Sip and nibble your way through Seattle with our guide to the city’s best. You may have to roll yourself back to your hotel room at the end of the day, but trust us, it’s worth it.
First things first, head to Pike Place Market. Jump for joy when you finally see that big ‘ol beauty in the distance. Foodie fun is at your fingertips, after all!
Take awe in all of the fresh produce, seafood and flowers the market has to offer and never turn down a free sample.
Head outside to check out more artisan offerings and pick up some gifts (for yourself, of course), like Sweet Caroline’s Jams in Raspberry Black Pepper Chardonnay.
By this time, the smell of Piroshky Piroshky Bakery will be all up in your nose and you’ll beg your significant other to wait in a fifteen minute line with you for a taste of buttery goodness. The Smoked Salmon Pate is out of this world!
Head up the block a few steps, and what do you know, it’s time for your lunch reservation at The Pink Door.
Sit on the beautiful rooftop patio, take in the view, and order the bruschetta with fresh peas, lemon ricotta and prosciutto. So. Freaking. Good.
Now that you’ve taken in some of the stunning views of Seattle, you’ll crave more. Locals will direct you to Kerry Park. And it’s for good reason.
You’ve already taken the car out, so why not head to Woodinville to explore Washington’s wine country. Three blocks into the journey, you’ll stumble upon Top Pot Doughnuts. Should you stop? Yes. Order a maple old fashioned with some cold brewed coffee.
Alright, now you’ve made it to Woodinville! Columbia Winery (one of our clients), Washington’s first premium winery, is first on your list. Sit by the fire and sample their delicious food-friendly wines. The Chardonnay and Viognier are a must!
Your significant other will at last realize that he does like wine so you can coerce him across the street to Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. Take in the gorgeous landscape and treat yourself to a $10 tasting.
At this point, the hunger will be kicking back in again. It’s time to head back to Seattle and cap off the day at Serious Pie. Since you really want to go out with a bang, order an entire pizza for yourself. The buffalo mozzarella, tomato sauce and fresh basil pizza is incredible, and if they offer a special with duck bacon, you must order it.
Congratulations, you just conquered Seattle in a day! Drop the mic.
Top 5 Healthy Packaged Foods for Work
I’m all for eating whole, just plucked from the ground foods, but realistically, sometimes you have to rely on your packaged friends. When it comes to fueling the workday grind, it’s best to come prepared with a nutritious emergency stock. Maybe you didn’t have time to make it to the grocery store or farmer’s market this week, or maybe you simply left your lunch in the home fridge (been there, done that…too many times).
Thankfully, there are plenty of packaged foods that pack flavor, nutrients and all-around good vibes. Here are my top 5 workday staples!
#1: FAGE Total 0% (6 oz.)
Ingredients: Grade A pasteurized skimmed milk, live active yogurt cultures (L. Bulgaricus, S. Thermophilus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus, L. Casei).
Comments: So rich, so creamy and a terrific blank canvas for a variety of toppings. Trust me, I’m not afraid of fat (see my post about Bulleproof Coffee), I’ve just really come to love the mildly tart taste of Total 0%. The 6 oz. size is perfect for controlling portions and it packs a whopping 18 grams of protein. Plus, the live active cultures make for one happy gut.
#2: KIND Healthy Grains® Maple Quinoa Clusters with Chia Seeds
Ingredients: Whole grain blend (oats, brown rice, oat flour, millet, amaranth, buckwheat, quinoa), dried cane syrup, canola oil, chia seeds, maple syrup, molasses, brown rice syrup, natural flavor, sea salt, Vitamin E (to maintain freshness).
Comments: This gluten-free, non-GMO and slightly sweet concoction is a slice of crunchy heaven. It boasts five super grains that are rich in nutrients including fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. If I don’t have fresh fruit on hand, I like to top my FAGE Total 0% with 2 tablespoons of these clusters.
#3: Justin’s Maple Almond Butter
Ingredients: Dry roasted almonds, maple sugar, palm fruit oil (sustainably sourced), sea salt.
Comments: This stuff is seriously a-maz-ing. I like to pair a tablespoon of it with a banana or apple, but more often than not, I enjoy a spoonful solo for a mid-day energy boost. You know it’s good when the founder himself, the Justin, claims that it’s the most perfect tasting nut butter on the planet.
#4: Roasted & Salted Wonderful Pistachios
Ingredients: Pistachios, sea salt.
Comments: The chip-filled break room doesn’t stand a chance–when salty cravings call, I always reach for these little green beauties. We’re fortunate to have Wonderful Pistachios as a client and my office is constantly stocked with all kinds of pistachio goodies. I love that in-shell pistachios take longer to eat, which encourages me to slowww down and be more conscious of what I’ve eaten.
#5: Yogi Sweet Tangerine Positive Energy™
Ingredients: Assam black tea, green maté tea leaf, lemongrass, green tea leaf extract, lemon myrtle, natural and organic flavors, stevia leaf, essential oils, citric acid, ashwagandha, basil leaf, shankpushpi leaf, ginseng and eleuthero root extract, eleuthero root, natural orange flavor, natural tangerine flavor, natural lotus flower flavor, organic orange peel oil.
Comments: Okay, this tea isn’t technically a “food,” but it’s most definitely one of my afternoon staples. The harmonizing and citrusy aroma helps energize and elevate my mood without fail. It also helps that each tea bag comes with a cute little inspiring message, i.e. “Be proud of who you are.” Thanks, Yogi!
Wordless Wednesday: Chocolate Fish Coffee
A “Flat White” from Chocolate Fish Coffee is always a good idea.
Chocolate Fish Coffee
3rd St and Q St
Sacramento, CA 95814