One of our go to places: Roost. This place is all about chicken…fried with bbq sauce, fried without, or on a sandwich., or on a waffle..it’s amazing you don’t hear...

Artisan bakery just off Main: Vienne. Beautifully prepared pastries in the French style and a welcomed addition to downtown. It’s hard to imagine how these can be prepared at 5000...

Milanese bakery: Starbucks Reserve Roastery. This was the first appearance of Princi Bakery in the US and there isn’t any indication, to the unaware, that it is located inside the...

A ballet and Xiaolongbao: Paradise Dynasty. We were visiting to see a performance by the American Ballet Theater and their principal ballerina Skylar Brandt. Since the restaurant was a short...

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....

Recommended by a German friend: Kaffeeklatsch. On the way to Woodinville to pick up some wine at Damsel Cellars so, why not? In my somewhat limited experience with German baked...

For breakfast, lunch and happy hour: Belle Epicurean. One of two in Seattle and this visit was to the location in Madison Valley. It’s a combination bakery, coffee shop (Fonté...

Worth the find: Place Pigalle. Small intimate French bistrot in the heart of Pike Place Market near Rachel the Pig. Though small, the view from the window tables is expansive...

The original: Macrina Bakery. I’ve been to the original location in Belltown of this well known bakery many times over the years and it continues to not disappoint. While you...

Not easy: The Nest. I’ve wanted to visit this rooftop bar at the Seattle Thompson Hotel and finally scored a table…probably had something to do with showing up when they...

Nice change of pace: Salted Grape Bistro. The town is really all about tourist but this place is about a block or two from the core area so it’s a...

French with a Japanese twist: Fresh Flours Bakery & Cafe. One of four locations of this bakery with the original in West Seattle. This location is in the Phinney Ridge...

Newer kid on the block: Spinnaker Chocolate. Nothing but chocolate and this duo has brought it to a new level. So if you like chocolate, you must make a visit...

Soul fusion: Communion. This place has been on my list for some time and we just happened to have a free Saturday and they had a reservation. Looking at the...

Coffee stop: The Bindlestick. I’ve been through this town many times on my bike but rarely stop. This time I needed a coffee break and this small place looked interesting....

Thai: Thai Thai Kitchen. I’m told there are more than 100 Thai restaurants in Seattle and this was a new choice for us. That said, I think it has the...

Vietnamese: The Monkey Bridge. I’ve driven by this place many times but never thought to give it a try. Our son and daughter in law gave it great marks so,...

Bingsu(Bingsoo): Snowy Village Dessert Cafe. You may know Hawaiian shaved ice but have you had this? If you haven’t…you must! This takes shaved ice to another level…creamy, sweet and light...

On the way home: Greek to go. Found this place near the ferry dock during the Blackberry festival and thought I’d give it a try since the seafood paella looked...

Mexican & Salvadorian: El Balcon. Basically a walk up takeaway place with a few tables on the sidewalk. Their specialty seems to be the burritos with about 20 to choose...

Post ride calories: Horse & Cow Bar & Grill. Didn’t think much about the name at the time but, rest assured, there is no horse on the menu. It’s Naval...

What…Greek food in Arlington? Kafé Neo. Stopped by on the way home from a hike in the North Cascades and we needed some nourishment after a long day on the...

Post ride beer and brats: Penn Cove Taproom. We had a coupon from the Tour de Whidbey for a few bucks off so, why not. Expect beer from the Penn...

Vietnamese in Lake City: Green Papaya. Only have takeaway so we used Grubhub this time since it’s fairly close to our home plus it gets great ratings. It didn’t disappoint....

Have wondered about this place for years: Naches Tavern. Apparently it’s been there for more than a century…I’m a bit slow on the visit. This experience was for a post...

A new old place: El Gaucho. It’s been a number of years since my last visit…and it’s not where it used to be! So, make sure you go to the...

