Beecher's Handmade Cheese

In our first days in Seattle, kiddo and I killed a lot of time by walking down to the market. One of the places we've enjoyed visiting a few times was Beecher's. On our first visit, I picked up some of their Flagship cheese and enjoyed a cup of French Onion soup while kiddo munched on a Grilled Cheese. Kiddo really enjoyed it, not because of his lunch, but because he could eat it while sitting up against the glass, watching them make the cheese on site. In fact, while out wandering the next day, he insisted we go back again for lunch. This time I had a Crab Grilled cheese, which was really tasty. Since then, we have picked up their "to go" Macaroni & Cheese for dinner one night. It too, was a hit. Since the waist line has been expanding since I got here, we have avoided our daily trips to the market, but I recommend a visit to Beecher's if you are in Seattle. And if you are in the area, let me know so I can join you for lunch!

Cafe Nola

While the movers were busy packing up our belongings in Austin, I caught part of a "Giada's Weekend Getaways" episode. It featured Food Network's Giada De Laurentiis exploring Seattle, so of course I paid attention. She explored Pike Place Market, ate at Lowell's (not impressed with the service we received there), and took the ferry to Bainbridge Island and had brunch at Cafe Nola.

Since, we were 12 days later than planned closing on the house, we had another weekend to kill in the city, so decided to take the ferry to Bainbridge on Sunday for something to do and decided we would check out Cafe Nola for ourselves.

Our first mistake was an error in programming our navigation system in the car when we got off the ferry. We headed off on our search for a late brunch, and once well off Bainbridge realized we were no where near our destination. With a quick reprogramming of the Cafe Nola address, we were turned around on our way back to the street next to the ferry terminal! Oh well, we had a lovely drive (despite a small snow/freezing rain storm) and found Cafe Nola with no problems.

It was much smaller and much less scenic than I was expecting. None the less, it was quaint and tastefully decorated and most importantly, we still had 1/2 hour left to order brunch. Despite the horrid service (not rude, just slow and inattentive), the food was really good. Hubby had fish and chips and kiddo and I shared the french toast. It came recommended by Giada and it was wonderful.

It was made from challah bread, covered in caramel and pecans and served with maple syrup and fresh fruit. Decadent!

Although there are many other items on the menu I would love to try including the Roasted Beet Salad and Crab Melt, I won't be rushing back there anytime soon. I think it would be worth giving them another shot at the service, but wouldn't bring kiddo with me.

P.S. As I was checking out Cafe Nola's website to link in my blog, I found this link to the recipe for their french toast. Guess I won't have to rush back to get my fix. Now I just need my new kitchen to cook it in. ;)

It's been awhile

Yes, it has been a while. A long while. I'm now in a new state, waiting to get in the new house, and looking for a new job. Hubby took a job with Amazon.com and we moved to Seattle 3-1/2 weeks ago. I have been living in a corporate apartment on the 19th floor of a high rise downtown since then. Let me tell you, as great as it is to be in walking distance of some great restaurants, great shopping, including the infamous Pike Place Market, urban living isn't all it is cracked up to be. Having to share such space with a stir crazy five year old and taking to large dogs down 24 levels to get to the waterfront to go do their business has definitely become old!

However, there is an end in site (we closed on the new house this morning) and we are trying to make the most of our time here.

We have visited the Seattle aquarium, the Space Needle, made a trip to Target, Crate & Barrel, and Pottery Barn(not as convenient as it was in Texas, which is probably good for the pocket book), enjoyed a homemade Easter dinner (and my 35th birthday, blah!), and most recently took the ferry to Bainbridge Island for a tour and brunch (see my next post for the details).

So, before I get entrenched in unpacking and setting up the new place and interviewing for new jobs, I will try to get a few foodie blogs in about my culinary finds so far!

And I'll try to be more consistent about updating my blog too! ;)