a little off topic...

who doesn't a good moustache?

I have had a big surprise up my sleeve for the last few months.  Anyone who knows me, knows I can't keep secrets, so it was a big deal to keep my big trap shut for so long.  Back in April I contacted Bryce from  White Moustache to schedule an eating tour through the city.  Really, it was a dream come true.  We would get picked up in his fancy grub wagon, chauffeured around the city to some of the best Seattle eateries, and dropped back off at our house.  No cabs, no searching for parking, a tour, drinks, food, included in the price--just don't forget to tip your guide!  For two busy parents, who don't travel far outside our bubble in Ballard, I was more than excited for the big day to arrive.

Back to the secret keeping.  I didn't tell Dale what was going on.  I set alarms throughout the day telling Dale to stop eating, take a shower, be at the front door etc.  He knows Bryce from White Moustache so when doorbell rang, Dale was quite confused. SURPRISE!!!

somewhere on our journey

So we loaded up and set on out on our eating tour of Seattle.  It was as much of a surprise for me as it was for Dale.  I had no idea where we were being carted off to. We have lived in Seattle for 8 years and Bryce was sharing some incredible hidden stories about Seattle that made me feel like a visitor.

Our first stop was a quick run into The Yellow Leaf Cupcake Co downtown for some pancake and bacon cupcakes.  Let me just say, if Dale and I were ever to have another wedding, this would be our cake.  Sweet, savory, candied bacon, Italian buttercream frosting.  TO DIE FOR.

candied bacon, maple italian buttercream frosting, yum

We headed up the hill, to Capital Hill's Skillet Diner.  Immediately, we were introduced to some awesome people and seated in a cozy booth.  While Bryce told us about the beginnings of Skillet in an airstream truck, we started in on our first course: pork belly sliders paired with a sturdy cocktail named "toronto". O.M.G.  The house infused maple syrup, the cheese sauce, the pork belly, it all melted in your mouth. For our second course, we were given an angry corndog and a spicy margarita made with house infused jalepeno tequila. Another goldmine.  The flavors were spot on and not too spicy but a good preparation for our next stop.

what's left of the toronto, sturdy and flavorful

We loaded up and headed through the underbelly of Seattle.  We journeyed along Ranier Ave S, crossing through the Central District and Judkins Park into popular Columbia City.  Bryce wowed us with his knowledge of Seattle and its dark history and old jazz scene.  Our next stop, Island Soul , was a highlight of the night.  We were given a house made cocktail called a "jaspura" made with cucumber, mint, chartreuse, st. germain, cachaca and a float of sparkling wine. It was cool and refreshing and a perfect pair for our spicy jerk chicken, seafood fritters, and tostones. The tostones were prepared perfectly, light and salty.  Of course, Bryce gave us the inspiration to dip our coconut corn muffins into the jerk chicken sauce.  I think I am in love with Caribbean food.  Holy hell it was sinfully delicious.

tostones: aka the world's best fried plaintains

At one point, I looked across the table and Dale was smiling like a king.  He had forgotten all his worries, shed off his stress and anxiety, and was content.  After two years of working hard, long hours at a job that is never done, he was in paradise.  The night could have ended here and it would have been perfect.  But Bryce had bigger plans.

hot sauce fit for a king

We hoped in the car and drove across to White Center.  I think most Seattleites either choose to ignore White Center or simply don't know it exists.  I came across White Center last summer during some teaching experiences and was enlivened by the rich culture and diversity.  I was impressed with the commitment to community that some have made. Our stop at Proletariat Pizza proved just how committed this community is with their "White Center Monday" deal: bring in any receipt from a White Center business and receive $5 off. Alas, I digress.  The pizza we had was like breakfast for dinner: coppa ham with soft baked eggs, cheese, and peppery arugula all paired with a flavorful Schooner Exact Ale-liance IPA.  As if this wasn't enough, we hopped across the street to Full Tilt Ice Cream to savor some Vietnamese Mint Ice Cream that was a creamy red-hot ice cream which helped all our previous eating experiences digest.

 coppa & egg pizza with delicious IPA

Bryce wanted to end our night on a classy note.  So we headed to Cantinetta in Wallingford. We were greeted by a friendly faces, a warm and cozy banquet style table, and lace curtains that reminded me of my grandmother's vintage dining room.  We were quickly given a glass of Rubio Tuscana red wine and a bowl of house-made wild boar tortellini in a parmesan brodo. The pasta was expertly made, sealed perfectly, and both savory and light. Dale and I savored every last bite, holding hands with happiness and fullness.  For our final dessert of the night, we had some Nutella filled zeppole served with creme fraiche. I am a desert-whore but I would commit myself to these tasty nutella filled gems.  I told Dale I might need to get pregnant again, just so I can eat them guilt-free every day.  They were warm, gooey, and the perfect way to end the night.

happy (full) bellies can't hide behind white moustaches

4 hours, 6 stops, 3 desserts, 5 drinks, and 7 dishes later we found ourselves saying good-bye.  It was kind of hard to say good-bye. I couldn't decide if I wanted to hug Bryce or take him inside for coffee and more stories.  Bryce is hilarious, knowledgeable, and passionate about his job.  Back in April I told him I wanted to "wow" Dale and he over-exceeded my expectations.  Bryce knows people. Without communicating with Dale, Bryce hit every "bucket list" item that Dale has mentioned to me over the past few months: Caribbean food, big corn dog, tortellini, ham & egg pizza.  Dale and I couldn't stop eating, it was all delicious.  We were able to relax, really relax, knowing everything from parking to ordering was taken care of.

headed to White Center, way outside our "bubble"

Along the way we had great conversation.  We shared our inspirations, dreams, goals.  Bryce encouraged us, complimenting Dale's talent, my photography business, our love for each other.  Not only did we have a great eating tour of Seattle but I think we made a great friend a long the way.

Of course, I have one question. Bryce said that our tour was a play on the "glorious gastro" which meant less food than the other tours as drinks were paired into the mix.  I don't know about you, but 7 dishes and 3 desserts was a lot of food!  I might need to wear some sweatpants and fast for two days before going on a different tour!

sunset from the grub wagon

What else is left to say? Those in Seattle, local or visiting, I HIGHLY suggest you look into White Moustache Tours.  Whether it is a date or large group, you will be spoiled with a unique and delicious food tour through Seattle...just leave the skinny jeans at home.


If you do book a tour, tell 'em I sent you. And because I love supporting unique small businesses, be a gem and like some of these places on Facebook!

White Moustache--https://www.facebook.com/whitemoustache
The Yellow Cupcake Co--https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Yellow-Leaf-Cupcake-Co/125941704138577?ref=ts
Skillet Diner--https://www.facebook.com/SkilletStreetFood
Island Soul Restaurant---https://www.facebook.com/pages/Island-Soul-Restaurant/135118209750?ref=ts
Proletariat Pizza--https://www.facebook.com/pages/Proletariat-Pizza/157664661453
Full Tilt Ice Cream--https://www.facebook.com/fulltilticecreams
Cantinetta--https://www.facebook.com/CantinettaSeattle

the boys loved our souvenirs