Lynden WA

Seafood in cow country: JoFish Seafood & Grill. Beautiful small town near the Canadian border originally populated by people of Dutch ancestry. The downtown area is full of Dutch architecture,...

Deming WA

Go to place near Mt Baker: The North Fork Brewery. Neapolitan style pizza with a few other choices such as salads and lasagna. And then there is the beer. Nice...

Snohomish WA

On the bike again: Snohomish Bakery. Weather was awful so we stopped to dry out and refuel. Nice spot with reasonable espresso and a good selection of pastries. Visit website...

Port Townsend WA

Waiting for the ferry: Port Townsend Vineyards Wine Plaza. Nice spot with drop dead views of the Sound…and the wines aren’t bad either. Fruit is locally sourced so expect cold weather...

Port Angeles WA

Carb loading: Bella Italia. Classic Italian restaurant located downtown near the waterfront. Had a ride up Hurricane Ridge the next morning and this seemed like a good option. Started with...

Port Townsend WA

Pizza on the Peninsula: Hillbottom Pie. On my way to ride to the top of Hurricane Ridge and I needed some carbo loading. Nice little spot in the historic district...

Bellingham WA

Brewpub in B’ham: Aslan Brewing Co. For my Alabama followers, no this isn’t in Birmingham…Bellingham instead…which my PNW followers will immediately recognize. I’ve been here several times and their specialty...

Seattle

Popular Brewery: Populuxe Brewing. The Tide faithful gathered here to kick off the football season and there’s nothing like beer and biscuits to get you in the mood…..especially if the...

Denver

Unbelievable food: ChoLon. This is a place you must try next time you are in Denver. I’m occasionally asked what my favorite cuisine is and I usually struggle to answer...

Denver

Beer anyone: Denver Microbrew Tour. Visited 4 different places on our tour with Matt….he was and excellent guide. We sampled 2 to 3 beers at each stop and my favorite was...

Denver

Excellent dinner for 20: Rioja. Described as Mediterranean it leans Spanish and there is a broad selection offered which should please everyone in your crowd. While this was a large...

Denver

Open for 23 years: Potager. Picked this place based on the menu, which seemed interesting, and the fact that it had been in business in a residential area of Denver...

Fort Bragg CA

Went to see the glass beach: North Coast Brewing Co. The beer is great and the food…..bar food….with huge portions. No way to eat the whole jumbo shrimp platter. All the...

Ukiah CA

Nice spot for breakfast and some Joe: Black Oak Coffee Roasters. They roast their own beans onsite and have a nice choice of breakfast items including bagels and burritos. Extensive...

Hopland CA

Interesting place: The Golden Pig. Just south of Ukiah and yes, the name is correctly spelled and…..yes, the town’s claim to fame was hops. But, no longer…production was halted in...

Santa Rosa CA

Passing through: Bird and The Bottle. We were on the way to a wedding and needed something before our road trip north. Nice space with a deck overlooking a busy...

Seattle

You gotta go for the views: Mountaineering Club. There has been a real stir recently about this bar on the rooftop of the Graduate Hotel in the U District and...

Snohomish WA

Another bike stop: Proper Joe. About the midpoint of our ride north and it seemed like a good place to try….there are a number in this small town just north...

Seattle

Dandan Noodles: 7 Stars Pepper. My first experience with these noodles was in China a few years back and I’d been looking to find them in the US ever since....

Bellingham WA

Classic brew pub: Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro. Visit on a Monday night if you can….it’s Irish and Folk night….live music in the park next door. Nothing like a beer...

Coeur d’Alene ID

Quick stop for a cup of Joe: Terre Coffee & Bakery. As most of you know, I’m partial to chocolate….but not the white kind. Is it even chocolate? I think...

Bow WA

Delightful little spot: Farm to Market Bakery. A bit off the beaten path but worth a short drive off I5 or as another route to Bellingham since it’s just south...

Seattle

Szechuan on Capitol Hill: Chuan on Capitol. I had heard a bit about this place and it’s only a short walk from the light rail station so it seemed like...

Port Townsend WA

Afternoon snack: Pane d’Amore. Heading back to Seattle from the Peninsula and no need to get on the ferry hungry. This place is a bit off the beaten tourist track...

Gig Harbor WA

Brunch: NetShed No. 9. We were visiting Gig Harbor…for the first time despite living here for almost 20 years! This place sounded interesting…..and the space and views can’t be beat....

