Washington State

My brother and I have found over the years that we have a lot in common, more than we originally knew. A few of those commonalities include an interest in business, entrepreneurship, and food. Food of all sorts, be it cooking up new recipes ourselves; food someone else has prepared; and foods new to us that are common within the local culture. Domestic, international, here, there . . . it doesn’t matter. We like to eat and we like to try new foods, wherever we are.  So no matter where we are together, we embark on the food hunt. We have to try whatever is famous or typical in the area, or take a stab at cooking up something new. In Chicago, the trip would not be complete without visiting Portillos for a helping of the famous Chicago Dog. For added authenticity, more Chicago Dogs bought from street vendors. From the affinity he has acquired for the authentic Chicago Dog, my brother has become a regular critic, testing everyone else’s version of this namesake, arriving at the conclusion pretty much nobody gets it entirely correct outside of Chicago. Either the poppy seed bun (if they even have them) is not steamed properly, the dog does not snap correctly, or the relish is standard (it is different in Chicago). Be it a dog vendor in Eugene, OR, Seattle, WA, Orlando, FL, Germany, Romania, or Ecuador, it has become somewhat of recent tradition between us to check ’em out and text a photo and critique to one another. However on a recent quest to try out a few in the Seattle / Tacoma area, a few interesting discoveries were made. Po Dog, with two locations in Seattle whips up some eclectic combinations for their “gourmet dogs.”  Ever heard of  Po Roll Sushi Dog? (Fresh cucumber — Philly cream cheese — Panko crusted and deep fried w/ wasabi aioli). The Po Dog menu considerately accommodates vegetarians as well, simply substituting their Field Roast Apple Sage Vegetarian Dog between the buns. Pick Your Weiner, Accessorize Your Weiner, or choose from Specialty Weiners.  Po Dogs are located in Capitol Hill at 1009 E Union and Ballard at 2014 NW Market. A new Tacoma hangout was also discovered, combining a few more would-be odd dog recipes (cream cheese and chives . . . or peanut butter and bacon on your dog anyone?). They may not be Chicago Dogs, however The Red Hot in Tacoma, WA boasts one of a different name, The Tacoma (“Our version of the Chicago-style street hot dog, but named for a vastly superior city. . .”) and provides an interesting mix of strange but popular dog concoctions for the adventurous – including an equal number of vegetarian and vegan options. All  to be paired with a rotating menu of craft beers.  We were told however that the owner began in Chicago, and started the Red Hot Tacoma dog because no other place had real Chicago dogs. Check out their current menu via the link to their site. The Red Hot is located at 2914 6th Ave.  Tacoma, WA 98406 The picture above was provided by photographer Darla R. Daniels, captured on her phone.  She had to have a quick eye to see this shot and capture it. Luckily she at least had her phone with her. See if you can make out the composition.  

I have always been of the opinion that Washington is one of the most scenic states, and the Pacific Northwest region in general. Majestic mountains, evergreens, fresh water lakes, rivers, and streams provide post card scenery. But then, maybe I am biased. From the avoid-winter-creature I am,  admittedly even the snow covered, ice glistening terrain of this state conjures up picture perfect holiday nostalgia and memories of a time when this cold stuff was fun. An old friend once tried to convince me of the need for contrasting seasons to keep oneself in balance, and experience a greater appreciation for each and enhanced zest for life. I have yet to succumb to the need to live by such philosophy. However like the contrast in seasons, Washington State also has contrasting terrain, from green and mountainous to dry and desert flatlands, from cities and towns to  country and agriculture, Pacific Ocean coasts to rainforests and islands. Summers provide a number of outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, sailing, and camping, while winters provide snowmobiling and skiing. Visits to Washington usually always include a few days enjoying the local culture of the Seattle area, downtown to Pike Place Market, around the waterfront, Space Needle, and the Seattle Music Project if time permits, and morning scones at Chinook’s. When possible, making the drive over both mountain passes to Central Washington and Wenatchee provides two different sets of worthwhile mountainous scenery. A must stay location is always Jos Cottage in Lake Wenatchee a short turn off of Steven’s Pass, just up the road from the Bavarian styled town of Leavenworth, recently labeled by The Travel Channel as One of the Most Christmasy Places in America. Once called the “Apple Capital of the World”, Wenatchee and surrounding Central Washington is rapidly becoming wine producing country, with wineries and grapes now combing the landscape even around the vast and deep Lake Chelan, in addition to known places such as the Columbia Valley. Apples, cherries, peaches, pears, Walla Walla sweet onions, good wine, great Mexican food, tasty burgers, an event for every season and a coffee/ espresso drive through kiosk on every corner with an active outdoor lifestyle. . . how can you go wrong?