C.I. Shenanigans - Tacoma

We were fortunate enough to visit with family a while back as one of Country Girl's brother in laws was in the area for training.  We went to C.I. Shenanigans in T-town as part of the hanging out festivities. 

While I don't recall the food specifically, the view was unforgettable.  It was a gorgeous day and we sat on their water front deck.  Stunning views of Puget Sound and Olympic Peninsula were all around as we enjoyed din din.  The views were wonderful and the conversation was even better.  Always fantastic seeing family and thanks for the visit!

Gaudi - Ravenna

Due to a longer than desired wait at a newish Italian place nearby, we stopped by Gaudi in Ravenna.  It worked out pretty well.  

Was possibly Country Girl's first time at a Spanish restaurant.  I've had tapas before in some fashion in the past and, coincidentally,  recently had paella for the first time earlier in the summer.  It's a smallish place with only a handful of tables.  Bright, cheery interior with lots of art setting an appropriate mood.  

We ordered a couple of tapas and the seafood paella.  Country Girl was a great sport and enjoyed just about everything.  She found the octopus a bit much though.  The sangria left a lot to be desired, surprisingly.  Thin, light in flavor and sadly, sweetened.  The dessert pleasantly knocked it out of the park. 

Hopefully won't be the last time there.

Beck - Marymoor Park

Lots of energy, loads of hits we knew and loved and very light on the mopey, newer material.  Mr. Hansen absolutely delivered the goods. 

Hate, hate, hate

Go Irish

Beverly Beach State Park, Oregon

Camp set-up complete

The fam took the show on the road and headed to Beverly Beach State Park on the Oregon coast.  While the weather wasn't ideal, it improved each day during our stay and certainly didn't prevent us from having a wonderful time. 

Country Girl was once again a whiz with the camp food.  Our delicious meals included philly cheese-steak sandwiches, braised short ribs and tin-foil dinners.  We also paid a visit to nearby Newport where we saw lots of loud sea lions lounging about looking silly.

Staying hydrated is key

Everyone brought their feet

KW checking out the camp cleanup up effort

Arcade Fire - The Gorge

Country Girl paid her inaugural visit to The Gorge Amphitheater in George, WA when we made the trip out to see one of her favorite bands, Arcade Fire.  She was duly impressed by the both the venue and the show.  If you've ever been to the Gorge, it's easy to see why.  It's an amazing venue both in terms of setting and acoustics.  Nestled in a hill side along the Colubmia River with canyons all around, it's visually stunning.  Combined with top shelf acoutics, there's not a bad seat in the house.  That's especially saying a lot when there are 25,000+ seats.  

While I'm not a particular fan of the band, I had read raves about their live shows. Raves well deserved as they lit up the place with sound and energy.  Very much a fantastic show. 

Tavern Law, Olympic Sculpture Park

A recent date night found us trying Tavern Law on Capitol Hill.  I'd been there once before during the season for drinks, I believe (circumstances were a bit hazy).  The food was new to us both and boy, was it good.  We had the spiced fried chicken and burger with red wine onion jam and provolone.  The chicken was lightly battered and very crispy.  I certainly wouldn't call it spicy and would definitely call it outstanding.  The burger was similarly fantabulous.  Brilliantly cooked and the relish added splendid flavor.

Isn't she gorgeous?  Super lucky, this guy.

After din din, we headed to the Olympic Sculpture Park to soak up the last of a beautiful day.  It was a great setting to snap pics of the bell of the ball.