Chef Dave’s Corner

I recently traveled to Seattle Washington for a weekend getaway. I have often heard of this magical place filled with the freshest fish, seafood, fruits and vegetables. The Public Market located at the end of the famed Pike Street is nothing short of spectacular. Flying from Oklahoma it’s a short 5 hour flight to a foodie’s paradise. Seattle is known for the Space Needle which was built for the 1962 world’s fair, Mount St. Helens, and the first Starbucks. With its breath taking views and great food, Seattle did not disappoint and offered more than expected.

I arrived Saturday morning and was greeted by my friends, Karen and Ron. Not only are they funny, but they understood the history of the city and knew where the best local food hot spots where. I knew a city of this magnitude would need to be navigated and only having 2 days to do it in would take a little planning and a lot of energy.

The first stop was lunch and I ate at Palomino. The food was light in typical Seattle flair and the flavors where uncomplicated with a punch of flavor. I started with a thin crust brick oven garlic and tomato pizza for an appetizer and finished with a smoked turkey salad with havarti dill all topped onto locally grown organic mixed baby lettuces with an Orange Ginger Vinaigrette.

With my stomach full I set off to see the Seattle space needle. Rising over 500 feet and taking 43 seconds to get to the top, the breath taking view is well worth the $16.00. From the top you can view the international water landing strip where sea planes depart almost every 15 minutes. Also visible is Mount Rainier and a 360 degree view of Seattle. This land mark was a must see on my list of things to do, and gives you a true perspective of how large the city is.

Leaving the Space Needle I headed to Bellevue. This city is just outside of Seattle and is the home for companies such as Microsoft, and Yahoo. This is also the city in which Bill Gates lives. My trip to Bellevue was to find Mr. J’s. This culinary whimsical of a store has been a landmark just outside of Seattle for over 20 years, and has the largest inventory of any cooking store I have ever been in. This store is a must see and is located directly next to a specialty foods market.

Sunday morning I was picked up by Karen and Ron, and we set off to spend the day at the Public Market. This market is world renowned for its fresh open markets and Pikes Fish Market. There is no questioned that I had arrived when I was greeted by the Public Market signed that stood well over 20 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Starting at the beginning we entered this long hallway which was filled with little shops on both sides. I could smell fresh baked bread, homemade doughnuts made to order, and scents from exotic flowers that I have never seen before. Let’s just say my senses where on overload. At the far end where the market takes a sharp right is the Pike’s Fish Market. Pike’s market is known for its large variety of fish and seafood, believe me, you won’t find it fresher anywhere else. In addition they are known for team work and “Throwing of the Fish” across the market and being caught by workers and guest alike.

When leaving Pike’s fish market you enter into a chef’s dream, as far as the eye can see there is nothing but vendor after vender selling fresh farmed fruits and vegetables. I saw peaches as big as grape fruits and grapefruits as big as honeydews. You can see the pride these local venders take in the food they are selling and never hesitate to offer you a free sample. The prices are affordable and in most cases cheaper then at the local grocery stores. Mixed in among the fruits of vegetables are locals selling honey, locally made jams and jellies, homemade breads, and an occasional t-shirt shop to remind you where you have been.

Lunch was at a movie landmark. Located in the middle of the market is Athenian Seafood. This was where some of the scenes for Sleepless in Seattle where filmed. This seafood restaurant promises everything on the menu is the fresh catch of the day, and the view of the harbor is spectacular.

After lunch I had only seen half of the market, and was ready to take on the rest. The second half of the market led me outside to local art venders, musicians, and Starbucks #1. Although the first Starbucks is not nearly as nice as your local store I couldn’t stop thinking about how this world renown icon started out by the harbor on Pike Street.

As a final salute to Seattle a grabbed a cup of coffee from Starbucks #1 and took a horse and carriage ride around the city. The tour was amazing and I learned about the cities proud heritage and even a few surprises. Did you know that Seattle was built on top of the old city which burnt down in 1889 for a glue fire?

I will never forget me first trip to Seattle and can’t wait to visit again. Along with a few kitchen gadgets, and packages of jams, fruit and vegetables being sent via the mail to my home I will always remember this culinary paradise.

Cook Smart…

Chef Dave Fouts