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Field Trip to Seattle

May 17th, 2013

admin

“FieldTrips” is either a day trip or a few days where I visit food areas of interest which may include farm visits, producers, wineries, restaurants and/or other places that people can visit. This is about offering Vancouver Foodster readers a chance to get out of town and take a “Field Trip” for the day or a few days to explore, learn, taste and experience.

Field Trip to Seattle

I visited Seattle again a few weeks ago, driving South on Highway 99 to the border and then South on interstate 5 (regular driving time 3 hours). On this trip I decided to visit a hotel that was centrally located downtown Seattle and one that I yet to visit previously. After arriving to Seattle, I checked in at Hotel Andra which was very well situated. Located in the heart of Seattle’s retail district, a couple blocks away from shops at west lake centre, few blocks to Belltown and pike place market.

Bedroom at Hotel Andra

Granite Bar

My guestroom was high up on the 9th floor, my Superia room had 2 double beds, along with nice amenities for use during the stay, a large sitting area with granite counter bar, also had a separate vanity area with lighted mirror and leather ottoman as well as a walk-in closet.

Bathroom

The bathroom featured a separate glass-enclosed shower along with a deluxe soaker tub, deluxe amenities, crisp white Lacava sink, and grey slate flooring. Luxurious bathroom amenities include lighted mirrors, fluffy Turkish towels and our signature FACE Stockholm bath products.

Local 360

Inside Local 360

Chicken & Waffle

On Saturday morning, I headed for breakfast to the Belltown neighborhood which was located a few blocks away from the hotel. Visited Local 360 a fairly new eatery that specialized in what’s locally grown, sustainable fare, American comfort with a twist that is locally produced or farmed in the greater Seattle area and their menu looked great. It was less about a 5 minute walk from the hotel, I had the delicious Chicken & Waffle.

Local 360

@Local360Seattle

1st & Bell

Opens at 8 am for brunch on weekends.

Macrina Bakery baked goods

Macrina Bakery sweet rolls

In the afternoon I visited Macrina bakery back in Belltown, this is a café/bakery that I had visited on previous occasions, there I had a coffee and picked up some baked goods to try. I loved the Squash Harvest Bread along with the Plum roll.

Macrina Bakery

1943 1st Ave S

Seattle, WA

206-623-0919

Inside the kitchen of Serious Pie

Making the pizzas at Serious Pie

Yukon Gold Pizza

Kale Salad

I then explored some other areas of Seattle walking and driving. For dinner I decided I would stay in my cozy room and put my feet up so to speak, I headed across the street to Serious Pie to order one of my favourite pizzas to go which was the Yukon Gold Pizza, I also had their Kale Salad for the first time. I had previously visited the other location of Serious Pie, but this was the original location and it was so close to Hotel Andra.

Serious Pie

316 Virginia St, Seattle, WA

206-838-7388

On Sunday morning I went for a walk through south lake union neighbourhood which had the Space Needle in the foreground. I then headed over to Whole Foods to pick up a Gala Tude juice.

Cotterie Room

Inside the Cotterie Room

Fried Potato Omelette

Then walked a few blocks through Belltown to the Cotterie Room for brunch where I had the delicious Fried Potato Omelette that was filled with crisp fried potatoes, aged Goudagrilled onions and topped with spring onions with smashed potatoes.

The Coterie Room

2137 2nd Ave Seattle, WA

206-956-8000

Victrolla Coffee

Espresso Macchiatto

I went for another walk this time to the Capitol Hill neighborhood to visit one of my favourite cafes, stopping at Victrolla Coffee for an Espresso Macchiatto.

Victrola Coffee

310 E Pike St

Seattle, WA

206-624-1725

Lobby area

I then headed back to the hotel to read some newspapers in the cozy seating area of the lobby before checking out.

Hotel Ändra

2000 Fourth Avenue, Seattle

TOLL FREE: 877.448.8600, T: 206.448.8600,

Stay tuned for my next Field Trip outside of Vancouver.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Field Trips, Latest, Travel

Tags: Hotel Andra, Local 360, Macrina Bakery, Seattle, Serious Pie, The Coterie Room, Victrola Coffee

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Field Trip to Bellingham and Seattle

December 17th, 2012

admin

“FieldTrips” is either a day trip or a few days where I visit food areas of interest which may include farm visits, producers, wineries, restaurants and/or other places that people can visit. This is about offering Vancouver Foodster readers a chance to get out of town and take a “Field Trip” for the day or a few days to explore, learn, taste and experience.

