Loosen up belt, pants; it’s Pig Out

Break out the buffet pants. Better yet; buy a backup pair. You might need it for six solid days of Pig Out in the Park.

Yep, you read that right. The annual oink fest is six days long this year. The festivities get under way next Wednesday in Riverfront Park and continue through Labor Day.

Brave the crowds for more food on a stick than you thought possible. Just kidding (a little bit) … there’s Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, German, Italian, Korean, Indian, Native American, American, Bavarian, Spanish, French, Jordanian, Russian, Caribbean, Hawaiian, Thai and other Middle Eastern foods (some 250 choices) on the menu, according to Pig Out organizers.

All told, there are about 50 food booths in the park and they’re open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. Nothing costs more than $7.25.

Of course, Pig Out in the Park isn’t just about the food. There’s music and entertainment, too. If you’d like more information now, gotowww.spokanepigout.com or call (509) 921-5579

Barrister wine wins gold

Winemakers Greg Lipsker and Michael White were recently recognized for their 2004 Cabernet Franc with a Concordance Gold Award at the Indy International Wine Competition.

Lipsker, who along with his fellow winemaker White are attorneys by day, said the annual competition draws more than 3,800 entries from 18 countries. Wines can be awarded gold, silver, bronze or no medal. The very best wines receive a Concordance Gold Award, which only 85 wines received.

The wines are available at Barrister Winery, 1213 W. Railroad Ave., in the Davenport Arts District in downtown Spokane or through the winery’s mailing list. It is also offered at some restaurants in Spokane and Seattle.

Barrister produced 495 cases of the 2004 Cabernet Franc. It retails for $25 a bottle. For more information go to www.barristerwinery.com.

Lunch tips deadline approaches

Don’t forget to send your favorite tips and recipes for healthful, school lunches my way before Friday. We’ll consider them for a story we’re writing to help parents pack tasty, nutritious lunches for their families.

Just send your ideas to the address below.