Happy Friday everyone, I hope you had a great week and even better weekend ahead of you!
I’m heading to Seattle this weekend for a quick girlfriend getaway with my Napa ladies. My friend Lindsey recently moved to the area so Natalie (my fellow shortie) and I are heading out to help her explore and get to know the place. My heart’s already breaking thinking about leaving Lincoln for a few days, but I’m also very, very excited. Can’t wait to show you what we get into!
Seattle-ites: What do we need to see/do/eat/drink/experience? I haven’t been to Seattle since college and can’t wait to rediscover this cool (literally,) laid-back city. Got my layers packed! ; )
I hope you’ve got something fun on the agenda too, and in the meantime please enjoy my favorite finds from around the web and beyond in this week’s Friday Favorites. Have a GREAT weekend!
Click the light blue link to be taken to the original source.
Favorite classic: The Best Carrot Cake. The minute I saw this recipe from Ali @ Gimme Some Oven, I tweeted her just one word: WOW! This may be the most perfect-looking carrot cake I’ve ever seen!
Favorite find: BEpaperie. My cousin recently opened an Etsy shop featuring handmade paper goods including flowers like the ones she had at her wedding, stationary, and these HIGH-larious cards for every occasion. This girl is crazy-witty. I laughed like a maniac at every single one!
Favorite photo: BLT Lettuce Wraps. This photo and recipe is absolutely amazing. The pops of color against the black background and low-carb take on the classic BLT makes me want to dive right in.
Favorite find: Omission Beer. Thanks to the recommendation of several people on last Friday’s post I picked up a 6-pack of Omission gluten-free lager and was BLOWN AWAY. It tastes exactly like regular beer…because it is! This beer is brewed per usual then a special enzyme is added to take the gluten out. Don’t know how it works. Don’t care. It is perfection.
Favorite bite: Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Mini Blender Muffins. Mini peanut butter + chocolate chip muffins made in a blender? I am not mad at that!
Favorite funny. Story of my life. No bag left behind!
Favorite crunch: Honey Garlic Crunch Chicken Tenders. And I quote. “…crunchy, sweet, sticky and totally irresistible…” Ummm, yes.
Favorite fun: Chalkboard Wall. Awesome project for the kiddos!
Favorite snack: Snap Peas + The Laughing Cow Light Garlic & Herb Cheese Wedges. I’ve been snacking on super-sweet sugar snap peas like it’s nobody’s biz lately. I tend to only eat them alone because I like to crunch them very loudly. Ahem. Anyway, they’re divine when dipped in The Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges, especially the Light Garlic & Herb flavor. Love the combo of crisp and creamy!
Favorite upgrade: Mini Pretzel Dogs. Like pigs in a blanket except way, way better. Bravo.
Favorite truth. Workin’ on it!
Favorite twist: Fried Mozzarella Stack. I thought I’d seen all the caprese combos that existed in the world but this fresh/fried/creamy/crunchy take is a new one for me. Totally mouthwatering.
Favorite DIY: Alphabet Wall Art. This would be so adorable in a kids room, right? If you didn’t want to highlight I (heart) U, you could pick out your child’s initials instead. Either way – too cute!
Favorite sweet treat: Chai Ginger Ice Cream Sandwiches. I. Can’t. Even. Dana @ Minimalist Baker wins at life!
I am a Seattle-ite! Check out Din Tai Fung in either Seattle near UW or across the lake in Bellevue! World famous and there are very very few in the US at all. Get the soup pork dumplings for sure and enjoy the pop of flavor in your mouth!
Ah shoot, I forgot the new celiac diagnosis. Din Tai Fung won’t be a good option as everything has gluten mostly. Sorry.
Woot Seattle!
So many great options for you to try!
*Any Tom Douglas restaurant.
*Lots of fun new places in South Lake Union
*Barolo (they have the BEST happy hour in town)
*Matador!
*Also The Gerald & Hot Cakes if you are in Ballard. The Gerald has the best cocktails and a sweet mad men vibe.
* I agree on the Trophy/Cupcake Royale Debate. Cupcake Royale wins and they now have icecream.
Have fun while you are in town.
I love your blog and am excited for all the new gluten free recipes in the future.
Can I have one of each? Please? Loving the grocery bag quote. So true.
Paseo’s!! http://www.paseoseattle.com/
A Wine tasting tour in Woodinville
Ballard Farmer’s Market on Sunday morning
Delancey IS tasty http://delanceyseattle.com/
Of course Pike Place Market – with Beecher’s right across the street.
Molly Moon’s Ice Cream AND Full Tilt Ice Cream. Yumm!
Ray’s Boathouse – eat in the ‘cafe’ upstairs for pretty much the same menu. The food is good and the view is amazing.
It looks like I might be in the minority, but I’m not a huge fan of Purple Cafe & Wine Bar. I’ve been there a few times and it’s always just been meh.
Ha, I just used “meh” to describe Purple before I read your post. I totally agree with all your suggestions. I’m trying Delancey for the first time this weekend, can’t wait!
Thanks for the share friend! I love you.
LOVE these posts Kristin! Your cousin’s cards are hilarious. Family will be enjoying them for birthdays, etc. this coming year. The flourless PB muffins are amazing and quick. A favorite weekend treat in our house. Just texted my husband about the GF beer and he immediately replied back – Yepthatsmyfav! And you better believe I attempt to carry every grocery bag into the house on the first trip. Glad to know I’m not the only one.
Here are some places that we liked, in Seattle. Have fun.
http://thehungryapple.com/2012/10/22/seattle/
That BLT does look so fresh and yummy! Thanks for the laughing cow pairing recommendation, I love snacking on their wedges!
xo
https://www.facebook.com/StyleWireBos
What Shannon said…..there are some great things happening in Seattle these days. Airfield Winery in Woodinville. Love their Tempernillo. And you have to get your baby a Seahawks Superbowl Champ t-hirt!
Ah I’m so jealous! I grew up in Seattle and miss it so much!
-Purple Cafe
-The Matador
-Portage Bay Cafe (without question)
-Soscio’s Produce at Pike Place Martket
-Paseo Caribbean Restaurant
-Molly Moon’s Ice Cream
Try to make it out to Bainbridge Island if you can! And ride the Great Wheel!
that chalkboard wall is my favorite. i love it and think i need one in my apartment.
Ha! Adorable Harry Potter nerd alert. The pink door is in Post Alley. Definitely enjoy Seattle’s diverse food options, best Thai, Sushi and Korean! The Great Wheel is worth a ride on nice day. And getting a coffee and walking on a ferry is a good way to pass a few hours and see things from a different perspective.
I love your list!
Thanks for including my Fried Mozzarella Stack!
Hope you have a Happy Friday!