Field Trip to Bellingham and Seattle

Left Vancouver, I drove about an hour South on Highway 99 to the border and then South on interstate 5, I then took the downtown Bellingham exit where we stopped for dinner.

Fiamma Burger

Inside Fiamma Burger

Salmon Burger

Large Yam Fries

Large Onion Rings

This is an upscale burger joint that was filled with families enjoying the large burgers, we opted for salmon burgers all around and shared the yam fries and onion rings.

Fiamma Burger

1309 Railroad Avenue, Bellingham, WA (downtown)

(360) 733-7374 ‎

Onwards to Seattle which was about a 1-1/2 hour drive South on Highway 5, stopped in the Capitol Hill neighborhood as I was yearning for a visit to one of my favourite cafes in Seattle. Visit to Caffe Vita for an Espresso Macchiatto.

Inside Caffe Vita

Caffe Vita

1005 East Pike Street, Seattle

(206) 709-4440

Grand Hyatt Seattle

Arriving in Seattle I checked in to my hotel at the Grand Hyatt Seattle. My room had 2 double beds, and coffee table, in the closet there was a Hyatt bathrobe for use during the stay. Located in the heart of Seattle’s thriving retail and theater district, adjacent to the Washington State Convention Center, the Grand Hyatt Seattle is steps from Pike’s Place Market, Seattle Waterfront and the Space Needle.

Seattle Skyline

My room had a great view of the city’s towers from the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. My guestroom was high up on the 24^th floor, the Wi-Fi Internet access is helpful for use while you use your iphone or laptop. A sleek modern design adorns these spacious rooms. The bathroom is large and features a separate glass-enclosed shower along with a deluxe soaker tub, deluxe amenities and plush robes for your comfort.

Bedroom

Bathroom

Enjoy the use of three dual line cordless speakerphones with voicemail, an in-room safe for your laptop, iHome stereo with iPod® docking station, electronic blackout drapes and a doorbell. Relax upon two Double Hyatt Grand Beds™, fitted with luxurious linens, thick down blankets and plush pillows. Additional amenities in our welcoming Seattle Washington accommodations include 24 hour Concierge, 24/7 StayFit™ fitness center access, and 32” flat screen TV.

French Toast

Up early we had room service and shared an order of the French Toast which is large enough to share for two.

Beecher’s Cheese

Grilled Cheese Sandwich wrapped to go

Grilled Cheese

The next day I left the hotel and walked 7 blocks to Pike Place Market where I visited Beechers Cheese for a Grilled Cheese Sandwich this is a destination for handmade cheese, you can watch them making and handcrafting their own cheese and then you can enjoy some samples in the shop, purchase some cheese to take home and have a sandwich which I did.

Piroshky Piroshky bakery

Coffee Cinnamon Roll

I then walked a few doors down to visit the popular Piroshky Piroshky bakery, the long line-up moved briskly and I then had my pick of savoury and sweet piroshky, choosing one of each I had the Mushroom Piroshky and a Coffee Cinnamon sweet Piroshky roll.

Beecher’s Handmade Cheese

1600 Pike Place, Seattle

206-956-1964

Piroshky Piroshky

1908 Pike Place, Seattle

206-441-6068

I headed back to the hotel to freshen up before checking out.

Grand Hyatt Seattle

721 Pine Street Seattle, WA 98101, United States

For reservations call (206) 774-1234

La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza

Pizza

On the way home to Vancouver we stopped in Bellingham again for dinner and this time we visited the sister restaurant to the burger joint for wood fired pizza. In a fairly large dining room our wait was about 10 minutes until we were seated, our server was wonderful and she gave us the option to do halfers on the pizza which worked out perfectly.

La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza

200 E. Chestnut, Bellingham

(360) 647-0060

From I-5, take Lakeway Drive, exit # 253. Turn onto Lakeway Drive, heading west toward the bay. Lakeway Drive veers right, turning into East Holly. Continue down the hill on East Holly to Railroad Avenue. Turn left onto Railroad Avenue and continue one block to Chestnut. Voila! La Fiamma is located at the corner of Chestnut and Railroad. There is lots of parking (free evenings, weekends and holidays).

