Eating Local

Description:

Located behind Rachel, Pike Place Market's life-size bronze pig, this fishmonger is just about the busiest spot in the market most days. What pulls in the crowds are the antics of the workers here. Order a big silvery salmon and you'll have employees shouting out your order and throwing the fish over the counter. These "flying fish" are a major Seattle attraction, so just step right up and pick your salmon.

Description:

Nine acres of fresh produce, seafood, coffee, donuts, crafts, unique restaurants and friendly vendors, all set against a backdrop of the Puget Sound – that's Pike Place Market, widely recognized as one of the oldest and best farmer's markets in the country. If you only have one day in Seattle, head downtown to get a real taste of the city in every sense. From fresh cheese curds at Beecher's to chowder at Pike Place Chowder, from necklaces and bags to hand-stitched leather journals and hats, from accordions to pianos to hula-hooping guitarists – there's something for your eyes, ears, and nose everywhere you look at the market.

Description:

This casual gourmet restaurant has the best location of any restaurant in Pike Place Market. Located on the third floor of the Corner Market Building, Matt's faces the big neon clock that is the quintessential symbol of the market. Until 2007, Matt's was a tiny cubbyhole of a place, but an expansion has given it enough tables that you can actually get in to eat here on short notice. The menu changes regularly, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients from the market stalls that are only steps away. There's also a good selection of reasonably priced wines. The food reveals whatever influences and styles happen to appeal to the chef at that moment -- perhaps Moroccan, perhaps Southern. However, if the menu happens to list anything with smoked catfish, try it.

Description:

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Pike Place Market head up Post Alley to the Tasting Room where you will find a cool retreat chock full of the best wines the Northwest has to offer, sidle up to the bar and order a tasting combo. One of the nicest things about the tasting room is that they don't bother stocking the large producers or low quality wines so you can count on every glass to be well balanced and complex at a good value. The Apex Semillon and Cabernet are outstanding and you can have them ship cases or half cases home.

Description:

Head chef Matthew Dillon moved this popular Seattle restaurant up to its new location in Capitol Hill's Melrose Market in 2010. With fresh market produce, meat, cheese, and herbs, this is the place for foodies looking for a fresh, original meal. Sitka & Spruce also has a fantastic wine list, or if you'd prefer to grab a drink before or after your meal, Chef Dillon also owns and operates Bar Ferd'nand, a wine bar and shop just across from the restaurant.

Description:

This little hole-in-the-wall is a prime example of finding elegance and exquisite food in unexpected places. Owned by Chef Jonathan Sundstrom, Lark is not where you come to eat – it's where you come to experience food. Rather than ordering an entree, the menu consists of small plates, so you can sample several succulent dishes, all of which are seasonal and prepared using local ingredients. Ingredients that are transformed into dishes like seared foie gras with rhubarb and spring onions, rabbit salad with asparagus, incredible cheese plates and desserts like pineapple tarte tartin with rum caramel.

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Licorous, whose original name means, "tempting the appetite" and "relishing good food," is an ultimate spot that serves great, affordable food and cocktails. The chefs prepare a variety of dishes that are available for order late into the night. Their cocktail menu is diverse and you might even get to enjoy an original mix as the bartender often experiments with new concoctions. Licorous is uniquely decorated in orange and salmon colors that creates an atmosphere of escape from the outer world.

Our Local Expert Says:

Located a block from the Pike Place Market, this curiously quaint establishment seems like it fell out of a small European village. Once you work your way inside the single door leading upstairs, you will realize why this is considered by many to be Seattle's best-kept lodging secret. There are two 800-square-foot suites available, each with its own private bath, kitchen, balcony, and spectacular view of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. The other rooms share four bathrooms. Some rooms offer astonishing views of the bay, and the enormous breakfast is simply wonderful. Walk downstairs and enjoy brunch at Le Pichet or browse pastries at the Pike Place Market.

Description:

Steps from Seattle's historic Pike Place Market, Pensione Nichols is a unique bed and breakfast with a stunning view. The pensione reflects European sense and sensibility married to Pacific Northwest heritage and hospitality. We are cozily situated on the second and third floors of a 100+ year-old building in the historic Smith Block on First Avenue. Pensione Nichols features eclectic antique furnishings, lots of warm light and spectacular bay and mountain views from our inviting living room / dining room and suites. It's a welcome retreat from a busy day, or lifestyle, when you need to "get off the grid" a bit or just slow down and simply plan an evening at one of the many great restaurants, cafes or theaters in the area.

