Pike Place Chowder

1530 Post Alley
Seattle, WA 98101

Occasion: We knew we wanted to check out their chowders here, just a matter of when we could fit it into our schedule filled with so many food stops. 09.01.13

There was a Yelp check in deal. 3 chowder sampler cups for $9 so we took advantage of it.

We got the regular chowder, salmon chowder and the seafood bisque.  They were all very creamy and flavorful, but my favorite is probably the seafood bisque. I'm glad the two of us shared all of this, otherwise I don't think I could have finished it. I love variety, seafood and good eats. I'd definitely recommend this for those who are visiting Seattle.

Yellow Leaf Cupcake Company

2209 4th Ave
Seattle, WA 98121

Occasion: Time for an afternoon snack after a morning at the Zoo and a delicious lunch at Paseo's. Another recommendation that I wanted to check out. You know me and my sweets, it's hard to resist. 08.31.12

Honey Lavender

I understand that everyone has different likes and preferences with cupcakes, but this is seriously one of the best I've had. Not only are the flavors unique, but the cupcake is moist and fluffy and the buttercream frosting is airy, light at the perfect amount of sweetness. I love the fact that the buttercream was super light and not overly sweet. Often times, I find myself scraping off more than half of the frosting, but it was definitely not the case here. The sweetness of the honey and the floral aroma and taste of the lavender. My only complaint is that they could have done without the sprinkles, as it's not my thing.

Definitely a unique variety of flavors

Their most popular is their pancakes and bacon. But my favorite has to be the strawberry passion-fruit. Strawberry cupcake filled with passion fruit filling. So delicious. 6 months later and I still think about it. A must try when you're in Seattle. Other flavors tried were also their keylime pie, redvelvet, earl grey. They have their daily specials, so make sure you call ahead to see what they have.

Paseo

4225 Fremont Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103

Occasion: After a morning at the Zoo, we were super excited to try this raved about place both by friends and on yelp. Oh and trust me the sandwiches sure did not disappoint at all. It was about a 10 minute walk from the zoo and very convenient, just go straight down Fremont Ave after you get out of the zoo and walk about 10 blocks.  08.31.12

Carribean Roast Sandwich

Pork shoulder coated in Paseo marinade and slow roasted til falling into succulent morsels.

In my opinion, I thought it lived up to the hype! It was so freaking delicious. The pork meat was super tender and super flavorful and the bread was slightly toasted. It was so good, I wanted more.  I don't know what they use to flavor it, but it was finger licking good.

Paseo Prawns

Black tiger prawns sauteed in extra virgin olive oil, garlic tapenade and simmered in a vibrant red sauce.  Instead of getting two sandwiches, we decided to for variety and got one entree and boy was it a mistake.  We should have just stuck to the sandwiches, because this was at best mediocre to me. Nothing extraordinary nor anything special worth mentioning. Next time, just skip this and get an extra sandwich.

Piroshky Piroshky

1908 Pike Pl
Seattle, WA 98101

Occasion: Breakfast at this infamous and highly recommended bakery that is 2 blocks away from our hotel inside of Pike's place. Oh how convenient. We got there around 9am and already, there was a line out the door; but luckily it's not too long of a wait (about 10 minutes). 08.31.12

Beef and Cheese

This was probably our favorite one out of the few that we tried.  It was fresh out the oven and the pastry dough was buttery and flaky; almost reminded me of a croissant but even flakier, more buttery and way tastier.  It was flavorful, rich and absolutely fulfilling. We loved it so much we went back for more the next day.

Salmon

I'm really torn about how I feel about this one. I love salmon and maybe because I had the beef and cheese first, but I wasn't expecting it to be wrapped with bread, I was expecting it to be in a flaky pastry like the beef and cheese.  It was too much bread and not enough salmon and the proportions didn't match up.

Close up on the salmon filling.  The salmon was cold and reminded me of a salmon spread/ salmon pate.  Not to say it wasn't good, just not what I was expecting.

Altura

617 Broadway E
Seattle, WA 98102

Occasion: Friday night fine dining in Seattle. We both decided to pick a restaurant of our choice to dine at.  Friday night was up to me and I did some research online and on yelp and came to the conclusion of choosing this relatively new spot to dine at. We opted for the chef's tasting menu. 08.31.12

Complimentary shots

We got to sit right at the bar and watched the chef and sou chefs prepare meals.  It was definitely a different experience; something that we enjoyed. A lot of times, we don't get the opportunity to appreciate the art and the work that a chef puts into our dishes.  I'm definitely glad we got to sit at the bar.

Amuse bouche:

Sweet corn Panna cotta with green olive oil and cured salmon

How do you not like complimentary dishes. The light creamy panna cotta went surprisingly well with the cured salmon. There's definitely a good balance of flavors there.

Complimentary bread

Peach and melon salad

Tomato two ways

Tomato with burratta

Reminded me almost of a caprese salad

Tomato bisque

Tagliatelle

Probably my favorite dish of the night! Chunks of crab meat! Soft pasta. Cripsy guanciale(?); which reminded me of bacon but a lot thinner. The sauce was delicious and the cherry tomatoes were super sweet.

