Meatless in Seattle!

February 26, 2019 by amyb

Meatless in Seattle
Written By Nina M. Holmstrom (Photo Credit: Harvest Beat)

As a proud Seattle native, there is no other place in the world that I would rather call home. I love the people, our diverse cultures and neighborhoods, the variety of architecture, our beautiful parks and infinite water views – but what I mostly love here is the food! We have abundant dining options, basically all ethnicities, countries, and regions and there is nothing I enjoy more than trying every culinary option that our lovely city has to offer. Seattle is a mecca for amazing restaurants and eateries, but where do you go when you’re looking for vegan and vegetarian menu options? Lucky you, we’ve got some fantastic suggestions!

Let’s start with the most important meal of the day, breakfast. The fine folks of Sunlight Café in the Maple Leaf/Greenlake neighborhood have been serving up delicious vegetarian fare since 1976. You can find a wide array of breakfast items on their menu including Lemon Poppy Seed Waffles, Sunlight Huevos Rancheros, Eggs and Home Fries and all their dishes can be substituted with tempeh or tofu. Silent Heart Nest in Fremont founded by Buddhist and spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy offers a delicious assortment of vegetarian breakfast scrambles, omelets, waffles and pancakes and all can be made vegan at your request. Café Flora in the Madrona neighborhood is one of Seattle’s oldest and best-known vegetarian restaurants and offers an incredible selection of weekday breakfast options and an extensive brunch menu. Here you can find a wide selection of organic teas and juices and yes, your favorite breakfast comfort foods. With dishes like “Cajun Mushroom ‘N’ Grits”, “Green Eggs and Yam” and their biscuits with vegan country gravy (all dishes come with a seasoned tofu substitution option) you’re going to be in veggie breakfast heaven.

For a taste of international flavor, Araya’s Place in Madrona has been serving incredible vegan food for over thirty years. Thai family recipes including delicious curry, noodles, soups and stir fry’s and they also have a beautiful outdoor courtyard for dining in warmer weather and as well as reasonably priced lunch buffet. Speaking of lunch buffets, Chu Minh Tofu Deli located in the International District of Seattle is a vegetarian’s dream. Don’t be fooled by their online menu, go in person to experience their offerings which seem to change daily, and everything is plant based .. even the lobster! Another sweet spot to try in the I.D. is called The Loving Hut and offers a healthy and entirely vegan menu and fusion of Asian cuisine. From noodles, soups and salads, to a wide variety of noodles and rice dishes and even vegan cheesecake, this place has everything.

Are you hungry yet? Wait, there’s more!

Broadfork Café can be found at one of their two locations on Upper Queen Anne and the University District and offers a wide array of healthy vegan soups, salad, bowls and sandwiches, local kombucha and fresh squeezed juices. If you’re looking for an all-around breakfast, lunch and dinner spot it can be found at Wayward Vegan Café located in the Ravenna neighborhood. As far as vegan options go their menu is extensive and they even have a kid’s menu, this is a one comfort food stop for the whole family! No Bones Beach Club is in a category all its own. Once a solely operated food truck that blossomed into its brick and mortar location in Ballard serves up a fusion of dishes including Golden Beet Poke, Parsnip Crab Cakes, and Buffalo Cauliflower .. to name a few. Plum Bistro located in Capitol Hill is one of Seattle’s favorite vegan restaurants and is not to be missed. Their menu selection is exquisitely crafted and artisanal, from “Scalloped Trumpet Mushroom” appetizers or “Spicy Cajun Mac ‘N’ Yease” to “Handmade Beetroot & Ricotta Ravioli” and “Fresh Thyme Quinoa Pie”, these dishes are sure to please. If you’re looking for something a little upscale, Harvest Beat has what you’re looking for. A beautiful and deliciously prepared farm to table five course and seasonal menu and elixir pairing will make for a fine dining experience. Be sure to make a reservation and check their website for current menu offerings.

If you’re just craving a local dive bar and think you don’t have any options, think again! Highline Bar in Capitol Hill is not only one of the best karaoke spots on “the hill”, they also have a stellar veggie bar food menu including a “BLT” with bacon made from seitan, the “Reubender” a reuben sandwich with vegan corned beef and even “The Citizen Fish” a soy fish sandwich. The Georgetown Liquor Company or “GLC” as the locals call it is a cozy nook in the northern corner of Georgetown. In this quirky yet cozy bar you can play classic Nintendo and SEGA games for free and all their menu items are not only are vegetarian (and can be made vegan) but have hilarious Star Trek themed names. “The Picard”, a vegetarian French Dip made with field roast, is one of their most popular items but don’t expect to order a side of fries here, just a healthy mixed green salad or delicious soup of the day. While The Oak isn’t strictly vegetarian it is another hidden gem serving up some vegan bar food menu options. Located on Beacon Hill this local neighborhood spot is where you can find some great vegan burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches and late-night vegetarian treats including “Curried Fried Chick Peas”, “Battered Green Beans” and a “Vegan Samosa Hand Pie”.

