KITTITAS VALLEY
From the Cascades to the Columbia | Q1 2015
Winter Biking Fat bikes extend the cycling season through the winter.
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Backcountry Expert Live Music at the Brick Quilting Sisterhood Happenings around the county
Busking in the Burg
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The First Friday Art Walk kicks off a month-long event showcasing all forms of art in galleries and non-traditional spaces in historic downtown Ellensburg. Come meet the artists and join us for wine, music and fun! For dates, times and more information please visit:
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KV LIVING 1
TABLE of
BACKCOUNTRY
EXPERT
Volunteer ranger Chuck Davis is out almost every weekend leading photography snowshoe walks on Snoqualmie Pass.
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Chuck Davis Photo
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KITTITAS VALLEY LIVING Q1 2015
Live Music AT THE BRICK
A regular rotation of live music packs in crowds at the Brick Saloon in Roslyn.
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Quilting
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SISTERHOOD
A group of Ellensburg women stitch together quilts that have made their way around the world.
Winter Biking
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Fat bikes extend the cycling season through the winter.
Busking in the Burg
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Mark Paschen of Ellensburg has pg. traveled the country performing his own blend of music.
Winter Drinks
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Warm up with hot chocolate pg. or something with a kick
KV LIVING 3
AROUND THE
County
The morning light shines on the Davidson Building at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Pearl Street in downtown Ellensburg
The buzz downtown
New sno-park
There’s lots happening in downtown Ellensburg these days. New businesses have opened in the past few months, including Walter’s floral shop on Pine Street and the 421 Gallery on Pearl Street. The brand-new Porch restaurant on Main Street was about to open as this publication went to press.
It’s sno-park season in Kittitas County, and there’s a new option for exploring the backcountry. The new Evergreen Sno-Park near Cle Elum opened Dec. 1, and provides access to thousands of miles of public land and more than 100 miles of groomed trails.
A complete renovation of the historic Elks building at Fifth Avenue and Main Street also has people talking. Initial plans called for restaurant, office and retail space.
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The two-acre park off Woods and Steele Road can accommodate up to 25 vehicles with trailers. Snowmobilers are expected to make up the majority of the clientele, but cross-country skiers and snowshoers also are welcome. Go to www.parks.wa.gov/303/Sno-Parks for more information on area sno-parks. Sno-park permits are needed at most locations.
Cowboy poet and mule skinner Stan Kvistad, of Malott, Wash. performs at Central Washington University’s music building during Spirit of the West
Spirit of the West Feb. 13-15 Headliners for this year’s Spirit of the West cowboy gathering in Ellensburg include the Dave Stamey, Ridge Ridin’ Boys, Stan Kvistad, Hank Cramer, Barbara Nelson and cowboy poet Baxter Black this year. The event is President’s Day weekend, Feb. 13-15, at locations around town. http://ellensburgcowboygathering.com
Interstate: Where I-90 meets I-82 Feb. 24 The Sarah Spurgeon Gallery will host the inaugural “Interstate: Where I-90 meets I-82” juried exhibit on campus at Central Washington University in Ellensburg. The opening reception is from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 24. The exhibit will be up through March 15 in Randall Hall on campus.
KV LIVING 5
AROUND THE County
Start a New Year’s Tradition with a $1.50 Draft Local Micro Beer with the purchase of a lunch or dinner entree Monday thru Friday
CWU English professor Terry Martin is appearing at the Lion Rock visiting writers series on Jan. 27.
The Lion Rock Visiting Writers at Central Washington University will bring several Northwest writers to campus in 2015 for readings that are open to the public. CWU English professor Terry Martin will appear Jan. 27, and Kevin Sampsell will speak Feb. 24 at the Wildcat Shop. Martin’s latest book of poems, “The Light You Find,” was published in September 2014. Sampsell is the publisher of the micro press, Future Tense Books, in Portland.
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Writers on campus
LETTER FROM
KITTITAS VALLEY
The Editor
Last winter I signed up for a guided snowshoe hike at Snoqualmie Pass led by U.S. Forest Service volunteers. The snow was falling hard that day, and the scenery in the Commonwealth Basin was amazing. We walked through oldgrowth forest, crossed over streams and looked for animal tracks. Chuck Davis was one of the Forest Service volunteers leading the hike, and it was clear he had a wealth of experience to share. He provided excellent advice about traversing the backcountry in the winter, and showed us a small snow cave he dug along the trail. It was a much better place to sleep than the Snoqualmie Pass ranger station, he said with a wink. He also showed us a
few of the fantastic photos he’s taken in the Cascades that are up at the station. If you have a chance this winter, sign up for a snowshoe hike. They leave from the ranger station, and the Forest Service loans out the equipment. There also are programs for kids. There’s no better way to see the Cascades in the winter. You can read more about Davis and his backcountry adventures in this edition of KV Living. You’ll also learn how to whip up a decadent cup of hot chocolate, meet a group of dedicated quilters in Ellensburg and learn about what it’s like to be a musician on the road. Happy reading.
Q1, 2015
Editor: Joanna Markell Writers: Nicole Klauss Madelynn Shortt Photographer: Brian Myrick Designers: Tim Johnson of JohnsonDesign and Matt Carstens Publication of the Daily Record 401 N. Main St. Ellensburg WA 98926 509-925-1414 To submit a story idea or upcoming event, email newsroom@kvnews.com. For information about advertising, email: advertising@kvnews.com. www.dailyrecordnews.com
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OUTDOORS
BIKES
Fat bikes extend biking season through winter. By NICOLE KLAUSS | Photos by BRIAN MYRICK
When the snow falls, many people put away their mountain bikes and unpack their snowshoes, but a new type of winter bike now offered in the county is allowing riders to extend their biking season. Fat bikes are bikes with wider tires that provide more stability in the snow. “It’s a new niche for cyclists to get involved in,” said Glenn Burkhart, owner of the Northwest Bicycle Improvement Company in Roslyn. “That’s the way I got started. I just wanted to keep riding my bike in the wintertime.” Burkhart said many of the mountain bikers in the community are aware the specialty winter bikes exist, but might not have had the chance to experience them yet. He hopes that rentals and group rides offered this winter will give people a chance to experience the fat bikes and discover a new way to extend their biking season. “You have a much more mellow vibe to the ride,” Burkhart said. “It’s definitely more laid back.”