Risotto

Creamy with flavorful speck and mussel

Ravioli

stuffed with veal and procini with sweetbread picked onion and lemon reserve

Lamb: Two ways! Loved it seared

Steak: truffles orange and delicious! Crispy fried rice like things. Puree was sweet and great compliment

Foie Gras

I think the chef overheard that we were from California and our reminiscing of the banned luxury good, so he prepared this foie gras torchon for us. It was amazingly delicious. The acidity of the variety of fruit chunks helped lighten the richness of the foie gras and complemented it very well.  Not only was the presentation itself a pretty sight, but the flavors were there too. Thank you for preparing this dish for us!

Cheese plate

Since Henry is not a fan of cheeses, I basically devoured most of this.  There was definitely a bleu cheese in there that had a distinct smell that made it unbearable for him.  How can you not like cheese?

And then, there was dessert. By this dish, I regretted going with the chef's tasting menu and wished that we just chose what we wanted. Don't get me wrong, I love desserts, but when I go fine dining, I like to save all my appetite for the food.  It wasn't anything extraordinary...even though I did almost finished everything. #fatgirlproblems

Beecher's Handmade Cheese

1600 Pike Pl
(between Post Alley and Pine St)
Seattle, WA 98101

Occasion: After happy hour at Lola's we decided to walk back to the pike's place market which is a block away from where we were staying. We probably had about 15 minutes between Lola's and this next destination. As if we didn't eat enough already...we stumbled upon beecher's, known for their house made cheeses 08.30.12

World's Best Mac and Cheese

Let me just say one thing. It is definitely NOT the best mac n cheese I've had.  The cheese wasn't all that creamy and it was honestly lacking some flavors. Perhaps I'm spoiled by all the wining and dining at restaurants in San Francisco, where some of the best chefs work.  In my opinion, I don't think it was that great.

Lola

2000 4th Ave

Seattle, WA 98121

Occasion: After a whole morning of being tourists we decided to try some of Giada's favorite eats in Seattle. As featured on The Food network's Best thing I've ever eaten: we ordered their donuts. We called in an order, but when we picked it up, it was happy hour so we decided to sit down and have a drink. 08.30.12

Doughnuts

They're made to order and served with vanilla mascarpone and house made apricot jam.  I can totally see why it's on Giada's best things she's ever eaten list.  I mean what isn't good when it's fresh out the oven, warm and fluffy?  What did it for me were not the donuts itself, but the pairing with mascarpone and their absolutely delicious apricot jam.  I love how they're bite sized.  

Drinks were about 4-5 dollars during happy hour and it got me pretty buzzed.  What a great mid day snack and drink session.  The doughnuts were so good that we placed an order to go.

Tilikum Place Cafe

407 Cedar St
Seattle, WA 9812

Occasion: Lunch after Pacific Science Center, Experience Music Project and the Space Needle. 08.30.12

Avgolemono soup

It reminded me of a chicken noodle soup type of broth, where it was light, but still full of flavors.  It was and light and not too overwhelming; just what we wanted.

Salmon Sandwich

I actually did not expect it to come out the way it did, not to say I was disappointed or anything.  It reminded me of a tuna salad sandwich and I was expecting some kind of seared piece of salmon.  It was light and perfect for what we wanted. 

Dutch Baby

We opted for a savory dutch baby with bell pepper and chorizo.  It's a baked pancake that puffs up and not flat like a regular pancake.  It's not your typical pancake and it's a lot fluffier and soft.  I love the idea of a savory pancake filled with chunks of chorizo and pepper.  You still get the eggy taste of pancake with a breakfast feel that reminds me of an omelet.

Portage Bay Cafe

391 Terry Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109

Occasion: Breakfast before we explore Seattle as tourists. On our list of places to try. 08.30.12

Harmony Chai Latte

Lemon Curd French Toast

Three slices of organic country white bread French toast, homemade lemony ricotta cheese, tart lemon curd sauce, organic blueberries 

Everything organic definitely tastes healthier.  The bread wasn't as fluffly as I'd wanted it to be.  It was decent, but it wasn't spectacular.  I suppose I haven't exactly learned how to appreciate the taste of organic food?

Dungeness Crab Cake Benedicts

Dungeness crab cakes, sauteed organic spinach, poached eggs and homemade hollandaise

Not your typical benedict.  Instead of english muffin or some starchy bread to support the poached egg, the crab cake acted as the bottom layer.  I love the idea of this healthier alternative, though the BF on the other hand did not feel the same.  I liked the idea and thought it was pretty good.

