Salish Lodge (right) overlooks Snoqualmie Falls (left). This time of year, the water flow is plentiful - that mist soaked both me and my camera!

For me, a visit to Snoqualmie Falls (note: the hiking trails are closed until 2013), typically includes a stop in at Salish Lodge and Spa. Perched literally atop the falls, this lodge is rich in history: originally an eight-room inn for weary travelers back in 1916, it was known for its hearty breakfasts to fortify its patrons before they continued on with their respective journeys, be it into the mountains or down to the sea.

In 1988, the building got a face lift and reopened as Salish Lodge; Twin Peaks was filmed there. They also have two restaurants – the Attic and the Dining Room – as well as a Spa on the fourth floor (which they recently renovated to include a quiet room). Both restaurants are fabulous spaces with great views that offer tasty treats. And the spa typically offers seasonal specials.

Take right now, for example: throughout the month of February, Salish is celebrating “The Month of Love” by offering two overnight packages, a five-course Valentine’s Day Dinner, and three special spa treatments.

The Salish Spa got a facelift with a new look (left) and quiet room (right). Fear not, however, for the soaking pools, complete with their own mini falls (center), can still be found on the fourth floor.

The overnights are called”Love at the Lodge” and “A Night to Remember.” The dinner is available in addition to their usual dinner menu tomorrow (February 10th, 2012) and Saturday (February 11th, 2012) and exclusively on Tuesday, February 14th, 2012 – Valentine’s Day.

This fireside massage table, complete with chocolate massage oil had a twin and was ready for a romantic couples massage.

About a week ago, I enjoyed one of their February spa treatments as a media experience: their Chocolate Massage ($115). A 50-minute treatment with a focus on Swedish-style of massage, but with Deep Tissue and Therapeutic massage components at the ready as-needed, this massage will definitely relax and inspire romance. The massage oil used is a chocolate-scented oil that will get you craving chocolate (big time).

The other two treatments for this month are the 50-minute Chocolate Decadence Body Scrub ($115) and the 50-minute Couples Chocolate Fireside Foot Revitalizers ($135/person, $270/couple). Of course, the standard spa treatment offerings are still available.

So if falling in love at the falls is your thing, there’s no better time to do it, dear hedonists.

Note: In order to comply with FTC Act 16 C.F.R. 255, Heed the Hedonist would like to disclose that it does receive media “comps” and/or media discounts – but not in exchange for favorable coverage, or for withholding unfavorable overage, of the given venue/meal/performance/product/service.

Allen Galli as Sancho Panza and Tom Skerritt as Don Quixote, with Pacific Northwest Ballet company dancers in Alexei Ratmansky’s Don Quixote. Photo © Angela Sterling, provided by PNB, and used with permission.

Now, the literary character of Don Quixote takes on a new form at the Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB): that of long-time actor Tom Skerritt. With a career that spans from the 1960s to the present and from the big screen to the stage, Tom is known for roles such as that of Captain “Duke” Forrest in the 1970 film M*A*S*H. However, these days he is a 78-years-old non-ballet dancing champion for true love as a very convincing Don Quixote.

Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancers Carla Körbes (Kitri) and Karel Cruz (Basilio) in Alexei Ratmansky’s Don Quixote. Photo © Angela Sterling, provided by PNB, and used with permission.

The PNB’s production of Alexei Ratmansky’s Don Quixote tells a slightly different tale from that of the original text penned by Miguel de Cervantes, which was entitled The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha (or El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha in Spanish). With music by Ludwig Minkus and Choreography by Marius Petipa, Alexander Gorsky, and Alexei Ratmansky this production makes up the “American Premiere” of this ballet, which was originally performed on December 14, 1869 by the Imperial Ballet in Moscow. (Last Friday night, your Hedonista attended Opening Night as a media guest.) With his neighbor, the comical and somewhat blundering Sancho Panza (perfectly performed by guest artist Allen Galli), acting as his squire, Don Quixote sets out on his grand adventures.

Although we even see a few windmills (projected on the backdrop screen), this tale is really a love story about two lovers: Kitri, the innkeeper’s daughter (performed beautifully by Carla Körbes) and the young barber Basilio (performed by the long ‘n’ leggy Karel Cruz). Although the innkeeper Lorenzo (performed by guest artist Uko Gorter) wants his daughter to marry the rich-yet-foppish Gamache (performed hilariously by Jonathan Porretta) who lives across from the inn, in the end, true love prevails: Don Quixote persuades Lorenzo to give his blessing to her marriage to Basilio in an hilarious trickery-laden series of events.

