heyjude

I hope a road trip also means a ferry trip or two. The nearby islands offer wonderful food and magnificent views on the way. You should also plan for some time in Vancouver,B.C. for the restaurant meals and the Asian markets. Once your schedule is firmed up,I'm sure everyone will have specific tips for you including what not to miss at Pike Place Market. My friend who worked at The Herbfarm had nothing but raves for the experience,but you do need both money and time. Portland has food, wine and farmers' markets,as well. It would be hard to have a bad time in the Northwest and most of us would be glad to act as tour guide.

You just ate at Le Pichet. Remember how good it was? It's good for lunch,too.

Mamster,it was the place with the blood pudding where it was better not to know what one was eating assuming a certain level of squeamishness. Aiming at two threads,there are wonderful versions of Chinese broccoli at most dim sum restaurants. However,that still begs the question of whether there is such a place in the Seattle area. I haven't been to any other than in the ID and they haven't been very good,so it's off to Bellevue.

I'd try any of the suggested dishes with minor tweaks,such as adding roasted garlic to the asparagus,using the leftover winter squash with pasta and serving caramelized onions with all of the above . I'm surprised no one mentioned how great Brussel sprouts are shredded and sauteed in olive oil or butter[which improves just about anything] and seasoned with fresh nutmeg,s&p and grated hard cheese. Add some crunchy croutons and it's a meal. Mamster,didn't the steam table restaurant you reviewed early on have lots of veggies?