FAT BIKES Fat bikes have been around the biking industry for about a decade, but have been considered a specialty item until recent years. The Upper County had bike shops in the past like the Roslyn Cyclery and Cle Elum Bike and Board, but they did not carry fat bikes. At that time, the snow bikes weren’t on the public market. Now, almost every major bike company makes a model, Burkhart said. A fat bike is essentially a cross-country mountain bike with 4-inch wide tires. To accommodate the wider tires, the bike frame is larger with bigger wheel hubs, but the geometry of the bike is the same. Northwest Bicycle Improvement Company offers a selection of fat bike brands including Salsa, Norco and Bombus in different sizes for rent. Reservations are recommended for weekends and holidays, and rental prices vary by hour, day and week. Northwest Bicycle Improvement Company can special order fat bikes. The ReCycle Shop in Ellensburg also has fat bikes for sale.
KV LIVING 9
OUTDOORS
FAT
BIKES
SAFETY CHECKS Some people choose to ride their regular mountain bikes in the winter months. Before riding any type of bike at any time of the year, riders should perform a routine equipment check to make sure tires are at the right pressure and brakes are working. Burkhart said tire pressure is especially important to making the ride enjoyable and safe. “If you own a bike, I’d say regular bike maintenance — tire pressure is key,” he said. “Depending on the surface conditions, you want tire pressure dialed to how soft the snow is. Anywhere from 5 to 10 pounds is optimal for snow riding.” Another safety concern is the environment itself. Riders should stay alert to changing conditions while they’re on the trails. “The biggest thing for winter riding is watching the weather,” Burkhart said. “Watch the temperature. A lot of our bikes will be equipped with a thermometer. Make sure when it gets to above freezing, above 32, 33, 34 degrees, you get off the trail because it becomes way more difficult. If you’re in the backcountry, you could get stranded.”
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Another key tip is to stay hydrated while riding. When the weather is cold or wet, people may not think about drinking water, but it’s especially important to drink water while exercising in the winter. BIKING IN TOWN Those who are just looking to bike in town as a means of transportation should invest in studded tires for their crosscountry bikes, rather than getting a fat tire bike. Fred Johnston, owner of the ReCycle Shop, said while fat bikes are nice for the snow, studded tires are a better option for ice. “Studded snow tires on ice is the best thing,” he said. “You change both tires, not just one. With studded tires, people remark how easy it is to ride.”
ANOTHER SAFETY CONCERN IS THE ENVIRONMENT ITSELF. RIDERS SHOULD STAY ALERT TO CHANGING CONDITIONS WHILE THEY’RE ON THE TRAILS.
WHAT TO WEAR WHEN WINTER BIKING Dressing for the elements is important when participating in any winter sport. Winter biking is no exception. When biking uphill, a rider is likely going to be sweating and will want less clothing on, but when riding downhill, the wind makes the ride colder. The key to being comfortable is to dress in layers that can be easily removed. Overdressing can cause the body to become too hot and sweaty, leading to dehydration. “It’s basically the exact same thing you’d wear when cross-country skiing,” said Glenn Burkhart, owner of Northwest Bicycle Improvement Shop. “Wear warm insulated waterproof boots and some kind of ski pant or breathable warm ski pant. … Just dress for the weather. You are going to want to be able to breathe, de-layer and layer back up.” “A backpack is nice to hold layers,” added Bryan Johnson, who works with Burkhart.
LAYER UP Tami Walton, owner of Mountain High Sports in Ellensburg, said it’s important for winter bikers to wear clothing that wicks moisture away from the skin. Riders should start with a base layer made of a non-cotton material. Clothing with synthetic wicking fibers like nylon, spandex or polyester keep the rider dry. Continued on pg. 13
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Fat bikes sit outside the Northwest Bicycle Improvement Company in Roslyn, ready for rental
WHERE TO RIDE Typically when mountain biking in the winter, riders stick to groomed ski trails. Burkhart said he enjoys riding his fat bike near the Crystal Springs Sno-Park. His other suggestions are Lake Easton and the Iron Horse Trail.
“Anytime you do anything outside when it’s cold, you do want to layer,” Walton said. Mountain High Sports doesn’t have bikes, but sells winter clothing. “When biking up trails in Manastash, you get warm on the way up and you sweat, but you don’t want clothing on. Coming down you’re not working as hard and don’t want to be cold and wet, so you need more on you to stay warm.”
Other good trails are in Roslyn, the Teanaway Community Forest, Iron Horse Trail, Salmon La Sac Campground, among others.
Walton recommends starting with a base layer or something light with a shell or without it. On the way down, people may need to take to a fleece jacket or something warmer. For cooler, dry conditions, a soft shell is recommended. For wet conditions, look for something waterproof.
Bryan Johnson, who works for Northwest Bicycle Improvement Company, said there’s not a big snow biking community in the Upper County yet. He and Burkhart hope to reach other snow and outdoor enthusiasts like cross-country skiers to get them to try it.
A tip is to wear just enough clothing to be slightly cold when starting to pedal. Within minutes the body will produce enough heat to be warm, according to REI, a company that specializes in outdoor equipment.
“It’s a new experience for us,” Johnson said. “We have to figure out who is going to accept it and who’s not, and get a database of trails. You can link together some good rides.” Roslyn resident Dustin Schomburg said he has been biking for five years, and this is his first your trying out the fat bikes. “I’m really excited,” he said. “I’ve tried it (a fat bike) on other terrains, but I’m really excited to try it on snow.” The Northwest Bicycle Improvement Company is planning to have some group rides later this winter once more snow falls. Guided rides are also available for a rate, which includes the bike rental and a two-hour ride with a local guide. People can get in touch with the shop to find out more details at www.nwbicycleimprovement.com.
GOOD SPOTS FOR FAT BIKING Glenn Burkhart, owner of the Northwest Bicycle Improvement Company, shares good spots for fat biking trails in Central Washington on this online map: http://goo.gl/eGjkap.
HEAD, HANDS AND FEET Head coverage is just as important because the head is prone to getting cold and losing large amounts of body heat. The same can be said about the hands and the feet. People can get away with using a thin helmet liner under their regular bike helmet for warmer winter days, said Fred Johnston, owner of the ReCycle Shop in Ellensburg. On colder days, “a ski helmet is more practical,” he said. Johnston also recommends wearing ski goggles when temperatures drop. The goggles help keep people’s sinuses from freezing. Protect hands from getting cold by wearing waterproof gloves with grips on the palms and fingers. Specialized bike shoes are an option that offer more grip, but people can also just wear lightweight, waterproof hiking boots with a thick sock underneath. The trick is to avoid cotton socks.
