S E A T T L E I T E

I didn’t really do anything special to warrant a “treat yourself” kind of day, but I decided to use this line anyway because let’s face it, any day warrants a delicious doughnut. Top Pot has some of the best and although my heart desired a feather boa (cake doughnut with pink icing and coconut), I chose a strawberry glazed instead. It was delicious next to a wonderful cup of jo and a good read. 

Disclaimer: I tried to get some more pictures of the interior but the doughnut server was giving me looks like I was a stalker. In the end,  I decided that I would just stop taking pictures and just eat my doughnut. But rest assured guys, this place is charming. 

325 West Galer || Seattle, WA 98119 || 206.631.2120

When most people think of Ballard they think up the bustling Ballard Ave and Market Street as the hub of all Ballard life, but up on 70th you will come across the original Ballard. It’s the area where your parents and grandparents grew up and it’s just as precious today than it was then. The small brick houses, small neighborhoods, and small eateries make this area wonderful. Encompassing this feeling, is The Fat Hen. The white washed walls, bright red accents, and the delicious menu made for a wonderful brunch.  Since I’ve been dying to try baked eggs, I got the baked eggs in a red tomato sauce with fresh mozzarella and basil. To die for delicious.

1418 NW 70th St || Seattle, WA 98117 || 206.782.5422

     I studied in Paris for four months and in some ways, this restaurant brings me back to that wonderful time. The white tiled walls, the Paris metro clock, and the freshly cut baguettes are just little reminders of why I fell in love with Paris, and why I find this place to be one of Ballard’s greatest gems. 

     All dishes are prepared with fresh and local ingredients from local farmers and produce from their rooftop garden. The croque madame is to die for and their carrot salad and fromage Boucherondin made with oil cured olives, golden raisins,  and Moroccan spice vinaigrette is perhaps the best salad I’ve ever had. 

     Never been so blessed by a night of laughter, grace, and friendship all served around plates of delicious French cuisine. 

5307 Ballard Avenue NW || Seattle, WA || 206-453-5013

Coffee and rain are often synonymous with Seattle. Carrying an umbrella is a sin, you may go to Starbucks but you would proclaim hatred for it in any conversation, and if you don’t spend your days reading The Stranger and drinking cappuccino after cappuccino in a well-lit café, well you just aren’t a true Seattleite. I may be over-dramatizing, but in essence it’s completely true. Coincidentally, my life the other day spoke great lengths about my “Seattleness” as I did what any Seattleite would do. I ran out of the rain and into Victrola, one of my favorite cafés in Capitol Hill. The space is open, the tables are big enough for an afternoon study sesh, beautiful displays of local art hang on the walls, and the coffee is just damn good. I love it and truthfully, there is no place I’d rather be on a rainy day.

411 15th Avenue East || Seattle, WA || 205-325-6520

I think the most important part of a good foodie destination is obviously the food, but it’s also the décor and feeling of the place. I love when I step into a new place and just want to oooh and ahhh over everything, even the little napkins or salt and pepper shakers. It’s one of the things I love about Smith, and also what I loved about Oddfellows Café + Bar. I probably looked like a freak taking pictures of everything, but I couldn’t help myself. I loved everything about this place! I went there for coffee (which was awesome by the way), but was absolutely drooling over their menu, especially their homemade biscuits with scrambled eggs and gruyère cheese. I’m dying right now just thinking about it. 

1525 10th Ave.|| Seattle, WA 98122 || 206-325-0807

Capitol Hill has some of the greatest restaurants in Seattle. One of these, and one of my personal favorites, is Café Presse. It reminds me of a French tabac. Racks of French magazines and newspapers, full bar, small green bistro tables, and football games to watch on the weekends. But most importantly, the food is amazing. I tried multiple croque madames when I lived in Paris and not one of them came close to the one at Café Presse. Thick bread, overflowing melted cheese, and a runny egg. It’s pure perfection. 

1117 12th Avenue || Seattle, WA 98122 || 206-709-7674

Since there is a coffee shop in Fremont that I’m trying to avoid for awkwardness sake, I have been forced to look for a new coffee hangout. I am happy to say that I have finally found it in Milstead & Co. The place isn’t very representative of the style of Fremont, but for this reason, it’s a breath of fresh air. It’s clean, classic, and simplistic in design. They take this same approach with their coffee. The coffee is pure, high-quality, and made with great care. They feature fine coffees from renowned roasters Stumptown Intelligentisa, and Coava, as well as some deliciously decadent pastries. 

Stop in when you can, you’l love it. 

770 N 34th St. || Seattle, WA 98103 || 206-979-0010

There is that panic mode that happens when you have visitors to your town. Where do I take them? Well if you have visitors to Seattle, take them to El Diablo for their mexican hot chocolate. Hot chocolate with cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and homemade whip cream on top. It’s definitely the best thing, and seeing that it will probably be raining when they visit, it’s also perfect for a rainy day. 

Sit down and enjoy the hot chocolate, the delicious pastries, and the vibrant decor which consists of bright yellow walls with detailed drawings of whimsical hearts, angels, and el diablos, bright green, blue, and orange stools, and colorful painted tables. 

Also, try their custom roasted cuban coffee. You won’t be disappointed, and either will your friends. 

1811 Queen Anne Avenue North || Seattle, WA 98109 || 206-285-0693

This little “hole” in the wall up in Capitol Hill serves up one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. I’m still thinking about it. I had their famous “The Gooch” sandwich with hot sliced tri-tip beef, red onions, Tillamook cheddar cheese, horseradish mayo, and a side of au jus on a warm demi-baguette.Tell me that doesn’t sound amazing. 

And the divey/grunge decor only enhances the awesomeness of this place. The dark lighting, bright red walls, full tiki bar, eclectic odds and ends, cool art, and random mirrors makes this the perfect place for a rainy day or night out with friends. 

Also, make sure you try The Dude and The Bandit sandwich. This is a place you got to check out. 

703 E. Pike St. || Seattle, WA || 206-709-1399

If you weren’t aware, Tom Douglas is the king of Seattle eating. He has over 10 restaurants in Seattle. I have only managed to try 4 out of the 12, but my gosh everything is always amazing. The ingredients, the flavors, and the atmosphere are perfect. This morning after a long and eventful night, my friend Michele and I went to Serious Biscuit for some much needed grub. Biscuits as the main course? Seriously, how can you go wrong? I decided on a biscuit with fried chicken and gravy and a BLT bloody mary. Oh my gosh. Country heaven. 

Try it for yourself, I dare you.

401 Westlake Avenue North || Seattle, WA 98109 || 206-436-0050