Food Bytes: Woodmark's "Clams & Hams," Lucia on National Food Mag and Restaurant Shuffles

THE  is hosting an end-of-summer event that will have you enjoying good food and drinks while benefitting a great local cause. Net proceeds from the Sept. 23 “Clams and Hams” will go to – a non-profit that has been helping local families since 1971 by providing food, shelter, transportation, energy assistance and more to those in need.

The menu looks amazing. It's traditional clambake fare, including clams, mussels, corn, potatoes and sausage; Mac and Jacks battered halibut and chips; a trio of American seafood stews – smoked salmon chowder, shrimp and corn, Manhattan clam chowder; and the night’s piece de resistance: La Cajachina – a whole roasted pig.

Adult tickets are $50 and include two drink tokens to exchange for local beer and wine. This is a family-friendly event – a child’s ticket is $25. Kids will love the dessert table full of freshly fried beignets with house-made sauces. Tickets are available online. Sign up early – you don’t want to miss this event.

CONGRATULATIONS TO Michael Halter and his popular Italian eatery ! The Food Magazine caught wind of Lucia’s amazing Signature Truffle Spaghetti and Meatballs, featuring the restaurant, the story and the recipe in the September/October issue available on newsstands Sept. 13. And while it may be superstar chef Rocco Dispirito’s face on the cover – ironically looking quite a bit like Michael Halter, “Lucia” is printed at the top sandwiched between “Rick Moonen” and “Eric Ripert.”

Of this honor, Halter says, "Being recognized in any capacity for what you love and are passionate about is amazing. Now to be recognized in a national magazine that focuses on our profession is indescribable and an honor. Lucia is a family business from the food to the decor and the everyday operation, so this is a testament to my family and all the hard work, long hours and dedication we've paid to our craft."

THERE'S A new sushi restaurant in town. Dozo Japanese Sushi opened its doors on Main St. in July. The menu departs somewhat from its Bellevue sister Dozo Café, which tends towards ramens and other café food. The Kirkland store offers sushi rolls ($8-25) and the harder to find sashimi ($8-MP) in addition to a well-rounded appetizer menu ($4-8). Grilled items like yakitori come in at roughly $5 for two skewers. Dozo features naturally grown pork and beef from Snake River Farm.

AND, FINALLY, there was a changing of the guard at this summer. Chef Chris Peterson, mastermind of the Milagro menu as well as the man behind the recent menu overhaul at , moved on to other opportunities. Matt Williams took his place as the executive chef at Hector’s and chef de cuisine Kristin Mills was promoted to executive chef at Milagro Cantina. Congratulations to both of these talented cooks and a fond farewell to Chef Peterson.