KV LIVING 13
the best that
2014
Kittitas County
Kittitas Co
As voted by the readers of the Daily Record.
SUPER 1 FOODS VOTED BEST GROCERY STORE At Super 1 they believe in being “Food Smart.” That means all their employees are experts in food. They know how to choose the best, cook it right, and make it taste delicious. Consistent quality, freshness, selection, and service guaranteed. 200 E. Mt. View // 509-962-7770
OLD MILL COUNTRY STORE VOTED BEST FARMER-FRIENDLY SUPPLIER Old Mill Country Store’s premier goal is to provide a unique shopping experience and complete customer satisfaction for their patrons. The employees at Old Mill are deeply knowledgeable in all things related to farm, ranch, and country living. 500 W. Third // 925-5397
KELSEY SCHMIDT • C.W. BARBERSHOP VOTED BEST BARBER Open 6 days a week, C.W. Barbershop, tops the category again this year. Kelsey Schmidt has owned the shop since 2007 and takes pride in her wide variety of clientele; from baby’s first haircut, to old timers, locals and students. Kelsey enjoys the barbershop atmosphere where she considers her customers her family and has learned that an important part of her job is being a good listener. Drop in, you’re always welcome. 808 E. University Way // 509-962-2599
NANCY BARNES • BLOOMTIME NURSERY & DESIGN VOTED BEST LANDSCAPER, GARDENER & PLANT NURSERY Bloomtime Nursery & Design has offered the best in quality plants and friendly service since 2000. You can shop with Bloomtime at their location, 1663 Vantage Hwy., or call for custom landscape design and services. 1663 Vantage Hwy. // 509-962-6687
NW AUDIOLOGY VOTED BEST AUDIOLOGIST Linda Lee Nelson, owner of Northwest Audiology and Hearing Aid Center, has worked for 30 years as a certified clinical audiologist providing professional hearing evaluation, screening, diagnosis, and fitting of the latest in hearing aids and assistive listening devices. 603 N. Main, Ste 2 // 509-962-9575
DOWNTOWN PHARMACY VOTED BEST PHARMACY Located (naturally enough) in the heart of downtown Ellensburg, Downtown Pharmacy has been serving the community for over 30 years. Ellensburg’s only independent and locally-owned pharmacy was opened in 1982 by David Cross and Roger Glaser. Pharmacist, Clint Knight, joined the staff 3 years ago and specializes in flu shots and other immunizations. Pharmacy technicians, Chirsty Bowers and Jody McClure complete the staff. 414 N. Pearl // 925-1514
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unty has to offer WOODS ACE HARDWARE VOTED BEST HARDWARE STORE Let the knowledgeable staff at Woods Ace Hardware provide you with great hardware products, tips, and advice on lawn care, painting, decorating, plumbing and electrical. Locally owned and operated, the Woods family has been serving Ellensburg since 1944. 310 N. Pearl // 925-2961
SHAW’S FURNITURE & APPLIANCE VOTED BEST FURNITURE STORE Shaw’s furniture has been family owned and operated for over 60 years. We are one-stop shopping for everything that makes a house a home. We look forward to meeting you at our store for all of your home furnishing and appliance needs. 512 N. Pearl // 509-925-1475
JOHNSON’S AUTO GLASS VOTED BEST GLASS COMPANY Johnson’s Auto Glass has been family owned since 1936. We specialize in auto glass window tinting, truck accessories and automotive upholstery. With service you can trust, come and see what makes us the best glass company of Kittitas County Open 8:30–5:30 Monday–Thursday, 8:00–5:00 Friday. 211 S. Main St. // 509-925-3777
GALLERY ONE VISUAL ARTS CENTER VOTED BEST ART GALLERY/MUSEUM Gallery One Visual Arts Center is a nonprofit organization that relies on community involvement and donations to keep its doors open. In addition to rotating exhibits of contemporary art, Gallery one offers a variety of quarterly classes, an art after school program, a gift store featuring regional artisans, a full ceramics studio available for rent and classes, inexpensive studio spaces for artists and facility rentals for the community. 408 North Pearl // 509-925.2670 • www.gallery-one.org
LAURIE ARMSTRONG • UMPQUA BANK VOTED BEST MORTGAGE LENDER
My business has been about earning your trust and helping you find the right home loan right here in the Kittitas Valley. lauriearmstrong@umpquabank.com // 509-899-1732
PAPA MURPHY’S VOTED BEST PIZZA Locally owned Papa Murphy’s Pizza is still the leader in this category. They have been voted best place for pizza 10 years in a row! They continue to offer pizza that is made with fresh ingredients, right before your eyes that you bring home and serve hot out of your oven. 205 W. Tacoma Ave. // 509-962-9282
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KV LIVING 15
MUSIC
Live at the
Brick
UPPER COUNTY TAVERN BRINGS LIVE MUSIC IN EACH WEEKEND By NICOLE KLAUSS Photos by BRIAN MYRICK The Seattle band 80ology performs at the Brick in Roslyn.
Walk into the Brick Saloon in Roslyn on a Friday or Saturday night, and the place likely will be packed with people drinking, playing pool and dancing to the live music in the downstairs dining area. Live music has been a staple at the Brick for decades, and helps to draw business to the bar and restaurant. “We definitely get people that
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come here just for the music,” said Randi Najar, general manager for the Brick. “People will call and ask who’s playing. People who know the band will also come.” The Brick is set up for live music with a stage in the downstairs dining area, a full sound system and a dance floor. The Brick has operated in Roslyn since 1889, when John Buffo and Peter Giovanni opened a tavern in the Brick’s
SCHEDULE Fo a schedule of For upcoming live music or events at the Brick Saloon, visit www. bricksaloon.com and click on the calendar link.
The band 80ology performs favorites from Depeche Mode, Billy Idol, the Police, Bon Jovi, Guns N Roses and more.
current location, according to the bar’s history. The tavern was rebuilt in 1898 using 45,000 bricks, and then took the name “The Brick.” The Brick is known for its annual miniature boat races on the bar’s 23-foot running water spittoon, its role in the television show “Northern Exposure” and its live music every weekend. Najar said having live music helps bring business to the small city of Roslyn, as bands and people who come to see them often book hotel rooms. “I think it adds something to the whole community because we have something fun to go out and see,” Najar said. “It draws business to the community as well.”
