saturday, you wont regret giving a little for the women of this community.  Tickets are available at Harbor Drug, Mane Attraction, Oceana Spa and Waughs.

(The Kids and) I Do LUNCH

I feel like some magical cosmic convergence happened yesterday. I left my house exactly on schedule with both kids in tow (probably a miracle) just in time to stew in a line of cars waiting to drive over freshly pressed oil. Some time during those extra 30 minutes of waiting to eat, my brain had fainted dramatically and refused to make any productive decisions because it-was-probably-going-to-die. Like. Any second. I started believing it was right until I was beckoned by a friendly navy blue logo shouting "LUNCH customers only. Park here." Thank you, sign.

You know how they say "Never go grocery shopping hungry"? They should said "Never pass up LUNCH when you are hungry". Erin (Owner. Sandwich Chef. Server. Cacti enthusiast.) knows how to feed people. I rushed through the inviting dining room and stood in wonderment before the giant menu board filled with food descriptions. I'm not really sure I actually read anything. I just trusted my eyes to directly connect to my gut and followed it's orders. There is no wrong answer on that board. With power words like BACON in multiple menu items, I did not feel worried. I felt like I should high-five that massive menu. I didn't because I've never met Erin before and didn't want to give her the wrong impression.

My belly chose the Turkey and Swiss with Cucumbers and Sprouts, and a cup of Aunt Bev's Wild Mushroom soup. I'm glad it was in control, because if I had been in a more stable state I would have stood in front of that menu for far to long. Everything sounded great. I do wish I could've stopped to think about taking a photo of the tower of a sandwich and well coiffed soup placed before me. Unfortunately, I didn't remember to document it until I finished a good bit of my sandwich. That, and my 2 year old heartily volunteered to slurp up my soup, whether I gave him my spoon or not. This is not a normal cold-cut sandwich. There is real, quality flaked turkey on wheat with at least half of a cucumber embraced by a generous cloud of fresh and lightly peppery sprouts. And mayo? Not normal mayo. I am pretty sure there was something special in there. Mustard? Sunbeams? It was delightful, summery and satisfying. The mushroom soup was not what I expected, but exactly what I needed. The broth is very light and refreshing, but still creamy and filling. It was well seasoned and hearty chunks of different mushroom shapes were tender, meaty, and earthy. Just how a mushroom should taste.
 

I learned a few things while I devoured each crumb of my meal. I learned that Erin has traveled, studied, worked and eaten her way through some impressive places and then found her way back to Aberdeen to build a restaurant around a sense of community and thoughtful, seasonal dishes. I learned that each recipe on the menu can be traced to a beloved family member. And I learned that Erin is ridiculously patient with prying and redundant questions posed by my four-year old. Thank you for talking about cacti for 15 minutes while I shoved a sandwich in my face. You are a life saver.

If you are looking for a quiet place away from the office, I recommend stopping into LUNCH to savor your sandwich, salad, or soup in peace. The dining room is spacious but Sam Benn Park is right outside the window and would be a great place for a picnic. If you are simply too busy to slip out for a break, LUNCH is open at 7:30am. Grab your coffee from their full espresso bar, munch on a pastry, oatmeal or other breakfast goodie and ask them nicely to pack your lunch for later. Nothing says "Productive Morning" like knowing what you'll be eating before noon! OR, are you currently reading this from work? (We won't tell) Feel free to salivate over their online menu with your coworkers and have Lunch deliver to you. There is a $45 minimum order, but once these menus start circulating, you'll find someone to split the bill. If your commute does not bring you through Aberdeen, fear not! LUNCH now offers a selection of pre-crafted gourmet sandwiches at the Tully's in downtown Hoquiam, Tinderbox Coffee Roasters in Westport, and Central Station Espresso in Central Park. Wherever you find LUNCH, be sure to share it with friends and enjoy the rest of your afternoon with a full belly

Wonderful food awaits at LUNCH Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4pm. Call

(360) 537-6095 to reserve a large table or just stop by 1006 North H Street in Aberdeen. Your tummy will be glad you did.

Get to know your local band: Nicholson Keaton!

Catch Westport locals Nicholson Keaton at the Mermaid Deli and Pub every 2nd and 4th Friday and acoustic sets on Sundays

 Who's in the band and what do they play? (Left to Right)Steve Jay bass/vocals Lonzo Tackett drums David Anderson guitar/vocals. (EARMUFFS)

Where did the name come from? The name came from the 1989 Batman movie (Jack Nicholson and Michael Keaton).