Tavern Law

1406 12th Ave
Seattle, WA 98122

Occasion: For a city that's known for their gastropubs, we just had to check this one out after dining at Quinn's which was a few blocks away.  Absolutely cute little pub/lounge that makes unique and amazing drinks. 08.29.12

His Moscow Mule and my English Fizz

OMG their drinks are delicious here!  My first time trying a moscow mule and I love it.  It's a better version of a dark and stormy where they use a white liquor instead of a dark liquor. It's made with vodka, lime and ginger beer. Refreshingly good.  I was also very very pleased with my English fizz which was made with an earl grey gin, lemon, honey and soda.  I love earl grey everything and anything and this was definitely the perfect drink for me to end the night with.

Quinn's

1001 E Pike St
Seattle, WA 98122

Occasion: Our first meal after landing in Seattle.  It was late and we were hungry and this was on our list of places to hit up. 08.29.12

Some kind of citrusy cocktail for him and a Dark and Stormy for me.  I love any mixed drink with ginger beer, so the first thing I asked for was a dark and stormy.  It's not quite what I expected; there's something missing from what I'm normally used to.  Perhaps there was too much rum.  Boy was it a strong drink.

SCOTCH EGG

Soft-Boiled Egg, Housemade Sausage, Brussel Sprouts, Mustard Crea

I love eggs and I've always wanted to try a scotch egg.  When I saw this on the menu I just knew I had to try it.  You definitely got to appreciate the way it's made; wrapped with homemade sausage and then deep fried.  Since I have nothing to compare it to, it was pretty good. Now I need to go to Wexler back in San Francisco to compare.

WILD BOAR SLOPPY JOE
Fried Onion & Sage, Grilled Fresno Pepper, Brioche Bun 

Something very unique on the menu that I had to order. No worries, it didn't taste like any sort of wild gamey meat.  The sloppy joe was not overly greasy and pretty tasty.  One thing that turned me off was how spicy it was. The BF loved it though.

CRISPY SKIN HALF CHICKEN

Toasted Brioche, Oyster Mushrooms, Spinach, Chicken Liver Mousse, Madeira Jus 

By the time we landed and checked in to our hotel we were starving. The BF needed to have some meat to satisfy his hunger.  I wouldn't normally order chicken as I've mentioned in previous posts, but I'm so glad we did.  It was so freaking delicious.  The skin was slightly crispy yet the meat inside was tender and juicy.  The sweet madeira jus was the perfect sauce to complement the meat. In my opinion, a very well executed chicken dish.

ROASTED BONE MARROW 

Marrow Bones, red onion marmalade, French Baguette, Parsley Salad 

I love love love bone marrows so I had to get this.  I've had my fair share of bone marrows and I don't think I've ever tried bone marrow from a place that I wasn't happy with. I think this is the first place I had it with the sweet yet tangy pickled red onion marmalade.  It balanced out the richness of the marrow and toned it down a bit.  I thought it was good. 

Absinthe Brasserie & Bar

398 Hayes St
San Francisco, CA 94102

Occasion: Girls dinner to celebrate another birthday for Ella.  Congrats on turning another year older! Hope this year is better than the last! 08.25.12!

Spicy fried chickpeas

with berbere spice and parsley

The aroma of these chickpeas definitely persuaded us to order this.  It smelled like some Indian inspired flavors.  It definitely smelled better than it tasted, as it was overly salty.  It's nice to snack on while waiting for our appetizers and main entree, but not something I'd want to order again. 

Mixed local greens

with red grapes, brioche crisp, goat cheese mousse and orange-almond vinaigrette

Love the fluffy goat cheese mousse and the added touch of almond slices.  

1) EL TRIGAL MANCHEGO 

white wine-poached apricots, raw sheep milk, firm, sharp, citrus notes

Corcuera Family, La Mancha, Spain

2) GREAT HILL BLUE 

honeycomb, raw cow milk, sharp, caramel flavors, rich

Great Hill Dairy,Marion, Massachusetts

3) MT TAM marcona almonds, Fuji apples

cow milk, soft, bloomy rind, buttery, tangy

Cowgirl Creamery, Point Reyes Station, California

PEI MUSSELS & MANILA CLAMS

andouille sausage, roasted bell peppers, lemon-chardonnay sauce, potato crisps

A combination of mussels and clams in a sweet tangy sauce. I liked the idea that there are chunks of andnouille sausage mixed in there as it adds more flavor to the mussels and clams.

BEEF TARTARE

violet mustard, green apple, red onion, cornichons, quail egg yolk, crostini

spread it on a piece of toasted crostini and it's perfect.  Love ordering this at restaurants and I'm glad the birthday girl does too.  

10oz RIB EYE STEAK

served with arugula & roasted garlic-whipped potatoes, grilled corn, peppercorn jus

I don't usually crave meat, but this just sounded really appetizing. I loved the roasted garlic whipped potatoes with the grilled corn kernels.  Though it's not the thickest piece of rib eye steak I've eaten, it was still pretty delicious.

MASAMI FARMS PORK TENDERLOIN & CRISPY BELLY

maple-Bourbon yam purèe, mustard greens, grain mustard jus

I love the sweetness of the yam puree.  It complements very well with the fatty richness of the pork tenderloin and belly.