i’m not in Seattle right now – so there is no going out to eat.
but i have been spending some time on the computer – and i found this lovely lovely cupcake recipe.
it’s made with black rice and coconut milk – and the most exciting part is the crazy stand-alone muffin cups the recipe is made in!
i have never seen anything like that – what about you? and if so, where can i get em?
went to the ballet last night.
it was more modern than classical – and the Mixologist’s first time. So he donned a suit and I put on high heels and we traipsed down to the Seattle Center to watch my amazing cousin do his thing.
my cousin dances for the Grand Rapids Ballet – but was flown in (with his partner) to do a piece with Whim W’him.
they were gorgeous and spirited dancers. the music was lovely, the choreography was interesting, the piece was breathtaking. and i can’t tell you how impressive it is to see someone you grew up with working so professionally – i am beaming with pride.
this piece was also performed – it was beautifully powerful.
went to canon last night.
the place was dimly lit and FULL of bottles of booze. it was beautiful. not to mention the amazingly long whiskey list and the well crafted cocktails. the folks next to us got plates of food that made my mouth water – even though i was still full from dinner.
i will be back canon, i will be back.
had lunch today in Queen Anne at Toulouse Petite. it was phenomenal – i had the best gnocchi i think i have ever put in my mouth. with chanterelles and cippolini. the place is beautiful during the day, i can imagine it is super dramatic at night as well.
then we walked down the street to “some random record store” – which turned out to be one the most famous record stores in Seattle (Easy Street Records), having an amazing sale because they are moving in two days. Yes. and yes.
for $20 i got a giant stack of used vinyl. four of the best being these:
i’ve been living in South City St. Louis for the past 6 years – it’s an international and diverse place to be. i will surely miss it.
but last night, the Mayor of Food Town took me and the Mixologist on a tour of South Seattle. it is also diverse and wonderfully full of tiny hole-in-the-wall gems.
we started at Catfish Corner – it’s exactly what it sounds like – on the corner, small, friendly, and bursting at the seams with golden fried goodness. some of the best catfish and hushpuppies i have ever had. who knew Seattle had soul?
then we went next door for the proclaimed “Best Ethiopian in Seattle” – Assimba.
the injera was wonderful, the honey wine was weird and interesting, and the vegetarian lentils and greens were missing something (a bit of flavor, i would say).
then we drove across town and stopped into a little bar and grill called, Rose Petals.
i drove around Ballard for about a half hour running errands – until my headache over took my ability to drive. so i stopped into this lovely little tiny coffee shop:
the lovely lady behind the counter struck up a conversation by asking my why i needed to be so caffeinated – my response was simply, “i have a horrible headache.”
we started chatting about what i was up to – why i moved here – what my boyfriend was doing – what i left behind. she was utterly encouraging – saying “your boyfriend is working at one of the best restaurants in the city” and “if you want a job, i’m sure the owner would love you” and “whatever you do in Seattle, i’m sure you will be successful.”
i don’t know if she was crazy, or wanted a big tip – but i will accept any little bit of positive feedback. that headache was getting me down.
dropped into Seattle last night after a long plane ride of puking children and bad movies, only to enjoy one champagne cocktail before retiring to a dead sleep.
but, alas, my first day in jet city proved out some of the best food i’ve had in a while:
the taco bus (Taqueria El Carreta) at 150th and Aurora. this little piece of heaven is a mostly hollowed out school bus (the drivers seat and controls remain), outfitted with a little kitchen and counter in the back half and basic wooden bar stools and a metal eat tops in the front. the distractingly hilarious and loud TV keeps you from having to make too much lunch time chat with your date.
minutes after arriving for my “ride” on the bus, our food came out and i dove into my sopita and mulita – both with the most savory and salty carnitas i have ever had the pleasure of putting in my mouth. i also enjoyed salsa roja, pickled jalapenos, and sliced radishes – all while staring out the same old metal windows i dramatically stared out of during my middle school years.
i think this might be starting out on just the right foot.
culinary mercenary 