IceBox Grocery

Whenever I'm looking for a fresh local sandwich that isn't too expensive I always turn toward IceBox. The curried chicken is my ultimate favorite, but I also enjoy the BLT. The sides are made at the store and include clam chowder (which is not too heavy, but spiced just right), coleslaw (one of my favs), and potato salad. They also serve fresh squeezed orange juice, mimosas, and sangrias. I recommend adding them on Facebook to get the daily specials.

Curried chicken sandwich with a side of clam chowder

BLT sandwich

Strawberry Orange Mimosa

Hours: Tue-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 9am-2pm, Sun 10am-2pm
Location: 1903 C 10th Ave W. Seattle, Wa 98119
Website: www.iceboxgrocery.com

Portage Bay Cafe

Lemon Curd French Toast

Lemon Curd French Toast + Trip to the Fruit Bar

I've always been a huge fan of pancakes, but I especially enjoy a delicious slice of french toast. This is the place to get them. With an overwhelming amount of toppings from the topping bar, you are allowed to fill up your plate with fresh fruit, whipped cream, syrup, and more. Even though there is usually a wait on weekend mornings, I still enjoy waiting outside in the sun with a cup of coffee in hand (as pictured above). I've had the Oatmeal Cobbler French Toast, the Bananas Foster French Toast, and the Oven Baked French Toast. I savored each bite of all three. The Phil's Breakfast is also a good choice if you are looking for some meat and eggs.

Hours: 7:30am - 2:30pm Daily
Location: 2821 NW Market St Seattle Wa, 98107
Website: http://www.portagebaycafe.com/2013/home.html

Las Vegas Eats

I'd like to share with you all the delicious meals I had on my trip to Las Vegas with my mom and grandma. We enjoyed a lot more food then what is listed below, however these are the ones I remembered to take pictures of and which blew me away the most. I hope it gives you some new ideas on creative presentations for dishes. 

Treasure Island Restaurant

Cashew chicken stir fry

 Light lunch in the Venetian Hotel
Blue cheese pear arugula salad with grapes

Cheese platter with mango chutney

 Crab and guacamole dip with plantains

Crab macaroni and cheese

Shopping Tips N Tricks

1. Shop mostly from the wall of the grocery stores: Fresh produce, dairy, and fresh meats are located mostly along the outer walls of the store. I usually only shop in the middle to obtain baking supplies or canned food.

2. Eat mostly  vegetables, beans, nuts and fruit: Stay away from processed and prepackaged foods. If possible, try to make your own cookies or granola bars so you know exactly which ingredients are in it.

3. Sometimes buying fresh and unbagged is cheaper than bagged produce: For example, you may notice that one bunch of spinach, unwashed costs less than one that is already bagged. You are paying for convenience. If you want to save some money take a look at these prices.

4. Always go to the grocery store prepared: I've noticed that when I shop without a grocery list I tend to grab more food than I was intending to. Make sure to look at what you have before leaving the house and jot a few things down of what you are running low on or ingredients you need to make recipes for the week.

5. Check out the deli section: Not only is your meat and cheese going to taste WAY better, but it also doesn't cost much more than the packaged items. Try buying low sodium meats when possible.

Cupcake Royale

This nice warm night I went out with my roommates to a cute cupcake shop in Ballard. Cupcake Royale serves cupcakes as well as ice cream, milkshakes, and coffee. After a day of watching show after show of Cupcake Wars, we decided that we must venture out to get some for ourselves. I purchased the Strawberry Rhubarb, but was also able to taste the Strawberry Shortcake and Strawberry Lemonade (Can you tell we really like strawberry?).

The picture below is dark because we decided to sit outside on small pink fold out chairs and a little black table. The place was packed inside for seating on a Saturday night, but there was no wait to get the cupcakes. Overall, I really enjoyed the atmosphere and will be back again once I have another cupcake craving!

Hours: M-F 7am - 11pm; Sat & Sun 8am - 11pm

Location: 2052 NW Market Street Seattle, Wa 98107

Website: www.cupcakeroyale.com