By far, the most hedonistically beautiful feast for the eyes takes place in Act Two, Scene Two, so be sure to watch for it. The only real critique of this production was that the series of dance performances during the wedding celebration in Act Three, Scene Two seemed to go on and on … and on.

In the end – although somewhat coincidentally – the lovable Don Quixote still manages to be a true hero in this production. (Just like each and every one of us.)

Alexei Ratmansky’s Don Quixote runs February 3rd until the 12th, 2012, just in time for Valentine’s Day/V-Day. Just six performances remain: evening performances on Thursday through Sunday, with additional 1:00 p.m. matinée performances on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets range in  price from $28 to $168, depending on the seating. (I was also informed that seniors 65  years of age and older can get tickets at 50% off if they purchase them in person at the door on the day of/just prior to the show.)

Note: In order to comply with FTC Act 16 C.F.R. 255, Heed the Hedonist would like to disclose that it does receive media “comps” and/or media discounts – but not in exchange for favorable coverage, or for withholding unfavorable overage, of the given venue/meal/performance/product/service.

Things like alcohol. (Duh – call it the “international social lubricant, if you will.)

And chocolate. (Known to contain phenethylamine, which provides heightened romantic and overall euphoric emotions.)

Elliott's Sous Chef Peter Ryan graciously indulged me by shucking a couple of Skookum oysters table-side. Four of his personal favs were sampled. Although all of the oysters were tasty, my personal ranking preference is (listed in reverse order, saving the best for last): Penn Cove, Skookum, Blue Pool from the local Hama Hama Oyster Company, and Totten Virginica from Taylor Shellfish Farms here in Washington.

Oysters, even. (They contain the hormone dopamine, which heightens libido, as well as zinc, which increases sperm count and testosterone production. There’s also the erotic nature of sucking one of these babies down, straight out of its shell … get my drift, dear hedonists?)

Elliott’s Oyster House is offering bitter sweet treats on Tuesday, February 14th of this year (and possibly longer if we ask nicely, beg, and/or plead).

For love (and sex) can be both bitter and sweet. In fact, each one needs the other, for each defines the other, at least in part. Both at opposite ends of the spectrum and close together (think of the two ends of a horseshoe), bitter and sweet can come together and work wonders – be it for matters of the palate or of the heart.

Last night, your Hedonista headed over to Pier 56 to get some kicks, as it were.

I was not disappointed.

The Venus ($9) is, quite simply, sparkling meets floral. A nice bitter-sweet combination. (And also matched with last night's sunset.)

First, two drinks are being offered, promoted as “Nectar of the Goddesses”: the Venus and the Persephone.

The Venus ($9) is a blend of Prosecco and broVo+RG Rose Geranium Liqueur. BroVo Spirits is “lady-made liquor” company located right here in Washington State that likes to use local ingredients.

(NOTE: Elliott’s and some other Seattle Restaurants are collaborating with broVo to create “50 First Dates” ­- a collection of libido-liciously love-inspiring cocktail and dessert recipes. This booklet will be available at Elliott’s on Valentines Day, while quantities last.)

On its own, the Rose Geranium Liqueur smells so floral, I want to dab some behind each of my ears. It goes down silky smooth with a warming finish. The Venus cocktail is both floral and sweet but also bitter due to the Campari. Want to try it? Can’t wait until February 14th? Well … it just so happens that the recipe is immediately below, which Elliott’s agreed to share (thanks again):

Elliott’s Oyster House Venus

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 oz broVo+RG Rose Geranium Liqueur

2 tsp Campari

1 tsp Rothman and Winter Crème de Violette

4 oz Chilled Prosecco

DIRECTIONS:

In a champagne flute, combine broVo liqueur, Campari and Crème de Violette. Top with chilled Prosecco and gently stir. Garnish with an orange twist.

The Persephone ($10): an adults-only bubble tea for V-Day. I enjoyed the mango bits at the bottom.