Craving something on the sweeter side? With three locations throughout the city, pop into Mighty O Donuts for some of the best organic vegan donuts in town. Salt N Straw is Seattle’s newest edition of gourmet ice cream shops and with two locations in Ballard and Capitol Hill you can find an incredible selection of seasonal flavors and many delicious vegan options. The Cookie Counter in Greenwood offers vegan ice cream scoops, sundaes and a variety of baked goods, not to mention everything is 100% gluten free. The aforementioned Plum Bistro also has a sweeter side called Sugar Plum and they are serving up decadent goodies including classic and seasonal flavors of ice cream, popsicles, milkshakes and “crunchy-gooey” cookies.

So many delicious vegetarian and vegan places to try, so little time! And since all this yummy food is going to require a few days of exploration, have the experts at Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals help you find the perfect place to rest – you’re going to need it! Our luxury units are withing walking distance of many of the area’s best eateries. So pack that overnight bag, don’t forget your stretchy pants, and we’ll see you for dinner!

Photo Credit: Cafe Flora

Summer on Seattle’s Waterfront!

June 28, 2018 by darik

Summertime Fun-Time along Seattle’s Waterfront

Allow yourself to take in a deep, crisp breath of salt air when you visit the Seattle Waterfront. Its multitude of activities, shopping, and fresh seafood will create an environment to build lifelong memories. Among Seattle’s most unique areas, the waterfront is a working waterfront, with fireboats, cruise ships and more, along with great eats and attractions.

Food Along Seattle’s Waterfront:

A fun destination restaurant along Seattle’s waterfront is The Crab Pot, one of Seattle’s most famous eateries. As seen on Man v. Food, each bite of succulent seafood will have you coming back time and again. Order the Seafest for two or more and get heaping combinations of fresh crab, shrimp, clams, mussels, and delicious sides. Or, if oysters are more your speed, try Elliott’s Oyster House, which boasts a 21-foot oyster bar!

For a more casual, and definitely memorable, setting check out Ivar’s, next door to the Fire Boats at Pier 54. Share your chips with the many seagulls that gather here. Not for the germaphobes among us, but a fun experience for those of us with kids!

If seafood is not your thing, there are other options! Red Robin Burgers is at Pier 55, and has a great selection of both burgers and chicken items. Kidd Valley is a local burger chain that besides beef, has an excellent vegetarian option. Also Elliott’s and Crab Pot, mentioned above, do have land based options!

Seattle Waterfront Fun:
A day at the Waterfront cannot be considered complete without riding the Seattle Great Wheel. This massive, 175-foot tall wheel is one of the largest in all of North America, allowing views for miles away. Each of its 42 climate controlled gondolas rotates comfortably for all to gaze far and wide.

Perhaps after all of that open air, a bit of shopping is in order. Ye Olde Curiosity Shop has something to wow each and every person who crosses its threshold. Shrunken heads, jackelopes, and two headed taxidermy pieces are only a few of the wonders you will encounter in this charming shop. Opened in 1899, Joseph Edward Stanley began his collection of unusual art, and it has only grown larger over the five generations it has been open.

Seattle vacation rentals, waterfront vacation rentals

While visiting the Waterfront, why not take a stroll to the Seattle Aquarium, where you can get up close and personal with all that live under the briny depths. Fun and casual, the aquarium creates a unique environment to learn all things aquatic. They feature three dive tours a day, in which a diver literally immerses themselves in their work to answer questions from curious visitors. If after your visit you are longing for more, their website features Live Streaming video cams daily so you can watch otters, seals, and the Giant Pacific Octopus in their natural habitats without all the lines.

Seattle Waterfront Shopping:

The shops along the waterfront make a great place to pick up momentos of your Seattle trip, or souvenirs for the folks back home. There are a couple of shops I really enjoy browsing, even as a local. Check out Pirates Plunder, at Pier 57. It a fun shop, crammed full of pirate themed items as well as fun games, books, and toys for the little ones, along with a great selection of Seattle and Washington state knick knacks and souvenirs. Simply Seattle has a selection of Seattle themed items not found anywhere else–popular items are Theo’s chocolate, and skyline socks. If you need to get a BUNCH of t-shirts, check out the street vendors at Waterfront Park (adjacent to the Great Wheel) for can’t be beat prices.

