Wine tasting: Browne. Another option for tasting…..there are many, many to try. Very nice alfresco area which made the tasting (bottle) all the more delightful. Visit website...

Ordered too much food: Public House 124. In Walla Walla to do some riding and needed fuel for the next day….but not this much! Started with the kraut kruga….they brought...

Recommended by a friend: Yellow Church Cafe. Brief stop, for lunch, on the way to Walla Walla. We had the seared tuna salad and the smoked chicken club which were both good...

Trivia night: Northlake Tavern. A group of us stopped by after a meeting and it just happened to be trivia night. It’s been a few years since I’ve been here…but...

Finger licking good & it’s not the Colonel: Bonchon. They have multiple restaurants in the US and about 300 worldwide but this is the first for Seattle….and, as typical the...

Quick lunch: Delicatus @ The Hall. Small deli just above the University Street Light Rail station at Benaroya Hall.  It’s very convenient if you’re headed downtown and are looking for...

Mediterranean on Beacon Hill: Homer. I’d heard a lot about this relatively new place so I waited awhile to visit, hoping the crowds would die down a bit. Finally visited...

After brunch stop: Mount Bakery. We visited the downtown location….the original is in the Fairhaven section of town. The plan was to have a coffee and a bit of dessert...

Don’t worry, it’s not on the menu: How to Cook a Wolf. I’ve been intrigued by the name and finally decided to give it a try. I was also up...

All about the shakes: Shake Shack. I’ve tried a couple of their burgers including the SmokeShack and the ShackBurger which were good for fast food burgers but not the best...

Booze for 50: The Blind Tiger. Rang in the New Year with the group from work. This is an interesting venue downtown that’s located in the back of the Do...

After skiing late lunch: Roslyn Cafe. This is the cafe of Northern Exposure fame….as is almost everything in the town of Roslyn! Very busy place on weekends so expect a...

At the Amazon Spheres: Willmott’s Ghost. I’ve wanted to visit this new, Italian themed, restaurant by Renee Erickson since it opened in late October. The space is very unique……inside the...

All things German: Hans’ Sausage and Deli. Need stocking stuffers? Looking for real German Haribo and not those from Turkey? Need a German sausage fix? German pickles? Blaukraut? Then this...

Happy Hour: Cafe Pettirosso. We were out doing some shopping on Capitol Hill and our first choice was closed for a private party. We weren’t that hungry and this place...

Jazzy food: Jazz Alley. This is a great venue for music so that’s the main draw of this place. That said, the food is good as well. Expect a varied...

Recommended by a colleague: Pomegranate Bistro. Located in an industrial looking building in “downtown” Redmond, it’s a bit hard to find from the street and the parking lot fills quickly...

Southern food downtown: The Hart and the Hunter. I felt compelled to visit this place….advertised as the second location of the original in LA and they both serve Southern inspired...

On my list for some time: Revel. Had wanted to visit the original but it is closed until 2019 for renovation so, since I was in the area, I decided...

Wine, food and art gallery: Amelia Wynn tasting room This is a nice go to place when you have a bit of time waiting to take the next ferry back...

Chocolate anyone? Boehms Chocolates of Poulsbo Never miss a chance for more chocolate and this place is right on Main Street so you can’t miss it. The original location, and...

Always time for a latte: Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse. Visit this place if for no other reason than to experience the drop dead views of Liberty Bay from the adjoining alfresco area....

Ever what you need: Sluys Poulsbo Bakery Interesting story behind this place. It’s been around since the early 1900s and has changed hands and names, a few times over the...

Chocolate nirvana: Theo Chocolate Store. This place needs to be on the short list of all chocoholics and while their chocolates are widely available, the store/factory has choices you will...

Very unique space in Ballard: Sawyer. Open since August, the story is that the original space was a sawmill…..looks non descript from the outside. Inside, it is open and modern...

Northern Exposure Fame: The Brick. Decided to stop in after a hike in the area. The history of this area of Washington is interesting and this place was originally a...

Finally got a chance to try: Twisted Cuban. I’ve passed this place numerous times riding my bike but hadn’t had a chance to try it despite recommendations from others. This...

Beer by the Lake: Magnuson Cafe & Brewery. A nice spot for a bite in Magnuson Park if you’re in the neighborhood. It can be busy, especially on a nice...

Funky little sandwich shop: HoneyHole. Busy spot on Cap Hill with a great space and sandwiches. The sandwich selection is extensive and burgers are available as well. Vegetarian, vegan and...

Get your ice cream fix: Snow Goose Produce. Simply said….I’ve never seen a portion size of ice cream like this. They have about 50 flavors and a dozen or so...

Bakery, espresso and charcuterie: C Squared. Interestingly, this and the companion Third Street Cafe are part of the Skagit Valley Food Co-op. They are located in the same building. It’s...

