Posts filed under: West Coast

Moses Lake WA

On the road: Michaels on the Lake Located lakeside with outdoor dining and a view…..spoiled a bit by the railroad that runs lakeside as well. The menu runs the gamut...

Seattle

One more coffee shop in Seattle: Diva Espresso. One of about a half dozen locations in the city. This visit was to the Harborview location. This purveyor of the roasted...

Friday Harbor WA

A quick coffee before the trip back to Seattle: Riptide Cafe. Very nice cafe right on the harbor. I had to have the blended salted caramel mocha….another 4 shot experience...

Friday Harbor WA

Early afternoon snack after whale watching: Downriggers. Gorgeous space and views so worth a visit just for that reason. That said, the food was good with a varied menu of...

Seattle

Now for some caffeine: Fuel Coffee. One of 3 locations in Seattle but their coffee is more broadly available. It was a hot day and I had a bit of...

Seattle

Hot wings without the wings: Ma’ono Fried Chicken. Located inside Rachel’s Ginger Beer at University Village this is a great space to visit on a sunny day with its open...

Kirkland WA

Looking for Thai and a new experience: Isarn Thai Soul Kitchen Have heard great things about this place so we decided to visit on a cold rainy Junuary Seattle day....

Seattle

Not really a commercial concern: Dean Wines Those of you who have read my home page and my posts know of my enjoyment of good wine and my hobby of...

Seattle

Vietnamese on lower Capitol Hill: Ba Bar One of three restaurants this is the original location. It’s part of the Monsoon restaurant group. I have been wanting to try it...

Bellevue WA

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Chelan WA

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...

Seattle

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...

Chelan WA

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...

Chelan WA

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...

Chelan WA

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Maltby WA

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...

Bellingham WA

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...

Bellingham WA

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Snoqualmie WA

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....

Renton WA

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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....

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

North Bend WA

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...

Ferndale WA

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...

Winthrop WA

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...

Winthrop WA

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...

Winthrop WA

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...

Leavenworth WA

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...

Cle Elum WA

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Woodinville WA

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...

North Bend WA

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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...

Ashland OR

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....

Ashland OR

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...

Bozeman MT

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...

Bozeman MT

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...

Coupeville WA

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...

Bow WA

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...

Yountville CA

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...

Yountville CA

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

San Francisco

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...

Yountville CA

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

Chelan WA

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,...

Seattle

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...

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...

Seattle

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...

Seattle

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

Seattle

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

Napa Valley CA

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...

Seattle

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...

Napa CA

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...

Yountville CA

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....

Santa Rosa CA

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...

San Francisco

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...

Seattle

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...

St Helena CA

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...

Seattle

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

Seattle

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...

Woodinville WA

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...

Santa Fe

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

Lahaina, Maui HI

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...

Wailea, Maui HI

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...

Twisp WA

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...

Winthrop WA

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...

Paia, Maui HI

You have to eat here at least once in your life! Mama’s Fish House. The food is very local, the space delightful and the service impeccable. @mamasfishhouse Visit website @theeatingplaces...

Seattle

Happy hour is about the only time you can just walk into this place and get a table: Radiator Whiskey. Upscale bar food with flights of bourbon, scotch and whiskey....

Seattle

Unique Asian offerings: Nue. Described as eclectic, world street food, which fits the bill. Great place to try something different because that’s what it’s all about. Had the Taiwanese chicken...