Next, there’s the Persephone ($10). Inspired by the Sidecar, this cocktail is also bittersweet, with both lime juice and agave syrup, as well as brandy and the fruit flavors of orange, mango, passion fruit and rhubarb in the liqueurs. At the bottom of this cocktail is mango fruit “caviar” that made the experience somewhat like a tasty adults-only bubble tea. Here’s the recipe for this concoction as well, once again courtesy of Elliott’s:

Elliott’s Oyster House Persephone

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 oz Metaxa 5 Star Brandy

3/4 oz X-Rated Fusion Liqueur

3/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice

1/2 oz Aperol

1 tsp Agave Syrup

Mango Fruit Caviar (optional garnish, recipe below)

DIRECTIONS:

In a chilled cocktail glass, add 1 Tbs Mango Caviar and set aside. In a shaker tin, add remaining ingredients, shake and strain into chilled cocktail glass with Mango Caviar.

Mango Fruit Caviar

In a sauce pan, combine 1 cup mango juice and 2 tsp Agar Agar. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly.  Reduce to a simmer and continue whisking until Agar Agar is dissolved, about 3 to 5 minutes. Allow to cool for a few minutes and pour into a syringe or squeeze bottle. Gentle squeeze drops into about a cup of vegetable oil. Allow to sit for 1 minute. Strain out oil and gently rinse fruit caviar with apple juice.  Pour fruit caviar into about a cup of apple juice and keep chilled for up to 3 hours.

The Valentine's Day dessert special at Elliot's Oyster House: a Rose & Violet Granita with Fresh Strawberries and Bitter Chocolate Sabayon ($7). (And yes, it tastes as good as it looks.)

Finally, last but not least, there’s the dessert, which was created after the two cocktails above were finalized: a very sensual Rose & Violet Granita with Fresh Strawberries and Bitter Chocolate Sabayon ($7). Experiencing this dish was like devouring a work of art. (Literally.) The granita is refreshing and very grape-like.

“It’s the best grape you can ever have,” Sous Chef Peter Ryan assured me.

Situated in a Florentine Cup made with a bee-sting mix imported from Italy, the end product is a wafer-like receptacle for the rose and violet granita, tastes like honey, and holds the granita even as the latter melts … without the former getting soggy. The strawberries remind me of a poke, but with sugared strawberries instead of raw tuna or other fish. And, when the foamy chocolate sabayon is added to the mix, it’s like a deconstructed box of fruit-flavored chocolates.

And, if all of this bitter-sweetness is just too much, just remember: there’s always the oysters.

It is Elliott’s, after all.

Happy shucking, dear hedonists.

Note: In order to comply with FTC Act 16 C.F.R. 255, Heed the Hedonist would like to disclose that it does receive media “comps” and/or media discounts – but not in exchange for favorable coverage, or for withholding unfavorable overage, of the given venue/meal/performance/product/service.

So … how about tea for two … or four.

Four new flavors, that is.

As of this month (currently available at their online store and scheduled to be in stores next month) Seattle’s own Choice Organic Teas, which started in 1989 and focuses exclusively on highly-certified teas – Certified Organic, Fair Trade Certified™, Kosher, non-GMO, and certified HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) – is rolling out four new teas.

They already have some 70+ varieties of tea, including tea bags, tea pyramids, and loose tea. With these new four, now they’re really closer to around 80 teas in total.

So, with so many teas, why four new ones?

“After careful consideration and research, we determined we needed to add these four varieties to round out our product line,” stated Anne-Marie Phillips, Head of Sales and Marketing for Choice Organic Teas, in a recent press release. “Made with pure ingredients, these perfectly balanced teas are sourced from some of the most beautiful places on earth. We invite our customers to go beyond their horizons and discover the world one cup at a time. We feel confident our customers will fall in love with these flavorful new teas.”

Four new teas from Choice Organic Teas, starting from bottom to top and light to complex: Premium Korean Green, Decaffeinated Green, Rooibos Chai, and Masala Chai.

These teas – sold for around $5 a box, with 16 tea bags in each box – are “bookend” teas: literally at two different ends of the tea spectrum. While two of the teas are green teas, two are chai blends. (Your Hedonista recently received some media samples.)

The lightest of the four, in everything from color to aroma to taste, is their Premium Korean Green tea: a very light green, sweet-smelling tea with notes of chlorophyll and bright green tea, this tea is sourced from the volcanic ash-rich soil and subtropical climate of Korea’s Hawaii-like Jeju Island, known as the “Island of the Gods.” Their first (and thus far only) tea from South Korea, the tea leaves of this tea are are seamed, rolled, and dried in the way of the Sencha tradition.

