Add it to my list: Madison Kitchen

Damn, this place is cute.  Yes.  I'm a man and said cute.  But Madison Kitchen is all that and more.  I pride myself on having visited nearly every place in Seattle, so when Madison Kitchen was suggested for a business meeting, I was intensely curious to what this place may be like.

Now, it could have been the perfect assortment of mouth-watering snacks or the deli case with equally hunger curing items.  Or just how perfectly simple the decor and feel was.  It literally is a place where you can meet for business and in the same breath, get lost in conversation with a friend.

I think for a city that prides itself on having a plethora  of cafes and coffee shops, many that are often too loud, too busy (decorations and in seating) or just to average.  It's nice to walk into one that doesn't seem to apologize for being anything more or less then what it was set out to be;  the cafe around the corner.

Madison park, it's been ages since I've visited you.  But now, it seems I'd like to rejuvenate my need to come by more often.

My Favorite Coffee for People Watching

I am not a coffee connoisseur.  Truth be told.  It almost all tastes the same to me.  Now I can tell the difference between Folgers and some exclusive brew that was extracted from a $100,000 machine.  But you know.  Coffee just isn't one of those things that makes me super excited to drink (more of a tea guy anyway).

This however does not extract me from really enjoying a good cup of joe. But what makes me enthused about such isn't so much the coffee as it is the experience that goes along with it.

If you're like me.  Having a $3.00 Americano (or a $5.00 latte) is best served with interesting, crazy, funny people entering in and out of ear shot.

So, my favorite coffee?  Here are a few places for them:

• Seattle Coffee Works, near Pike Place Market.  Grab a cookie, a latte and watch everything around you. 
• Starbucks, Pacific Place Mall.  You get the Nordy's crowd and everyone is just so damn beautiful.
• Cherry St. Coffee, near Mud Bay in Belltown.  It's a hipster group that works there, but they're pretty nice.
• Espresso Vivace, Cap Hill.  The pastries are fantastic and it's Cap Hill.  It's always a show.
• Bang Bang Cafe, Belltown.  Amazing burritos and the traffic from Western Avenue brings everyone by.
• Victrola, Cap Hill.  Sit outside, grab one of their herbal teas and watch what rolls down Pike St.  You'll love it. 

On a sunny day like this.  Take a break from work. Recharge and just enjoy people at their most interesting.

My favorite late night snack

Hunger.  The kind where you stomach rumbles for anything and everything sounds divine.  Normally, this is easily combated.  But this particular hunger is the late night kind.

Now, I can't be alone in this dilemma and I hope millions of those out there tackle this the same way I do;  by eating something so tasteful, it knocks hunger out in one blow. 

What is my favorite late night snack?  HMM-- it's not so much one thing as it is going with what my "gut" wants [stupid pun, yes]. 

Lately my go-to late night dances have been the simple things.  Pizza at Roccos.  Chicken wings from Belltown Pub.  Cheeseburgers from...well anywhere open.  And I'll admit it.  I even did a Mcflurry and fries from the golden arches the other day.  

Regardless of what I eat.  The trick is thoroughly enjoy it, without remorse or guilt. Trust me. It'll keep you from gaining weight [well that and a thousand push-ups, sit ups and a 5k run] and you'll wake up happy. And who doesn't like to wake up happy? 

So, when it's 11:30 and you're fighting that urge not to eat.  Do away with it.  Put on some pants, grab your keys and stop by your local hangout, grab a menu and order to your hearts delight.  And if you're in Belltown, I'm sure we'll be running into each other one day. 

Cast:  in order of favorites: 

My Favorite Candy Bar Experience

When I was a kid, my favorite snack of all time was a Caramello and a Dr. Peper.  The sweet on sweet on with a dash of chocolate was such an intense experience [never mind the sugar rush] that you didn't care that you couldn't differentiate which sugar belonged to which item.

Out of all the times I've had this combination of a candy and soft drink, I think my most memorable moment was in Wayne, Nebraska.  Grade-school age, eighty-nine cents and a bike ride to the 7/11. I ended up afterwards at the high-school track.  I jumped onto the high-jump mats and began my one person candy feast.  So refreshing was that first sip of the 21 flavors of Dr. Peper. So, intoxicating was that chocolate and caramel first bite of that Caramello.  

                                                              *photo cred to www.chocablog.com 

Taking each bite, little by little followed by a simple sip to wash down the sugar stuck to my teeth. I took my time enjoying that memory. Laying back, I started to daydream.  My typical stuff, being a super hero, alien invasions and of course me saving the day from some world catastrophe.  

