Tulalip Resort: offers the best food and wine event in the Northwest

2013_tulalip_mainBy Duane Pemberton, Communities Digital News

TULALIP, Wash, May 1, 2014 – The Taste of Tulalip is the ultimate “feast of the senses” that combines wine, food and fun in a relaxed setting that has helped define it as the defacto event of its kind in the Northwest.

The Tulalip Casino and Resort is a property on the Native American land of the Tulalip tribe, hence the casino part. Having the luxury of one of the areas top-ranking casinos helps provide revenue for the kind of budget required for the resort to put on a first-class event.

What makes the Tulalip Resort such a great venue for a wine and food event is really a combination of things going for it. A first-class staff such as Chef Perry Mascitti, Sommelier Tommy Thompson and its Food & Beverage Director, Lisa Severn. These three not only know how to throw a party, they do everything first-class.

Secondly, are accommodations which also present a very welcoming vibe and the rooms at Tulalip definitely fit the bill. Perhaps the nicest feature of the rooms is the three-tier shower system which hits all areas of the body, making you not want get out of it.

Assuming you pay for the full weekend pass, you’ll start things off with a multi-course reception dinner in the main convention hall. Everything from the quality of each course you consume to the attentiveness of each wait staff person, it’s a dinner you won’t soon forget. This past event, Carla Hall of ABC’s “The Chew” was on the center stage welcoming the guests and helping to get the “party started”.

Several hours later after you experience this food and wine assault on the senses, you’ll find a gorgeous, well-appointed room waiting for you to sink into.

The Grand Tasting is the event which most attend and it’s not just any “second-rate” tasting, you’ll find craft beers, imported wines from other countries such as Italy and France along with domestic favorites from California, Oregon and Washington State.

There are various mini-events which also take place during the Grand Tasting and those can be both a fun and educational to attend.  There’s a cooking demo by a celebrity chef where you’ll get to try the food when done with the demo –winner of Top Chef, Kristen Kish, held the honors in 2013.

There is also a “Rock and Roll Cooking Challenge” across from the main grand tasting hall which has always proved to be a light-hearted, fun-filled event as well.

Additionally, there’s a Private Magnum tasting lounge where Tommy Thompson and crew open up extremely rare, extremely expensive wines from around the globe. Bourdeaux, Burgundy, Australia, Italy, Napa, Willamette Valley and Columbia Valley’s best are often represented in this exclusive tasting.

If you love wine, you owe it to yourself to get into this tasting in order to taste wines from the likes of Chateau Margaux, Screaming Eagle, Schafer, Quilceda Creek to name a few.

It’s the culmination of so many things which all seem to happen with flawless execution on the part of the staff and guests which helps guests feel very much a part of what’s going on.

Any more, being able to define an “ultimate food and wine” destination in most areas has become more difficult thanks to an availability of so many good ones to pick from. There’s no doubt that it should always be on your “must do” list of having an ultimate wine and food weekend in a relaxing, fun-filled place that you won’t soon forget.

For more details, visit: www.tasteoftulalip.com

2013_tulalip_2

Read more at http://www.commdiginews.com/life/tulalip-resort-offers-the-best-food-and-wine-event-in-the-northwest-16594/#Hj9a4d3Mhk0hHD4x.99

TULALIP, Wash, May 1, 2014 – The Taste of Tulalip is the ultimate “feast of the senses” that combines wine, food and fun in a relaxed setting that has helped define it as the defacto event of its kind in the Northwest.

The Tulalip Casino and Resort is a property on the Native American land of the Tulalip tribe, hence the casino part. Having the luxury of one of the areas top-ranking casinos helps provide revenue for the kind of budget required for the resort to put on a first-class event.

What makes the Tulalip Resort such a great venue for a wine and food event is really a combination of things going for it. A first-class staff such as Chef Perry Mascitti, Sommelier Tommy Thompson and its Food & Beverage Director, Lisa Severn. These three not only know how to throw a party, they do everything first-class.

Secondly, are accommodations which also present a very welcoming vibe and the rooms at Tulalip definitely fit the bill. Perhaps the nicest feature of the rooms is the three-tier shower system which hits all areas of the body, making you not want get out of it.

Assuming you pay for the full weekend pass, you’ll start things off with a multi-course reception dinner in the main convention hall. Everything from the quality of each course you consume to the attentiveness of each wait staff person, it’s a dinner you won’t soon forget. This past event, Carla Hall of ABC’s “The Chew” was on the center stage welcoming the guests and helping to get the “party started”.

