Dinner for thirty: Seastar Another group dinner at this well known and highly regarded seafood restaurant in the metro area. Fixed menu this night with the typical choices…salmon, a chicken...

A Seattle institution: The Pink Door. The cuisine is Italian but this place is more than just food…..there are nightly shows that vary between music and on Saturdays, cabaret and...

It’s all about the view: Aqua. Entertaining a visiting faculty member at this waterside spot on Puget Sound. There are a couple of places like this in Seattle but this...

Hit a few wineries for tastings while cycling (off the bike) in Chelan: Nefarious Cellars, Benson Estate Winery,Mellisoni Vineyards, Hard Row to Hoe and Radiance Most had free tastings which is unusual...

High end Indian: Nirmal’s. The space is beautiful and located in the historic Pioneer Square area. It has received multiple accolades including Zagat’s top 15 hottest new restaurants in the...

Classic small town diner: Apple Cup Cafe. This place is legendary and I’ve had breakfast and dinner during here. Portions are huge and are primarily comfort food with a bit...

Another post ride feed: Local Myth Pizza A go to place for pizza while in Chelan. It’s very small so expect a wait. Nice bar type tables outside so on...

Post ride feed: Marcela’s Cocina Mexicana. I’ve been here once before and we were post ride so it was a good choice for abundant calories. It did not disappoint. The...

Quick trip to visit cousins: Harbor View Cafe Breakfast was as one would expect in the deep south….eggs, bacon and grits…but for some unknown reason I had the Belgian waffle...

This is the real deal: Herbsaint Last dining experience this trip and this is by far the best of those tasted. The chef is a multi year winner of the...

Still trying new places and this looked unlike the typical city fare: Compère Lapin. Located inside the Old No. 77 Hotel near the convention center, this place has a definite younger...

Decided to try some of the newer places; here’s the first: Cochon A James Beard winning chef got my attention and it’s mostly about pork so you know I had...

Third option for lunch: Gracia. We didn’t start out to try this place in Ballard but wound up here when our other choices weren’t open for lunch. The space is...

End of the indoor cycling class season meetup: The Pub at 3rd Place. Always been an interesting place in the basement of 3rd Place Books…almost like entering a cave. Typical...

Got the job to pick up our cats today so this was lunch: Maltby Cafe. I’ve passed this place numerous times when we cycle north of Seattle but have never...

Dinner for 20: Continental. A bit hard to describe this place…global comfort food that leans a bit Asian, probably comes closest. This night we had a fixed menu with 3...

Everybody wanted Peking Duck so we decided this place fit the bill: Sang Kee It has been awhile since I’ve had this quintessential Chinese dish…..last time was in Beijing, so...

Back in Philly: Laurel. Once again my flight in was late…..this time one and a half hours…barely made my reservation going straight from the airport. Thanks Uber! This is another...

Great place on a cold day: Firehouse Café Nice little coffee and pastry shop in the Fairhaven neighborhood of Bellingham. Located in an old firehouse with a performing arts center...

Quick trip to check out: Back East BBQ. We have a wedding coming up in August so we did a bit of a secret shopper trip to the area to...

On my list for some time: Mkt. One of a long lineup of Ethan Stowell restaurants in Seattle this one is in the Tangletown area and hence its name….Meridian…the older...

Another business dinner downtown: Capital Grille. Classic high end steak place, with the usual decor, that does a great job of what they do well……steak. They also have the usual...

Long time coffee spot on south Capitol Hill: Café Presse. A sister to Le Pichet with a focus on coffee. Located very near Seattle University, it’s a spot to consider...

Another Seattle restaurant by Renee Erickson: Bar Melusine. Described as an oyster bar with small plates and focused on the cuisine of Normandy and Brittany; it’s located on lower Capitol Hill...

Quick lunch before the airport: Mandu. One of 2 locations in DC and near the Convention Center and Chinatown. Decided to give Asian cuisine a go before leaving DC and I...

