Seattle’s Summer of Soirées

Seattle residents know the best time in Seattle is summertime, and these exciting events kick off the season. The James Beard Foundation hosted a delicious culinary adventure, while the Pilchuck Glass School acknowledged outstanding contributions to glass art. The Frye Art Museum’s inaugural Salon Supper provided immersive artistic encounters. Additionally, the Seattle Sports Commission enjoyed a baseball outing with the Mariners, and the Women Who Lead Summit reflected our city’s enduring vitality and cultural diversity.

The James Beard Foundation (JBF) Greens recently hosted a truly unique and exciting culinary event at the charming Kricket Club in Ravenna. The event was a captivating journey through the world of modern Indian cuisine, curated and prepared by the exceptionally talented chef and owner, Preeti Agarwal . Chef Preeti, a culinary trailblazer from Uttar Pradesh, India, has brought her innovative vision to Seattle. In October 2021, she unveiled Kricket Club, a culinary haven that fuses royal recipes from Maharaja Palaces with the vibrant street food of Mumbai and New Delhi. Each course was thoughtfully paired with exquisite wines from the renowned Maysara Winery , creating a symphony of flavors and textures that took the dining experience to new, exhilarating heights.

The evening’s menu was a delightful progression of dishes, starting with the delicate asparagus-fennel shorba, a vegan and gluten-free amuse-bouche that packed a punch with the subtle bite of alliums. For the first course, guests enjoyed the malabar crab with coconut on a crisp rice papadum, a gluten-free dish infused with alliums. The dinner continued with the sweet corn croquette, a vegetarian and gluten-free dish complemented by spiced paneer and mint pesto, followed by the chicken tikka, seasoned with activated charcoal and togarashi mayonnaise and garnished with pickled onions. The showstopper was the kabargah, a milk-braised lamb chop with anise-scented watermelon rice, a gluten-free symphony of flavors.

The communal spirit was further enhanced by the family-style sides of slow-cooked lentils and warm naan. The JBF Greens Event at Kricket Club was a celebration of culture, community, and culinary artistry, a testament to the creativity and passion of Chef Agarwal, and a gathering of a vibrant group of young Seattleites who share a love for innovative and exquisite cuisine.

The James Beard Foundation , a beacon of culinary excellence, recently unveiled the highly anticipated 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards winners at a prestigious live ceremony in Chicago. The event was a grand celebration of the very best in the culinary industry, co-hosted by esteemed figures Nyesha Arrington , Richard Blais , Amanda Freitag, and Marcus Samuelsson . The awards, including categories such as Outstanding Chef and Best New Restaurant, are a testament to the dedication and innovation of the culinary world. For the complete list of winners and to delve deeper into the world of JBF Greens, visit the James Beard Foundation website: jamesbeard.org

The dinner was a symphony of flavors and textures (Photo courtesy of James Beard Foundation) Chef Agarwal and team (Photo courtesy of James Beard Foundation) The evening's menu (Photo courtesy of James Beard Foundation) Chef Agarwal and Linda Lowery, mingling with dinner guests (Photo courtesy of James Beard Foundation) (Photo courtesy of James Beard Foundation) (L-R) Hanna Momtazi of Maysara Winery, Chef Preeti Agarwal of Kricket Club (Photo courtesy of James Beard Foundation) (Photo courtesy of James Beard Foundation) (Photo courtesy of James Beard Foundation)

The Pilchuck Glass School , a renowned institution in the field of glass art, organizes an annual event known as Pilchuck Celebrates at Chihuly Garden and Glass . This special occasion serves as a platform to celebrate outstanding artistic talent and recognize generous philanthropic contributions to the arts through the prestigious Libenský | Brychtová Award. The award symbolizes the school’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the growth and progress of the glass art community while also honoring extraordinary achievements in contemporary glass art. Recipients of this award are meticulously chosen by a panel of esteemed past awardees, considering their stature in the contemporary glass world, artistic accomplishments, and leadership in education.

This year, renowned sculptor and educator Hank Murta Adams was the deserving recipient of the prestigious award. His groundbreaking work and substantial influence in art education have left an indelible mark on the contemporary glass art world. Adams’ innovative contributions, which challenge conventional perceptions and techniques, are celebrated for their expressive qualities and unique approach to form and texture. His pivotal role in guiding aspiring artists and nurturing the growth of the glass art community further solidifies his legacy.

