By Jay Friedman

Peaches. 'Tis the season.

Earlier this week, I was thrilled to see that Metropolitan Market had brix (basically, a way to sneak inside the fruit to measure its sugar content and predict its sweetness) ratings for its Frog Hollow Farms and Pence Orchards peaches.

The Frog Hollow peaches, brought in from California, are beloved and generally fantastic, but the Pence peaches, from the Yakima Valley, were a little less expensive, and had higher brix ratings. (Staff at Metropolitan Market told me that the Frog Hollows had come in too early.) I went local!

My mission was sorbet-making, so I used a recipe from David Lebovitz's The Perfect Scoop, which has been reliable for me in the past. The finished product was good, but lacked the punch I expected from the ripe peaches. Speaking later with sweets superstar Autumn Martin, we lamented that sometimes peaches and other stone fruits are best eaten out of hand, as the flavor impact gets lost in many, if not most, cooking preparations.

I went back to Metropolitan Market yesterday and was surprised to see the brix signs gone. I then walked across the street to the Queen Anne Farmers Market, found some perfectly good "seconds" under a vendor's table, and took them home to eat over my sink. They dripped with sweet goodness, just the way fresh, juicy peaches are meant to be.

Date:

08.13.10

Location:

Metropolitan Market - Kirkland

Description:

We just got this info from Metropolitan Market about an upcoming book signing with Ari Weinzweig, author of Zingerman’s Guide to Better Baconcoming up on August 27, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Houghton Market store.

Meet Zingerman’s Co-Owner & Founding Partner Ari Weinzweig on Zingerman’s Guide to Better Bacon, the first in-depth book on America’s favorite fat. Author Ari Weinzweig guides you on a personal tour of bacon’s long and curious history. You’ll find out why bacon is “the olive oil of America.” You’ll travel from medieval England, where bacon was used to promote matrimonial harmony. You’ll head to the farm and learn about 19th-century drovers who were crucial to the hog trade. Ari’s story shows how bacon moved from delicious farm staple to a huge-selling flavorless commodity—and how it’s going back to its roots today.

There are loads of delicious, welltested recipes. Oyster & bacon Hangtown Fry for one. And—hold on to your hats, kids—bacon fat mayonnaise. Finally!

Dear Friends of FUSION,

Those who attended the 17th annual FUSION Art Event, “Under the Tuscan Sun,” knew from the moment they stepped under the gorgeous grape arbor at the Dumas Bay Centre on Aug. 4, that they were in for a very special experience beyond the front entrance. The Italian-themed benefit was set for a fabulous garden party where approximately 500 guests enjoyed a spectacular evening of entertainment, great food and wine.

With the creative and dynamic leadership of Chairperson Betty Jean O’Neal and with the help of over 100 volunteers, event sponsors and community supporters, FUSION hosted a very successful fundraiser. Net proceeds exceeded $113,000 for their transitional housing program for homeless families. The Mistress of Ceremonies Susie Horan, manager of Prudential Realty NW, and auctioneer, Keith Eldridge, KOMO 4 News Reporter, presided over the evening’s festivities.

Guests savored spectacular culinary delights created by the principle sponsor of the event, Metropolitan Market. Poverty Bay Coffee provided refreshing Italian sodas and Barefoot Winery generously donated all the wine for this year’s event.

Original and creative works of art by 26 local artists were featured in the Art Walk. Silent and live auctions offered numerous items including a beautiful two-week vacation villa in Portugal, donated by Federal Way Muscular Therapy, a cruise on Holland America, wine, dinner parties and exciting vacation packages. These are just a sampling of the many donated auction items for this year’s event.

Guests were greeted by Meredith Connie and Erica Coutsouridis, a flute and guitar duo, and The Bonnie Birch Band played Italian-inspired tunes as strolling musicians on the grounds of the Dumas Bay Centre. On stage, tenor, Gino Lucchetti, serenaded our guests with beautiful music. The stage was set for a Tuscan experience under a beautiful setting sun.

Funds raised at this event will be invested in our transitional housing and support services for homeless families in the Federal Way and NE Tacoma communities. FUSION (Friends United to Shelter the Indigent, Oppressed, and Needy) currently maintains and operates 15 fully-furnished housing units and contracts case management services through Valley Cities Counseling & Consultation. FUSION will acquire a 16th housing unit in 2010.

The “fusion” of community efforts has enabled our volunteer-based, non-profit organization to grow and provide for the needs of families in transition as they work toward self-sufficiency. Over the past 17 years, 85 percent of the families we have provided housing to, have successfully moved on to permanent housing.

On behalf of the FUSION Board of Directors and the families we serve, we want to thank you for your continued support. Hundreds of volunteers have given their time to FUSION and many businesses and individuals have given in-kind services throughout the year to FUSION. By working together, we are able to empower families, giving them hope and enabling them to realize their dreams of a stable and secure future.

We wish to also thank the Federal Way Mirror for their continued support of our mission and for creating community awareness.

"White" next to the orange-ish lily-like flowers I also bought at Met Market!

