Sorry for the tardiness, I’ve been totally packed since my
return.
After a long car and ferry ride, we came back to Seattle.
Having been refreshed from the relaxing and beautiful weather of Victoria, we
strode briskly down 4th ave to the Space Needle. On our way, my eye
caught a combination of words that stopped me in my tracks, then beckoned me
forth, “bacon brittle.”
Yellow Leaf Cupcakes is a small bake shop with walls covered
in silhouetted pictures of cities from across the globe. Upon entering, I
immediately enquired about that bacon flavored fare. The bacon brittle came in
a variety of flavors, including spicy, chocolate, and accompanied by nuts.
However, the pancakes and bacon cupcake with maple frosting and candied bacon
topping is what finally sold me. We paired this delectable bite with drinking caramel, which
turned out to be a match made in breakfast heaven. The cupcake was soft and
moist, light and airy, like a thick pancake fresh from the griddle. Little bits
of bacon were distributed throughout the flapjack colored cake. The maple frosting
was equally light, not cloyingly sweet, and very soft. There was no crumbling or
crustiness in the frosting. The candied bacon on top added additional smokiness
and sweetness (doubly so because I asked for extra). The light cupcake
contrasted well with the heavy drinking caramel. High-fat milk was inundated
with rich caramel and a hint of salt and frothed to latte perfection. Not as
thick as drinking chocolate, 6oz was still almost too much. Every sip cascaded
over my palate, causing me to halt the assault on the confection and savor the
steaming mug.
After a lap around the space needle and accompanying
museums, we walked back on 1st ave, through Pike’s Place market
again, this time sampling balsamic vinegar and olive oil, beef jerky, and
pepper jam. At the suggestion of a local, we found Von’s, a “gustobistro” that
boasts 1000 different drinks. Go in and you will believe it. The wall of liquor
looks like a stain glass window in the afternoon sun. A huge wheel sits in the
bar area. Spun every 30 min, it dictates what drink will be discounted for that
time. Washington state residents get 25% off their bill, which our waiter was
kind enough to offer us as it was our first time in the city, and at Von’s.
Still in the mood to sample, we ordered the sourdough pizza (pictured), topped
with ewe blue cheese, dried cranberries, sliced green apple, and smoked
lardons. Wow. The crust was thin, charred in some places, making it a fork and
knife job. It was two rich and heavy vs three tart and light, duking it out in
your mouth. The cranberries and apple added sweetness and sourdough gave just a
hint of twang to the overall flavor combination. Funky yet subtle blue cheese and
salty, rich chunks of apple smoke slab bacon brought body and heartiness to the
pizza. I was tempted to try the Monster burger, which is two classic burgers
with a grilled cheese in the middle. Finish it in 5 minutes and its free.
Finish it at all and you get your name on the wall of fame. Maybe next time.
We ended our day walking around the international district.
A huge Asian grocery store, Uwajimaya, was my highlight. They have all kinds of
snacks, ingredients, an impressive sake selection, premade foods, and a home
goods store.
We took a bus back to Bothell, where we were staying, and
decided to go eat in suburbia. Pho Express (previously Good Pho You) is an
unassuming Vietnamese noodle shop. Bright orange walls, fans instead of AC, TV
on the wall, family in the back with aprons and hair nets, everything you want
in a pho house. Once again, I decided to indulge my gluttonous side and go for
the 6lb pho challenge. I had an hour to put down the mixing bowl size helping
of vermicelli noodles, onions, broth, and meat (I went with chicken, it was
leaner and would go down better.) The first 15 minutes of chewing, slurping,
and blowing to cool the soup went by without seeming to make a dent in the trough.
While delicious, any tongue would get tired of the same flavor over the course
of 6 lbs. I broke into a sweat as hot soup, warm day, and sriracha (to break up
the flavor) threatened to overtake me, but prevailed, gulping down the last
dregs of broth and noodle. Pictures ensued, as the new owner had never seen the
feat accomplished before. Pride, $20, and a massive free meal in my stomach, we
retreated home where a long walk and even longer run awaited me.
Morning came early (3:30) as we got a ride to the airport
for our flight. Thank you Seattle and our gracious hosts for a wonderful time.
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