Heard good things about this place: Bob’s Chowder Bar. Basically one of the first restaurants you come to as you enter town so it’s hard to miss. We visited on...

Virtual restaurant: Molly’s Garden. You read it correctly…a virtual restaurant. Really, it’s a takeaway place using Shawn O’Donnell’s locations. Our order was from the Fremont location. The Molly’s Chicken Salad...

A hidden gem: Baker’s. This is a place for cocktails, small plates and making new friends. Basically a “local” watering hole in the Sunset Hill area of Seattle. It’s one...

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:...

Nepalese in the neighborhood: Himalayan Sherpa House. Interesting menu with items you’ll recognize…naan and gulab jamun but others that you won’t…momo and Himalayan noodles. So, try something different. My choices...

A cyclist must stop: Black Diamond Bakery. Established in 1902 and it’s still here so you know it has to be good! Their building takes up most of “downtown” Black...

Sushi spot downtown: Hooked. New option for raw fish that opened in Feb 2021. There is a sushi bar in the back with tables as you enter. The menu is...

Another pizza option: Pizza Campania. Not on Main Street like many of the options but this spot is located just north near the fairgrounds. The pizzas are wood fired and...

Vegetarian in Bozeman: Farmacy. Nice new spot off the Main Street area with a vegan and vegetarian menu ranging from grain bowls to tacos, all done sans meat. Food was...

Another Main Street eatery: Copper Whiskey Bar and Grill. Descend to the basement below street level and before you is one of the better places in Bozeman to grab a...

Inside Huckleberry’s Natural Market: 9th St Bistro. Recommended by a friend and, it was spot on. They have, “ever whacha need” from breakfast choices to sushi including plant based burgers...

Mochi doughnuts: Dochi. When it opened about a year and a half ago, the line was out the door so I waited for things to settle down a bit. The...

Tucked away in the U District : Saint Bread. Originally opened to long lines but things have settled down a bit, at least on weekdays. Started by a trio from...

Just driving by: Tacos El Güero. In the parking lot of Met Market at Sandpoint and it was lunchtime so, why not? My choice this visit were the carnitas which...

Takeaway in a gale: Tweets Cafe. In the Skagit Valley with the hope of seeing the daffodils in bloom which were about but the weather was really awful…even by Pacific...

Someone Couldn’t Wait: Pie Day. Not homemade this year but nonetheless, excellent. Our choice: Sea Salt Caramel Pie. Source: Metropolitan Market. Washed down with a light Chianti Classico with notes...

Fried Chicken in Seattle: Cookie’s Country Chicken. Near Lumen Field in Pioneer Square. We happened to be in the neighborhood the day I noticed a post from @eatseattle about the...

Not my go to but: Krispy Kreme Mars Doughnut. Special, limited edition release to celebrate Perseverance landing on Mars! Had to have one of these chocolate cream filled doughnuts…a bit...

Out and about: Terramar Brewstillery. In the area and had noticed this place on previous visits and it was lunchtime…so, why not? The space is open with multiple possibilities…sit in...

Fast food: Chick-fil-A. Sometimes you just need some and we needed it this day. My choice is usually the spicy fried chicken sandwich. I have to say, it’s always good...

Takeaway: Tam Noodle Box. Recommended by a colleague and it was spot on. This place is all about wok prepared noodles…multiple choices to which you add a protein…chicken, pork, shrimp...

German food in Norway: Tizley’s Europub. What?…yep even though the town was founded by a Norwegian and has a Scandinavian theme this place has pretty authentic German cuisine. Perfect spot...

On the Eastside: Nasai Teriyaki. Not our usual go to for this Japanese staple but our local source was closed the day we needed a teriyaki fix so we gave...

Quick cup before the pass: Farmer Joe’s Espresso Stand. Very near Smallwood’s Harvest and Silvara Winery so it’s a very convenient stop before you start the drive back home. Very...

