...these are a few of my favorite things...

Many of you, at one time or another, have asked me for advice on the best place to buy spices, find good produce, dine out, or track down the best meats.  I thought I'd do a blog post highlighting a few things that make me just giddy thinking about them...  I'll do this every once in a while until all of my secrets are out : )

Big John's PFI ~ http://www.bigjohnspfiseattle.com/ ~ 206.682.2022

This is, hands down, my best source for bulk spices, flours, legumes, and good Mediterranean products.  It's one of those places that I walk in to with a specific list and end up with a shopping cart full...  They have very good olive oil, cheeses, bulk olives and feta (bring a container from some brine), and lots of bulk chocolate (Callebaut, Guittard, and some new single-origin brands).  PFI is kind of hard to find the first time, but once you discover it, you will consider it a hidden gem as well!  Besides, they have perfect food phrases painted on all of the store pillars...

Tacoma Farmer's Markets ~ http://www.tacomafarmersmarket.com/

Local produce and products abound at the 6th Ave and Broadway markets.  For me, the 6th Ave market is the most convenient market in the area since it's in the evening on a Tuesday! 

Hitchcock Restaurant ~ http://hitchcockrestaurant.com/ ~ 206.201.3789

This Bainbridge Island treasure is my current restaurant crush.  We've been up a couple of times and had the chef's tasting (you say how much you want to spend, they bring you the best dishes of the night); the quality surpasses any meals that I've had in Washington outside of Seattle.  Chef Brendan is definitely rocking the house and challenging us all to bring up the culinary scene in the south / west sound.

Minterbrook Oyster Company ~ http://www.minterbrookoyster.com/ ~ 253.857.5251

This ultra successful oyster farm is my best source for shellfish- clams, mussels, oysters.  I love being able to stop in and order a few dozen, then head over to the warehouse and have the staff sort them right there for me.  This is one of the most successful operations in the country (if not the world), and they are also espouse a strong philosophy of water quality preservation and sustainability.   

Zen Can Cook ~ http://www.zencancook.com/

For goodness sake, just take one look at this guy's food and photography, and if you can't tell why this is my favorite blog, I'm not sure I can help you...  He is a private chef in New York City and I am completely jealous of his food (and camera)!