How long has everyone been playing? We all started in the 4th grade. (Interviewer note: I can't prove this is Nicholson Keaton but I also can't prove it isn't Nicholson Keaton.)

Who are your top five influences?

What's your favorite song to play?

Where can we keep up to date with you? We are the Mermaid Deli and Pub's house band, Mac's Tavern and on our Facebook Fan Page.

The Saturday Shopper: Lunch

Lunch   

Owned by Erin Worth

Established November 2011            

1006 North H Street

Aberdeen, WA 98520  

www.lunchatlunch.com    
https://www.facebook.com/lunchatlunch    

360.537.6095

Monday-Friday, 7:30-4:00     

All About the Business:  I started Lunch because I wanted to do food my way here on the Harbor.  My concept for Lunch was based on the fact that I actually love to go out to lunch with my mom and friends.  It's casual with no high expectations of greatness but the familiarity is there and it should make you feel at ease.  Not that I don't have high expectations for Lunch, I want it to come across to people as a fun place to eat and hide away from whatever is going on in their lives at the time; a great escape for an hour or two.

The Lunch Crew

Most of the ideas for the menu are recipes that I have collected from my time at Etta's and from old family recipes that I have worked to recreate for my customers.  I also draw inspiration from a collection of cookbooks and a stack of magazines that sit in my office.  I don't believe in recreating the wheel in culinary terms but I do want to provide you with good fresh food with a hint of sophistication.

We sell mostly sandwiches, soups, and salads. We have added Deep River snacks into the mix with their gluten free chips for the summer and they have really taken off.  We also have fresh scones in the morning, caramel brownies, and an assortment of Wow Baking gluten free desserts.

I try and stay as local as I can with my products.  If I do any name dropping it will be a product from the PNW because I want to promote local products.  Even most of my gifts and cards are coming from the west coast.

One of Lunch's delicious creations,
made with local products as much as possible.

What Makes Your Business So Unique? We make almost everything from scratch; from the mayo to the soups, there isn't anything here that comes pre-packaged or already made from concentrate.  I feel that my customers can taste the difference and it's a refreshing thing to see on the harbor.

This summer I am excited to announce that we are participating in a local farm share and we will be running farm share specials all summer.  It's going to be a little like Iron Chef/Chopped where we get a box of ingredients and we have to figure out to put them together for a fun culinary experience. 

It doesn't get much better than a from-scratch brownie.

                 

Any Advice for First Time Customers? You order at the front counter in the cafe.  We get some people who will sit down right away and expect someone to come to their table but unfortunately that isn't the way it works.  Once you order though we will bring the food out to you and clear your plate.

Oh, and have a good time.  Music is always playing and there are plenty of things to read if you are by yourself.  All else fails ask Callie Prat any question and she'll be able to help you.

Saturday Shopper: Daniels Music Studio

Daniels Music Studio   

Owned by Nikkol (Wirta) Daniels

Est. 1985 as Wirta Piano Studio, renamed in 2007

360-593-2746

http://danielsmusicstudio.sharepoint.com/Pages/default.aspx

Home Studio

5813 Central Park Drive

Aberdeen

Tue/Wed/Thur: 5pm-8pm           

                             

Rosevear's Music Center

110 E. Wishkah St

Aberdeen

Tue/Wed/Thur: 11am-2pm

All About the Business:        Playing and teaching music isn't my job it's my passion. My studio offers comprehensive and exciting curriculum including individual and group lessons, and performance opportunities for all levels & ages Pre-K thru Adult proving you are NEVER too young or too old to play music. Lessons are tailored to each individual student's needs and abilities. Group lessons teach students additional elements including composition and music history.

Music literally plays an integral part of a person’s life and I want to help you develop your musical skill to your fullest potential. It is my goal to help you to become the best musician you can be, based on a solid foundation of artistic expressions, music theory and technique, and to provide lessons that are enjoyable & rewarding. The lessons I teach allows you to find your own musical expressions while learning other parts of music.

The primary structure of my piano studio consists of, but not limited to:

◦Note & rhythmic reading and recognition

◦Practice techniques and playing musically

◦Technique and theory

◦Memorization, sight reading and ear training

◦Studio and GHMTA Recitals

◦  GHMTA Adjudications, Music Olympics etc.

