“To our friends and family,

As some of you may already know, Chris was recently named a semi-finalist for the 2009 “Best Chef Northwest” award by the James Beard Foundation. It is a tremendous honor to be considered and came as quite a surprise to us. We at Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen are humbled to be listed among so many of Seattle and Portland’s great chefs and restaurants.

This news has given us a moment to reflect on how grateful we are to be in Walla Walla and to have supporters both locally and nationally. Walla Walla has and will continue to build a reputation for having amazing wines and restaurants that highlight many of the Valley’s rich agricultural gifts. We are blessed and proud to be apart of this valley.

Since our opening, we have been fortunate to have talented people working with us. Some of them have come, gone, come back and most have been with us since day one. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our dear restaurant family, Justin Anderson, Henry Baumgartner, Jenna Bicknell, Robert Brannon, Guillermo Corro, Ryan Crane, Michael Espinoza, Kimi Galasso, Rex Grigg, James Guzman, Brandon Hardy, Rudy Hernandez, Benjamin Humbert, Hannah Israel, Lindi Kauer, Noe Martinez, Luana McKinley, Kimberly Nemeth, Sandra Perez, Julia Russell, Jamil Scherief, and Boe Stevenson. Thank you for inspiring us in your pride and dedication to your work.

It’s been nearly two years since we’ve moved our family (our two beloved Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Alabama and Bahari) and opened Saffron’s doors, with Pho Sho following six months later. In that time, we’ve made many friends and developed wonderful working relationships within our community. This incredible recognition has every thing to do with the love and support you show us, in your words and in your presence. We thank you sincerely.

Chris & Island Ainsworth

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Have a great day!
Red Dog Productions, LLC dba
Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen & Pho Sho
125 West Alder Street
Walla Walla WA 99362
P 509-525-2112
F 509-525-2909
http://www.saffronmediterraneankitchen.com
http://www.phoshowallawalla.com”

If you have never eaten at the Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen you really need to make the commitment to go. But make your reservations! You absolutely will not be disappointed. It was really great to receive this email from Island and to know that Chris was “… named a semi-finalist for the 2009 “Best Chef Northwest” award by the James Beard Foundation.” Chris is to be commended! Kudos to you Chris!