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The first online-only news site in state history to get media credentials to cover the state capitol and Seattle city hall, PubliCola has been called a “must-read” by the Seattle Post Intelligencer and a hot “New Media Mover and Shaker” by Seattle Magazine—which also cited our own Erica C. Barnett as the city's No. 1 news nerd.

Extra Fizz: The Council Retreat, FoodNerd Edition

News   January 14, 2010 at 12:09 pm Lady Bird

While I was eating $1.99 Safeway Organic tomato soup for lunch (don’t hate—it’s close to payday), here’s the menu city council members and staff were enjoying at their annual departmental retreat, held this year at the downtown Bell Harbor Conference Center:

Organic Mixed Greens with Assorted Dressings

Classic Caesar Salad

Seasonal Fruit Salad

Greek Pasta Salad

Ruby Beet & Citrus Poached King Salmon with Orzo & Butternut Squash

Grilled Beef Tenders with Red Wine Demi Glace

Vegetarian Roasted Tofu with Coconut Red Curry Sauce

Herb Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Caramelized Onions

Garlic Mashed Red Jacket Potatoes

That’s a far cry from retreats in years past, when “lunch” was often limited to dry white bread, cold cuts, and American cheese.


  • City admin staff

    My recollection is that they give you the room for free (or close to it) and then require you spend a certain amount on the catering.

  • City admin staff

    My recollection is that they give you the room for free (or close to it) and then require you spend a certain amount on the catering.

  • Fat-tailed

    I’m no red-meat expert, but is a “Beef Tender” anything like Burger King’s McNugget rival, the Chicken Tender? Sounds delicious!

  • Fat-tailed

    Also, aren’t these retreats usually held in fancy out-of-town resort/conference centers? I suspect they usually serve better food than the prison grub you’re describing, no?

  • Fat-tailed

    Also, aren’t these retreats usually held in fancy out-of-town resort/conference centers? I suspect they usually serve better food than the prison grub you’re describing, no?

  • Union buyer

    Don’t apologize for eating Safeway soup. At least you bought it at a store paying good wages and benefits.

  • Union buyer

    Don’t apologize for eating Safeway soup. At least you bought it at a store paying good wages and benefits.

  • Fat-tailed

    I'm no red-meat expert, but is a “Beef Tender” anything like Burger King's McNugget rival, the Chicken Tender? Sounds delicious!

  • puhleez

    The menu hardly sounds like Canlis. This isn't news–more like opinionformation. I would have been half as annoyed if you had left out your Safeway soup comment. Who cares what you eat?