A LIVELY ATMOSPHERE Seana Wiltse has worked at the Brick for five years, and said the music at the bar is “absolutely” a draw for people to choose to drink or dine at the Brick. “There’s not one given band that brings people in,” she said. “It’s always busy Fridays and Saturdays. It’s more common than not to have it packed. Our live music is awesome.” Many times, bands pack the house. “We’ve had it where we had to deny access until other people left,” Najar said. “We’ve been at capacity before.” The Brick serves a mix of people including locals
KV LIVING 17
MUSIC
Live at the
Brick and tourists or people with second homes in Suncadia. Wiltse said the bartenders add to the atmosphere as well. The Brick has about 12 bartenders, she said, with four to five working a shift at night. “The bartenders make it lively,” she said. “We sell a lot of drinks.” When the crowd starts dancing, the bartenders will move some of the tables to clear the dance floor space, Wiltse said. The Brick also hosts theme nights like the ‘80s, which it advertises in advance. “The bartenders sometimes dress up for theme nights,” Wiltse said. The 80s dance music is always popular, and when Seattle group 80ology performs at the venue, the big screen on stage plays MTV music videos of the song the group is singing. The group performs favorites from Depeche Mode, Billy Idol, the Police, Bon Jovi, Guns N Roses and more. “People always want to know when they’re playing because it’s so fun,” Najar said. “It’s all happy dance music, and people love to dance.” The Brick has had big names like country performer Chance McKinney, Tacoma singer/ songwriter Vicci Martinez and up-and-coming Ayron Jones and the Way, a three-piece blues rock band from Seattle. “He (Ayron) is just getting bigger and bigger,” Najar said.
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The Brick offers music every weekend that ranges from country to rock and roll
Choosing bands Bands often reach out to the Brick to request a slot on the yearly schedule. The genre of music played varies, and could range from country one night to rock and roll the next. “It’s definitely a variety,” Najar said. “The majority is classic rock with cover tunes that people know and want to dance to. We also get Americana type bands that do their own music.” Some bands are local, like the Willies, an Upper County rock group that has been together more than 30 years, while other musicians are brought in from the West Side. The bands are rotated on a regular basis so the music doesn’t get stale. “Nobody is playing here more than three or
four times a year,” Najar said. “Every eight to 10 weeks we put them back in.” Najar is in charge of booking, and was booked through February in December. The summer is really busy for music, as are the holidays, she said. Bands interested in performing at the Brick can submit their contact information and inquiry on the Brick’s website. Najar regularly checks the email for requests from bands interested in performing, and then researches the groups to see if they would be a good choice for the Brick. “I go out and I listen to the band that submitted an interest to find out if they’re a good fit,” Najar said. “I go to YouTube or their website. A lot of bands are good, but not a good fit. A good fit (for the Brick) is someone that can play songs that people want to dance to.” ■
KV LIVING 19
MUSIC
Busking in the
Burg ELLENSBURG PERFORMER HAS TRAVELED TO 42 STATES IN SEVEN YEARS PLAYING THE MUSIC HE LOVES
By Madelynn Shortt Photos courtesy of Mark Paschen
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Mark Paschen has spent the past seven years traveling to 42 states making a living as a musician. He’s a guitarist and singer who plays a hodgepodge of ragtime, gypsy-jazz and folk punk, but he didn’t have any experience when he started playing bass in an Ellensburg punk band when he was 16. “My friends and I were jamming out when they asked if I wanted to be in their band and I was really excited about it,” he said. “I borrowed their bass and I played and played.” He doesn’t come from a family with an extensive musical background. He always wanted to learn to play, but said no one had ever taught him how. Although the punk band didn’t last, Paschen’s curiosity for music did.
This urge to “keep going” turned Paschen onto a wide array of other instruments including the kazoo, which he attaches to a handmade, metal Bob Dylan-esque head piece, the saw, trombone, accordion and the piano, among a few others. “A lot of them I don’t play that well … but I’m learning,” he said modestly. “The guitar is my instrument.”
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Busking After his time playing punk music, Paschen spent about four years busking on the sidewalks and street corners of downtown Ellensburg developing his musical style. “I didn’t perform then as much as I do now because I didn’t know what I could do, so I just played on the streets,” he said.
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MUSIC
Busking in the
Burg
Growing up, Paschen never saw himself becoming a musician, but after playing a few years in Ellensburg, he realized music was in his life for good and that he wasn’t staying in his hometown forever.
Band reality Paschen has played in two groups recently. The first was Dirty Kid Discount, a traveling eight-person band Paschen joined in 2013. The second and current traveling project he’s a part of is called Robber’s Roost, which he started with a longtime musician friend in 2013. “I quit Dirty Kid Discount and thought ‘let’s start a band and let’s do this,’” he said. “We started the band together and went searching for one other person and finally found someone, but that kind of fell apart.” “Maybe I push people too hard … and some people can’t handle that,” he said. “This is fun for me … but some people don’t see it like that.” The harsh realities of being in a traveling band can be too much for some and Paschen often deals with commitment issues from other members. Some previous members thought “oh we’re gonna’ be in a band and we’re gonna’ be popular and we’re gonna’ have all these friends … and they don’t realize how serious I take it,” he said. “They kind of drop off and say it’s not as fun as they thought it would be because they don’t like all the serious stuff.” 22 KV LIVING
Mark Paschen sits with his dog Sharlet. Paschen’s current band Robber’s Roost.
For Paschen, there’s more to Robber’s Roost than just being popular.
Making the music Paschen writes about 90 percent of the songs for Robber’s Roost, with bandmates contributing the rest. When it comes to creating his music, Paschen generally starts with instrumentals before lyrics. Subjects range from donating plasma to
roaming and traveling the country. “If I’m really provoked by an event or something happens then the lyrics will come first, but usually I’m just kind of dinking around on my guitar and I’ll come out with a chord progression,” he said. “Then I’ll start applying lyrics to that.” He used the word frustrating to describe what it’s like to perform when so many members come and go.