The new Vidalia: Honeysuckle. Vidalia was my go to place in DC and one of my favorite restaurants but it is no more. Honeysuckle opened about 2 months ago in the...

Pizza in the heart of Chinatown: Matchbox. One of 3 locations in DC this one is close to the convention center and adds a choice to the Asian fare common...

Stopped for a post dinner drink with the UW crowd: Silo. Near the DC Convention Center just north of Chinatown. Very busy with a high noise level but a good...

Sounded interesting: Tail Up Goat. Story has it that if you see something in the distance that may be a goat or a sheep the way to tell is the goat...

Quick bite to eat: Bóveda. Just off the plane and didn’t take UA up on their hamburger so I was looking for something to tide me over and this was...

An old favorite for Vietnamese cuisine: Green Leaf. This place has been a stalwart of Vietnamese food for many years. It’s in a small space in the International District and...

Late afternoon lunch after a morning of cross country skiing: Salish Lodge Attic. Great location and it’s on the way back from the pass which makes it an ideal stop....

On a run to pick up wine south of Seattle and needed a lunch stop: Berliner Pub. The online wine store, Garagiste, moved from the Sodo area to Renton about...

Liquid food: Garagiste. If you live in Seattle and enjoy wine, check out this offering. It’s not a wine club so buy what interest you. It’s all done online although...

Sushi outlet north of downtown: Wataru. Have seen this place for a few years when driving by and finally decided to visit after a recommendation from the chef of the...

Always a good stop for breakfast: Portage Bay Cafe. One of four restaurants in the Seattle metro area that all offer local, organic food which is always good with excellent...

Ok…so it’s not a restaurant but you gotta try The Cookie: Metropolitan Market. One of a half dozen stores in Seattle known for higher end groceries, The Cookie has attracted...

One of my go to places for comfort food after a long day: Toshi’s. Reminds me of the one located near Greenlake 30 years ago. Always fast and consistently good....

Finally got to experience this place after a false start a few months ago: Heartwood Provisions. Not sure how to describe the cuisine but let’s just say it’s varied……classic raw...

All I got was take away: Monsoon. However this has got to be some of the best Vietnamese fusion food in the city. My love thought of me while having...

Looking for dim sum: Chiang’s Gourmet. While they don’t serve dim sum on weekdays…..it is available on weekends as breakfast only (10 am to 3 pm) in the true Chinese...

On everyone’s list and mine too: Stateside. French Vietnamese with a flare on Capitol Hill. Had brunch which was a bit of fusion with more classic French fare but the...

Second location of this coffee bar: Pioneer Coffee Roasters Didn’t know about this one but it is almost a reproduction of the location in Cle Elum but it is perhaps...

Multiple locations from BC to Bellevue but try this one within a few miles of crossing the border: Woods Coffee. When you need your coffee fix after the border crossing...

A cold night so not very adventurous: Red Owl Tavern. It’s the restaurant for the Hotel Monaco so it was easy to pop in for a quick dinner. I’ve stayed...

Mexican food abounds in Eastern Washington with this spot offering a bit of a Mayan touch: Carlos 1800 Mexican Grill & Cantina. Couldn’t get a table at our first choice...

Just outside of town: Methow Valley Ciderhouse. Stopped by to try this place because it looked interesting. Basically a sausage place with local ciders. The meat is from local producers...

Great way to start the ski day: Rocking Horse Bakery. Funky space…boat on the ceiling and bikes on the wall….that is always busy. Great coffee and pastries right on the...

Very touristy German themed town but check out: Schocolat. Lots of places to spend your money here but this is a local artisan producer of Belgian style truffles that does...

Nice place for a quick coffee break just off I5: Pioneer Coffee Roasting Co. Right in downtown and just past Snoqualmie Pass makes it a perfect stop to refuel. The...

