Have you been to Seattle? If you have, perhaps you've experienced what I have--that everyone there is awfully nice. I don't mean to generalize but from all of my visits over the years including a stint working there, it's true.
My visit to Salumi in Seattle is a perfect example. I had a terrific lunch with Molly of Orangette that consisted of a selection of salami each intriguingly flavored with smoked paprika or fennel or a mix of spices, prosciutto and the most outrageous meatball sandwich ever. Really.
Imagine a crunchy roll, perked up with a slathering of garlic and parsley spread, obscenely stuffed with big fat and fluffy meatballs with shreds of prosciutto in them. Top that with sauteed peppers and onions, thick slabs of fresh succulent mozzarella, and doused with homemade tomato sauce. Heaven!
About a week or so ago, the husband, pup, and I went to Seattle to see my family and spend some time in the (rare) Seattle sunshine. We went to the Ballard Farmer's Market, a plethora of fresh produce, handmade jewelry, talented street musicians, and just about anything you would want to see. The Ballard Farmer's Market is the quintessential example of why I love Seattle down to my very core. If a stranger ever asked me for the perfect Sunday morning activity, I would tell them to first, a latte at Caffe Vita and then stroll along the street, past the boutiques, thehotcakes shop, and the antique stores to the farmer's market. Oh yes, and follow it up with a cupcake.
On a recent food tour of Spokane and Northern Idaho, enjoying the beautiful scenery with clear running rivers and crystal blue lakes, I
discovered a handful of restaurants that are living up to the promise of
farm-to-table.