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#CatTravels: Weekend in Kona

by on January 8, 2013 in Adventures, Food

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Eat and walk. Eat and walk.

That’s what it felt like we did this weekend in Kailua-Kona.

We were in town to visit Derek’s family and to accomplish two other things: hike down into Pololu Valley and eat at Hawaiian Style Cafe in Waimea.

We were successful on both counts.

And yet, we still found time to squeeze in a few more things, too.

Here’s what our quick weekend jaunt to Kona looked like:

Let's eat!

Let\'s eat!
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We arrived in Kona in the later afternoon, so the first thing we wanted to do was eat. Teshima's Restaurant was the call!

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#CatTravels: Food tour of Seattle — and more

by on November 6, 2012 in Adventures, Food

One of the other reasons I came to Seattle was to visit my girlfriend, Chris, who moved here a couple of years ago.

A trip to see her was long overdue.

We used to work together at the now-defunct Honolulu Advertiser and had done our fair share of traveling, from the chilly summit of Haleakala to watch the sunrise to the wineries of Napa Valley. Now it was time to experience Seattle from her point of view.

Since she knows me so well — smile — she booked a food tour of Pike Place Market with Savor Seattle Food Tours, a local food tour company that takes small groups behind-the-scenes at the historic market (among other places) for $39 per person. It’s a two-hour walking tour that guarantees at least 16 bites and sips, an up-close look at about 10 vendors, and one-on-one time with the famous fish-throwing fishmongers at the Pike Place Fish Co.

It was a great way to learn about the market — and about Seattle’s culinary scene — while eating. It’s a no brainer!

But that’s not all we did.

Here’s what my first day with Chris — and in Marysville — looked like:

Heading to the waterfront

Heading to the waterfront
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My girlfriend, Chris, picked us up at the hotel on Sunday, drove Derek to the airport, and was stuck with me for another two days. So we headed back to the city for a food tour she had booked in advance. (She knows me so well!)

Follow my adventures in Seattle and Portland on Twitter at @thedailydish or on Instagram at @catherinetoth.

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#CatTravels: Wandering Seattle’s waterfront

by on November 3, 2012 in Adventures, Food

Saturday was the only day Derek and I had completely to ourselves.

He didn’t have to attend any seminars; I had nothing planned.

So we caught the bus and headed straight to Pike Place Market, the popular public market overlooking the Elliott Bay waterfront.

This market opened in 1907 and now boasts hundreds of small businesses, craftsmen, merchants, artists, farmers and fishermen. With more than 10 million people visiting this market a yet, it’s become one of Seattle’s most popular tourist destinations.

So of course we had to go, too!

Here’s what our day at the waterfront — and we did way more than eat clam chowder! — looked like:

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market
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Open in 1907, this public market boasts hundreds of small businesses, craftsmen, farmers, fishermen and artisans selling their goods, produce, seafood and wares, which attract 10 million visitors a year. It's one of the busiest tourist attractions in the city — and we were on our way!

Follow my adventures in Seattle and Portland on Twitter @thedailydish.

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#CatTravels: The search for food in Seattle

by on November 3, 2012 in Adventures, Food

Seattle has quite a food scene, and I was ready to eat my way through the city.

This coastal seaport, with 3.4 million residents in its metro area, offers the bounty of both the land and sea. Fresh produce, meats and seafood are easily available, and chefs here love to incorporate seasonal flavors to everything from soups to ice creams.

So in between Derek’s presentation at the History of Education Society‘s national conference in downtown Seattle and visiting with his cousins, we hit up some of the city’s best and beloved eateries.

And I came hungry!

Here’s what our second day in Seattle looked like:

Seattle's bus system

Seattle\'s bus system
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I'm a huge fan of the public transit in Seattle. The buses, the light rail — they were all convenient and affordable. Since we didn't rent a car, this was really our only way around town, and to be honest, it was easy, quick and painless.

Follow my adventures in Seattle and Portland on Twitter @thedailydish.

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