Posts filed under: West Coast

Seattle

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

Bow WA

Finally: Taylor Farms Samish Oyster Bar. It’s the holy grail of shellfish farms in Western Washington and because it’s so popular…it requires perseverance to get a seat at the table....

Seattle

Sports bar: Rough & Tumble Pub. Markets itself as Seattle’s sports bar for women’s sports. They have 18 screens so you can find all manner of sports on display. Very...

Anacortes WA

Usually a very busy place: The Shrimp Shack. It’s on the way to Deception Pass and it’s very popular after being there for over 50 years. We visited on a...

Woodinville WA

Gotta have ice cream: Swanky Scoop. Heard many great recommendations about this place and it did not disappoint. Multiple flavors including at least 8 vegan offerings. To me, vegan or...

Woodinville WA

Pho anyone? Pho 175. Once again found ourselves in Woodinville and decided to give this place a try. It did not disappoint. Expect typical Vietnamese cuisine with an extensive Pho...

Seattle

Mixed Plate: Buddha Bruddah. A bit of Hawaii in Mount Baker/Kenmore. Reminds me of Tinroof on Maui but it’s 3 times larger inside which makes dining here much more pleasant…even...

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 London...

La Conner WA

Need some Joe? Beaver Tales Coffee. Headed home but needed some coffee before we hit the road. This small, interesting shop, fit the bill. They roast their beans daily so...

Seattle

Chinese dumplings: Dough Zone. There are about a dozen locations of this local chain in the Seattle metro area with the original located in Bellevue. It’s hard to go wrong...

Seattle

Never too many bakeries: Honoré. Have been interested in visiting since a colleague recommended it several years ago. Usually in this are of Seattle when they weren’t open so just...

Bow WA

Unexpected: Cob + Cork. You never know what to expect but this place looked interesting from the road so we decided to give it a try. It did not disappoint....

Seattle

The 3rd restaurant: Sandía Saint Helens is no more. Bistro Shirlee is no more. However, this one may be the best of the three. I’m sad to see the loss...

Seattle

Handmade soba noodles from scratch: 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...

Mazama WA

Need a beer in Mazama: Mazama Public House. This is a a very small town on the way to the North Cascades National Park and the must visit Cutthroat Pass...

Mazama WA

What? A “grocery store” on a food blog: Mazama Store. Much more than your typical grocery store. Good wine selection…including pet nat, excellent food choices, local t shirts and baked...

Darrington WA

Darrington outpost: Moe’s Coffee Shop. Stopped by on the way back from hiking in the North Cascades National Park for a quick bite of lunch. One of several branches. The...

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...

Seattle

Quintessentially Seattle: Ivar’s. There are 3 locations on the water in the metro area and a visit to one of the locations is a must for any visitor to Seattle....

Twisp WA

Great place for Italian food: Tappi. The restaurant is in a very small town in the heart of cross country skiing and hiking areas of Eastern Washington. It’s always nice...

Granite Falls

Mid ride stop: Lyla’s Cafe. Always good to have a place to replenish calories during a ride. This place fit the bill. Pastries, sandwiches and espresso round out the breakfast...

Winthrop WA

A place for cocktails: Copper Glance. It’s always great to find a place like this where you least expect it…this is one of those places. They have a few small...

Seattle

Always room for another bakery choice: Grand Central Baking Co. They have a choice of sandwiches such as turkey with havarti cheese, lettuce, mayo and Grand Central cranberry chutney on...

Seattle

Anyone like ice cream: Salt & Straw. Very popular place with several locations. They have an eclectic offering of flavors and pride themselves on local selections…for Seattle. Flavors like Beecher’s...

Marblemount

Espresso in the North Cascades: Karina’s Deja Brew. Looking for a quick coffee as you head off or return from a hike in the area? Give this place a try....

Port Angeles WA

Close to the ferry dock: La Belle Creperie. About to head back to Seattle and needed some sustenance befor the long car ride.  In a place known for seafood, pizza,...

Coupeville WA

Lunch anyone? Gordon’s Fusion Cuisine. New find in “downtown” Coupeville with both in and outdoor dining. The menu changes focus every 3 months so, approach the experience knowing it may...

Coupeville WA

Under new management: The Oystercatcher. From the street it still looks a bit like a burger and beer joint. Step inside and you’ll wonder what’s in store. First taste…you know...

Woodinville WA

Liquid food: Damsel Cellars. I first met Mari when she was the assistant winemaker at Darby Wines. She’s been making her own very solid wines for the last several years...

Seattle

Recommendation from a local chef: Pestle Rock. The cuisine is Thai but it’s from the Isan or northeast part of the country. You will recognize the menu but there are...

Burien WA

Great experience: Marlaina’s Mediterranean Kitchen. Part business dinner and part get together with friends. I’d heard about this place from a coworker…whose husband is the chef/owner and it’s been on...

Seattle

Outstanding xiaolongbao: Din Tai Fung. Quick fact…even though it’s at University Village, this is the first Din Tai Fung in the US! I suspect it had something to do with...

Camano Island WA

Post ride lunch: Tapped Public House. Expect seafood, burgers and chicken in various forms…and of course beer on tap as well as ciders. They also offer kombucha and sours. Solid...

Seattle

In the Hood: Ravenna Brewing Co. Located in what was an auto repair shop it’s become well known for their local brews in a city with close to 70 breweries....

Seattle

On Salmon Bay at Fishermen’s Terminal: Little Chinook’s. Looking for fast/To Go seafood near Discovery Park then check it out. No reservations required and you should expect the usual…cod, oysters,...

Seattle 

Several locations of this Seattle icon: Mioposto. Like the others, the primary offering is wood fired pizza and they do it very well. As a matter of fact, everything here...

Seattle

If you are looking for French food with a view, this is the place: Maximilien. We were entertaining guest from out of town and it was a beautiful day so...

Seattle

Has been on my list for several years: Joule. It’s been described as Pacific Northwest Korean and has been around since 2007…not sure why it took me so long to...

Woodinville WA

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

Bozeman MT

Upscale but laid back: Feast. Have visited this place more than once and it never disappoints. How to describe the cuisine? New American seafood with a Bozeman twist…limited selection of...

Everett WA

Malasadas in a food truck: Goodbelly. Primary location is the Beverly Food Truck Park in south Everett. What’s a malasada you ask? It was originally a Portuguese confection that was...

Bozeman MT

Vietnamese: Pho Sai Gon. Way off Main Street but worth the drive. The space is modern and refreshing with high ceilings and open spaces. As one would guess, this place...

Seattle

Mexican near the U: Agua Verde Near the UW Medical Center Montlake Campus. Indoor dining is in a small space and is frequently crowded, especially for lunch. There is a...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...