Northwest Noshings…
(Fried Clams from Seattle’s Beloved Chain, Ivars)
I eluded to it before but now with less than one month away it is time to talk about Northwest Noshings.
When I moved to the Pacific Northwest from desert Arizona I had no idea the variety of culinary treats I was in for. My first time at a farmer’s market out here was jaw dropping. The farmers market was not just dried chilies and citrus fruit. The shear variety of mushrooms was insane.(Speaking of mushrooms if you want a chance to win 2 lbs of fresh morel mushrooms you should enter the contest over at Marx Food). The strawberries were red inside…the ones we got in AZ had a ton of white in the middle. I personally don’t eat tomatoes but I can tell by just looking at them that Washington tomatoes kick Arizona tomatoes ass…and they have all the heirloom variety that don’t cost and arm and a leg..and another leg.
Many times I have made something that I wanted to share with my readers but it just really didn’t fit into the genre of my blog. Plus I get A LOT of emails(really, we are talking hundreds here people) asking me if all I do is sit around and eat breads and sweets…they want to know if I eat “real” food. Yes, we eat real food. I tend to eat real food…my husband eats sloppy joes. 
Add on to that, many a local person asks me where they should eat and I decided to make a food blog dedicated to all things Pacific Northwest. So starting June 1st(2008), I will have another food blog(yes, I am insane) that will be recipes and restaurant reviews…and not just limited to the Seattle area, and get this…no sweets or baking(gasp). Northwest Noshings will not be updated nearly as often as Culinary Concoctions is(my head might explode if it was) but will have a post a week.
In order to celebrate my new food blog I am having a give away to one lucky person(winner will be chosen randomly) out there in blogland. You will be receiving a lovely Pacific Northwest gift pack. So if a cookbook from our local celebrity chef, local chocolate, spice rubs and what not sounds like something you are up for then all you need to do is leave a comment on this post.
Thanks for being a reader of Culinary Concoctions by Peabody and I hope to have you as a reader of Northwest Noshings.
Cheers,
Peabody
(Bacon Wrapped Scallops in a Blackberry Reduction inspired by Purple Cafe and Wine Bar)
May 8th, 2008 at 3:23 am
Hi Peabody….
Every morning I log on to your blog hoping for something new to be posted and now I get to check out TWO of your blogs!
Looking forward to June 1st.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:29 am
hi peabody!
i’m so excited to read your new blog. we JUST got back from a weekend in seattle–our first time there–and had the best time. it really is a lovely city. we ate at the dahlia lounge, which was delicious.
anyhoo, looking forward to the new one–good luck!
May 8th, 2008 at 3:41 am
I’m in awe — two food blogs??! I could never manage it! Looking forward to the new one and learning more about foods of the Northwest.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:56 am
I love the idea of your new blog even though I am in the mid Atlantic. I think it will be a nice change of pace for you too!
May 8th, 2008 at 4:55 am
What an exciting new adventure. I was born near Seattle and the blog starts on my bday. It sounds like a must read for me.
May 8th, 2008 at 5:15 am
You’re crazy to start another blog, but we all love you for it anyways!
May 8th, 2008 at 5:19 am
I’d love to read about food in the Northwest. I lived in Seattle and the surrounding area for 4 years, and I still miss it. I know I didn’t truly appreciate what was there until after I left. =)
May 8th, 2008 at 5:22 am
These are some very nice teaser pics.
I’ve already alerted my cousin in Seattle to your new blog, lol.
May 8th, 2008 at 5:23 am
Hi-
I recently stumbled upon your blog from who-knows-where? Probably a lazy Saturday afternoon. I love it! And, I have always wanted to visit the Northwest. I am in the Phila. area (home of the Flyers!). I look forward to checking out Northwest Noshings.
May 8th, 2008 at 5:34 am
Oh how I miss Seattle food (especially Ivars!). Our visits back are planned around what restaurants we’re going to eat at while we’re home. Looking forward to living vicariously through Northwest Noshings!
May 8th, 2008 at 5:36 am
Sounds fabulous! I’ve never been to the Northwest, but would loooove to test out the food in my own kitchen!
Kudos for being able to start another blog!
May 8th, 2008 at 6:17 am
We just moved to the Seattle area about a month ago so I can’t wait for this new blog. Its going to be great inspiration of places to check out for us!
May 8th, 2008 at 6:21 am
I can’t wait to read your other blog.
