Coffee's Health Benefits...and How to Taste It!

Read the full article, "The Buzz About Coffee," from the November issue of REFLECTIONS here.

By Allyson Marrs

 The Benefits

As if it’s not enough that coffee keeps the human population moving forward and working harder, studies have shown that it may be doing one better. It’s filled with antioxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids, helping brain function and a slew of other things. But like all good things in life, moderation is key. At least, nine out of 10 doctors would say so.

Caffeine overload can be associated with cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure, and if you add a bit too much cream or sugar, your waistband will not be happy.

All that aside, if you sip sensibly, you can be on the receiving end of much more than a caffeine buzz.

Lowered depression risk: Because caffeine modulates the release of mood-related transmitters, it’s said to help with depression in women. A study done at Harvard University said women who drink two cups a day have a 15 percent lower risk of feeling depressed.

Lowered prostate cancer risk: Harvard also did a study for the men, revealing that fellas who drink an average of six cups a day have a 60 percent lower chance of developing a dangerous form of prostate cancer, and 20 percent lower odds for other forms.

Lowered Parkinson’s risk: Courtesy of research done by the “Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease,” two to three cups of a coffee a day could lower men’s risk of developing Parkinson’s by 25 percent. It hasn’t shown much difference in women, possibly because estrogen and caffeine need the same enzymes to metabolize.

Lowered diabetes risk: Because of the antioxidants, coffee offers some cardiovascular protection, specifically related to type 2 diabetes, with heavy coffee drinkers being half as likely to develop the disease.

Gallstones: Because coffee alters the cholesterol content of the bile produced by the liver, coffee drinkers are less likely to suffer from symptomatic gallstone disease.

If you haven’t heard the rumored origin of coffee, knowing it may help your belief in its powerful effects. Supposedly, Ethiopian shepherds first noticed the effects of caffeine when their goats appeared to become frisky and “dance” after eating nearby coffee berries. Really, whichever shepherd decided to test this theory was clearly one brave man. Now, coffee is the second-most-traded commodity on earth. All of our thanks can go to the goats.

The Tasting

Luna’s resident coffee expert, Manager Chris Mitchell, knows what goes into a great cup o’ joe. More than that, he knows the proper way to taste the beverage to get the full experience of dreamy goodness. If you ever have questions about coffee, tastings or Luna’s brewing process, pop on in and ask for Chris.

Step One: The Grind
Always start with freshly ground coffee. The fresher the grind, the more flavorful your coffee will be! Make sure the grind is suited for your brewer. Too course, and your coffee will be weak and bland. Too fine, and you’ll be chewing your coffee. Also, fresh ground coffee first thing in the morning is the best smell. Ever.

Step Two: The Portion
To get the perfect cup of coffee, you should be using 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 8 ounces of water.

Step Three: Brewing Temperature
Most home brewers maintain a temperature of 195-205 degrees, and this is optimal for flavor extraction. If your water is too cold, your coffee will be flat and under-extracted. Too hot, and you will lose the quality of flavor. If you are brewing manually, let the water come to a full boil, but don’t over-boil. Allow the water to rest for a minute before pouring it over your grinds.

Step Four: The Aroma
As with wines, the aroma of the coffee adds another layer of depth to your tasting experience. Really get your nose in there and take a deep whiff. A good dark roast will have a robust aroma with hints of chocolate, while a lighter roast should be aromatic with a nutty undertone.

Step Five: The Taste
As you would sip a wine, you would also sip coffee, allowing the java to cover your entire palate. With a dark roast, you should be able to detect the smoky sweetness up front, with a nice, bittersweet chocolate finish. Your lighter roasts will have a more astringent, citrus taste up front with a nutty finish, mirroring the smell. Try pairing your coffees with various snacks like chocolate, lemon cake or shortbread to really bring out each bean’s unique flavor!

Finish holiday shopping at the Holiday Bazaar-and help those in need

This year, we’re changing things up a bit at the Holiday Bazaar. All are welcome to visit the gym, ballroom and adjoining hallway to start—or finish—your holiday shopping list. But also consider bringing a gift for a child in need. We’re collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.

Bring a toy, get a shot at a fabulous donated item from one of our vendors at the Bazaar and even a one-night stay at Hotel Bellevue! Participating vendors include Bella Femme Boutique, Lauren’s Gemstone Jewelry, Steel Coyote, Shop Lili, Reflecting Pools Photography, Silpada Designs, Els Age Designs, Maisonette Verte, Origami Owl, Uniquely Yours Feather Design, Marcus Harper Glass Works, Forbeaden Pleasure, Robert Niclas, Pashmina Palace, LW Fashion Trends, Iris Guy Design, Union Bay Trading and Soane and Company.