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Description:

Seattle's oldest and largest "Farmers-Only" neighborhood Market hosts over 50 Washington state farmers every Saturday. Featured are seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables from both sides of the state, fresh organic produce, herbs, wild mushrooms, fresh farmstead cheeses, organic meats, poultry and eggs, hazelnuts, cider, local seafood, fresh pasta, honey, flowers, nursery stock, wine, and fresh bread and baked goods. Every Saturday, shoppers can look forward to performances by local musicians, our popular "celebrity chef" cooking demos, and expert gardening advice from Master Gardeners.

Description:

Raise the bar on salami, and you have the artisan-cured meats of this closet-size eatery. The owner, Armandino Batali, who happens to be the father of New York's famous chef Mario Batali, makes all his own salami (as well as traditional Italian-cured beef tongue and other meaty delicacies). Order up a meat plate with a side of cheese, some roasted red bell peppers, and a glass of wine, and you have a perfect lunchtime repast in the classic Italian style. Did I mention the great breads and tapenades? Wow! If you're down in the Pioneer Square area at lunch, don't miss Salumi (even if there's a long line).

Our Local Expert Says:

So enjoyable you won't want to reach your destination!

Description:

The country's largest ferry system would have to be in a city surrounded by water. With twenty terminals, eight routes and over 15 million passengers a year, Washington State Ferries are both practical and fun. If you're considering hopping over to Bainbridge, Bremerton, Mercer or any of Seattle's interesting islands, a peaceful ferry ride is a far cry from sitting on a bridge in traffic.

Description:

Located on beautiful Vashon Island Seabreeze Farm is home to pigs, chickens, cows, goats and a few people who make fantastic artesian cheeses and wines. Stop by for some duck eggs and while the collect them you can taste their delicious Vache de Vashon (cow) and Apline (goat) cheeses with wine pairings. Their farming practices are entirely sustainable with their ducks waddling around fertilizing and foraging and their chickens pecking around for seeds and bugs. Their adorable pigs, cows and goats wander around happily grazing in last year's pasture preparing the soil for another crop rotation. This farm is beyond organic. Seabreeze meats, dairy, eggs, cheeses, wines and prepared foods such as pâtés & meat broths are available daily 6:00 am – 9:00 pm from the on-site, self-service Farm stand at 10730 SW 116th St. on Vashon Island and also at several farmer's markets, check the website for details.

Description:

The Corson Building is quintessentially local. Located in Georgetown, co-owners Wylie Bush of Joe Bar and Matthew Dillon (named one of Food and Wine's top ten chefs) of Sitka and Spruce have carved out a food lover's dream in the heart of Seattle's old industrial area. The grounds have been converted into garden plots and there are heirloom chickens around the side of the building. The food is spectacular, seasonally appropriate, locally produced organic vegetables and local game and fresh fish are some of the delights you may encounter on the set menu.

Description:

One Pot is a phenomenon that is the brainchild of Michael Hebberoy who has been called a "food provocateur" by Food and Wine Magazine. After giving up on his widely acclaimed Portland restaurant, Clarklewis, Michael started throwing clandestine themed dinners all over the city in art galleries with guest speakers and motel parking lots accompanied by installation art and even in private homes and coffee shops. Each event is unique and the idea has multiplied all over the world as he considers it an open source concept. Anyone can hold a One Pot dinner anywhere but to attend one of Michael's is to experience the real deal and you can bet the guest chefs are fantastic. The ingredients are always seasonal, local and innovatively combined. You'll need to make a reservation on the website, www.onepot.org and find out if an event is scheduled. If not, create your own dinner with ingredients from the farmer's market or Pike Place and post the pictures on his blog.

Description:

Vashon Island is a hotbed of locally produced food, with its rolling farmlands and mild climate, Vashon produces a bounty of fresh produce and locally raised meats, eggs and poultry year round. The best place to stay is Maury Cottage set in a gorgeous garden of Japanese maples, flowers and pines. Michael and Catherine Cochran are the most gracious hosts and they'll bring you fresh scones with local jam in the morning. The delightful cottage comes complete with a fully functional kitchen, an amazing cloud-like king sized bed with Egyptian cotton sheets, and a Japanese soaking tub. Dahlias and fresh fruit from the beautiful garden brighten the tastefully appointed cedar paneled room.

