Portage Bay Cafe is, in my humble opinion, the best breakfast in Seattle. Its all here- good food that’s local and organic with plenty of vegan options among the usual breakfast fare. When I say “the usual” I mean that loosely. Your “usual” scrambles, eggs, omelets, hash etc are deliciously prepared here with inventive and quality sourced ingredients that reside high above the standard bulk sourced foods found in the majority of restaurants around town. The wait on the weekends is a bit tedious (as it seems it is at any worthy breakfast spot in the city) but tolerable with a mug of coffee and the view of the “breakfast bar” as distraction. The “breakfast bar” is to me, the peak of my visit. It consists of enormous bowls of fresh fruit sitting in their sweet juices (strawberries, blueberries, pears, peaches etc.) and fresh whipped cream to be used at your leisure to top your pancakes, waffles or what not. When I go, I opt for the “Three Bears Porridge” which is a warm cereal of assorted grains. I like a hot cereal in the morning and at home I decorate my oatmeal with sliced apples, blueberries or raisins. At Portage Bay, I am able to indulge in the same manner. Helping myself, I construct a mountain of glowing fruit a top my porridge and finish it off with a splash of cold soy milk. (more…)

Richard Wall is the chef and owner of Both Ways Cafe located in the Seward Park neighborhood of Seattle.

Describe your menu/ restaurant
Homey, nothing too fancy. Everything’s made from scratch here.

What do you look for in ingredients?
For the most part, I’m price driven. I do what I can and hit produce stands and farmers market when possible.

Busiest time of week?
Weekends…weekdays are steady but quiet.

Most popular item on the menu?
The “spinach havarti scramble”…the “Northwest scramble.” Soups and stews go pretty quickly.

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Tom Douglas is a chef and owner of Palace Kitchen, Serious Pie, Etta’s, Dahlia Lounge, and Lola in Seattle.

Your Favorite place to eat in Seattle?
Wild Ginger- Its a well run, nice space with consistently good food.

A few of your favorite foods? favorite meal of the day?
I like breakfast- my favorite thing to have is beef pho. Otherwise, I like duck…steamed salmon.

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Bob Days owns the 35th Street Bistro in Fremont.

Describe your restaurant
Southern European Influence. People communing over a dining experience- warm ambiance, knowledgeable staff, great company, excellent food and wine.

What do you look for in ingredients & sources?
My own focus is on living sustainably. I want ingredients produced by like- minded people. I steer towards local as much as possible. Seek out humanely produced meats- no pesticides, minimal antibiotics, responsibly raised.

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Mike Walker owns the Hi-Spot Cafe in Madrona.

Describe your menu
All American with Mexican specialties. Everything is fresh.. which makes the restaurant consistently good. I choose quality vendors (Pacific Food Importers, Smith Brothers Farms…) and get the best of everything.

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