Several hours later after you experience this food and wine assault on the senses, you’ll find a gorgeous, well-appointed room waiting for you to sink into.

The Grand Tasting is the event which most attend and it’s not just any “second-rate” tasting, you’ll find craft beers, imported wines from other countries such as Italy and France along with domestic favorites from California, Oregon and Washington State.

There are various mini-events which also take place during the Grand Tasting and those can be both a fun and educational to attend.  There’s a cooking demo by a celebrity chef where you’ll get to try the food when done with the demo –winner of Top Chef, Kristen Kish, held the honors in 2013.

There is also a “Rock and Roll Cooking Challenge” across from the main grand tasting hall which has always proved to be a light-hearted, fun-filled event as well.

Additionally, there’s a Private Magnum tasting lounge where Tommy Thompson and crew open up extremely rare, extremely expensive wines from around the globe. Bourdeaux, Burgundy, Australia, Italy, Napa, Willamette Valley and Columbia Valley’s best are often represented in this exclusive tasting.

If you love wine, you owe it to yourself to get into this tasting in order to taste wines from the likes of Chateau Margaux, Screaming Eagle, Schafer, Quilceda Creek to name a few.

It’s the culmination of so many things which all seem to happen with flawless execution on the part of the staff and guests which helps guests feel very much a part of what’s going on.

Any more, being able to define an “ultimate food and wine” destination in most areas has become more difficult thanks to an availability of so many good ones to pick from. There’s no doubt that it should always be on your “must do” list of having an ultimate wine and food weekend in a relaxing, fun-filled place that you won’t soon forget.

For more details, visit: www.tasteoftulalip.com
Read more at http://www.commdiginews.com/life/tulalip-resort-offers-the-best-food-and-wine-event-in-the-northwest-16594/#Hj9a4d3Mhk0hHD4x.99

Big winners at Tulalip Bingo night

By Andrew Gobin

An event to just have fun, make a little extra cash, and remember how far the Tulalip Tribes has come, the annual tribal member bingo celebration is always a crowded event. This year marks 13 years since the new bingo hall opened, though it is only the second year that the celebration was held in two separate sessions, so that twice as many people could attend. Both sessions were packed with eager players enjoying free bingo and entering into a drawing for a variety of prizes. Some players even brought lucky bingo daubers and had lined them on the table in front of them, waiting to blot out a win.

Tulalip elder Norma Comenote said, “I’ve never won here, but I come every year. It’s good to visit with everyone, my friends and family, and all my relatives. It’s all about having fun.”

You can’t really go wrong with free bingo, a free raffle, and good company, but some players still had their eyes on the prize.

“I’m just waiting for that $2000 cash raffle win,” said Breland Joseph.

Players could win a Pendelton blanket with a card underneath in the raffle. The card had another prize written on it. Winners chose a blanket with the hopes of scoring the big cash payouts or a big screen TV. Unfortunately for Breland, no sooner had he said he was going to win the $2000 prize, when the next raffle winner swooped it out from under a blanket.

The evening was full of laughter and fun. Bingo Manager Tammy Taylor had the honor of hosting the celebration this year, though she had some pretty big shoes to fill.

“I just want to say I’m honored to be here, but I think we all miss Mel Sheldon. He hosted tribal bingo night every year, and always kept us laughing with his antics at the mic. I invited him again this year but he was unable to attend,” she said.

The Tulalip Bingo Night brings people together to enjoy time with friends and family, sharing a meal and an evening of frivolity.

Tribal Bingo night Tribal Bingo night Tribal Bingo night Tribal Bingo night Tribal Bingo night Tribal Bingo night Tribal Bingo night Tribal Bingo night Tribal Bingo night Tribal Bingo night Tribal Bingo night Tribal Bingo night Tribal Bingo night

 

Andrew Gobin is a reporter with the See-Yaht-Sub, a publication of the Tulalip Tribes Communications Department.
Email: agobin@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
Phone: (360) 716.4188

Unique talents with original flare

By Andrew Gobin, Tulalip News

The annual Tulalip Quil Ceda Talent Show on Tuesday, April 22, gave students an opportunity to showcase unique talents, imaginative recreations of pop songs, and amazing skills.  The kids put on an exciting show that included singing, dancing, improvisational song and dance, martial arts demonstrations, and instrumental performances. An all-around good time, the show was entertaining.

Each student had five minutes of fame as they performed an act of their choosing. Performances varied, with original pieces of choreographed dance, including daring breakdance moves, hula hooping and more. Each act reflected the personality of the performers through wardrobe and dance choices. At the end of the show, school was over, but performers returned later that night with an audience of peers and parents, running through the set for an evening finale.