“My songs have a lot of weird parts and changes that aren’t that common in the style of music we play, and it throws people off,” he said. “It takes a lot of practice, but whenever a member comes and goes it takes so much time to get back going again.”
music scene. She’s a fan of Pasch Paschen’s style and approach mu to music. “One thing about him I admi is his dedication,” she admire said. “Just knowing him, I can hear it in his music that he’s doin what he loves.” doing Cox said Paschen is focused a the right areas. in all “It’s not a sort of get out m way thing,” she said of my abo Paschen’s driven about pe personality. “It’s a way of lif for him. I kind of relate life be because I have this store an I’m not looking to get and ri rich, it’s just a way of life fo me.” for
Staying positive Although both Dirty Kid Discount and Robber’s Roost rely on cars and vans to tour across the country, Paschen has traveled thousands of miles by hitchhiking and illegally sneaking rides aboard railroad cars. He doesn’t ride de the rails any more. “Life can be a struggle,” Paschen said. “But for me, personally, I can’t think of anything that’s been a real struggle.”
nd Robber ’s Roos
t’s concert
schen’s ba e’s It isn’t always easy. When he’s A flyer for Mark Pa traveling, he doesn’t always count on having money or even a reliable In addition to busking for fun on meal, but he doesn’t worry about Ellensburg’s streets, he’s played those things either. at many local events such as the “We work around that,” he said as he Ellensburg WinterHop BrewFest, laughed about his time traveling with Buskers in the Burg, and he’s played his band members. “We always find a many shows at Old Skool’s among other venues. way, even if we’re zero, flat broke.”
Paschen and his two bandmates left for Robber’s Roost’s first major tour with hardly any money in their pockets. “We made it all the way around the country and right back to Washington in 2014,” he said. “And we even split $60 after that, too.”
Keeping things local Even though traveling has drawn Paschen to nearly every state in the country, he still calls Ellensburg home and he comes back often.
Paschen entered Buskers in the Burg twice and he placed in the top three both times. Old Skool’s owner Carol Cox has known Paschen since he walked through her shop’s doors at 16 years old to ask if his punk band could play a show in the store’s back room. He’s played there solo and with different bands. He’s also booked shows for out-of-town bands to play there as well. Cox knows about music and she’s been a big supporter of the local
C allowed Paschen Cox t put on a special to f fundraising concert for his dog Sharlet when Sharlet had cancer. Paschen raised enough money to get Sharlet the surgery she n needed. About six months ago, Paschen played during Old Skool’s fundraising concert to help raise money to buy a PA system for the back room. “He was the one who inspired me the most to do that,” Cox said about having more bands play at her venue. “He helped with getting things started.” In addition to performing at Old Skool's and at large community events, Paschen was asked by Ellensburg Downtown Association Director Carolyn Honeycutt to play at the 2013 award ceremony. “We were supposed to have a band play and at the very last minute one of the band members got sick and canceled … and we were without any entertainment,” she said. “He was just sitting down outside D and M Coffee and we were chatting and I KV LIVING 23
MUSIC
Hitching rides and hopping trains usician Mark Paschen has traveled the country playing music, and found plenty of adventure in the process. His lust for travel started early.
M
brings his 6-year-old, heeler-terrier mix Sharlet with him, which is the main reason he will always wait until a train stops before they get on. They’re inseparable.
“As a kid I went on a field trip to the border of Washington and Oregon,” he said. “I remember looking (across the state line) and thinking ‘oh wow that’s a different state, I want to go over there.’ … It made me curious.”
Busted
While he sticks to conventional cars and vans for tours these days, he’s traveled up and down the West Coast and the Midwest by hitchhiking and hopping trains. He started backpacking and traveling in Seattle when he was 18. “Me and my friend were trying to hitch to Minnesota to visit another friend,” he said. “Another person was hanging around with us and said he was hopping a train that night or the next day and asked why don’t we join him.” Paschen’s gut told him not to do it and to stick to his original plan of hitching instead. “Not me, that’s crazy,” he remembered thinking to himself. “I was actually pretty nervous to do it.” After mulling over the decision, he decided to hop the train to Minnesota to busk and visit his friend. That trip lasted a staggering three days with no stops and from then on he realized he was in love with hopping trains. “I brought food with me and don’t ask about the bathroom,” he said as he laughed and rubbed his face with his tattoo-covered hands. Paschen usually has a plan when it comes to hopping trains. He stays out of public view, travels at night and waits until the train comes to a stop before getting on or off. He doesn’t travel alone when he rides the rails. He
24 KV LIVING
Riding nearly 20 trains eventually led Paschen into a few run-ins with the law. “I was pulled off in Ephrata by the Grant County Sheriff’s Department,” he said with a guilty smile. “I don’t have any clue how they found out.” It was only when the train began to slow down that he suspected something bad might happen. “We slowed down and another train was passing us and (the deputies) saw us and yelled “there they are!” he said. “It was pretty terrifying and my nerves were racing.” Paschen, Sharlet and four other “traveler folk” whose names he can’t remember were pulled off the train at gunpoint. “I was so scared I was going to lose my little dog,” he said. “I was sitting on the ground with my legs crisscrossed and my hands cuffed behind my back, but she was running around fine.” The illegal stowaways were given $330 trespassing fines and were sent on their way, which for Paschen and Sharlet meant hitchhiking. Reflecting back on the situation, Paschen scratched his head and said “you know what? That’s about as much as an Amtrak ticket would have cost me.” He was caught one other time after the Ephrata episode, and doesn’t want to continue pushing his luck. “As much as I love (hopping trains), I just don’t see it happening anymore,” he said. “I don’t want to go to jail. I’m trying to do my music thing and I’m trying to keep Sharlet safe.”
thought we have an event tonight and we really need someone to play.” That wasn’t the first time Honeycutt had seen Paschen busk. In addition to seeing him play at Buskers in the Burg, she recalled seeing him perform outside different businesses and said he’s always got a “nice little crowd around him.”
a children’s boutique
“Mark is one of the few true buskers we have in the Buskers festival,” she said. “He just kind of shows up every once and a while and we contact him through Facebook and we call and ask him if he’s coming back for the festival this year.”
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Honeycutt appreciates what Paschen has done in the community and how that has played into Ellensburg’s music scene. Busking makes “your sidewalks alive and it makes your streets and your towns alive,” she said. Paschen went as far as to create a special musician-based Facebook page, which Cox is a member of, called Ellensburg Musician’s Collective.
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“It was made for people to post their ideas, to put a band together to jam or to sell and trade equipment,” he said. “It’s just a forum for musicians to trade ideas and trade equipment.”
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He uses this Facebook page to promote his shows. There are more than 200 members.
Planning the future Working as a cook in Seattle, Paschen has momentarily settled down. Although he’s staying put for a while, it won’t last long. His steady job is a stepping stone to save money to buy a vehicle for Robber’s Roost to get back on the road again. He’s got two new members for his threeman band and he’s eager to get things moving.
