3 July 2018
LaConner, WA, RV Resort
We went back to Seattle to explore and take a “Chefs” Tour of the Pikes Market in downtown. We met Chef John and with seven other folks we started our two hour walking tour of Pikes Market. Talk about small world, one couple on the tour use to live in Augusta, GA and have since retired to Idaho.
So back to the tour, Pikes Market vendors are local farmers who bring their wares to market. It is like their own little community with a governing board and own security force. All self governed when it came to who and what can be sold there.
Our first stop was at Ellenos Yogurt. They produce a very fresh greek yogurt that is the smoothest we have ever eaten. The stuff you buy in the store has a tang to it but this did not. Coming back before we leave to get some to take home.
We then went to a dried fruit and veggie place, the dried okra was very tasty. Uli’s was next and we had chicken and apple sausage with kraut, yum. Coming back here too. Our next stop was an oil shop, forgot the name. We sampled all kinds of white and black truffled flavored stuff. From pestos, to sauces to just plain oils. I have never been a fan of the black truffle, I guess because it is too earthy for me, but the white truffle was alot milder so yep we got some Truffle Salt and a dip for later.
Chef John gave alot of the history of the different vendors, most have been there for years and years. Alot of the local Chefs come and get their fresh ingredients here for their restaurants. A stop at a rooftop garden which provides fresh veggies for the senor center next door.
The Pike Market area encompasses nine acres and there are all kinds of shops, buildings, walkways, alley ways all around this place. It would take months to visit all of the shops. We stopped at Seattles “World Title” Pikes Place Chowder joint that has been asked not to come back to food tasting championships because they win every time. Simple ingredients with wonder ful results. The line to get in was a block long, but our Chef was able to get ours immediately. Coffee and chocolates at the local coffee hangout and then it was to a deck overlooking the bay. We could almost see Mount Rainier in the background.
So you think we would be full after all this but nope, had to go to the Athenian joint and get a sandwich. Now it is time to go back and get all the goodies we want.
Od course we went to the world famous Fish Market that throws the fish. Nope we did not buy any salmon there, as we still have some in the freezer, but we did buy some scallops. And in true fashion the seafood worker threw the bag of scallops at George ! Lots of fun…..
After the tour, we drove up to a park to get a nice view of Seattle and its skyline.