Jacob demonstrates a Kung Fu form.
Jacob demonstrates a Kung Fu form. Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News
Guitarist and vocalist Henry gave an excellent performance
Guitarist and vocalist Henry gave an excellent performance. Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News
Jade, Singin
Jade, Singing. Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News
Mateo, singing and dancing in the style of Michael Jackson
Mateo, singing and dancing in the style of Michael Jackson. Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News
A lovely duet by Candace and Macaela
A lovely duet by Candace and Macaela. Andrew GObin/Tulalip News
Jose, Alex, and Coltin breakdancing.
Jose, Alex, and Coltin breakdancing. Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News

TQC Talent Show ~ 14 TQC Talent Show ~ 14

Rhianna, singing a song by pop star, Rhianna
Rhianna, singing a song by pop star, Rhianna. Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News
Kamaya singing Michael Jackson's "I'm Bad"
Kamaya singing Michael Jackson’s “I’m Bad” Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News
Kamaya singing while Selina performs kung fu as a dance.
Kamaya singing while Selina performs kung fu as a dance. Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News
This little singer's name is Emma.
This little singer’s name is Emma. Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News
Keyondra Hula hoop dancing.
Keyondra Hula hoop dancing. Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News
Keyondra Hula hoop dancing.
Keyondra Hula hoop dancing. Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News
Masters of Ceremony Avel, Ivan and Anthony.
Masters of Ceremony Avel, Ivan and Anthony. Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News
Masters of Ceremony Avel, Ivan and Anthony.
Masters of Ceremony Avel, Ivan and Anthony. Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News

 

Andrew Gobin is a reporter with the See-Yaht-Sub, a publication of the Tulalip Tribes Communications Department.
Email: agobin@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
Phone: (360) 716.4188

Hibulb adds new events for May

By Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News

hibulb logoTULALIPHibulb Cultural Center is changing up their event series this month. The center, known for its monthly events featuring cultural demonstrations, lectures, traditional storytelling and workshops, has added a children’s reading series, Hibulb Reading Time, and a new film event, “Bring your own family history film night.”

The two new events resulted in creative ideas being exchanged between staff and volunteers earlier this spring. Hibulb Reading Time features Tulalip tribal members, including Tulalip Tribes board member Theresa Sheldon, volunteering to read books that explore Native American themes and identity, followed with a craft based on the story.

“Bring your family history film night,” is a special film event based on local family submissions that honor and capture family history.  The event will be held May 29, in the center’s longhouse, and continues the center’s history of screening films that highlight Coast Salish life and Indian Country issues. Film submissions for this event will be accepted until May 28, and should include a 15-minute video that focuses on your family or family history.

Tulalip elder Sandra Swanson is hosting a quilting class every Sunday throughout the month, featuring her quilting expertise and the basics of quilting. You will need to provide your own fabric for this workshop.

This month also marks the last chance to view the Coast Salish Inheritance: Celebrating Artistic Innovation exhibit featuring art from Tulalip artists. The exhibit will close on May 21.

Events and workshops are included in the Hibulb Cultural Center admission price. Admission is free for Tulalip tribal members. Adults (18 years and over) $10.00, senior (50+ and over) $7.00, students (6-17 years old), military and veterans $7.00, children (5 years and under) free, and families $25.00. The first Thursday of each month is free admission.

For information on Hibulb Cultural Center events and lectures, please visit their website at www.hibulbculturalcenter.org. Please contact, Lena Jones at 360-716-2640 or Mary Jane Topash at 360-716-2657 regarding film submissions for “Bring your family history film night.”

 

Brandi N. Montreuil: 360-913-5402; bmontreuil@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov

 

 

Boom City Swap Meet open for 2014 summer season

By Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News

bnm_boom city swap meet-8TULALIP – The Boom City Swap Meet opened April 26, for the summer season, giving collectors, treasure seekers, and bargain hunters a chance to explore the emporium of eclectic items every Saturday and Sunday for only $1 vehicle entry fee. The swap meet will be open until mid-June, closing for a brief break for the Boom City Fireworks season, reopening in mid-July until September.

The swap meet features over 200 vendors selling wares, including a cariety of food vendors selling tasty treats where you can enjoy shaved ice, Mexican cuisine and Indian frybread among others.

This year children’s activities will include a large bouncy house and face painting.

Boom City Swap Meet is located at the Tulalip Boom City site behind the Tulalip Resort Casino and open Saturdays and Sundays, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is a family friendly atmosphere. For more information about the Boom City Swap Meet, please visit their website at www.boomcityswapmeet.com.