The next-lightest is another green tea: their Decaffeinated Green tea a light green tea with notes of toasted brown, this Indian tea has both notes of grass and grain in it. Given that it’s decaffeinated – in a carbon dioxide process that is currently the only certified organic method available, no less – it’s a good tea to drink starting in the morning and continuing into the night.

Now to the other end of the spectrum: their new Rooibos Chai tea blends South African rooibos (a decaffeinated tea) with masala spices of clove, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper, to create a chai tea with a twist. Dark red and caramel in the cup, this tea tastes and smells very cinnamon-forward, with a spicy bite on the backend. Drink it straight-up or with milk and sweetener.

Finally, the biggest and boldest of these four newbies in terms look, scent and taste: Choice Organic Teas’ Masala Chai. This chai blends those same masala spices with an Assam black tea from India’s Brahmaputra River Valley, resulting in tasting notes of both malt and heavy spice. I enjoy this one with milk (either poured right in or frothed in my Capresso) and a sweetener, like sugar (white or natural) or honey.

Note: In order to comply with FTC Act 16 C.F.R. 255, Heed the Hedonist would like to disclose that it does receive media “comps” and/or media discounts – but not in exchange for favorable coverage, or for withholding unfavorable overage, of the given venue/meal/performance/product/service.

There’s a new play in town – a world premiere, in fact – that addresses these questions and, in so doing, redefines what is the Bible, what is holy.

In short, it’s family.

That’s right family – pure and simple. The Bible is filled with stories about people – people and their families. Bill Cain certainly seems to think so, for both in interviews and in the play, he comments on how the Bible is not a rule book, but rather the story of a family.

I couldn’t agree more.

Left to right: Aaron Blakeley, Tyler Pierce, Linda Gehringer, and Leo Marks star in the world premiere of Bill Cain’s How to Write a New Book for the Bible at Seattle Repertory Theatre. Photo courtesy of kevinberne.co, provided by SRT and used with permission.

Right now, How to Write a New Book for the Bible is running at the Seattle Repertory Theatre (SRT) from January 13th until February 5th, 2012. (Your Hedonista attended as media last Sunday night; Snowmageddon – a word now defined by Wikipedia, by the way – caused the cancellation of the January 18th and 19th shows). Directed by Kent Nicholson and written by Bill Cain, this play portrays the playwright’s own nuclear family. Writing about what he knew – knew best, mind you – for this play was one of the best I’ve seen in a long time.

It has a four-member cast, each member of which possesses impressive credentials. The cast – Aaron Blakely as the older son/brother/soldier/teacher Paul, Linda Gehringer as the mother Mary, Leo Marks as the father Pete, and Tyler Pierce as the younger son/brother/writer/priest Bill (Bill Cain, that is, who is also a Jesuit priest in real life) – really kick it up several notches. They are, quite simply, brilliant. The characters they portray are genuine. Sincere. Kind. Courageous. Self-sacrificing. Honest. Real. What true reality entertainment should be. All this, when portrayed within the intimate setting of live theatre, makes audience members feel that they are witnessing something truly sacred.

And they are.

Heed your hedonist when I say that this play is an absolute must-see. I laughed, I cried. Hell, I laughed while I cried. This play uses average, ordinary characters who do average, ordinary things, both with and in their lives. However, it’s within the ordinary that we find the extraordinary: the dark, the light, and the life, complete with all of its actions and emotions – both tragic and comedic, good and bad – that create what is truly holy.

A dozen performances of this show remain, including tonight. Tickets range in price from $12 to $69: $12 for those aged 25 years and under, $22 for students over 25 years of age, and a range of $20 to $69 for the general public, depending on the date, time, and location of the seats.

(Go see it.)

Note: In order to comply with FTC Act 16 C.F.R. 255, Heed the Hedonist would like to disclose that it does receive media “comps” and/or media discounts – but not in exchange for favorable coverage, or for withholding unfavorable overage, of the given venue/meal/performance/product/service.

All Through the Night is a play written by Shirley Lauro that is currently running at ArtsWest. (Opening night was originally to be January 18th, but got pushed back a couple of nights due to our snowy skies … and streets. Thus, your Hedonista attended last Friday as media.) It’s an all-woman play (save for Director and Set Designer Christopher Zinovitch, who is ArtsWest’s Artistic Director, and Stage Manager Ryan Floresca, who’s also an actor, having performed in such past ArtsWest productions as Amy’s View, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Measure for Pleasure, and Evil Dead, The Musical).

