Seattle: local pride, eco (and volcanic) hot spot

I have a mouthful of wonderful things to say about Seattle, one of them being that it is home to two exceptional people, Lizzy and Dave.  During the 4 days I spent exploring the city, my top-notch tour guides took my friends Sarah, Jane, and I to some excellent spots.  As a self-proclaimed wannabe foodie, I took the most pleasure in discovering some of the city’s delicious little restaurants, many of which were organic, sustainable, and/or local.  I could tell just by looking around Freemont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, and even downtown that Seattle takes some serious pride in their local and organic industries.  There were farmers markets, eco-chic boutiques, art galleries, the most delicious coffee I’ve ever had (not surprising), and many a local brewery or winery.  Not to mention it was surrounded by glorious mountains, more bodies of water than I could keep track of, and a ginormous man-eating volcano.  Here are just a few of my favorite Seattle findings (most of which involve food… do I have a problem?):

Molly Moon Ice Cream – local ingredients (some organic; hormone free dairy), vegan choices, fantabulous flavors, compostable utensils, stores built from reclaimed wood and sustainable materials.  Stomach ache was definitely worth the 2 heaping scoops – 1 salted caramel and 1 chocolate.  All around uh-mazing.

http://www.mollymoonicecream.com/

Homegrown – sustainable sandwich shop, compostable utensils, recycled paper menus, fresh ingredients (many of which are organic and/or local), unique menu items, totally delicious.

http://www.eathomegrown.com/

Pike Place Market – local fruits, veggies, treats, knick-knacks, art, more honey and fish in one concentrated area than I’ve ever seen in my life.

www.pikeplacemarket.org

Snoqualmie Falls – get in touch with nature and visit this visual natural masterpiece (taller than Niagra Falls).  Then go get a cup or two of coffee in the lodge’s lounge upstairs and stare at the falls from a warmer, drier lookout point (home of Lizzy and Dave’s new favorite mochas!).

http://www.snoqualmiefalls.com/

PCC Market – my new grocery mecca, like Whole Foods gone somewhat local.

http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/

Freemont Farmers Market – almost anything you could imagine: local everything, fun people, delicious smelling food, candles, and teas.

http://www.fremontmarket.com/

Islandwood on Bainbridge Island – something I have yet to do, however it sounds like eco-heaven.  Teaching environmental awareness, working with the community, all about sustainable living.  My kind of place.

http://islandwood.org/

It is definitely worth taking a short trip up north to check out this lovely little city.  If you want to blend in with the other Seattleites, don’t use an umbrella, drink a ton of coffee that is NOT Starbucks or Peet’s, buy some local beers or wines, and support the local shops/restaurants/farmer’s markets.  And of course go say what’s up to Lizzy and Dave, they’re the best.

delicious urthy food

This past summer, I visited Urth Caffe in West Hollywood, and I am now officially addicted.  The menu is vast, delicious, and obviously organic.  Many of the items are vegan but don’t sacrifice the appeal of a seriously awesome meal, snack, or beverage.  All of their cups and utensils are biodegradable, and they work directly with sustainable coffee growers that are Fair Trade.  My personal faves out of the few times I’ve been there are the Arnold Palmers, Tuna Sandwich, smoothies, and pumpkin cheesecake (thank you, Kelley, for letting me mooch off of your sweet-tooth cravings).  

 

It is so important to support places like these, because if one place uses biodegradable utensils and cooks with organic produce, there is no excuse for others not to.  Spread the eco-friendly love!

http://www.urthcaffe.com/