Highly regarded restaurant for dinner: Salare. The chef is from St Petersburg and the food has a certain Southern touch. Had pickled vegetables, corn bread (sweet) as well as whole...

At the Four Seasons: Goldfinch Tavern. Even though it’s a hotel restaurant it’s quite good and the service is excellent. Very nice, modern but cozy space…a great one when it’s...

Liquid food here: Darby Wines Hollywood Hills tasting room. You must visit my good friend Darby English on your next trip to Woodinville. The space is great for tasting and...

This is it…the diner of Twin Peaks fame: Twede’s Cafe It’s been some time since I’ve eaten here but this is one of those places that never changes. It’s a...

I have been wanting to try this restaurant for some time: Mamnoon. It’s described as Middle Eastern food but it’s predominantly from Syria and Lebanon. The menu is extensive with...

Neighborhood bar and grill: Sand Point Grill. We visit fairly frequently since it is close to home. It’s usually crowded around dinner time so keep that in mind if you...

One of Seattle’s best seafood restaurants: Rockcreek. The menu is seafood so if you don’t like seafood then this isn’t the place for you. That said, it’s all outstanding. This...

One of my favorite sushi places in Seattle: Kisaku. Wouldn’t think you would find this outside the international district much less in Tangletown. The sushi is excellent as is the...

Off the beaten path: Hearsey Best outdoor dining we found in Ashland. Delightful space with a fantastic brunch. In the basement of an old church near the Ashland Springs Hotel....

A few blocks from downtown but worth the walk: Peerless This restaurant is next to the hotel of the same name. Service was excellent and the menu varied. Very good...

Out of the way bistro: South 9th Bistro This restaurant is not in the downtown core but is next door to MSU. Located in a restored home from the turn...

Great wine bar in the heart of Bozeman: Plonk. Nice space right on Main Street with a good selection of wines and cocktails. Had a nice flight of Rosé wines...

Right on Penn Cove: Front Street Grill. It’s a very busy place….a good sign that the food has to be good They have at least a dozen different preparations of...

Always wanted to eat here as I cycled past it: Oyster Bar Spectacular view from the upper restaurant. Of course the raw Kumamoto oysters were outstanding as were the fried...

Gotta try: Bouchon Bakery. There isn’t anything in the bakery that isn’t excellent as evidenced by the line that forms daily, and all day long! It’s a small place but there...

Another excellent option: Redd Wood Pizza. Had the white anchovy pizza with an affogato to finish.               Visit website @theeatingplaces #seattlefoodies...

A great place for Southern nouveau cuisine: Stella’s Southern Bistro Classic shrimp and grits (Anson Mills) with eggnog cheesecake to finish.               @stellasbistro Visit...

Nice lunch on our way to wine country: Outerlands. Visiting friends who live in the area. You have to have local knowledge to know of this place. Chicken salad with...

Simply put….incredible: Bouchon. Visit website...

Classic, intimate Italian in small town WA: Andante. Up and coming wine AVA which produces better wine every year. It’s a cool weather AVA so think Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc,...

Best bakery in Seattle: Bakery Nouveau. Twice baked almond croissants are to die for! Too bad you can’t just try everything all at once. The original location in West Seattle...

Convenient place for a quick bite: Nordstrom Grill. It’s not fine dining but meets the need when you are in the area. The chicken paillards is one of the best...

Beautiful space in the heart of the city: Revelator Coffee Company Wonderful spot for coffee and baked goods. @revelatorcoffee Visit website @theeatingplaces #theeatingplaces #seattlefoodies...

Another new place in BHM: Brick and Tin Very solid new American cuisine. The chocolate bread pudding with homemade butter pecan ice cream was outstanding. @brickandtin Visit website @theeatingplaces #theeatingplaces...

Very unique menu of small plates: OvenBird Shishito peppers, corazones (duck, chicken and beef) with classics such as deviled eggs, pork shoulder and paella finished off with espresso beignets and...