Jillian Vashro (left) and Colleen Carey (right) depict conflict among two Nazi military women.

This play – which is a Jefferson-nominated Best New Chicago play of 2006 that originally opened on October 2, 2009 in New York City’s Marjorie S. Dean Little Theatre – is dark play with depths that reaches both the bowels as well as the ovaries of humanity. It not only serves to remind us of the horrors of WW II, but the particular suffering endured by German gentile women.

Based on actual interviews by women who suffered through – and survived – fascism under Adolph Hitler, All Through the Night offers a gut-wrenching account of getting by on the inside, so to speak. Schisms among citizens, neighbors, and family abound in this production – and once again reveal that not all of Germany was pro-Hitler during this time. However, such dissension came a at a price in the form of sacrifices and compromises. Sacrifices and compromises that were chosen to be made in the name of self-survival and the survival of one’s loved ones, often with a lifetime of guilt, remorse, and regret as a result.

The entire cast of this latest production by ArtsWest, a play written by a woman, starring all women, and really for everyone.

A cast of five women, listed here in order of appearance, make up the entire play’s cast of characters: Cindy Bradder (Ludmilla), Kate Witt (Angelika, also had her directorial début in ArtsWest’s Love Song), Colleen Carey (Frau Lehrerin/Frau Direktorn/Frau Fuhrerin/Frau Oberaufseherin), Jillian Vashro (Gretchen) and Erin Stewart (Friederike). All are strong performers, who take on challenging roles in German accents – accents which they seem to slip out of when addressing the audience directly, but then slip back into when done with such sidebars. This direct audience interaction is designed to destroy the typical illusory quality of the stage and thus force the audience to think about what they are seeing with a critically analytical mind rather than merely losing themselves in the entertainment. This style or concept of the performing arts is known as the “distancing effect” (often mistranslated as the “alienation effect” or Verfremdungseffekt in German). Originally coined by 20th century poet, playwright, and theatre director Bertolt Brecht, this method forces its audience to process a given performance more like an enlightened student than a mere playgoer.

A wise choice for this play, as lessons abound throughout.

We can afford to be such balanced, well-meaning hedonists today because of the sacrifices made by individuals throughout history. I would like to hope that we foster a future based on making people happy, self-fulfilled, and part of a community. In other words, all (balanced) hedonists.

All Through the Night is recommended for ages 13 years and older. It runs at ArtsWest from January 20th through February 12th, 2012 at ArtsWest, with Wednesday through Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. performances on Sundays. Tickets range in price from $10 (under 25 years of age) to $34.50, both group and senior discounts are also available.

NOTE: Tonight, January 23rd, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. there will be an ON STAGE “talkback” session with the cast and director. This event – which takes place the first Monday following opening night, is free and open to the general public. A Gala Event as a part of their Friday Night Event Series is also planned the evening of Friday, February 3rd at 6:00 p.m. for a special ticket price; this event includes a catered reception with delicious hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and pre-show entertainment in addition to the regular performance of All Through the Night. (Check out their Friday Night Event Series webpage for more details.)

Note: In order to comply with FTC Act 16 C.F.R. 255, Heed the Hedonist would like to disclose that it does receive media “comps” and/or media discounts – but not in exchange for favorable coverage, or for withholding unfavorable overage, of the given venue/meal/performance/product/service.

And, if you’re truly house-/apartment-/condo-bound, with the local hot beverage places either closed or seemingly not worth the trek outside to get to, one appliance comes to mind.

My mind, at least.

As of only a few short days ago, that is.

The Capresso froth PRO - here frothing what was left of my holiday egg nog, with which I made egg nog lattes.

The Capresso froth PRO.

What is it, you ask?

Well, to be honest, it was a product I received to test. A product which I initially had my reservations about, given that my humble kitchen – though well-equipped – is rather small. That means that space is at a premium and larger-ish appliances – appliances like coffee machines, slow cookers, and stand mixers – are stored down in the basement, rather than on the main floor with/in the kitchen. Smaller-ish/everyday appliances like the toaster, electric tea kettle, French press and moka pots/stove-top espresso makers stay in the kitchen, either on the counter, in the pantry, or neatly tucked away in one of the cupboards.