Gig Harbor WA

After brunch drinks: Heritage Distilling Co. They have several tasting room locations and this is their waterfront location in the downtown area. We visited during the Maritime Gig Festival so...

Seattle

Recommended by a friend: Le’s Deli & Bakery. Looking for a great Bánh Mi and this place came highly recommended so I had to give it a try for lunch....

Las Vegas

Dinner for 50: Bardot Brasserie. As I’ve mentioned, I don’t usually review a restaurant in detail unless I have the experience alone or with only a few people. The reason...

Cedardale WA

Needed some Joe: Coffee Shack Co. Located just off exit 221 near Mount Vernon, it was a good place to stop…for gas…and some coffee on our way to Vancouver BC...

Bothell WA

On the list: Stack 571. I was in the general area to have this year’s rosé analyzed and decided to stop by to see what this place had to offer....

Seattle

Pike Place Market: Three Girls Bakery. Quick “breakfast” while visiting the Market. Not the best bakery in Seattle but it is very conveniently located if you are shopping at the...

Seattle

Impossible Burger: Meet the Moon. We had been looking…all over for the Impossible Burger….and didn’t even know they had it on the menu. Not only was it listed, they actually...

Seattle

Not a restaurant: DeLaurenti’s. This is one of those places you must visit…if you like Italian food..and even if you don’t…just to see the place. They have aisles and aisles...

Bellevue WA

Needed some Q: 3 Pigs. This is one of our go to places in Seattle for BBQ. Story is that it was started by 2 brothers from Atlanta….not a hotbed...

Duvall WA

Cycling pitstop: C.C. Espresso and Ice Creamery. Needed a quick protein and carb load so what could be better than ice cream! Nice little shop in “downtown” Duvall. They have...

Walla Walla WA

Breakfast: Bacon & Eggs. This place is very popular. On weekends expect to wait in line so arrive early…or wait. Classic breakfast fare delivered country style….huge portions! The short stack...

Yakima WA

Google search: Public House Yakima. We needed a quick lunch on our way back to Seattle and this place looked interesting…and hopefully quick. Our problem began with Google Maps. Not...

Walla Walla WA

Our daughter’s choice: Whitehouse-Crawford. We ate here about 10 years ago and she still remembers the experience. So, we had to have an update. The space is in an old...

Walla Walla WA

Seriously good French cuisine: Brasserie Four. This place really has it all….nice bar, French bistrot food and a great selection of wines. We started with the chicken liver pâté to...

Walla Walla WA

Wine tasting: Browne. Another option for tasting…..there are many, many to try. Very nice alfresco area which made the tasting (bottle) all the more delightful. Visit website...

Walla Walla WA

Ordered too much food: Public House 124. In Walla Walla to do some riding and needed fuel for the next day….but not this much! Started with the kraut kruga….they brought...

Ellensburg WA

Recommended by a friend: Yellow Church Cafe. Brief stop, for lunch, on the way to Walla Walla. We had the seared tuna salad and the smoked chicken club which were both good...

Seattle

Trivia night: Northlake Tavern. A group of us stopped by after a meeting and it just happened to be trivia night. It’s been a few years since I’ve been here…but...

Seattle

Finger licking good & it’s not the Colonel: Bonchon. They have multiple restaurants in the US and about 300 worldwide but this is the first for Seattle….and, as typical the...

Seattle

Quick lunch: Delicatus @ The Hall. Small deli just above the University Street Light Rail station at Benaroya Hall.  It’s very convenient if you’re headed downtown and are looking for...

Seattle

Mediterranean on Beacon Hill: Homer. I’d heard a lot about this relatively new place so I waited awhile to visit, hoping the crowds would die down a bit. Finally visited...

Bellingham WA

After brunch stop: Mount Bakery. We visited the downtown location….the original is in the Fairhaven section of town. The plan was to have a coffee and a bit of dessert...

Seattle

Don’t worry, it’s not on the menu: How to Cook a Wolf. I’ve been intrigued by the name and finally decided to give it a try. I was also up...

Seattle

All about the shakes: Shake Shack. I’ve tried a couple of their burgers including the SmokeShack and the ShackBurger which were good for fast food burgers but not the best...

Seattle

Booze for 50: The Blind Tiger. Rang in the New Year with the group from work. This is an interesting venue downtown that’s located in the back of the Do...

