tacos chukis // seattle's hidden gem

One of my latest food discoveries a few weeks back was Tacos Chukis - a little taco joint in Capitol Hill. Nestled in the upper corner of a mini-hodge podge of strip mall on Broadway, Tacos Chukis is a hidden gem of delicious street tacos, burritos and tortas. For less than $20, you can purchase at least half a dozen of tacos - which is enough to satisfy the cravings for two. 

The tacos and burritos come in a variety of meat and veggie fillings. My personal favorite is the Adobada which features marinated Al Pastor pork with sweet grilled pineapple. And no shame, I ate three tacos AND a baby burrito... It was that good. 

What new places in your neighborhood have you recently discovered or want to explore?

Grab a taco today: Tacos Chukis  //219 Broadway E // Seattle, Washington

An Ode to the Egg.

image via

To be completely honest, this post is just a tad bit "not my normal stuff," but for some reason, the subject was top of mind. Yes... I'm thinking about eggs right before I close my eyes for the night... or maybe it's the fact that I just de-shelled five soft-boiled eggs. Regardless, here is my ode to our beloved and sometimes overlooked ingredient.

the wandering goose.

Where to go for a bite to eat after church? That's what the boy and I struggled with this past Sunday after Palms Sunday Mass - we had no idea what we were in the mood for.. we were just hungry, and the belly needed to be fed. We decided to venture to Skillet Diner, but somehow there was water pipe construction happening at the same time resulting in an early closure of the restaurant. About 25 mins into our wait, we were notified that they were unable to seat us - the whole neighborhood's water was going to be shut off.

Eeeek! Hungry.. grumpy... and indecisive of where to go next, I remembered a good friend's recommendation to try the wandering goose.

On the corner of 15th and Harrison in North Capitol Hill, tucked between Ethan Stowell's Rione XIII and the 22 bar without any clear, outside sign except for the faint scribble of "wandering goose" on the front door window and a neon-light outline of a white goose - sits the wandering goose. The thirty seater is home to Southern inspired breakfast and lunch featuring fresh, homemade buttermilk biscuits, cookies, layer cakes, hush puppies, grits and more. The vintage, rustic feel to the cafe is a perfect place for a quiet Sunday morning catch-up sesh to share weekend adventure stories. Even the tables have their own stories to tell -- each table has a beautiful wooden top and etched with a little quote. Ours said "Bug fell in love with goose. Goose fell in love with bug. And they fell in love..." so cute. 

The cafe's ordering process is similar to one of our favorites, Oddfellows - where you order, pay up front and pick a spot in the cafe where you'd like to be served sweet goodness. Upon entering the cafe, I was immediately drawn to the front counter filled with delectable sweets and treats - five-layer coconut cream cake, raspberry thumbprint cookies, chocolate ginger molasses, pear coffee cake, bourbon pecan pie and more...

The boy and I settled on a fresh buttermilk biscuit with raspberry preserve jam to start as we gave into our sweet tooth.

light, buttery flakiness dressed with a sweet fruity goo - a simple melt-in-you-mouth in every bite. 

And for our blunch (breakfast + lunch, I'm a bigger fan of lunch than breakfast.. hence not using brunch) I settled for an Aunt Annie's which I washed down with a hot cup of rooibos tea, while he chose a fresh cup of coffee to accompany his Sweet Blonde.

Aunt Annie's: fried chicken. bread & pickles. house mustard. Heather's homemade honey. buttermilk biscuit
Sweet Blonde: sweet potato biscuit. country ham. egg over-easy. Steen's butter. 

Devoured within seconds, these biscuit sandwiches were absolutely divine. The boy and I are definitely looking forward to eating here again soon... or maybe just to stop by for some sweet treats. I've got my eye on that coconut cream cake.

What yummy eats did you visit this weekend?

Dine Around Seattle | Eat Your Local Heart Out

Last Monday, I had the pleasure of attending a private kickoff event for Dine Around Seattle - Seattle's Premiere All Local Dining Promotion. It was a quaint event with scrumptious appetizers, wine and great folks discussing the importance of eating and supporting local restaurants. Enjoy the snapshots of yummy bites I got to snack on during the event - sprinkled throughout the post below! The kickoff was held at Farestart, a job training and culinary placement program for homeless and disadvantaged individuals that uses "knife skills to teach life skills." Over the past 20 years, Farestart has helped provide opportunities for more than 5,500 people to transform their lives. Their efforts and life-changing contributions to our local community and economy are more than a testament to why they are so well-deserving of being the recipients of this year's Dine Around Seattle's proceeds.

(left: roasted tomato with oregano, garlic basil pesto crostini | right: my sampler plate)

Organized by the Seattle Good Business Network - a non-profit network of residents and local businesses, Dine Around Seattle is a way to connect thousands of residents with the best of Seattle’s restaurants, contributing millions to our local economy and strengthening our community.

