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9 - 12 April : The Emerald City

Indulging in Seafood Mecca

Trippin'.
Fresh seafood, great wine and even better coffee. What's not to love about Seattle? It's a medley of all things great in the Pacific Northwest! A city surrounded by mountains and ocean, luscious greens that seem to extend for miles and miles, it is no wonder Seattle is often referred to as the Emerald City.

We had surprisingly unusual weather, sunny skies to be exact, which was a plus when we found out it was pouring back home in San Jose. G went for work and I, of course, went along for the "free" ride. We had a jammed pack weekend as we always do filled with sight seeing, shopping, and what else-- food.

Speaking of food. A friend recommended we do a food tour of Pike Place Market and what a great suggestion that was. We booked a tour with Savor Seattle and had the best time tasting all things great about Pike Place Market-- from Iron Chef winner Tom Douglas' crab cakes, to the world famous fish throwers' smoked salmon! Best of all, as touristy as this place gets, Pike Place Market's captivating personality and character is apparent, alive and well.

Classic, not traditional-- made to perfection
Though not a traditional panzanella, at Dahlia, you simply can't deny its Tuscan Grilled Bread Salad is original and classic. A perfect blend of bitter greens drizzled in a light vinaigrette dressing, mixed with day old grilled Tuscan bread, cherry tomatoes.. and to top off this remarkably- mouthwatering plate-- a slice of prosciutto. It does not get any better than this.
Tom Douglas' Dahlia Lounge, 2001 4th Street, tel: (206) 682-4142

Looking back, some of the best of the best I've had the luxury to taste in the culinary world were right here in Seattle and I'm sure G will agree. Best salad-- check (see above)! Best salmon (or any fish dish for that matter) goes to-- *drum roll please*-- Elliots' Alaskan Troll King Salmon smoked on alder plank. Insanely good! Smoked fish-- simple enough. The entree itself, nothing utterly worldly or remarkably unique at first glance. And yet it was love at first bite. The rest of the meal was a bit of a blur after that. Simple it certainly is not but to put it into words is difficult and down right challenging. It's a -you've- gotta- try- it- to- believe- it to even begin to understand its levels of complexity. And once you do, salmon (or any fish) will never taste the same.

Elliots Oyster House, 1201 Alaskan Way, Pier 56, tel: (206) 623-4340

A perfect weekend getaway to indulge in some of this countries finest palette pleasers.. or should I say teasers? Which ever way, we'll cheers to that!

Sleeping: Inn at the Market. Tucked away in an ivy-covered courtyard, this boutique hotel is a tranquil hideaway located practically "in" the vibrancy of Pike Place Market.
Eating: Serious Pies, 316 Virginia St, tel: 206 838 7388, for two-- order 2 or 3 pies. Try the potato! If you're lucky, you might just run into Tom Douglas himself.. we did.
Activity: Don't miss the perfect photo opt at Kerry Park. Tip-- Have your taxi wait while you take a quick photo because there is no other way down the hill and taxi's are few and far in between.

More Photos.

View full gallery here.