Back on the road, headed North on Hwy 5 crossing the border back in Canada and home within an hour.

Stay tuned for my next Field Trip outside of Vancouver.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Field Trips, Latest, Travel

Tags: Beecher’s Cheese, Bellingham, Caffe Vita, Fiamma Burger, Grand Hyatt Seattle, La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza, Pike Place Market, Piroshky Piroshky bakery, Seattle

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Field Trip to Bellevue

August 27th, 2012

admin

“FieldTrips” is either a day trip or a few days where I visit food areas of interest which may include farm visits, producers, wineries, restaurants and/or other places that people can visit. This is about offering Vancouver Foodster readers a chance to get out of town and take a “Field Trip” for the day or a few days to explore, learn, taste and experience.

Field Trip to Bellevue

I visited Bellevue, Washington recently, leaving Vancouver, I drove South on Highway 99 to the border and then South on interstate 5, I then took Exit #182 on to Hwy 405 directly to Bellevue (regular driving time 3 hours). Bellevue is a large sprawling city located just East of Seattle, with plenty of outdoor parks and activities as well it is a premier resort, shopping and dining destination.

Bellevue Hyatt Regency Hotel

Arriving in Bellevue I checked in to my hotel at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, nice touch in the lobby to refresh with lemon water and apples. My room had 2 double beds, and coffee table, in the closet there was a Hyatt bathrobe for use during the stay.

Bathroom Amenities

In the bathroom there were a great line-up of well-appointed amenities. Terry cloth slippers and a Hyatt Totebag to use and take home was a nice treat.

Vovito Café

I then headed for a walk closeby and visited Vovito Café (located in the shops at Braeburn) a few blocks away and had an Espresso Macchiato.

Bellevue Art Museum

I walked around the neighborhood past Bellevue Square Mall, past the Bellevue Art Museum, and then stopped in to the nearby Barnes & Noble Bookstore which is always full of interesting books to peruse.

Stay Fit Fitness Club

Back to the hotel to visit the Stay Fit Fitness Club which is part of the hotel, just happens to be located in an adjoining building on the property. The club features top of the line fitness and weight lifting machines along with a large indoor swimming pool and tv sets as well as complimentary head-sets for audio listening.

Black Bottle Postern

Crispy Fried Chicken

Broccoli Blasted

Flatbread

For dinner that night, I visited Black Bottle Postern gastro-tavern across the street. Loved the room with its high concrete ceiling and long bar. I had the Crispy Fried Chicken ($7) with ginger soy dipping sauce, Broccoli Blasted ($8) and an order of Flatbread ($2).

Black Bottle Postern

919 Bellevue Way Northeast

Bellevue, WA

Tel: (425) 223-5143

Eques Restaurant

Snoqualmie Granola Pancakes

Honey crisp Apple Stuffed French Toast

The next morning I had breakfast at Eques located on the second floor of the Wintergarden Atrium, between the Olympic and Cascade Towers and had a dining companion join me. The restaurant is run by the hotel and they specialize in locally-sourced ingredients offering an excellent buffet as well as a la carte menu selections. I had the Snoqualmie Granola Pancakes ($12) with pistachio cream and grapes and my dining companion had the delicious Honey crisp Apple Stuffed French Toast ($13) with spiced mascarpone, caramel & vanilla bean cream sauce, and candied walnuts of course I indulged in a piece as well.

American Buffet

In addition to the a-la-carte menu they also offer a full American Buffet ($19 per person) that features a large selection of unique hot dishes such as Orange Creamsicle pancakes and Pork Sliders, they have a cold bar featuring local Beechers Cheese, locally grown fruit and more. There is also a cereal bar and baked goods bar that features their delicious house-made granola bars.

Bellevue Farmers Market

I visited the Bellevue Farmers Market (takes place every Saturday from 10am – 3pm throughout the summer) that was located a few blocks away from the hotel on 110^th Street & NE 8^th Avenue. The market was filled with farmers selling potatoes, tomatoes, kale, snap peas, beets, flowers, berries, peaches and wine.