Watch us load up all the toys live online Dec. 6 during the Mobile Tweetup for Toys for Tots with Jenni Hogan from KIRO 7 news.

The Holiday Bazaar runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3.

Holiday Bazaar Vendors' Locations

We're less than two weeks away from the Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 3, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. To get ready for the shopping spree, check the list of vendors below, along with where you can find them at the Club. For more details about the Bazaar, check here. If you have any other questions, contact Membership Director Kaarin Keil at Kaarink@bellevueclub.com.

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Crystal Angels – Gym

Alicia Peru LLC – Ballroom

dirtypretty artwear – Ballroom

Humperdinck – Ballroom

Angela Kay Designs – Gym

Angelica Buri Designs – Ballroom

Arbonne – Gym

Aunt Bun / WineFinery – Ballroom

Koloby Jewelry Design – Gym

Moulton – Ballroom

Dotted Line – Gym

Pashmina Palace LLC – Gym

Brad Meyer Handcrafted Woodworks – Gym

C Rose Jewelry – Gym

Earth Designs Jewelry – Gym

Monkey Sock Monkey – The Bowl Maker – Gym

BoLavish Spa – Ballroom

Chantal’s Little Shoes – Gym

chelisa berry designs – Gym

Cheri’s Gems – Gym

Deliciously Red –  Gym

Juice Plus+ - Gym

Martini Piks.com – Ballroom

Twisted Seas – Gym

ToweLocs – Gym

Orange Twist – Gym

Amity Place – Gym

Manny’s Works – Gym

Atlast Made – Gym

Blink in Time – Gym

Ugly Baby – Ballroom

Little Miss Clippies – Ballroom

Enisa’s Jewelry – Gym

Steel Toe Studios LLC – Gym

Erika Laureano Design – Ballroom

Soapworks Studio – Hall

OC Style – Gym

Iris Guy Design – Gym

Cookie Lee Jewelry – Gym

Sparrow and Sundry – Gym

Perfectly Posh (Independent Consultant) – Gym

Bella Femme Boutique – Gym

JC Studio & Design – Gym

Cutie Judy – Gym

Rowdy Baubles – Gym

JC Scarves – Gym

Ykchava Chocolates – Gym

Uniquely Yours Feather Design – Gym

Stiches by Karla – Hall

Pirouette – Gym

Union Bay Trading DBA Kasydy Jayne Dolls – Gym

Maisonette Verte – Gym

Studio by the Sound – Gym

Make-Up-Matte LLC – Gym

Au (Totes & Day Bags), Old Pool Glassworks (Jewelry) – Ballroom

Opal – Ballroom

Kirby Morgan Photography – Gym

Fotoitaliana (Images of Italy) – Ballroom

Untangle My Chains – Gym

Lauren’s Gemstone Jewelry – Ballroom

Soane & Co. – Gym

Dragonfly Creations – Gym

Conversation Piece – Gym

Usborne Books & More – Ballroom

Shop Lili & Sweet B – Gym

Miche Bags – Gym

LW Fashion Trends – Gym

Marcus Harper Glass Works – Gym

DeKorasyon Gifts & Decor – Gym

Gone to Seed – Gym

Forbeaden Pleasure – Gym

Matthew Porter Art – Ballroom

ALMA Marketing & Trading LLC – Gym

Nerium of Washington – Gym

Chic Essentials – Gym

Cards by Nancy & Moxie Beads – Gym

Baskets by Nancy – Gym

Terra Bella – Hall

Steel Coyote – Gym

The Sock Fairy – Ballroom

Patsy Designs – Ballroom

el Sage Designs – Ballroom

Tuttoblende – Gourmet Blends – Ballroom

Rebecca’s Crib Bedding – Ballroom

EmmaRoo Designs – Ballroom

Kidkoozie – Gym

Wood Lathe Creations – Ballroom

Robert Niclas – Gym

Tiny’s Organic Farm – Gym

Sally Paxton Designs – Gym

Sally Prangley – Gym

Reinvented – Ballroom

Sally’s Bits ‘n Pieces – Gym

Reflecting Pools Photography & Jewelry

Retro Pop Namu – Gym

Shamila – Fine Jewelry – Gym

Fun Funky Fibers – Gym

Take A Stand & Woogies – Gym

Uzura – Gym

Shirley’s Designs – Gym

Smith Brothers Farms – Gym

Soraam – Ballroom

Sue Pess Jewelry – Gym

Try My Toffee – Gym

Silpada Designs – Gym

For the Love of Pasta – Ballroom

B and B – Gym

Vemayca Cosmetic Bags – Gym

Origami Owl – Gym

Silk from the Hartz – Gym

Bobby’s Girl Art to Wear – Gym

Stella & Dot – Gym

French Story Time!

