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Bellevue Reporter Westin Bellevue hosts girls' night out

LINDSAY LARIN; Reporter
llarin@reporternewspapers.com
Published: June 07, 2008 10:00:00 AM
Updated: June 09, 2008 10:21:38 AM



Author and chef Kathy Casey shared her passion for food, cocktails, entertaining at this year’s Women Wine & Shopping event. The girls' night out was held at The Westin Bellevue as part of the Culinary & Wine Showcase, a weeklong event presented by the Bellevue Collection.
The evening included sample appetizers paired with local Washington wines from some of Woodinville’s top wineries. Each guest was given a personalized etched wine glass to commemorate the evening.
Strategically placed throughout the room, tablescapes displayed unique design ideas meant to conjure up creativity, courtesy of Nordstrom at Home, Crate & Barrel, JZ Rose, and Macy’s Home. Each table had a different theme including Green with Envy, Ladies Who Brunch, Ship to Shore and It’s a Jungle Out There.
The women mingled and sipped on a signature cocktail prior to Casey’s live presentation. The French Peach Fizz cocktail that was served was one of Casey’s own contraptions using her own Dish D’Lish Lemon & Lime Sour Cocktailor (recipe, this page).
Loving what she does and wanting to share her knowledge on the ins-and-outs of entertaining, Casey captured the crowd with her spunky personality.
“I think this event was so much fun. The food was delicious, the wines were perfect and what a great, great group of people,” Casey said, who enjoys getting out and meeting other women who love to entertain.
She is not only a celebrated chef and author of eight cookbooks, but also runs Seattle-based Kathy Casey Food Studios, and Liquid Kitchen. In addition, making the world of entertaining her playground, Casey and her husband John Casey own Dish D’Lish, including a retail product line and café concept found at Sea-Tac International Airport.
During her presentation Casey dished about do-it-yourself entertainment tips that will take the stress off the host and put the fun back in the party. She gave a sample of helpful tips.
First, whether planning a small get together or elaborate party, it is best to start by picking a theme, set a budget, draft a menu and create a guest list. The animated Casey also emphasized the importance of pre-chilling wines and having plenty of ice.
According to Casey, a good guideline is one pound of ice per person and for easy storage, use the washing machine. Not only is it sanitary but also the water drains when the ice melts. Another tip was don’t over do it in the kitchen. Casey warned against cooking all new recipes on the day of the event. One hundred percent new dishes equals a recipe for disaster.
Most importantly, Casey reminded the audience that entertaining is an opportunity to connect with friends and family, engage in interesting conversation, and linger over great food and drinks.
Following her presentation, Casey was available for a meet and greet and book signing. As the night wound down, guests walked away with a personalized wine glass in one hand and a swag bag in the other, stuffed full of fun goodies from the Bellevue Collection.
For more Dishing with Kathy tips, ideas, and recipes, visit www.KathyCasey.com.