Sweet and Potent: The Polar Bar’s Absinthe Fountain
At the classic Polar Bar at The Arctic Hotel, smartly dressed bartenders will guide guests through a traditional Absinthe service featuring its showcase Absinthe fountain. Perched atop a traditional absinthe spoon, an Absinthe-soaked sugar cube liquefies as flame is applied; a traditional Absinthe glass fills with the tincture as it strains through the slots in the spoon, and a twist of a spout releases a slow drip of ice water to mediate the powerful potion ($11). If Absinthe doesn’t light your fire, choose from signature cocktails such as the Flying Fortress (Hennessy VS Cognac, Smirnoff Vodka, Pernod, Patron Citronge, Fresh Lime Juice, $12); the Corpse Reviver (Tanqueray Gin, Lillet Blonde, Patron Citronge, Lucid Absinthe, Fresh Lemon Juice, $11); or the mellow and sweet Bee’s Kiss (10 Cane Rum, cream, honey, $8). A Polar Bar tea service and tea-pairing menus will launch in early fall. Chill and enjoy!

700 Third Avenue at Cherry Street, Seattle. 206-631-8080. www.junorestaurant.com

The Kelly’s View Collection: Children, Chocolate and Charity by Chocolate Box
Take six child artists who all have ties to Children’s Hospital, a cause-driven mother who wanted to give back, plus six fantastic flavors of chocolate – and all three create the new Kelly’s View Collection by Chocolate Box. The Kelly’s View Collection is the legacy of Kelly Montana Hamerton, daughter of Chocolate Box co-founder Valerie Brotman. Inspired by a drawing Kelly created, titled “Kelly’s View,” during her stay at Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center in Seattle, Valerie created the Kelly’s View Collection of benefit chocolates as a means to give back to Children’s Hospital. The collection is made up of six unique chocolates with edible artwork by children printed on each, including from five past and present young patients and one child volunteer. The Kelly’s View Collection will be available starting in September and throughout the 2008 holiday season. Learn more about the ground-breaking work of Children’s Hospital at www.seattlechildrens.org.

108 Pine Street, Seattle. 206-443-3900. www.ssChocolateBox.com

Keepin' Clam at 70
Started in 1938, this local icon holds the title as Seattle's longstanding seafood restaurant chain and is synonymous with delicious, northwest seafood and award-winning chowder. For its milestone 70th anniversary, Ivar’s has planned a host of lively events from Sept. 15 to Oct. 31. Mark your calendar for Sept. 17 when Ivar’s serves up 70-cent cups of chowder in all its full- and quick-serve restaurants (excluding stadiums). Throughout the promotion, Ivar's Acres of Clams, Ivar's Salmon House and Ivar's Mukilteo Landing will be featuring $19.38 three course dinners, $7 small plates and decade driven cocktail specials. Also, Ivar's Seafood Bars will be playing their part with $7 anniversary specials.

Love to sing? Be the next Ivar Idol! Ivar's is looking for the next Clam Star to remake Ivar Haglund's infamous ballads from his "Ivar's Love Affair with Puget Sound Songs & Ballads Songbook." After Sept. 15, visit www.Ivars.net for more information on how to enter. Grand prize winners will receive $1,000 in Ivar’s gift cards and Ivar’s rendition of the Grammy: The Clammy.

For more information, please visit www.Ivars.net

Juicy News: Peaches and Nectarines are here!
The peach and nectarine harvest has begun, and it is time to enjoy large, sweet, juice-dripping-down-your-chin, peaches and nectarines from Washington State. A cool spring thinned some of the peaches off each tree this spring, so look for larger, sweeter and juicier peaches at the store. The fruit is now arriving in stores and will remain bountiful through mid October. Peaches and nectarines are great eaten fresh and baked in pies and tarts, but consider trying them reduced in sauces, baked or even grilled. To quickly and easily peel peaches, place them in boiling water for 20 seconds and then ice water for 10 seconds; the skin should peel off easily. Washington peaches and nectarines can also be savored year-round by freezing or canning.

