Seattle Bon Vivant

Christine Ferber Confiture Envie

Reason #145 to keep going back to Paris. Pears, black currant and violet. Thick but not chunky, easily spreadable but not runny. Excellent on PB & J or over Greek yogurt. I finished the last of it this morning. Sniff, sniff!  € 8.60 (about $10.33 USD) at Pierre Hermé.

Emily's Chocolate Covered Fortune Cookies

Two days ago, while shopping for dinner at Sand Point's Metropolitan Market, I spotted a display of carefully stacked red takeout boxes labeled Emily's Chocolate Covered Fortune Cookies. The box was so lovely and the thought of chocolate covered fortune cookies so promising and delicious sounding that I could not help myself. A little red box quickly made it to my basket.

"Emily’s Chocolate Covered Fortune Cookies come in a vibrant red Chinese take-out box that conveys its own message of adoration – with the kanji character for “love” printed on the outside. Each box contains six individually wrapped cookies that carry unique love fortunes inside, such as, “Your efforts to win someone’s heart have not gone unnoticed,” and, “Your heart’s desire will be fulfilled.”

The box made it home in one piece but as I prepared dinner I could not avoid its siren call. I opened the red box, took one of the individually wrapped cookies and bit into it.

Normally a fan of dark chocolate, I was surprised at how much I loved the milk chocolate coating. And because they are each individually wrapped, the fortune cookie inside stays crispy and utterly tasty.

It was while eating the delectable cookie that it occurred to me to read the back of the box and see where they were made.

Fife, Washington. So now, not only does Fife produces some of the best red raspberries in the country (sold at Dean & Deluca and Zabar's in NYC) but an independently owned company in Fife is making these wonderful treats.

They sell for $4.99 at the company's website, Metropolitan Markets in the Puget Sound area and according to Mr. C--who quickly devoured three of the six cookies in the box--they are also sold at Bartell Drugs.

So buy a few boxes for loved ones, serve them in a bowl with dessert and Port at your next dinner party or share a box with a friend, neighbor or co-worker. But whatever you do, stash a few away. They are quite addictive.

And my fortune? "The best way to love, is like a child; pure, innocent and without hesitation". Jon Sisson

 

Coffee Fashionista: Cup Couture Cupcoats

I have to show you something that I think will be right up your alley. Take a look. We'll start selling them here soon. What do you think?

That was DJ Norman of Motore Coffee back in early December 05 before this Seattle based company had launched their new product, before newspapers had reported on it yet, before he had one to sell at the shop.

It was, of course, love at first pink polka dotted cupcoat.

So, faster that you could say how cute is that! I placed an order for my first Cupcoat. $12. After all, not only are these cup covers über cute, fashionable and very practical, but they are also made by a Seattle based brand spanking new company created by designers and partners in business Ann Pottier and Kellie Turner.

The Cupcoats come in Cheetah, Zebra and Giraffe faux fur (after all this is Seattle, animal loving town that we are!) as part of their Beasts collection.

My Audrey ("The definition of class and glamour, pink and black dots are stylish all season. Modern yet retro this pattern is a classic") is one of the three Diva styles.

Then there is the Glamourous line ($16) of faux Chinchilla and Mink cup covers. All cute and unlike the other similar item we spotted back in the fall of 04, priced around 3-4 lattes worth and actually available for purchase.

"Cup Couture is a Seattle based women owned company. It's a story of 3 women with a love for coffee and a passion for fashion who dreamed of combining the coffee drinking culture of Seattle with the runway styles of New York. Whether you drink lattes, chai spice or Earl Grey, stylize for your fix with a personality twist. Cup Couture brings designer fashion to your beverage drinking pleasure."

I've been carrying mine in my work tote everyday. Whenever, wherever I stop for my coffee, I dress it up with my pink Cupcoat. Never before had my double vanilla soy lattes received so many compliments! Its like Fashion Week everyday for your coffee.

Not to mention is one less java jacket going in the recycling bin. ;-)

Cup Couture on Flickr

Shop Local: Alchemy Goods AdBag

In my neverending search for nifty bags to take to the market, a new find. A colorful bag that is not only fashionable and practical but also good for our planet earth. This AdBag, is made from *recycled materials right here in Seattle by a company called Alchemy Goods.

And the price, at only $25, is not too shabby either--with even a choice of piping, lining color and handedness up to you (Psst!: There is a free shipping option if you pick it up at AG's headquarters.) Brilliant!

Which leaves plenty of moola for those chanterelles, Meyer lemons and blood oranges I saw the other day...

Fage Greek Yogurt (finally!) takes off in Seattle

It is a known fact to the readers of this blog how much I love yogurt, a certain Greek yogurt in particular. Nevertheless, there may still be some of you out there that are yet to experience the joy of discovering this great product.

Fortunately for Fage lovers everywhere, the company, now with all paperwork and permits in order, is expanding their operations in the USA which means more states and more shops selling their wonderful yogurt around the country.

