On the way to Whistler: Salted Vine. This is a must visit…in the growing city of Squamish which is about halfway between Vancouver and Whistler. Who would have believed this...

One of the 2 or 3 best places for pastries in Seattle: Café Besalu. I think this place ranks just behind my number 1 recommendation: Bakery Nouveau in West Seattle....

Outstanding dining experience: Saffron. Bills itself as Mediterranean but it’s far more expansive that that term would suggest. Choices range from pasta to seafood to steak. We had 2 starters:...

It never disappoints: Westward. The space is outstanding and one of the best places in Seattle for dining outside. Right on the north shore of Lake Union with great views of...

Vegetarian in Philly Cheesesteak land: Vedge. This restaurant has received rave reviews and even though I’m nowhere near a vegetarian I just had to try it out. I was not...

Trivia night: Northlake Tavern. A group of us stopped by after a meeting and it just happened to be trivia night. It’s been a few years since I’ve been here…but...

On the road again: Chico Saloon. Stopped in for a light snack and a swim. A swim you say, at a saloon? Yep. This is probably the only example of...

Tocos: Lola 55. Looking for a new place and this fit the bill…..open for about a month. The space is on the ground floor of a multi use building which...

Pizza: Fresh. Classic pizza and pasta joint on the way out of town. They do a great job with a wood fired pizza oven and use locally sourced ingredients. The...

Spanish tapas: Cúrate. Located in a building that was built in 1927 and served as the bus station, the new space has two levels with a bar on the first...

It’s a tree…It’s a restaurant: Monkeypod Kitchen. One of 3 locations, this is the newest one on Maui. Located in Whalers Village it’s central to the hotels and condominiums in...

Hyatt Hotel: ‘Ūmalu. Fairly typical hotel food but give the spicy ahi bowl a try…..ahi, lettuce, mango, edamame, avocado, tomato and pecans with wasabi aioli and ginger vinaigrette……very tasty! Service...

What a view: Kimo’s. We’ve been here before and returned because the food is solid and the views just can’t be beat. This time we had a table on the...

Looking for sushi? Seven. Located in the Cannery District along with Lot 5 this is one of the 2 main places to get your fill of raw fish…nigiri or sashimi. They...

Ice cream in an Airstream: Genuine Ice Cream Co. Located right next to the hotel Lark so give them a try if you are in the area. While you are...

Brew pub: Montana Ale Works. First visited in 2016. Nice brew pub…liked it better than the Bridger Brewery. Good wagyu burger and mocha pot de creme. On another, more recent visit,...

Have some ice cream: Apple Valley Country Store. On the Fruit Loop and their claim to fame are their milkshakes. You know they will be good……Tillamook ice cream makes up...

French in the Pearl: Måurice. This is a small place and an interesting dining experience….described as a pastry luncheonette. So, you should expect a mix of sweet and savory pastries...

Frenetic Mexican: La Taqueria. You need to visit this place just to watch what goes on at lunch or dinner. The line is out the door and the seating is...

Drinks anyone? Wayfare Tavern. Stopped by for a drink and some light appetizers before dinner. This is a very popular spot for…….you didn’t guess it…..fried chicken! We’ll have to try...

Return visit: Bar Cantinetta. Our prior visit was for a wine tasting menu and I wasn’t that impressed with the food but I thought we should give it another try……I...

Breakfast to start a new day: Cowgirl Cafe. One of many dining options in the downtown area near 13th Street. Specializes in breakfast with a western theme…..with portion sizes to...

Passed by this place many times: Zaytinya. It’s located near the Convention Center and across the street from the 9th Street NW exit of the Gallery Place Metro Station…so it’s...

Nice spot near Seattle Center on lower Queen Anne for a drink: Solo Bar & Eatery. Eclectic space that feels a bit like having a drink in someone’s living room....

Dinner for 20: Fork. Another choice among the many in the Old City. The menu was limited due to the size of the party which makes a true dining experience...

Dinner for 20 something: Morimoto. Usually it’s difficult to tell about a restaurant when you’re in a large party but only a few shared plates this visit more like couples...

Drinks with friends: Royal Boucherie. Hot spot near the Delaware River in the old city….brought to you by a top chef. The space is open and if the bar downstairs...

Just passing thru: Tortas Frontera O’Hare. Located in Concourse B, this is a go to place if I have time between flights. It’s usually very busy so be prepared to...

On the list: Vernick. This place has a reputation….all the way to Seattle and has been on my list for some time. I’m glad I finally got a chance to...

Would be even better for dinner and a beer in the summer: White Swan Public House. Located in South Lake Union the views, even in winter, are exceptional…..Lake Union, the...

Whiskey anyone? Copperworks. Holiday season party at this downtown distillery of single malt whiskey. Nice tasting room with a bar that is over a hundred years old. Tours of the...

More coffee: Caffè Fiore. One of four locations, this one is located in Old Ballard. It’s nice for a quick cup before or after visiting the Ballard Sunday Market……or anytime...

If you need a stop for sustenance: Bob’s Burgers and Brews. Part of a chain found throughout Washington this one is about 5 miles south of the border. Basic burgers,...