 

Brandi N. Montreuil: 360-913-5402; bmontreuil@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov

 

 

Christina Fallin’s band sparks controversy with performance at Norman Music Festival

By Jerry Wofford, Tulsa World

Christina FallinA performance by Christina Fallin, daughter of Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, at the Norman Music Festival Saturday drew criticism from many, including the governor herself.

Many interpreted the provocative performance by her band Pink Pony, which included a cape or shawl with the word “sheep” drawn on the back, as offensive to Native Americans. It comes less than two months after Christina Fallin drew criticism from several groups for a photo of her wearing a Native American-style headdress.

“On Saturday night, while performing at the Norman Music Festival, my daughter acted in a way that I believe was inappropriate,” Gov. Fallin said in a statement Monday. “While she will always be my daughter and I love her very much, I don’t approve of her behavior on that night or that of her band. I have communicated that to Christina.

“I have great respect for Oklahoma’s tribal members and I celebrate their traditions and culture. As governor, I work in hand in hand with tribal leaders on everything from disaster response to economic development. Tribal governments are important partners to our state government, and I value the good relationships my administration has cultivated with them.”

Fallin spent most of Monday touring tornado damage in Quapaw, where one person was killed when an EF-2 tornado struck the town Sunday.

The band posted a lengthy statement Monday afternoon saying “nothing about our performance was connected in any way to Native American culture” and apologized to those who were offended.

Christina Fallin’s band, Pink Pony, performed at midnight Saturday and posted earlier in the day on the band’s Facebook page: “I heard Pink Pony was wearing full regalia tonight.” The band clarified it was meant as a response to the rumors they themselves were hearing, though nothing was planned.

Samantha Crain, a singer based in Shawnee, said the earlier photo and what she felt like was a “non-apology” to the headdress stir led to her and others wanting to express frustration with the actions.

“What I was originally hoping could happen was we could talk to them and let them know how we felt before it even happened,” Crain said.

With the offending photo and the Facebook post the day of the show, Crain said that the Native American community needed to peacefully respond.

“Whether it was a publicity stunt or not, we needed to rally together,” Crain said.

Several people gathered to the side of the stage as the show began holding signs that read, “Don’t tread on my culture” and “I am not a costume” among others, according to accounts. According to the website reddirtreport.com, which posted one protester’s account of the protest, and video posted to YouTube of the performance, the author said it appeared Fallin was wearing a Native American-inspired “shawl” with the word “Sheep” written on the back.

The statement from Pink Pony read that it was “in no way a Native American shawl. It was not designed to look like one.” The word “sheep” on the back refers to those who “blindly follow sensationalist yellow journalism rather than the truth,” the statement read.

Norman Music Festival chair Gene Bertman said in a statement Monday that the festival was unaware of what the band’s performance would include.

“The Norman Music Festival does not support the actions of Pink Pony, and in particular Christina Fallin, at our festival on Saturday night. We had no prior knowledge of the performance content, and we oppose her use and depiction of American Indian artifacts and symbols,” Bertman said. “We certainly understand that these actions do nothing but promote racism, cultural discrimination and religious discrimination. The Norman Music Festival is here to support artists and bring people together — not divide them. We apologize to anyone who was offended.”

The band said in the statement that “it was not our intention to offend anyone.

“Nothing about our performance at the Norman Music Festival was in any way designed to offend anyone,” the statement read. “We hope that people will do their own research before jumping to conclusions or believing the lies being fed to them.”

Crain said the protesters tried to remain to the side of the stage as to not disrupt the show, but at some points the crowd began to taunt them.

“It was very clear from the beginning we were there for a silent protest,; we weren’t there to disrupt the show in any way,” Crain said. “The beginning of it was fine. But they kind of started taunting us from the stage and got the crowd to flip us off and yell at us.”

At the end of the performance, Crain said she felt that overall their presence had some positive aspects.

“I felt like it was positive,” Crain said. “People were looking at the signs and asking questions.”

Miss Indian World crowned at Albuquerque powwow

The Associated Press

Taylor Thomas, 21, from Fort Hall, was crowned 2014 Miss Indian World at the 31st Annual Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, N.M., this weekend.
Taylor Thomas, 21, from Fort Hall, was crowned 2014 Miss Indian World at the 31st Annual Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, N.M., this weekend.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An Idaho State University student has earned the title of Miss Indian World.

Pageant officials say 21-year-old Taylor Thomas was crowned Saturday night at the 31st Annual Gathering of Nations at the University of New Mexico Arena in Albuquerque.