One of my favorite French restaurants in Seattle: Voilà! It is very French in a nice intimate space in Madison Valley. Give the Moules á la Provençale and add frites...

Nice spot for happy hour: List. Come early….it’s small and busy. Visit website  ...

Very unique small plates: The Whale Wins. Visit website...

A Napa classic: Auberge du Soleil This is another one of those places that needs to be on your bucket list. The space is outstanding and as expected the service...

While not a restaurant this is an event to consider: Vine Arts. Held in the Chihuly Garden & Glass space this is a PNW wine tasting with a blind tasting...

Gotta try this place for locally made ice cream: Franklin Fountain. The lines can be long but it’s worth the wait. Extensive offerings…at least 20 flavors! Visit website...

Nice spot for a quick bite: Hog Island Oyster Co. This is an outpost of the original in San Francisco and is all about seafood, particularly the bivalve variety, sustainably...

Never disappoints: Highlands Bar and Grill. The service is impeccable and the food cannot be beat. Best described as Southern French fusion with typical Southern fare married with, sometimes unusual...

Great French bistro in a town with great restaurants: Bistro Jeanty Typical French style green salad and French Onion soup followed by perfectly done lamb. Excellent and with great service....

A bit of Vietnam in the heart of Santa Rosa: Kettles Noodle bowl with a glass of Miraval Rosé. Not your typical cuisine in this part of California but worth...

Highly recommend by Suzan….who would live in SFO given the opportunity: Perbacco. Started with a crudo of halibut followed by lamb pappardelle ending with a chocolate bonet and all washed...

BBQ in Seattle: RoRo. Craved a bit of Q this afternoon so made a run to this well known spot. Classic place with typical offerings. The pulled pork had good...

Great place for Bruschetta in St. Helena: Clif Family Winery Yes it’s true…brought to you by the same people as Clif Bars. This is from the food truck parked beside...

A little sangria, fish tacos and pollo en mole with hand made tortilla from abuelita: Rosita’s Mexican Grill.                 @rositas_greenlake Visit website @theeatingplaces...

Great dinner, as always: Pair. One of our go to restaurants in Seattle because it never ever disappoints. It’s all about small plates, with a French flair, which are always...

Another great dinner at this local restaurant: Barking Frog. Salmon with corn fritters, mussels Thai style, a Bandol Rosé followed by Caramel sorbet and a local Januik Muscat. @barkingfrogwoodinville Visit...

Delicious Southwest fusion: Santacafé A nice Merlot with lobster bisque followed by New Zealand lamb topped off by chocolate and ice cream.                ...

Upscale ramen restaurant in Chinatown: Daikaya. Got here soon after it opened at 11 am and no problem getting a seat. When I left 45 minutes later it was packed...

Typical chain steakhouse: Bobby Van’s. Large group dinner with the typical steak, chicken or fish choice with sides of potatoes, spinach and mushrooms. Similar to the Capitol Grill. The chocolate cake was...

Upscale in downtown Lahaina: Lahaina Grill. Might replace Mama’s as the best food on the Island. That said, it is a completely different vibe than Mama’s. While both are fine...

This place came highly recommend so I had to make a quick stop: Dolcezza. Known for their gelato there were at least a dozen listed. My choice was a combo...

Back in town for a meeting or two and had dinner near the Convention Center: City Tap Room. Classic brew pub with a limited food menu but an extensive selection...

Interesting place a bit off the beaten track: Monkeypod Kitchen. Had to try this place if for no other reason than the name. It also comes with an excellent reputation...

You gotta have a bakery with your am coffee: Cinnamon Twisp Bakery. Typical space offering good coffee, espresso, lattes and bakery items. A must have is the namesake of the...

Great dinner: Arrowleaf Bistro. Started with wild mushroom turnover followed by a winter salad. Entrees were sturgeon and bacon wrapped rabbit. Excellent! @arrowleafbistro Visit website @theeatingplaces #theeatingplaces...