In the hood: Pleasant Beach Donuts. Seem to be sold out when we usually think of visiting but this day we arrived in the late afternoon and there was still...

An old favorite: Pagliacci. Needed a change so why not back to the future? A Seattle original with locations all around but it’s been a few years since we’ve experienced...

Coffee stop: Ristretto Coffee Lounge and Wine Bar. Nice relaxing spot for a cup of coffee or espresso on a wet, cold day. In addition to java they also have baked...

Small Plates on 55th: Ebb & Co. First noticed this new place a few months ago and finally got a chance to experience their offerings. I wish I hadn’t taken...

Mid ride: Sandy’s Espresso and Café. Stopped by this nice little spot with friendly staff and good espresso during a recent bike ride in the area. In addition to java,...

Chuckanut Brewery: South Nut. Quick stop after a bike ride in the Skagit Valley for a cider…or beer…they have all manner of choices. Very friendly staff so give them a...

Le Grand Tour: Skagit Valley Farm Stands. Not a recipe or a restaurant but without these places we have no food or flowers. This day we visited: Mossy Gate Flower...

Takeaway: New Orleans style Po Boy. Part of Ethan Stowell Restaurants this popup was all about New Orleans style Po Boys. You order online for a specific pickup time then...

Takeaway: Lobster Roll. Part of Ethan Stowell Restaurants this popup was all about lobster…whole or on a roll. You order online for a specific pickup time then show up just...

When you’re in the area check out this bakery: The North Bend Bakery (formerly Georgia’s and George’s). It’s been in the same location for 90 years so it’s a bit...

Filipino takeaway: Archipelago Balikbayan Box. Before COVID-19 hit, I had snagged a very hard to come by reservation at this well regarded restaurant with very limited seating. Alas…the reservation was...

Takeaway: Mean Sandwich. COVD pandemic continues making take away the best option.  This is a place that gets great reviews and has been on my list to visit. Very efficient...

Cider and beer in abundance: Sixknot Taphouse. Very nice spot for a beer or cider after skiing or hiking with over 40 choices on tap! They also offer a menu...

Sun Mountain Lodge: The Dining Room and Bar. Dining, gorgeous views and skiing all in one. Typical menu choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner with very good protein bowls, of...

Always need more chocolate: Recchiuti Confections. Having bumped into this place more than once while in the Ferry Building and being amazed by the unique selections and wanting to give...

Looking for some Q: Meaty Johnson’s. Described as Seattle BBQ…whatever that is, the meat is smoked in house…on the second floor no less! Three types of sauce are offered…mild, medium...

Bakery and a cup of Joe: Kringles Bakery. Happened to be in the neighborhood and having a kringle seemed like a great diversion before returning home. Nice selection of baked...

Going home: Sip Munch and More. Terminal B near the Alaska gates at Reagan and needed a glass…or 3. Visit website...

Chef’s choice: Nina May. What’s chef’s choice you ask? A fixed menu of 4 items, 2 from the regular menu and 2 from the chef’s imagination that day. But, that...

On the way: Roadhouse Restaurant and Inn. First built early in the last century it’s been renovated several times and still serves as an Inn. On the first floor is...

A bit of hygge in SLU: Café Hagen. Opened for just a few months and located very near REI this is a perfect spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch or early...

What…another coffee spot in Seattle: Armistice Coffee Roaster. Nice new place just off 65th with not only coffee, espresso, etc. but also a full bar and…they know how to steam...

Pizza in south Birmingham: Pizzeria GM. First off, they have a pizza oven…not wood fired but a nice oven and the service could not have been better or more pleasant....

Upscale chain: BrickTop’s. One of those places that has a bit of everything and it’s all good but nothing was particularly memorable because of that approach. There are over a...

Brunch Italian or Southern style: Trattoria ZaZa. Since pizza is on the menu I guess the best way to describe this place is Italian with a Southern touch. It’s small...