(left: zucchini frittata w/ kalamata olives, creme fraiche and roasted peppers |
right: smoked salmon cakes with mango vinagrette)

HOW IT WORKS: 
From March 3 to 28 (Sundays thru Thursdays), participating restaurants will be offering 3-course dinner menus (a starter, entree and dessert) for $30*, with many others also providing a 3-course lunch menus for $15*.
*Tax, gratuity and beverages not included. Not available Sunday brunch.

Here is the list of participating restaurants to choose your next local, gastronomic adventure. (More than 40 restaurants are participating this year!) Tips for the newbie: it doesn't hurt to make a reservation via Open Table or calling the restaurant directly. (Reservations are not required, but highly recommended as these restaurants get super packed.)

lemongrass chicken meatballs

Whether it's date night or if you're looking for a new place to try, this "do good. do local." version of Restaurant Week has got my vote for the next food outing.

(left: dark chocolate brownie bites and lemon cheesecake bars |
right: dark chocolate ganache dipped in almond powder and mint chocolate chip cookie whoopie pies)

While looking at the list of restaurants, I was absolutely ecstatic to see some of my favorites: Local 360 and Toulouse Petit - and even more so, excited to try some new places!

What local Seattle restaurants will you be trying or want to try with Dine Around Seattle?

dishcrawl seattle: gastronomic adventures.

This past Tuesday, my main squeeze and I attended our very first Dischrawl! For those of you who are unfamiliar with the concept, be sure to check out my original post about it.

First stop of the night - one of my favorites: Local 360 - a sustainable restaurant that is known for using locally grown produce within a 360-mile radius. I've been to this quaint place many times, but was absolutely delighted that the dish prepared for us was not on the menu.. a little special treat for us Dishcrawlers.

Fried chicken on top of a light slaw and cornbread | Parsley and hazelnut pesto puree with endive and crostini | Rockfish hushpuppies placed on top of a sweet honey butter

spotted: me. instagramming my food.

Served to us by candelight, this was one of my favorite stops of the night.

Next, we ventured down 2nd Ave towards Sarajevo Lounge, a Bosnian club and restaurant.

on our way to the next stop for more yummy in our tummy

Hummus | Handmade lamb and beef sausage | Traditional Bosnian cream and roasted red pepper dipping sauces | Gyro slider

To be honest, I was very surprised at how tasty the food was... since I've always walked past the place and never been in. Not sure if it was my favorite place, but an interesting choice nonetheless to have on the Dishcrawl.

After that, we headed to one of my go-to places for take-out / where I go to satisfy my cravings for home cooking - Green Leaf, a Vietnamese restaurant. We were graciously welcomed in by the owner who explained the dishes in detail. I sort of didn't really pay attention, as I am all too familiar with this cuisine... just dug right into the yumminess.

Handmade fresh spring rolls | Sauteed shitake mushrooms with lemongrass  Mixed salad of green papaya, mangoes and lotus rootlets

To end the night on a sweet note, Holy Cannoli was the place to be for a custard-filled little sweet treat. My choice for the night? Limoncello.

My favorite place of the night? I'll pick two - Local 360 and Green Leaf.

And of course, I had to have a picture with Dishcrawl Seattle's Ambassador - Melissa.

Had a fun little Belltown adventure.Thanks, Dishcrawl Seattle for the splendid evening!

PS - Huge thanks to my main squeeze for taking great photos for me during the event.

Sponsored Post: I was contacted by Dishcrawl and compensated with free tickets. However, all opinions are my own.

fresh and fit: eating healthy

Today at the office, I overheard a conversation about losing weight. "It's not just about exercising - it's the quality of food and portion control," she said.

You'd think that's simple and easy to remember, but when you're working 24/7, it's difficult to make time and plan healthy meals that have a balance of protein, carbs and the right amount of veggie servings.

My quick fix to this solution? Always have a bag or container of fresh spinach, spring greens and baby kale (ready to eat) in the fridge.
*I'm a big fan of organic girl - you can find their products at Whole Foods or another local grocer.*

Even if I don't feel like cooking an elaborate dinner, a side salad of those veggies makes dinner more filling and gets at least 1 1/2 servings of your daily vegetables. Also, I save my grocery shopping and "weekly cooking" for Sundays - allowing me a full day to cook and control my portions for each day.

Important reminders:
(1) always eat breakfast in the morning even if it means just a banana
(2) snacking isn't a bad thing - keep a jar of non-salted almonds or kale chips at your desk - you'll risk the temptation of stuffing your face with calorie-filled goodies from the vending machine
(3) hydrate, hydrate and hydrate - drink plenty of water

Here's my typical day, maybe it will help you plan your meals for a light, fresh and fit week!

