Out and About: Boehms Candies, Issaquah WA

As one of the Seattle areas oldest confectioners, Boehms Candies is an Issaquah icon.  Located just off I-90 in Issaquah, this sweet spot is sure to delight children of all ages.

When you pull into their parking lot, you'll take notice of the chalet design and you'll almost forget where you are.

Boehm's Candies offer a variety of over 150 chocolates and candies.  There is something to surely please any sweet tooth.  They are wonderful, and Mr. Boehm would say, "As High As The Alps On Quality". On special occasions, you'll find chocolates molded from unique sculptures including golf clubs, neck ties and other items to made your speicall occasion "sweet".

On a special weather day (e.g., when the sun is shining and the temp is over 80 degrees....which is rare in the Seattle area) it's a treat to head to Boehm's and have their hand dipped vanilla ice cream bar. It starts with vanilla ice cream, then it's dipped into their rich semi-sweet chocolate. It just takes a few minutes to harden and it's oh so good. None of the supermarket brands come even close to this delectable frozen treat.

On a rare spring afternoon, my husband and I escaped for this frozen goodness. He plain, I with nuts (I'm going to skip them next time). We sat in their adjacent garden and enjoyed our little treat.

Great for kids.  Great for adults.  Enjoy!

Out and About: Ken's Artisan Bakery, Portland OR

Ken's Artisan Bakery is rocking!  I read about this bakery in the May issue of Saveur magazine and was listed in an article titled, "20 Loaves We Love".  They impressed the food editors at Saveur with their Blonde Country Boule.  On a recent trip to Portland I decided to give this loaf a try (among other items).

Their bread was delicious and the article was correct when it mentioned the perfect crust to bread ratio.  We dipped in balsamic vinegar and EVOO.  We slathered truffled cheese.  We topped with prosciutto.  We ate just as is.  Two thumbs up.

We also sampled their grapefruit tart (very good, says the husband), grapefruit macaroon (good, pretty sweet though says the husband), croissant (ok, says the kid) and chocolate chip cookie (good, says the kid).

Service was good.  Being that the line was out the door the staff made it a point to move the crowd along in a quickly, but politely.

This place was packed, hot and very energetic.  What a beautiful neighborhood gem.

Dining Out: Sitka & Spruce, Seattle WA (Capitol Hill)

In the culinary world, a James Beard award is equivalent to winning an Oscar.  Just recently, Chef Matt Dillon of Sitka & Spruce won the Best Chef Northwest category.

This restaurant was featured in Seattle Magazine as one of "The 7 Restaurants The Define Seattle Dining Now" with it's seasonal and local offerings.
Matt Dillon's Sitka & Spruce is located in the mixed-shops Melrose Market on Capitol Hill.  Parking is horrible, but not impossible especially with paid lots within a few blocks.

In the back corner of the market lies Sitka & Spruce, an "L" shaped, rustic and very open restaurant.  Humble in its decor, I couldn't help but feel my meal would be simple in it's preparation, complex in it's flavors and fresh in taste.  I was spot on!

The daily menu offered a small selection of delectable small plates that are suitable for sharing.  We noticed it artfully presented on quality linen paper, printed especially for the days culinary offerings.

The restaurant is open with large windows that let in much natural light.  Seating is limited, and for our visit sat on a very small table for two.  There is a large communal table that extends from the kitchen - probably the best seat in the house.

Service was acceptable.  However, our waiter seemed shy and didn't show much enthusiasm for the restaurant or food.  We were taken care of, but it would have been nice to get a smile, and maybe a little passion for the menu as he answered our questions.

We started with a glass of Riesling (2010 Weinhaus Donnhoff, Estate Riesling, Nahe, Germany) which was recommended by our waiter.  It was delicious and started our meal off on the right "fork".

We enjoyed the following from the menu:

sourdough with chive flower butter (this is an item on the menu e.g., not free)
salami from Olympic Provisions in Portland, OR
raw asparagus and artichoke salad with Yarmuth's Nonna Capra
roasted pork belly, flat bread and roasted turnips and baby carrots
assorted cookies (buckwheat cacao nib, chocolate chip, pistachio, rose meringue and almond spice)

Our meal was fantastic.  Delicious, fresh and very well executed.  We especially liked the raw asparagus salad - the cheese that topped it just oozed and melted offering a creamy dressing that went well with the asparagus and artichoke.

Tip: Make reservations because if you don't you may have to wait a while.   There is an excellent lunch menu which I think I'll try, rather than dinner.

In The Kitchen: The Cupcake Gallery

Cupcakes seem to be the perfect size for just a little sweetness.  Being that you get more than just a bite, but less than a slice it's almost justifyable to have one.

Cupcakes have evolved over the years, and their ingredients getting more and more fancy and creative.  Long gone are the days of boxed mixes and plastic jar frosting in my kitchen at least.  Today, my cupcakes are made with organic butter, free range chicken eggs and flavorings from beyond the pastry world.

Here are a few creations that I've made.  Recipes found online or adapated.

Chocolate cupcake with vanilla buttercream frosting

Lavender cupcake filled with lemon curd, lavender cream cheese frosting

Chocolate Sour Cream Cupcake with Hazelnut Cream Cheese Frosting
Adapted from Ted Allen's In My Kitchen

Pineapple upside-down cupcake with pineapple buttercream frosting
Adapted from Emeril Lagasse

Cardamom cupcake filled with Blue Cottage's Ginger-Peach Jam
with vanilla bean cream cheese frosting

Vanilla cupcake with Nutella frosting
Recipe adapted by A Cupcake Story

Red velvet cupcake topped with cream cheese frosting
Adapted from Ina Garten

Out and About: Vovito Cafe & Gelato, Bellevue WA

When I can find a local, independent cafe that serves a decent cup of coffee, you'll find me there.  Vovito Cafe & Gelato, located in The Shops at The Bravern in Bellevue, this cafe is great for those afternoon pick-me-ups or even a casual business meeting.  I have been many many times, and I've experienced this cafe evolve into something worth going to.

Parking at the Bravern is free with validation.  Take either the red or blue elevators up to the 2nd floor and you are there!

You'll find your assortment of espresso beverages using their own single origin bean made deliciously on the famous and very expensive Slayer machines.  Don't drink coffee?  Vovito has a wide array of non-caffeinated beverages including sodas, teas, juices and alcohol.

The food assortment is your typical coffee shop pasty items taken to the next level.  With a nice offering of sweet and savory, you'll be able to enjoy a bite to eat.  My favorite is their soup de jour and chocolate chip cookies.  Just recently they revamped their menu, which is evident in the quality and selection of their food offerings.

For those looking for a frozen treat, look no further.  Vovito offers a variety of gelato flavors delicious at any time of the year.  Can't decide?  Get their sampler which you choose 6 flavors to enjoy.  Vovito also offers made to order cakes for your special occasion.

Tip:  service is slow, so expect to wait if ordering a beverage.  It's relatively warm and the air can be stuffy, probably due to the panini presses.  Although there is ample seating, it's usually full with your MSFT employees taking over the seating area.