The long road to Cougar Country

So no more visits to warm University of Arizona, my son transferred to Washington State University...brrr!  Ty flew into Pullman earlier in the week.  John & I decided to take a road trip and visit. 

Gas up and get coffee, it's a long drive.

After a few hours, the coffee we had at home was beginning to wear out.  The only place we could find was McDonald's...don't laugh.  John got the Iced Mocha and I had the Iced Latte.  The Mocha tasted like a coffee shake and my iced latte, boring.  I forgot to ask for sugar.  Oh well, it's caffeine.

So we got ICED coffee drinks.  Um, is that snow on the ground?  Yikes!

So, we drove for a few more hours.  Not a bad drive.

Best Breakfast in Tucson...Cup Cafe

The perfect Cappucino.

Start with Pappas.



"Break" the "Fast" with this breakfast feast, a little bit of everything.

Baked Eggs with leeks...YUMMY.

Great Patio for people watching.

The Croque Senor

I am a big fan of the Croque Madame, so I did not take Toby's advise and order the Croque Senor...What was I thinking??? The next time I am in Tucson, I will order this at every meal.

0 calories!!!

When I need more than water...I'll be drinking this.  Not Bad!

Purple Cafe...still not a fan

 It has been years since I have gone to Purple Cafe.  I like the flights, I like the space & decor, there's a lot I like, except the food. 

I started with the Argyle Brut.  Love the stuff!

Perfect accompaniment to bubbly...oysters.

I really like all the attention to detail at Purple Cafe...cool space.

Macaroni & Cheese with Lobster.  Obvious choice for me.  Can't go wrong, right?  John had the pear salad for his starter and the cod for his entree.

OK, everything was just ok.  I enjoyed the oysters and I should have eaten them all night.  Everything else I ate was just ok.  The server was very nice, she might have noticed the obvious signs of disappointment, however, I didn't try to be obvious.  A small plate of Dates stuffed with Gorgonzola & saba came to the table, compliments of our server.  Very generous, however, just ok.

I switched my bubbly to Schroedel Cremant d'alsace Champagne...YUMMY.  Dessert was a salted caramel ice cream sandwich.  Again, just OK.

Eastside Eats: Din Tai Fung

 Love me some Juicy Dumplings!!  OK, not a lot of pics of the savory dumplings, why?  I was too busy eating.  I have to admit, I've been to Hong Kong, I use to live in San Francisco, I've tried nearly every dumpling in the Northwest...Din Tai Fung is awesome!!!

The first visit to Din Tai Fung, the line was so long, we almost left.  Secret, they serve food at the bar and there's usually room for 2.


The very FAST and skillful dumpling elves.



The space is cool, but seating is super tight.  Unless you reserve the private room, everyone is practically sitting on top of each other.  It doesn't bother me, but if you're not use to eating at communal tables, it might be a problem.

Anyways, who cares.  You're there for the food, right.  The quality is definitely at a higher standard than the usual Dim Sum Houses...trust me, I've checked it out.  Besides, you can see the dumpling makers as you come in.





Here's the space between tables.



Sweet Taro Buns...very happy ending!





Favorite Winter Drink: Spicy Cranberry-Apple Cocktail

Nothing complicated, just equal parts of cranberry juice cocktail, apple cider, and Captain Morgans.  YUM!

The New Years Lobster...YUMMY!

 

What better meal than MAINE Lobster to end the year?  I have to admit, I couldn't wait for 2009 to go away, but 2010 was a very good year.  Goodbye 2010, thanks for the memories.  NOW WE FEAST!

Happy New Year!