Seattle

New Southern: JuneBaby. The food has a Southern focus starting with the bread…biscuits and cornbread as choices. Not to start a debate but the cornbread is sweet…that said, it’s very...

Seattle

A very special experience: Archipelago. I’ve been trying to score a reservation here since soon after they opened about 4 years ago. Before COVID-19 hit, I finally snagged a very...

Seattle

Not your average fish house: Harry’s Fish House. Very popular spot on Alki Beach. Come hungry since the portions are large. They have oysters, of course, but expect to find...

North Bend WA

A local favorite: North Bend Bar & Grill. Nice spot on a cold day for lunch…check out the fireplace! Basic bar food…burgers, salads and soups. But, you have to remember...

Seattle

Thai in the Hood: Pinkaew. Needed a change in cuisine and this place has gotten good reviews so, it was close by and, we needed some Thai. It didn’t disappoint…one...

Bellevue WA

Asian fusion: Wild Ginger. Recently had the opportunity to visit the Bellevue location of this Seattle based restaurant long known for its Asian Fusion menu and highly rated wine cellar....

Seattle

Local spot for breakfast: Bryant Corner Cafe Standard breakfast fare at this restaurant north of the UW campus. They also offer lunch and dinner as well as all day breakfast....

Seattle

Excellent Italian food: Cantinetta. This is a small place near the UW campus that is our go to place for Italian food in Seattle. I’ve never had a bad meal...

North Bend WA

Great Mexican food: Rio Bravo. We were looking for something a bit different than our usual stop…Twede’s Cafe. The place is very small…maybe 20 seats, tops inside. It’s in what...

Seattle

Small plates in Alki: Driftwood. Delightfull new find and a must visit now that the West Seattle Bridge is back open. The other must visit, when you get the chance,...

Seattle

University Village: Joey Kitchen. This is a chain of restaurants out of Vancouver BC that serves a mix of Asian fusion, PNW, burgers, and steaks in a very nice upscale...

Woodinville WA

Hollywood district of Woodinville wine tasting: Purple Cafe & Wine Bar. On the way to taste Darby’s most recent release and stopped by for a quick bite at the original...

Seattle

Looking for Indian food: Taste of India. This is my go to place for Indian food and has been for a number of years. It’s like having dinner in your...

Seattle

Finally got to the brick and mortar restaurant: Monsoon. My first experience was take away from this highly regarded Vietnamese restaurant on Capitol Hill. My usual go to Vietnamese food,...

Seattle

Nice spot in Pioneer Square with a perfect name: Damn the Weather. The space is in one of the original buildings on 1st, between Yesler and S Washington Street, and...

Seattle

Change of pace: Mr West Cafe Bar. Located in the space previously occupied by a cooking store, it offers unique cuisine at U Village. The menu is of small plates...

Seattle

Try this place for happy hour or dinner: Frank’s Oyster House. One of a 2 restaurants owned by the same family this one is a bar and oyster house. Convenient...

Seattle

Dinner for 15: Via Tribunali. I usually find it more difficult to fully experience a restaurant with a larger group. However, we had several pizzas from the wood fired oven...

Seattle

For biscuit fans: Seattle Biscuit Company. First met these guys when all they had was a truck. Now they have a brick and mortar place in Fremont (Frelard area). They...

Seattle

Seattle Malasadas: General Porpoise. There are several locations of this very popular spot for doughnuts…..better described as malasadas….the Portuguese variety of doughnut. Very nice open space to enjoy your choices!...

Mt Vernon WA

An old standby: Calico Cupboard. There are several locations but this one was a go to for many years in the past so, why not give it a try since...

Seattle

A slice of the Caribbean: Bongos Cafe. This place has been on my radar for some time and I finally got a chance to visit. Describing it as laid back...

Seattle

Handmade soba noodles: Kamonegi. This chef has gotten a lot of press, including being named a James Beard semifinalist for best chef in the Northwest 2018 to 2020 and in...

Bozeman MT

Relaxed fine dining downtown: Revelry. A bit of a hidden jem just off Main Street they have a small indoor dining area and a large outdoor space which makes it...

La Conner WA

Mexican in a seafood town: COA We were planning to stop by Seeds, one of our favorite restaurants in the area. To our surprise, it’s no longer in business. But,...

Seattle

A Puget Sound institution: Taylor Shellfish Farms. The space is small and is the definition of an oyster bar. The fresh tanks are centrally placed with the dining area arrayed...

Seattle

Hidden gem: Terra Plata. Another option in the option filled Capitol Hill area of Seattle. The restaurant is described as Spanish in orientation but it seems a bit more toward...

Camano Island WA

Nice place for a pit stop: Brooklyn Bros. Pizzeria. Just finished a bike ride around the Island and needed some calories. This place fit the bill. Wide selection of pizza...