May 8th, 2008 at 6:22 am
I love Seattle and all the tasty morsels it offers. Looking forward to another delicious blog by you.
May 8th, 2008 at 6:23 am
Ditto the first comment about getting to log on and hope for updates at TWO of your blogs now! Can’t wait… though I am already in awe that you can apparently take as good pictures in any ole’ restaurant of their food as your own baked goods at home!
May 8th, 2008 at 6:29 am
Can’t wait for the new blog! My husband and I moved to the midwest after 3 years in Portland, and miss pacific northwest so much.
May 8th, 2008 at 6:39 am
Peabody - Can you move to Chicago so your blog can be restaurant recommendations around me?
I mean, no pressure. lol
I have a few friends in Seattle who I’ll have to recommend your blog. I’m sure they’ll find it very helpful!!
May 8th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Did you cook the bacon wrapped scallop dish? I can’t wait to read about it in your new blog! June 1st is still a loooooooong way from now. :p
May 8th, 2008 at 6:46 am
As a fellow seattlite, I can say that my mouth was watering just looking at those fried clams, thinking about summers on the pier
May 8th, 2008 at 6:51 am
Yet another one to add to my google reader! Can’t wait!
May 8th, 2008 at 6:54 am
Good luck with the new blog. I am sure I will enjoy it and its associated recipes.
BTW, te fried clams look yummy.
May 8th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Peabody - A second blog…girl you so rock! I sometimes can barely keep up with the one I have with all the other things I need to do.
The food looks simply delicious and I can’t wait to read about all the wonderful locations you discover.
Natalie @ Gluten a Go Go
May 8th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Good luck, Peabody! I know it takes a lot of work to keep your blogs updated, so you’ve definitely got a challenge ahead of you.
If your new blog is nearly as entertaining as this one, I’m sure it will be a success.
May 8th, 2008 at 7:14 am
I am an avid reader of Culinary Concoctions so I cannot wait for the new blog!
May 8th, 2008 at 7:28 am
I love your blog and check in everyday. You are an inspiration to this ‘non-baker’! Thank you!
May 8th, 2008 at 7:31 am
You are ambitious, dear! Can’t wait to see your newest addition.
May 8th, 2008 at 7:35 am
How fun! I admire you for starting the new blog — I can’t wait to read it; I love this blog, so I’m sure NN will be equally great! (Those bacon-wrapped scallops look DELICIOUS.)
May 8th, 2008 at 7:44 am
Wow, what a nice thing to do! I am in love with your blog and have tried a ton of your recipes! In fact, I just made your pumpkin financiers last night for a Mother’s Day gift and they are wonderful.
Thanks for all the great things you do.
May 8th, 2008 at 8:18 am
My in-laws live on Bainbridge Island and whenever we visit all we do is eat and visit markets. Seattle food is really awesome.
May 8th, 2008 at 8:32 am
I can’t wait to read your new blog! And the prize looks hot!
May 8th, 2008 at 8:39 am
“I tend to eat real food…my husband eats sloppy joes” - Peabody, as usual, you made me laugh out loud, haha :0D
Oooh, a Pacific Northwest gift pack?? What a fun prize for a lucky blogger!!
May 8th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Can’t wait to read your new blog, even though I am just a midwestern girl.
May 8th, 2008 at 8:41 am
I’m looking forward to seeing your second blog too
May 8th, 2008 at 8:43 am
You’re kidding…you mean you actually eat vegetables:) Good luck with the new blog. It sounds yummy!
May 8th, 2008 at 8:59 am
You are one of my very favorite foodies! While I am not that interested in restaurant reviews, I really look forward to your recipes for non-sweet/bread foods.
Oh, and I envy you your farmer’s market. A lot.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:21 am
I am super excited to hear that you are starting a new food blog.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Ooh, yay! As a Seattlite, I cannot wait to read your new blog.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Oooh, exciting! Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us! I’m only up in Seattle maybe once or twice a year, but I’ll look forward to saving up your restaurant recommendations for my trips.
And wowsers, those bacon wrapped scallops look absolutely amazing!!
May 8th, 2008 at 9:48 am
I would love to win a Pacific Northwest surprise. That is the one place I want to visit so badly. My husband works for the pear growers in the NW and he goes out for meetings but alas I have to stay home. One of these days will be the perfect time and I’m there. You are so lucky to live there where the produce is so plentiful and fresh. I’m envious!
May 8th, 2008 at 9:53 am
I am looking forward to your blog since we love to cook a variety of foods. Thanks for putting in all the work on this blog and the new one!
