A DAY IN FOOD PARADISE

This week I am in Seattle visiting family and friends. And I also made a visit to one of my most favorite places: PIKE PLACE MARKET in downtown Seattle. That place never ceases to amaze me with the variety of produce along with meats and also the famous "fish" show. I'm sure that one time or another you have seen the fishmongers tossing the latest catch back and forth across the aisle. What is also eyecatching are all the different types of pasta and grains available the likes of which are rarely ever seen in the usual food stores. And don't forget the ethnic foods of all kinds. Seattle has a large varied ethnic community so many of the specialty foods are abundant around town. To round out the offerings at the market are vendors with handmade crafts and growers from around the region with just picked produce. Each year this fabulous place gets better and better.

A JEWEL IN SEATTLE

Across from Pike Place Market are many more vendors which are a continuation of the local products that you see in the actual market itself. One terrific shop is Beecher's Handmade Cheese. Being relatively new, being born in 2003, Beecher's has made a name for itself which is a huge hit in the community. As a very picky manufacturer you will find that all their cheeses are of the highest quality with the purist ingredients. They have also made an art out of combining basic flavors with specific additional tastes that make for unique (and highly addictive) cheeses. One of their specialties is the Marco Polo cheese which incorporates their creamy cheese with lightly milled green and black Madagascar peppercorns. As expected this cheese makes a delish appetiser BUT try it grated and mixed in a baked potato. Now that really makes a meal special. www.beecherscheese.com.

GOOD THING OF THE DAY

I had a very nice surprise flying Delta. It was a grade up from Northwest with a friendly and helpful crew and relaxed atmosphere. No chaos. I'll definately fly with them again.

Take care,
Pam