I then headed back to the hotel to checkout, visit Tully’s Coffee which is located in the lobby for a quick espresso and drive back to Vancouver.

Hyatt Regency Hotel Bellevue

900 Bellevue Way Northeast, Bellevue, WA 98004

For reservations call (425) 462-1234

Stay tuned for my next Field Trip outside of Vancouver.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Field Trips, Latest, Travel

Tags: Bellevue, Bellevue Farmers Market, Black Bottle Postern, Eques Restaurant, Hyatt Regency Bellevue Hotel, Vovito Coffee

1 Comment »

Field Trip to Whistler

August 8th, 2012

admin

“FieldTrips” is either a day trip or a few days where I visit food areas of interest which may include farm visits, producers, wineries, restaurants and/or other places that people can visit. This is about offering Vancouver Foodster readers a chance to get out of town and take a “Field Trip” for the day or a few days to explore, learn, taste and experience.

Field Trip to Whistler

Last month, my family and I visited Whistler, once on the road we headed on to Hwy 1 going West and then North on Highway 99. After a 90 minute drive we arrived in Whistler and checked-in to our hotel, stayed at the centrally located Westin Resort & Spa Whistler.

Dining Room/Kitchen in 2 Bedroom Suite

After a refreshing glass of citrus water at registration, I put my feet up in my 2 bedroom suite for a bit of R & R.

Aubergine Grill

My family then joined me for dinner at the Aubergine Grill which was located on the 2^nd floor in our hotel. it’s a large dining room with comfortable seating, our server Nelson took gracious care of us with suggestions of dishes and such.

White and Green Asparagus

Tomato and Herb Polenta

Pemberton Beet & Buffalo Mozzarella

Haida Gwaii Halibut

Dessert Sampler

I ordered off their new Vegetarian Feature menu, both dishes I had were outstanding. To start I had the White and Green Asparagus with wild mushroom sauté, crispy wontons and sesame; for my entrée I had the Tomato and Herb Polenta with balsamic rooted vegetables, spinach puree and goat cheese. Other outstanding dishes at the table ordered by family members included Pemberton Beet & Buffalo Mozzarella as well as the Haida Gwaii Halibut. For dessert, each of us was served a dessert sampler to end the fine meal.

Aubergine Grill

4090 Whistler Way

Whistler, BC

http://www.westinwhistler.com/aubergine

Phone: 604-905-5000

Jill Barber in concert

In the evening I took in one of the free concerts at the Whistler Olympic Plaza which featured Singer/Songwriter Jill Barber. This was quite a coincidence as I had Interviewed Jill Barber in my Brunch with Celebrities series a few weeks prior.

Whistler Olympic Plaza

4010 Whistler Way

Whistler, BC

Fitness Centre in Westin Whistler

Outside pool area at Westin Whistler

The next day I visited the large and well equipped Fitness Centre for a workout, there was also quite a large outdoor pool along with an indoor pool and hot tubs.

Whistler Farmers Market

Carrots at the Whistler Farmers Market

Radishes at the Whistler Farmers Market

I then took a walk to the Upper Village to visit the Whistler Farmers Market which featured a large selection of vendors selling fruits, vegetables, breads, honey, cheese and so much more.

Whistler Farmers Market

Twitter @whistlermarket

Every Sunday from June 17th to October 8th, 2012.

Our hotel had an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a really good fitness room, as well as spacious rooms with air conditioning that were comfortable for sleeping and lounging.

The Two Bedroom Suite featured a king sized Westin Heavenly Bed® in one bedroom with en suite and a queen sized Westin Heavenly Bed in the other. The living area was spacious as well with a queen-size pull out sofa bed, dining area for four and island kitchen counters in a number of them.

The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler

4090 Whistler Way Whistler, BC

Telephone: (604) 905-5000 or 1-888-627-8979

http://www.westinwhistler.com/

Twitter: @Westin_Whistler

Stay tuned for my next Field Trip outside of Vancouver.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Field Trips, Latest, Travel

Tags: Aubergine Grill, Westin Whistler Hotel, Whistler, Whistler Farmers Market, Whistler Olympic Plaza

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Field Trip to Seattle – Day 3

March 20th, 2012

admin

“FieldTrips” is either a day trip or a few days where I visit food areas of interest which may include farm visits, producers, wineries, restaurants and/or other places that people can visit. This is about offering Vancouver Foodster readers a chance to get out of town and take a “Field Trip” for the day or a few days to explore, learn, taste and experience.

