May 31st. Already. Wow. Where does the time go? In a blink of an eye, I've got from New Years and unemployed to a day off from work on Memorial Day. I feel a touch of Rip Van Winkle-ness in my life, especially when it comes to this site. But hey, I'm here now, right?
For me, life has settled into a routine revolving around Tucker, work, and my DVR. It's a bit sad to say that out loud. And even sadder is that I'm pulling B down with me. But it's so hard not too, especially when I'm working with a client, or when my dog is scratching at the door (and walls), or when the Seattle skies are constantly grey and Top Chef is on. So goes my life.
The one thing that B & I have continued on a constant basis is to explore the local restaurants in Seattle, in search for our next favorite dining joint. So for today's post, I thought I would do a top 5 of my favorite food related places in the area.
#5. BLUE SAUCER - This lil' coffee shop on Roosevelt resides in the lil' neighborhood of Maple Leaf. The ML is often overshadowed by it's bigger and more boisterous brothers - Green Lake and Northgate. But there is a great community here, and the Blue Saucer is in the thick of it. The Blue Saucer not only serves up a great cup of Stumptown, but they bring in local pastries for great bakeries around the area (Macrina, Essential to name a couple). But what puts it over the top is how they try to keep things fresh, whether by bringing in an ice cream truck (Parfait), having coffee tastings, or have a community garage sale. So grab a latte, plop down on the bench seat, and groove to the Beatles. (I'm actually sitting at the Saucer right now, typing this entry.)
#4. MOLLY MOON'S- Speaking of ice cream, B & I are addicted to Molly Moon's. Located in Wallingford and Capital Hill, this place makes fantastic ice cream, of both traditional (chocolate, strawberry, vanilla) and contemporary flavors (meyer lemon, coconut curry, maple bacon). Rain or shine, it doesn't matter- you mention MM's, we'll be game. Even if we just had a nine course dinner. Besides, with the line commonly out the door and down the block, we'll have plenty of time to digest.
#3. BALLARD FARMERS MARKET- We don't frequent this market on a weekly basis, but maybe a monthly basis? I haven't been to a ton of farmer markets in Seattle, but enough to know that it's the largest and most food related one around. Great people, the freshest of food, and pretty easy to navigate. Oh, and of course, lots of samples to try. As an added bonus, a bunch of great restaurants and stores border the edges of the market, so it makes for a window (and stall) shopping mecca.
#2. TILTH- Yum. Yum. Yum. Yum. Yum. No matter what you order, this is what will come out of your mouth after every bite. Don't let the portion size fool you. You will leave Maria Hine's haven of scrumptious entrees with a smile on your face and warmth in your belly. Tilth is what I envision heaven's food to be like. The freshest ingredients, prepared in ways that can only make you crave it even more. Yum.
#1. DELANCEY- My favorite pizza. Period. Like Tilth, this place has gotten a lot of press over the past few years. And it's well deserved. I have to admit, I have a little food crush on Molly. I originally learned of her through her food blog, Orangette. But since then, I've gotten a little food crush on her husband Brandon too. Not only did he build his restaurant by hand, he has developed one of the best pizza crusts ever. It sets the stage, the foundation, for the delectable ingredients they choose to top the dish. If I could, and if B would let me, I would eat here every week. I like it that much.
So there you have it. Five of my favorite food places in Seattle. Believe me, there are a lot more places. But I'll just have to save those for a future post. And I promise that the next post won't be two months from now. :-)