nutritionbitsandbobs

If you’re a people-watcher and a foodie, this is the city for you!  Our first kid-free vacation in three years.  Probably a good choice, as there are many spots in the city that allow dogs to eat with you but, not children.

After sleeping in until 9:30 for the first time in three years, we had a beautiful lunch at Duke’s on Alki Beach that included Seattle’s three-year-champion clam chowder (best clam chowder I’ve ever had).  The chowder made a perfect pair to my Dungeness crab sandwich captured straight from the waters of Washington or Oregon.  Dressed with avocado, local cheese and tomato on handmade rosemary bread, this was the sweetest and probably freshest crab I’ve ever tasted.  Is your mouth watering yet?  I admit, I ate the sweet potato fries and they were seasoned perfectly.  I didn’t eat all of them; I left a few…like four.

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My saving grace for licking my plate clean was a gorgeous hike up Tiger Mountain.

Since we are visiting family and family happen to be vegetarian, we enjoyed some new foods.  My sister-in-law and fellow blogger (hungryvegetarians.com) introduced us to Frankie & Jo’s plant based ice cream shop.  I’ve never been a big fan of ice cream and have tried to analyze why that may be, as my disfavor is an anomaly.  I have come to the conclusion that not only will I always choose savory over sweet, the fat coats my mouth and my throat leaving me coughing and scraping my teeth.  I had no intention of ordering anything until I walked into the shop.  With no delay as I opened the door, the complex smell of rich maple permeated the shop.  A wave of confectionery, vanilla, roasted coffee and nuts tempted my taste buds.  My nose.., I mean my hands were tied.

Almond Butter Kale Caramel.  Enough said.

The plant based ice cream had neither of the previously mentioned “side-effects” and the flavor I chose had a bit of saltiness which balanced the sweetness.  It didn’t coat my throat and there was a clear absence of hairy teeth after I devoured the lot of it.

It was delicious.  If it wasn’t, I wouldn’t have included it in my post.  My sister-in-law and fellow blogger hungryvegetarians.com, ordered the Beet Strawberry Rose Sorbet.  It was very pretty and very, uh… beetie.  I love beets!  If you don’t fancy their earthy flavor, you may be wise to choose a different treat from the menu; you will not fall short of choices.

I had to squeeze in some Asian food and our host and hostess found the perfect Thai fare to satisfy my craving. Manao Thai Street Eats on Capitol Hill.  I was delighted to find that my noodle dish included bok choy, but wished I had ordered soft tofu.  Waiters and waitresses always recommend pan seared tofu, but I have finally learned my lesson that the best choice is soft.  Soft tofu soaks up the flavors of the sauces whereas crispy tofu provides firm texture but, a lack of flavor.  Mike had Pad See Ewe, always a favorite!

I was stuffed, but there’s not much better than a tray of cheese and crackers to go with your wine and ottoman!

The thought of leaving my three year old son was nearly unbearable at first, but he’s having a great time with grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousins and day 1 in Seattle for me was a blast…despite the hypothetical limb being torn from my body.

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