◦  MTNA Achievement Program

I began private piano lessons when I was 7. From 1980 to 1988 I received several music certificates & awards in performance at local and state competitions, auditions, as well as the ""Who’s Who in Music"" awards in1987&1988. 1985 I started as a student piano teacher under the direction of Laura Boyer. While in high school I accompanied the Aberdeen High School Choir under the direction of Pat Wilhelms. My private piano instructors include: Darlene Nelson, Helena Smith, Judy (Wirta) Reynvaan, Laura Boyer and at Western Washington University, Dr. Ford Hill.

Teaching for over 25 years, I have traveled to students’ homes to teach music lessons, collaboratively taught piano with Reynvaan Piano studio and opened Wirta Piano Studio in 2004 until 2007 when it was changed to Daniels Music Studio. I continue to build my musical repertoire & perform at various events throughout the year. I am a member of GHMTA, WSMTA and MTNA and in the musical group""IMU2"" with Judy Reynvaan which performs an array of styles; Jazz – Blues – Classical–Contemporary – Popular.

Teaching music is my passion, my business and my art. I want to present and live up to policies that give me the time and security to devote most of my energy to the creative act of sharing music. Above all I want my students to have fun, be creative, feel that their lives are being enriched by music and to remember that their musical adventures will last them a life time.

I believe that lessons should be fun and not a chore, but I also believe in having well-rounded lessons filled with learning for the student. To each lesson, I bring fun & discipline, and I challenge all of my students to meet their yearly goals. I value each relationship I have with each student and believe good rapport between student and teacher is crucial.       

What Makes Your Business Unique?         Lessons are tailored to individual students. And I am the only music teacher in Grays Harbor to take on students that are in preschool (ages 3-5)... although the ages of my students vary from (currently) 4 through 80+ (my oldest student is in her mid 80's).

Advice for First Time Customers?             The best way to find out how a lesson goes with me is to sign up for their first complimentary, obligation-free trial lesson with me.

Grays Harbor Outdoor Adventure and Travel Expo

This weekend is the second annual Outdoor Adventure Expo.

April 28th-29th.

Crew members from the deadliest catch.

Prizes and fun for the family.

Grays Harbor County Fair Grounds.

Eva Shockey of “Jim Shockey Hunting Adventures”.

Glen Hall of the fishing and hunting show “Hawg Quest".

Expo tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for youths 6 -13, children 5 and under free.

Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday and

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Children are welcome to cast for prizes at Cabela’s Fishing Pond.

Having lived on the Harbor for most of my life, it is hard to convey to people who are not from our beautiful area just how important the surrounding wildlife is to our outdoor experiences.

I would even go as far as to say that most of us either are a hunter/fisher-person, or know someone who is, which usually translates into a freezer full of yummy fish and meat to smoke, grill and fry!

flyer courtesy of www.ghcfairgrounds.com/OutdoorExpo.

And don't forget to visit Local Magazine Horns and Hooks booth!

National Park Week 2012

It's a place to walk the dog, to have a picnic, to play outside and spend time with your kids, your family or just by yourself with a book, a fishing pole or a pair of running shoes.  (except for the kids part... sounds like many of my springs and summers here on the harbor!)

Photo courtesy of Nationalparks.org

National Park Week 2012 starts this, yes I repeat THIS, weekend April 21 and runs through the 29th.  Lucky Grays Harborites have so many parks to choose from, you could visit one a day and it would still take you more than a month to visit them all. 

State parks that usually require a Discover Pass are free all week.  Great news for those of us (ie: ME) who have not taken the short amount of time required to buy the $30 pass when we renew our tabs.

Even if the weather isn't the best, (which it is supposed to be sunny this weekend), our areas 9 state parks, 9 wildlife conservations, and the national park are still great places to visit in the drizzle and fog.  The natural beauty of each park is breathtaking no matter the weather.

Not to mention the hundreds of local city and township parks that are sprinkled in and around our homes and workplaces. 

A few years ago, my mom and I took advantage of one of the many National Park Weeks held throughout the year and hiked our local parks.  It not only felt great to be outside but it made me appreciate the beauty of the area so much more. 

A few suggestions for your exploration week:  If you happen to be headed out to the beach check out Griffiths-Priday, Bottle Beach, and Westport Light.

My personal favorites are Lake Sylvia and Friends Landing in Montesano.  But don't forget about Makarenko Memorial  Park in Cosmopolis.  The memorial park has trails that are perfect for running and soccer fields that are great for a quick pick up game! 

Heading to East County?  Shaffer State Park is beautiful and free this week!

I could continue to tell you about all the local parks we have, and the list would be long, but what I really want you all to do is to Picture yourself Outside!