The event was honored by the presence of Leslie Chihuly , who, alongside Dale Chihuly , received Pilchuck’s prestigious Patron of the Arts Award in 2022 for their outstanding leadership and significant philanthropic contributions to Pilchuck and the broader arts community. The involvement of other prominent community art patrons and leaders underscored the extensive support for Pilchuck Glass School’s initiatives. Show your support for Pilchuck Glass School by joining their 46th Annual Auction & Gala , set to take place Oct. 19.

(Photo courtesy of Pilchuck Glass School) Hank Murta Adams (Photo courtesy of Pilchuck Glass School) (Photo courtesy of Pilchuck Glass School) Leslie Chihuly (center) with Hank Murta Adams (Photo courtesy of Pilchuck Glass School)

The Salon Supper at the Frye was a delightful evening filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and immersive artistic experiences, all in support of contemporary art, artists, and the Frye Art Museum . This event marked the first in a series of exclusive dining and art experiences aimed at championing innovative initiatives and upholding the museum’s mission as Seattle’s only free art museum. Guests enjoyed an exclusive dining experience in the elegant Frye Salon, surrounded by a stunning collection of artworks. This unique setting provided an opportunity to engage with local artists and connect with fellow art enthusiasts. Before dinner, a cocktail reception in the inviting courtyard set the stage for the evening. Attendees were encouraged to explore the art exhibition using thought-provoking prompts provided by the artists, sparking meaningful conversations and igniting curiosity.

The evening culminated in a lavish multi-course meal featuring Galician-inspired cuisine, expertly paired with a selection of Spanish and Washington wines. Renowned chef Grayson Corrales, known for her culinary expertise at MariPili Tapas Bar and MariPili at Café Frieda , crafted the meal. Chef Grayson’s rich family heritage was reflected in every dish, adding a personal touch to the experience. Recognized as a 2024 James Beard Award semi-finalist, Corrales’ involvement added prestige to the event. The Salon Supper Committee, consisting of Lele Barnett, Jennifer Potter , Rafael Soldi , and Brandon Vaughan, played crucial roles in ensuring the success of this exceptional event.

(Photo by Jueqian Fang) (Photo by Jueqian Fang) (Photo by Jueqian Fang) (Photo by Jueqian Fang) (Photo by Jueqian Fang)

During the Summer Opening Weekend, the Frye Art Museum hosted an exhilarating celebration filled with a wide range of activities to delight art lovers of all kinds. The event featured enthralling artist discussions, dynamic live music performances, and hands-on art-making sessions, allowing participants to engage with the creative process in new and exciting ways. Immersive guided tours provided a deeper understanding of the museum’s collections, while captivating storytelling sessions offered a journey into diverse cultural experiences with tales from the Philippines, China, and Korea.

Cultural activities were integral to the weekend, enriching the overall experience with language and art projects that provided a deeper understanding of different traditions. Notable events included a captivating discussion between artists Stephanie Syjuco and Anida Yoeu Ali, moderated by curatorial assistant Alexis L. Silva , which offered a fascinating look into the artistic journey of these talented individuals.

Guests were invited to immerse themselves in diverse cultural experiences through activities such as learning basic characters and brushstrokes in Mandarin and Korean, celebrating Deaf culture, and enjoying a mesmerizing performance by Drew Martin blending folk, blues, and Hawaiian slack key guitar music. In addition, art enthusiasts had the unique opportunity to gain in-depth insights into the works of artists such as Antonia Kuo and Professor Emeritus Mark Johnson in a session moderated by Associate Curator Georgia Erger , providing a deeper appreciation for the artistic creations on display.

The Frye Art Museum in Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood houses a collection of late 19th and early 20th century European art alongside acquired artworks. The museum offers exhibitions, programs, and community engagement initiatives reflecting local and global artists’ exploration of contemporary and historical themes. Donations support the museum’s efforts to maintain free access for all visitors, crucial for the democratization of art.

(L-R) Alexis L. Silva, Anida Yoeu Ali, Stephanie Syjuco The panel at Summer Opening Weekend

The annual Women Who Lead Summit, hosted by the Puget Sound Business Journal, brought together the region’s top business leaders for a half-day event filled with inspiring keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and a networking reception. Building on the success of last year’s summit and the popular Women Who Lead panel series, this year’s gathering offered invaluable insights into leadership, community challenges, and future expectations.