*Bottle #100: Metropolitan Market 2009 "Selection #3" Columbia Valley White

*Price Tag: $8

*Running Tab: $1,361

*Retailer: Metropolitan Market, Uptown location

How many wine months does this state have? Granted, March was “Taste Washington Month,” discreetly differing from its big sister “Washington Wine Month” in this blessed 31-day span. Duh.

For Washington Wine Month (August – duh) I decided to conquer a few things, including a mystery I wanted to unfold.

Side note: this is my 100th bottle I’m reviewing and it falls on a grocery store brand? Hey, no hating. I’m open to all flavors, man, especially ones that sit above a $8 price tag when I’m in serious need of a heat reliever and life is burning a hole in my pocket.

And so – Metropolitan Market, a local, family-owned operation first opened its doors on Queen Anne in 1971 and now has become an award-winning grocery store with six thriving locations throughout the Seattle and Tacoma area.

With the Houghton Store taking Kirkland by storm (sorry to the PPC across the street, you got served), Met Market has received big ups from numerous local publications and recently was awarded best grocery store for the Washington Wine selection by Seattle Magazine’s Reader’s Choice 2010.

Knowing that even their personal customers – who have been coming to some specific locations for decades – love their wine selection, Metropolitan Market stepped it up one by offering their own private label of Washington wine. The wines are nonchalantly yet modestly christened by their color – the “Red” and “White.” The latter was my selection because 80 degrees is f’ing hot for me and I needed some white wine up in here.

The “White” is into its “Selection #3,” as the wine for the 2009 vintage is labeled. Co-fermented and stated to be done so in stainless steel, the “White” is 83% Chardonnay and 17% Viognier – an increasingly popular blend for Washington winemakers it seems.

Tropical fruits of pineapple and peach blow out the nose, fleshy and juicy, with red apple juice, citrus and banana. A toasted hit up front makes me think this booze spent some time in at least some neutral oak.

Even more so when you commit to the wine fully on the palate – light and crisp yet round and creamy. Malolactic fermentation? Aging on the lees? So many options to accomplish the texture… Which unfortunately dwindles after a short burst of pineapple, banana and acid.

The mystery I have uncovered is who makes this. Drumroll please… After some seriously probing of the Oracle (Google), I found out that it is none other than the folks of FMNW2 Wine Company… Aka the powerhouse that is Barnard Griffin Winery. A-ha!

I’m too quick! And for $8, this Chard-Vio was gone too quick… Get it while it’s hot. Literally.

Remember when you used to wait every summer with anticipation to sink your teeth into a sweet, juicy, fragrant, sun-ripened peach and the juice would run down your chin? Relive that great taste of the ol’ days! The best, sweetest peaches are Peach O Rama peaches. Good watering, care in the sun, and lingering time on the tree means the best quality peach. Worlds apart from an average grocery store peach, Metropolitan Market measures Brix, or sugar levels in its peaches. The higher the Brix, the more flavorful, aromatic, sweeter and juicier the peach (consider Metropolitan Market’s minimum standard 13 Brix all the way up to 18 or higher, compared to chain stores’ peaches of 11 Brix or less). Arriving through August 18th, these hand-picked, delicately packed peaches are yours to enjoy while they last.

For more information, please visit www.metropolitan-market.com.

I think I love peaches best of all. I know I say that every season about something different - but I think I really mean it this time.

My favorite are Pence Peaches from Metropolitan Market. They are the sweetest, juiciest, bestest peaches in the whole wide world. Last year I bought flats and flats of them and made them into anything I could think of - and ate them whole at any opportunity.

Why are Pence Peaches the best you ask? Well I'm glad you asked, because I have the answer. Metropolitan Market formed a partnership with the Pence family farm to plant and create a crop that would have the highest Brix rating. The trees are watered and loved tenderly until the fruit comes on the tree. Then they are not watered which puts stress on the plant and makes it think it may die. When a plant is under stress it makes it's fruit as inciting as possible so the fruit will be eaten by animals, the seeds will be spread, and a new tree will grow. The Pence farm doesn't intend to kill the plant off - far from it - but by stressing the plant, the peaches soak up all of the sugars that they can from the tree to make it's fruit inciting. The peaches are then left on the tree until they are actually ripe. They have been specially grown to have the highest Brix rating possible.

Many commercial peaches are picked when they are not *quite* ripe because they ship better and last longer. They ship better because they are hard as a rock. And they last longer because they are not ripe. And it takes a while to ripen up properly. Because they are off the plant they can't get any sweeter they can only get softer.

Interestingly enough, my uncle brought peaches from Eastern Washington last weekend and they were super juicy (because they had tree ripened) but not half as flavorful as the Pence peaches. I was actually really surprised. I knew I liked the Pence peaches the best, but I hadn't realized how much better they really were.

They are the best in every possible way. Cook them, slice them up, or make a salad - just don't miss the best peaches because they don't last long! Here are my favorite recipes for peaches right now:

- My own Peach Pannacotta. I made up this recipe because I needed a dessert for a baby shower and peaches were in season. This is perfect because you have to make it ahead of time to allow it to set up. And it's SO GOOD!