1 day, 2 day or 3 day itinerary

Field Trip to Seattle

Day 3 my visit to Seattle continued from Day 1 and Day 2

I had Brunch/Lunch at Barrio Mexican Kitchen in the Capitol Hill neighborhood about a mile or so walk east of downtown.

Barrio Mexican Kitchen

Steak Taco & Pulled Chicken Taco

Chicken & Poblano Waffles

Churros & Xoxatyl Chocolate

Dulce de Leche Crème Brulee

Barrio Mexican Kitchen

1420 12th Avenue, Seattle

Phone 206.588.8105

http://www.barriorestaurant.com/pdf/BarrioCapitolHill_Menu_Lunch.pdf

http://www.barriorestaurant.com/pdf/BarrioCapitolHill_Menu_Brunch.pdf

Kimpton Alexis Hotel

Checked in to our hotel at the Alexis Hotel which was located on 1st avenue at the outer edge of historic Pioneer Square and blocks away from the famous Pike Place Market.

Lot No 3

Goat cheese Toast

Chicken & Waffles

Spiced Jar Cake with vanilla ice cream

After a little rest in the hotel, we got in the car and drove across the I-90 bridge East about a 20 minute drive to Bellevue where I had an early dinner at Lot No 3 – the restaurant has 6 beers on tap, 50-60 bottles of craft brews from around the world. I had the Lot No 3 Punch (apple, sage and lemon) to go along with my food.

Lot No 3 Bellevue

460 106th Ave NE Bellevue, WA 98004

Phone 425.440.0025

http://www.lotno3.com/pdf/LotNo3_Menu_Dinner.pdf

Kimpton Alexis Hotel

Arriving back to the hotel, our room had 2 double beds and a chair. The room featured Italian Frette linens and luxury bath amenities.

Milstead & Co

Espresso Macchiato

The next day a friend drove me to the Fremont area where we visited Milstead & Co. for an Espresso Macchiato and then walked around the neighborhood.

The Revel

Nutella (home made) on toast with olive oil and salt

Caramel Roll in caramel frosting

We found our way over to The Revel for a delicious a-la-carte brunch.

Milstead & Co

770 N 34th Street, Seattle, WA 98103

Tel: (206) 979-0010

http://www.milsteadandco.com

The Revel

403 N 36th Street, Seattle, WA 98103

Tel: (206) 547-2040

http://www.revelseattle.com/

I then headed back to the hotel to checkout before driving back to Vancouver.

Kimpton Alexis Hotel

1007 First Avenue At Madison Street Seattle, Wa

Hotel: (206) 624-4844

Reservations: (866) 356-8894

http://www.alexishotel.com/

Stay tuned for my next Field Trip outside of Vancouver.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Field Trips, Latest, Travel

Tags: Barrio Mexican Kitchen, Bellevue, Kimpton Alexis Hotel, Kimpton Hotels, Lot No 3 Restaurant, Milstead & Co, Seattle, The Revel

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Field Trip to Seattle – Day 2

February 14th, 2012

admin

“FieldTrips” is either a day trip or a few days where I visit food areas of interest which may include farm visits, producers, wineries, restaurants and/or other places that people can visit. This is about offering Vancouver Foodster readers a chance to get out of town and take a “Field Trip” for the day or a few days to explore, learn, taste and experience.

1 day, 2 day or 3 day itinerary

Field Trip to Seattle

Day 2 my visit to Seattle continued from Day 1

Kimpton Hotel Monaco

Goldfish at Hotel Monaco

Checked in to our hotel at the The Monaco where our room had 2 double beds, chair and a mini goldfish aquarium. The room featured Italian Frette linens and luxury bath amenities. Each day they have a hosted wine reception in their lobby from 5 to 6 pm, they have an onsite 24-hour fitness center featuring cardio and resistance equipment as well as an onsite 24-hour business center with a PC, Mac, printer and fax.

