Yoku Moku Rolled Cigares: In Japan, there is a very strong culture of giving gifts to people you work with. There were several times when I found myself purchasing gift boxes from depachika, the underground food courts in Japanese malls, where you can find everything from boxed chocolates, rice crackers, cookies, and candies in beautifully ornate boxes. I would usually browse all the stalls before picking a few I thought looked the most delicious (which was both very hard, because there were so many options, and qu... (read more) 4.0/5.0
exception cookies japanese uwajimaya yokumoku rolled cigares 4.0
Gelatiamo Pumpkin Gelato: This pint of pumpkin gelato was purchased from Pagliacci Pizza, a Seattle-based chain. It is definitely the best pumpkin ice cream I've had – super smooth and creamy, with a seasonal spiced pumpkin flavor that does not disappoint. Very classic but excellently executed. 4.0/5.0
recommended gelatiamo pumpkin gelato 4.0
Besalu Onion and Gruyere Croissant: In the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle is a small bakery called Besalu. Their sign says "handmade pastries," but they also make savory breads. This onion and gruyere bread, made from croissant dough, has all the flaky, buttery richness of a croissant mixed with the sweetness of caramelized onion and crispiness of baked gruyere. Somehow, it feels like an obvious flavor combination for baked goods, like the bread version of french onion soup, but it isn't one I've ever had before – and one ... (read more) 4.0/5.0
recommended seattle besalu onion gruyere croissant 4.0
Wunderground Orange cardamon poppy loaf: I love the fragrant floral flavor of cardamon and found this slice of orange cardamon poppy cake to be a near perfect companion to the mushroom-based lattes at Wunderground cafe. Dusted with powdered sugar on both side, the slice was just sweet enough and had a fantastic texture from the poppy seeds spread throughout. A segment of orange tops the entire cake off. Surprisingly substantial and entirely delicious. 4.0/5.0
recommended pastry seattle wunderground orange cardamon poppy loaf 4.0
Timber City Golden Peach Mint Ginger Beer: This beverage is made by a local brewery in Seattle and comes in a tall can that could potentially be mistaken for beer. The carbonated ginger soda has an excellent peach flavor stronger than most fruit soda, but with an unmistakable spicy ginger kick. Definitely one of the more memorable fruit ginger beers I've had. Purchased at Zylberschtein's. 4.0/5.0
recommended drinks seattle timbercity golden peach mint ginger beer 4.0
Trader Joe's Organic Sparkling Lemon and Strawberry Apple Cider Vinegar Drink: I really enjoyed the ginger and lemon apple cider vinegar beverage I previously purchased from Trader Joe's, which is a fairly classic flavor combination as far as shrubs go. This strawberry lemon version is a little more unique and was equally refreshing – the berry flavor is tart and sweet, and overall the drink is well balanced. I was very sad to see that these drinks may now be out of season at TJs but I hope you get to try it if you come across it on the shelves. 4.0/5.0
recommended drinks traderjoes organic sparkling lemon strawberry apple cider vinegar drink 4.0