March 6 - April 25, 2015
Growing up, Paschen may never have pictured any of this in his life’s plan, but he only sees more opportunity from here. “I’m never going to quit playing music and I always want to travel,” he said. “I never consciously thought ‘that’s what I’m going to do when I grow up,’ but I guess I still haven’t really grown up.” ■
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ART
Stitch by
Stitch By NICOLE KLAUSS Photos by BRIAN MYRICK
Local quilting group combines art, fellowship and service 26 KV LIVING
Quilts made in Ellensburg have traveled to homes across the world. Some have found new owners in orphans living in Ukraine, others have made their way to Mexico, and some have been given to high school graduates leaving the county to start their new journey in college. Each quilt made by the women in Tabitha’s Peaceful Piecemakers quilting group in Ellensburg is carefully crafted and donated as a gift. Tabitha’s Peaceful Piecemakers formed in November 2008 when Wendy Haberman had the idea to send quilts to Ukraine. First Presbyterian Church sponsors the Sunshine Center for Street Kids, an orphanage in Kiev, Ukraine. When Haberman heard about it, she wanted to send quilts to the children there so each child had something of lasting value that was uniquely theirs. By March 2009, 34 quilts were blessed by the congregation and sent to Kiev. Since that time, the quilting group has grown and donated quilts to congregation graduates, foster children, Mexico orphans, church bazaars, the local Christmas basket program and others in need.
Donating quilts High school seniors who attend First Presbyterian Church are presented with a quilt upon graduation. This year the group has four in the works — the most ever in one year was 19 — but additional graduates tend to pop up as the end of the year gets closer. The quilters try to incorporate favorite colors or interests of the high school student into the quilts. Another recipient of the quilts is The Bridge, a recovery program for prostituted youth in Seattle. “We share when we have people that are sick in our church or when people have a loss in our church… right now our most passionate project is the foster kids in Kittitas County,” quilter Mary Kraft said. Local foster children receive quilts that they can then take with them wherever they go, as well as specialty bags for their belongings. Most of the time the group doesn’t meet the recipients of their handmade gifts, but on occasion hears feedback.
KV LIVING 27
BREWERIES & WINERIES OF CENTRAL WASHINGTON Chelan CHELAN COUNTY DOUGLAS COUNTY
Peshas n
Wenatchee GRANT COUNTY
C Roslyn
Quincy
Cle Elum KITTITAS COUNTY
B 2 Ellensburg
Moses Lake
D
3 1 YAKIMA COUNTY
Selah Yakimaa
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A PA I D A D V E RT I S E M E N T
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WINERIES
BREWERIES A
B
Bale Breaker Brewing Company Just minutes from downtown Yakima and in the center of Loftus Ranches’ hop field #41, Bale Breaker Brewing Company is located in one of the more unique locations for a craft brewery – on a commercial hop farm. Started in 2013 by fourth-generation hop farmers, Bale Breaker Brewing Company focuses on handcrafted ales that showcase the world-class hops grown in the Yakima Valley, one of the leading hop growing regions in the world. 1801 Birchfield Road • Yakima WA (509) 424-4000 • balebreaker.com info@balebreaker.com
Iron Horse Brewery We make beer for your mouth parts. We think it is delicious, but we can’t speak for you, since we are not friends. Unless we are friends and you are reading this, in which case, why aren’t you at [the pub], friend? PUB - 412 N Main St. • Ellensburg, WA (509) 933-3134 • ironhorsebrewery.com Hours: Monday – Wednesday 4pm – 9ish pm TThursday: 2pm – 9ish pm Friday & Saturday: 1pm – 9ish pm Sunday: 1 pm – 7pm
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The Roslyn Brewing Company has been brewing hand-crafted and full-flavored beers in the old world tradition since 1990. Our beers are excellent, full-bodied, German-style lagers reminiscent of those brewed by the immigrant miners in our hometown of Roslyn, Washington at the turn of the century. 208 Pennsylvania Avenue • Roslyn, WA (509) 649-2232 • RoslynBrewery.com info@RoslynBrewery.com
St. Brigid’s Brewery Brewed in the heart of the Columbia Basin. We use only local ingredients when we can. Beer tastes best when it is fresh and travels a minimum of miles. Come taste the difference; stop by the taproom and see for yourself. Enjoy our outdoor lakeside patio. Cheers! TAPROOM - 606 West Broadway, Suite C Moses Lake, (509) 750-8357 • stbrigidsbrewery.com beer@stbrigidsbrewery.com Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 3:30 to 9:30pm Summer hours, June to September: Wednesday – Saturday 3:30 to 10:30pm
With his vineyard located across from the Yakima River, Ellensburg Canyon Winery is the passion of Vigneron Gary R. Cox, Professor Emertius from the Vineyard & Winery Technology Program at Yakima Valley Community College. Taste the unique Terroir that Gary has cultivated using advanced, ultra-sustainable methods as you experience the wonders of the Yakima River Canyon Area. 221 Canyon Vista Way • Ellensburg, WA 509-933-3523 • www.ellensburgcanyonnwinery.com Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/EllensburgCanyonWinery The Tasting Room/Picnic Area is open daily from 10am to 6pm April Fools Day thru Thanksgiving.
Roslyn Brewing Company
Hours: Thursday 1pm to 6pm Friday – Saturday 11:30am to 8:30pm Sunday 11:30am to 5:30pm
D
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Ellensburg Canyon Winery
Gård Vinters Serving award-winning wine, local craft beers, and savory appetizers, Gård Vintners has been voted Kittitas County’s best winery three years running. Founded in 2006, the boutique winery serves a wide variety of estate white & red wines sourced f rom their family vineyard located on the Royal Slope. Family owned & operated, the Gård name, meaning “farm or estate” originates from their Scandinavian heritage. Ellensburg tasting room available for group meetings or special occasions, as well as live music throughout the month. 311 N. Pearl St. • Ellensburg, WA (509) 925-1095 • GardVintners.com Hours: Tuesday – Sunday at 2pm Open late Friday and Saturday evenings
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Thrall & Dodge Winery Located on Manastash Ridge, Thrall and Dodge is a family-owned Columbia Valley AVA winery and the oldest commercial operating winery in the Kittitas Valley. Our premium wines are produced, cellared, and served on site. We offer FREE wine tastings to visitors from our small tasting shack Saturdays and Sundays noon to 5pm (April through November) or by appointment. With lots of open space, regional views, an informal atmosphere--Bocce Ball court!--and even a music stage, we will also host your special event. 111 Dodge Road Ellensburg, WA (509) 925-4110 • thrallwinery.com info@thrallwinery.com Hours: April through November, Saturday & Sunday noon to 5pm
Yakima Craft Brewing Co.