May 8th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Oh, NW food rocks- I miss the fresh seafood! Good luck with the new blog!
May 8th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Peabody,
I love reading your blog, I’ve been addicted to it for a few months now. I can’t wait to add the new blog to my bookmarks as well! Good luck!
May 8th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Oh man do those scallops look good, and I bet the blackberry sauce would be good on alot of other things too.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:49 am
I can’t wait for the new blog. I read this one EVERY day! Thanks for the lovely photography and inspiring ideas!
May 8th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Congratulations! Looking forward to the new blog.
May 8th, 2008 at 11:10 am
I’m so excited to see your new blog! And those clams have my mouth watering - my husband played baseball after college in Tacoma, so when we were in the area a couple of years ago, we went to his favorite place - Steamers. I can remember the clams, and now I just really want some more!
May 8th, 2008 at 11:43 am
I have to admit…I was starting to wonder if you were a baked-goods only family=) My best friend lives in the northwest, but i’ve never been because i’m too poor to make the trip….it would be fun to get a glimpse of it in the mail for sure! I’m excited about your new blog…if it’s anything like this one, it will be outstanding.
May 8th, 2008 at 11:46 am
The Pacific Northewest is a wonderful place to live! We have so much to be thankful for. I look forward to hearing about your savory adventures in food.
May 8th, 2008 at 11:51 am
i love culinary concoctions and can’t wait to read northwest noshings!
May 8th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
“spice rubs (…) sounds like something you are up for”… hmmm, interesting…
May 8th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Fantastic! I can’t wait to read the new blog. I really wish I was eating those scallops right now.
May 8th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Now I have two blogs to read obsessively. As far as the drawing, pick me, pick ME!! I used to live in Seattle and now I am in OHIO. If pity over that doesn’t do it, nuthin’ will
May 8th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
If anyone should have multiple blogs its someone who has gorgeous pictures, entertaining writing, and fabulous recipes. I think you fit the bill.
May 8th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Our local clam shack just opened for the season and I haven’t had a chance to stop by yet but this just may cause me to take lunch there tomorrow.
May 8th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Rock on! Sign me up.
May 8th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Good luck with the new site! I trully hope you don’t go insane. Haha. I can wait for June 1st!
May 8th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
excellent–looking forward to seeing the new site!
May 8th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Yeah, Pea! I’m so excited for this new venture of yours. It’s going to be terrific!
May 8th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I am really looking forward to reading your new blog. I’m from South Carolina, so I’m used southern food and food from the Atlantic coast, but I love reading about regional foods. I think Northwestern food sounds divine and I can’t wait to see what you have in store.
May 8th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Yay!! Even more reason for me to visit Seattle. I’m excited to read your reviews.
May 8th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
I’m looking forward to see what “real food” you eat! If it’s anything like the sweets here, I know it’ll be great.
May 8th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
i’d love to be entered! i’m a bit of a blog stalker =)
May 8th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Congrats on your new blog! Can’t wait to see it!
May 8th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Congrats on your new blog. I’m sure it will be mouth watering and fabulous just like this blog. Can’t wait to read it.
May 8th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I’ll be reading your new blog!
I’ll try to comment more too.
May 8th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
I can’t wait to see your new blog! Congrats! Love the fried clams and the bacon wrapped scallops look so delicious!
May 8th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
i love farmers markets i hope you have lots of pictures of it on your new blog! you are so creative that your new blog with be wonderful. here’s to june 1st!!
May 8th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Can’t wait! I go to Seattle every 3 months or so, and am always looking for advice on the best places to visit.
May 8th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Does this include Oregon as well? If so, I would highly recommend the Pearl Bakery in Portland.
In Seattle, Washington; two good vegetarian restaurants are Cafe Flora and Carmelita. Bonne Chance!
May 8th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Your bacon wrapped scallops look divine-will you be posting the web address for your new blog? Can’t wait!!!
May 8th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
fried stuff and anything with bacon is always a good choice.
May 8th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
i just came back from a few days in seattle, and i must say i was really spoiled even from the short time i spent there. the culinary culture is absolutely amazing!
great to hear you’ll be starting a new blog dedicated to the pnw foodisms–it will be a reason to go back there.
May 8th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Yeah, you’re going to get 8 million responses to this (including me, of course).
Can’t wait for the new blog! I’ve only been to the Seattle area twice in my life, but once was in June and it was FOODIE NIRVANA.
