Noshing in the Northwest

When it comes to traveling I fancy myself a savvy traveler. I've been privileged to see many parts of our great nation throughout the last several years. Along the way I have been able to partake in the regional cuisine of the places I visit.

In Chicago, it was deep dish pizza, beignets in New Orleans at Cafe Du Monde, an In 'n Out burger in California, and fresh conch salad in Key West... All of these were phenomenal experiences, but the place I find myself drawn to over and over again, is the Pacific Northwest.

Over the last few years I have made several trips to Washington State, specifically Seattle, to not only visit my brother and his children, but to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of an area I have grown to love. In the last two years though I have come to love two other places, Olympia, Washington and Portland, Oregon and much of what entices me is the food.

In Olympia there's nothing like the corned beef found for breakfast at Darby's on 4th Avenue in downtown Olympia. Thai food like no other can be enjoyed at Lemon Grass, where their selection of curries rivals anything I've tasted. They even have an apple curry that has to be tasted to be understood. Closer to the state capital at Wagner's bakery you'll find a croissant sandwich with egg, smoky bacon and tomato. Paired with fresh fruit, it's a great start to your day, especially when you spend most of the day walking place to place. Places like Tugboat Annie's and Anthony's served some of the Northwest's freshest seafood and the clam chowder at Tugboat Annie's was something of an epiphany... It changed my view of the dish. I know I'll never find anything like it here in Texas. The latter half of the week was easily spent making several visits to the Olympia Farmer's Market. Fresh cherries, plums and apples, vendors selling everything from Indian, Japanese to German cuisine, as well as baked goods were the gems of this market. You have to make the trip!

Portland offers its own treasures. My excursion into Portland though had a singular purpose. I had to get to Voodoo Doughnut. No amount of explaining will do it justice, so allow me to let my hero Anthony Bourdain, give you the tour... (Oh and I had the maple bacon bar...)




This blog entry only begins to scratch the surface of the culinary experience I enjoyed while in Washington and Oregon. I pride myself on now having been to Seattle and Olympia enough times to not do the touristy things anymore. However, there are those institutions, like Top Pot Doughnuts and of course the Original Starbucks, nestled in Pike Place Market, that draw you back time and again. I hope someday you can make it this far north and when you do, keep me in mind and bring me back a maple bacon bar!

Until next time, eat with a passion, cook with your heart and remember...

Food is Love...