Roslyn WA

After skiing late lunch: Roslyn Cafe. This is the cafe of Northern Exposure fame….as is almost everything in the town of Roslyn! Very busy place on weekends so expect a...

Seattle

At the Amazon Spheres: Willmott’s Ghost. I’ve wanted to visit this new, Italian themed, restaurant by Renee Erickson since it opened in late October. The space is very unique……inside the...

Seattle

All things German: Hans’ Sausage and Deli. Need stocking stuffers? Looking for real German Haribo and not those from Turkey? Need a German sausage fix? German pickles? Blaukraut? Then this...

Seattle

Happy Hour: Cafe Pettirosso. We were out doing some shopping on Capitol Hill and our first choice was closed for a private party. We weren’t that hungry and this place...

Seattle

Jazzy food: Jazz Alley. This is a great venue for music so that’s the main draw of this place. That said, the food is good as well. Expect a varied...

Seattle

Recommended by a colleague: Pomegranate Bistro. Located in an industrial looking building in “downtown” Redmond, it’s a bit hard to find from the street and the parking lot fills quickly...

Seattle

Southern food downtown: The Hart and the Hunter. I felt compelled to visit this place….advertised as the second location of the original in LA and they both serve Southern inspired...

Chico MT

On the road again: Chico Saloon. Stopped in for a light snack and a swim. A swim you say, at a saloon? Yep. This is probably the only example of...

Livingston MT

On the way to North Yellowstone: Gil’s Goods Quick stop for coffee and a few snacks at this local spot. In addition to baked goods, they have a full breakfast...

Seattle

On my list for some time: Revel. Had wanted to visit the original but it is closed until 2019 for renovation so, since I was in the area, I decided...

Bozeman MT

What a view: Copper Horse Headed home and needed a quick bite…and this is the only real option at the airport past security. That said, the food was solid and...

Winslow WA

Wine, food and art gallery: Amelia Wynn tasting room This is a nice go to place when you have a bit of time waiting to take the next ferry back...

Poulsbo WA

Chocolate anyone? Boehms Chocolates of Poulsbo Never miss a chance for more chocolate and this place is right on Main Street so you can’t miss it. The original location, and...

Poulsbo WA

Always time for a latte: Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse. Visit this place if for no other reason than to experience the drop dead views of Liberty Bay from the adjoining alfresco area....

Poulsbo WA

Ever what you need: Sluys Poulsbo Bakery Interesting story behind this place. It’s been around since the early 1900s and has changed hands and names, a few times over the...

Seattle

Chocolate nirvana: Theo Chocolate Store. This place needs to be on the short list of all chocoholics and while their chocolates are widely available, the store/factory has choices you will...

Seattle

Very unique space in Ballard: Sawyer. Open since August, the story is that the original space was a sawmill…..looks non descript from the outside. Inside, it is open and modern...

Roslyn WA

Northern Exposure Fame: The Brick. Decided to stop in after a hike in the area. The history of this area of Washington is interesting and this place was originally a...

Woodinville WA

Finally got a chance to try: Twisted Cuban. I’ve passed this place numerous times riding my bike but hadn’t had a chance to try it despite recommendations from others. This...

Novato CA

Unique venue: Hilltop 1892. I was drawn to the space….a hilltop home built in 1892 but one that has been a restaurant for several decades. When I arrive things were...

San Rafael CA

Carbo load: La Toscana. Getting ready for a bike ride and pasta is always a good pre ride choice.  The restaurant is quite “local”…..Google Maps will have you turn the wrong way...

Novato CA

Needed breakfast: Toast. Getting ready for a long bike ride so looking for calories and protein before the ride. Nice space located in a small outdoor mall which made access...

San Diego

Breakfast in the Gaslamp Quarter: Cafe 222. It’s been a few years since my last visit to this small, unique place near the convention center. They have the usual staples...

San Diego

Tocos: Lola 55. Looking for a new place and this fit the bill…..open for about a month. The space is on the ground floor of a multi use building which...

San Diego

New American Fusion: Kettner Exchange. It’s a bit hard to find…in a nondescript building on a corner, it’s easy to miss. Walk down the outside hallway and you enter a very interesting...

San Diego

Italian with a twist: Herb & Wood. Located in the Little Italy area of San Diego, don’t be fooled by the Uber drop off at Herb & Eatery….the entry to...