For more information, please visit: www.wastatefruit.com

Pack something cool for school:
Cupcake Royale at Metropolitan Market
Just in time for the start of school, Seattle’s original cupcake shop, Cupcake Royale, whipped up a deal making Metropolitan Market its exclusive supermarket retailer. In stores Sept. 3, these acclaimed, all natural, hand-frosted cupcakes sell for $2.49 each and in nostalgic, pastel-pink boxed-sets of four for $9.99, including vanilla and chocolate with reverse vanilla/chocolate frosting, red velvet and the new, exclusive "Metropolitan Mint" cupcake. Metropolitan Market is also hosting an array of free, lively cupcake events! On Sept. 12 at 4 p.m., free Cupcake Royale Baby Cakes will make their tasty appearance at all Metropolitan Market locations. Don't miss the free Cupcake Royale Sprinkle Parties hosted by Cupcake Royale owner Jody Hall on Sept. 13 and 14; bring those decorating skills and that sweet tooth as the cupcakes, fun and prizes will be provided; visit the Metropolitan Market Website for location times and details. And don’t forget to watch for the one Golden Royale ticket planted in one of the four-packs; the winner receives a dozen cupcakes a month for one year!

For more information, please visit: www.Metropolitan-Market.com

Riedel Wine Tasting featuring Riedel “Flow” series wine glasses
Tuesday, September 16, 6 p.m.
Morton’s hosts a special Riedel Wine Tasting inviting guests to explore the difference that a wine glass can make on how wines taste. The event features Riedel “Flow” series wine glasses paired with red and white wines along with Morton’s signature hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy Erath Pinot Noir with fresh fruit aromas of cherry, raspberry, and blueberry; Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Chardonnay with fresh apple, ripe pear and spice aromas and flavors; Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Cabernet with dense aromas of boysenberry and brown sugar spice with layers of fruit, nicely integrated, yet very age-worthy, tannins; Domaine Ste. Michelle Luxe; and Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica Riesling.

Riedel tasting is $70 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity, with a take-home gift of four Riedel “Flow” series wine glasses (a retail value of $60).

1511 Sixth Avenue, Seattle. 206-223-0550. www.Mortons.com

Helly Hansen Outdoor Wintersports Fashion Show Sept.17
Always chill and chic, The Parlor is proud co-sponsor the Helly Hansen Outdoor and Wintersports Fashion Show during the Bellevue Collection Fashion Week, Sept. 12-20. Mark your calendar for Sept. 17 to view the hottest winter sportswear and enjoy delicious light appetizers, beer and wine from The Parlor. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; show begins at 7:30 p.m. Your $20 admission supports Outdoors for All (20 percent of ticket sales); purchase tickets in-store at Helly Hansen Bellevue Square, phone 425-467-6643 or online www.hellyhansengear.com.

Head upstairs to hit the The Parlor’s After-Party at 9 p.m. and play the resident trick shot ladies, The Vixens, during the Vixen Gauntlet to win coveted prizes such as Helly Hansen gift certificates or great gear from Smith and Dakine!

700 Bellevue Way, Bellevue. 425-289-7000. www.parlorbilliards.com

Here we grow! Coastal Forest Native Garden Tour, Sept. 6
Green thumbs will love Seabrook, a new beach town on Washington State’s Pacific coast. The public is invited to tour its Garden Promenade to learn more about the native trees, flowers, shrubs and vines most conducive to thriving in the unique seaside conditions of the Pacific Northwest. Seabrook’s charming, new Pacific Northwest Shingle-style beach cottages are complemented by a majority (70 percent) of native coastal Northwest plantings on each lot. Common areas, paths and parks are exclusively dedicated to maintaining the natural integrity of the inherent surroundings, with adherence to 100 percent native plantings. Self-guided maps and a native plant list will be provided at the Seabrook Cottage Rentals office, and an expert will be on site to answer questions. You’re also in luck if you love salmon; the day marks Seabrook’s annual Salmon bake (fee). Your new beach town awaits you!

4275 State Route 109, Pacific Beach; 877-779-9990. www.seabrookwa.com

Share Our Strength Great American DineOut
McCormick & Schmick’s and Il Fornaio are participating in Share Our Strength’s® Great American Dine Out™ presented by American Express from September 21 – 28, 2008. A percentage of proceeds this week will benefit Share Our Strength’s efforts to end child hunger in America. This new annual event is designed to rally the nation’s entire restaurant industry and encourage millions of consumers to dine out and end childhood hunger in America. To learn how get involved or for more information about Share Our Strength’s Great American Dine Out, please visit www.greatamericandineout.org.