Friday Five: Superstitions

In honor, or maybe in fear of Friday the 13th, ( a day this year that will occur three times.. all of them thirteen days apart ) I thought that today's Friday five would be a fun time to showcase superstitions and myths that go hand in hand with our natural world around us.  More specifically, the beach, the river and the forest.

Myth #1

Grays Harbor thrived on the logging industry for many years as our forests provided the highly valued timber.  I won't take the time to reflect on how that resource was depleted, and instead share with you the myth of the spirits of the forests.

Legend says that when walking through a forest, always ask permission from the spirits first or you will be lost forever!  (Must have been what happened to Dorothy and the Scarecrow in the forest of apple trees, they didn't ask the trees first!  Wouldn't you throw apples at someone who didn't ask you permission? ) Anyway... this myth makes me think that we would have had entirely too many lost loggers if it was true, or maybe we just had a lot of men stopping at the edge of the forest talking to themselves... you decide.


Myth #2

River myths might just be my favorite type of superstition.  If you grew up in Grays Harbor.. or spent anytime as a teenage here in the summer, you spent a lot of time tubing our rivers.  Had you grown up with parents believing the next myth though you might have thought twice about jumping into the Wynoochee or the Humptulips river. 

A Grindylow is a water demon with long fingers that snatches children in the river and drags them down to the deep.  Supposedly this creature was invented to discourage kids from falling into the cold rivers in Britain, but seriously, if my parents had told me that particular story there is no way I would have been able to enjoy any of my endless summer fun! 

Myth #3

When you research Fishing Myths in Google... the computer crashes.  Well, not literally, but there are so many fishing myths and superstitions out there that it boggles the mind.  With the abundance of fishermen and women on the harbor I knew that including a few of these fishing gems was a must!

Shall we begin with the hat?  A whirlwind of myth surrounds the hat of the fisher-person, and I do not even want to tell you what happens when you set a hat on a bed!  Bad luck and enough said;)  Also, please don't bring your fishing pole in the house if you plan on catching a fish that day!  Fishing on a Friday is extremely unlucky, and if you don't catch a fish all day it is because "you were not holding your mouth right".  No idea yet if I can use this particular excuse in my everyday work life but you can bet I am going to try!

Myth #4

Ah the Ocean.  We are so lucky that we have ocean views so close.  There is nothing quite like living on the coast.  What is so lovely and fantastic about the ocean and the beach is also appreciated by sailors, of which the Pacific Northwest has had their fair share.  Which brings a basket full of sailing superstitions and myths.

My favorite fondly reminds me of our resident wine expert, but instead of consuming the wine sailors would pour the spirits on the deck to bring the voyage good luck! 

Myth #5

Speaking of the beach, the water, a picnic?  We have all heard the superstition that those who do not wait an hour before swimming can drown in the water because of cramps. Hahahaha.  More than likely this should be filed under the "can't swim" category!

Enjoy your Friday the 13th!
Let us know which superstitions and myths that you take part in!

Best Of? You Better Believe it!

Something I ran across while browsing the Internet this morning, yes at work! 

Reaffirming that where we live is one of the best places on earth. 

The Website Official Best Of. com solicited votes on their site, scoured travel sites and tourism bureaus and chamber of commerce websites.  They talk with experts and find the pulse of the area to determine if the nominee is truly a BEST Of.  This video is courtesy of Media World USA based out of Hollywood.

Seafood and Music, does it get any better?

I am a self proclaimed foodie.. actually a term given to me by one of my college roomates! We were drawing names for presents for Christmas and she was discussing what kind of present would best suit us.. and I am getting way way way off track!  It is this weekend that offers a great opportunity to taste the food of our shores to my hearts content.

The Sixth Annual Razor Clam Festival takes place in the Ocean Shores Convention Center in Downtown Ocean Shores.  Begining at 7 AM, Saturday, March 24, 2012 with the Firemen's Pancake Breakfast and food vendors including many of our beloved harbor restaurants;  

Emily's, North Shore Grill, Alec's, Home Port, and Bennett's. 

Check out the entire list of vendors here

If that doesn't start your mouth to watering, how about the Clam Chowder Cookoff?

Or the specialty adult drinks at Galway Bay Irish Pub and the Pirate's Cove Pub?

I also mentioned music.. a local favorite for sure! Drumroll please!

Ericka Corban will be the featured performer throughout the day.

On top of the Scrumptious Seafood and the amazing vendors and music, attendees can bid on decorted clam shovels and kids can enjoy Uncle Stinky's Magic show and pony rides.