This is the place for breakfast: Fergies. Off the beaten path….actually located in Brackendale which is about a 15 to 20 minute drive north of Squamish and a few kilometers...

Gotta try this bakery: Purebread. Not sure why I haven’t posted on this before since it is one of our go to places. It’s worth a visit just to ogle...

Trying to find a bar: The Keg. The holiday….Boxing Day…had the bars at Whistler packed and we finally stumbled on this place for a quick drink and to get out...

Convenient to x country skiing: Brandywine. Located in the ski hut at the Whistler Olympic Park it’s a great place for a hearty soup or sandwich after a few kilometers...

Coffee spot: Zephyr Cafe. Eclectic space in the heart if downtown. In addition to coffee and espresso they have soups, burgers, wraps and rice bowls. The coffee and espresso were...

Hole in the wall bakery: Golden Crust. I’m familiar with the offerings of this small bakery because they have a stand at the Whistler farmers market during summer months. Their...

Nice place for a beer: Howe Sound Brewing. Great space for a beer, wine, cider or cocktail before dinner and if you have too much…sleep it off in the adjoining...

Quick bite after a movie: Great State Burger. One of 6 locations in Seattle for this burger outlet. The spin here is local farm to table burgers with cows who...

Another coffee shop in Seattle: Ballard Coffee Works. Part of Seattle Coffee Works this is the Ballard location which is one of 4 in Seattle. The space is lively and...

In Ballard for the Farmers Market and needed breakfast: Porkchop & Co. Just stumbled on this place after a bit of research and it sounded interesting so it was time...

Bikes and beer in Ballard: Peddler Brewing Co. Going away party for one of our staff…returning home to Texas. Small craft beer spot on Leary. The owners are devoted cyclist...

Asian fusion: Wild Ginger. We were downtown for an event and stopped in to once again experience this well known and respected spot for Asian food. Not only known for...

Gala dinner: Palm Courtyard. What a place for a dinner for 100! Located at the Park Hyatt, the space is right on the Red Sea with an incredible view of...

Quick trip to do some teaching: Reyhana. Located in the Ritz Carlton we had breakfast, lunch and dinner here since it was the site for the congress. The food was...

Unique breakfast spot: Feast & Forest. Part of the growing list of food spots downtown, this place offers breakfast and brunch/lunch depending on the day. Probably best described as New...

Ok here is my BBQ joint: Full Moon BBQ. I told you I’d review my favorite BBQ place when I was next in Birmingham and this is the place. While...

Like a little slice of Paris in the Pike Place Market area: Le Pichet. The menu is very typical of a small French bistro and the food is all very...

Brunch on the way home: Seasons In The Park. Drop dead views of the Vancouver skyline with Grouse and Cypress mountains in the distance. It’s other claim to fame is...

Comfort food: Burgoo. One of almost a half dozen locations in the greater Vancouver area this one is located in the Point Grey district. Very similar but in a smaller...

Looking for breakfast on Granville Island: Terra Breads. Located in the northern part of The Market, this is one of four locations in the greater Vancouver area. Their strength seems...

Another great spot downtown: Nightingale. Brought to you by the same chef at Hawksworth……voted best restaurant in Vancouver several times in the past. I will need to make a return...

Vietnamese fast food: Sizzle & Crunch. Right off the Ave in the UW District this recently opened restaurant serves Vietnamese food much like Chipotle serves Mexican food……order the dish then add...

Doughnuts anyone? Top Pot. This is a Seattle institution for doughnuts. They started as a single storefront downtown and now there are multiple opportunities throughout the metro area. The doughnuts are...

Trip over the pass on a beautiful day: Andrea’s Keller. Recent brief visit for a “Bavarian” experience before……wine tasting. This is one of our go to places for Southern German...

An unplanned stop in the Windy City: Andiamo. Missed my connecting flight to Seattle and got to spend the night at the Hilton O’Hare….oh joy…I’ve had far too many experiences...

Had to have some pork while in the South: Henry’s Smokehouse. Basically a suburb of Greenville and I was there to visit a relative so lunch had to be pulled...

Post bike ride Thai….in Greenville: Kannika’s Thai Kitchen. Another place close to the Greenville Hilton Hotel. In a small strip mall…aren’t the best Thai places in strip malls? Typical offerings…but with...

In town for a bike ride and this was the pre ride pasta feed: Da Vinci’s Ristorante. Looking for a place close to my hotel for the pasta load and...

Gelato fix that opened this summer: Umaluma. Local knowledge wins again……you’d not know of this place unless you happened upon it while walking east on Pender in Chinatown and stumbled...

Quick trip north with lunch in the West End: Kingyo Izakaya. I love the announcement of your arrival and departure in izakayas and this place is no exception. On Denman...

Wine is food: Guardian Cellars. In Woodinville Wine Country on an errand and thought I should pick up a bit more wine. This is one of our go to places....

More wine as food: Gorman Winery. Another great option in Woodinville Wine Country in the Hollywood School area. Chris is all about music and the tasting room walls are festooned...

One of my favorite espresso shops: Vivace Alley 24. Doing some shopping at REI and decided to have a quick mocha caramel latte. Their claim to fame is that they...

