Falling in love with Seattle
From
| September 18, 2010
In Coffee and Convo, Photo Gallery, Travel Scoop
I was so excited to head to the International Food Bloggers Conference in Seattle August 27-29th and decided months ahead that I would head out early and stay a little longer to take in the sites and amazing restaurants Seattle has to offer. 
My friend and fellow blogger, Amy Sherman of Cooking with Amy agreed we'd meet and "do the town." Amy used to work in Seattle, so she still knows lots of folks and has a few hot spots she couldn't wait to share with me.
I've been to Seattle on all three book tours for Desperation Dinners!, Desperation Entertaining! and Cheap! Fast! Good!, but as it often happens with the tight schedule of a tour, all I get to see are the inside of radio, television and newspaper offices. So I was excited to explore the city.
Seattle put on its best for me.
No rainy, miserable Grey's Anatomy days or nights while I was there....what, rain in Seattle?
In the city known for its coffee, there seems to be a coffee roaster around every corner. Locals are firm and loyal in their favorites. This country girl enjoyed them all.
This Turkish latte infused with cardamon from Fonte Coffee Roasters was particularly fine, though.
I'm a sucker for urban settings, with the mix of old and new architecture, but the stark beauty of the Public Library in Downtown was so intriguing, I spent over an hour walking around and taking pictures.
Then, of course, there is famous Pike Place Market. Stalls of fresh fish, spices, flowers, crafts...you name it, I think it is there. Open air and bustling with activity, it was exhilarating.
Pike Place would be reason enough for me to want to go back. There I was surrounded by these amazing ingredients and staying in a hotel...no kitchen to cook in! It was hell! I'm going back to cook but also to eat some more. My goodness they know how to do seafood there! (More on some of the fabulous restaurants I popped into, later).
But as lovely as the surroundings and food were, the people were even more special.
Here's a shot of me on the water taxi heading to downtown Seattle sharing a laugh with a new friend.
Stay tuned for more from my new infatuation, Seattle and comment with your suggestions for where to eat and what to do for my next visit.
Comments
From Alicia Ross - September 18, 2010
From Anna via Facebook: Beautiful Photos!
From Anastasia - September 19, 2010
Glad you had such a great time in Seattle. Next time you're here, let us know -- would love to show you around! Saw from your photos that you enjoyed some great spots (Matt's, good coffee, micro brew, etc.) One little tidbit so you will sound like a local next time -- it's "Pike Place" or "the Market" or "Pike Place Market" 
Ah, the oysters have been so good this year. I can't get enough of them....
Also, curious where you had the hot dog!
Today, we have the rain that you missed. But it's still warm, so maybe more like what you're used to.... Again, so happy you enjoyed the city.
From Alicia Ross - September 19, 2010
Thanks for the head's up on the "s" on Pike Place. We Southerners are always trying to make things plural....
My Books
Our Cookbooks rock!
What you're saying..
I work second shift and I prepare my "lunch" from Cheap. Fast. Good! each morning to take in. Everyone comments on how fantastic the meals I bring in smell. I have to hide in the corner so I don't get accosted! I have yet to prepare one of the dishes that I do not like and I don't have to spend a fortune on healthy, fantastic-tasting meals.
--Bradford Thomas
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From Alicia Ross - September 18, 2010
From Katrina via Facebook: Looks like a great trip. I love Seattle and especially Pikes Place Market, I could see myself living there except I'd find myself face down on the sidewalk after a couple times up that hill!