I’ve now added the Capresso froth PRO to my list of “upstairs appliances” – small in size, it’s none other than a milk frother. That’s right; with this gadget, one can froth plain, chocolate, even soy milk to create deliciously decadent beverages. The gizmo even has cold-warm-hot settings.

I tried it for the first time a couple of days ago, when 1) I was really jonesin’ for hot beverages and 2) I rediscovered what was left of one-half of a gallon of holiday eggnog in the fridge. So I made an eggnog latte by frothing the eggnog in the Capresso, on the “hot froth” setting.

Mmmm ... eggnog lattes. These days, it's like Christmas all over again - only this time, a white Christmas.

I was pleasantly surprised with the results. It didn’t suck. On the contrary, it was good. Real good.

Since that first day earlier on this week, I’m pretty much using it every day that I crave hot beverages – which, as of snowy late, has been daily.

With this machine, home-made lattes are relatively painless; simply make your coffee/espresso and top with the froth generated by the Capresso froth PRO. In addition to eggnog and plain lattes, I’ve also made frothy hot chocolates by frothing plain milk, stirring in chocolate powder, and adding wither whip or marshmallows (and usually both).

This glorious gadget is available online for around $60; $59.99 on the Capresso website (not including any shipping and/or handling) or $59.95 at Metropolitan Market.

Just in case you need more barista-like gadgets in your kitchens, dear hedonists.

Note: In order to comply with FTC Act 16 C.F.R. 255, Heed the Hedonist would like to disclose that it does receive media “comps” and/or media discounts – but not in exchange for favorable coverage, or for withholding unfavorable overage, of the given venue/meal/performance/product/service.

Canadian bass-baritone John Relyea from Toronto, Ontario as Attila (left) and bass-baritone Michael Devlin from Chicago, Illinois as Leone (right). Photo by © Elise Bakketun, provided by Seattle Opera, and used with permission.

For Attila – whichever way you choose to pronounce it – is currently enjoying its première at the Seattle Opera (which, incidentally, is closed today, with the following in white lettering on a blood-red banner across the top of their homepage: “Due to inclement weather the ticket office will be closed today. Tickets and subscription packages for Attila can still be purchased online.”) Your Hedonista attended opening night as media on Saturday, January 14th.

Attila was the leader of the Hunnic Empire and ruler over the Huns, who were Eurasian nomads. Known as Attila the Hun, this barbarian leader ruled from 434 CE until his death in 453 CE (allegedly from a nosebleed, of all things). Although he and his warriors on horseback ravaged Italy’s northern regions, he failed to take Rome before his death.

Attila is a bel canto opera by one of the most influential composers of the 19th century, Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi (1813-1901). This, Verdi’s number 9 out of a total of 28 operas he composed in his lifetime, is set to an Italian libretto penned by Temistocle Solera, which in turn is based on an early 19th century play by Friedrich Ludwig Zacharias Werner entitled, Attila, König der Hunnen (Attila, King of the Huns). Its original première took place on March 17, 1846.

Soprano Ana Lucrecia García from Coro, Venezuela as Odabella, all decked out in her Salvation-Army-uniform-meets-Smurf costume. Photo by © Elise Bakketun, provided by Seattle Opera, and used with permission.

Overall, Saturday’s performance was brilliant from an aural perspective. The most difficult role – one that demands endless stamina, seemingly boundless range, competition with a very loud orchestra, and significant colorature agility – is that of the warrior-heroine Odabella. This role was sung most impressively by Ana Lucrecia García. And Canadian John Relyea’s booming voice was as battle-like as his character Attila. But unfortunately I found much of the stage presence of the cast to be somewhat stiff and lacking in the passion and animation that are warranted in such times, places, and struggles.

The costumes and set reminded me of my recent attendance at the Seattle Shakespeare Company’s Coriolanus; again, that minimalist, modern-day warfare theme for both settings and costumes seems downright ubiquitous, these days. I did enjoy the projector screen, which in mere moments could transform the set from the war-tone Italian city of Aquileia (located near Venice) to Venice and its lagoon, to a secluded, silent fort at night.

Filled with political intrigue, pro-Italy sentiments, divided interests, and a love triangle, this opera ends with one of the shortest death scenes in the opera world: Odabella gets to kill Attila with the sword of her father, the king of Aquileia, whom Attila’s men kill in the opera’s prologue. This opera may be all about Attila, but really it’s more about his not-really-true-to-history dramatic downfall and demise.

