Blueacre Seafood

We wanted to check out who moved into the old Oceanaire and there it was, Blueacre Seafood on 7th and Olive. Still looks a lot like the old Oceanaire, but a little less formal. I like the feel of Blueacre Seafood, but I wish it was a little more casual. Hard to explain, especially in Seattle, where Casual is everywhere. Anyway, the atmosphere was not heavy like the old Oceanaire, but light and friendly. We had a great server. The chef took a stroll through the dining room and feels the same way about the clams as I do.

Manila Clams in Purgatory and New England Clam Chowder

We started with the Manila Clams in Purgatory, then John got the Blueacre House Salad and I chose the Clam Chowder. The clam chowder was fine, but let's focus on the Manila Clams in Purgatory. I could eat these clams every day and night. The clams are sauteed with toasted garlic, chorizo, Serrano chili and topped with a little orange zest and crispy basil. Is your mouth watering?

Texas Farm Raised Redfish on the 1/2 shell

What does that mean? I still don't understand the 1/2 shell part. This was a very meaty white fish with a lot of ocean flavor. Does that make sense? The fish was sauteed in olive oil with garlic, lemon and fresh herbs. Very simply prepared and delicious.

Trout with toasted garlic, potatoes, and Spanish Chorizo.

This has got to be the best trout I've had in a long while.

Crispy, a little spicy, and moist fish...YUM.

Fried Green Tomatoes with hot sweet mustard

I love the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes" and every time I see the movie, I want Fried Green Tomatoes. Seriously! I am not from the south, and everyone I know from the south has never made Fried Green Tomatoes for me. OK, the expectations were high for these golden, fried little babies. Well, they're good, not bad, now I know.

Chocolate Pudding...not that simple.

Dark & Milk Chocolate with chocolate nib streusel. So rich and creamy.

Happy Ending to a big Fish Tail.

Don Pedros, Sayulita, Mexico

So, the other night I had a craving for pizza. Actually, when I started writing this blogpost, in bed, I had a cold piece of margherita pizza in my hand.

Well, the craving for pizza doesn't happen often, because, well, it's pizza. There are so many other food choices in the world and for some reason, PIZZA...really?The 3 P's...pizza, pancetta, and prawns with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and a bit of fresh basil...mmmmmmmmmmm!
I haven't found this pizza anywhere but at Don Pedros in Sayulita, Mexico.
Not that prawns and pancetta are so unusual, but seafood on pizza, not so popular I guess. I'll usually order the clam pizza when I see it, but it's just what it is...right?

OK, here's the real reason the Prawn & Pancetta Pizza kicks ass at Don Pedros on the beach in Sayulita...where else can you have pizza and your date can call these guys over and have them sing "Besa Me Mucho" to you.

Where?

Prom 2010

Picking up his date Jenny.
Tyler & Jenny meeting up with Ben & Melissa for pictures at Newcastle Golf Course.

The gang's all here.

Grady & Amy with Jenny & Tyler.

And the rest is history...

The King Cafe

It's been nearly 10 years since I have been back to the King Fish Cafe. Why? Well, when King Fish Cafe opened, EVERYONE and their mother went to King Fish Cafe, they were, and still are, extremely popular, and the wait was incredibly long. However, once you have a taste of the rich flavors and southern hospitality, you'll know what I mean.

My last visit to The King Fish Cafe was not for dinner, but rather, for Brunch. I could eat breakfast food all day, so I was really excited to check out what The King Fish had to offer.

French Eggtorte with roasted tomato coulis

Eggs, Pepper , Onion and Andouille Sausage baked with herbs and garlic, served with either home fries or a green salad.
Tequila Club Members: Gillian, me and Debbie

This was one of our Tequila Club meetings without tequila. Well, it was only 10:00 am and no tequila on the menu at the King Fish Cafe. Great idea Debbie!
A change of pace from our usual Tequila drinking meetings.
Don't you wish you were a member?

Chicken & Waffles
One Buttermilk Waffle served with 2 Fried Chicken Wings and either gravy or syrup

Debbie's son, Truce, had some of his mom's Chicken & Waffles. I was on another crazy diet, when we went to The King Fish Cafe, so I passed on the Chicken & Waffles, however, I thought of stealing a bite when Truce wasn't looking.

Of course, grits are on the menu. I think Debbie got the "Good Glory! Grits", isn't that a funny name? The grits are served with gravy, a HUGE biscuit and scrambled eggs.

My mind always goes blank when people ask me for Breakfast/ Brunch suggestions. I have to say, The King Fish Cafe deserves a mention next time I'm asked. However, the next time I return to The King Fish Cafe, I will be back for dinner.

I see Gumbo, Catfish and a Louisville Lemonade in my future!!!

Food Wars: Pizza Mart vs. Jumbo Slice

Do you ever watch Food Wars? My husband and I love that show. Did you see the episode with Jumbo Slice vs. Pizza Mart?

On a recent trip to Washington, D.C. John stopped in to Pizza Mart. Thumbs up. One slice was enough AND no reason to visit Jumbo Slice. Unfair to say Pizza Mart is the winner, yes, but if you know my husband, he is super picky when it comes to pizza...nuf said!

I love you, I hate you, I can't live without you...COFFEE!!!

I don't know when I started drinking coffee. I must have been in high school, because I remember going to B&O Espresso in Seattle with friends after going to the Harvard Exit to catch foreign films. By the time I was in college, I know I drank coffee all the time.

I remember that by the time I had moved to San Francisco, I bragged that Seattle had better coffee houses than any of the places in SF.

I'd say, "We have Starbucks, they're only in Seattle". Funny, right?

Well, I am not the type who has to have a cup of coffee in my hand first thing in the morning or I won't be able to function. I don't drink it on the way to work, and I don't have a cup on my desk all day long. I just think that's so weird.

Well, as much as I make the claim that I can take or leave coffee, it's always around. I only drink coffee if it's good. I prefer coffee from a French Press, but I also love a good cappuccino.

Cappuccino and a ham & cheese croissant on the beach in Mexico.

French Roast from the French Press at home with breakfast of fresh fruit, bagel, and lox.

My friend had a cappuccino and I had water. Why not coffee? We had just had tons of coffee with breakfast. We went to a cafe for post breakfast "Girl Talk"...more coffee please.

That's right, a decaf Frapuccino Light. I was trying to perk up after my morning workout and definitely needed to jump start my day at work.

I love you, I hate you, I can't live without you...COFFEE...yum!

Happy Birthday Andy Jimmy!

Happy Birthday Andrew!!!

When we met, I hated him. Now he is not only my former business partner, personal advisor, eating buddy, but a great friend. Years ago we were partners in an event planning company and partners again in an organic baking company, Latch Key Kids.

Andrew celebrated his birthday with cupcakes and champagne.

Like the cotton candy...Cute idea, right?

OK, if you know Andrew, you know he can't do anything simple or small. How many different kinds of cupcakes would he have at his birthday...5. How many cupcakes? 150.

Old Fashion Chocolate with chocolate frosting.
Orange Cakes with rhubarb curd & buttercream frosting.
Ginger Cake with ginger cream frosting.
Almond Cake with almond cream, mascarpone, and white chocolate frosting.
The Gluten-free option: Angel food cake.
YUMMY!!!!

Andrew is also a dad. Here he is with Nadia.
So Sweet!!!

Happy Birthday my friend.

xoxo, G