New! French Story Time- starts this coming Monday, Oct. 22.

Story Time will be on Mondays, from 10:30-11 a.m. in  the Multipurpose 2 Room.

Enjoy stories, songs and fun activities with Miss Elisabeth. For French speaking children and those interested in the language. Ages 1-4 and their caregivers are welcome. No registration is required for this drop-in activity. Come early or stay after to enjoy our complimentary Toddler Open Play in the gym!

Story Time is $5/child

Dates:
- Oct. 22, 29
- Nov. 5, 12, 19 & 26
- Dec. 3 & 10

Elisabeth is a member of the Bellevue Club and does French story time at several other area libraries – so she’s the real deal! We look forward to seeing you and your kiddos on Monday.

Bellevue Club part of Greener Fields Together

We’re excited to announce that the Bellevue Club is now a certified partner with Greener Fields Together, a sustainability program that works with the entire produce food chain to ensure safer, sustainable produce “from seed to fork.”

As a hospitality partner with Greener Fields Together, we’ve committed to supporting the Greener Fields Together food chain, supporting local produce programs when in season and supporting sustainability improvement programs, including recycling, purchasing eco-friendly supplies, and purchasing food locally and in-season as much as possible.

We work with Charlie’s Produce, also a partner with Greener Fields Together, to find ingredients for our restaurant and banquet dishes.

“We work hard to find the very best local produce, dairy products, meat and eggs to serve to our members and guests, so joining Greener Fields Together seemed like a natural progression of our commitment to sustainability,” said Joyce Combs, Purchasing Director at the Club.

Visit Greener Fields Together for more information about the program.

Label Busters

By Bellevue Club Wellness Director, Wendy Caamano

Myth: If the food label claim says “organic” then the product must be “100 percent organic."

Not true! The only time a product is 100 percent organic is if the product claim actually says "100 percent organic" on the front of the package. This means the product has completely organic ingredients by weight. An organic sticker on fresh fruit and vegetables will also mean 100 percent organic. 

Label claims can be tricky to understand, so here is a little more information: If the label claim displays the USDA logo then at least 95 percent of the product is organic by weight; if the label claim lists one or more organic ingredients on the front of the package, for example, “Contains organic tomatoes,” this means at least 70 percent of the product is organic ingredients by weight; lastly, if organic ingredients are listed on the side or back of a package this means that less than 70 percent of the ingredients by weight are organic, but it will still contain those listed organic ingredients.  

So, next time you are looking for a product that is wxlusively organic make sure the label claim actually says 100 percent organic on the front of the package!

Myth: Brown eggs are better for you than white eggs.

Actually brown eggs are not better for you than white eggs; they just come from a different breed of chickens. Both brown eggs and white eggs are a great source of protein and are low in calories. They contain about the same amount of fat, vitamins and minerals. Brown eggs do not offer any health benefits compared with white eggs. If you are concerned with antibiotics, growth hormones or animal welfare, you may want to buy certified organic, free-range eggs. You can even find eggs that are fortified with heart healthy omega-3’s.

Chips for Charity

Register at the Athletic Services Desk, or call 425.688.3384. Casino Night is open to anyone age 21 and older, Bellevue Club members, guests of members and friends of LifeSpring. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the fun goes until 9 p.m. $20.

On Thursday, Oct. 11, the Bellevue Club is hosting a FUNdraiser for BellevueLifeSpring, a local organization that promotes stability and independence for those in need. Admission to Chips for Charity includes appetizers and a drink ticket.

In addition to a DJ, there will be plenty of casino game classics, and each dollar spent is a dollar donated, with gaming proceeds going straight to LifeSpring.

To get ready for a night of gambling fun, you’ll need to know how to play. Below are the games you can expect to see, along with the rules so you can beat the house.

BLACK JACK: The object of Blackjack is very simple: to achieve a total that is greater than that of the dealer, and which doesn’t exceed 21. Even if other players are present at the table, the dealer is your only opponent in the game.

You win if:

• Your total is higher than the Dealer's total
• The Dealer goes over 21 or "busts" (provided you have not previously busted yourself).
   If your total is the same as the Dealer's total it is a "stand-off" and you neither win nor lose. If you go over 21, or the Dealer's total is greater, you lose.

Point Values: Face cards (Jack, Queen and King)—10 points.

Ace – 1 point or 11 points, whichever is better for owner of the hand.

