Seattle’s Pike Place Market, Coffee Houses and Bakeries

Only the evening before boarding a plane to Seattle did I realize that the Emerald City is home to infamous Pike Place Fish Market (well known for their Team Building model).    Further research revealed the city housed America’s premier farmer’s market, Pike Place Market, also called “The Soul of Seattle.”    The challenge was that by the time I landed in Sea-Tac Airport, hopped the convenient Link Light Rail downtown, walk a couple of blocks to check into the Hotel Monaco, then head out to find Pike Market, there would be less than two hours to explore because the IFBC evening reception and registration started at 5:00 pm.    The conference itinerary was jammed packed with activities and no time for sight-seeing until the conference was over.

Arriving at the hotel, I didn’t dare stay long enough to look around at my guest room for the next three evenings.  Without unpacking an embarrassingly over-sized suitcase (needed room for swag bag goodies!) I was back outside to capture sights of downtown Seattle with no time to waste!    There’s something exciting about exploring new cities on foot and just walking into a direction where I hope to find what I’m looking for.

Trying not to look like the quintessential tourist and failing miserably at the charade, I wore my trusty camera like a necklace.  Happiness, is the smell and sensation of a cool and crisp Seattle breeze gently whisping  by my face.   Loved the weather!   Walking only a couple of blocks without turning into another street, I must have passed at least six different coffee houses.   This city loves their coffee and teas!

Less than two hours to explore and wanting to see more, I was on the phone with Southwest Airlines to arrange a later flight out of Seattle. I had to revisit Pike Place Market and experience more of it before heading back to Southern California.

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market, or referred to as “The Market” by locals, overlooks Elliott Bay waterfront, is about nine acres and has been a part of Seattle since 1907.   Over 200 local farmers and businesses rent space year-round.  The Market’s goal is for consumers to “Meet the Producer.”   Over 10 million visitors a year visit this infamous market, making it the state of Washington’s most visited destination.

I was in awe of the colorful displays of healthy, gorgeous fruit and vegetables.   The varieties and produce I have never seen in my own local markets back home.   Seafood markets, lavish flower stands, various eateries and food markets and craftspeople throughout the market.   How could anyone tire of this or take this accumulation of fine offerings for granted?    My first visit was on a Friday late afternoon and it was so compacted with visitors I could barely walk through.   Returning for the second visit, early morning on a Monday, proved to be a different experience in which I was able to more calmly and leisurely walk the market and actually talk to some of the owners and workers.

The Market is rich with stories of it’s founders, growing pains and development.   It’s currently being renovated  during the next years, but will remain operational throughout the various upgrade phases.  Read more about Pike Place Market and make plans to visit this remarkable community when you’re in Seattle.

1912 Pike Place Starbucks

I enjoy my Starbucks.  I’m a patron of hot, tall, non-fat chai latte’s with whip, mini-vanilla scones or seasonal pumpkin cream-cheese muffins (btw – check out my copy-cat recipe…after much trial and error!).   Little did I realize as I was meandering down Pike Place that I was walking towards the relocated iconic locale of the original Starbucks!   It became obvious that the 1912 Pike Place location was something special by way folks were clamouring around it, taking pictures in front of the address and under the originally designed logo (the bare-breasted siren).

It’s mid-morning, the air is crisp and the sun is out.   Friendly people all about and the hustle and bustle of The Market preparing to open.   A little bit of nostalgia, friendly patrons, cozy surroundings…I’m at Starbucks.    That first sip of my hot chai latte – Aaaaah.  Comfort in a cup!    It was that extra special at Pike Place.

There’s no place to stand and meander at this location’s coffee house.   No seats for the weary or Wi-Fi hookups.   As I skillfully bobbed-and-weaved between people to get out the door with my hot cup of latte, I can smell various temptations of sweetness filling the air.     Now it’s time to explore a small sampling of the gorgeous bakeries lining this side of the street alone.     I’m looking forward to breakfast!

Bakeries and Shops

The street across from The Market, is lined with various bakeries, eateries and specialty foods.   There just wasn’t enough time to see and taste everything!   I made my way down the street, peering into windows and strolling into shops, wishing I could bring some of these delectables and treats home to share with Hubby.   No way to get these perishables on the plane.

Places like:

• Beecher’s Handmade Cheese – They make their cheese right there in the store. You can watch them mixing a massive vat of cheese products. There’s a little area for you to sit and enjoy cheeses and sandwiches.
• Piroshky, Piroshky – A Russian bakery. On Friday late afternoon, the line was ridiculous, but impressively long. The aroma of sweet confections perfumed the street and you had to take a peek just to see what all the fuss was about.
• Le Panier This bakery made my heart stop with a slice or two of their Tarte aux pommes. The crust was flaky goodness with a custard-like filling topped with caramelized apples. I’m inspired, just loved it!
• Sotto Voce – Gourmet flavored spiced and herbed olive oils and vinegars, bottled by hand.
• The Confectional – This is cheesecake heaven and not for the faint of heart. Baked cheesecakes and cheesecake truffles created in the cutest mini sizes or full party size.
• Mee Sum Pastry – Chinese goodies recognized for their humbows and barbecue pork skewers.

I could go on and on about what was experienced in the Pike Place Market area. The day won’t come soon enough if I have the opportunity to visit again and enjoy more of this fine city, the sights and foodie experiences with my true better-half.

This was an inspiring piece of Tarte aux pommes from the Le Panier bakery.
Doesn’t it kinda look like the apples are arranged as a sad face?
Maybe it was sad because it knew I was going to eat it.
And I did. Every last bit of it! :o)