A Bellingham Foodie Blog Restaurant Reviews Bellingham Washington 98225

September 9, 2008

Torre Caffe, Bellingham WA

Filed under: Bellingham local,Bellingham Restaurants,local,Pacific Northwest,restaurants — Tags: , , , , — Bellinghamster @ 11:02 pm

I met Mary at Bloedel Donovan Park today. The kids were playing up a storm, so I struck up a conversation. Of course I asked her what her favorite restaurant in Bellingham was. She said (with a big smile) it was her mother’s kitchen. Hurray – a kindred soul! She said they owned the Torre Caffe on Commercial Street (across from the Mount Baker Theatre). Lo and behold she’s part of a restaurant family. My lucky day!!

It’s a Northern Italian caffe (authentic as in Italians from Genoa, Liguria, Italy own and serve). I asked how it smells when you first walk in (an important factor for my culinary experience). She said it smelled like Italian espresso. YES! She asked if I knew what a cannoli was. Do I know?! I asked her if they had rainbow cookies…sadly not, but we were on the same food page at this point.

Guess where my next food stop is going to be? See you there, Mary!

119 North Commercial St #130

734-0029

La Vie En Rose, Bellingham Pastries & More

Filed under: Bellingham local,Bellingham Restaurants,local,Pacific Northwest,restaurants — Tags: , , , — Bellinghamster @ 11:02 pm

Such a pretty name. Such delicious pastries. La Vie En Rose was so quiet and cozy. I sat at the window this morning and it was in direct contrast to the busy Holly Street view.

I ate a chocolate croissant and a macaroon; paired them with a pot of rooibos tea. I’d found calm indulgent seclusion.

Those who know him can find my partner at Starbuck’s. Well, you’ll find me at La Vie En Rose…

September 5, 2008

The Old Town Cafe Bellingham

Filed under: Bellingham local,Bellingham Restaurants,local,Pacific Northwest,restaurants — Tags: , , , — Bellinghamster @ 9:32 pm

Hungry? Don’t know where to go? Old reliable is in downtown Bellingham and its name is Old Town Cafe.

Ever watch a debate team (NO, not presidential) fire pro and con stats? When Wendy and I are hungry and we are trying to decide where to eat, our exchange resembles just that. We are very serious about eating. She’s trying vegan with great results (feeling healthy and energized). So I copy a little – imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

The Kindergarteners are in school! What’s for brunch?! Eggs, homefries (slim red potato wedges spiced just right), black beans, tortillas are too good. Breakfast is served all day; lunch begins at 11am and the menu is extensive, varied. Many of the ingredients are organic and local. The atmosphere is very friendly and the decor polished painted clean old. Most times there’s a line, but it’s always worth the wait; just figure it into your time schedule. You will be rewarded.

PS You MUST try the jam on the table.

Q: What is it that makes people want to work the kitchen in this restaurant? It’s a fascinating watch – get a table with a kitchen view sometime.

316 W Holly St Bellingham
671-4431

September 3, 2008

English Gentleman’s Sit-Down Seedcake

Filed under: local,Pacific Northwest,restaurants — Tags: , — Bellinghamster @ 12:57 am

This post is not about a restaurant, but there is a reference to one. It is about a tea book. The cake is merely an accompaniment.

I have just finished reading ‘The Agony of the Leaves‘ The Ecstasy of My Life With Tea by Helen Gustafson. She was the tea buyer at the renowned restaurant Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California. The book is filled with anecdotes about tea experiences. It includes many tea food recipes (cookies cakes sandwiches).

For me, the most interesting part of the book was her description of her meeting with THE Mr. Twining (tea people since 1706). Her description of him and his British nuances were very funny. They went out to lunch and for dessert Mrs. Gustafson and Mr. Twining shared a pot of Twining’s Traditional Blend and ate seedcake. FYI: he prefers his teapot to be of a quality stainless steel that holds the heat.

Little did I know I grew up with seed cake as a staple. My Mom makes hers with poppyseed. Some recipes use caraway (or “carried away seeds” as my daughter says).

The Galley at Trader Joe’s in Bellingham WA

Filed under: Bellingham local,Bellingham Restaurants,local,Pacific Northwest,Uncategorized — Tags: , — Bellinghamster @ 12:55 am

I know it’s not a restaurant, but Trader Joe’s is a local eatery in my book. Anytime I’m needing a snack, I can go to the Galley at Trader Joe’s. They always serve a well balanced sample. Today’ menu: mini meatballs in marinara sauce with fusilli pasta, ginger snap cookies and strawberry lemonade. And the Trader Joester will never shoo you away if you have thirds or fourths.

My favorite Trader Joester is Bruce. I remember on Fourth of July he was in charge of the “Bruce-B-Q” for the employees Fourth of July party that day. He’s a really happy camper. He plays banjo among other instruments in the group ‘The Librarians’. Sometimes you can catch them at Honeymoon.

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