Renee Erickson's Cookbook; Kraken's Back

SEATTLE— It's shaping up to be another good year for Renee Erickson. The 2014 James Beard Best Chef Northwest nominee's first cookbook, A Boat, a Whale, and a Walrus: Menus and Stories (Sasquatch) releases this fall. Fremont's Book Larder is already taking pre-orders for copies to be signed by Erickson and available after September 30. [Facebook]

QUEEN ANNE— Kraken Congee is back just in time for its first birthday. After taking a break for the holidays, and to recover from the holidays (the owners work in kitchens around town) the pop-up celebrates its one year anniversary April 7 at Grub on Queen Anne. More dinners are in the works: In addition to events in Seattle, Kraken is planning to bring its addictive rice porridge to Portland in the next few months. [EaterWire]

CAPITOL HILL—Want a quaint, free alternative to Taste Washington? Cone & Steiner hosts a tasting with Quincy-based Jones of Washington from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday. Up next: A beer tasting with Seth Shepard on Saturday, April 5.