Thomas, a member of the Shoshone Bannock tribe, was chosen among 23 Native American women from different tribes and traditions.

As Miss Indian World, Thomas will visit native and indigenous communities around the world and serve as a cultural goodwill ambassador for a year.

The crowning closed three days of festivities at what is considered North America’s largest powwow. The event draws hundreds of competitive dancers and tens of thousands of spectators from across the U.S. and parts of Canada and Mexico.

Twenty-three-year-old Megan Leary, of Napaimute, Alaska, was first runner-up.

WWU Spring Pow wow pictures

 

 

 

 

The Native American Student Union of Western Washington University hosted a spring pow-wow, April 26, 2014, in MAC Gym at WWU in Bellingham. The meaning of the pow-wow is to bring people together in a traditional celebration to share the mind body and spirit. The spring pow-wow featured vending, music, traditional dancing food and more. MATT MCDONALD — THE BELLINGHAM HERALD Buy Photo  Read more here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2014/04/27/3611151/nasus-2014-spring-powwow.html#storylink=cpy

 

(Click Image to see more photos.)

The Native American Student Union of Western Washington University hosted a spring pow-wow, April 26, 2014, in MAC Gym at WWU in Bellingham. The meaning of the pow-wow is to bring people together in a traditional celebration to share the mind body and spirit. The spring pow-wow featured vending, music, traditional dancing food and more. MATT MCDONALD — THE BELLINGHAM HERALD Buy Photo

Read more here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2014/04/27/3611151/nasus-2014-spring-powwow.html#storylink=cpy

Cinco de Mayo Community Celebration

Friday, May 2, 2014 6-8:30 pm
Totem Middle School Cafeteria, 1605 7th St. Marysville

 

Come celebrate Latino culture and the rich diversity of our Community in an evening of food, music, dancing and fun for all ages – FREE!

Our planning for the eighth annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration is almost complete and the event should be FUN-tastic with something of interest for all ages. It will be Friday, May 2 from 6- 8:30 PM in the Totem Middle School cafeteria and gymnasium. All Marysville and Tulalip community members are invited to participate. Dr. Becky Berg and Mayor Jon Nehring will give opening remarks.

The free event will include Mexican food, music, dancing, and activities. The food will be prepared by the Marysville School District food service students in the School House Café program. Music and entertainment will be provided by the local band, Arrecife Norteño, and other local groups. Several activities will be geared specifically toward children, such as playing soccer and other games, breaking piñatas, and exploring police and fire vehicles. Again this year, Molina Healthcare will bring a stationary bike that guests may pedal to make frozen non- alcoholic drinks; it was a huge hit last year. Dr. Cleo, their mascot, will also be at the event again this year.

Thanks to several generous donors we have received enough funding so we can offer it as a free event again this year. Monetary donations have been received from Marysville Rotary, Marysville YMCA, Molina Healthcare, Marysville Free Methodist Church, and Marysville Ford. In-kind and volunteer support has also been instrumental in making this event happen; it has been received from the Marysville School District, Molina Healthcare, Marysville Printing, Belmark Homes, Arrecife Norteño band, Sea Mar Community Health Center, and various student groups.

This community effort has been lead by Marjorie Serge, with support from Jim Strickland, Victor Rodriguez, Susan Stachowiak, Wendy Messarina Volosin, Anastasia Garcia, Rhonda Mohen and others.

Questions in English should be directed to Marjorie Serge at 425-350-2064 or Marjorie_serge@msvl.k12.wa.us Questions in Spanish should be directed to the school district’s information line 360-657-0250.

Cinco de Mayo flyer 2014

Cinco de Mayo flyer 2014 SPANISH

Oso Landslide Relief, April 27

Following last month’s tragic landslide in Oso, communities all around the nation have come together to show their support for the victims.

Quiznos is urging Washington residents to attend a silent auction and dinner benefitting Oso victims this Sunday, April 27, at Nature’s Connection Place in Arlington. Quiznos is donating subs for the event and is also collecting monetary donations in area stores.

Nipun Prashar is the owner and operator of the Everett Quiznos and was personally affected by the tragedy. For days immediately following, he donated a percentage of store proceeds to the relief effort. In addition to providing food and auction items for the benefit, his restaurant is currently collecting customer donations that will go directly to the relief effort.

Tickets for the event are still available, and the organizers are still accepting auction items and donations. For more information, contact the event organizers at 530slidebenefit@gmail.com or (425) 308-2183.

Oso landslide relief poster