Great Escapes: Gastronomical Escapes

With summer just around the corner, you may be planning to entertain friends and family from distant locales. If an extraordinary celebration begs for an out-of-the-ordinary experience, here are five ideas that should excite your guests and their palates:

1. If you like fresh, local ingredients, look no further than Art of the Table. Located in the Wallingford neighborhood, the ambiance is friendly and there are a variety of ways to sample their menu. Try out "Happy Mondays" for a la carte small plates, and beer and wine specials. Or, if you wish to make a real commitment, reserve a spot for you and your special group at their next Supper Club-only on Friday and Saturday nights-which features a four-course, prix-fixe special menu-complete with wine or beer pairings.

2. Guests and native Seattleites-alike-will delight in the Tillicum Village experience. The event includes a cruise from downtown Seattle to Blake Island, a unique salmon dinner, Native American entertainment, and a relaxing cruise back to the Seattle waterfront.

 3. Have you forgetten about history and Chaucer? Then, consider reserving a seat at the table at Bors Hede Inne. There will be opportunities to learn (or learn more) about the Middle Ages, feast on satisfying grub and listen to wandering minstels and storytellers.

4. Escape from your daily routine and partake in an evening full of the outlandish at Teatro Zinzanni. While enjoying a delectable five-course meal, you will be simultaneously be treated to dancing, singing, comedy and interactive entertainment.

 5. Highly acclaimed and recognized throughout the world, The Herbfarm is truly both exceptional and unique. A showstopping bounty of food is presented by the owners and waiters, who tell stories about the geographical origin of the ingredients and the inspiration for each and every course. The menus-influenced by the season-include the perfect wine to complement the food. And, you just might want to have an empty stomach when you go. There are nine-courses to each meal.

You won't have to venture very far outside of the greater Seattle area to share an unusual and unique gastronomical experience. Go ahead, live a little!