Food truck and wine: Taqueria los Chilangos. Wine pick up and tasting at Darby Wines which included food. Good tacos and service. Of course the wine was first rate…as expected....

Quick bite on our way north: Buzz Inn. One of 12 locations in Washington, this one is at the Harvey Airport in Snohomish. We were riding our bicycles from Seattle...

Former Biker Bar: Hollywood Tavern. Started out as a service station in 1922 then became a roadside tavern in the 1940s. Completely renovated a few years ago and has now...

“BBQ” in Seattle: Brileys. Hard to find great BBQ in this town but finally visited this place after it was suggested to me by a friend some months ago. It...

Return visit: Bar Cantinetta. Our prior visit was for a wine tasting menu and I wasn’t that impressed with the food but I thought we should give it another try……I...

Meeting at SeaTac: The Conference Center at SEA. I gotta quit eating like this….at another meeting. Nice space for a smaller meeting and convenient via the Link Light Rail. Otherwise,...

Bakery near the convention center: The French Bakery. Had a meeting at the Bellevue Convention Center and needed a quick bite to eat before sitting in a room all day...

Thai in Maple Leaf: Ban Hua Sai. Decided to give this place a try based on reviews indicating it was the best Thai in the area and we needed a quick...

Late night cookies: Midnight Cookie Co. Have a craving for cookies in the middle of the night?……they deliver until 3 am! Just choose your delivery service…..Uber Eats, Grubhub, etc. Note...

Interesting experience: Manolin. Had an opportunity to have early dinner and this seemed like a good place for the experience since they opened for happy hour early in the afternoon...

Street party: Off the Rez. Invited by friends to a Saturday night block party……with a food truck. Their claim to fame is that it’s the only Native American food truck...

Georgetown vibe: Ciudad. Not sure how to describe this place…..Spanish……Middle Eastern…..or? They describe themselves as “flavors from the East, vibes from the West” and I think they are spot on...

Bakery option: Lake Chelan Artisan Bakery. Nice option for a coffee and pastries besides the ubiquitous Starbucks…..which is essentially next door to this strip mall location. The croissants were quite...

BBQ in Chelan, Really? BBQ in the Vineyard. Highlight of this trip to Chelan. It just reopened the week we were there……note as of the date of this posting it...

On my list: Flintcreek Cattle Co. This is the sister restaurant to Rockcreek and, as expected, it’s the turf version although they do have a vegetarian and seafood option on...

The Eating Places: James Beard Award Winners 2018. Best new restaurant: JuneBaby, Seattle. Outstanding restaurant: Highlands Bar and Grill, Birmingham. Rising star chef of the year: Camille Cogswell, Zahav, Philly. Outstanding pastry...

An old favorite: Boat Street Kitchen (Cafe). It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been to this little jewel but my first experience was when it was in the...

Italian near UW: Mamma Melina. I’ve been here several times……including when it was located in the U District but it’s been a while since my last visit. The special part...

Another coffee option: Gretchen’s Place. It’s been a while since I have been here and apparently it has new ownership……I knew the original owner who passed away a few years...

The Truck: El Camión. There are several locations and we have visited the one located in a parking lot near Home Depot in north Seattle and we now have one...

Vegan ice cream: Frankie & Jo’s. One of three locations, this one is on lower Capitol Hill. The shop is small and lines form at times so you may have...

Neapolitan style pizza: Veraci. One of several locations in Seattle…..including a mobile unit usually seen at the Ballard Market….with branches in Spokane and Bend OR. Their claim to fame is...

Beer with a twist: No Anchor. Focus is on beer…and variations on that theme. It’s a relatively small bar in the Belltown area that has developed a big reputation, not...

Looking for a bite after the tulip fields: The Oyster and Thistle. Located a bit off the beaten path on the Sound, there are a number of options in the...

Extraordinary dining experience: Harvest Beat. As you know, I’m basically a carnivore but when given the opportunity to experience truly great food, I’ll give it a try. Such is the...

Looking for late lunch: Stan’s BBQ. Hard to find good BBQ in Seattle but thought we’d give this place a try. Located in the old town area, the owner hails...

Had an eye on: San Fermo. I noticed this small restaurant when visiting the Ballard Sunday Market and was intrigued by the facade….apparently one of the oldest homes in Seattle…from...

A different dinner for 30: Lark. Unique experience at this well known establishment on Capitol Hill. What was unique?…..our choices, although pre determined, were drawn from the current menu…..so, this...

A bit of après ski: Roslyn Mexican Grill. Just down I-90 from the snow park and it seemed like a good option after cross country skiing. For those who remember...

An homage to all things meat: The Shambles. Maple Leaf butchery and restaurant specializing in house made sausage, meats and charcuterie. The food is about small plates…..think small to medium/large plates….with...

Nice spot near Seattle Center on lower Queen Anne for a drink: Solo Bar & Eatery. Eclectic space that feels a bit like having a drink in someone’s living room....

