Seattle is a gorgeous place in the sunshine! From the mountains which frame up the Seattle skyline to the greenery and the magnificent water that glistens and sparkles, I have to say it’s really the most gorgeous place on earth. With one stipulation, it’s only this way on a sunny day. The other 364 days per year it’s grey, cold, wet, and most recently added to the misery cocktail, windy. Okay, I’m exaggerating a LITTLE with the number of days but if you ask ANYONE around here they’ll admit that this past year has really been quite awful.
But, just as the leaves turn and signal fall, the cherry blossoms are pushing their way into spring regardless of how the weather feels about it. Spring truly is in the air! Birds are chirping, those cherry blossoms are blooming and dare I say it, the SUN WAS OUT! Not just peeking out and peacing out, but actually showing it’s glorious face for a Friday through Sunday appearance!
In addition to the sun, another WONDERFUL aspect of living in Seattle is the Pike Place Market. That is one Seattle legacy that will NEVER loose it’s appeal for me. Living a few short block away from the market is really just a plan from the cosmos to spoil us rotten. Our weekend walks to the market are nearly a religious experience. The shopping list varies between seasons but never fails to remind what a wonderful place we reside in. Whether it’s picking up a fresh Vegan muffin from one of my FAVORITE bakeries, Cinnamon Works, to grabbing a fresh crumpet and bowl of soup from our favorite little stop The Crumpet Shop or gathering a few $5 bouquets of flowers to brighten up the perch, there are a few staples of the weekend walk to the market.
First on the staples list is a stop into De Laurenti for some fresh salami or prosciutto, picking up a package of Rosemarry La Panzanella Mini Croccantini, or stocking up, if needed, on amazing olive oil and 25 year balsamic. Being in the shop is always a quite an experience and while I have not YET (yet is of course emphasized) been to Italy, I envision the experience of ordering meats and cheeses from a deli counter there to be one-in-the-same with the experience of ordering at De Laurenti. They meticulously hand wrap up all of the meats and cheeses in lovely folded white paper and encourage you to sample the various grilled an marinated veggies, cheese and charcuterie they have displayed behind their expansive glass case . It’s evident by their interactions that customer service is of utmost importance.
The second stop on the weekend market trip is at Corner Produce to pick up the fresh fruits and veggies for the week. They are always ready to help you shop, offer suggestions, and serve samples of their wonderful product while they banter with you about the weather, tourists or any other various topic you could suggest! I’ve been going to that stand for over two years and have gotten to know some of the guys, and they’re just wonderful. I never leave without a big smile on my face and a bag full of fresh handpicked produce.
The most recent addition to the weekend shopping experience is a stop at the world famous Pike Place Fish Market counter. Notorious for their theatrical display of throwing of the fish and yelling out each order, as well as publicly announcing when they receive a tip, these guys stock and filet the most wonderful assortment of fresh seafood you could ever ask for. Name something in season and they have it fresh, fileted to your desire and wrapped up with a smile to boot!
I’ve have to say, living in or anywhere near downtown Seattle affords you the ability to eat like a King and Queen with fresh, local ingredients! We’re completely spoiled to be able to walk down to the market each weekend and stock up on all the fresh fish, product, fruit, charcuterie and spices we could desire. This afternoon we decided that fresh fish was on the dinner menu so down to the market we walked, returning home with fresh Salmon and Cod, a whole crab, asparagus, and a rustic baguette from Macrena Bakery.
Broiled Salmon & Cod with Asparagus and Rustic Baguette
Pre-Heat Oven to 375
Prepare the asparagus by washing and cutting of the bottom inch
Layout on a baking sheet on non-stick aluminum foil
Spray with olive oil from a misto sprayer and seasoned with fresh cracked pepper, sea salt, cayenne pepper, paprika and minced garlic
Cook for 30 minutes, flipping every 1o minutes
Once complete, remove from oven and turn oven to broil
Place Salmon in one cast iron, and Cod in another
Season with minced garlic, fresh parsley, cracked pepper and sea salt
Broil in pre-heated oven, salmon for 3 minutes and cod for 5
Serve with fresh rustic bread, arugula salad drizzled with 25 year balsamic and olive oil, and of course it was served with a glass of Ménage à Trois red! What meal is complete without it!
