Seattle Day 2: Pike Place Market

July 28th, 2008

On our second day in Seattle we went downtown to take part in a culinary walking tour of Pike Place Market with Savor Seattle Food Tours. I knew we wanted to do some kind of walking tour in Seattle and our hosts were definitely up for it. We did a bit of research (and recon – Jess saw the tour walking through the market one day) and found out that this company uses earphones so the guide doesn’t have to shout. I was slightly concerned at the geek factor but so excited to do it that I decided it didn’t really matter.

I don’t know what kind of insanity I was expecting but it was all very civilized.  We met at a coffee place to pick up our headset thingies and headed out. The tour guide was adorable and funny but for some reason the rest of our tour didn’t seem to think so. Before we even walked into the market she made a crack at Mark (apple is not a vegetable) and I knew we would be friends. I think the rest of the group had zero sense of humor and were only in it for the food and because their wives made them go. I mean we were only in it for the food too but come on now, they made no effort to have even a little fun which was kind of a drag. Anyway, first stop – Donuts.

Watch as Matthew makes it look like he is paying attention so people don’t notice he is going in for donut #2 or maybe #3. I don’t blame him! They were tiny, hot and sugary. Deeeelicious!

 

Of course we saw the place where they throw fish. It was loud and there were tons of people there but we did try some smoked salmon. I didn’t take any pictures because there were 500 people there taking pictures.

One of the rare vacation photos of me and I’m jamming a peach into my mouth. Luckily the fruit was already cut up because I’m the messiest fruit cutter ever. I think it is because of the shape of fruit. I can’t imagine its me.

Jess and Mark perfecting the LWC – Listening while chewing. We had to do alot of that.

There was of course a ton more walking/eating. We had some outrageously good clam chowder and I never thought I would say that. I’m still shocked! I dislike clams AND creamy soup but I didn’t want to look like a loser in front of the losers on the tour so I tried it. I guess if you are going to try it for the first time, you might as well try award winning hall of fame chowder. It was great in a teeny sample cup but I don’t know if I could eat a whole bowl. Other highlights included piroshkys (meh), cheese (amazing), and this ridiculous cherry and peach salsa that we ended up going back for after the tour ended.

It was a beautiful day and the tour was fun and informative about the history of the market. I’d definitely do another tour with them, possibly the Downtown Seattle one that started 3 days after we left…grrr. The group (of deadbeats) was a little bigger than I like but hey, that’s what we get for doing something touristy on a Sunday morning.

 

Tags: seattle, travel

Entry Filed under: On the road