Would be even better for dinner and a beer in the summer: White Swan Public House. Located in South Lake Union the views, even in winter, are exceptional…..Lake Union, the...

Whiskey anyone? Copperworks. Holiday season party at this downtown distillery of single malt whiskey. Nice tasting room with a bar that is over a hundred years old. Tours of the...

More coffee: Caffè Fiore. One of four locations, this one is located in Old Ballard. It’s nice for a quick cup before or after visiting the Ballard Sunday Market……or anytime...

If you need a stop for sustenance: Bob’s Burgers and Brews. Part of a chain found throughout Washington this one is about 5 miles south of the border. Basic burgers,...

Quick bite after a movie: Great State Burger. One of 6 locations in Seattle for this burger outlet. The spin here is local farm to table burgers with cows who...

Another coffee shop in Seattle: Ballard Coffee Works. Part of Seattle Coffee Works this is the Ballard location which is one of 4 in Seattle. The space is lively and...

In Ballard for the Farmers Market and needed breakfast: Porkchop & Co. Just stumbled on this place after a bit of research and it sounded interesting so it was time...

Bikes and beer in Ballard: Peddler Brewing Co. Going away party for one of our staff…returning home to Texas. Small craft beer spot on Leary. The owners are devoted cyclist...

Asian fusion: Wild Ginger. We were downtown for an event and stopped in to once again experience this well known and respected spot for Asian food. Not only known for...

Like a little slice of Paris in the Pike Place Market area: Le Pichet. The menu is very typical of a small French bistro and the food is all very...

Vietnamese fast food: Sizzle & Crunch. Right off the Ave in the UW District this recently opened restaurant serves Vietnamese food much like Chipotle serves Mexican food……order the dish then add...

Doughnuts anyone? Top Pot. This is a Seattle institution for doughnuts. They started as a single storefront downtown and now there are multiple opportunities throughout the metro area. The doughnuts are...

Well known spot for baked goods: Sultan Bakery. A small place that is best known for its breakfasts and bakery. This visit was in the late afternoon so we went...

Get your fruit here: Smallwood’s Harvest. Very near Silvara Winery tasting room and it’s worth a stop just to look at all the specialty foods offered. It’s also a great...

Another wine tasting opportunity: Silvara. The wines are good…..and in some cases, quite good….but the venue is what is hard to beat. The fruit is mostly from the Columbia Valley...

Trip over the pass on a beautiful day: Andrea’s Keller. Recent brief visit for a “Bavarian” experience before……wine tasting. This is one of our go to places for Southern German...

Wine is food: Guardian Cellars. In Woodinville Wine Country on an errand and thought I should pick up a bit more wine. This is one of our go to places....

More wine as food: Gorman Winery. Another great option in Woodinville Wine Country in the Hollywood School area. Chris is all about music and the tasting room walls are festooned...

One of my favorite espresso shops: Vivace Alley 24. Doing some shopping at REI and decided to have a quick mocha caramel latte. Their claim to fame is that they...

If you’re in South Seattle and you need a food fix: Super Six. Part of the Marination group of restaurants this one is in Columbia City and serves brunch, lunch...

Third location of this Vietnamese restaurant: Ba Bar. Have been wanting to try this location since it was announced in January that it would be opening this summer and finally...

New spot for ramen in the U District: Hokkaido Ramen Santouka. Great choice on a night with a bit of fall chill in the air. The space is small so...

Haven’t been here in a few years: Steelhead Diner. Had a relative in town for business who wanted seafood and this seemed like a good choice……close to her hotel and...

A short drive from the ferry terminal: Adrift. Forgotten we had been here a number of years ago…it hasn’t changed much although they have changed the main dining room to...

A new place in an old space: Island Pie. Just down the street from where we were staying and it came highly recommended so we decided to give it a...

Ok it’s not a restaurant but if you hike, cycle or drive up this is a place to look for: Sugar on Top. Espresso and Lopez Island Creamery ice cream...

A lunch stop while exploring the island: Madrona Bar & Grill. Not our first choice but on a busy day it fit the bill. Typical bar and food but with...

On to Orcas Island: Brown Bear Bakery. Can’t miss…right on Main Street….because of that, it’s very popular and can be busy in the summer. They offer very large examples of...

Quick stop for lunch on our way north to Bellingham for a family event: Pho Mai. In a strip mall and a classic Vietnamese restaurant……all about the food and not...

Have noticed this place while in South Lake Union: Cinque Terre. Modern space serving foods from the region and on the streetcar line on Westlake which makes it convenient if...

Go to place near the Nisqually entrance to Mt Rainier: Copper Creek. Late lunch after hiking up to Panorama Point. We’ve tried the food at Paradise and found it to...

Road trip: Wild Sage Bistro Highly regarded and best described as new American, the choices were typical…fish, pork and chicken. We had the well received Yukon taquitos and the Thai...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...