Seattle’s Best: Ice Cream and Sweets

June 28, 2018 by darik

Seattle Sweets: The City’s Best Ice Cream and Sweet Shops

Vacation is about exploring, trying new things and indulging in local culinary pleasures. Why not make your vacation to Seattle all the sweeter by visiting one of these fabulous local ice cream and treat shops? All are located within walking distance or just a short ride from our vacation rentals.

Shug’s Soda Fountain and Ice Cream
https://shugssodafountain.com/
1525 1st Avenue (Pike Place)
This old school soda shop, features classic sundaes made with local ice cream and house-made syrups and toppings like roasted marshmallows. For a truly decadent experience, try the Viva la Champagne Float with peach sorbet floating in a glass of champagne topped with a Toshi Amarena sour black cherry.

Gelatiamo
https://www.gelatiamo.com/
1400 3rd Avenue (Downtown)
For a smooth, rich treat, head to Gelatiamo for Seattle’s best gelato. This frozen indulgence has less buttercream and less air than ice cream making it incredibly rich and creamy. Their gelato is made fresh daily and features flavors like lavender and honey in addition to classics like chocolate and pistachio. If baked goods are more your thing, sample some of their fresh Italian pastries and biscotti to pair it with a robust cup of Caffe Umbria coffee.

Holy Cannoli
https://www.holycannoliseattle.com/
2720 3rd Avenue (Belltown)
Holy Cannoli is a pastry lovers dream. These crispy treats filled with luscious cream come in a variety of flavors and in small and large sizes. The Traditional is always a good bet or try one of the rotating flavors such as Nutella, Limoncello, or the Salted Caramel topped with crushed nutty pecans. Pair the cannolo with a cup of their strong coffee imported from Italy.

Cupcake Royale

Cupcake Royale

108 Pine Street (near Pike Place)
Known for it’s decadent cupcakes like the Key Lime Cheesecake and Tiramisu, Cupcake Royale is a Seattle gem with 6 locations sprinkled throughout the city. A fave cupcake is The Big Dipper; deep chocolate cake topped with fluffy meringue, chocolate and a candy pearl. Cupcake Royale also serves up Seattle’s Best Ice Cream by the scoop, in shakes or in a decadent sundae. For a bit of heaven, try the red velvet cupcake ice cream.

Frankie and Jo’s
https://frankieandjos.com/
1010 East Union Street (Capitol Hill)
This chic little shop serves vegan, plant-based ice cream in inventive flavors. The ice creams are made with sprouted cashew nuts or using coconut milk. Our favorites include the Roasted Banana Super Cookie and the Chocolate Mint Brownie. A must try is the odd-colored but incredibly tasty Salted Caramel Ash (grey ice cream anyone?) For anyone with a gluten intolerance, their waffle cones and brownie bites are gluten-free, therefore guilt-free.

Molly Moon’s
https://www.mollymoon.com/
917 East Pine Street (Capitol Hill)
This local chain of quaint shops is known for their silky ice cream in a bunch of unique flavors. For a classic treat try the sweet cream or be a bit adventurous and sample one of their seasonal offerings like the Black Sesame or the Vegan Matcha Peach Sorbet. 1% of all sales of Molly Moon’s ice cream is donated to their Milk Fund which donates dairy to local food banks, so not only will their ice cream make you happy but has the potential to bring joy (and milk) to someone in need.

Candi Canncel is Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals interior designer and when she is not shopping for our next fabulous vacation rental property, she is a food writer and world traveller

Seattle’s Best Brunches

June 3, 2018 by darik

Linger over any one of these excellent weekend brunch locations, all convenient to downtown Seattle and our vacation rentals.

Seattle is definitely a foodie town. It has an array of restaurants crammed into every neighborhood that feature cuisines from around the globe. The most delicious part of being on vacation is the ability to sleep in, linger over coffee and then head out for a leisurely brunch to fortify yourself for a day of sight-seeing in this fun, eclectic city. We’ve rounded up some of Seattle’s best brunch spots that are all within walking distance of our vacation rentals, a short uber ride away or absolutely worth the schlep.

CJs Eatery
2619 1st Avenue (in Belltown, near our AVA and Belltown Court properties)
https://www.cjseateryseattle.com/
CJs is a classic diner that serves up consistently good breakfast at affordable prices. Known for their comfort food you can get a huge variety of brunch classics from eggs benedict to jam-packed omelets to East Coast favorites like latkes and blintzes. Their mimosas feature fresh-squeezed juices or organic strawberry-lemonade at only $5.50 a pop. Because their menu is so extensive, this is a good bet when traveling with kids. Note that weekends can be packed with tourists and locals alike so be prepared to wait, though the line usually moves along quite swiftly.
Open 7:00AM-3:00PM daily with breakfast served all day and lunch items starting at 11:00AM

