travel} Savor
She poured the Treveri Cellars Sparkling Rose, as our Slow Roasted Wild Boar Bolognese on Grilled Polenta was set before us. The rose was crisp and delicious and a perfect way to start the tour. The Bolognese was so flavorful, and the polenta just melted in your mouth. I must admit that I would have been happy with an entire plate of this, and it turned out to be my favorite bite of the day.
Patrick led us out of the restaurant with a signature pink umbrella and around the block to our next stop at Serious Pie. At first, my husband may have been disappointed thinking he might be getting a slice of peach pie (his favorite) until two wood fire pizzas were set in front of the group. As we passed around the mushroom with truffle oil and margherite pizzas, Patrick shared that this is not your usual pizza shop. The dough takes three days to make and uses a special mixture of flour that is specially made in eastern Washington. The cheeses used for the pies are imported from Italy. Needless to say, you can taste the difference. We will be back! Again we followed the pink umbrella to our next stop the Steelhead Diner. This upscale diner is all about relaxation and comfort foods with a bit of a twist along with amazing views out the large windows. Here we were served razor clam chowder with truffle oil and a tasty Viognier wine pairing. As a clam chowder lover, I must admit this was one of the best I have tried. From there, it was a short hop to our next stop, Noi Thai Cuisine, where we were served crispy garlic chicken with an amazing mango drop cocktail made with vodka, triple sec
and mango puree. We loved the atmosphere here. The tables and seating arrangements were unique and comfortable once you shimmied into your seat.
At this point, our taste buds were on the sensory overload scale, but that didn’t stop us in the least. Patrick next led us to Von’s Gustobistro where we dined on Northwest Wild Salmon with San Juan Island Mushrooms and Asiago Cream Pasta paired with a refreshing local craft beer. The pasta is made from a sourdough starter, and everything in the kitchen is scratch made. Von’s is also famous for its wall of spirits where you can enjoy just about any cocktail you can imagine. We loved the pasta and added Von’s to the list of must visit again.
Our last stop of the day was Fran’s Chocolates, and I can’t think of a better ending. This family owned confectioner handcrafts every truffle, caramel, and chocolate bar using only the finest ingredients. We tried three of her specialties including a wonderful caramel, and let’s just say we left with a box of our own.
Again we followed the pink umbrella to our next stop the Steelhead Diner. This upscale diner is all about relaxation and comfort foods with a bit of a twist along with amazing views out the large windows. Here we were served razor clam chowder with truffle oil and a tasty Viognier wine pairing. As a clam chowder lover, I must admit this was one of the best I have tried.
We had a really terrific afternoon, and we’d recommend trying a tour on your next visit to this vibrant city.
In addition to the Gourmet Seattle Tour that we participated in, there are tours to Pike Street Market including a VIP Early Access Tour, Chocolate Indulgence, Booze ‘N Bites, a three-day kayak expedition to San Juan Island, and a nine-day tour to Italy. Visit www.savorseattletours.com for more information.
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Pictures clockwise: Crispy garlic chicken from Noi Thai Cuisine, Tour guide Patrick with pink umbrella - photos by Kristen Hamilton. Frans Chocolates salted caramels - Photo courtesy Savor Seattle Food Tours.
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