May 8th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
If all you get to do is sit around and eat sweets & bread then I truly envy you!
May 8th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
I’ve been a lurker for a while now… but I am finally coming out of the shadows to say that I am so excited about your new blog! (and admittedly, I’d love to win your gift basket…). This blog has been very inspiring to me as a relatively new baker. Your creativity - and those photos of yours - are amazing. Keep up the good work, and I can’t wait to catch the new blog next month!
Jill
May 8th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Looks yummy, Good luck with the new blog!
May 8th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
I can’t wait for your new blog! I’ve tried so many of your recipes and I’m looking forward to your more savory dishes.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Two food blogs somehow just seems right for you Peabody! I know I’m going to be a big fan of both, already am here.
Ivars and the Purple Cafe - that’s a great starter!
May 8th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
That sounds great, Peabody. I’ll be looking forward to a double helping of your great posts!
May 8th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Your new blog will definitely reminde me how much I miss the Northwest (used to live on Whidbey Island)! Italy is not a bad place to live either, but the Northwest is a special place.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:20 am
Wow, thanks for another generous offering. I don’t live in the Pacific Northwest but remember having a wonderful trip in Seattle a few years ago. It’ll be fun to read and learn more about the foods of the region, and perhaps drool over them!
May 9th, 2008 at 1:05 am
I look forward to your new blog. I love hearing about food and the Northwest that (both) hold a special place in my heart.
I miss Ivar’s breaded and fried clams. It was the very first place I ate when I lived in Seattle (circa 1977) and my favourite, always, for fried clams. I truly miss those clams.
May 9th, 2008 at 6:17 am
unabashedly commenting to enter for the gift pack.
I’ve read your blog for months now and it’s my current favorite. Excited about your new blog!
May 9th, 2008 at 6:38 am
I’m so excited about getting to see a bigger range of your recipes! Not to mention getting a taste of the Northwest, since I have always lived in Texas. Looking forward to it.
May 9th, 2008 at 6:49 am
Everyone keeps telling us to check out Seattle. I know where to check when we decide to take that trip. those fried clams are calling out my name!
May 9th, 2008 at 7:42 am
Can’t wait to read the new blog..just in case I ever make it that way. The scallops are making me hungry!
May 9th, 2008 at 7:42 am
I love your Concoctions site! Can’t wait to read Northwest Noshings! I’ve always wanted to visit Seattle!
May 9th, 2008 at 8:16 am
Wow, two blogs. You’re brave. I sometimes feel like I can’t even keep up with just one.
May 9th, 2008 at 8:55 am
This post has brought back so many memories! I lived in seattle for several years and loved Ivars, the farmers markets and lets not forget the fish market
Thanks for sharing this with us.
I am excited to hear about your new blog peabody! Best of luck!
May 9th, 2008 at 8:59 am
I can not wait to check out your new blog! My husband and I talk all the time about relocating to the PNW. This will only fuel the desire!
May 9th, 2008 at 10:01 am
Can’t wait to see the new blog. My sis lives in the NW and I’ll have to alert her to your new blog as well! You’re amazing for attempting two blogs at the same time
May 9th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Oh.My.Gosh.! I am beyond excited for your new blog. While I love anything edible, I am not much of a baker; but, I can not wait to try out some real dinner recipes and see what restaurants you love.
I’m a nest lurker - that’s how I found your blog, and I check in all the time and love it!
May 9th, 2008 at 11:15 am
I’m excited to see the new blog! I’ve never even been to the NW!
May 9th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Good luck with the new blog! I look forward to reading it
May 9th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
The new blog idea sounds like a great plan - I’m looking forward to reading it! My husband and I have thrown the idea of relocating to the Seattle area, but I think we’re just dreaming! It’ll be good to have a place to go so we can at least try to recreate the food!
May 9th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Looking forward to the new blog. I’ve been a lurker for quite some time now. After you so generously commented on my blogiversary post (honestly, I felt like I had been blessed by the pope), I thought the least I could do was return the favor.
May 9th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
“Yes, we eat real food. I tend to eat real food…my husband eats sloppy joes.”
Geez, its like this in my house, too!
May 9th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
I just have to say that I love to read your blog! I can’t wait for your new one - definitely sounds fun :)Thank you for all that you do!
