Finally: Taylor Farms Samish Oyster Bar. It’s the holy grail of shellfish farms in Western Washington and because it’s so popular…it requires perseverance to get a seat at the table....

Usually a very busy place: The Shrimp Shack. It’s on the way to Deception Pass and it’s very popular after being there for over 50 years. We visited on a...

Need some Joe? Beaver Tales Coffee. Headed home but needed some coffee before we hit the road. This small, interesting shop, fit the bill. They roast their beans daily so...

Unexpected: Cob + Cork. You never know what to expect but this place looked interesting from the road so we decided to give it a try. It did not disappoint....

Need a beer in Mazama: Mazama Public House. This is a a very small town on the way to the North Cascades National Park and the must visit Cutthroat Pass...

What? A “grocery store” on a food blog: Mazama Store. Much more than your typical grocery store. Good wine selection…including pet nat, excellent food choices, local t shirts and baked...

Darrington outpost: Moe’s Coffee Shop. Stopped by on the way back from hiking in the North Cascades National Park for a quick bite of lunch. One of several branches. The...

Great place for Italian food: Tappi. The restaurant is in a very small town in the heart of cross country skiing and hiking areas of Eastern Washington. It’s always nice...

Mid ride stop: Lyla’s Cafe. Always good to have a place to replenish calories during a ride. This place fit the bill. Pastries, sandwiches and espresso round out the breakfast...

A place for cocktails: Copper Glance. It’s always great to find a place like this where you least expect it…this is one of those places. They have a few small...

Espresso in the North Cascades: Karina’s Deja Brew. Looking for a quick coffee as you head off or return from a hike in the area? Give this place a try....

Close to the ferry dock: La Belle Creperie. About to head back to Seattle and needed some sustenance befor the long car ride.  In a place known for seafood, pizza,...

Lunch anyone? Gordon’s Fusion Cuisine. New find in “downtown” Coupeville with both in and outdoor dining. The menu changes focus every 3 months so, approach the experience knowing it may...

Under new management: The Oystercatcher. From the street it still looks a bit like a burger and beer joint. Step inside and you’ll wonder what’s in store. First taste…you know...

Post ride lunch: Tapped Public House. Expect seafood, burgers and chicken in various forms…and of course beer on tap as well as ciders. They also offer kombucha and sours. Solid...

Malasadas in a food truck: Goodbelly. Primary location is the Beverly Food Truck Park in south Everett. What’s a malasada you ask? It was originally a Portuguese confection that was...

A local favorite: North Bend Bar & Grill. Nice spot on a cold day for lunch…check out the fireplace! Basic bar food…burgers, salads and soups. But, you have to remember...

Great Mexican food: Rio Bravo. We were looking for something a bit different than our usual stop…Twede’s Cafe. The place is very small…maybe 20 seats, tops inside. It’s in what...

An old standby: Calico Cupboard. There are several locations but this one was a go to for many years in the past so, why not give it a try since...

Mexican in a seafood town: COA We were planning to stop by Seeds, one of our favorite restaurants in the area. To our surprise, it’s no longer in business. But,...

Nice place for a pit stop: Brooklyn Bros. Pizzeria. Just finished a bike ride around the Island and needed some calories. This place fit the bill. Wide selection of pizza...

Northern Exposure: Logan’s. Located in the town that served as the backdrop for the TV show. We’ve walked by the restaurant many times since we frequent this small town in...

Quick lunch: The Yogi Grind. Near the convention center and a friend’s recommendation. Storefront for the yoga studio that also offers coffee, espresso and limited food. I went with the...

New American with an Asian twist: Atlas Fare. I was pleasantly surprised to find this place after searching for dinner on a recent trip to the Apple Capital of the...

Nice change of pace: Salted Grape Bistro. The town is really all about tourist but this place is about a block or two from the core area so it’s a...

Coffee stop: The Bindlestick. I’ve been through this town many times on my bike but rarely stop. This time I needed a coffee break and this small place looked interesting....

On the way home: Greek to go. Found this place near the ferry dock during the Blackberry festival and thought I’d give it a try since the seafood paella looked...

Mexican & Salvadorian: El Balcon. Basically a walk up takeaway place with a few tables on the sidewalk. Their specialty seems to be the burritos with about 20 to choose...

Post ride calories: Horse & Cow Bar & Grill. Didn’t think much about the name at the time but, rest assured, there is no horse on the menu. It’s Naval...

What…Greek food in Arlington? Kafé Neo. Stopped by on the way home from a hike in the North Cascades and we needed some nourishment after a long day on the...

Post ride beer and brats: Penn Cove Taproom. We had a coupon from the Tour de Whidbey for a few bucks off so, why not. Expect beer from the Penn...

Have wondered about this place for years: Naches Tavern. Apparently it’s been there for more than a century…I’m a bit slow on the visit. This experience was for a post...

Heard good things about this place: Bob’s Chowder Bar. Basically one of the first restaurants you come to as you enter town so it’s hard to miss. We visited on...

A cyclist must stop: Black Diamond Bakery. Established in 1902 and it’s still here so you know it has to be good! Their building takes up most of “downtown” Black...

