Salivating in Seattle

Seattle, Washington

I came to Washington to learn about organic farming but one of the most important things I have learned is that Mother Nature rules and you just have to go with it. Unfortunately this meant wildfires around Wenatchee and the air was thick with a delicious smell of burning wood.

Sadly there was no barbecue and our eyes were starting to water from the air quality. So there was a quick change in plans and unfortunately we had to go to Seattle. Seriously is this bad news?

It wasn’t.

Instead of touring more farms our itinerary included going to restaurants in Seattle that focused on using local, organic ingredients. I have never been to Seattle but it was already on my list after having such a good time in Portland.

I expected rain and clouds but instead we had sun, warm weather and lots of food. In fact some of the best food of the year.

 

Our first meal was at Tilth, the first certified organic restaurant in America. I would put it on par with Ned Ludd in Portland – some of the best food I have eaten all year. We had a five course meal and while I don’t like to curse on this site I have to say it was fucking incredible.

I started with a Chilled King’s Garden heirloom tomato soup and the table laughed at me because I described it as being punched in the mouth with a tomato, it was that good. I can never go back to ordinary tomato soup. The second course was a Carnroli risotto with carrot, dandelion green and pine nuts and our third course was a white corn and truffle plin, Chef Jason Brzozowy brought out a giant lobster mushroom in advance to tell us about the plin.

And finally the dessert came. and while I have always said I’m not a dessert person the Theo Chocolate Ganache Cake made me second guess such a bold statement.

 

And it didn’t hurt that the kitchen crew was so cute eh?

But great food in Seattle didn’t end there. The next day I had lunch at Chaco Canyon Cafe, which is also certified organic and has a lot of raw and vegan options. But I was most excited about the green smoothie options.

 

Our last meal in Seattle wasn’t certified organic but nonetheless memorable. Tavolata reminds me a lot of food in Toronto, great seasonal food with long tables for sharing. It’s a busy place and I can see why. If I come back to Seattle with friends we are definitely spending a long night of red wine and food here.

The West Coast has me hooked on food, first Portland, now Seattle. I’m almost afraid to go to San Francisco as you may not be able to pry me from the West Coast.

 

 

Disclosure: I was a guest of the Organic Trade Commission; Pear Bureau Northwest/USA Pears; Washington State Apple Commission; and Washington State Fruit Commission/ NW Cherry Growers. They did not ask me to write a favourable review or realize I have awakened my sweet tooth after that ganache.