Flashback Friday: Seattle

As you already know, one of my favorite things to do is eat. Many of you also know I love to travel. This two things are the perfect combination. One of the reasons I love to travel is because of all the new food adventures I get to have. 

Last June I was able to go to some of my dearest friends' wedding in Seattle, WA. I went several days early to hangout out and oh boy does Seattle have amazing food! Also, while this post is mainly about food, it would be a crime to not showcase a little of Washington's beauty.

First stop: Bachelor Party. All of the guys went camping in the beautiful location. 

Camp food: Steak, potatoes, corn on the cob, smores & beer (not pictured).

Next stop: Fonte Cafe

If you are ever in Seattle, you need to make sure you make a stop at Fonte Cafe near the Public Market for brunch. It can't be beat.

Aztec Mocha - Latte with chocolate, cayenne, cinnamon, and black Pepper

Yogurt & Granola with Fresh Fruit and Golden Raisins

Fonte Scramble in a Croissant - Peppered Bacon, Mushrooms, Asparagus, Roasted Red Peppers, Fresh Herbs & Fonte Cheese Blend

Charcuterie Hash - Assorted Cured Meats, Potatoes, Roasted Red Peppers & Onions, Topped with a Fried Egg

More food after the jump!

Birmingham's Best Kept Secret

Authentic does not begin to describe the food at The Olive Branch. 

On a whim, my friend and I decided to try something new. Why not? Driving past the building it would be very easy to keep driving. There is nothing particularly interesting about the exterior of the building. But guess what? There doesn't have to be. After reading a review online quickly where someone said "best hummus I have ever had" we decided to give it a go. 

The Hummus - we agreed, it was the best hummus we had ever had. 

The Chicken Special - Greek chicken tenderloin, wild rice, a Greek salad, small portion of hummus and pita. 

The Kafta Special - Grilled Mediterranean style meat balls topped with swiss cheese

The Gyro Special - Grilled Gyro meat seasoned to perfection

Beef Kabob - Beef ternderloin skewered with bell peppers,

red onions, tomatoes & mushrooms

* Yes, it does come in a caserole dish

The Stuffed Squash - Two yellow squash & two grape leaves cooked in fresh tomatoes stuffed with ground serloin, white rice & seasonings

* The Olive Branch is FAMOUS for this dish. Due to it being made fresh everyday, they often run out before the end of dinner time. 

House Dressing - Let's not forget the star of the show. I douse my entire meal in their house dressing. A little spicy, a little zing. Perfection

* Note, the bottle was full before it got to me. 

If you have yet to experience the Olive Branch you are truly missing out on a Birmingham treat. The staff is friendly and best of all the owners are from the Mediterranean, so they know what they are doing. After my friend and I discovered this gem we debated not telling anyone about it. "Our little place." But our schedules kept clashing and I couldn't keep myself away from this place. So slowly more people were introduced. Now I have come to realize how selfish I was. Everyone needs to be eating at the Olive Branch.  Do yourself a favor and go today.

For more information, visit their Website or  Facebook

3236 Cahaba Heights Road

Cahaba Heights, Alabama 

35243

(205) 967-4600

Downtown Delight

In my absence you have all probably assumed I have gone off and gotten in shape and decided to eat nothing but salads for the rest of my life. Fear not, I am still a fat ass. 

Downtown Birmingham has seen a revival in the past few years. New shops. New lofts. And most importantly, new restaurants. I discovered brick & tin a couple months ago. It is actually walking distance from my loft [which is awesome!] I kept driving by it and finally decided it was time to go in. My only regret is that I did not go sooner.

What's not to love? Their atmosphere is awesome. Brick walls and a tin roof, hence the name. I feel like I am in New York when I am having lunch at brick & tin. A true urban experience. Something that Birmingham does not currently have a lot of. 

But what's more important than atmosphere? Food! I have never been disappointed with my order at brick & tin. Seriously. 

Brisket - slow roasted beef with caramelized onions and white barbeque sauce, accompanied by a cup of mushroom soup.

Florentine - turkey, lettuce, tomato, goat cheese w/ butternut squash soup

My favorite by far is the Brisket sandwich with mushroom soup. I have taken friends to eat there with me a bunch of times and everyone has really liked what they got. One even said "Best brisket I have ever had." 

They are mainly just open for lunch. But if you do not work downtown, they are open Friday nights. So what are you waiting for? (There's a good chance you will see me there)

214 20th Street North

For more information

http://www.brickandtin.com/index.html