Yesterday, in an email from Katerina Pappas, a Fage representative I contacted around this time last year--when we were all suffering from Fage withdrawal-- a bit of delicious scoop: next Friday, December 2nd, the people from Fage Total Greek Yogurt will host a demo of their products at Central Market in Shoreline. The demo will run from 4-8 pm.

So if you have never tried this scrumptious gift of the gods or do not have a Trader Joe's near by, swing by the market and have a sample...or two.

Just a taste is all you need to change the way you think about yogurt.
 

Central Market Shoreline
15505 Westminster Way N
Shoreline, WA 98133

Drink This!: Dry Soda

A couple weeks ago while enjoying a gorgeous meal at Cascadia while perusing the wine list I spotted a beverage option on the menu that peaked my interest. Dry Soda read the listing.

What are these?, I asked our server. Are they new? Who makes them? "They are a local company, based in Tacoma. Brand new to the market. These are being served at a few restaurants and high end hotels in the city. They are delicious. Try one. You'll love it."

So I did. I debated between the Lemongrass, Lavender, Rhubarb and Kumquat, eventually choosing the latter. A few minutes after that the very same server came back to the table with a tray, a bottle and a champagne flute.

She opened the bottle and poured the aromatic and sparking liquid while I observed the light fizzle raise on the glass.

I reached for the flute, brought it closer to my nose, inhaled and got a whiff of  fresh, crisp and delightful Kumquat peel scent, the kind that brought back menorie of a few months back when my kitchen was infused with the fragrance of these tiny orange gems, during my Kumquat Compote  exercise.

What followed was the proverbial icing on the cake: a small sip of this crystal clear drink with its elegant and tiny bubbles was enough to make me close my yes and sigh. Lovely! Just the right pairing for my meal and something I definitely needed to have seconds of.

When I returned home I Googled the name on the bottle and found a company website with a bit of information. The next morning I went looking for Dry Soda at a nearby grocer.

I also emailed Dry Soda to try to find out a bit more information on where to buy their product in the city and on any recommended pairings.

Sure enough, just a few hours later there was a very kind email from a Dry Soda representative with more scoop.

"DRY Soda was developed specifically to be paired with fine food. We chose natural extracts that had good sensory appeal and worked to get the sweetness level, acidity levels and carbonation levels to the optimum for food pairing -- much like a wine.  The sodas are all natural with low levels of pure cane sugar. They range in calories from 50-70. The sodas are sold in white tablecloth restaurants, four star hotels and high end retail locations." 

Needless to say I've already tried them all (Kumquat, Lemongrass, Lavender and Rhubarb) and have become quite infatuated with the Rhubarb and Kumquat for obvious reasons, as these happen to be two of my favorite fruits.

These are delicious thinking man sodas and a formidable alternative for non-alcohol drinkers, young diners at the table, for those of us who eschew traditional carbonated drinks and on occasion would rather not drink alcohol (or are taking medications that prevent us from indulging in a bit of wine or champagne) with a fine meal (or bag of popcorn) but still want to partake of a nice beverage with a bit more flavor and personality than the usual offering of imported sparkling water.

Dry Soda is not only very delicate but not overly sweet and with a realy intense and true to the herb or fruit flavor. And at less than 70 calories per bottle these are a fabulous option for those counting calories or wanting to save points for their dessert.

The Georgian Room, Flying Fish, Dahlia Lounge, Lark, Canlis, Crush and The Herbfarm among others are already listing them on their menus.

Larry's Markets and selected QFC shops are selling them too (I found mine on the cold soda section). So stock up on these to serve next week to your guests, drink up and expect many compliments...and a few questions.

By the by, this very young company (les than 14 weeks old) is already planning a Los Angeles launch next December and it would not surprise me at all that Napa/SF and New York will be next.

These beautiful sodas are definitely Thomas Keller worthy!

On gorgeous gewgaws, delightful doohickeys and wine infused chocolates

The following are a few great links to websites that I've read about in recent food and wine magazines and have been spending too much time browsing about.

These vendors have all sorts of fabulous stuff for kitchen, table and bar. There is even one with the sweetest of treats. Wish list what moves you and cross your fingers. Go shopping if you must. Just don't send me the bills. ;-)

Table Art -on Melrose, in Los Angeles. I've been eyeing their very mod coffee mugs and  horn spoons. And that Red Berry bone china is just too sweet for its own good.

Henry & Lulu - Forget that they carry Designers Guild and Orla Kiely totes (take a peek at their mink shoe trees and Donald Pliner pet carriers). Go to the home and  wine & barware sections and take a look at the L'esprit & le vin products, the selection of bright colored Tissage Moutet linens, Fauchon pieces (with macaroon napkins to match), the service in which they present your tea and pastries at the Place de la Madeleine tea salon. And just think of all the money you'll save in airfare!

Lekker-They carry the most amazing range of dinnerware, glassware, tabletop, Belgian linens (and fabu yoga mats) and they have a few cute items on sale. I am placing an order for the MOYA Champagne Flute and the Kahla Elixyr Collection and Kahla Abra Cadabra Collection are calling my name.

