Field Trip to Bellevue

“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

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

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

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

Bellevue Farmers Market

Bellevue Farmers Market

Bellevue Farmers Market

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 110th Street & NE 8th 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

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