As named…this is a shed: WaterShed Grill. Actually located just north of Squamish in Brackendale BC it’s right on the Squamish river which makes for great views…and when in season,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

Newer kid on the block: Saint Bread. Originally opened to long lines but things have settled down a bit, at least on weekdays. Started by a trio from London Plane...

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...

Going home: Sip Munch and More. Terminal B near the Alaska gates at Reagan and needed a glass…or 3. Visit website...

A bit of hygge in SLU: Café Hagen. Opened for just a few months and located very near REI this is a perfect spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch or early...

They might not have it: Crú. Flight delayed for 3 hours and it was right across from my gate on Concourse B so…why not! Concept is similar to Vino Volo...

Afternoon cup of joe: Stone Way Cafe. Just happened across this popular spot and decided to give it a try. We weren’t disappointed. They know how to steam milk here…including...

Hard to come up for air: Deep Dive. For sure the most unique bar in Seattle. It’s located below the Amazon Spheres and has the feel of a dark undersea...

New place in an old spot: Mr West U Village. Located in the space previously occupied by a cooking store, this is a welcome addition to the pizza, chocolate and...

Wine anyone? Slough Food. Nice little spot to pick up some wine, cheese and charcuterie for later…or enjoy it in their courtyard. They also offer soups, salads and sandwiches. This...

Interesting place: The Golden Pig. Just south of Ukiah and yes, the name is correctly spelled and…..yes, the town’s claim to fame was hops. But, no longer…production was halted in...

You gotta go for the views: Mountaineering Club. There has been a real stir recently about this bar on the rooftop of the Graduate Hotel in the U District and...

Wine tasting with a Cuban beat: Salt Spring Vineyards. One of several wineries on the Island who use local fruit to make their wines. I was intrigued by that fact...

On the list: Stack 571. I was in the general area to have this year’s rosé analyzed and decided to stop by to see what this place had to offer....

Impossible Burger: Meet the Moon. We had been looking…all over for the Impossible Burger….and didn’t even know they had it on the menu. Not only was it listed, they actually...

Google search: Public House Yakima. We needed a quick lunch on our way back to Seattle and this place looked interesting…and hopefully quick. Our problem began with Google Maps. Not...

Seriously good French cuisine: Brasserie Four. This place really has it all….nice bar, French bistrot food and a great selection of wines. We started with the chicken liver pâté to...

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...

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...

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...

What a view: Copper Horse Headed home and needed a quick bite…and this is the only real option at the airport past security. That said, the food was solid and...

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...

Surprised I haven’t posted on this: Vino Volo. Located in over 30 airports around the US and Canada, they are a great option for a a glass of wine or...

Hyatt Hotel: ‘Ūmalu. Fairly typical hotel food but give the spicy ahi bowl a try…..ahi, lettuce, mango, edamame, avocado, tomato and pecans with wasabi aioli and ginger vinaigrette……very tasty! Service...

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...

Top 10 tasting room: Mt Hood Winery. The wines are acceptable but the views……outrageous! Very large tasting room with vaulted ceilings and floor to ceiling windows but the place to...

“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...

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...

Captive audience: Urban Crave. Located at the Alaska gates in terminal 1 of the San Diego airport this is an option…especially if your flight is delayed an hour…..due to the...

Wines on tap: The Hatch. Located in the downtown 13th Street area of the city which has multiple options to choose from, this option looked interesting: offering wines, whiskeys…….extensive offerings….and...

BYOB source: Pinot Boutique. In the Old City and sells locally sourced wines so don’t go looking for that French Bordeaux. Interesting wines from the area with tasings available. Somewhat...

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...

Ever what you need: Puako General Store If you are staying in the Kohala area of the Big Island, check this place out for provisions and treats. It’s about a...

Dinner for 20 something: Morimoto. Usually it’s difficult to tell about a restaurant when you’re in a large party but only a few shared plates this visit more like couples...

Drinks with friends: Royal Boucherie. Hot spot near the Delaware River in the old city….brought to you by a top chef. The space is open and if the bar downstairs...

Just passing thru: Tortas Frontera O’Hare. Located in Concourse B, this is a go to place if I have time between flights. It’s usually very busy so be prepared to...

Trying to find a bar: The Keg. The holiday….Boxing Day…had the bars at Whistler packed and we finally stumbled on this place for a quick drink and to get out...

Nice place for a beer: Howe Sound Brewing. Great space for a beer, wine, cider or cocktail before dinner and if you have too much…sleep it off in the adjoining...

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...

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....

Another option in Brera: il Cestino. Also recommended by our hotel staff. Corner space and a great place to watch the world go by while having a bit of Italian...

Recommended by the hotel: Osteria di Brera. Our best food experience in Milan. It was fashion week so most places were busy but since Italians tend to eat late, tables...

Deserves another look: Eataly Chicago. They have these in a number of cities but this was a first visit for me and highly recommended by a colleague. Basically it’s a...

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...

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...

In the core of Woodinville wine tasting: Purple Cafe. On the way to taste Darby’s release of Purple Haze and stopped by for a quick bite at the original restaurant. Comfort...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Great place for small plates in Whistler Village: Bar Oso. It’s a great for lunch away from the hustle and bustle of the other bars in Whistler. Spanish influence with...