Café Campagne
1600 Post Alley (adjacent to Pike Place Market and near our Newmark Tower properties)
https://cafecampagne.com/
Toted as a classic Parisian brasserie in Seattle, Café Campagne outdoes the French flair with their scrumptious breakfasts. Their “French French Toast Brioche” is simply out of this world. The thick, airy bread is soaked in a brandy batter, fried until fluffy and golden and topped with fresh fruit. Another good bet is the “Omelette Choisy”— a rolled omelet stuffed with an herb-infused chevre, served with a juicy sausage, roasted potatoes and a hunk of warm baguette. A tasty dish that is a lighter option is the Quiche du Jour featuring vegetables and Comte cheese in a light egg batter, served with a green salad. For a truly decadent experience that almost transports you to France, order the “Oeufs en Meurette”—a dish of poached eggs with a red wine and foie gras sauce. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday 8:00AM-4:00PM.

Tilikum Place Café
407 Cedar Street (in Belltown)
https://www.tilikumplacecafe.com/
This cozy spot features fabulous food on a quaint street by the Space Needle. They’re known for their Dutch Babies—a dense, baked pancake that’s served either sweet with lemon and powdered sugar, carrots and crushed pineapple with a cream cheese frosting or savory; stuffed with lamb and feta cheese. They also have a great Baked Eggs dish that features butternut squash, caramelized onions and goat cheese. The café only has 12 tables and a small bar, so weekend brunch wait times can be exceedingly long. If you’d like to try this Belltown favorite, our tip is to make a reservation well in advance to ensure that you get to experience this local gem. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday 8:00AM-3:00PM.

Wakefield Bar
2318 2nd Avenue (in Belltown. Down the street from both our Moda and Belltown Court Properties)

wakefield

Wakefield is the type of restaurant/bar that every neighborhood should have. It offers great food that is reasonably priced in a warm, friendly and laid-back atmosphere. Their specialty is Chicken Fried Steak that features a buttermilk-breaded tenderloin topped with a silky caramelized onion gravy. For a truly indulgent vacation meal, try the Bananas Foster French Toast. Although it may add to your waistline, priced at $12.00, it won’t take away too much from your food budget. Looking for a heathy alternative? The Veggie Scramble and the Avocado Toast are consistently good. For a flavorful twist on a classic, order the side of Herbed Latkes with chive yogurt. Their tasty libations include a fantastic Bloody Mary and the rich Beantown Coffee made with Madagascar vanilla-infused vodka. Brunch is served 10AM-3PM Saturday and Sunday.

Lowell’s
1519 Pike Place (in Pike Place Market)
https://eatatlowells.com/
Don’t let Lowell’s motto: “Almost Classy since 1957” scare you off. The Market restaurant serves up delectable dishes made with local ingredients. Located in the center of the main arcade, it features three floors with spectacular Puget Sound views. For breakfast they offer tasty favorites like their much-raved about World Famous Dungeness Crab Omelet made with seafood fresh from the market (https://eatatlowells.com/press/). Try their Alderwood Smoked King Salmon Eggs Benedict served on fragrant rosemary bread or their light and airy Lemon Zest Ricotta Pancakes. Our tip is to head to the second floor to see the hostess to get a table by the window. If there’s a wait, you can grab a seat at the bar and enjoy one of their hand-crafted cocktails like the tangy Market Mule or one of their exceptional Bloody Mary’s that feature smoked salmon or bacon. Breakfast is served only until 11:30AM.

Monsoon
615 19th Avenue East (in Capitol Hill)
https://www.monsoonrestaurants.com/seattle/
If your idea of brunch is more adventurous and features items like steamed dumplings and Pho, then Monsoon is a perfect spot for lingering over their flavorful Vietnamese cuisine. Their Dim Sum Brunch features shrimp and chive wontons and vermicelli noodle dishes in addition to the curious-named “drunken chicken.” They also have two outstanding ban mi sandwiches stuffed with pork or chicken, a friend egg and loads of pickled vegetables. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday 10:00AM-3:00PM.

Salty’s
1936 Harbor Avenue SW (in West Seattle)
https://www.saltys.com/brunch-seattle/
For a serious Pacific Northwest brunch experience, take the water taxi from the Seattle Waterfront to West Seattle to Salty’s on Alki Beach. This iconic Seattle restaurant offers the most extensive brunch buffet on the water. You can choose from an array of classy breakfast staples like eggs benedict and omelets. Or indulge in a spread of fresh seafood including Dungeness crab legs, peel and eat prawns, steamed clams and mussels and all the oysters you can eat from Washington’s own Taylor Shellfish. Then after you’ve eaten til your hearts content, coddle your sweet tooth with Salty’s chocolate fountain. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday until 1:30PM. Reservations are required.

Candi Canncel is Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals interior designer and when she is not shopping for our next fabulous vacation rental property, she is a food writer and world traveller