This year began with a personal commitment to slow down, to dedicate more precious time to family and nurturing our burgeoning small farm. It was a wonderful resolution, a quiet promise to embrace a simpler pace. That is, until the irresistible invitation arrived: an exclusive press trip to explore the esteemed wine regions of Oregon and Washington, a journey promising exquisite dining, delightful sips, and unforgettable savors, courtesy of the renowned Columbia Crest Winery and Erath Winery. What’s a girl to do when such an opportunity knocks? After a moment of heartfelt contemplation, I made the “right” decision and entrusted this incredible adventure to two of our amazing Steamy Kitchen assistants, Adam and Joanne. If you’ve ever thought they hold some of the best jobs in the world, you might just be right! In fact, Joanne is currently on another culinary quest, exploring the Parma region of Italy, undoubtedly dining, sipping, and savoring her way through every day and night.
Coincidentally, my “savoring” happens right here at home. As I type this, with my son Nathan happily perched on my lap, assisting me in his own adorable way, I’m enjoying the last half of a banana he decided he didn’t want and sipping on a cup of cold coffee. These are the moments I truly cherish, simple yet profound. This article, however, will transport you to the vibrant Pacific Northwest through the eyes and experiences of Adam and Joanne. One of the many highlights of their trip was the opportunity to meet the celebrated Chef Tom Douglas. Join us as they recount their unforgettable journey and share a delectable recipe adapted from Chef Tom Douglas’s cookbook. ~Jaden
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An Unforgettable Culinary & Wine Journey: Discovering the Pacific Northwest
A few weeks prior, Adam and I embarked on an incredible journey, given the unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the abundant natural beauty and culinary richness of Washington and Oregon. From the moment we disembarked the plane, our first mission was clear: Pike Place Market! We headed straight for this iconic Seattle landmark, and it was everything we imagined and more. The sheer diversity of fresh produce, the vibrant bouquets of flowers, the glistening array of fresh seafood, artisanal meats, and gourmet cheeses was astounding. And the samples! We enthusiastically embraced every opportunity to taste the local bounty, truly rocking the samples and experiencing the market’s lively spirit.
Exploring Premier Pacific Northwest Wineries
The following day, our adventure led us to the prestigious Columbia Crest Winery, nestled in the heart of Washington State’s wine country. There, we met Juan Munoz Oca, the head winemaker, whose passion for winemaking was immediately evident and incredibly infectious. As he spoke, it felt as though wine wasn’t just his profession, but an intrinsic part of his very being. He shared stories of watching and assisting his father and even grandfather in their winemaking endeavors since childhood, a tradition deeply etched into his soul. Listening to him recount his family’s legacy and his profound connection to the craft, a gentle smile seemed to spread across every face in the room. We were all captivated, lost in the evocative narrative of his words and the rich history of the winery.
After a fascinating tour through the cool, fragrant barrel rooms, Juan poured us a refreshing glass of Chardonnay and guided us out to the sun-drenched vineyards. The weather that day was hot, dry, and brilliantly sunny—a stark contrast to the misty Seattle we had perhaps envisioned. This climate is, in fact, typical of Southeastern Washington, a revelation that genuinely took me by surprise. Observing the remarkably dry, almost “naked soil” in the vineyards, Juan explained its crucial role. He noted that this seemingly arid environment actually compels the grapevines to concentrate their energy and nutrients into the grapes themselves, rather than expending it on excessive foliage. This unique approach results in intensely flavored, high-quality fruit, a lesson we wished our indoor plants at home would adopt!
Our journey continued across state lines, leading us to another remarkable destination: Erath Winery in Oregon. Erath is particularly celebrated for its exquisite Pinot Noirs, a personal favorite of Adam’s. Here, the landscape, soil composition, and weather presented a complete opposite to what we had encountered at Columbia Crest. The soil was noticeably nutrient-rich, possessing a distinct reddish hue that hinted at its fertility. The landscape transformed into a breathtaking panorama of rolling green hills, stretching as far as the eye could see, and the weather was delightfully temperate—warm and pleasant, though not nearly as intensely hot as the previous day. This picturesque setting, we learned, is widely regarded as the ideal climate for cultivating the delicate and complex Pinot Noir grape. It was truly a breathtaking sight and experience.
At Erath, we had the distinct pleasure of meeting Gary Horner, their head winemaker. Much like Juan, Gary exuded an unwavering kindness and a profound passion for his craft. Meeting him felt incredibly special, especially since we had served Erath Pinot Noir at our wedding. The personal connection made the experience even more memorable, allowing us to appreciate the artistry behind the wines that were a part of our own special day.
The entire trip was an absolute delight. We were blessed with perfect weather, the invaluable opportunity to connect with genuinely interesting and passionate people, and, of course, the privilege of tasting truly fabulous wines. From Columbia Crest, we particularly savored their Grand Estates wines. These are not only exceptional in quality but also conveniently available and reasonably priced at our local stores. For those looking to explore a wider selection, their online store offers an extensive range of their finest vintages. As for Erath, their Oregon Pinot Noir holds a special place in our hearts, having graced our wedding celebration. This beloved wine is also readily found in local stores, but their website provides access to their full collection, offering many more delightful options for the discerning wine enthusiast.