E
Yakima Craft Brewing Co. is a craft beer brewery located in the heart of North America’s leading producer of hops, the Yakima Valley in the state of Washington. We produce high-quality craft ales and lagers with an emphasis on full-bodied taste and unique character.
THE TAPROOM AT THE BREWERY - ATB 2920 River Road (#6) (509) 654-7357 Hours: Mon. – Thurs., 4 to 8PM Friday, 3 to 10PM Saturday, 3PM until 10PM Sunday, CLOSED
THE TAPROOM ON THE AVE. OTA, Downtown Yakima 120 East Yakima Ave. (509) 571-1468 Hours: Monday – Saturday, 3 to 10PM Sunday, CLOSED
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ART
“
It’s such a circle. As you help others, you’re the one that benefits. — Mary Kraft
”
Cheryl Campbell works on a quilt at the First Presbyterian Church in Ellensburg
“We don’t do it for the reward, but when you hear about the lives, especially like the foster kids when they get them and these stories we hear about how much they mean to them, that really touches our heart,” Haberman said. “We’d keep doing it without the stories. You realize it does make a difference.”
Making friends For most of the women who attend the group, it’s not so much about the quilting as it is about the fellowship they develop with the other women.
girlfriends,” she said. “I told my kids that sewing skips a generation and it skipped mine. The only reason I came is because I knew I was going to need girlfriends. They taught me to make the first quilt.” New quilter Melissa Borrett attended a session in November and was working with another quilter to learn how to sew by choosing pieces of fabric and piecing them together. “They’re great people and I need hobbies right now,” Borrett said about why she joined the group.
“It’s kind of like a support group,” Haberman said.
Learning to quilt
An average of 20 women attend the group each week.
Whether you’re an experienced quilter or have never held a needle, everyone interested in learning is welcome to attend the weekly sessions.
Ellen Walton, who joined the group shortly after moving to Ellensburg 2 1/2 years ago, said her main motivation for attending is the friendships. “We live a little bit out of town and we moved from California so I knew that I was going to need 30 KV LIVING
The group meets from 3-8 p.m. most Wednesdays at First Presbyterian Church. Quilters do not have to be a member of the church to participate, and there is no cost.
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KV LIVING 31
ART “You don’t need any sewing skills,” Haberman said. “We’d be glad to teach and we have supplies.”
thon, and my mom came from Wenatchee and we made a Joey quilt,” she said.
Kraft estimated that out of the women who attend the group, maybe only a third had quilted before joining the group, and One quilter stitches a Seahawks pattern another third had sat at a sewing machine.
“I sat down at the sewing machine and said, ‘I can’t help,’” Kraft said. “They said, ‘Here, sew these strips together.’ I started and I loved it and I was hooked from then on.”
“I was one of those who hated to sew and I didn’t want to do it for a long time,” Kraft said.
The group has made hundreds of quilts over the last seven years and has been “known to whip something out pretty fast in an assembly line,” Kraft said. “It all comes together.”
It wasn’t until the church organized a quilt-a-thon to make a quilt for her son Joey who died nine years ago, that Kraft learned to quilt.
Teaching others the art of quilting helps those with experience further develop their skills when learning how to explain a technique.
“My mom had made the grandkids quilts and was going to do his … one of the ladies here organized a little quilt-a-
“It’s such a circle,” Kraft said. “As you help others, you’re the one that benefits.” ■
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Around the world The women in Peaceful Piecemakers have taken their skills abroad to share. When the youth director at First Presbyterian Church heard there was a need in Haiti for sewing skills, Wendy Haberman talked about a mission trip, and it started from there. A group of eight women from Kittitas County traveled to Haiti the year after the devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck in January 2010. While there, they taught Haitian men and women how to knit and sew. “It was in the middle of the cholera epidemic and there was lots of unrest,” quilter Mary Kraft said. “We made connections with those ladies. We’ve been back. Another group of eight went and we’ve had other smaller groups. The ladies (in Haiti) didn’t know how to pick up a pair of scissors … when they went back the women started teaching sewing and now quilting.” “It was life-changing,” said quilter Dawn Helland who also went on the trip.
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OUTDOORS
Backcountry By NICOLE KLAUSS Photography by CHUCK DAVIS
Expert
VOLUNTEER FOREST SERVICE RANGER SLEEPS IN SNOW CAVES, PHOTOGRAPHS RARE VIEWS
Chuck Davis has spent many cold nights sleeping in a snow cave. He’s also slept in igloos, built wilderness box toilets, and has hiked virtually every trail in the Snoqualmie Ranger District.
The Washington native enjoys hiking and spending time in the outdoors, and takes advantage of the opportunities available to him as a member of the U.S. Forest Service’s Volunteer Wilderness Ranger program.
In the summer, Davis hikes around the backcountry of the Snoqualmie Ranger District. His role is to greet the public and help them understand something about the region they’re hiking through, as well as address wilderness ethics. KV LIVING 35
OUTDOORS
Bear Grass is seen in the foreground at Gem Lake
In the winter, Davis is out almost every weekend leading photography snowshoe walks on Snoqualmie Pass as well as leading half-day walks on Sundays.
Backcountry ranger While hiking in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness about 14 years ago, Davis ran into what he thought was a Forest Service ranger. The man introduced himself as a volunteer and told him about the Volunteer Wilderness Ranger program. The next weekend Davis was hiking as a volunteer for the Forest Service. “I’ve had 14 seasons as a backcountry wilderness ranger,” he said. “I hike the backcountry in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. I’m based out of the North Bend office, but I also do a lot of work for the Cle Elum office.” Davis averages 300 to 400 hours of volunteering each year. His dedication has been so immense, that U.S. Forest Service volunteer coordinator Pat Ellis nominated him for the 2011 Forest Service 36 KV LIVING
Volunteer of the Year Western Region award, which Davis subsequently won. “He does a tremendous amount for the Forest Service… he’s way over 1,000 hours of volunteering time,” Ellis said. Some of Davis’ other duties throughout the years detailed in the award application include mapping winter and summer routes, building registration boxes, toilets and a snowshoe rack, packing out trash, helping other volunteers with orientation and building projects and leading half-day trips. “Only one or two other volunteers have the experience or the ability to visit remote and difficult to reach areas in the wilderness that are rarely ever visited,” the award application reads. “On one such patrol, Chuck discovered an illegal helicopter outfitting operation. He and a paid Wilderness Ranger spent days packing out trash (300 pounds) that was left behind in this remote and incredibly difficult to access area.” Davis said he’s been back to the area in recent years and that “most of the impact that they had on the remote area is now disappearing.”