The Sixth Annual Razor Clam Festival ends at 4 pm.  Admission to the Festival is $3.00 per person, but children 12 years old and under will be admitted free of charge!
 

Photo by John Clark

Chocolate on the Beach

Chocolate on the Beach

Date: February 24, 2012 - February 26, 2012

Chocolate bake sale,

chocolate crafts,

chocolate cocktail throwdown,

chocolate cooking classes and recipies, and
chocolate vendors.  

The 5th annual Chocolate on the Beach festival is the place to be if your not so secret indulgence is chocolate.  Events including cooking classes sponsored by the Ocean Crest Resort and a new kid's event at the "Palace of Treats" (Pacific Beach resort Conference Center)

(not an actual representation of the Palace of Treats)

A third venue, the "Hot Cocoa Hall" at the North Beach Community Center has been added to hold all the new vendors.

This year's annual Chocolate Recipe Contest guest judges are The Culinary Madman, Jess Owen from the Ocean Crest Resort and Art Sanders from KOMO News Radio. Once the festival is over, recipes collected from the first five years will be made into a collector's cookbook.

Did I mention that tickets were only $5? However, on Sunday, ALL professional and volunteer fire, EMS, law enforcement and 9-1-1 operators are invited to bring a guest for FREE! This is the Festival Board's way of saying, 'Thank You!' to these extaordinary people.

Hey There, Harborite: Erin Worth

Name/Age:  Erin Worth, 29

Where do you live: Aberdeen ,WA

Profession/Day job: Chef/Owner of Lunch

Loyal to: I bleed blue and gold baby....Bobcat all the way

Best Harbor Moment:  I was sitting in Starbucks with Callie Pratt and Krister Lile talking about the harbor and how we should change it or even if it was worth sticking around.  Suddenly we were talking about what we wanted on the harbor and within two hours I had been talked in to starting my own cafe.  It was the seed that over the course of six months turned in to my place Lunch.  It all started with a simple hypothetical question.

Favorite Coffee Stand: When I was younger I was very loyal to Coffee Cat.  But I have worked at the local Starbucks and now I serve Batdorf and Bronson coffee and Lunch so I just drink my own espresso when I get to work in the morning.

Favorite Local Business:  There are several.  I love Waughs because Trent is there and he keeps me informed about all the latest and greatest Washington Wines, but I'm alway pleasantly surprised when I go in the Country Closet.  The owner has so many cute items along with the season/holiday trend and I can't wait to see what she has for Valentine's Day.

Grunge, Metal or Country: I'm a little Country I have to say.  I was lost when Big D and Bubba left the air but now they are on the Big Foot County on the Harbor and they are the only people I can tolerate in the morning because they play quite a bit of music too.

Beach, Forest or River:  Beach.  I love the beach in the middle of a storm and I love the beach in the summer.  Westport is diverse with many things to see.  You can go to the Jetty and watch the surfers and then go walk the docks and buy fresh seafood right off the boats.  I wish more businesses were open year round but it's a nice afternoon adventure.

Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip:  I love the drive up the Quinault and walking the Big tree loop and then either having lunch in the Roosevelt room at Lake Quinault Lodge or driving over to the coast and having lunch at Ocean Crest or in Seabrook.  It's a nice loop even in the winter with newly paved roads and very little traffic.  When I have people come to town who have never been to the harbor I always do this with them.

Best way to stay dry on rainy days:  Stay at home with a good book and a fire or drive up to Walter Dacon in Shelton and see if there are any new wines and developments and have a chat about small business with Andy.

Define the Harbor in one word: supportive

If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be:  I want to revive downtown.  We all talk about wanting independent stores and a beautiful downtown area that we can be proud of but when we look at our bank statements and in this economy we all flock to the super stores like Walmart for the discount products and best deals.  We watched so many great places close over the years due to the fact that they can not compete with the slashed prices.  It's devastating to see 75% of the down town un-occupied and torn up.

Grays Harbor's best kept secret:  My Place!!! Lunch is growing but I'm still looking for more.  Once the spring hits there will be outdoor seating and homemade gelato.  I'm excited for the future of Lunch and everything it has to offer the public.

