We're a little late this week with the roundup of the nation's newspaper food and dining sections, but better late then never, especially when the Seattle Times is featuring huckleberries. The recipes this week are: Apple Huckleberry Pie with Spiced Crust, Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Huckleberries, Blue Cheese & Port Sauce, Huckleberry Compote, Kirsten's Favorite Rosemary Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Huckleberries, and Huckleberry'cello (like limoncello, but with huckleberries). While you're in the kitchen, make a Focaccia with Grapes and Gorgonzola, and take note of tips for making a good home-style paella.

Out and about, there's the Puyallup Fair, events at the Pike's Place Market, and if you ever find yourself in Portland, Oregon, Walking Tour of Portland offers one called Epicurean Excursions. It's a good way to get a feel for the city. The article also offers resources for other types of foodie tours of Portland, as well as in other cities.

In wine, the real winemaker might not be on the label, and the Wine Adviser wants Chardonnay's fruit to stand on its own.

44°North Vodka ($29) is an ultra-premium vodka made in Idaho using - what else - Idaho potatoes as part of its distillation process. The 70-proof spirit is flavored with huckleberries, which give the vodka a grapey, blueberry flavor that is quite addictive, though the thing that sets it apart (aside from the sexy bottle) from other vodkas is its quality. It is incredibly smooth and well-balanced, a perfect sipping vodka when chilled.

Of course, a vodka that is good on its own is also good in drinks. And, all things considered, it might be for the best that not too many bars in my area stock this. 

My general philosophy on drinks is that simpler is better. Hence, this drink is a slightly more precise version of one of the vodka-maker's standard recipes and really only requires two ingredients, though it can be tarted up with a twist of lime, if so desired. I've noticed that my martini glasses are on the large side, so this drink is formulated to make a 5-ounce drink. If, for some reason, your martini glass can't handle it than you'll have to treat the bartender to the leftovers before you serve the drink.

44°North Boise Metropolitan
2 ounces 44°North vodka
3 ounces cranberry juice
twist of lime (optional)

Combine vodka and cranberry juice in a shaker filled with ice, shake and strain into a martini glass. Add a twist of lime for extra punch.