Bellevue, Must Visit, Seattle Metro, United States, Washington
Bellevue WA
There is no better chocolate: Läderach. How lucky we are in the Seattle metro area to have a location of this world renowned chocolatier. The biggest problem is what to have but, don't worry, it's all fabulous! While they have various California, San Francisco, United States, West Coast
San Francisco
French bistro in Hayes Valley: Chez Maman. Nice corner spot with plenty of outdoor seating which makes it a good choice for lunch. Had the savoyarde crepe which was very good...just like what you'd experience in the Savoie region of France. Also Ravenna, Seattle Metro, United States, Washington, West Coast
SeattleÂ
Revena location of this Seattle icon: Mioposto. This location was closed for 5 months in 2025 after an SUV crashed into the restaurant! It's back open and as great as ever. There are several locations and, this one like the others, California, Must Visit, San Francisco, United States, West Coast
San Francisco
New Southern cuisine in SFO: Prelude. Had to give this place a try and it's unique twist on Southern cuisine. Chef's grandmother hailed from Alabama...now you're talking! Modern and comfortable space. Can choose from a Chef's menu or ala carte. Must haves Seattle Metro, U Village, United States, University District, Washington, West Coast
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 space. Service is always very good. Give the Korean fried cauliflower a East Coast, Philadelphia, United States
Philadelphia
Dinner for 20: P. J. Clarke's. Usually don't recommend group dinners but if I'm allowed to choose from the menu then it's fair game in my mind. That was the case for this restaurant in the Old City. The chowder was good
Chicken Tagine with saffron rice. This dish was from an online cooking course from The London Chef in Victoria BC so, unfortunately, there is no recipe. Unfortunate because it was...
Tacos like your abuela makes. First time with this recipe for tacos al pastor and the tortilla were homemade by my oldest daughter! I’m not biased but the tortilla made...
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...
Thanksgiving. Turkey was brined in buttermilk which made it very moist and flavorful. The sides were our typical: kale and Brussel sprouts salad, mashed potatoes with gravy, cornbread stuffing, walnut...
Cranberry Cider Braised Beef Stew on Polenta. Half Baked Harvest recipe once again. The key ingredient…polenta and the other…the “sauce” but the real show stopper…it’s basically all done in a...
Fish Taco in a Bowl. A deconstructed fish (petrale sole) taco served on a bed of rice, avocado and black beans with in house made taco seasoning. Very tasty and...
Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms. Getting a bit boring but this is another Half Baked Harvest recipe. It’s a must visit site if you like both classics...
Salisbury steak. This is a modification from a Pioneer Woman recipe just taking the steak portion and plating it on egg noodle pasta vs a side of mashed potatoes and...
Honeycrisp apple and kale salad. Another excellent Half Baked Harvest recipe worth a try. Even if you don’t really like kale…I’m on that fence…the combination of textures can’t be had...
In the hood: Pleasant Beach Donuts. Seem to be sold out when we usually think of visiting but this day we arrived in the late afternoon and there was still...
An old favorite: Pagliacci. Needed a change so why not back to the future? A Seattle original with locations all around but it’s been a few years since we’ve experienced...
Coffee stop: Ristretto Coffee Lounge and Wine Bar. Nice relaxing spot for a cup of coffee or espresso on a wet, cold day. In addition to java they also have baked...
Ultimate Fall Salad. Need a nice change from meat and potatoes or pasta then give this a try. The mixture of textures and flavors from the farro, to the apples...
Small Plates on 55th: Ebb & Co. First noticed this new place a few months ago and finally got a chance to experience their offerings. I wish I hadn’t taken...
German Sausage. Weisswurst and weiner with blaukraut and potato salad rounding out the plate. And of course no German dish is complete without bread…a classic rye in this case. Everything...
Teriyaki King Salmon. Homemade teriyaki sauce made this dish served on a bed of sushi rice with a side of fried bok choy. Email me for the teriyaki sauce recipe....