Top Eat. Drink. Wanderlust. Must-Do's
If you caught last month's edition, you know that I’ll be sharing my Top Eat. Drink. Wanderlust Must-Do’s in Seattle and other cities around the world each month. It's a list of bites, sips, and experiences that I love and hope that you'll enjoy them too. I had a lot of fun doing "research" for this month's list (not that it takes a lot to get me out eating, drinking and exploring).
Listen careful to what I have to say next, friends. Summer is not over. I repeat summer is not over. Just because Summer Fridays are done, and you're not supposed to wear white after Labor Day does not mean you can't enjoy September and the last official days of the endless sunshine. Here are a few places and things that will keep the summertime feelings going.
This cute little shop sells cheese from Kurtwood Farms and other local creameries. The star of the shop though is the ice cream (and we all know how much I LOVE ice cream). The flavors are unique, not overly sweet, and the texture of the ice cream is like a fluffy cloud floating through blue skies. It must be the magical Vashon cows that produce the milk and cream. It may sound a little weird, but the Flora Cheese flavor (with actual chunks of cheese in it) has been one of our favorites each time we visit. I got a scoop of the Lemon Verbena on our last time in, and it did not disappoint. Oh, and they were just named one of the top three ice cream makers in the country, so that's super cool!
Just a hop, skip and jump away from the Kurt Farm shop is Marmite. Tucked inside this restaurant is the Spirit in the Bottle bar. Their Happy Hour is a perfect excuse to grab a drink after work. Go for the $7 daiquiris and happy hour snacks. Even better yet stay for dinner. Bruce and Sara (formerly of Le Gourmand and Sambar) take such care with everything they do. Long-simmering broths and stocks, hyper-local and seasonal ingredients and so much love of and care go into every dish. Always order the soup and don't skip the blintzes. Marmite is hands down one of my favorite restaurants in town right now.
Seattle, we've got ourselves a legit Jewish delicatessen! Hallelujah! This takeout window (while construction is being completed on the restaurant) is serving up a (limited) menu of deliciousness. Corned beef, pastrami or combination of the two in sandwich form on marble rye or rye bread. Sandwiches come with a side of tangy coleslaw, pickled tomatoes, and half sour and full sour pickles. You've got the option to add a smear of chicken liver on your sandwich, and why wouldn't you? It's super tasty! I'm going to go out on a limb and say it was one of the best sandwiches I've had in Seattle. I'm looking forward to their expanding menu and trying new items as they're added.
Fast food lovers rejoice, September is Fast Food Month at Lil Woody's. This local burger joint recreates crowd favorites from fast-food chains like Jack in the Box and McDonald's. I'm a huge fan of supporting local businesses that source local, sustainable ingredients so if I'm going to indulge in "fast-food" it needs to be worth it. Lil Woody's is worth the indulgence. This month is your opportunity to relive your college days by having a Lil Big Mac made with hand-formed NW Grass-Fed Beef. Maybe the Sourdough Woody is more your jam. There's a little bit of something for everybody. For my vegetarian friends out there, you can substitute an Impossible Burger patty or their house made black bean patty in any of the burgers. Pro-tip, if you head to the South Lake location on Thursdays for Happy Hour from 3 pm- 8 pm food is 50% off. Oh and there's a (not so) secret off-menu item you should probably order since you can only get it at the SLU location. Two words, Burger Dumplings (make sure to order a side of queso with them), you're welcome in advance for that.
The Fog Room at the Charter Hotel
Who else loves a good rooftop bar? If views of the city skyline, delicious cocktails, and a well-curated wine list aren't your thing, then skip ahead. However, if you want to drink 2009 Cristal by the glass (at a pretty damn affordable price I might add) while gazing at the sunset over Elliot Bay then is the spot is for you. Located on the 16th floor of the new Charter Hotel this well thought out space will have you coming back year round. The drink list has something for everyone and won't leave you feeling like you just spent a month's rent on an evening out. I think we can all cheers to that!
Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets
Remember when I said summer wasn't dead? Visit one of the Seattle neighborhood farmers markets and you'll see that the PNW isn't done with summer just yet. Pick up a fresh bouquet of flowers, enjoy the bounty of tomato season and grab all of the perfectly ripe stone fruits. Did I mention fresh farm eggs and dairy products? Trust me. Once you've had eggs direct from the farmer, there's no going back to grocery store bought ones. What I love most though about farmers markets is finding amazing small local businesses. Temple Pastries happened to at the Columbia City Farmers Market and I discovered my love for the Old Fashioned Cruffin made with rye croissant dough. I can't wait to try some of their other tasty (not to mention gorgeous) pastries. I feel pretty fortunate to live in a place that has such a bounty of things to offer.
What are some of your favorite things to do as the summer winds down? Have you been to any of the spots on the list? Share your thoughts here on the blog on or connect with me on Instagram (@eat.drink.wanderlust) and using #EatDrinkWanderlust. Cheers to enjoying the last of summer!