Got News for Kirkland Patch? Meet Us at 'Uncorked' Downtown Today!

Corks will be popping, grills sizzling, artists creating -- and you can meet your friendly Patch editor! -- during the three-day Kirkland Uncorked festival based at beginning Friday evening.

Benefiting the Hope Heart Institute, the celebration of music, arts and foods will feature top local chefs, demonstrations by Kirkland Arts Center teachers and artists, a Tasting Garden, grilling demonstrations and more.

Nineteen wineries will be offering tastes. Among them are and, two anchors in Kirkland’s new. Look for food served by,,,,,,, and and others.

On Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. you’ll find the Kirkland Patch booth along Kirkland Avenue. Editor Greg Johnston and Patch intern Maida Suljevic will be giving away free swag -- stainless steel water bottles, totes, flying discs -- to those who sign up for our daily email newsletter. We also want to hear your thoughts about our daily coverage of all things Kirkland, your suggestions, ideas and concerns.

Saturday evening at 5 p.m. the rock star of Kirkland Patch, food and dining writer Julie Arnan, will be one of three judges at the annual Uncorked "Grill Off." The lineup of competing chefs include the reigning champion, Chef Pat Donahue of Anthony’s Restaurants, who bested last year’s competitors with his cocoa-rubbed Alaska King salmon drizzled in bing cherry coulis. Joining him are chefs Dylan Giordan of and Andrew Wilson of Suncadia Resort.

Meantime, the City of Kirkland is advising motorists to expect traffic delays due to Uncorked. the Lakeshore Plaza parking lot, Lakeshore Plaza Drive, and Kirkland Avenue from Lake Street to the City Dock will be closed from Friday at 5 a.m. to Sunday at 10 p.m.

The City’s boat launch will remain open all weekend, however boaters should expect delays. Those attending Uncorked are encouraged to plan for their parking in advance. For public parking, including the Kirkland Municipal Garage, go to www.kirklandwa.gov/parking.

Visit kirklanduncorked.com to learn more about Kirkland Uncorked. Hope to see you there!

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