If you’re in South Seattle and you need a food fix: Super Six. Part of the Marination group of restaurants this one is in Columbia City and serves brunch, lunch...

Third location of this Vietnamese restaurant: Ba Bar. Have been wanting to try this location since it was announced in January that it would be opening this summer and finally...

New spot for ramen in the U District: Hokkaido Ramen Santouka. Great choice on a night with a bit of fall chill in the air. The space is small so...

Near the Duomo: Cocopazzo. Recommended by friends…who dined with us this visit. Located east and a moderate walk from the Duomo, it’s in a bit of a less touristy area...

Food court and market: Rinascente. High end department store with a food court, market and restaurants on the 7th floor. Although not sampled, the place to visit is the rooftop...

You gotta stop for a rest after a morning in the museum: Calicantus. Located inside the Sforzesco castle it is a nice stop for a coffee and light snack. I’ll...

Not a restaurant: Hotel Giulia Milan. Part of a small chain of boutique hotels located mostly in Europe but with one property in New York. I add it here so...

Another option in Brera: il Cestino. Also recommended by our hotel staff. Corner space and a great place to watch the world go by while having a bit of Italian...

Brunch: Marchesi. Started in 1824, we visited one of the three current sites, this one near the Duomo and in the upscale Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping area above Prada....

Recommended by the hotel: Osteria di Brera. Our best food experience in Milan. It was fashion week so most places were busy but since Italians tend to eat late, tables...

Nice spot on the lake for gelato: Daniel’s. Not a typical name for an Italian bar and restaurant but the location is indeed Italian as are the offerings. From the...

One more dinner for the masses: Piccolo Lago. Located near Stresa on Lago Mergozzo it’s a venue to definitely consider for a large group. The chef has two-Michelin-stars but it...

Another dinner for 100: Ristorante Verbano. On the beautiful Isola dei Pescatori in the middle of Lago Maggiore in northern Italy. The food was good but once again the location...

Dinner for 100: Schloss Laufen. Even though the dinner here was for a large party and the food was only so so, the location is drop dead gorgeous. Located at...

More pastry options: Konditorei-Café Weissenbeck. Tucked away in the town of Dachau you’ll find this gem. It’s in an unusual area for a bakery….surrounded by office complexes and warehouses. Not...

Very popular place in the old city: Zeughauskeller. The story goes that the building was built in 1487 and originally housed an armory but in 1929 it was converted to...

Off to Switzerland with a stop at: Chedi Andermatt. If you’re looking for drop dead gorgeous then this will fit the bill. Part of a multi year “upgrade” to this small...

A must visit for us when we are in Munich: zum Spöckmeier. We have to visit this place every few years since it was a place Suzan’s Oma (grandmother) would...

Lovely hotel, restaurant and brewery: Kapplerbräu. Like many European breweries this place goes back several centuries….1561 to be exact. It’s a bit of a hike….about 30 miles NW of Munich...

Pike Place Market on steroids: Viktualienmarkt. Beer gardens, wine and cheese shops, seafood, flowers, vegetables, fruits…you name it…..it can be found here and that has been so for over 2...

One of the many locations of this bakery and café chain: Rischart. This location is worth a visit not only for the pastries and other offerings but mainly for the...

Haven’t been here in a few years: Steelhead Diner. Had a relative in town for business who wanted seafood and this seemed like a good choice……close to her hotel and...

Carbo loading: Lupo. Close to my hotel and on the edge of Yaletown. I wanted some Italian pasta before my ride to Whistler so this seemed like a good choice....

Quick lunch: Bistro Verde. In the Pacific Center Nordstrom and close to my daughter’s office so we decided to give it a try. Nice space with a separate street entrance...

Dinner following a tour of the city: Yu Lou Dong A chain of 4 restaurants; the original apparently in business since 1904.  When asked what type of food you like...

Lunch near the hotel: Geng Shi Ji. I think this was the best meal that I had this time in China. Typical of most restaurants here, they are bigger inside...

Dinner for 100: Wyndham Hotel I was in China doing some teaching and as is very typical, a dinner for the attendees and faculty is a requirement. I have to...

Probably the most impressive breakfast buffet I’ve seen: Wyndham Cafe Where to start….the serving line, in total, is almost 3/4 of a city block! It has everything one could want…fruit...

Not in a city and not a restaurant: Korean Air As mentioned in the post on Asiana, my intent was to compare bibimbap from both Korean carriers. This version was...

Not in a city and not a restaurant: Asiana Airlines Decided to compare the bibimbap served on the 2 national airlines of Korea on my way to and from Changsha...

A short drive from the ferry terminal: Adrift. Forgotten we had been here a number of years ago…it hasn’t changed much although they have changed the main dining room to...

A new place in an old space: Island Pie. Just down the street from where we were staying and it came highly recommended so we decided to give it a...

Ok it’s not a restaurant but if you hike, cycle or drive up this is a place to look for: Sugar on Top. Espresso and Lopez Island Creamery ice cream...

A lunch stop while exploring the island: Madrona Bar & Grill. Not our first choice but on a busy day it fit the bill. Typical bar and food but with...