Travel

My blog has been very neglected lately as I've been traveling with hardly enough time to keep up facebook let alone the blog.

My travels have not been nearly as interesting as Italy but I do very much believe in the adage "When in Rome". I find it very sad when people travel and eat at places that they have at home. I understand for the quick airport bite, late at night for the first days coffee. However I really believe it is best to try something new and local to the town.


So here are a few places I've been lately-going backwards through the last 2 months worth of trips.

Chicago.
Table 52... OMG. .
Okay when I say eat local clearly I am not out in the jungle with a choice between bugs or applebees (not sure which I would pick). Table 52 was southern cooking in Chicago and a treat (one that would require very large size clothing if enjoyed too often).

Of course I also had deep dish pizza another night. While I am more of a thin crust gal, deep dish is quite good in Chicago.

Finally Fanny May's chocolates were brought home for some of my born and bred Chicago fiends as well as some Easter baskets.

Florida Keys.
Did not dine out often this trip but had conch soup, not standard Seattle fare, and a more local fish. I have to make a plea people outside the NW-please don't order Salmon when you are away, it will NEVER be as good as it is at home.

Also used Key Limes in my cake (mentioned in a previous post)

Madison WI.
I have been to Madison for work so many times over the last 12 years that sometimes I get confused and think places in Madison are actually in Seattle. I think Madison has many great places to eat and for the first time in years ended up in a hotel outside of town where they had lots of chains. Guess that's what Taxis are for. My latest favorite nice place is Harvest right by the Capitol.
Unfortunately many of my long time favorites have closed in the last few years so I will be looking for some new suggestions (Next trip probably Sept but maybe sooner)


Las Vegas.
I looked up a place for some co-workers that was meant for a "fancy" meal. I asked the next day how they liked it and heard it was "over the top". Well that is dining in Vegas and it should be enjoyed for the show.

This trip I would say the "Sushi bar" in the Bellaigo called Yellowtail was the best. They had a Edamame in chili sauce that was amazing! Reminds me I meant to e-mail them for the recipe.
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Road Trip to Ashland.
Okay not really much different than Seattle food. Stopped at a New Season's grocery in Portland where my sister manages the large ready made food section that is as big or bigger than whole foods, but local like our PCCs. Great store. Also easy to stop at good local coffee shops on this trip.