Fabulous Feasting is a monthly blog feature focusing on one woman’s quest for the most fabulous food in Seattle to feast on, from restaurants to recipes.
There are some restaurants that may seem too extravagant and out of reach for most occasions. Nestled in the heart of Woodinville wine country, friendly neighbor to Willows Lodge and The Herb Farm, the Barking Frog restaurant should not be on that list. Sure, dinner there may set you back a pretty penny, but there are always affordable ways to enjoy an exceptionally nice meal at an otherwise pricey spot. Brunch is one option. If you’re looking for a great place to have brunch with a girlfriend or out-of-town guests, or you want to get away to a peaceful location that’s not that far out of the city and splurge on dinner, this should be one of your go-to places
Barking Frog is surrounded by lush, expansive gardens and has a luxurious, warm interior that exudes Northwest cozy. Summertime is prime for seating in the serene, outdoor patio courtyard, complete with bubbling fountain. In cooler months (which, who are we kidding, is most of the year here in the Northwest,) warm up by the signature circular fireplace and take in the rich-hued wooden beams of the dining room. Though it may be percieved as lavish by some, Barking Frog is truly rustic food and setting.
Fabulous Feasting is a monthly blog feature focusing on one woman’s quest for the most fabulous food in Seattle to feast on, from restaurants to recipes.
It is such a shame that more people have never tried fresh figs, and so many more have never cooked with them. I must admit that I was one of those people not too long ago. I had never experienced a fresh fig until about four years ago when I moved into my current house and discovered a fig tree growing in the backyard. It took me this long though, to venture into the realm of using them in recipes. My tree is so abundant with fruit that I have been spending a bit of time lately trying to figure out some ways to make use of them before the birds and squirrels get to them all.
I made fresh fig bars (look for that recipe soon to be posted on my blog KristinPotPie.) I tried them right off the tree topped with a bit of goat cheese and wrapped in prosciutto. I loved the sweet and savory combination with pork so I decided to try the fig and cheese idea with my grilled pork tenderloin recipe. What a nice pairing it made! It is, in my mind, the perfect combination of flavors. The grilling caramelizes the fruit, the goat cheese melted creates a rich, creamy contrast, then the tang of the balsamic jelly and the savory pork hit your palate and - oh my! Be warned though, this simple recipe is one that could get you seriously hooked on figs!
Fresh Figs are in season August through October. And if you are not lucky enough to have one growing in your (or a neighbor’s 
) backyard, they can be found in some grocery stores and in local farmers markets. This dish is perfect for a late summer into early fall meal while it is still nice enough outside to grill. A bonus for the health conscience: Not only are figs delicious, but they are extremely good for you as they are loaded with potassium and dietary fiber.
All it takes to get started is a little marinade. You can also use fresh herbs if you have them available. I use this marinade recipe year-round, so dried is great in the winter. It works nicely on chicken as well.
Coat both sides of the pork. I use one of the twin packs of pork tenderloin from Costco and this recipe serves eight. Great for a gathering of friends. For a smaller version that serves four, use just one tenderloin and half the recipe (or even use pork loin chops for one or two people.) Very adaptable!
Make sure the figs you choose are ripe, but not mushy - firm with just a little give. Read more
Fabulous Feasting is a monthly blog feature focusing on one woman’s quest for the most fabulous food in Seattle to feast on, from restaurants to recipes.
If you’re looking for something different in the way of food experiences, why not try a food adventure? Combine a local road trip with food tasting, and you have a winning combination! Whether it’s a romantic weekend get-away with your honey, or a girls-only trip, you don’t have to go far from Seattle to find great scenery and wonderful fare.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know that we live in one of the most beautiful places in the country – especially when the sun is shining But one of the most stunning locales in the world is right in our backyard, the San Juan Islands. The largest and most popular of the islands is Orcas.
You can travel there and back in one day, but I would recommend taking a couple of days to enjoy the island (if only to make the cost of the ferry ticket, all the driving, and the time spent waiting for the ferry worth it!) It’s about an hour and a half drive to Anacortes, with a recommended arrival time of an hour before the ferry departure, then another half an hour drive to the quaint little town of Eastsound once you arrive on the island. Accommodations come in every budget. Camping is available in nearby Moran State Park, as well as plenty of bed and breakfasts and historic hotels, but if you really want to splurge you could get a room at the lush Rosario Resort and Spa.
On Orcas there are a wide variety of outdoor activities ranging from whale watching and kayaking, to bicycling, hiking and beach-combing. And the views are breathtaking, like this one from the top of Mt. Constitution.
There’s also great shopping in the cute little boutiques that line the streets.
Fabulous Feasting is a monthly blog feature focusing on one woman’s quest for the most fabulous food in Seattle to feast on, from restaurants to recipes.
What did you have for breakfast? Yogurt? Fruit? Oatmeal? Grande, triple shot, soy latte? Those are (mostly) great choices, but why not try something a little more substantial that will keep you going until lunchtime, while still fabulous and worthy of a GPH girl like you?
Just because you are in a hurry in the morning doesn’t mean you have to scrimp on style and taste when it comes to breakfast. It doesn’t have to be a big production, just get out your prettiest little plate, set out some fruit, and whip up this simple, yet satisfying, meal. Pampering yourself first before going out into the world will undoubtedly make for a much more productive day.
I found these lovely little Asiago Cheese rolls at Panera . They inspired me to create this beauty of a breakfast sandwich. Of course you could use any roll, bagel, or bread that you have on hand.
Start with the roll, some herbs, cheese and an egg. Easy so far, right?
