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.

Dining Out: Spinasse, Seattle WA (Capitol Hill)

There are a few restaurants in Seattle that really leave their mark on your culinary palate.  On Capitol Hill, Spinasse does just that!

Seattle Magazine declares Spinasse one of seven restaurants that define Seattle dining.  I agree.  Spinasse has also received several accolades, including a recent feature on Cooking Channel's Unique Eats.
Spinasse is perfect for a romantic meal.  It's where you'll hear the clinking of wine glasses, the chatter of Seattle-ites and the aroma of goodness that awaits to be served at your table.  I've been here several times, and my 12 year old son loves this restaurant.

Dinner reservations are a must - unless you're willing to take your chances and sit at the counter.  If you're looking for a show, sit at the counter as you'll have perfect sites of the kitchen - where the culinary magic takes place.  There is also outdoor seating, so on a beautiful summer evening opt for the patio.

A nice amuse bouche of toasted bread, buttered and topped with anchovy was fantastic.  I wish it was on the menu.

I was left in charge of ordering so by my doing, we ate:
Antipasto misto della casa - basically one of each of every antipasto.  We especially enjoyed the Sardine in carpione, Sardines fried and marinated with vinegar with mint and fresh chickpeas.
Tajarin al burro e salvia - fine egg pasta with butter and sage.  This is their signature dish and what has put Spinasse on the culinary map.  This is a must dish to order if you go.
Salmone con olive e panzanella - Pan seared salmon on a bed of bread salad.  Salmon prepared medium rare.  It was like butter and melted so easily.  I felt the leeks and, I believe fennel or celery really took over the dish.
Capunet di vitello e fegato grosso - Our most favorite dish of the evening, stuffed cabbage rolls.  These were fantastic and the caramelized honey sauce just put it over the top.

My family and I love Spinasse.  Of course we'll go again, and we hope to see you there!