- Peach Cobbler from Heather Christo

- Smitten Kitchen's Bourbon Peach hand pies

- Peach Gelato from the LA Times

- Peach Relish from Metropolitan Market's own kitchen

Don't forget you can 'put up' peaches too. I did that last year and we had fabulous Pence peaches all winter long. And when you have a picky eater who only wants fruit, canned peaches can get you through some rough patches!

City of Angels

It was 1986 when Seattle Weekly’s founder, David Brewster, first asked readers to vote on what they loved best in the city. He had Weekly staff chime in with their picks as well. Twenty-four Best Ofs later, we’re still finding new things to discover and recommend—not to mention some great old standbys that still deserve some love. This year, in addition to dozens of picks, we profile some of the people who in these tough times are making the city a better place.

Readers’ Choice:

Best Grocery Store Deli – 2010

Metropolitan Market

Variety, efficiency, and good taste, at a store that doesn't overwhelm you with choices. 100 Mercer St., 213-0778, and other locations, metropolitan-market.com

You chose Posh Home, Hilltop Loans, Tacoma Wine Merchants, Comic Book Ink, hello cupcake and others ...

Best Pipe/Tobacco Store: The Green Room

Best Independent Record Store: Buzzard's

Best Place To Buy Shoes: Nordstrom

Best Vintage Clothing Store: urbanXchange, Vanity (tie)

Best Thrift Store: Goodwill

Best Eco-Friendly Store: Marlene’s Market & Deli

Best Furniture Store: Posh Home

Best Place To Buy A Used Car: Ball Auto

Best Pawn Shop: Hilltop Loans

Best Wine Shop: Tacoma Wine Merchants

Best Gym: YMCA

Best Comic Book Store: Comic Book Ink

Best Place To Rent Movies: Stadium Video

Best Bike Shop: Tacoma Bike, Old Town Bicycle (tie)

Favorite Charity: Goodwill

Best Personal Trainer: Kjersten Salzman, Elev8 Fitness

Best Farmers’ Market: Broadway Downtown Tacoma

Best CSA: Terry’s Berries

Best Butcher: Dave’s Meat and Produce

Best Cupcake: hello, cupcake

Best Grocery Store: Metropolitan Market

Best Wine Selection: Metropolitan Market

Best Liquor Store: Liquor Store on Sixth Avenue

Best Cheese Shop: Metropolitan Market

Best Tattoo Shop: House of Tattoo

Best Hair Salon: Baroque Salon

Best Spa: Jewell Day Spa

Best Place To Buy Sex Toys: Castle Superstore

Best Flower Shop: Blitz & Co. Florist

Best Book Store: King’s Books

Best Dirty Magazine Selection: Elmo’s Adult Videos & Books

Best Pagan/Wiccan Store: Crystal Voyage

The Dish

It's quite simple. Take the best components of breakfast and structure them in an easy-to-hold format. What could be better than meat, egg and cheese grilled on an English muffin? All that's required is a pair of hands to cinch this winning combo. Easy peasy. But when you don't want your breakfast sandwich delivered to you from a drive-through window, where do you go for this quick pick-me-up ? We chose two specialty grocery stores where this fast food item gets a gourmet touch. Which has the better 'wich?

The Rivals

Metropolitan Market

2320 42nd Ave. S.W., 937-0551

It sounds delicious enough: Hempler's bacon, Tillamook cheddar and egg on an English muffin, grilled until golden and bubbly. Peering through the deli case at Metropolitan Market, seeing rows of freshly made breakfast sandwiches lined up like newborns in a maternity ward, who could resist the thought of oozy cheese, bacon and egg swaddled in toast? Not us. But after just one bite of this freshly grilled sandwich, we knew something was missing -- seasoning. At $4.99, this deceptive stunner isn't cheap, so there's no excuse for blandness. There was also a meager amount of bacon and an egg that stayed peculiarly square-shaped, even after being pressed on the grill. The best part about this breakfast sandwich is that it's available all day.

Whole Foods

2210 Westlake Ave., 621-9700 The Market Muffin is served until 11 a.m. M-F and noon Sat-Sun. If you want one during the latter, you might have to wait about 15 minutes, as a brisk brunch crowd keeps the Market Cafe crew extra busy with custom orders. Is it worth the wait? Absolutely. For the same price as the Met Market muffin, you get two omelette-style eggs with bacon and a copious amount of cheddar-jack cheese on a toasted English muffin. The morning we went they were out of cheddar-jack (yeah, we slept in), so we subbed in provolone. What we got was a mountain of bacon-y, eggy, perfectly seasoned goodness that kept us full all afternoon. This was a sandwich and a half.

The Champ

If you're in a pinch, the Met Market breakfast sandwich will suffice. It will cost you five bucks, but it's a healthier (arguably better tasting) alternative to its fast-food doppelganger. It lacks flavor and any real special quality, but these sandwiches score points because they're served hot off the grill and offered past dinner time. Whole Foods breakfast sandwiches are a little more elusive, served only during morning hours, but what they don't offer in availability they make up for in value. We crown Whole Foods the winner in this challenge, not only because their breakfast sandwiches are superior, but because they are made-to-order and look way better than you do first thing in the morning.