Attila runs for only six performances from January 14th until the 28th, with five performances remaining, including the next performance to be held on the 18th and a single matinée on the 22nd. Tickets range in price from $25 to $213, depending on the section and performance date.

Note: In order to comply with FTC Act 16 C.F.R. 255, Heed the Hedonist would like to disclose that it does receive media “comps” and/or media discounts – but not in exchange for favorable coverage, or for withholding unfavorable overage, of the given venue/meal/performance/product/service.

That said, sometimes folks just need a “fresh start” – a deadline/dateline that prompts one to get off one’s hedonistic hiney and (to quote the Nike motto): “Just do it.”

So here you Hedonista stands – well, actually, as I write this, sits – with her own health improvement: the social betterment of Heed the Hedonist.

How, you ask?

At last! Your Hedonista (and Heed the Hedonist) can now finally "connect and share" with all you fellow hedonists out there! Whoo-hoo!

Why, by finally creating that Heed the Hedonist Facebook (FB) page (http://www.facebook.com/heedthehedonist) that I confess I’ve been meaning to set up – OK, more like dreading to set up – since I began this blog in late 2009. Not that there’s anything fancy about it right now, mind you. In fact, it’s pretty bare (I’m currently working on my Jacqueline Pruner (Hedonista) page: http://www.facebook.com/jacquelineprunerhedonista). (NOTE: I also have a Twitter page – https://twitter.com/heedthehedonist – and handle: @heedthehedonist).

Granted, I realize that, although I am typically striving to be on the cutting edge, only just now I joined the some 800 million active FB users (the FB stats are quite interesting, if you care to have a look-see.) I’m even using bitly now – whoo-hoo!

However, I’m just thrilled I’ve gotten this far (with the help of a friend or two, to whom I am eternally grateful), so please feel free to reach out/”friend”/”like” whatever you crazy FB hedonists out there are doing these days. Also, any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated also, please just be patient as I evolve with this latest e-medium.

As for me, I promise to keep at it … and, with great satisfaction, cross one of my New Year’s Resolutions off of my 2012 list.

Enjoy the snow days while they last, dear hedonists … and be safe out there.

Note: In order to comply with FTC Act 16 C.F.R. 255, Heed the Hedonist would like to disclose that it does receive media “comps” and/or media discounts – but not in exchange for favorable coverage, or for withholding unfavorable overage, of the given venue/meal/performance/product/service.

Winter $16 Plates Menu gets an update: Roasted Red Pepper Soup (left) and Roasted Root Vegetables with a Wagyu Cheeseburger, complete with a fried egg, crisp onions, and Swiss cheese (right).

The same goes for restaurants; for example, starting this past Monday, January 9th, 2012, The Capital Grille has switched out a soup, sandwich, and side from its Winter $16 Plates Menu.(Your Hedonista tried both the new menu as well as other items from the Capital Grill lunch menu this week.)

First, the soup: their porcini-based soup has been replaced with a Roasted Red Pepper Soup – thick like tomato soup, but with a sweet-but-roasted red pepper taste (think of those tiny red peppers) that’s complemented by the celeriac toppings.

Next, their sandwich: their BLT was traded for their Wagyu (think American Kobe here) cheeseburger. Loaded on a fab brioche bun, this burger has a real hedonistic steak-n-eggs quality. (Hint: eat it with the steak knife they give you; you’ll thank me later.)

Liquid Lunch: Capital Grille's Fresh Squeezed Mint Lemonade (left) and Housemade Grapefruit Soda (right).

Finally, the Roasted Root Vegetables: replacing their butternut squash, these veggies are a blend of root veggies that include heirloom spuds, like the ones that are purple all the way through. Pure seasonal winter fare in these parts, plain and simple.

I also sampled a couple of their non-alcoholic lunchtime refreshments, both priced at $350 a piece: their Fresh Squeezed Mint Lemonade and their elderflower-infused Housemade Grapefruit Soda. Both are lovely; the former is sweet but light, while the latter is grapefruity-floral with fizzy balance.

In sum, although their $6 Happy Hour is reason enough to drop in, now there are some new items on the lunch menu as well.

(Just in case you hedonists out there wish to change things up a bit this year.)

Note: In order to comply with FTC Act 16 C.F.R. 255, Heed the Hedonist would like to disclose that it does receive media “comps” and/or media discounts – but not in exchange for favorable coverage, or for withholding unfavorable overage, of the given venue/meal/performance/product/service.