Stuff to do with your Sweetheart

Take your Honey to Hoquiam Valentine's Day Event on February 10th and 11th at 7:30,would be my first stop on a list of places for Valentine's Day this year.  Not because I am a particular Tom Hanks fan, but because if you stop at any of the participating restaurants and buy dinner for two, (no that does not mean you can go by yourself and order two entrees) or purchase flowers at participating florists, you will most definitely receive two free tickets to Sleepless in Seattle!
and now those participating restaurants...
8th street Ale House, Al’s Hum-Dinger, Casa Mia, Deidra's Deli at Farmers’ Market, El Jalapeno, Golden Dragon, Lana’s Hangar Café, Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant, The Oriole Restaurant, Welcome Inn Bar & Grill, Flowers By Pollen and Kathy’s House of Roses

If you are into dinner and dancing, celebrating the classic silver screen way might not be up your alley.  However, if you want to step out in style like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers, the Sweet Heart Dinner Dance Auction might just be the ticket.  The Senior class of 2012 parents are raising funds for the graduating class to enjoy a sober grad night party and we can all benefit by dancing the night away at the Aberdeen Elks, Friday February 10th at 7p.m.. Silent auctions, music by Ready or Not... sounds like a fun way to spend the evening! Grays Harbor's Chamber of Commerce has all the details.

If a low key day is more of your thing, then maybe Southshore Massage's Valentine Package would be the perfect way to spend the day.  It is a couples learning package for $100.00 (not too sure what that may include but doesn't is sound very romantic?) The website, here mentions a Swedish massage!

Want to dress up and feel fancy for the evening?

East Grays Harbor Centennial Rotary  

Sweet Hearts Ball & Auction

Quinault Beach Resort & Casino

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Westport Winery  is hosting three Romantic Valentine's Dinner where guests select between Sunday, February 12, Monday, February 13, or Tuesday, February 14 at 6:00 p.m, for a four course dinning experience.  Did I mention wine? Delicious hand crafted wine! Reservations are required and dinner must be paid for in advance, but what a way to impress the love of your life!

If dinner is not in the cards, how about going to LUNCH! Bring your own wine and dine at Lunch 6:30-9:30 on Valentines Day features a great menu with live music by Erika Corban.  What a great way to unwind and spend quality time with your sweetheart!

Even though the next razor clam dig is a few days after Valentine's Day, an evening dig on February 18th might just be the belated celebration your hunny would love.  Four beaches were approved! It would be a great way to get out and enjoy the area while catching your own dinner! Details here !

If you just cant decide what to do, remember to get out of the house and explore grays harbor's great restaurants and stores.  They might just have the perfect gift that you never knew you always wanted!

Friday Five: Live Music! Bars Edition

I'd like to start off by apologizing to the editors of Go Go Grays Harbor. They assigned me the task of writing a Friday Five post about the notable animals of Grays Harbor. Asking me to write about animals is like asking a woodpecker to perform a rhinoplasty. It could be done, but it wouldn't be pretty and it wouldn't be neat. However, it would be enlightening- in a "we should NEVER let that happen again" kind of way. So I'm going to write about something I love- watching people get drunk and dance. Let's go!

1. Galway Bay Irish Pub (880 Point Brown Ave. NE. Ocean Shores. 360-289-2300)
Galway Bay has Irish music most weekends. They serve wonderful food and have a great alcohol selection (Guinness anyone?). When it comes to dancing, Galway is the tamest of bars on my list, but the sing-alongs are a hoot. The more you drink, the better they sound.


One Guinness.


Two Guinness.


Three Guinness.


You get the idea.

2. Quinault Beach Resort and Casino (78 State Route 115. Ocean Shores. 360-289-9466)
The casino is the biggest bar on my list. The lounge itself is reasonably sized but since its a casino, you can drink and smoke all over. I have played out here many of times with the Bruce Hughes Band. I have seen the best dancers and the worst dancers while playing in the Ocean Lounge in the casino. Everything from break dancing to ballroom, from the sprinkler to the worm. The folks who can and the folks who THINK they can. I've seen the old guy who asks all the young ladies to dance then looks innocent as he gropes them until the girls stomp off the floor in disgust (don't play dumb ladies- you've watched the guy pull this stunt all night). You know the person who is so drunk their idea of dancing is to hump EVERYTHING? I've seen that person in the lounge. A LOT. Bonus: the security is awesome- so go have fun!


Seen it.


Lived it.


Love it.

3. 8th Street Alehouse (207 8th St. Hoquiam. 360-612-3455.)
From the folks who brought you Galway Bay, its the Alehouse! The 8th St. Alehouse is in a small building. How small? 12 people and the place is hoppin'. 13 people and the place is packed! 40 people?! At that point, the fire marshall has to come over and notify the barkeep the place is over occupancy. But, as soon as the fire marshall walks in the whole place bursts at the seams! They have to rebuild every week. That's how I see it in my head anyway. Okay, maybe I understated the numbers. Its really not that small, but it is the smallest bar on my list. It's great to play at the Alehouse. You always play to a packed house and that feels good. Plus, they have open mic night! Sweet!


