Tag Archives: Seattle

Seattle Itinerary – Bellevue Wine Country Perfect Date

Posted on by
Reply

This weekend heading to Seattle for a two-day trip we did not expect to have one of the best winery trips of our life. We visited Seattle before, we’ve stopped at Bellevue for a quick shopping hit. We did not have a slightest idea that Bellevue had so much more to offer.

We planned the trip around the visit to Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. Riesling from that winery is one of our favorites and trying out a few varieties of the same make was always on our wish list. Winery was close to Bellevue, so we decided to book a hotel there, avoiding Seattle downtown traffic gridlock. Heading out to Woodinville we weren’t sure what to expect, but ended up passing by a number of wineries, before stopping at Château Ste. Michelle. The further we drove the more unique and interesting the area turned out to be. From industrial buildings the surroundings changed into beautiful valley surrounded by family estates and wineries at every corner. Chateau St Michelle is one of the largest wineries in the area and the grounds reminded us a lot of the Mission Hill Winery in Okanagan: expansive gardens, beautiful landscaping, multiple buildings and a huge area for a concert stage.

We were not disappointed with the wines, a Riesling wine tasting had a number of interesting takes on the flavors we already loved and we found a number of favorites to take home. Unfortunately as is sometimes the case with very popular wineries, we weren’t lucky with the service we’ve received – not knowledgeable and completely inattentive guest server  left quite a bitter aftertaste from the visit, which was so sad, given how nice the wines were and how much love and care winemakers pour into their craft. We’d still highly recommend the place, and also hope that service standards don’t slip any further.

IMG_1295

Barking Frog

We did not find cafes or lunch options at this winery so we headed down the road to the Barking Frog bistro for a late lunch. Right next to the beautiful Willows Lodge hotel and highly acclaimed Farmhouse Restaurant, Barking Frog is a cozy bistro with Northwestern style menu. We were there just in time for brunch/lunch menu and thoroughly enjoyed  meat lover’s breakfast  and Dungeness crab chopped salad with warm baked bread and home style apple butter. The ambiance, the service, the produce in every dish were excellent, the  setting is nice with lodge-style high ceilings, wooden beams and a stunning patio we didn’t get to enjoy because of on and off rain. After lunch we wandered through the Willows Lodge oriental-style gardens – around peaceful small pond, fountains and taken in the merged tree roots sculpture

The wineries around are easy to walk to, and entire little plaza around the Hollywood Circle has a handful of winery locations offering tastings.   Next time we’ll be spending more time there, but we had to head back to the hotel.  Staying at Westin, in the heart of Bellevue shopping district was great – ample parking underground, beautiful lounge inside and walking distance to many attractions.  That location worked great for our trip and one again we’d highly recommend it.

IMG_1313

Westin Bellevue

Next stop on our trip and what ended up being one of the best meals we’ve had south of the border was the Purple Café and Wine Bar.  This restaurant is right next to one of the wineries near the Hollywood circle, located in the corner of the plaza.  We loved the ambiance, and what was the most amazing is the amount of restraint, smart restraint that the owners exercised when decorating the café.  The only real decoration on the walls are small candles.  The entire wall glimmers with small lights.  Lights on the tables.  Somewhat rustic, somewhat contemporary, but above all, it’s canvas for honest, great tasting and amazing food.  Starters alone were made up of some of my most favorite dishes.  We actually ended up sharing a number (way to many) of starters instead of mains.  Calamari, baked brie, tuna tartar, crab cakes, mushrooms and steaks, burrata, spreads – each one is better than the other.  Incredible taste, incredible service, wine flights – nothing was missed. All the things that we love about the restaurant meal were right there and we wished the time would just stop.  Truly a perfect meal.  Perfect for a date, perfect for a family dinner.  In the middle of wine country, we could not wish for a more perfect experience.

