Coffee, Pigs and Ferries

What do two friends that haven't seen each other in a year and a half do for two days in Seattle? We seek out coffee, pigs and ferry boats.

Not much explaining to do about the coffee, the city is filled with it. There are a few at each intersection, 3 Starbuck's in one mall but none near the hotel. Now I am generally more for the small, non chain shops but we are in Seattle so we had some from each of the big 3, Starbuck's (pic. above is the original location), Tully's and Seattle's Best. I don't know if I could tell you which was better, though most of the time I was pleased with the beverage. We were on a rigid of schedule of at least two a day, thank goodness she loves coffee as much as I do. That must come from the many trips to France.

The pigs are a little harder to explain. At Pike's Market there is a pig that represents the piggy bank that used in the early 70's to raise money to save the market for being destroyed. So this year is the 100th anniversary of the market and to celebrate, businesses sponsored the decoration of the pigs and then they were placed all over the area near the market. So we sought them out and took pictures. What better way to Seattle then through a camera looking at a ceramic pig.

Ahhh, ferry boats. I love that Seattle is so dependent on them. For a town surrounded water, what better way to get around then on a boat that sells you alcohol. We took the ferry out to Bainbridge Island, wandered around and had lunch. Did I mention that the weather was fantastic the days we were there? Sunny and 75 for the most part.

Lastly food!!! We had great food. On our first night, a friend met us and we went to a locals restaurant called Ray's Cafe. I had an amazing linguine and clams, it wasn't like how I make it but it was fantastic. CR got to try Copper Creek salmon (from AK) which is at it's peak right now, she said it was very good. Our favorite meal, however, was at Cafe Campagne, yes it is French. It is at the Inn at the Market, a great little hotel with a beautiful view from the 7th floor. We had decided that we had to have French food together, so I did a little research, on line, and found this highly recommended. It was cozy but not over the top, though a French couple was seated next to us, allowing us to dream that we were in Paris. The food though...we split a chevre chaud salad (warm goat cheese on toasted French bread on a mixed greens salad), then I had steak frites (steak and fries) and CR got here mouth watering duck confit. Finally, for dessert, lavender ginger creme brulee. Need I say more??? Oh and we split a great bottle of malbec from the Cahors region (a place we visit together in France.) Well, after that amazing couple of hours we eschewed public transportation and made the much need walk to the hotel.
We had a great time together, though we usually do.

That's the Seattle wrap. Thanks for reading.