Tips for spending time in the backcountry Volunteer ranger Chuck Davis has several tips for people planning to hike or spend time in the backcountry. The first is always be prepared to stay the night. Bring a form of shelter in case you get caught in a storm, and bring extra food and water. “I’m always prepared to spend the night, and being prepared means that I’m mostly thinking about avoiding dangerous areas,” Davis said. Another tip is to dress in layers, and don’t wear cotton. We have a saying, “cotton is rotten,” Davis said.
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OUTDOORS
Preacher Mountain as seen behind Lake Caroline
Sleeping in the snow The snow caves and igloos are a newer exploration for Davis. “Probably eight or nine years ago I started doing more winter camping, and I had always heard about people spending a night in a snow cave,” Davis said. “I went out and dug one and spent the night. It’s a really unique experience.” While volunteering on weekends in the winter, Davis will often make a shelter like a snow cave for the entire weekend. A snow cave takes a couple of hours to make, but not nearly as long as it takes to make an igloo. “We always recommend you dig them and leave them alone for at least an hour to let the snow settle before you 38 KV LIVING
get into it to sleep,” Davis said. The igloos take longer, but are more comfortable and can be varied in size to fit multiple people and gear. “I actually sleep better in the igloo than I do at home because of all the fresh air and quiet,” Davis said. The igloos he builds are also used by Smokey Bear during the U.S. Forest Service’s Kids in the Snow program.
Photography While volunteering with the ranger program, Davis started taking pictures, and as he hiked to remote locations that only experienced hikers reached, he got spectacular views not many people see. “Someone gave me a camera for a gift and I took a
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weeklong backpack trip,” he said. “When I got back, another person said I had some pretty nice shots. It’s just grown from there.”
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All of his photography skills are self-taught. Davis said he enjoys capturing a hike so he can go back through the pictures and remember what it was like. While volunteering, he takes photographs of trail conditions, like if a log is down across a trail, and reports them to the Snoqualmie Ranger District. “I really love capturing what I see so I can go back to a hike that I did in 2003 or 2004 and remember what it was like,” he said. Davis works at Seattle Central College as the director of facilities, but sells his photography on the side. His photos can be viewed at www.alpinescenes.net.
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He enjoys photographing both wildlife and scenes, but said animals are more difficult because they’re not always out in the open. Davis has seen eight or nine bears during his years hiking, but has only captured one or two on film, and from long distances. “Mountains are my favorite because they’re so remote and majestic,” he said. “Much of the year, they’re snow clad and the snow kind of hides all the ugliness that can develop in an area.” Davis will be out hiking and snowshoeing this winter season, so if you see him on the trails, stop him for a chat.
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“I love meeting people,” Davis said. “I make a lot of friends out in the wilderness. I remember meeting one gentleman in the Snoqualmie Pass area and he ended up hiking with me for three or four hours that day. I’ve met him occasionally since then and he always remembers my name.” ■
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FOOD FOOD
Winter
Drinks
By NICOLE KLAUSS Photos by BRIAN MYRICK
LOCAL BARS SHARE THEIR SEASONAL DRINK MENUS Hot chocolate is a winter classic
Jazz up your winter by putting aside the beer and trying a sip of a Snickers Hot Cocoa or a Tom and Jerry. Both are winter drink specialties offered at local establishments. A couple of local bars have come up with unique winter concoctions to make peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taste buds smile. Whether the snow has inspired a desire for a sip of something cold, or a warming drink is needed, there are delicious drink options in Ellensburg.
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Starlight The Starlight Lounge on Pearl Street in downtown Ellensburg, produced a special eightdrink holiday cocktail menu in honor of the winter season. The drinks have been available since November, and will stay on the menu through February and possibly March, manager Derrick Henninger said. One of the cold favorites is the Gin Gin Mule, a muddled mint and lime drink, mixed with Boodles gin, simple syrup and ginger beer.
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Hot Chocolate, only better If you want a delicious cup of hot cocoa, ditch the powered packets. There’s nothing better than a thermos of homemade hot chocolate after an afternoon of sledding, snowmobiling or cross country skiing in the Kittitas County woods. One key is vanilla extract — it helps bring out the flavor of the chocolate. Here are two simple recipes. HOT CHOCOLATE From the Barefoot Contessa Cookbook • 2 1/2 cups of whole milk • 2 cups of half and half • 4 ounces of bittersweet chocolate, chopped • 4 ounces of milk chocolate, chopped •1 tablespoon of sugar • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract • 1 teaspoon of instant espresso or coffee powder
Directions Heat the milk and half-and-half in a saucepan on medium heat to just below the simmering point. Remove the pan from the heat and add both the chocolates. When they melt, add the sugar, vanilla and espresso and whisk vigorously. Reheat gently and serve immediately.
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COCONUT HOT CHOCOLATE From Sharon Beesley of the blog NYC Taught Me • 2 cans of 13.5-ounce coconut milk • 2 cups of milk • 1 teaspoon of vanilla • 1 12-ounce bag of chocolate chips (2 cups)
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Directions Put coconut milk and regular milk in a saucepan on medium heat until steaming, then add vanilla and chocolate. Stir until the chocolate melts and enjoy.
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FOOD FOOD A favorite hot drink is the Snickers Hot Cocoa, made with UV candy bar vodka, Baileys and hot chocolate, garnished with whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles and mini Snickers. Other holiday drinks on the menu include the Starlight Boulevard, Russian Pumpkin, Pumpkin Spice Coffee, Evol Toddy, Hot Buttered Captain and Hot Maple Cider.
The Palace The Palace Cafe has a winter drink menu, and people can also ask for recommendations from their server. With a mix of nonalcoholic winter drinks like hot cider, hot chocolate and pumpkin pie and peppermint milkshakes, combined with adult options like a peppermint patty, the Palace Cafe is a good option for people who want to make it a family affair.
Winter
When asking about winter drinks, options include hot buttered rum, a coffee nudge made of brandy, coffee and whipped cream, eggnog and a peach cobbler.
Drinks
The Palace’s peppermint patty contains chocolate and peppermint schnapps while the hot apple pie contains hot cider and whipped cream. Another specialty offered is a Tom and Jerry’s, an old time hot drink often mistaken for eggnog. Tom and Jerry’s drinks, much loved in the Upper Midwest, are typically served around Christmas. The drink, developed in the early 19th century, typically contains brandy, rum and an egg, though there are many variations. ■
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A Russian Pumpkin at the Starlight Lounge in downtown Ellensburg
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