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Tom Douglas restaurants are renowned in Seattle- the man has built an empire (The Dahlia Lounge, Etta’s, Lola to name a few). He has also competed on “The Food Network’s” Iron Chef America (and won), published a number of cookbooks and created a line of sauces & rubs sold nationwide. In honor of his celebrity, I decided to visit a couple of his eateries- one being the well established Palace Kitchen and the other his most recent venture - Serious Pie. (more…)

Head down Rainier or tour the dramatic route along Lake Washington. Either way, when you hit Genesee Street take a meal at The Both Ways Cafe. If I’m feeling as though I want to impress the person I’m eating with, I take Lake Washington Blvd..show them the polished lake, the affluent homes and lead them to this quaint restaurant. If I’m going on my own or with someone that is familiar with this area of town (Seward Park) I use Rainier- not the most pleasant- closed storefronts, dilapidated homes etc… (more…)

This place does not feel like Seattle. The room is airy, the walls painted tawny. Big windows, white tablecloths and a quaint little outdoor seating area complete with trimmed hedges aid in my disorientation. The space is bright and fresh- it belongs in a city that follows suit. I find it, however, in Fremont.

Once housing the infamous “Still Life”, it has been fully transformed from hippie breakfast nook to a cleanly sophisticated restaurant. The room is set in whites and woods, a graceful little tree surrounded by smaller tables holds as a centerpiece. An archway leads to an offset room, warmer in color (the walls a rich copper red) more private, it houses a large dining table. There’s a bar area as well, a few taller tables sit behind a curtained partition. (more…)

“The Cake Eaters Club” was how I was initially introduced to The Globe. For a mere three dollars one would get a generous slab of cake and a bottomless cup of coffee. The cake was awe-inspiring…ever changing in flavors, from chocolate mint to carrot…it was perhaps the best cake I have had to this day. Not only was it deliciously moist and rich…it was equally as extraordinary in its composition. Everything at The Globe is vegan. To think that such a decadent dessert could be created without the usual milk & eggs is unfathomable or was to me at that time. The Globe no longer features “The Cake Eaters Club” but no matter because in the years since it has only improved as an eatery. (more…)

The Hi-Spot feels like a very comfortable home… and it is in a sense- the restaurant is housed in an old Victorian in the picturesque Madrona neighborhood. The combination of natural light from the large windows and the warmth of the lamps inside makes the space feel golden. A barista is pulling shots of espresso while chatting behind a long light wood bar. The counter holds a glass case that is consistently being fed fresh pastries, the baker herself bringing them out from the kitchen in the rear. I spy lemon poppy scones and a tray of cookies putting off heat. The space is yellow and cozy…the aromas of coffee, sweets and savory breakfast foods heavy in the air. (more…)