I ended up falling asleep and after groggily rolling myself off the mat, I went to pick up my wrapper. To my surprise, there was one last piece of Caramello in it.  How could this be I thought? I know I ate each piece.  And the Dr. Peper.  It was still ice cold.  I had to have saved the world 10 times over and been asleep long enough that it should be that bad kind of luke warm.  

Then it hit me.  I was being rewarded for having such great dreams (seemed logical).  I concluded that the universe wanted me to dream of great things and if I did so, I'd awaken to gifts.  As absurd as that is.  I firmly believed it and have spent the rest of my life (and to this day) still dreaming.  

The reason, this is my favorite candy bar experience, is because at that moment, I knew it was ok to dream my heart out.  To tackle life through my imagination.  I've always been a quirky person, but for once, it felt ok.  That moment allowed me to be comfortable in who I am or could be.  And at the end of each day, no matter how tough life would be.  I could always dream my way into a happier place and wake up with an extra piece of candy and ice cold soda.  

Why Bacon is good for you (Yes, all scientifically proven [wink,wink] )

Like billions of you.  I LOVE BACON.  Not because it tastes so damn good.  Or that it's so versatile. Or
easily cooked.  NO.  My main reason for loving bacon is because it is 100%, without a doubt. Undeniably. Good for you.  And let me prove to you why.

1. It scientifically makes you happier;  You've seen them.  Those people taking their first bite of bacon, either after a long night out or off a fresh diet.  That smile.  Unbreakable---- Happiness!
2. It makes you live longer; refer to number one.  It's a fact.  Happier people live longer.
3. You will do more with your life.  Simple logic say, if you live longer, you will do more. FACT.
4. You will be more active.  Because you will do more in your life, that "more" will be directly related to being more active. 
5. You will look better.  Ever notice what a super active person looks like?  They're tan, fit and always have a smile on their face. 
6. You will never be alone.  Because you look so amazing.  You'll have all the dates you'll ever want. 
7. Your family will picture perfect.  Because you were able to have your choice of a mate, you will undoubtedly pick a mirror of your perfection. Thus.  You will have the smartest and most beautiful of children.  

So there they are.  My scientifically proven reasons that bacon is good for you.  They are without a doubt irrefutable; as long as you are a bacon lover.  And if not.  Then I suggest you buy a package to see what the fuss is all about.  You'll be happy you did. 

Caramel Apples - They're too difficult to eat right?

I don't know why I put a question mark in my title.  Because you know. Caramel Apples, as delicious and perfect as they sound.  ARE JUST TOO DIFFICULT TO EAT.

I think as we get to a certain point in our lives, looking like a cow as Oreo crumbles fall onto our shirts and strands of caramel dangle from our teeth, is no longer acceptable (for many, I think this age is college).

Yet.  Knowing full well that my maturity is on the line.  I can't help but be tempted to the ferocious aftermath called "utter-crazy-happiness," if I were to just brave my own pride [and dry cleaning bill] to ungracefully attack one of these Frankenstein apple-treats on a stick.

But tempt as they might.  I have yet to give in.  UNLESS.  Someone can show me how to politely destroy one of these beautiful concepts.  Like an adult should; without m&m's buried into your jeans.

The challenge is on.  Someone.  Anyone.  Educate me.

My Best Ever Peanut Butter Cookie

I love Peanut Butter.  Crunchy, to be exact.  I eat something with peanut butter in it daily.  And though PB&J may always be a staple for me.  A love dear to my heart is peanut butter cookies.

And not just any.  I like them chunky.  On the softer side and love it when they come with hidden surprises like, honey or cranberries or chocolate chunks.

I've eaten a lot of cookies in my life.  So, I'd like to think that I have good tastes in this department.  As I think of the years and thousands of cookies.  One stands out more then the others:

Volunteer Park Cafe, last summer.  I just finished meeting the owner and realized I was starving.  What do I see?  A peanut butter cookie, with a sign that said "Drew, EAT ME NOW" (ok, didn't say that, exactly).

Now, this place is charming.  I mean CHARMING.  Perfect daytime, lunch-date spot. Get an iced coffee, a sandwich and just enjoy your company as you get lost in just how comfortable this place will make you feel. With that said.  I cared for none of the tactile attributes as I had one task in mind; devour this heaven in front of me.

And that,  I did, but slowly. I could not get myself to rush this cookie-divine moment.  NOPE.  I took it in slowly.  Small bite, by small bite.  Tasting every ounce of butter, sugar, salt and the chunks of peanuts, blended perfectly in a balance that I call, My Best EVER Peanut Butter Cookie.  That cookie.  Trumped all peanut butter cookies.  Not because it had the hidden add ons.  But because it was simple and bold. It reminded me of the first time I ever had peanut butter and how unforgiving it was as it stuck to my tongue and mouth, fighting me to stay on my taste buds as it nourished me with the beautiful sensation of that peanuty taste that hooked me for life.  

