Seattle Bon Vivant

Squash fritters and a little Argyle Rosé

Post Fledermaus, while watching the tail end of the game at Palace Kitchen. Go Seahawks! What a great b-day treat!

Intermission @ Die Fledermaus

Newly caffeinated and utterly grateful

Pictured above is the 1st cup of coffee I had since New Year's Eve morning. Driving home from work I stopped at Zeitgeist Coffee in Pioneer Square for the usual, a Vanilla soy latte, just what I needed on this cool and rainy afternoon.

Evidently I needed the caffeine because even though I was well aware of the day being Dr. King's holiday, I kept trying to feed $1.50 in dimes to the pay station and could not understand why it would not take my money.

I almost moved my car to a "working" station" when I realized that no parking money is really needed on holidays. I knew that of course, but it did just did not click, until the Aha! moment.

Anyhoo, I have to admit that even for this coffee lover, 15+ coffee free days were not as terrible as I initially dreaded they would be. I was just too dehydrated to have any sort of caffeine so I learned really quick to make do with alternative beverages.

But after a few dozen cups of Hot Meyer Lemon Water and honey, orange juice and Gatorade (the doc's idea) the thought of enjoying a good cup of coffee again was something I was really looking forward to and one of the many incentives to hurry up and get better.

Because being sick is a real drag. Totally.

Purple Bubbles & Pink Martinis

There's petit sandwiches, lots of great cheese, wine, mini turnovers, pita, tiny stuffed grape leaves with tzatziki, hummus, olives and a drink made out of Prosseco and Cassis they are calling Purple Bubbles. It is absolutely divine! This joint is rocking already and the music has not even started yet! What fun!

Coffee, savory croissant and Pink Martini news

While ordering lunch at Columbia City Bakery (broccoli cheese croissant & my standard Vanilla Soy Latte if you must know) I got the call I've been hoping for and dreaming about: our building's fabulous and ever resourceful chef concierge found the last "Loge" ticket for Pink Martini's Concert! Yay!

Which reminds me: if you procastinated buying tickets for the show or have been too busy celebrating to remember, as of a couple days ago Ticketmaster still showed some ticket availability so there might still be a chance to see what is without a doubt my favorite ensemble. The fact that they are from Oregon is just the icing on the proverbial cupcake.

The best thing about Loge tickets--besides the fabulous view, of course!-- is that they come with early entrance to The Paramount Club with complimentary wine and nummy Nibblies from Tom Douglas's kitchens. Now that is something worth showing up early for.

I'll take my camera just in case!

Greetings from Snoqualmie Falls!

It is misty and chilly up here and I can't stop thinking about how fabulous it would be to get my paws on a steamy cup of coffee or hot chocolate. As soon as we get back to civilization we'll be looking out for a cuppa.

Hope everyone is enjoying themselves with family and friends. Have a lovely day!

Saturday in Seattle Reverie

Sweet & Savory in Mount Baker for breakfast, a couple hours re-visiting old favorites at the Frye and a small lunch at Vios.

Now it is off to shop for tonight's dinner with friends. Since I'm in charge of dessert,

I'm thinking flan de queso and coconut eggnog, heavy with really good Caribbean "añejo" dark rum. Good thing I have a fabulous sous chef to assist me.

Have a lovely evening everyone!

At Campagne

After the Nutcracker, we took a cab back to the Market to walk around killing time, waiting it out for Campagne to open. We had 2 delicious French 75 and a fabulous array of petit plats before heading out to Pacific Place and a movie. More on the food later...

A magical afternoon

Guess where? Easy peasy!

Lunch at Café Flora

I'm working all day at Children's Hospital and will have to skip dinner to make it to the Film Forum in time for a screening of Café Lumière.

So, with 1 1/2 hours to kill before my next appointment--and instead of grabbing something quick or cold at Pasta & Co or the French café at the U-Village--I drove up to East Madison for a relaxed vegetarian lunch at Café Flora.

It feels so wonderful in here, outside in the enclosed patio dining room, full of light, beautiful foliage and the soothing sounds of a small rock fountain in the middle of the space. Bliss!

To start, I had the roasted pumpkin, cashew and apple purée (touch of cream), a Caponata Pizza ($11) .

Since I still have a full day of work to go (and a early show right after) a few small cups of their delicious coffee (from True North Roasting House) and one scoop of their chocolate ice cream (hint of stout and side of tiny shortbread cookie) to end this truly delightful lunchtime break.

Café Flora
2901 East Madison Street
Seattle WA 98112
206.325.9100