My friend L and I decided to go to lunch to catch up. We had just planned to go local to one of the places on the east side when she came out of the blue and asked if I would be willing to go to Bainbridge Island. Sure I thought, I had never been. She said that she had seen a show on the Food Network and they highlighted a cafe on the island...I saw that show too. So off we went in search of Cafe Nola. We were smart and made reservations since we figured it might be busier than usual since being featured on the almighty Food Network. Except oops...we missed our ferry. Luckily, they were nice and just pushed back our reservations and we caught the next ferry. It was a bit farther than the Food Network would let on but not too far(we walked it). It was quite busy when we got there with a 45 minute wait for those without reservations...we of course, got right in. I was torn on what to have. I had looked at their on-line menu before I came and couldn't decide then either. L had what they … [Read more...]

I need to put something up. This will be a very quick write up of my lovely Thanksgiving at the Herb Farm restaurant. Unfortunately, ever since 1:30pm on Friday afternoon(it's late Sunday night now) I have had a debilitating migraine headache and have pretty much been not functioning. I'm hoping that tomorrow when I go to the doctor that I will get better. For now all I can say is that once again I enjoyed my dining experience at the Herb Farm. The food is always humbling and a constant reminder that I'm really not that gifted/creative with food(though I could easily make all three of the desserts we had). I do have some photos(all flash...sorry). Course #1: Harvest from the Edge of the Sea Cauliflower and Fenugreek Soup with Sliver Sea Scallop(second photo) my favorite of the three Kushi Oyster with Sorrel Sauce(first photo) Paddlefish Caviar on Sea Urchin Flan 1998 Argyle Brut From Magnum Course #2 Slow Roasted Black Cod With Carrot-Lemon Thyme Broth And … [Read more...]

I am no stranger to the Purple Cafe and Wine bar, I can recite to you most of the menu...and it's a big menu. However, we always go to the one in Kirkland and Woodenville. So when one opened up in Seattle I thought nothing of it, until I saw they had a tasting menu. I am such a sucker for tasting menus....I love to get to sample lots of different types of food. So I had to go and check it out. Luckily my Newleywed Girlie Group that I hang out with had organized a get together there. It was my first venture out since being sick so unfortunately I did not get to have any wine, since wine and codeine don't mix well. But if you go to Purple you must have the wine, I especailly love their wine flights where they offer 4 samplings of wine...that all in all only equal about 1 1/2 glasses of wine. It is a great way to discover new wines though. Since no wine, I had to solely concentrate on food. I could have ordered almost everything on that menu but I had to realize that though small, at … [Read more...]

So another year has come and passed and I am once again 29 years old(for the 5th time). And once again I made my husband trek to the Melting Pot for my anual birthday dinner there. When I was younger we lived across a family where the dad was somewhat of a gourmet cook(couldn't bake to save his life but he could cook). One night we were all invited over for dinner. He served fondue. It was my first experience with fondue and I was instantly enamoured with it and have been ever since. Luckily the beloved 70's trend has found it's way back and I just hope that it stays around this time. Traditional Swiss Fondue California Salad...though I'm not sure what is so Californian about it??? Surf and Turf...lobster, filet minon and portabello mushrooms Milk Chocolate Fondue with Bailey's Irish Cream … [Read more...]