I want to say thank you so much to “Vinbero” for giving me a place to share my stories through food. On September 12th and 13th I will be cooking dinners that explore First Nations foods, weaving them together to tell a story of Native American history, community, and the resilience of how far we have come, carrying traditional values into modern life.
The six courses I am serving are really a journey into my own life here in the Pacific Northwest. Each dish carries pieces of what I have lived, loved, and held close to my heart.
The first course takes on the myth of “firewater,” speaking honestly about both the harm it brought and the strength of those who carried its weight.
The second course, “Grazing in Summer,” is a salad that brings together the medicines of the Pacific Northwest, essential during the harvest seasons.
The third dish, “Lifecycle of Salmon and Fried Clams,” is at the heart of this place. It tells the story of land and sea coming together, of natural migration and memory, and of the endless cycle of renewal.
The fourth dish, “Duwamish Long House (Recognition),” is a smoked vegetarian terrine. Its form reflects the steadiness of the longhouse and honors the home that once belonged to Chief Seattle.
The fifth dish, “Four Legged Land Acknowledgment, Three Ways,” brings together bison, venison, and elk in acorn tortillas. It is bold and grounding, but also gentle, a way of honoring survival, balance, and the ties between land, food, and identity.
The final dish, “Native Flapjacks: The Cycle of Life, Youth to Elderhood,” is a dessert that speaks to the circle of life. It reminds us of the sweets we loved as children and the way those flavors follow us as we grow older, carrying memory and innocence full circle.
“Vinbero” in Edmonds, Washington is such a special place to share this story. Kris and Kali Kelnero, dear friends of mine, have been asking me to collaborate for years, and now after fifteen years we finally made it happen. I am so grateful to them for opening their space and for making this dinner possible.
If you are interested in joining us on September 12 or 13, go HERE. We still have seats available on September 13. I would love to share this dinner with you.