A Taste of Seattle: Dining with Chef Tom Douglas
One memorable evening was spent dining at the renowned Dahlia Lounge in Seattle, an acclaimed restaurant by the celebrated Chef Tom Douglas. The menu was a testament to the very essence of our Pacific Northwest journey, showcasing the incredible bounty of Washington and Oregon. Every dish highlighted the freshest local produce and was perfectly paired with the fantastic wines we had come to appreciate. A truly special memento from the trip was a signed copy of Seattle Kitchen, A Food Lover’s Cookbook and Guide by Tom Douglas. It was within its pages that we discovered this magnificent Honey Soy Glaze recipe. This versatile glaze can elevate a variety of dishes, serving beautifully as a marinade or glaze for meats, seafood, and even a vibrant selection of vegetables. While we highly recommend using a barbecue for that perfect smoky char, a conventional oven broiler will achieve equally delicious results!
-Joanne and Adam
Crafting the Perfect Meal: Honey Soy Glazed Chicken
This irresistible Honey Soy Glazed Chicken recipe offers a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, making it an ideal choice for a flavorful weeknight dinner or an impressive backyard barbecue. The simple yet potent marinade infuses the chicken with a depth of flavor that caramelizes beautifully whether grilled or broiled, promising a juicy interior and a deliciously crisp exterior. This dish truly brings a taste of the Pacific Northwest’s vibrant culinary scene right to your table, reflecting the region’s commitment to fresh, bold flavors.
To prepare the exquisite marinade and glaze, you’ll need just a few staple ingredients: a neutral oil (like vegetable or peanut oil), golden honey for sweetness, rich soy sauce for umami, bright fresh lemon juice for tang, pungent minced garlic for aromatic depth, and a touch of red pepper flakes to add a subtle kick. Simply combine all these ingredients in a bowl and whisk them together until thoroughly blended. This creates a balanced flavor profile that will transform your chicken.
Once your luscious marinade is ready, generously pour it over your chosen chicken pieces. We opted for classic drumsticks, which are fantastic for grilling, but this recipe is incredibly versatile. Chicken breasts or thighs work equally well, allowing you to tailor the dish to your preference. Ensure all chicken pieces are well-coated in the marinade. Then, let the chicken marinate for approximately 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, ensuring a tender and flavorful result. While a longer marinating time (up to a few hours in the refrigerator) can enhance the flavors even further, 30 minutes is sufficient for a delicious outcome.
After marinating, remove the chicken from the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. If grilling, cook the chicken over medium heat, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning, especially due to the honey content in the glaze. Grill until the skin achieves a beautiful crispness and the juices run clear, which typically takes about 25 minutes. To ensure food safety, the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, for those using an oven, preheat your broiler and broil the chicken, turning it a few times during the cooking process. Broiling should take approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and beautifully browned. Keep a close eye on it to prevent charring, as the honey can caramelize quickly under high heat. If necessary, adjust the rack to move the chicken further from the broiler element.
Grilled Honey Soy Glazed Chicken
Recipe adapted from Seattle Kitchen, A Food Lover’s Cookbook and Guide by Tom Douglas. This versatile glaze can be used with various proteins beyond chicken, such as fish fillets or even hearty vegetables like eggplant, depending on your dietary preferences.
Make Ahead Tip: The complete marinade/glaze can be prepared up to one week in advance. Store it in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator until ready to use, making meal prep a breeze.
Gluten-Free Option: For those with gluten sensitivities, easily substitute your preferred gluten-free tamari sauce for the regular soy sauce without compromising on flavor.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Servings: 4 (approximately 2 drumsticks per serving)
Ingredients
FOR THE GLAZE:
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1/4 cup Vegetable or Peanut Oil
- 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Minced Garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
FOR THE CHICKEN:
- 12 Chicken Drumsticks (or equivalent chicken pieces like thighs or breasts)
- Lemon Wedges for Serving
Instructions
- To prepare the delicious marinade/glaze, combine the honey, oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Place the chicken pieces (drumsticks, breasts, or thighs) into a baking dish, a sturdy resealable bag, or a suitable container. Pour the prepared glaze over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes at room temperature, or for deeper flavor, refrigerate for up to 2-3 hours.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat or preheat your oven broiler. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any remaining marinade. Grill or broil the chicken, turning occasionally to achieve an even cook and prevent excessive charring, particularly because the honey in the glaze can burn easily. Cook until the chicken skin is delightfully crispy, the internal juices run clear, and a meat thermometer registers an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This process typically takes about 25-30 minutes. If grilling, move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill if it starts to char too quickly. If broiling, adjust the distance from the heat source as needed.
- Serve the perfectly cooked Honey Soy Glazed Chicken immediately with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which brightens the flavors and adds a zesty finish. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables.
This culinary adventure through the Pacific Northwest, from the bustling aisles of Pike Place Market to the serene vineyards of Washington and Oregon, and finally to the sophisticated flavors crafted by Chef Tom Douglas, was a true feast for the senses. Adam and Joanne returned not just with stories, but with a renewed appreciation for the regional bounty and the passionate individuals who cultivate it. We hope that sharing this journey, and especially this incredible Honey Soy Glazed Chicken recipe, inspires you to explore the rich tastes of the Pacific Northwest in your own kitchen. Whether you fire up the grill or use your broiler, this recipe is a simple yet impactful way to bring a touch of that unforgettable experience home.