Chef’s Tour of Pike Place

This trip in May marked the 5th (I think) time Jacob and I have gone to Seattle together. It’s our favorite place to go to – the flight is short and inexpensive and there’s always fun things to do. This trip, I wanted to try and do something we’ve never done before. I booked all this being the optimistic person I am – I figured the 1st trimester nausea would have died own by that point (it kind of did – it was a roller coaster instead of a constant). The thing I didn’t account for was the exhaustion. Walking 5+ miles a day was not the best idea I’ve ever had. But at least I had some good food to keep me fueled.

Before I get too deep, this is where I got tickets and it is 100% worth the time and money.

I lived in Seattle in 2011 and I’ve been to Pike Place a million times but I somehow was brought to so many different little alleyways I’ve never seen in my life. The chef that we had on our tour knew the history of Pike Place as well as a deep understanding of all the food we were eating. I learned so many fun facts while eating so much good food. We went to 9 different spots which are always changing (sometimes they’re not open or unable to accommodate a big group that day) so there’s no guarantee on which place you’re going to… but this is where we went.

Stop #1: Hellenika

You had me at Greek Gelato. The one we got to try is a London Fog flavor – one of my all time favorite drinks. I am happy I don’t live near Pike Place because I would be here literally every single day. They explained that the machines are churning the gelato almost non-stop and the magic that happens from that is beautiful.

Stop #2: Chocolate and Ice Cream Delight

We got a rose latte and a caramel chocolate. I am a sucker for floral flavored lattes and this is one of the best I’ve ever had. The chocolate was smooth and had the perfect amount of sweetness.

Stop #3: Maiz

I would like to start this off by reminding everyone that I am from California and I am married to a Mexican man. I also understand that the meat is probably kept bland to ensure that people who are unable to handle spice can eat it. But this needed so much more flavor. This was the only dish that I was disappointed with.

Stop #4: Truffle Queen

I love truffle. Early pregnancy Lauren hates the smell of truffle. Luckily, I was fairly okay in this shop. We tried two different types of truffle spreads (white and black) and both were great. What I really loved was something I didn’t get a photo of – truffle salt. I love truffle in all its different forms – chips, oil, hot sauce, salt – all of it.

Stop #5: Smoked Salmon Experience

I might love Seattle even more because I love seafood so much. I could live off seafood (not while pregnant though, I guess). I could have eaten a whole tub of this smoked salmon.

Stop #6: Pizza Pasta Bar

I think that if we didn’t get pizza on this tour, Jacob would have revolted. It was pretty good – the marinara sauce is some of the best I’ve had. Jacob makes his own pizza pretty regularly (from dough to sauce – I want to make mozzarella at some point) so when it comes to pizza, we are so spoiled. I’d absolutely try this place again though.

Stop #7: Pike Place Chowder

This clam chowder has won so many awards that it’s been band from entering again. And for good reason. This is the best (not made at home) clam chowder I’ve ever had.

Stop #8: Pike’s Pit Bar-B-Que

I’m not a HUGE fan of BBQ but this was bomb. The meat was cooked perfectly, the BBQ sauce wasn’t too sweet, and the coleslaw underneath complimented the meat so well. By this point, was insanely full and exhausted.