Seattle's Dining Scene

I probably gained 10 pounds last week, but I'm not going to get on a scale to confirm it.

I ate, and drank, my way through Seattle. And I enjoyed (almost) every bite.

• Macrina Bakery & Cafe. We were fortunate to stay in a hotel across the street from what many claim to be the best bakery in Seattle. I only had time to eat there once, but I could have easily eaten there every day and been pleased. I enjoyed a perfect cappuccino, a salad that couldn't be beat, and a foccacia-like bread topped with a spicy hummus and arugula. I wish I saved room for dessert.
• Palace Kitchen. What many in Seattle consider to be the better of the Tom Douglas restaurants, this was my first - and positive - introduction to the Seattle dining scene. I enjoyed a local brew while waiting for a table. We then started with a goat cheese and lavender fondue with grilled bread and apples, which couldn't have been a better comfort food to feel at home. Since they are known for their dishes prepared on the apple wood fire grill, I felt compelled to order something prepared in that way. I wasn't disappointed. The whole trout with marcona almond and lemon was flakey, fresh and flavorful. Again, I wish I saved room for dessert - I really wanted a slice of that homemade strawberry pie.
• Dahlia Lounge. Eating at Tom Douglas' first Seattle restaurant was on my 'to do' list. Since we had dinner at Palace Kitchen, we mixed it up and had brunch at the Lounge - which proved to be a good decision. We started with homemade donuts served with homemade preserves and mascarpone -- delicious. I then enjoyed an omelet accompanied by the best breakfast potatoes I have probably ever had. They were crisp on the outside and tender on the inside - and cooked all the way through.
• The Elliot Bay Book Company. Still regretting that I didn't order the pie at Palace Kitchen, I treated myself to an afternoon snack by ordering a slice of pie made with local blueberries and topped with freshly whipped cream. I'm not a pie lover, so I don't know where this craving came from, but it was finally satiated. And who would have thought you could get such a great slice of pie at a bookstore? In addition to serving great food, I was impressed with their selection. This isn't a bookstore to be missed. It is located in the classic Capitol Hill section of Seattle.
• Very Odd Fellows. If eating at a bookstore isn't your cup of tea, a few blocks away is a great restaurant worth a try. My friend and I eat tried a different salad. We were impressed with their version of classics such as the greek salad. The large picnic tables, tall ceilings and windows, also make for a nice ambiance.
• Bastille Cafe & Bar. If you are ever in Ballard, this place is a must. It is also a great place for happy hour. We enjoyed an abundance of great for on the cheap. Just getting off the vegetarian wagon, I ordered a lamb burger with lavash seasame bun, harissa aioli, arugula, pickled shallot and feta. I was impressed...that I ate the entire burger! My friend and I shared Kennebec fries with grey sea salt and an truffle oil alioli, as well as a beet and arugula salad with pistachios, chevre croute and red wine vinaigrette.
• Cupcake Royale. The cupcake scene is quite popular in Atlanta, but I will say - Cupcake Royale was impressive. I especially enjoyed the daily special - strawberry cupcake. The cake was light and fluffy and the strawberry frosting apparently was made with real strawberries. Fortunately Seattle boasts multiple locations of this sweetspot, so it is relatively easy to get your sugar fix.
• Bedlam Coffee. When wanting a creative cup of joe in Seattle, this place is a must. I enjoyed a frothy lavender mocha and my friend had an iced rose mocha. The unique creation was delicious - I'm craving another, yet my new favorite place is 2,600 miles away....
• Pike Brewing Co. If you must visit Pike Brewing Co., only order a beer - maybe even the taster. With all of the wonderful dining options in Seattle, you don't want to waste precious time (and calories!) here.

There are a number of places I didn't get to try (e.g., Salumi, Shiro's Sushi Restaurant, BlackBottle), so it is looking like I'm going to have to return to the Emerald City.