Bravehorse Tavern

Pretzels at the Bravehorse Tavern

On Tap at the Bravehorse Tavern

Brick Oven Pretzels with 3 dips

I then headed back over to the Westlake area to the Bravehorse Tavern to try some of their house-baked Brick Oven Pretzels as they are known for a vast selection of craft brews and their pretzels. I had their Pretzels with 3 dips including the outstanding smoked peanut butter and bacon.

Bravehorse Tavern

310 Terry Avenue North

206-971-0717

http://bravehorsetavern.com/index.php?page=main-menu

It was then back to the hotel to change for dinner and then a 1 block walk over to Tulio to meet up with my cousin and family.

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with sage butter, mascarpone

Ravioli with smoked salmon, asparagus, lemon cream

Ribeye dry aged 28 days, porcini salted potatoes

Cannoli

Pistachio Semifreddo

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at this notable Italian restaurant.

Tulio

1101 Fourth Avenue

Seattle , WA 98101

Adjacent to Hotel Vintage Park

Phone: 206.624.7755

http://www.tulio.com/

Seattle Art Museum

Pike Place Market

Produce Stand in Pike Place Market

at Pike Place Market

Latin American Food Market at Pike Place Market

at Pike Place Market

at the first ever Starbucks – at Pike Place Market

Beecher’s Cheese at Pike Place Market

The next day I went for a morning walk through downtown to Pike Place Market. I revisited many of the popular eateries and food shops.

Walked back to the hotel to pack up my things and check out. This was a modern elegant hotel in one of the best locations in Seattle, within blocks of Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square and Westlake.

Kimpton Hotel Monaco

1101 4th Avenue, Seattle, Wa

Hotel: (206) 621-1770

Reservations: (800) 715-6513

http://www.monaco-seattle.com/

Stay tuned for part 3 of my Field Trip to Seattle.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Field Trips, Latest, Travel

Tags: Bravehorse Tavern, Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Kimpton Hotels, Pike Place Market, Seattle, Tulio Restaurant

No Comments »

Field Trip to Seattle

January 24th, 2012

admin

“FieldTrips” is either a day trip or a few days where I visit food areas of interest which may include farm visits, producers, wineries, restaurants and/or other places that people can visit. This is about offering Vancouver Foodster readers a chance to get out of town and take a “Field Trip” for the day or a few days to explore, learn, taste and experience.

1 day or 3 day itinerary

Field Trip to Seattle

My family and I visited Seattle recently, as we left Vancouver, I drove South on Highway 99 to the border and then South on interstate 5 (regular driving time 3 hours).

Kimpton Vintage Park Hotel

Arriving in Seattle we checked in to our hotel at the Kimpton Vintage Park. Our room had 2 double beds, also had a fold out couch, sitting chair and coffee table. In the bathroom a smart move for the environment (instead of the normal practice of providing mini bottles of shampoos and lotions, they have large refillable bottles in the shower as well as on the counter. On the plus side it is eco and the negative side is no more taking those little bottles home.

Sazerac Restaurant

For dinner we walked 1 block to Sazerac Restaurant located at 1101 Fourth Avenue where our server Ryan greeted us.

Field Mushrooms

Crispy Truffles

Organic Beet Salad

Draper Valley Free Range Chicken

Chicory Pot de Creme

Oooey Gooey Chocolate Cake

Sazerac Restaurant

1101 Fourth Avenue

Seattle , WA 98101

Adjacent to Hotel Monaco Seattle

At the corner of Spring Street

Phone: 206.624.7755

www.sazeracrestaurant.com

Dahlia Bakery

The next day I left the hotel and walked 7 blocks to Dahlia Bakery, a small bakery that is filled with yummy goodness.

Rustic Breads

Apple Dumplings

Pear Tarts

Coconut Cream Pie

Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies filled with peanut butter

From their rustic Breads, Apple Dumplings to the Pear Tarts, Coconut Crème Pie, to the Chocolate Chunk Cookies, Peanut Butter Cookies filled with peanut butter and much more including Whoopie Cakes, Chocolate Cookies and more. The bakery had a line-up that stretched out the door on to the sidewalk.

