Category: about Seattle

After another great trip to Louisiana, we arrived back in Seattle tonight. Once we got through the front door, I broke out the Cochon Butcher King Cake I carried across the United States. Instead of a little baby, this cake had a little piggy.

We flew to New Orleans via Memphis today. Weeks ago, I mentioned to Mr. T & we’d be arriving later than we normally do, so we fired up an online reservations site to see who could seat us at 10:30 at night. Bayona came to our rescue. I’ve been curious about the place for a better part of a decade, so jumped on the chance.

But first, we had a layover in Memphis to attend to. I wasn’t sure what to expect out of the Memphis airport — as major pit stops, Denver and Atlanta are pretty homogenized. Minneapolis, too, as far as the food goes, but their saving grace is the plethora of bookstores. I could handle the place stranded for a week or so with all those books. Although, Minnesotans know how to deal with the snow so it’s not as likely.

In Memphis, imagine my happiness to discover not one but two kinds of BBQ on hand in the airport. We overheard a pilot describe to another that there was one place that specialized in sweeter, another in spicier, so we went for the spicy at Jim Neely’s Interstate BBQ for our midday refuel. Good stuff. Mr. T declared that Brian would be proud to share the Neely name.

We arrived at our hotel around 9:30, got ready for dinner and sped down Dauphine to meet our reservation, a little early. Bayona was different animal than Interstate BBQ, but equally pleasing. What we ordered:
Stormy Morning: Elderflower Liqueur with Creme de Violette, wedge of lime & sparkling wine
Grilled Duck Breast (med. rare) with Pepper Jelly Sauce and Wild Rice (pour moi)
Flounder with rice, eggplant, and mushrooms in a soy, citrus, & teriyaki sauce (pour Mr. T)
Mocha Banana Torte with Pecan Croquante (pour nous), with a Happy Anniversary circling the plate.

The drink started us off on an excellent note — whoever is working the bar does it well. Both mains were on point, though we were surprised to find rice on Mr. T’s plate rather than the sobu noodle in the menu. It was late, we were tired, we were otherwise pleased, and didn’t bring it up with the waiter who seemed preoccupied with concerns other than visiting our table with regularity. It was approaching the end of the evening, I imagine, though the restaurant was still fairly busy. He made up for it by suggesting the delicious Mocha Banana Torte.

Dauphine Street seemed a ghost town at our departure hour, so we took the Bourbon Street on a Friday night gauntlet for our walk home. I suppose it must be done, from time to time.

Sunny and hazy — very, very L.A.

And another commute. It’s one of those months where it’s been challenging to remember pictures during daylight, but thankfully the daylight is getting noticeably longer.

I timed this commute perfectly, as I raced to Swing Dance class.

We had our 2nd Ladies-Only Catan Gathering tonight. Slow evening, but very gezellig.

Dramatic sky at sunset — trying to work around the Nordstrom Rack sign reminded me of visiting pals near Geneva, and taking in the sunset at the Carrefour. (Swiss/France trip found here.)

Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m ready to declare my favorite movie of 2011 — The King’s Speech. An uplifting story of friendship and facing one’s personal demons.

Rocky had a couple of us over for Hot Pot — perfect way to ring in Chinese New Year!

Rocky’s mantra: “Anything worth doing is worth OVERdoing.” Preach it, brother.

I had some name-changing bizness to finish up today.

Later that evening:
Whoever decorates the placards for the Atlantic Crossing does an excellent job.

…put to good use.

I had some fabulous meals thanks to White Center today. Soon, I’ll have to redirect you to where that story will be told.

We followed tonight’s dance class with a visit to the creperie in Capitol Hill: 611 Supreme.

It’s the annual end-of-January sunshine!

I can’t believe it’s the last day of January already.

A friend’s started making new felt plushies for sale. The elephant was my favorite.

Yesterday, my mom sent a package with two framed maps of New Orleans. Today, I’m testing out the smaller one of them in our main hallway.

Tonight — dinner at a French place at Pike Place Market.

After swing dance class tonight, our little gang retired to Linda’s back patio to cool off and share a remarkably good pub dinner.

When my friend Cynthia visits, she always brings lovely flowers. The ones she brought yesterday bloomed today — a little bit of Spring on a gray day.

Mr. T & I went to Revel’s Sunday brunch today. He had the Kimchi Ramen, I had the Kalbi Burger. Both were improved by the beloved spicy condiment tray.

Happy National Pie Day! In years past, I’ve attended a friend’s National Pie Day party (she’s on the National Pie Board – and yes, there is a National Pie Board). We aren’t able to attend this year, but I know it’s always a great time.

I have book club tonight, so we walked to the new Sweet & Savory Pie on Fremont Ave to pick up pie for the gang. Turns out, they were not sellin’, only handing out mini mini pies today. We had a good quick chat with the proprietors, enjoyed our bites, and scurried back home.

The Baron and I met another critter on his walk today. Actually, we met many others — every dog owner in Ravenna was out walking with their best friends today.