Maria Hines in National Cooking Competition; Tattoo Party at King's Hardware

BALLARD -- Local tattoo artists Jake Whitson of Liberty Tattoo and KC Lange of Old Gold Tattoo will be at King's Hardware on Wednesday for a tattoo party from 6 to 9 p.m. In addition to tats, there will be raffles and drinks specials from Sailor Jerry. [EaterWire]

COMPETITION WIRE -- Maria Hines has been named one of six James Beard Award-winning chefs participating in an upcoming healthy cooking competition put on by America Cooks with Chefs. According to a press release, "The competition pairs six contestants from across the country with world-renowned chefs in a challenge to 'make under' their favorite meals to create the ultimate delicious healthy dish." The seven-episode series will be available on Ora.TV in January. [EaterWire]

WINE WIRE -- In other competition news, Local Sommelier and Distiller Erik Liedholm won the 5th Annual StarChefs.com Somm Slam, a competition between the top ten beverage professionals selected from across the country. "I am so thrilled that Star Chefs invited this old guy to compete in the Somm Slam competition against nine other extremely talented, driven and young wine professionals," commented Erik Liedholm. "I am overwhelmed and honored to have won and so pleased that I got to represent Seattle's vibrant wine community. Not bad for an old guy!" [EaterWire]