You're Invited

Garden Cafe

Although the Soroptimist Gala Garden Show is not as big as the show in Seattle, it can take a bit of time to see all the vendors. Not to worry! There is a Café offering you a respite before you plant more possibilities.
	For the first time, last year the Garden Café was in a separate room, to the right just after you enter from the lobby. It was a great success. The food was orchestrated by A Catered Affair, owned by Soroptimist member Sherry Schubert. Other Soroptimist members played along by preparing soufflés, cinnamon rolls, soups and sandwiches. And they served them with a smile. For breakfast there are cinnamon rolls and soufflés (ham with cheddar and Swiss or spinach with cheddar and blue cheese). For lunch there are three choices of soups: garden vegetable, clam chowder, and gumbo; three choices of sandwiches: chicken or egg salad, and meatball with parmesan cheese. New this year is a delicious Asian chicken salad.
Speaking of playing, last year in the Café harpist David Michael played live music. He is no stranger to this sort of thing. In fact, many of you have probably heard him on the Washington State Ferries where he gave impromptu concerts for 17 years. Celtic harpist David Michael specializes in original, romantic world-fusion music and improvisation. He grew up in Seattle and has been playing stringed instruments for over 50 years, starting with cello. In 1983, he realized he'd been "trying to make a guitar sound like a harp" for many years until finally deciding to get a harp ... which quickly became his forte. He usually is found performing solo, as a duo with flutist Randy Mead, with his wife Dari, or collaborating in various ensembles. This year David Michael will once again be performing for your listening pleasure. You can sit back and enjoy the peaceful tones as you eat one of the homemade dishes.
Last year a lot of the show attendees who visited the Garden Café commented that they liked it being in a separate room. It gave them a place to relax and think in a quiet atmosphere. And of course, there was food too. Many said they enjoyed the music in the background. Perhaps the calming character of the melodies calmed their characters as well. So in between your shopping stints, stop by the Garden Café to refresh and recharge yourself in a lovely peaceful setting.