Seattle

Beer by the Lake: Magnuson Cafe & Brewery. A nice spot for a bite in Magnuson Park if you’re in the neighborhood. It can be busy, especially on a nice...

Seattle

Funky little sandwich shop: HoneyHole. Busy spot on Cap Hill with a great space and sandwiches. The sandwich selection is extensive and burgers are available as well. Vegetarian, vegan and...

Mt Vernon WA

Get your ice cream fix: Snow Goose Produce. Simply said….I’ve never seen a portion size of ice cream like this. They have about 50 flavors and a dozen or so...

Mt Vernon WA

Bakery, espresso and charcuterie: C Squared. Interestingly, this and the companion Third Street Cafe are part of the Skagit Valley Food Co-op. They are located in the same building. It’s...

Woodinville WA

Food truck and wine: Taqueria los Chilangos. Wine pick up and tasting at Darby Wines which included food. Good tacos and service. Of course the wine was first rate…as expected....

Kahului Maui HI

Looking for very local: Tinroof. The chef has won the Top Chef fan favorite award twice and is set to open a new restaurant called Lineage on Maui this fall....

Snohomish WA

Quick bite on our way north: Buzz Inn. One of 12 locations in Washington, this one is at the Harvey Airport in Snohomish. We were riding our bicycles from Seattle...

Kaanapali Maui HI

It’s a tree…It’s a restaurant: Monkeypod Kitchen. One of 3 locations, this is the newest one on Maui. Located in Whalers Village it’s central to the hotels and condominiums in...

Kaanapali Maui HI

Raw fish: Japengo. Another restaurant in the Hyatt Regency; this one is focused on seafood. The sushi is surprisingly good…..even for raw fish served up in a hotel restaurant. It’s...

Kaanapali Maui HI

Old favorite: Duke’s. One of several restaurants by this name and others throughout the Islands and California by the same restaurant group. It’s a bit touristy but you need to...

Kahakuloa Maui HI

Just what I needed: Braddah Chic’s Off the beaten path….way off. Discovered this place while doing the West Maui loop on my bike and since I badly needed something cold...

Kaanapali Maui HI

Hyatt Hotel: ‘Ūmalu. Fairly typical hotel food but give the spicy ahi bowl a try…..ahi, lettuce, mango, edamame, avocado, tomato and pecans with wasabi aioli and ginger vinaigrette……very tasty! Service...

Kaanapali Maui HI

Hawaiian Shave Ice: Ululani’s. It gets 5 stars from almost all who rate and they don’t disappoint. The ice is like light snow and the flavor choices are multiple and outstanding....

Lahaina Maui HI

What a view: Kimo’s. We’ve been here before and returned because the food is solid and the views just can’t be beat. This time we had a table on the...

Bozeman MT

Not just any breakfast: Jam! Bright, busy and open space. Extensive espresso, latte, coffee and tea choices to start with great mimosas and breakfast cocktails if you are so inclined....

Lahaina, Maui HI

Road side stop south of Lahaina: Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop Doesn’t look like much but you can tell by the number of cars in the parking lot that this...

Bozeman MT

Sushi anyone? Dave’s Sushi. This is the best known place for raw fish in the city. Busy place almost any night which is always a good sign. Very extensive selection...

Bozeman MT

Looking for sushi? Seven. Located in the Cannery District along with Lot 5 this is one of the 2 main places to get your fill of raw fish…nigiri or sashimi....

Bozeman MT

More ice cream: Sweet Peaks. One of several locations in Montana this one is a bit away from the downtown core but well worth a visit. Very similar to Genuine...

Bozeman MT

Another ice cream choice: Genuine Ice Cream. Located in a small space just north of mainstreet they offer the usual flavors like chocolate and vanilla as well as less common...

Bozeman MT

In the Cannery District: Lot G. Serves breakfast and lunch all day and we experienced breakfast this visit. The space is in and updated old warehouse in the north part...

Bozeman MT

Cider anyone? Lockhorn Hard Cider. Located just off Main Street in the eastern part of town we had visited before but stopped by one afternoon for a quick repeat sampling....

Bozeman MT

Interesting spot for coffee: Treeline Coffee Roasters. Upscale coffee house right on Main Street. This place is mostly about coffee but they also have tea and a limited selection of...

Bozeman MT

Excellent bakery: Wild Crumb. Come here after that great cup of joe at Treeline. This is one of those places with an endless line up of breads and pastries so...