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.

Seattle Duck Tour - Originally Published 2009

When I was down and out in Seattle, I used to walk the city from one end to the other for lack of anything else to do.  One of the ubiquitous sights around town were crowds of tourist packed into a 1940’s amphibious landing craft.  They all seemed too happy and self-assured as they rode around and quacked their quackers at folks that were down on their luck like you know who.

I vowed that one day, I would return to Seattle like a conquering hero.  As part of my conquest, I too would know the joy of riding around on the Duck Tour.  Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce to you that I have lived the dream.

I once had a client who came out to LA for a meeting.  She wanted some recommendations of something she could do that wasn’t touristy.  I told her she could always do some rent a video and do some laundry.  She would not approve of this trip.  It’s about as touristy as anything can get.  Think of it like going to a ballgame.  You’re going to eat a hot dog while you’re there. Enjoy it.

Dollar for dollar, this tour is the best way to check out the city if you are short on time and want to cover as much ground as possible.  Our captain, the more than capable Phillip Dover managed to swing the seven and a half ton craft all over town in afternoon traffic.

You’ll see all the major sights downtown has to offer including Safeco Field and the Seattle Art Museum. 

The coolest part of the trip is that the vessel actually drives into Lake Washington. 

It was a perfect day and we got some great views of Seattle and the Gasworks Park.

Experience Music Project - Originally Published 2009

Paul Allen has a double blessing going for him.  First, he has a ton of cash.  According to some rankings, he is the thirty-second wealthiest man in America.  His second blessing is that he is about as anonymous as a co-founder of Microsoft could ever be.  Think about this for a second.  Would you be able to pick Paul Allen out of a lineup?  

So let’s discuss Paul’s money for a minute.  How much does he have?  He’s a part owner of the Seahawks, the Trailblazers, and the Sounders.  He owns the Octopus, the eighth largest yacht in the world.  And, he loves rock and roll so much that in the year 2000, he helped to open the Experience Music Project.

Never accused of being frugal, our buddy Paul commissioned Frank Geary to design the structure where the museum is housed.

So what exactly is it?  I wish that I had a press pass at the time, because it was a camera unfriendly location.  Inside, there are two museums:  The Experience Music Project and the Science Fiction Hall of Fame.

EMP houses the world’s largest Jimi Hendrix collection as well as a wing dedicated to the music of the Pacific Northwest, along with other revolving collections.  The SFHF has an extensive display of Sci-Fi memorabilia. 

I highly recommend getting there while they still have the Jim Henson exhibit on display.  It’s an excellent walk through the mind of a creative genius.

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.