In the Market
I had a couple hours free (ie, ran away from conference center for a few hours) so I walked from my hotel down to Pike’s Market to do a little exploring of Seattle. I originally wanted to go somewhere else because quite a few people had commented that it was a very touristy area but ended up going there anyway because I was not sure where else to go…
One thing that was nice was that on the way to the Market, I was temporarily unsure that I was walking in the right direction, so I got out my map. A woman immediately came up to me to ask if I needed any help. People seem pretty friendly here and it is quite refreshing after living in Boston for so long.
I walked around the Market for a little while, dodging flying fish and looking at all the beautiful flowers and produce. My stomach was unhappy with me so I eventually started looking for somewhere to get some lunch. I decided on Matt’s in the Market because I heard about it from somewhere and thought I remembered that it was good.
I had a great eggplant and tomato sandwich with some creamy butternut squash soup. It is too bad my stomach is a bit touchy still from being sick or I would have had a glass of wine. Lots of the other customers were having wine and exclaiming how good it was.
Here is a terrible picture of the restaurant. It is actually more a picture of that guy, who is making a great face and wearing sunglasses indoors for no apparent reason. (click to make bigger)
Then I walked around some more and recognized a french bakery from my reading on Seattle, Le Panier. Of course, I had to go in and see if they had any good tarts. I am obsessed with anything in a tart shell. mmmm… they did. So me and my tarts went to the park to sit in the sunshine.
It is not a sock or anything cool like that but the lemon tart wanted to be recognized. 
Boy, was she good too. mmmmm..
I walked around a bit more after my lunch and little snack. I really lucked out that the first nice weather since I arrived just happened to correspond with my couple free hours. yay!
I like the little girl in this picture. She had a really cool backpack and also liked pigeons. Here it is a little closer up:
I also saw the very first Starbucks and for the benefit of you people, I embarrassed myself by taking pictures there. No, don’t thank me. I know you appreciate it.
Okay, Casey wanted me to say hi so here it is: Hi, sweetie. I love you in Seattle.
June 2nd, 2005 at 7:37 am
I love Seattle! I’m glad you made it to Le Panier. They have the best almond criossants. The chocolate ones aren’t bad either. The tarts look yummy. I also embarassed myself on my last trip there by having my photo taken in front of the original SB.
June 2nd, 2005 at 8:48 am
I had NO idea that Starbucks originated in Seattle, nor that it had been established in 1971. 34 years? Crazy.
Thanks for the history lesson.
June 2nd, 2005 at 9:42 am
Thank you for the pictures….you made a homesick girl very happy. (Born and raised in Seattle, lived half my life there, half in So. Cal….currently suffocating in North Florida and dying for a taste of the West Coast.)
Is it not one of the prettiest cities ever? I think so…and yes, everyone is super friendly. If you go back to the market, stop by Frank’s Quality Produce. They have the yummiest champagne grapes ever. Then again, I am partial to Frank’s…My high school sweetheart’s family owns it! They always have great stuff though.
Glad you are having a good time. There is TONS of stuff to see and do.
June 2nd, 2005 at 10:10 am
It looks like you’re having fun seeing the sites in Seattle. Those tarts look yummy!
June 2nd, 2005 at 10:46 am
Those tarts look so good. I am now starving. I can’t think of anywhere around here to obtain a tart. Damn you, tart woman. Enjoy the rest of your visit (conference, whatever)!
June 2nd, 2005 at 11:32 am
i’m so glad that you are enjoying my city! i love it here! too bad you missed last week’s sweltering temperatures. and i’m glad you made it down to the market – i never go, but definitely would if i lived closer to it (you can imagine the hellish parking). how long are you here for? i would love to recommend yarn stores and the like if you’re interested . . .
June 2nd, 2005 at 11:34 am
There is a yarn store just a stone’s throw from Pike Place Market. It’s on First Avenue and Bell, I believe. I hope this link works, it’s definitely worth the visit if you have the chance. It’s called So Much Yarn
http://www.nwsource.com/ae/scr/edb_vd.cfm?c=s&ven=20804&s=nws
June 2nd, 2005 at 12:27 pm
I love Seattle! I love touristy places, so I thought that Pike’s was cool. Hey, doesn’t that guy in the restaurant look like Matt Dillon’s character from Singles?
Have a great time, stay safe!
June 2nd, 2005 at 12:34 pm
Isn’t Seattle wonderful? I visited for a wedding just a month ago and had a great time. We just did touristy things, but we were tourists so I guess it was ok. If you go back to Pike place market you should try to go to the Market spice store, I got some of their tea and really love it. The store is just past the guys throwing the fish. Also the tea and crumpet place on the street right above the market was great. They have great crumpets with all sorts of yummy things on them and bottomless cups of tea.
June 2nd, 2005 at 1:11 pm
mmm…tarts. Yet another reason to visit Seattle some day.
June 2nd, 2005 at 3:32 pm
I totally laughed when I saw Christie’s comment about Matt Dillon and Singles. I thought the same thing
And the first Starbucks? Very cool. I would like to see that one day.
June 2nd, 2005 at 4:33 pm
The tarts look SO good.
June 5th, 2005 at 7:08 pm
those little tarts look so cute!!! I couldn’t eat them.