All other cards have their numerical face value.

CRAPS: Any number of people can play, and the person throwing the dice is called the “shooter.” Dice are passed to players to the left.

The shooter throws the dice and adds together the two numbers that face upward.  If the numbers equal 7or 11, it’s called a natural and he wins the bet.  If the numbers equal 2, 3 or 12 it’s called craps and he loses his bet. If the shooter throws a 4,5,6,8,9 or 10 it becomes the Shooter's point and the Shooter continues rolling the dice.

The Shooter wins if his point appears again before he rolls a 7, but he will lose if a 7 appears first.

ROULETTE:   The Roulette wheel has 36 numbers from 1 to 36, a 0 and usually a 00. The numbers are alternately colored red and black with the 0 and 00 green.

Play begins when the players have placed their bets, by placing chips on the numbered layout. The dealer then spins the white ball in the opposite direction of the spinning wheel.

Bets may be placed until the ball is ready to leave the track and fall onto the spinning wheel. At this point, the dealer will call, "No more bets." The ball then falls onto a number on the wheel, the dealer places a marker on the winning number and bets are paid accordingly.

TEXAS HOLD 'EM:

 

1. Players will place out blinds and antes so there is an initial amount to get things started. This is called posting.

2. Each player is dealt two private cards face down. These are called your pocket cards.

3. Betting begins, starting with the player to the left of the blinds. This is the preflop betting round. Like most games of poker, players can call, raise or fold.

4. After the betting round ends, the dealer discards the top card of the deck. This is called a burn card. This is done to prevent cheating.

5. The dealer then flips the next three cards face up on the table. This is called the flop. These are communal cards that anyone can use in combination with their two pocket cards to form a poker hand.

6. The player to the left of the dealer starts another betting round.

7. After the betting concludes, the dealer burns again then flips another communal card onto the table. This is called the turn.

8. The player to the left of the dealer begins another round of betting.

9. Again, the dealer burns a card and places a final card face up on the table. This is called the river. Players can now use any of the five cards on the table or the two cards in their pocket to form a five-card poker hand.

10. There is one final round of betting, starting with the player to the left of the dealer. After that, it's the showdown. Players who have not folded reveal their hands, beginning with the player to the left of the last player to call.

11. The player who shows the best hand wins!

RED DOG POKER:

After placing your bet, the dealer starts the game by dealing two cards face-up on the table. Red dog poker is all about predicting whether the third card value will lie between the values of the first two cards drawn.  Where red dog rules are concerned, the spread between a 4 and a 6 is 1. That’s because only one card goes between them: a 5. Another example: the spread between a 7 and a Queen is 4, because between those two cards, there’s an 8, 9, 10 and Jack.

When the first two cards are drawn, the player gets the chance to raise his bet. He can, if he prefers, stick to his original bet by calling.

The payout is determined by the spread between the first two cards. The smaller the spread, the higher the payout. If the third card lies outside the spread, or matches one of the first two cards, you lose.

If the first two cards drawn are consecutive, the round is over. Your original wager will be returned to your account. This is called a push. When the first two cards are equal, a third card will be drawn. If this third card matches the first two cards, you get paid 11-to-one, otherwise it is a push.

Card Values:

Two-10= face value

Jack=11

Queen=12

King=13

Ace=14

CARIBBEAN STUD POKER:

Based on Five-Card Stud, Caribbean Stud uses the most basic concepts and converts them into a fast-paced game of chance, where you play against the house, rather than the other players.

You begin by placing an ante. After all players have ante'd, the dealer deals each player five cards. The players’ cards are all dealt face down, while the dealer turns one of his five cards face up.

After looking at your hand, you either bet or fold. If you fold, you forfeit your ante and wait for the next hand. If you bet, your bet must be exactly equal to twice the amount of your ante. Once all players have chosen to fold or bet, the dealer turns up his remaining four cards. If the dealer does not have a hand equal to or better than Ace-King high (meaning they have both an ace and a king in their hand), all players are paid 1:1 on their ante, and are returned their bet.

If the dealer's hand is equal to Ace-King high or better, then the dealer’s hand is said to "qualify." The dealer will then compare your hand to his own. If your hand is worse than the dealer's qualifying hand, you lose your ante and bet. If your hand is better than the dealer's qualifying hand, you receive even money (1:1) on your ante, and payment on your bet in accordance to the following pay scale:

• AK or Pair - 1:1
• Two Pair - 2:1
• Three of a Kind - 3:1
• Straight - 4:1
• Flush - 5:1
• Full House - 7:1
• Four of a Kind - 20:1
• Straight Flush - 50:1
• Royal Flush - 100:1