Dining Out: Hitchcock, Bainbridge Island, WA

When the weather is beautiful and sunny our family heads for Bainbridge Island.  We park our car in Seattle and walk on the ferry (it's cheaper).  A few minutes walk from the ferry dock is a quaint town filled with mostly independent culinary establishments and fun boutiques.

Our most recent visit brought us to Hitchcock.  Unfortunately we were all still full from lunch, so by the time dinner rolled around we were more inclined to have small plates.

I was lame and only shot one photo: the bone marrow appetizer.  Gosh it was delicious and reminded me of restaurants in NYC where it seems that all of them had it on the menu.  I was pleasantly surprised with the smoked grey sea salt.

For the first time I had Green Garbanzo Beans that were sill in their pod (who knew?) and oven roasted.  It was like eating edamamae at a Japanese restaurant, but better.  Warm, smokey (pods were slightly charred) buttery (from the EVOO) - I bet it would be great with a cold beer.

Also had an incredibly unique interpretation of Waldorf Salad.  Small dice and stuffed in endive.

For sure I will return to Hitchcock....and I'll bring my appetite.  I'm very interested in their Name Your Price Chef's Menu.  Stay tuned.

Out and About: Issaquah Coffee Company, Issaquah WA

I rarely end up in downtown Issaquah, but if I'm there and looking for good coffee I head to Issaquah Coffee Company located on the south part of Gilman Village.  Proudly pouring Stumptown.  There is a large parking lot and relatively easy access.

Free wi-fi, lots of seating and a good cup of coffee makes for a great hang out.  You'll find lots of families, especially on the weekends.  They close early (7 weeknights, 6 weekends) so don't come if you're looking for an after dinner something something.

Ample selection of coffee shop quality pastries, including gluten free (provided by Flying Apron).  You'll find your usual selection of espresso beverages including some blended selections.

My beverage of choice:  Tall, 3/4 full americano....that's it.

Out And About: Cafe Cesura, Bellevue WA

Yes, Cafe Cesura serves coffee (Stumptown) but I like to head to this cafe for lunch or a quick bite to eat.  It's in downtown Bellevue and parking sucks (street parking and a limited number of stalls in the garage) but if I can park, I will eat.  Service is great, very helpful folks behind the counter.  Lots of seating (tables and chairs), especially with the big communal table.  They were recently featured in Seattle Met magazine.

They offer a soup of the day (aka Market Inspired Soup) which I have found to be delicious in flavor and freshness.  They also top them with things like roasted nuts and infused oils.

Pair the soup with the Mt Townsend Creamery New Moon Grilled Cheese Sandwich.  It lends for interesting flavors with the caramelized onions.

I've also had their Smoked Salmon w/ Picked Onion and Caper Aioli on Baguette - great flavors, but I was a bit put off by the baguette.  I (as well as my son who ate the other half) found it to have a pretty tough crust.

Finally!  A place in Bellevue that serves delicious coffee and delicious food to go with.  That's a rare find on the eastside.

Out And About: Seattle Coffee Works

I never knew this place existed until I saw it featured on Andrew Zimmerman's Bizarre Foods America.  Nothing bizarre with a cup of coffee but the brewing method was indeed, bizarre!  I cannot explain the physics behind this vacuum pot but I can tell you this:  I've made the trek to Seattle Coffee Works several times to enjoy this coffee. Each time a different bean (you choose the bean), and I've enjoyed Burundi the best.  Allow for a good twenty minutes at the slow bar for the entire experience.  Ask questions, your barista is a wealth of coffee knowledge.  Try without modifiers (sugar, cream, etc.) because you might be pleasantly surprised with how good it tastes.  As the coffee cools, the flavor changes.  Forget the paper cup to go.  Have a seat.  Smell, sip, taste and enjoy!