CAYE: Art Unveiling at Coles Fine Foods

That was embarrassing! We drove by twice before actually finding this establishment – even with a Unilocal banner right outside. (I suppose there are limits to Garmin’s ability to find exactly where you want to go.)
When we arrived, the restaurant was packed. Standing room only and little room to breathe (and we had to find Alyssa so we could check in!)
By the time we had made it to the back of the restaurant and eyed all the available snacks, our mouths were watering. After check-​in, we found a plate and filled it with some tasty morsels. Then I filled my plate again and then they decided to bring out the pizza and I had to have some more food. It was all yummy!
We were fortunate enough to have a chat with the owner who explained all about the recent advances in gluten-​free foods and how she developed her cooking ideas so that she could open a local eatery.
It was definitely worth the three-​hour drive to meet some local Unilocalers and attend our first Unilocal event.

Three hours of driving, through freezing rain and drizzle, just to attend my first Unilocal event? YES!
Since there isn’t a Community Ambassador or Manager in Walla Walla to plan events like this, I’ve adopted Spokane as my part-​time Unilocal community.
A big thank you to Alyssa A. for organizing this event at Cole’s Fine Foods. Also a big thank you to Cole’s Fine Foods. Had a little trouble finding the actual location in the dark even with a navigation system, so John B. and I ended up circling the strip mall at least twice but finally arrived close to 6 p.m. Did the check in for the Unilocal swag, which was awesome!
Although the artwork was interesting, the food tasty, clearly the best part of the evening was meeting fellow Unilocalers!

It was packed even before 6PM.
When hubby and I arrived at 5:45, the shop was already filled with people. A tall, Unilocal banner outside identified the location. Walking in, an natural soap artist had her crafts in an extensive display along the left side of the store. On the right were the yummies, wonderful morsels of all gluten free products to sample. Samples of their house crafted Cheese Balls were spread on house baked rolls and crackers. A Pesto Sauce and a Salsa was availabke for tasting as well. Further along the sample tables were Vanilla flavored and Maple flavored scones. Tastes of Brownies, Double Chocolate Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Lemon Lavender Cookies rounded out the table offerings. The volume of output didn’t quite do justice to the full sized bakery items I ate earlier in the week but were still tasty. And, theres’s more.
Warm sample slices of their just like regular pizzas were served directly to event revelers by staff circulating through the party. I tasted a delicate Chicken Pesto and a Cole’s Kitchen, which contained a lilttle of almost every topping offered. The crust is thin and crispy, and provided a wonderful canvass for the subtle blends of the delicious toppings. Even when I allowed my slice to turn cold, the Kitchen sample was still yumm-​meee!
The decaff Domo coffee sample hit the spot, to clear the palate of the sweet and savory goodies I just sampled. Aromatic and smooth, I enjoyed it black, just straight and plain, which is rare for me.
The artists I spoke with, Marion Flanary and Hanah Camacho, were very gracious and warm, answering all questions and sharing details about the techniques they used to create their art. I know a couple of Unilocalers did take home a couple of art pieces.
Musician Paul Abner providing perfect background instrumental music that added wonderful ambience to the event.
Thank you to our Unilocal Community Manager, Alyssa A., for helping to present this yummy opportunity of sights and tastes! Cole’s Fine Foods, you’ll be seeing me back soon! It was great to visit with old and new Unilocal friends.
Thank you all for a very enjoyable evening! I look forward to more Unilocal fun times.