May 9th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
I am so excited in anticipation of your new blog. You know that I’m a savory girl, and even so I still love your sweets blog like nobody else’s (okay, just like Helen’s!). Not to mention that Seattle is one city I am always anxious to get to for the mountains, for the restaurants, for the weather
Whoohoo!! xxoo
May 9th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Ooh! I’ve never been up there before, but have always wanted to. Local cookbooks could fill the gap for the time being.
May 9th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
My friends are still raving about your Kahlua Brownies. OMG those were awesome!
May 9th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
those pictures make my mouth water I want t eat them so bad
May 9th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
looks yummy. will definetly be checking out your new blog even if i don’t live in that area of the country.
May 10th, 2008 at 5:08 am
This is definitely my favorite baking blog out of the 100 plus I read, so I can’t wait to see what you do with the new site.
May 10th, 2008 at 5:18 am
Looking forward to reading posts on your new blog too!!! I know how exciting it must me. I recently renamed and moved my blog and I’m still like a little kid with a new toy.
May 10th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Excited to read not one but TWO blogs. I’ve enjoyed your culinary concoctions blog on a regular basis.
May 10th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Crispy fried clams? I am in!
New blog sounds good - looking forward to it!
May 10th, 2008 at 10:26 am
I thought I’d come to the wrong site when I saw a picture that ISN’T a cake looking at me!
May 10th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
i am a part-time seattlite, and coming here from the midwest, i was also amazed by the amazing culinary opportunities! i went to the purple cafe for my birthday, and it was fantastic- you’ve got to try the syrah brownie! looking forward to reading your new blog.
May 10th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Can’t wait for the other blog!
May 10th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Those scallops look divine! Looking forward to reading the new blog!
May 11th, 2008 at 12:53 am
Oh My! Those scallops look wonderful! I can’t wait for your second blog!
May 11th, 2008 at 4:33 am
I’m excited about this. I have been reading your blog for awhile now and usually drooling while reading. I’m an American living in England and my British husband is convinced he would like Seattle and we should move there when we move back to the US. I’ll be showing him your new blog.
May 11th, 2008 at 6:17 am
Yum! I can’t wait to visit the area again, but this time with a handy reference of where and what to eat!
May 11th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Geez these look fabulous!
May 11th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Yup,
It’s official, your are insane! But I am soooo excited. I wish that I lived in the Northwest, but I will still ready and pass this on to my brother who lives there. Good luck
Carrie
May 11th, 2008 at 8:51 am
I am much more of a cook than a baker, so I’m eager to see what you do with your new blog. Your baking stuff does inspire me, but I hardly ever come through on making your tasty treats.
May 11th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Ooohh…I hope I’m not too late. I love your sweets & treats. Can’t wait to see the new blog.
May 11th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Yay! I can’t wait to see your new blog. I love all of your baked goods, but I am looking forward to see what you cook!
May 11th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Mmmmm, bacon wrapped scallops, they look too good to eat…almost.
Love this blog, can’t wait to see the new one
May 11th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Oh my, that scallop looks so good!!!!
May 11th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
As a recent transplant to the Seattle area, I’m really looking forward to your new blog. If nothing else, please post details about your prize package so I can go hunting =)
May 11th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
can’t wait for the new blog, because I already love this one!
May 11th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
A second food blog! Sounds like quite an undertaking even if it’s not going to be updated as regularly as your current one. I’m looking forward to reading it. We all love sweet things, but every now then you just gotta say, Hold the sugar, Pass the salt!
May 11th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Yippee!! Another foodblog by Peabody!! Love your writing!! Keep ‘em coming!
May 11th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Yummy! Congrats on your new blog
May 11th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Looking forward to your new blog, I bet it will be just as excellent as this one.
May 12th, 2008 at 5:40 am
So strawberries don’t have white in the middle? Looking forward to having two addictions.
Best of luck.
May 12th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Peabody,
Just checking round on my fave blogs and find that you are starting ANOTHER one? Where do you find the time/energy girl!!!?? I wish had more time to visit more frequently but good luck with the new blog! Those scallops look awesome….
May 12th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Yea!! Another blog to read! I love your Culinary blog and have made several of the items you’ve posted which were all wonderful!!
Can’t wait for June 1!
May 12th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Good luck with the new blog! I hope you’ll still be posting your yummy baked things here often.
May 12th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
The Bacon wrapped scallops look so good I could lick the screen. Can’t wait to see your first post on June 1st.
May 12th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
I can’t believe you have time for another blog! I love reading all of your commentary about baking so even if I live no where near the North west, I’m sure I’ll be reading your other blog too! Good luck!