Taste Test in Seattle

The weekend trip was so much fun and excellent food was found! I had dinner with my aunt at a vegetarian restaurant in Seattle named Cafe Flora. In addition to the entire menu being vegetarian they offer many vegan and gluten free choices as well. The weight staff was extremely knowledgeable and when I explained my dietary restrictions they made several excellent suggestions. We started with Fried Green Tomatoes with Cajun Aioli which were perfectly done in a cornmeal batter. Next we had a Lentil Pate platter with Pickled Vegetables, Balsamic Onions and an Olive Mix. The Lentil Pate was served with Rosemary Flatbread for gluten eaters and an amazing gluten free Pita bread that was true in its flavor and amazingly, had excellent texture. It was so good I was almost worried it wasn't gluten free. I had my aunt try it as a quality assurance since her taste buds aren't gluten deprived like mine are and she agreed, it really was just excellent bread. To finish the evening our main course was a Crispy Sage Polenta topped with Roasted Fall Vegetables and Shitake Mushroom. It was served with a Basil Cashew Cream and a Pear and Clove Chutney. To say the least I was one happy and content lady when the meal was over!

The next morning we visited the Flying Apron bakery. This bakery is a real gem. All the bakery items are gluten free, vegan and free of refined sugar. It was a little taste of heaven! My aunt and I chose a Pecan Cinnamon roll, Peanut Butter Breakfast Bar and a slice of Orange Cardamon Cake. Each item was good, but the cake stole the show. The frosting was light and flavorful and the cake had a good texture. The funniest part of the morning taste test extravaganza was that our real favorite ended up being my 2 year old cousins pick from the day old bin, a Marionberry Corn Muffin. It was just the right amount of sweet and was surprisingly moist. I guess next time we go we'll let the little man do the picking!

Not only was the weekend delicious, it got the culinary creativity going. I'll be sure to post the new creations as I make them. And if you are ever in Seattle make sure to stop by Cafe Flora and the Flying Apron. It will make your trip!