Manresa Castle - Originally Published 2009

This had to be one of the strangest dining experiences I have ever had.  Keep in mind, one time in La Boufadora; I had a live chicken on the table while I was eating a tamale.

First, we showed up to a near empty dining room and asked for a table.  The host asked us if we had reservations.  When we said “no”, he said, “Oh my, let me see where I can fit you in.”  Keep in mind, the place was almost empty when we showed up.

Later, we asked the waitress for our check.  She looked scared and said, “I can’t give you your check.”  She looked over her shoulder.  “He has to give it to you.”  Behind her was the host.  What’s the deal?  Is she serving out a period of indentured servitude?  When I put my card with the bill, she wouldn’t take it.  Again, with sorrowful eyes she told us, “He has to take it.”

For an overseer, the host was less than snappy.  Later, Mai found this sign for a dungeon.  I think that they were being serious.  That’s where they imprison their wait staff. 

Long story short, if you’re into humans pressed into service, then I have found the place for you.

Piroshky Piroshki Bakery - Originally Published 2009

This is a very hard review to write because I want to make sure that I do this place justice.  This tiny, family-owned bakery sells miracles of nature known as piroshky, a Russian pastry.

I want to make it very clear how good this place is.  I think that the sole reason why humans evolved to have taste buds is so that we would all one day get the opportunity to taste one of these works of art.  Yes, I assure you.  They are that good. 

Put this place high on your list of things that you must do while in Seattle.

Elliot's Oyster House - Originally Published 2009

There is a law of the universe that I unlocked a few years ago.  It goes like this, “The closer a seafood restaurant is to the ocean, the worse it is.”  Apparently, this universal law only holds true in Southern California because Elliot’s Oyster House is the latest Pacific Northwest restaurant that is right on the water and serves amazing food.

The draw here is obviously the oysters.  When it comes to oysters, I love them but know nothing about them.  Thankfully, the staff is knowledgeable and our waiter put together a great little collection for us to sample.

Elliot’s would be what I consider one of the more perfect dinners I have ever had.  This is an amazing place to come and unwind after a day of exploring Seattle.  We had an unbelievable dinner and some commanding views of Puget Sound.

Pike Place Market - Originally Published 2009

If I were told that I could only visit one place in Seattle, it would be Pike Place Market.  The market is a sprawling collection of stores and vendors selling everything that makes life more enjoyable.  Walk a few feet through the market and you will understand the term “sensory overload”.

Sights, sounds, colors and even flying fish are just some of the reason why this is Seattle’s must-do location.

Fisherman's Wharf - Originally Published

I have some advice for you if you choose to eat at the seafood places down at Fisherman’s Wharf.  Don’t go through the breezeway.  You see, I have a distinct memory that on the other side of the breezeway, there is a park bench with a lovely view of a yacht club.

But there is no park bench and no view of a yacht club, just squalor and aggressive pigeons.  I went there with Mai and Marc on a recent visit and I treated them to a view of a homeless man eating out of a trashcan.  This makes wonderful dinner theater when you’re trying to enjoy your bread bowl full of clam chowder.