08.26.10
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A Touch of Nostalgia

Barb & Ed’s Drive In
601 Basin St NW
Ephrata, Washington
(509) 754-2037

It’s amazing in what I can notice when my name is out there in lights and cruising down Basin St. Okay, I don’t really own this diner or even cook here, but I can dream.

Apparently this place reopened not too long ago, and locals have praised it’s return. As a fellow Ed, I have to applaud more than just that.

This place was probably once a real drive-in at some point in time, and there’s an atmosphere in here that’s reminiscent of an era long gone. It has a very simplistic casual vibe that I could just feel by looking around. I’m at home, even though the eyes say otherwise.

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08.26.10
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A Mexican Standoff

El Caporal
201 West University Way
Ellensburg, Washington
(509) 962-5528

Ellensburg, Washington is a heaven for rock hounds, but for food, that depends on where you go and if you’re willing to hunt around for it.

Yvonne and I should’ve went further down the block than to hit the first restaurant we saw. I thought Mexican would be good on another go during the roadtrip, but not here. Temperatures were high and we both waited until the weather was cool enough to head out. I noticed El Caporal won many local awards which were proudly displayed by their front door, and we both agreed that none of them feel justified.

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08.26.10
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Dining with a Sasquatch

Cougar Bar & Grill
1689 Lewis River Rd
Cougar, Washington 98616
(360) 238-5252

Nestled near the base of Mount St. Helens is a town where there’s more than just one type wildlife for one to hunt for. For some people, it’s like the last vestige of humanity before Big Foot comes knocking at your door or it’s the last resort for folks like me before I go venturing near a volcano that nearly blew off its top back in the 80’s.

There’s an aptly named Volcano Burger ($8.95) that I had to try at the Cougar Bar & Grill. For the chili lover, this meal can set you simmering with delight. For the hamburger lover, you’ll wonder what the fuss is about.

If there were a few veggies added to the meal and they were propped up to mimic a forest, I’d say the cooks here were making a statement. Culinary art would be imitating history. In this case, when there’s a lava flow coming your way, that forest is going to burn. I imagined the fries were the woods, and they were certainly crisped up nice.

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08.25.10
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Sounding off at Pike Place

Sound View Cafe
1501 Pike Pl., Suite 501
Seattle, Washington
(206) 623-5700

For some tourists, dining at Pike Place Market is a must. It’s a mecca for fresh seafood, vegetables and luxuries all over the world. Almost every culinary region is represented but as far as I’m concerned, this place is still part of a wharf. I was ready to wolf down the more exotic than traditional foods I saw here.

The place is a bit of a maze too, and it really takes a weekend to explore it. Unlike the early days where it wasn’t as famous or on the working days where this place isn’t as heavily trafficked, I’d enjoy wandering around and trying a few cafes and hitting Golden Age Collectables downstairs.

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08.24.10
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Seattle Can Light my Fire

Laredo’s Grill
555 Aloha Street #100
Seattle, Washington
(206) 218-1040

Mexican food is great if one can handle the spiciness in some of their dishes. But when it comes to gulping down a jalapeño whole to kickstart my meal, it felt like I walked into Hell’s Kitchen, and I mean that with the highest regards.

Back home, Hernande’z in Yates Street mall does a good job for meals on the cheap, but when you start paying more for a more filling soft taco, there’s a better value for the buck.

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08.20.10
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There’s a Chili in the Park

6th Annual Chili Cook-off
Veterans’ Memorial Park
Langford, BC
 

I’m always on the lookout for a good satisfying chili and this cook-off gives me ample opportunity to find just the right mix. Sauce thickness, and the right combination of ingredients can make or break a bowl. A good spoonful has to leave a warm numbness on my tongue. It has to be spicy but yet show restraint, and let the other ingredients shine. Why enjoy it now only to pay for it later with a couple of stomach relief pills.

The park was adequately decorated with tents for the teams, bouncy castle for the kids and musical entertainment for everyone else. I stepped up to Rotary Club’s registration desk and paid an inexpensive sum of $5 to attend. In return I was given a spoon and a judging card. Both were my keys to new adventures.

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