Our Local Expert Says:

So enjoyable you won't want to reach your destination!

Description:

The country's largest ferry system would have to be in a city surrounded by water. With twenty terminals, eight routes and over 15 million passengers a year, Washington State Ferries are both practical and fun. If you're considering hopping over to Bainbridge, Bremerton, Mercer or any of Seattle's interesting islands, a peaceful ferry ride is a far cry from sitting on a bridge in traffic.

Description:

Newly moved to its new locale in the parking lot of Seattle Central Community College, the Broadway Farmers Market is open every Sunday from May 8th till December 18th between 11am and 3pm. It's all local, from the produce, meats and seafood to the raw honey, cut flowers, cheeses and and freshly baked pastries. The market features other activities, including cooking demos and live music, making it more than just a place to get your shopping done.

Our Local Expert Says:

Located in a repurposed house in Wallingford, all the food is locally produced and organically delicious!

Description:

Chef Maria Hines proves that you can be a good steward of the earth and still delight your palate. Entering the old craftsman bungalow with a rocking chair porch feels like going to a friend's house for dinner. The décor is sparse, but original leaded glass windows, a brick fireplace and painted green chairs add to its inherent charm. Using only locally sourced and organic ingredients, menu items change seasonally. Try the mini duck burgers with homemade ketchup and mission fig at dinner or weekend brunch. A chalkboard highlights artisanal cheese selections, and the extensive wine list features several eco-friendly choices.

Description:

It's difficult to say what is most appealing about the Barking Frog - the food, the wine, the atmosphere. All of the above earned this casual bistro featuring country fresh Northwest cuisine rave reviews. Honors have included "Restaurant of the Year", "Most Innovative Wine List" and "Wine Grand Award" awards, presented by the Washington Wine Commission. Delectable dishes entice guests to linger in the light-filled dining room or to gather around the fireplace. While in the summer, lunch and dinner are served in the courtyard. Wine tasting in Fireside Cellars - Many wineries are open for public tastings, others are not. However, there is one place where you can relax with friends and fellow guests to taste the finest that Woodinville Wine Country has to offer - the warm and inviting Fireside Cellars at Willows Lodge. Join us from 4PM-11PM Tuesday-Thursday and 4PM-12AM

Description:

Many foodies actually plan their vacations to Seattle primarily to visit The Herbfarm.  Located in semi-rural Woodinville, the restauran's nine-course dinner takes at least four hours and includes five Pacific Northwest wines.  The chefs warmly explain the courses to the guests and gladly create alternative entrees for those with special dietary needs.   A tour of the restaurant's herb and vegetable garden is offered before the seating. A variety of dietary needs can be accomodated without hassle or compromise; for example, the non-alchohlic selections are creations to themselves with fresh botanical beverages rivalring the standard wine selections.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're looking for a luxurious hotel to use as a home base for wine tasting in Woodinville, this is the spot, directly across from the infamous Herb Farm restaurant, known nationally as one of the finest restaurants in the Puget Sound. The Red Hook Brewery is just across the street and Chateau St. Michell is just down the road. Don't miss tasting wine at the dozen wineries in the area, the lodge can arrange transportation.

Description:

This property is sprawled across five acres of lush green land bordering the Sammamish River. It has 86 well-furnished rooms and suites with Northwest style furniture and fireplaces. It also has three restaurants and a spa that offers a variety of herbal treatments. Its secluded location makes it an ideal venue for honeymooners and romantic trips. In fact, the resort has been consistently ranked as one of the 50 most romantic getaways by the Travel & Leisure magazine for the past few years.

Description:

Take a cooking class from two local chefs who will teach you how to navigate seasonal menus and get your hands on the best local produce as well as guide you through expert preparations of the finest ingredients the northwest has to offer. You can sign up for individual or series classes; and wine education depending on your interest and schedule. Course topics range from Charcuterie curing methods and salmon smoking techniques to grill skills and pasta making. Check their website for current offerings, classes are typically held between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm.

Description:

Located just below Seattle's famous "Pike Place Market", on the way to the "Seattle Aquarium", the Zig Zag cafe provides a wonderful retreat from the world outside. Inside you will find wonderfully prepared food that spans the globe, but reflects the influences of the Pacific Northwest. Behind its well-appointed bar, you will find some of the cities best bartenders, ready to prepare for you one of the finest drinks in the city.