Pike Place Market
First Ave. & Pike Pl.
Seattle, WA
Pike Place Market has more than enough diners and international food operations to make finding a brunch easy. With me starting at the north end of the market and working my way down to the main entrance, with only $25 in my coat pocket, just where should I go?
2124 5th Ave
Seattle, WA
(206) 728-1966
I’ve been to Portland and had their best confectionery delight. In my opinion, the variety Voodoo Doughnuts offers is beyond compare. In Seattle, Top Pot is considered the best of Seattle because of its many endorsements. I had to challenge this claim.
I’ve had plenty of doughnuts from at least four different countries (two being from Asia) to know parts of what’s available. Even Homer might be eying me with envy, but I digress. In what I tasted early morning, when the product is at its freshest. I can certainly say they do rank up there in satisfaction. The quality can certainly be tasted.
Ebi Ten
388 Robson St.
Yaletown
Vancouver, B.C.
(604) 689-9938
J: Ebi Ten is just one of those little discoveries of Ed’s from 6 years ago. Despite a few repeated attempts, Ebi failed to please the freelance food critic with their takoyaki. It was a good thing Ed took little convincing to give Ebi another go. The girl behind the counter was very young and helpful. And it didn’t hurt that she spoke the language of the food she served. With our orders placed, we took a seat near the entrance. I wasted time by pointing out Ed’s age and how the girl at the counter was easily in elementary when Ed first visited.
It was clear his age is starting to bother him because he responded with a quick punch. I’m only grateful his strength is not as it once was.
Qoola Frozen Yogurt Bar
Uptown Centre
101-3531 Uptown Blvd.
Saanich, BC
(250) 590-6816
J: Ed managed to achieve one of the improbabilities in his life. Did he solve the riddle of life, the universe and everything? No. Did he manage to get himself a girlfriend? No. Did he manage to find me a girlfriend. Hey, I said improbable, not impossible.
Ed managed to coax me to Uptown Centre. And anyone who knows me knows I dislike Uptown. It’s massively big and it confuses me. I feel more at home in Mayfair Mall or Hillside Centre. Even when I’m walking in the area of Uptown, I’d rather go around the behemoth then use it as a shortcut.
But Ed said the one thing I and I am sure no true Scotsman can resist, he offered to buy. This is one of the reasons he is my best friend. He knows me as much as I know myself.
G-12 1001 Douglas Street
Victoria, BC
(250) 383-6622
La Fiesta is a corner diner that I tend to visit from time to time, and I’ve always enjoyed their burritos. They’re super sized and it has been many months since my last visit.
The taco dinner platter ($10) I enjoyed consisted of two overstuffed tacos and a good heap of taters. In the menu, these potato tots are called Mexi-fries, Honestly, I do not think there is such a thing as a Mexican french fry. It may be an American invention.
Happy Hen’s Cafe
Fanny Bay Service
8256 Island Hwy S RR 1
Fanny Bay, BC
(250) 335-2200
A long trip up island will eventually mean some kind of rest stop. And when one of my friends announced the need for a break to stretch our legs, we ended up in Fanny Bay, the home of some of the world’s famous oysters. They’re known for their plump and delicate taste. While I generally love eating any oyster raw, this chance visit meant our discovery of a cozy diner in a building simply called Fanny Bay Service.
For $9, they have a great offer of six large oysters with fries and toast. There were also delectable burger offerings using ingredients like locally raised chicken, which tempted me, but I did not deviate.
We asked if the diner did take-out and huge points were scored for the fact that they indeed do. We simply opted for just the oysters. They were panko coated and pan fried to a tenderness that I really liked. These large pieces were freshly shucked and I could taste the difference. These oysters had a light juiciness that really hit the spot.
If I lived in the area, I’d be back for more. The locals seem to congregate there for some old fashioned home style cooking. I imagine this service station was once a home at some point; the main level looked like it was converted so it could be a grocery store and diner. The space is very large and can accommodate at roughly 24 people at a time. I really liked the earthy feel of the dining side of the space, and with luck, I hope to return for more.
4 Blokes out of 5
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