Dahlia Bakery

2001 4th Avenue

Seattle, WA

(206) 682-4142

http://tomdouglas.com

Kimpton Vintage Park Hotel

Back to the hotel, I did a workout in the fitness center, then checked out the business centre and then lounged in the lobby. After a rest, I then walked 1.3 miles North through the downtown area to Serious Pie in the Westlake neighborhood for lunch.

Serious Pie Westlake

I have always wanted to visit as everyone I knew had been raving about the pizza.

Chanterelles Pizza & Yukon Gold Pizza

Buffalo Mozzarella Pizza & Sausage Pizza

Chocolate Budino

Serious Pie Westlake

South Lake Union neighborhood, on Westlake Avenue at Harrison Street

401 Westlake Avenue North

Seattle, WA 98109 [map it]

Telephone: 206-436-0050

http://seriouspiewestlake.com/

Walked back to the hotel to pack up my things and check out. This was a charming hotel that was themed all about the wines of Washington, every afternoon they have a wine hour for guests to enjoy and mingle.

Kimpton Vintage Park Hotel

1100 5th Avenue Seattle, WA 98101

(206) 624-8000

Reservations: (800) 853-3914

http://www.hotelvintagepark.com/

Stay tuned for part 2 of my Field Trip to Seattle.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Field Trips, Latest, Travel

Tags: Dahlia Bakery, Kimpton Hotels, Kimpton Vintage Park Hotel, Sazerac Restaurant, Seattle, Serious Pie Westlake

1 Comment »

Field Trip to Victoria

October 30th, 2011

admin

“FieldTrips” is either a day trip or a few days where I visit food areas of interest which may include farm visits, producers, wineries, restaurants and/or other places that people can visit. This is about offering Vancouver Foodster readers a chance to get out of town and take a “Field Trip” for the day or a few days to explore, learn, taste and experience.

Field Trip to Victoria

Last month, my family and I visited Victoria, once on the road we headed on to Hwy 99 going South, then taking the exit onto Hwy 17 towards the Tsawwassen terminal of BC Ferries (30 minute drive) where we then sailed on the Spirit of British Columbia (90 minutes) to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal.

Inn at Laurel Point

After a 30 minute drive we arrived at the Inn at Laurel Point to check-in for the first night stay. I then headed out to visit Pizzeria Prima Estrada, a local restaurant specializing in Neapolitan style pizza where I was meeting up with Gary Lindsay (Purveyor of Precious Liquids for Driftwood Brewery and Cristen Dallas, Co-Owner of Pizzeria Prima Estrada) both who I then interviewed for my SIP & TASTE feature on Just Here for the Beer Radio Show.

Pizzeria Prima Strada

Making Pizza

Funghi Pizza

While talking a sampled some of their pizzas falling in love with the Funghi pizza. They focus on local and Italian products and strive for quality, taste and freshness.

Pizzeria Prima Strada

2960 Bridge Street

Victoria, BC

http://www.pizzeriaprimastrada.com

Phone: 250.590.4388

I then headed back to the hotel and straight to dinner at Aura Restaurant. Located on main floor just off the lobby of the hotel, dinner is served nightly at Aura, it’s a good size dining room with great views overlooking the Victoria harbour.

Arugula Salad

Sable Fish

Surf & Turf

Butternut Squash Creme Brulee

Aura Restaurant

680 Montreal Street

Victoria, BC

http://aurarestaurant.ca/menus

Phone: 250-414-6739

Fol Epi Bakery

The next day I visited Fol Epi , one of the areas’ best bakeries located about 10 minutes away by car or about 20 minutes for me as I walked.

The shop was quite small connected to Café Fantistico where they have seats.

Fol Epi Bakery

398 Harbour Road

Victoria, BC

http://www.folepie.ca

Phone: 250-477-8882

The London Chef

Salmon Burger

After eating some of their delicious baked goods at Fol Epi, I headed back to the hotel to check out and then visited The London Chef downtown for lunch. At this ever so tiny gourmet café I ordered the Salmon Burger.

The London Chef

953 Fort Street

Victoria, BC

http://thelondonchef.com/

Phone: 250-590-1865

Delta Ocean Point Resort

After lunch I drove 10 minutes over to the Delta Ocean Point Resort located West over the Johnston Street bridge to check-in for the second night. After a rest, I had dinner at Lure Restaurant located on the lobby level of the hotel.