Visit Seattle: Our Pike Place Market Adventure

On my first trip to Seattle (city 36), I was very excited to visit Pike Place Market, Seattle's epicenter of fresh produce, specialty foods, and independent businesses.   The nine-acre historic district is home to more than 200 unique owner-operated shops and over 80 restaurants; a bit overwhelming to say the least for this newbie.  After a lot of Yelp research, I decided to mimic a popular Pike's food tour and make my own.  Here's where we visited:

 1.      Daily Dozen Doughnut Company:  My friends and I shared the half a dozen variety donuts to get a sampling of what they offered.  The donuts were wonderful, soft and warm.  Very yummy.  I wouldn't say it's a must visit, but if you are in the mood for donuts, you won't be disappointed.  Cash only.

2.      Pike Place Fish Company:  The home of flying fish.  We didn't really know what was going on so we just stood around and waited for the flying fish action.  They sell ready to eat crab in cups!  What I really wanted to experience was eating uni fresh out of the shell.  Pike Place Fish Co. didn't have any but suggested another vendor.  We checked them out and they had uni, but it was prepackaged and didn't taste as delicious as we had hoped.

3.      Chukar Cherries:  If you don't make it here, don't fret.  Their pre-packed chocolate covered cherries are sold just about everywhere.  Stop here for gifts to take home and samples!

4.      Beecher's Handmade Cheese:  Home to the world's best mac and cheese!  Absolutely delicious and while you are here, you can watch their cheese-making process as well as pick up a panini and cheese to go.

 

5.      Piroshky, Piroshky:  Get your sweet and savory Russian hand held pies here.  I had the beef and cheese piroshky and also an apple cinnamon roll.  Lines are long, but they move quickly.

 

6.      Original Starbucks:  After we stood in a very looooong line and ordered lattes, we weren't sure what was so great about our visit.  We enjoyed our visit to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room much, much more.  But if you do feel the need to go, make sure you pick up a one of a kind gift card.  They keep it behind the register so you'll have to ask for it.

7.      Pike Place Chowder:  Located in Post Alley, this popular chowder house opens at 11am and the line starts before then.  All of their chowders are winner, but bring friends because getting the chowder sampler of 4 five ounce cups of your choice is definitely the way to go.

 

8.      The Crumpet Shop:  I've never had a crumpet before so my interest was piqued.  A crumpet as it turns out is similar to an English Muffin, but tastes so much better.  It's crispy and buttery, closer to the category of pancakes rather than breads.  The Crumpet Shop offers both sweet and savory crumpets.  There are counters and tables to sit and enjoy your crumpet too. I decided on the organic lemon curd and ricotta cheese.  I loved the lemon curd, but in my opinion, the ricotta cheese overpowered the crumpet.

 

That's just a sampling of some of the great places.  We missed out on the mini cheesecakes at The Confectional because we were just too full.  I loved taking in the sights of the fresh flowers and produce.  Be sure to stop for a picture with Rachel the Pig.  We skipped the Gum Wall due to my sensitivity and hostility towards chewed gum of strangers, but if that's what you're into, knock yourself out. 

 

The Market is open 363 days a year, closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.  Pike Place Market is definitely a must visit when you are in Seattle.