Bring out the kid in the whole family

posted 07:06 AM 07/01
Permanent Link.

In the summer of 1961, our neighbors unrolled a shiny yellow Slip ’n Slide down their backyard hill. All of the nearby kids ran up and slid down the hill so many times the grass next to the slide was smashed, and the grass underneath it turned yellow. The slide dumped us into a sloppy puddle that coated us with errant blades of green. We laughed and hooted and performed tricks until it was too dark to see.

The sweetness of summer memories is a pleasure to recall. At scout camp I squished my share of perfectly toasted marshmallows between two sheets of graham crackers layered with squares of Hershey chocolate.

I love summer. What’s summer without big-grinned fun?

My appetite for fun was whetted recently when I visited the Great Wolf Lodge, 15 miles south of Tumwater.

My goal was to collect a recipe, but my mini-trip turned into somewhat of a party.

The accommodating John Poole, director of sales and marketing for the lodge, escorted me on a tour of the expansive complex.

It reminded me of being on a cruise ship complete with activity rooms for youngsters and teens. There was a spa for the well-deserving adults and a charming ice cream cone-themed youth spa.

We passed trays of tempting desserts created under the direction of pastry chef Amie Saltis. There was even the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the vast kitchens. I learned that Great Wolf has been recognized for its environmentally sustainable practices, one of which is the recycling of its food waste.

A cruise we took many years ago had a swimming pool (if you can call it that) about the size of a luxurious bath tub. Great Wolf features a water park with hundred of thousands of gallons of water – a place the whole family can enjoy.

My tour ended in the Camp Critter Bar & Grille for hazelnut halibut with all the trimmings. This fish is topped with a tangy fruit-infused garnish of raspberry pickled onions.

Karina Addair, director of food and beverage, assembled some of her top team members, including executive chef Tom Hanrahan, sous chef of restaurants Keagan Hemenway and Saltis for a roundtable of lively conversation, questions and laughs.

I felt like visiting royalty with an entire staff available to help with my visit. Their levels of attention to their guests’ needs are impressive. They are enthusiastically dedicated to providing a memorable time for everyone who stays with them – regardless of age or dietary considerations.

Although this particular visit did not include a dip into the water park, I watched for a while through the huge glass windows. I will definitely spend time in that part of the lodge when I return in the near future. Although the water park is for guests only, you can eat at the restaurants without staying overnight.

In addition to the hazelnut halibut, you will find a classic recipe for chocolate peanut butter paws. Cooking with your children is an excellent summer activity and these paws are amazingly cute, but not so cute that you will refuse to eat them.

Remember what you love about summer and be sure to write it on your calendar. One of my activities will be sloshing around the water park. I also plan to participate in Great Wolf’s MagiQuest, a live-action fantasy adventure that involves collecting clues and solving puzzles. I love adventures.

Summer goes by in about the time it takes to go down one old-fashioned Slip ’n Slide. Make sure you are in line. Bon appetit!

Mary Ellen Psaltis lives locally and eats globally. You can reach her at TheRecipeWriter@hotmail.com.

Great Wolf Lodge

20500 Old Highway 99 S.W., Grand Mound

www.greatwolf.com/grandmound

800-640-9653

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