Seattle

Japanese American fusion: TOMO. I’ve had my eye on this place for quite some time but it’s not that easy to get a reservation. That’s a must unless you want...

Seattle

Dinner for 30: Duke’s Chowder House. I have to admit, I haven’t been to this area of Seattle in a number of years so, it was time. As I’ve mentioned...

Seattle

Always a unique experience: The London Plane. Breakfast: The eggs and biscuits with gravy were fabulous….best gravy I think I’ve ever had. For those not wanting meat or eggs the...

Seattle

Italian at U Village: Piatti. This is a go to place for a solid experience. Plenty of outside seating if you’re looking for that which is a great place to...

Seattle

Authentic Sichuan: Tian Fu. I was near the light rail station and needed lunch so why not some Sichuan? Interesting place just across the street from Northgate Station and down...

Seattle

Food truck: Now Make Me a Sandwich. Darby Wine Club release and this was the food offering which didn’t disappoint. But, you ask, where’s the sandwich? I was a little...

Seattle

Breweries everywhere: Burke Gilman Brewing Co. I have driven by and ride my bike by here frequently but haven’t visited. We finished a walk at a nearby birding area and...

Bow WA

Newer spot: Cob + Cork. You never know what the experience will be but this place looked interesting from the road so we decided to give it a try. It...

Woodinville WA

The experience continues: Rusty Pelican. Once again back in Woodinville and decided to give this place a try for lunch. The menu is fairly standard with salads, soups, burgers and...

Woodinville WA

Surrounded by wine: Brix Wine Café. In the Woodin Creek Village area which has many new restaurants and wine tasting opportunities including Wine Alley where there are over 1/2 dozen...

Woodinville WA

Wine around every corner: Woodinville Wine Country. There are more than 130 wineries offering almost as many tasting rooms. Here are a few of my favorites: Darby Wines: I’ve known...

Seattle

While you shop or not: Habitant at Nordstrom Ok…ok….you have to have a drink before shopping….right? Even if that isn’t correct, if you’re in a shopping mood and find yourself...

Roslyn WA

Northern Exposure: Logan’s. Located in the town that served as the backdrop for the TV show. We’ve walked by the restaurant many times since we frequent this small town in...

Wenatchee WA

Quick lunch: The Yogi Grind. Near the convention center and a friend’s recommendation. Storefront for the yoga studio that also offers coffee, espresso and limited food. I went with the...

Wenatchee WA

New American with an Asian twist: Atlas Fare. I was pleasantly surprised to find this place after searching for dinner on a recent trip to the Apple Capital of the...

Bozeman MT

Southern BBQ in Bozeman: Smoke, Fire & Coal. Relatively new place on the main drag in downtown. I was intrigued by the thought of Southern BBQ even though they serve...

Bozeman MT

A bit of the old country: Mavens Market. Upscale market and deli just west of the downtown corridor. If you’re looking for breakfast or lunch you should give this place...

Seattle

Another coffee spot in Seattle: Seattle Sunshine Coffee. The space is inviting with an open feel and the coffee is from Lighthouse Roasters in Fremont. They have a small selection...

Zurich

Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate: Läderach. You can’t go to Zurich and not try the chocolate, even if you don’t like it…..which I can’t image…shops of the incredible stuff abound...

Bozeman MT

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...

Bozeman MT

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...

Seattle

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...

Costa Mesa CA

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...

Seattle

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....

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...

Woodinville WA

Great option: Heritage. While Purple Cafe has been our go to for many years while in Woodinville, we are always looking for other options in a city that is covered...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

Creole Food Truck: Where Ya At Matt. On the day I learned of this food truck, it just happened to be in the neighborhood. Couldn’t pass up the opportunity to...

La Conner WA

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Snoqualmie WA

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....

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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,...

Seattle

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...

Bremerton WA

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...

Bremerton WA

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...

Bremerton WA

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...

Arlington WA

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...

Coupeville WA

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...

Seattle

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....

Coupeville WA

Don’t judge a book by its cover: The Oystercatcher. From the street it looks like a burger and beer joint. Step up to the entrance and your impression doesn’t change....

Greenwater WA

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...

Seattle

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...

Anacortes WA

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...

Seattle

Finally: Ravenna Brewing Co. I have been driving by this place since it opened several years ago and finally dropped by to give it a try. Might also have had...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Black Diamond WA

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...

Bozeman MT

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...

Bozeman MT

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...

Bozeman MT

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...

Bozeman MT

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...

Spokane

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Edison WA

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Edison WA

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...

Bellevue WA

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...

Seattle

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...

Poulsbo WA

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...

Redmond WA

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...

Leavenworth WA

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...