West Seattle Saturday: What A View

Our jumping off point for our big Saturday in West Seattle was lunch at Bakery Nouveau for some of their famed croissants. It was our first trip to their bakery and the line out the door told us we were at the right place. The staff worked quickly to accommodate their customers and it wasn't long before Dan was eating a turkey Havarti croissant sandwich and I was sinking into a traditional baguette with ham and Swiss. Yes, please. I also snagged a plain croissant for breakfast the next day. This beacon of French deliciousness will call us back again and again.

I had in my mind that I wanted to stop at the West Seattle Community Garage Sale. I love finding treasures at garage or rummage sales (remember my quest for vintage Pyrex?) and I felt that this would be a great way to get to know the area. I am new to Seattle and I want to get a sense of the different neighborhoods. Why not tour it when they are all on their driveways welcoming the crowds? It was a gorgeous day and after a few stops with no luck, I changed my game plan and concentrated on the scenery. When we rounded one corner, this was the view! Imagine mowing your lawn with a view of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains in the background. Location location location.

We left the neighborhoods and parked near Alki Beach to enjoy the view. I stopped in Starbucks (2742 Alki Ave SW) for a latte and turned around after ordering to see this (above) - a bank of windows overlooking Puget Sound. I wouldn't have believed that you could have coffee in such prime real estate.

We walked across the street, walked until we found an empty bench. We sat and drank our coffees while we marveled at the view - the Olympic Mountains to our left, the city of Seattle and her Space Needle to the right, with kayaks and ferry traffic in between.  

Once we were back in our car and leaving, taking the slow drive along Alki Ave., I saw this building and insisted I be let out of the car. Dan found a place to pull over and I was able to photograph this beautiful example of two vines working in harmony: wisteria and clematis. Have you ever seen a more beautiful example of what can be done with vines and color? It is growing on an apartment building right on Alki Ave. This masterpiece only lasts about a month, I'd estimate, but what a month it is. Bravo.

A closer look at the striped clematis blooms and the coordinating wisteria clusters nearby.

Seattle: Date Night at Salty's on Alki Beach

Salty's on Alki Beach is my favorite date night restaurant in Seattle. The food is delicious and the staff seems genuinely happy for customers who are "visiting Seattle" and get to experience dinner with this spectacular view. 

Dan and I drove over to Alki Beach to find a casual restaurant that I had read a lot about. When we arrived, it was a little too casual, primarily take out and we decided that we'd rather have more of a Sunday Dinner.  A long quiet meal with a chance to soak up the view from Alki Beach.

We were able to get right in (it was 6 o'clock) and were seated at a table with a view. I ordered the True Cod and Prawn Picatta, which is finished with caper berries, artichoke hearts, baby heirloom tomatoes and italian parsley. It was delicious. The cod took on the bright flavors of the sauce and I ate every bite.

This view is a wider shot of the city - the buildings aren't as clear, but you can see the distinct skyline that Dr. Fraser Crane made so famous. If you are planning a visit to Seattle, you must include one lovely meal at Salty's on Alki Beach. During warm weather, you can request a table out on the deck.

Seattle: Salty's on Alki Beach: We went just for the Hal-i-but

The stars and moon aligned and we had time to enjoy a relaxing dinner in Seattle. After flying all day, we had landed in the afternoon and instead of the limiting "find a place to eat that's not to far from work" scenario that we are usually faced with, we had time to enjoy dinner on the water.

I had been encouraged to visit "Salty's on Alki Beach" for seafood and since I knew that my husband had never seen the city of Seattle from this angle (looking back from the East) I thought it would be perfect.

It was more than perfect, really. A great view, delicious dinner...and we got right in! I ordered a Diet Coke to pep me up (I am not good at changing time zones!) and we settled in with our menus and had a chance to talk.

I started with a petit salad (greens with champagne-thyme vinaigrette, 
plucked mint, pecorino cheese, grape tomatoes and focaccia croutons) and though it was very good, it was light on the mint. Someone must have missed sprinkling it on my plate because  I only had one sprig in one of my last bites and I immediately noticed and said, "The mint! That's what I was missing." The bright flavor did a lot to enhance the pecorino cheese and vinaigrette.  On the whole, the salad was light and delicious and I would certainly order it again.

Dan started with a sherry-topped clam chowder that was so delicious he didn't speak until it was finished.  I tried a spoonful and loved it. Next time I'm getting my own cup!

We both ordered the special: honey soy-glazed halibut on rice with a spring pea, corn and onion topping drizzled with chili oil.  Look at the darling pea shoot showing off the perfect row of peas - that's art!  We loved the dish and enjoyed it even more since we were able to snag a table with a view of Puget Sound (below).  We were on the other side of the country and it felt like it!

Thank you, Salty's on Alki Beach for the warm welcome back to Seattle.