Stupendous seafood: Automatic Seafood & Oysters. Opened in April 2019 with up and coming star chef Adam Evans at the helm. It has been an early hit in the land...

They might not have it: Crú. Flight delayed for 3 hours and it was right across from my gate on Concourse B so…why not! Concept is similar to Vino Volo...

Peruvian food in the heart of cheesesteak country: Vista Peru. Last minutes decision….we were looking for a place that could accommodate at least 8 people on a Saturday night and...

Nice little spot for coffee: KáVé. Just barely out of town on the way to Manson and the parking lot is a bit tricky so when you see it start...

Jianbing: Me and Crêpe. Started in Richmond BC and more recently has moved into Shanghai…reverse migration. This location, in Bellevue Square, open in the spring of last year. There are...

The other half: Salish Lodge Dining Room. We usually visit the Attic but decided on the more formal Dining Room for brunch…and the Attic doesn’t serve breakfast on weekdays. It...

University Village Sushi: Bamboo Sushi. Located in the space formerly occupied by Blue C Sushi, they are a Portland chain that promotes sustainable seafood/sushi. The space is much nicer than...

Japanese sandos: Tres Sandwich House. Recommended by my daughter, who is a bit of all things Japanese nut, it’s a great find in south Bellevue…you have to want to go...

Afternoon cup of joe: Stone Way Cafe. Just happened across this popular spot and decided to give it a try. We weren’t disappointed. They know how to steam milk here…including...

Quick stop for lunch: Homegrown. One of about a dozen outlets in the metro area this visit was to the University Village location. They are all about sustainable local food...

A bit of Bainbridge Island: Café Hitchcock. Part of the growing Hitchcock group of restaurants, this one is downtown in the Exchange Building. Nice space for a quick bite for...

State Hotel: Ben Paris. The name may seem a bit odd but there was a Ben Paris, a well known Seattle sportsman who had a restaurant of similar name located...

Out shopping: Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya. This is chain from Tokyo that has a number of outlets in the Seattle metro area. Our visit was to the Bellevue Square location....

They know how to steam milk: Diva Espresso Kenmore. Located in The Hanger this is another of about a 1/2 dozen locations of this coffee roaster and purveyor of all...

Group dinner: La Cocina Oaxaqueña. Dinner for about a dozen but we ordered from the standard menu so I feel more confident in my impressions. It’s a relatively small place on...

Even on a cold day it’s good: Kpaw’s Iskreme. Small but usually busy place in this small island town. They have a nice selection of ice cream with handmade waffle...

Eurasian fusion: Cook Weaver. Reading about this place I was intrigued by the description of the food as well as the space. Apparently the building was built in 1930….wouldn’t know...

Needs a little prep: Rain Shadow Meats. Grab some charcuterie…..gotta try the chicken liver paté…. and a steak for later and you’re all set. Friendly service with reasonable prices. Visit...

Java and pastries: Broadcast Coffee. This is the location of their roastery. They also have a couple more locations around the city. The pastries were outstanding, in particular the Queen...

Maybe the best biscuit in Seattle: Marmite. Hard to get a great biscuit in Seattle but this has to be one of the best. Made all the better by the...

Right on Main Street: Looking Glass Coffee. Nice little spot with good espresso and inhouse made donuts! The espresso is on the dark and moody side with serious pulls so...

An old standby: Dahlia Bakery. It’s all about the triple coconut cream pie….for which they are famous but, they have a number of other great choices as well. This time...

New spot, old name: Uncle Lee’s Kitchen. It used to be located about a mile away but recently moved and reopened a few weeks ago at this site. Same food...

Artisan fast food pizza: MOD Pizza. All made to order….from any of 30 toppings and in a pizza oven no less! It’s Seattle based but they have over 300 locations...

Food truck popup: Random Acts of Food. Everyone was going crazy for the deep fried Brussel sprouts with sea salt and lime so I had to give them a try....