Notably, Karen Clark Cole, the CEO of Blink UX , executive director of Girls Can Do , and councilmember of the National Women’s Business Council delivered a captivating keynote speech that set the tone for a day of learning and inspiration. The breakout sessions offered practical knowledge and skills on topics such as crafting authentic elevator pitches, mastering career shifts and negotiations, and effective communication with the next generation of the workforce. Additionally, the general session workshop provided valuable insights into excelling as both a mentee and mentor. The summit concluded with a panel discussion featuring top women leaders in sports management, who shared insights into their paths to success, the challenges they have faced, and the future directions of the industry.

Guest speakers included Angela Dunleavy, founder of Rally Hospitality; Melissa Reaves , founder and CEO of Story Fruition ; and Heather Redman , co-founder and managing partner of Flying Fish Partners , who emphasized the importance of knowing your audience and effectively communicating personal and professional stories in a compelling way. The second session, “Mastering Career Shifts and Negotiations,” empowered attendees to transition industries confidently. Pamela Baade , vice president of client and community relations at PNC Bank ; Mari Horita, senior vice president of social impact and government relations at Seattle Kraken ; and Jamie Peha , executive director of the Auction of Washington Wines , shared essential negotiation tactics for securing better pay, advancing positions, and navigating business deals to propel careers forward.

The third session, “Effective Communication with the Next Generation of the Workforce,” addressed how to bridge the communication gap in a multi-generational workforce. Panelists Tonya Drake, chancellor and regional vice president of Western Governors University ; Sarah Haggard, founder and CEO of Tribute ; and Pallavi Mehta Wahi , managing partner at K&L Gates , provided insights on how to engage, motivate, and collaborate with professionals of all ages in today’s evolving workplace. The General Session Workshop, “From Attentive Mentee to Inspiring Mentor,” featured Alonda Williams , president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound . Williams taught attendees the keys to excelling as both a mentee and mentor, covering the art of engaged listening, providing constructive feedback, and building strong relationships. She also shared tips on setting clear goals for mentoring success and fostering growth and inspiration in both roles.

The closing panel, “Leaders in Sports Management,” featured top women leaders in sports management who discussed their paths to success, the challenges they faced, and future industry directions. Panelists included Beth Knox , president and CEO of Seattle Sports Commission; Lauren Sato, consultant for FIFA World Cup ’26 and Managing Partner of Sato Lau Partners ; and Rohre Titcomb, chief operating officer of Seattle Storm.

Overall, the Women Who Lead Summit was an invaluable opportunity for attendees to learn from and connect with the region’s most influential women business leaders.

PNC Bank Western Governors University PSBJ commentator, Beth Knox (second from left) with Lauren Sato and Rohre Titcomb (both on right) (L-R) Leann Thureson, Courtney Miller, Sheepa Bansal, Alexis Palmer, Gina Lambert, Stephanie White, Josie Nicholas, Daisy Wichert, Sheryl Brown, Tara Radakovic Karen Clark Cole, CEO of Blink UX

The Seattle Sports Commission (SSC ) hosted an unforgettable event at a Mariners game, bringing together more than 70 members and guests for an engaging evening. Seattle Mariners General Manager Justin Hollander shared exclusive insights on playoff speculation and fascinating stories about Julio Rodríguez’s long-term contract. Among the attendees were SSC CEO Beth Knox , Brighton Jones COO April Kyrkus , Genesco Sports Enterprises Vice President Christian Etheart, Playfly Sports Properties GM Beth Sylves, and SSC Commissioner Brian Robinson, to name a few. Bonus: The Mariners defeated the Angels.

(Photo courtesy of Seattle Sports Commission) Justin Hollander and Beth Knox (Photo courtesy of Seattle Sports Commission) (Photo courtesy of Seattle Sports Commission) (Photo courtesy of Seattle Sports Commission) Christian Etheart (Photo courtesy of Seattle Sports Commission)

Looking ahead, the SSC is gearing up for the Boeing Classic , a prestigious professional golf tournament taking place from Aug. 5-11. Held at The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge, this 54-hole event promises to showcase some of the greatest golf legends against the breathtaking landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Beyond the thrill of the game, the Boeing Classic is also a significant opportunity to raise charitable donations benefiting the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and other local charities, making it an engaging experience for golf enthusiasts and families alike. Furthermore, SSC is preparing to host its Women in Leadership Breakfast on Oct. 18, an event designed to bring together women leaders from diverse sectors to share experiences, discuss leadership, and inspire emerging leaders.

As summer continues, Seattle remains a vibrant hub of activity, offering residents and visitors numerous opportunities to celebrate, learn, and connect. Check out upcoming events on Seattle magazine’s online calendar for inspiration about summer in Seattle.

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