Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/112086
r o b e rt L a u r e n t ( 5 ) Clockwise from top right: Members Bom and Joyce Lee and their guests in the Capitol rotunda; Ray Marik and Marge Thorgrimson; one of the many ice sculptures on display; Ed Tudor, Melissa Chilson and Chris Tudor; some of the 5,000 attendees. Along the way, I found a spot near the railing and looked down at the white marble party below. Elegance and tradition crowded the main level as official processions and introductions unfolded. Senators and representatives wore bright ribbons announcing their positions. Native Americans dressed and danced in tribal regalia. State troopers held their positions under stiff-brimmed hats. By the time I found the Senate chambers, I was starting to get cranky. When the elevator doors opened in front of me, I hopped in. Surely someone knows where to find the food. Best thing I said all night. Within minutes I was outside the Capitol and under massive white party tents set up very near where I originally entered. My woes disappeared like a plate of fresh dessert in an employee break room. A stable of Taylor Shellfish shuckers appeared before me, their variety tempting until the golden unicorn of Washington shellfish made itself known. The Olympia oyster, the only oyster native to our state, goes down with a hint of salt and finishes with a subtle palate of copper. It���s a delicious shot of Puget Sound and oh so properly named for an occasion such as this. Yes, please, I will have another half-dozen. Round and round the tents I went, dodging politicians and ice sculptures along the way. Foraged mushroom canap��? Yes, please. Mini empanada? Yes, thank you. Geoduck sashimi? Apple cider-braised pork slider? Roasted sweet potato? Tuna poke nachos? Grilled prawns? Yes, yes, yes, yes and ��� yes, of course. You know it���s a party when a woman in heels leans over a table to lick an ice sculpture of a leaping fish. Did I mention how much I love politics? Speaking of which: Where���s Mr. Inslee? You know, the new governor. This party is for him, after all. He���s back in the Capitol shaking hands, you say. Well, I���m full anyway. Why not? The rotunda was still jammed with people. From above, I spotted the governor and planned my approach. Flawless. Hello, sir. It���s a pleasure to meet you. Congratulations. Can I get a photo? Thanks. With that, I headed back toward the motor coach and a familiar road shrouded in fog. Four more years! ���Darrick Meneken is Managing Editor of WAC Magazine. He���s at dmeneken@wac.net. MARCH 2013 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | 17