I'd like to play another Hanson tune for you.


And they're all in line for the bathroom.

4. Gepettos (126 E. Pioneer Ave. Montesano. 360-249-4445)
Gepetto's is a good place to get Italian food and it has a sweet bar too. Beer and pizza truly is a match made in heaven. Acoustically, its one of the best rooms on the harbor. The dance floor is front and center of the stage, with seating all around. If you get there early enough to get a table, there's not a bad seat in the house. Also a reasonably sized establishment, it fills up quickly which builds band confidence. If the crowd is having a good time, the band is having a good time and vice versa.


Hey Macarena!

5. NW Passage (617 W. Curtis. Aberdeen. 360-532-0161)
Also a good sounding room, the NW Passage has been a live music staple on the harbor for EVER. Seriously, since the beginning of time. I've seen some great dancing here too, but more in the "I can't believe they're dancing like that...in public" category. Some dance to the beat of a different drum. The kind of beat that puts countless shots of alcohol in your bloodstream and inspires you to move in gyrating motion, a la Pee Wee Herman. Not familiar with that beat? It sounds a little like this:



Go out this weekend!

Need Business Advice?

Starting a business can be a daunting task. There's paperwork to fill out, licenses to obtain and marketing plans... it can be overwhelming!

The good news is that you're not alone and there is help out there. One of the best places to go, especially when you're just getting started, is the Washington State Business Development Center. They have offices all over the state and our local office is located on the Grays Harbor College campus in Aberdeen.

Erik Stewart heads up the office at GHC and is a great resource if you need help shaping your business ideas, doing marketing research or writing a business plan. The services are completely free and easy to set up. Just email or call Erik and get moving on that business idea!

Weekend activites to get you out and about!

Join Grays Harbor Idol host, Ashley this Friday night at 8PM in the Ocean Lounge at Quinault Beach Resort and Casino! The top 12 will be heating up the stage by performing 3 songs, and competing to win a prize package worth over $2,400!!  Come out for a night of great entertainment, and cheer on your favorite!  Audience response counts for 10% of the judges vote!  4 will be eliminated, 8 move on to compete next Friday night. The winner will be crowned on Friday, February 17th! 

Anything going on Saturday night? Head on into Montesano and hit up The Cellar Club for Red Solo Cup night!  There is a $10 suggested donation, where proceeds will go directly to Tabitha Kowal who is currently undergoing treatment for stage 4 cancer.  Also, $1.00 of every beer sold will also go to Tabitha. The night will include red Solo Cups, sharpies, items up for auction, and an amazingly fun evening. Local musician Rich Travers will be on hand with live music as well!  The Cellar Club opens at 4:00pm with the live music starting at 9:00pm.  Meat and cheese trays will also be available for purchase. 

Saturday evening join the St. Andrews Relay for Life team for an evening of Basket Bingo!  Win a round of bingo and you'll get to select a basket provided by members of the church.  They have baskets themed with games, coffee, tools, and movies just to name a few!  The doors will open at 6PM with bingo starting at 6:30.  Everyone is welcome to attend this fun event to have a good time and help raise money for a great cause, to fight cancer!  There is a suggested donation of $5.00 per bingo card.  St. Andrews is located on the corner of 1st and G in Aberdeen right across from Bridges.

Lunch at Lunch

Since I recently moved back to Aberdeen after living in the big city, I've been dying for a hip cafe within walking distance from my house, so you can imagine my excitement when I heard about Aberdeen's newest eatery, Lunch.

I figured the food would be excellent since chef and owner, Erin Worth, was trained in Portland, Oregon (foodie capital of the world) and I was right! I had the chicken noodle soup which was so good. I only wish I could have tried everything on the menu... especially that mac and cheese, my guilty pleasure.


I was also thrilled to learn that they serve coffee and espresso drinks... and if I hadn't recently given up caffeine (dang it) I would probably be there every day.


This summer, Erin plans to add outdoor seating. I can see me now: a good book, an iced coffee (I mean, how long can I last without caffeine?) and my sunglasses sitting out front. Can't wait! And in other good news, she's planning special BYOB dinner events very soon, so all of you who typically work during her open hours get a chance to get some tasty tasty food with your can of budweiser glass of pinot noir.


Lunch is open Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 4pm at 1006 N H Street, Aberdeen.