And for the aching sweet tooth, relief (or not): Cocoa Vino makes these gorgeous Drunken Figs that are just begging to be eaten. And you already know how I feel about figs!

University Seafood and Poultry Co.

This afternoon, after a pit stop at The Weaving Works it was time for me to do a little food shopping for the week.

Instead of heading out to Whole Foods on Roosevelt or go to the nearest meat counter at a local supermarket, I stopped instead at my favorite poultry and seafood shop north of downtown, University Seafood and Poultry Co.

These people have been in business for over 60 years and they know their birds, fish and shellfish (their mussels and Dungeness crab are fantastic!) like nobody's business.

This is the place I stop by when I'm shopping for poussin, quail or pheasant. They also carry top shelf guinea hen, duck, duck breast, duck confit, venison, rabbit and squab. During the holidays fresh organic turkeys don't get any better than the one you can order from them.

Today I took home some chicken and duck confit while my friend F opted for the beautiful chicken livers and poussin.

The fish looked so good (black cod, troll caught wild salmon and yellow tail) that I might have to go back later in the week for a few more things. They have a great selection of oysters too.

So next time you make your way to the U-District Farmers Market and want some fish, poultry or game to go with those gorgeous vegetables I highly recommend you stop by this great little shop.

Here, the staff is knowledgeable, the service is no nonsense, with great prices and fantastic quality meats and fish. And not only will they sell you the bird or dish or shellfish but tell you how to cook it. You can't beat that!

The shop also carries wine, eggs and a few essentials to prepare your crab boil, garnish your seafood platter and prepare that cocktail sauce.

Old-fashioned shops like these are hard to find nowadays in these big box, big market times. Supporting local merchants that specialize in additive free fish and local poultry such as the Erickson family makes not only a lot of sense but it is an investment in keeping this great tradition alive and well in our city.

I'm all for that.

University Seafood and Poultry Co
1317 N.E. 47th St.
Seattle, WA 98105
Phone: 206-632-3700, 206-632-3900
Fax: 206-632-3800
Mon-Fri 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sat 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed Sunday

Whiskie Egg Whisk

Earlier today, we went on a shopping excursion to Uwajimaya. While there we discovered all the ways squid can be enjoyed and the variety of squid snacks available. It truly boggles the mind.

We browsed the tea aisles, produce and candy sections (Thai tamarind candy, yum!). We stared at the tanks filled with live crab, Tilapia and the marvel that is Geoduck.

We also found gorgeous fresh green Kadota figs that  will go into my trademark Point Reyes, fig, arugula and pine nut salad for a party tomorrow.

Right before heading to the checkout we browsed the kitchen section where we found all sorts of beautiful bamboo utensils, cutting boards, "disposable" plates (they are so lovely and durable why used them only once?) and condiment bowls.

It was within those shelves that we spotted something that made us giggle: the egg whisk on the cover of Julie & Julia. They are manufactured by a company called MSC International and at least in the Seattle area, this is the first place I spot them. There were a few products from this range, everything from egg timers to egg mashers. Whimsical, inexpensive and utterly cute.

So if like me, you fell in love with Julie's book cover and have been wondering where the cute egg whisky thingie came from, now you know. ;-)

O&Co Green Tomato Jam

I came home for lunch today. There was leftover roasted chicken in the fridge from last night's dinner in that I wanted to use up. There was also fresh bread. But most of all, there was a jar of my latest obsession: O&Co's Green Tomato Jam (Confiture Au Chaudron Tomate Verte).

Now, I do not need more reasons to go to O&Co. I happen to love this shop and never miss a chance to visit their Paris outposts (the one on Rue Cler is my favorite) to stock up on marmalade jars, truffle products, spices and olive oils to bring back home.

In fact, it seems as if every couple of weeks I do a little reconnaissance trip to their Pacific Place shop just to check out whatever new products have arrived and visit with the nice ladies that work there. It is almost impossible to walk out of there without a little treat to bring to my kitchen or give to a friend.

I've been using the Green Tomato Jam (the friendly and food loving manager of the shop, Suhara, introduced me to it a few weeks ago) as a topping for my morning yogurt and have also been serving it with cheese as an alternative to Membrillo and even Apricot Bread (the Spanish fruit and nut paste).

Today was the first time I used the jam in a chicken sandwich. All I did was slightly toast the bread, spread the jam on the still warm toast and layer some of the cold chicken. There really is no need for anything else.

The combination of roasted chicken and slightly sweet jam with the tangy flavor of the green tomato chunks was just the right balance of savory and sweet with a bit of summer in every bite. Simple as can be but utterly delicious.

O&Co has a website (you may also signup for their catalog) but the green tomato jam seems to be MIA for purchase online.

So, if you happen to live in a city that has a store--NY, Denver, SF, LA, Boston among many others--I strongly suggest you visit them soon and get yourself a jar or two. You'll be thinking up ways in which to use this little green marvel.

O&Co.
@ Pacific Place
600 Pine Street #135
Seattle, WA 98101
(206)381-1418
(206)381-1585