[1]

breakfast - (eaten at 7:45 a.m.) (option a) fresh steel cut oatmeal with flax seed, drizzled honey, almonds and cranberries (a dash of brown sugar because of my sweet tooth) or (option b) honey flavored greek yogurt with pumpkin seeds, granola, almonds, flax seeds and fresh berries

[2]

pre-lunch snack - (eaten an hour and a half before lunch - 9:30 a.m. to10:00 a.m.) luna bar - lemon zest and vanilla almond are my favorites

  

                  

obsessed with organic girl | baby spinach, spring mix and baby kale | fresh, clean and ready-to-eat

lunch - (always eaten around 12:00 p.m. to12:30 p.m.) spinach, mixed greens and kale salad with cucumbers, sprouts, half an avocado, tomatoes, edamame beans and carrot-ginger dressing (Whole Foods has the best one!)

after-lunch snack - (eaten two hours after lunch - 3:30 p.m.) small apple with 1 1/2 spoonfuls of organic peanut butter or two small clementines

*sometimes a piece of dark chocolate makes its way into my stomach*

[4 - click here for the recipe!]

dinner  - (eaten around 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.) lemon chicken or kale wrapped salmon, a side asparagus and  spring salad without dressing, paired with a glass of wine or rose

You all must think I'm anal for these specific times, but I've read that it's important to have a food routine. It helps keep your metabolism stable at a fast, steady rate and ensures healthy digestion. Notice that every meal has a veggie or fruit component. I also strongly suggest taking vitamins in the morning too, to ensure that you're getting the require nutrients for a balanced, healthy body.

healthy body = peace of mind = clarity = less stress = positivity

For more tips on eating right, check out recipes featured on these happy miles! She always posts the healthiest dishes.

Stay fresh and fit!

images: [1] [2] [3] [4]

Seattleite in Training: All my adventures begin with "R"

Notes from your Seattleite-in-Training: Apologies for the lack of posts due to my busy work days and nonexistent social life.. puh-leeze... there are no excuses for my negligence to you my dear friends. Personally, I blame it on the oh-so-dreadful weather and the fact that I have been waking up before light hits the sky... curse you winter. BUT I'm starting to get back in the groove. Expect more posts to come.... thus, I bring you my latest entry: "All My Adventures Begin With 'R'"
_________________________________________________________________________________

running, riesling and red lipstick...dessert?

Okay maybe not everything I love or do begins with R, but that letter has made quite a few recent appearances - mainly, rain. Typical Seattle weather has been a torrential downpour these past few days, and best believe that I am, now, more than ready for some sweet sunshine. One would think that the first day of spring would scream sun, pastels and wedges. However, in the Pacific Northwest, we beg to differ. Bust out the Hunter wellies and brightly printed trenches - we're going puddle-jumping.

[1] the front of re:public, on the corner of Republican and Westlake

Despite the cold winds and slight drizzle, Wednesday night's after-work adventure led me to a newly-found favorite: re:public, a little trendy restaurant and bar in the heart of South Lake Union. Oh, and of course, no adventure would be complete without one of my best friends: Robert. (Robert is the instigator for all my adventures; I believe this blog title suits our friendship quite well.)

Upon arrival, we were seated quickly at a booth adjacent to the bar and greeted by our hostess, who noted that we only had ten minutes before happy hour ended. [Happy Hour is from 4 to 6 p.m.] If only she knew that happy hour never really ends when I'm with Robert, that kid is a hoot and a half.

[2, photo courtesy of Robert] Tequila Sprite and a Chardonnay

A tequila sprite ($4 well drinks during HH) for the bestie and a glass of the house Chardonnay ($5 /gl) for myself.

After sifting through the HH and dinner menu, our hostess recommended the HH Fish N' Chips ($7) - three pieces of beer-battered, fresh Halibut, served on a bed of garlic, parmesan fries, homemade tartar sauce with a hint of dill and a lemon wedge.

Robert and I glanced at each other, and without hesitation, we both ordered it. Oh of course, since it's a HH dish, we thought the portion would be smaller - so the menu stayed with us, as I eyed the crisp pork belly sandwich with local rhubarb ($8) and the braised beef short rib with tomato conserva and green onion ($7). choices. choices. choices...

[3, photo courtesy of Robert] The most filling Happy Hour appetizer I ever had.

But when our fish came out, boy, we were glad that we hadn't ordered anything else. The three pieces were huge - we definitely got our money's worth. Crispy batter and delicate Halibut, it was cooked exquisitely. I absolutely loved the homemade tartar sauce - it was lighter than most others because of the fresh dill.

[4, photo courtesy of Robert] Blood Orange Pear sorbet with toasted graham cracker crumbs for garnish

To end our meal on a sweet note, Robert and I had the blood orange, pear sorbet ($2) for dessert. Tart, sweet and refreshing - it was the perfect way to end our dinner. At first bite, the blood orange sweetness  tickles your taste-buds, but the faint aftertaste of pear leaves your palette wanting more. Needless to say, I'm obsessed with the sorbet; it's my new favorite flavor... maybe playing second to lavender ice cream.

Folks, if you haven't tried re:public, I highly suggest it for your next date or to celebrate the happiest of hours with a friend/bestie/co-worker. Best believe this won't be my last 'venture there... re:public was a winner in my book.

re:public

429 Westlake Ave N.

Seattle, WA 98109

(206) 467-5300

www.republicseattle.com

PSA: The Pâte, Caviar and Beef Wellington Lover is giving up all meat... for good.

guess who's going veggie?

that's right. 

me

All the deets regarding why/how/when will be shared tomorrow. 

good night my dear friends.