Purple Cafe

Purple Cafe & Wine Bar

We’ve rounded up the amazing weekend with a visit to Main Street and the Old Bellevue area.  Concierge at Westin Hotel recommended Gilbert’s on Main as a place for a breakfast.   Just one more thing that we did not expect  to find  in Bellevue.  Small street full of character, cute cafes, small shops, right near waterfront and marina, in the middle of hills and beautiful apartment complexes.  Right around the Downtown Bellevue Park – with fountains, playgrounds and green spaces.  We were truly amazed by all the things Bellevue had to offer.  Great weekend away.  Great 2-day escape and a perfect place for a date weekend.

Perfect Date Wish List – Places to Visit

Posted on by
Reply

We’ve talked about some of the memorable places we’ve visited and yet there are so many we dream of experiencing or going back to.  Here’s our “to do” list that will grow with time.  We welcome suggestions and places you think we should visit – share your date favorites in comments!

Seattle

Portland

Vancouver

Okanagan

San Francisco

Toronto

 

 

 

Seattle Weekend Date: Museums & le Pichet

Posted on by
Reply

Vancouver offers so many destinations, attractions and amazing places to eat.  Yet sometimes there is a need to get away from the familiar places, get into a car and drive to explore something new.  The lucky thing is, there are places within a few hours of drive of Vancouver, that offer just that: exciting, world-class cuisine, activities ranging from skiing adventures, to arts, museums and breath-taking views. Here, on The Perfect Date, we’ve written about Whistler day trip, Okanagan and Portland trips are on our soon to-do list, and today I wanted to share our favorite Seattle destinations, that make for a beautiful day-trip date.

I love the morning of the day trip – waking up early, knowing the day full of new experiences is ahead. We grab a quick Tim’s coffee and head for the border, if you need a full breakfast for the long road, stopping at Old Town Café once you cross the border and are in Bellingham is highly recommended.   We are lucky, driving there in October, with the fall colors in full swing, without knowing, we

Place Market Flowers

Place Market Flowers

get a preview for what’s to come later that day – sensory overload of bright, amazing colors inspired by nature.

Our first destination is Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum.  This exposition is incredible to experience together – walking from one room to another, taking in the array of colors, mysterious shapes against shiny black background, we were absolutely blown away by the power of Chihuly’s vision and imagination.  Every room is a piece of art, every detail is thought through, incredible flowers made of glass, hug

e structures effortlessly balanced in the air, colors flowing from one to another.  Every sculpture incorporates the

room, the ceiling gets reflected in blackness of the walls. The garden combines glass flowers with the natural flowers and black grass – how cool is that? If you have only 1-2 hours to spend in that area, make sure you visit the museum and have the camera ready.

If you have more time, head to the Space Needle located right next to the museum. On a clear day the panoramic view of Seattle skyline and the ocean are not to be missed. There is something romantic and serene about being together high up in the clouds, taking in the views of a beautiful city.  Have even more time and love music and pop culture?  EMP – Experience Music Project Museum is right next to the Needle.  We leave EMP for the next visit and head to our next favorite place in Seattle – the Pike Place Market.

Multi gemstone and diamond ring

Stunning Multi-gemstone & Diamond Ring

I love the atmosphere of the market, the artisan treats, the sea of fresh and dry flower bouquets, fish and produce stands – there is something for everyone there.  The abundance of produce, deli and breads makes me think of food – locally sourced, beautifully prepared.  We know just the place for that.  Located on the 1st  Ave, minutes walk from the market, Le Pichet is a French restaurant we love.  Atmosphere is cozy, romantic with small tables and European flair.  Service is impeccable, with the place being always packed, the warm crusty bread appears on the tables in no time, drinks replenished, dishes beautifully arranged.  The menu is small, French, with specialty items frequently changing featuring seasonal produce, every dish we tried perfectly executed.  Sitting by the window, sparkling candle on the table, we talk about the amazing day, which would be an amazing gift for a special occasion whether you pair it with a colorful reminder of the day or not is up to you!