Buy Local

How often do you think about where you are spending your money and how it affects the local Grays Harbor economy?

Everyone is driven by many factors when they choose where and how to spend their money. If you're on a tight budget, price might play a bigger role in your decision making. If you care a lot about your image, you'll probably shell out the extra dough to buy the hottest brands. Or maybe you care about where your purchases come from, and so put in the effort to finding the most environmentally and socially responsible products to buy.

It's really a complicated equation, in the end. Somewhere in the back of our minds, we're working in all of the variables to find a solution which eventually leads us to Wal-Mart, the Olympia Mall or online.

So what impact do these decisions make on our community? Turns out, it's a big deal. Take these facts from The 3/50 Project:



I'm sure you've heard this before: "There's nowhere to shop on the Harbor!"

First of all, I beg to differ, but that's not my point today. The more each of us chooses to spend at local businesses in Grays Harbor, the more money will stay in Grays Harbor and the more attractive the area will look to other people looking to start a business. At some point, we have to consider it an investment. That means we put the economy as a top priority and move the other priorities down the line so that eventually we can make this a great place to live and shop!

The 3/50 Project is a great way to get started. Each month, choose 3 local businesses you like and spend $50 (or as much as you can afford) at each of those locations. If you're looking for places to shop local, we've even created a list of amazing local businesses that you should check out.

This could be the year that we commit to supporting Grays Harbor and start rebuilding the local economy!

Friday Five: Ah, the mini mart

This is not a top five, by any stretch of the imagination. However, it is a list of five mini marts worth checking out next time you need jojos, Jolt cola (when's the last time you had one of those?), beer, Big League Chew, some of those giant sweet tarts, honey roasted peanuts, the latest copy of Autotrader, ninja stars, a sweet pocket knife with matching flask...

Here we go!

1. Astro Toad's (740 East Main St. Elma 482-4929).
Sunflower seeds, jojos and most importantly, a HUGE walk in beer cave. If you stick your tongue on a beer bottle in the beer cave, it will freeze and get stuck there. I know. I also know its very hard to drink beer out of a bottle that's frozen to your tongue. I don't want to go into detail and relive the memories. I just know it and you need to believe me.


I had to see it to believe it.


2. Brady Food Mart (595 Monte Elma Road, Montesano 249-6952).
Last stop before Schafer State Park. Nice beer and cookie selection- two great tastes thT taste great together. This stop is also the little pick-me-up you need on those long drives to Olympia...it will at least get you to Summit Lake Grocery.


"You said there'd be cookies."


3. Cosi Maxi Mini Mart (1025 1st St. Cosmopolis 532-1067).
Hot food! Corndogs, chicken strips, pizza pockets, those little chicken taquito things, and they have fry sauce. A stop here will guarantee a happy tummy all the way to Raymond, maybe even South Bend.


'Nuff said.


4. Young's Quick Stop I and II (Young's Quick Stop I: 605 W Market St. Aberdeen 533-9601. Young's Quick Stop II: 100 North G St. Aberdeen 533-4770).
A personal favorite of mine, being an Aberdeen kid. Remember those ninja stars I mentioned earlier? They got 'em. Sick swords too. Wallets with chains, bottles of Coke with real sugar, Bob Marley posters...I could go on. Let's just say its a classic.


Another successful shopping trip.


5. You & I Market (51 Main St. Pacific Beach 276-8182).
In the picture dictionary of life, the definition of convenience store is a picture of a mini mart at the beach. The camping, the bbq, the wind in your hair, that constant salty taste in your mouth. Eventually you're going to want some socks that don't have sand in them, a hairbrush, toothbrush (that sand gets EVERYWHERE), ice, Excedrin, mustard, some Bubblicious, and all the other things we overlook when we giddily pack for the beach trip.


Note to self: next time you agree to do this, pee first.


There you go. I know I didn't get them all but it's a starting point. If there's one you like that didn't make the list, please tell us about it. If you're near one of these fine establishments, or if you need to satiate your craving for a Nerds Rope, check them out. I recommend it.

Grays Harbor Idol-First night of Competition

You might not see Steven Tyler in person tonight, however you might hear an Aerosmith classic if you come out to Grays Harbor Idol at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino starting tonight, Friday the 13th!  It is that time agian when the best of those who have auditioned over the past week start the competition, and from the talent that showed up last week, it is shaping up to be a great month of Fridays!  Come out tonight and support your favorite performer, kick back and enjoy the music, sip a drink and eat some yummy food!