After my ballet with that cookie. I quietly cleaned up.  Purchased three more cookies and thought to myself how grand life really is.  I think I may have even been whistling on the way out.  Thank you Volunteer Park Cafe.  You will always that have special moment in my heart.

My Favorite Cupcake Experience

I love sweets.  Well, I love food in general.  But one of my all time favorite experiences involves Jennifer Schea's Trophy Cupcakes and my dear friend Alyson Soma, Director of F&B at the Space Needle.

Once a month or so, I buy a dozen of Jennifer's delectable creations from her shop in Pacific Place Mall. Clear tote in hand.  I make my way to the corporate headquarters of the Space Needle for one purpose: sweets and conversation.

After arriving, basically the same thing happens.  There's usually some screams, hugging and jumping up and down.  And then Alyson usually gets up and hugs me.

We exchange hello's, how are you's and it's been too long. We then peel open the lid with child like zeal as we both ooh and aahh over the 12 mouth-watering selections.  Both of us are rambling at this point, but more affixed on which choice we'll make.

After choosing our heavenly cupcake, we put on our superhero rings and commence to doing what Alyson and I do best as friends;  chat, eat and laugh.

It's often the best hour of my day as our conversations bounce from food, relationships, news and what's going on in Seattle is usually debated, dedicated and decapitated (Oh appropriate time for a shout out to David and Sean.  Two great guys at the Needle as well).  And every time I leave, I can' t help but feel fortunate for having the opportunity to share time with someone who adds value to my life, over food that adds value to my taste buds.  This, is my Favorite Cupcake Experience.

The next time you have a break or can choose a coffee or some new juice concoction.  My suggestion. Get a Trophy Cupcake (or twelve).  Make time with a good friend and spend it catching up.   The cupcakes will take you back to when being with your friends was the most important part of your life.  You'll depart each other rejuvenated and much happier in life.  Well, that or on a sugar rush.

My Best Ice Cream Experience

I think back to my childhood.  Those summer days.  Hot. Carefree. BBQ smells everywhere you turn. Sweetcorn, soda and ice cream in every kids hands as we celebrated the freedom from school.  Baseball cards in spokes, shorts, laughter and big league chew bubble gum.  Even now. I still can feel the emotion from being a child in small town Iowa.

As I think of some of my favorite moments.  I can't help be but be tempted to my best ice cream experience.
It was a minicup.  I was at Casey's General Store.  I believe it was .35 and it was all the money I had.  After dumping pennies, nickles and a dime on the table, I sheepishly said thank you as my mind started to wander and dream of how my VERY own, paid for by yours truly ice cream would taste.

It took me a week of chores and literally digging through every nook and crevice in my small town to come up with that much money.  But I did it.

So there I am.  Sitting on the curb of Casey's.  The yellow stripe of the curb acting as sofa cushion. The only sounds I could hear were my Topp's card as my bicycle wheel spun and the shredding of the lid as I tore it off.

*Silence* My first bite.  So cold.  So.... NOT good!  It really was kinda awful. It wasn't soft and their were ice crystals which now tells me that it had been in the freezer a while. I chose vanilla with chocolate swirls, but I couldn't distinguish either no matter how hard I tried.  My first memorable ice cream experience was and will always be a bust;  yet it is the best ice cream experience I've ever had.

As an adult.  It's funny, when I eat foods like milk shakes, ice cream cones and blizzards all in an effort to take me back to that day.  That non-glorious, but inspiring day.  I think because it's not always about how good the food is that I'm eating.  But often, the reason I'm there.  Or the people I'm with. In reality.  My tastes buds don't make my memories, my symbolic heart does.

My Favorite Burger

I like things simple.  Straightforward. Like my favorite drink;  whiskey rocks or bourbon neat.

But when it comes to how I want my burger.  The bigger, messier, more packed with toppings, dressings and bacon means BETTER.

Midwest raised,.  Burgers and fries are as colloquial as putting on a t-shirt (well for some).  Here in Seattle, you really do have to look for a damn good burger that apologizes for nothing;  not even that ketchup stain that was caused by having a burger that was just so perfectly messy.

My favorite burger? Simple:  Two patties; half pound total at least, sesame bun, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, [tons of] pickles, ketchup, mayo, (maybe secret sauce), jalapenos if around and BACON--- not just bacon.  TONS OF BACON.

To me. This is the all-american burger.  Or...maybe, just my all-american burger.  What's yours?

Now.  Where do I find this burger?

RedMill
Scooters
Lil Woodys (minus the bun)

Drew Morrison, CityGuru Seattle