Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/188061
Who's Who of Seattle THE TASTING PANEL'S dIAry IN THE EMERALD CITY W hen Meridith May and I headed up to Seattle in August, we knew we were in for a treat. Though we knew we'd have an amazing time meeting with some of the city's top somms for our Wente Vineyards luncheon, and while we knew we'd be exploring Seattle's vibrant food and beverage community, we were blown away by the talented, passionate people we met across the city. We met with retailers and beverage directors who, with the Pacific Northwest wines and a whole new crop of craft spirits at their fingertips, are offering their customers new niche experiences every day; we visited restaurants where local is in the heart of the kitchen, and we visited restaurants that grew from the other side of the world. We dined; we drank; we fell in love. Here you'll find some highlights of our trip, including some of the faces and places that made us swoon for Seattle. For more photos from our journey, and from adventures-to-come, be sure to follow @TastingPanel on Instagram. Thank you, Seattle! —Rachel Burkons Senior Editor Rachel Burkons enjoys a mini-tail Maker's Mark quaff called Daddy's Medicine at The Leary Traveler. THE TASTING PANEL's Publisher/Executive Editor Meridith May shares a cocktail with Southern Wine & Spirits Area Sales Rep Pete Young at chic waterfront eatery Little Water. They're drinking a Margarita Mas Mejor, made with El Mayor Reposado Tequila. 102 the tasting panel / 102 / the tasting panel / october 2013 TP1013_066-107.indd 102 9/23/13 10:37 PM