Inside Huckleberry’s Natural Market: 9th St Bistro. Recommended by a friend and, it was spot on. They have, “ever whacha need” from breakfast choices to sushi including plant based burgers...

Takeaway in a gale: Tweets Cafe. In the Skagit Valley with the hope of seeing the daffodils in bloom which were about but the weather was really awful…even by Pacific...

Out and about: Terramar Brewstillery. In the area and had noticed this place on previous visits and it was lunchtime…so, why not? The space is open with multiple possibilities…sit in...

German food in Norway: Tizley’s Europub. What?…yep even though the town was founded by a Norwegian and has a Scandinavian theme this place has pretty authentic German cuisine. Perfect spot...

Quick cup before the pass: Farmer Joe’s Espresso Stand. Very near Smallwood’s Harvest and Silvara Winery so it’s a very convenient stop before you start the drive back home. Very...

Coffee stop: Ristretto Coffee Lounge and Wine Bar. Nice relaxing spot for a cup of coffee or espresso on a wet, cold day. In addition to java they also have baked...

Mid ride: Sandy’s Espresso and Café. Stopped by this nice little spot with friendly staff and good espresso during a recent bike ride in the area. In addition to java,...

Chuckanut Brewery: South Nut. Quick stop after a bike ride in the Skagit Valley for a cider…or beer…they have all manner of choices. Very friendly staff so give them a...

Le Grand Tour: Skagit Valley Farm Stands. Not a recipe or a restaurant but without these places we have no food or flowers. This day we visited: Mossy Gate Flower...

When you’re in the area check out this bakery: The North Bend Bakery (formerly Georgia’s and George’s). It’s been in the same location for 90 years so it’s a bit...

Cider and beer in abundance: Sixknot Taphouse. Very nice spot for a beer or cider after skiing or hiking with over 40 choices on tap! They also offer a menu...

Sun Mountain Lodge: The Dining Room and Bar. Dining, gorgeous views and skiing all in one. Typical menu choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner with very good protein bowls, of...

On the way: Roadhouse Restaurant and Inn. First built early in the last century it’s been renovated several times and still serves as an Inn. On the first floor is...

Nice little spot for coffee: KáVé. Just barely out of town on the way to Manson and the parking lot is a bit tricky so when you see it start...

The other half: Salish Lodge Dining Room. We usually visit the Attic but decided on the more formal Dining Room for brunch…and the Attic doesn’t serve breakfast on weekdays. It...

Even on a cold day it’s good: Kpaw’s Iskreme. Small but usually busy place in this small island town. They have a nice selection of ice cream with handmade waffle...

Right on Main Street: Looking Glass Coffee. Nice little spot with good espresso and inhouse made donuts! The espresso is on the dark and moody side with serious pulls so...

Food truck popup: Random Acts of Food. Everyone was going crazy for the deep fried Brussel sprouts with sea salt and lime so I had to give them a try....

Blueberries any way you want: Bow Hill Blueberries. Stop by for a tasting….including pickled….or just go to pick your fill. This place has blueberries done in ways you may haven’t...

Another spot for cheese: Samish Bay Cheese. Very nice spot to do a cheese tasting on your way to pick blueberries in the Skagit Valley. It’s all organic and made...

No bike this time: Duvall Tavern. We were visiting this small town just east of the metro area and stopped in to checkout this “world famous since 1934” establishment in...

Wine anyone? Slough Food. Nice little spot to pick up some wine, cheese and charcuterie for later…or enjoy it in their courtyard. They also offer soups, salads and sandwiches. This...

Continuing our tour of northwest Washington: Breadfarm. Nice little artisan bakery in the heart of a nice, interesting little village in the Skagit Valley. While we didn’t have their bread,...

Who knew: Boxx Berry Farm Market. Happened upon this place driving the backroads of northwestern Washington and stopped in just to see what they had to offer. This is a...

Dessert: Lynden Dutch Bakery. Had lunch at JoFish and saved room for a Dutch treat…or 2! Our choice wasn’t so Dutch but more local….the caramel apple pie, made from local...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Bakery option: Lake Chelan Artisan Bakery. Nice option for a coffee and pastries besides the ubiquitous Starbucks…..which is essentially next door to this strip mall location. The croissants were quite...

BBQ in Chelan, Really? BBQ in the Vineyard. Highlight of this trip to Chelan. It just reopened the week we were there……note as of the date of this posting it...

Looking for a bite after the tulip fields: The Oyster and Thistle. Located a bit off the beaten path on the Sound, there are a number of options in the...

Looking for late lunch: Stan’s BBQ. Hard to find good BBQ in Seattle but thought we’d give this place a try. Located in the old town area, the owner hails...

A bit of après ski: Roslyn Mexican Grill. Just down I-90 from the snow park and it seemed like a good option after cross country skiing. For those who remember...

If you need a stop for sustenance: Bob’s Burgers and Brews. Part of a chain found throughout Washington this one is about 5 miles south of the border. Basic burgers,...

Well known spot for baked goods: Sultan Bakery. A small place that is best known for its breakfasts and bakery. This visit was in the late afternoon so we went...

Get your fruit here: Smallwood’s Harvest. Very near Silvara Winery tasting room and it’s worth a stop just to look at all the specialty foods offered. It’s also a great...