On Monday, July 10 a plumbing repair in our store is scheduled for 8 AM, to repair a pipe in the ceiling of our store. Please check before coming down as I haven’t been able to confirm that the work is on schedule or when it will be finished. We will send an update as soon as definite information is received.
Important celebrations are coming up in Spain and France this week. The festival of San Fermin in Pamplona Spain is known for the running of the bulls. On July 6 at noon the festival began, marked by the mayor’s greeting accompanied by a rocket launch. Each day thereafter through July 14 at 8 AM, a corral full of fighting bulls is released and runs after a crowd of white-clad thrill seekers wearing red scarves through the alleys of Pamplona. Just before the bulls are released, runners sing a song to San Fermin, asking for protection. Separately, there are children’s parades, concerts, jota dances, a procession carrying the statue of San Fermin on July 7, fireworks, and daily bullfights. Tapas, typically Basque-style is a central and much-needed part of the festivities along with drinking Basque cider, beer, and wine. Grilled chistorra sausage or chorizo with Basque piparra peppers are common, as well as sandwiches with piquillo peppers and Idiazabal cheese. The city overflows with celebrants who party all night – read Hemingway’s descriptions in his novel The Sun Also Rises.
France’s Bastille Day is July 14, commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison, and a celebration of the unity of the French people. It is celebrated much like our July 4th, with fireworks, parades, and incredible French picnic foods. With this week’s hot weather in Seattle, stop by and pick up your own picnic or tapas supplies. We have cold beverages, beer, wine, and other easy-to-prepare foods that we can help you assemble.
WINE CORNER: Drop in Friday afternoon between 2:00 – 5:30 p.m. for our weekly wine sampling. And, if you come every Friday, you’ll have tried a lot of wines by the end of summer! This week’s three wines available for sampling are a refreshing Portuguese white wine, a crisp French rose, and a French red blend (Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah) that is perfect with grilled meats or charcuterie plates. Each sells for less than $20.00.