Thursday, May 21, 2009

GWO - Girls Weekend Out

My girl friends and I took a trip up to the Pacific Northwest. Here's our foodicle adventures:


British Bankers Club (BBC), Menlo Park

Before we even left, we met in Menlo Park for a pre-flight drink and snacks.
Long Beaches and a Stella

Nachos and Fried Calamari
Nothing spectacular, but definitely repeatable.


Aladdin's Gyro-Cery
One of the best late night snacks in the University of Washington district (U-Dub, located on the Ave - as the locals would say). We ordered the Lamb & Beef Gyro. Moist chunks of lamb and beef. The lettuce and tomatoes provided a nice contrast for freshness and texture. The yogurt sauce was nice and creamy. The best gyro I've had so far.


Breakfast at Alki Cafe on Alki Beach

Mimosas
Breakfast with friends make mimosas obligatory. Being on Alki beach make mimosas obligatory.

Omelette with Roasted Potatoes and Toast

Smoked Salmon Omelette with Roasted Potatoes and a Biscuit
Generously filled with salmon and cream cheese.



Pike Place Market

A visit here is a requirement.
Piroshky
Russian bake shop featured on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations.

Sauerkraut filled Piroshky



Spring Hill
James Beard nominated Chef Mark Fuller's restaurant. It lives up to its hype.

Pinot Noir
Selecting a bottle of wine of the table is no easy matter. After getting a gauge of what everyone was ordering, I selected an Oregon Pinot Noir, 2006 Primarius.

Seared Scallops

Roasted Duck Breast

Rainbow Trout with Hazelnut Brown sauce

Irish Coffee
Nothing like a whiskey with a touch of cream and coffee to end a great meal. Topped with homemade whipped cream


Brunch at Blue Hour, Portland, Pearl District
On the journey back down to the Bay Area, Portland was a necessary foodie stop. I highly recommend Bluehour if you happen to be in the area.

Breakfast Pizza

Topped with bacon, potatoes, fontina, eggs, and a caramelized onion sauce. So delicious!

Fried Egg Sandwich
With slow roasted pork leg and gruyere. Fries on the side.



Voodoo Donuts

A Portland requirement!

Cap'n Crunch & Oreos

Cocoa Puffs & Fruit Loops

Grape!

Cream of Portland

Fight Night!

Manny Pacquiao on Pay Per View. That naturally means that my friends and I would gather to watch the fight. That naturally means that my friends and I would eat.

Bite Size Potato Skins
Roasted baby potatoes filled with a mixture of sour cream, cottage cheese, and creamy horseradish. Topped with bacon bits and chives.

Potato Cheese Pancakes
I used the filling from the potato skins to make pancakes. Inside each were mozzarella chunks. Topped with mozzarella and pesto sauce.

Fried Chicken ala Schnabel
My friend, Danielle, made her fried chicken. Delicious! Crunchy and with a nice taste of a mustard rub. Mm!

I Have a Chef Friend

I love cooking, and I love eating even more. As a foodie, I feel accomplished that one of my best friends is a chef. Here's a typical meal:

Grilled Pork Ribs
Grilled perfectly through and still moist and tender.

Sauteed Brussel Sprouts and Bacon
Many claim that bacon makes everything better. I don't know about everything, but I do know it does wonders to brussel sprouts.

Roasted Potatoes

Garlic Bread