Fun, Food, & Family

Olympia, WA

I genuinely believe that the main reason I ever step out is to savor beautiful sights and indulge in delectable food. So, when my sister Lili decided to pay a visit to me and our sister Ella, I couldn’t wait to embark on an adventure together.Our first stop was the vibrant Olympians' market. Amidst the bustling crowd, we managed to find some fresh oysters. I have to admit, I could easily devour thirty of those delicious treats in one sitting, but considering our time and budget, we pressed on in search of more tempting delights.As we wandered, we came across an Indian food stand named “Curry In A Hurry.” My love for Indian cuisine is unmatched—it genuinely brings me joy! In that moment, all I wanted was a samosa, but sadly, they were sold out. What’s the next best option? Pakoras! Freshly fried and generously drizzled with chutney, they were, without a doubt, the best pako I've had in quite some time.Once we had had our fill of the farmers market, we headed home to ready ourselves for a camping trip.

Cannon Beach, OR

During our two-day stay in the breathtaking city of Cannon Beach, I discovered a deep love for this incredible place.We embarked on our journey with lunch at the "Hardware Store." After tipping back hard oyster shooters and indulging in a patty melt, I thought I had already experienced the best the city had to offer. I was pleasantly surprised to find much more.After a bit of light shopping, the three of us visited the "Oil & Vinegar Bar" for some delightful sampling. The vast array of olive oils and flavorful vinegars left a lasting impression, making it a must-visit on my next trip.Once we had quenched our thirst for exploration, we relaxed at the "Pelican Brewery." Known for its fresh beers and welcoming atmosphere. After sampling the Pelican flight of eight different ales, I took one for the team and enjoyed every sip.As I drunkenly made my way down the charming streets of Oregon, it was time for dinner. We considered our options for a bit and finally decided on "Public Coast Brewing Co." I ordered the "Dirty Fries," smothered in garlic parmesan and topped with grilled onions, mushrooms, and jalapeños. These were hands down the best fries, making them my favorite dish in Cannon Beach.After finishing off the day relaxing on the beach with a glass of wine, we rested up for day number two.The following day, we savored breakfast at "Crepe Neptune," a delightful little crepe shop offering an array of flavors. I highly recommend the "Cannon Beach Crepe," filled with prosciutto, figs, goat cheese, and honey.

Seattle, WA

After taking a train ride to Seattle, the first stop on our itinerary was the famous gum wall. I found it rather disgusting, but as the saying goes, "que sera, sera."Once we had our fill of looking at people's month-old chewed gum, it was time to explore Pike Place Market.Starting our culinary adventures with "The Crumpet Shop". I must admit, I was a bit skeptical. As someone whose only experience with crumpets was store-bought, this restaurant has changed my opinion of the food. Their smoked salmon with cream cheese and cucumbers is definitely worth a tryAs we wandered around, shopped at the spice store, and sampled various foods, my favorite dish was from "Pike Place Chinese Cuisine." There, we indulged in delicious pork and chicken buns.After a bit of meandering around, we wandered off to "Beecher's Handmade Cheese". Their "World's Best" mac and cheese. It certainly lived up to its name.Finishing off the day with a visit to "Salt and Straw". We tried a sampling platter of a variety of icecreams consisting of: Arbequina olive oil, pear and blue cheese, cinnamon snickerdoodle, and goat cheese Marionberry habanero ice cream. Then it was time to head back home.
Overall, Seattle did not disappoint, and I will certainly return when the opportunity arises.

Why Is My Mustard So Bitter?

After cracking open a bottle of white wine last night, it became clear to me that my mission for tomorrow was to make a jar of mustard. While I had dabbled in this endeavor in the past, it has been several years since my last attempt. So, I got to work, soaking my seeds in wine, and looking up several recipes for inspiration.
I woke up this morning with the motivation I needed, but I had very little of the know-how. Once I tossed my spices, vinegar, and wine-soaked mustard seeds in the blender, I was sure it would be some of the best mustard I have ever made... Or so I thought.
The half-blended concoction was soon poured into a pan and simmered until it formed a loose, paste-like consistency. It was all coming together, just as it had last time, that is, until I tasted it. My attempt resulted in a very bitter mustard with little to no resemblance to my previous work.
Now, I'm not the type of person to follow a recipe when it comes to cooking, but maybe I should have made an exception this time.
Without a second thought, I soon ran to everyone's favorite information hub (Reddit).
Throughout a few minutes of reading through others having a similar problem to mine, I figured out a few errors I had made and how to fix them:
1. My mustard seeds were of the yellow variety. When making mustard, it is usually a foolproof plan to use brown or black seeds. Not only will this result in a stronger flavor, but you will also have fewer issues with the bitter taste.
2. I lacked a sweet element. From my understanding, though I was not on the mission for a honey mustard, that is still something my condiment required. The few tablespoons of honey I added significantly reduced the bitterness of the seeds, and I was sure that would solve the problem.
3. While the honey had certainly diminished a large portion of my problem, a solution was still needed. And for that, I resorted to adding a large amount of water and boiling the mustard until the bitterness was nearly gone.While it still retains the previous flavor, all that is left for me to do is wait. According to the all-knowing people of Reddit, with the steps I have taken and a much-needed timeout on the counter for a day or two, my mustard will hopefully have a satisfying end. Wish me luck!

Oak & Bagel

If you find yourself in Olympia, WA, I highly recommend stopping by this charming little shop at the corner of McFadden Avenue and Southwest William. It's a true treasure for both locals and visitors. This cafe is renowned for its exceptional selection of drinks, and I will say, their bagels are truly something special!I recently tried the everything bagel, generously spread with a creamy smoked salmon topping. It was just heavenly! The blend of flavors was spot on, and I couldn't get enough of it. I walked out feeling content and already thinking about when I could come back for more!Whether you're all about bagels or just in the mood for a cozy vibe and a tasty bite, I think you should give this cafe a shot. You won't regret it! If you're in the area, don't pass up this lovely spot—it might just become your new favorite bagel shop too!