food

Tempeh Fajitas! by Esther Loopstra

I'm not sure why, or when it started, but we have a tradition in my house of having tempeh fajitas on Friday nights. This tasty meal has also improved since aquiring a cast iron skillet! It's an easy, vegetarian and vegan option when you don't want to cook much. I just brown the tempeh and then set it aside while I cook saute the onions, peppers and tomatoes. I add the tempeh back in and then add some seasoning (usually salt, paprika, garlic salt and cayenne pepper). Serve it with tortillas and any toppings you want! 

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Geraldine's Counter - for dinner! by Esther Loopstra

I live in Columbia City, a little community in south Seattle. It's a quaint little area with a main drag, little shops and a few great eateries. Geraldine's Counter is a staple here. Every weekend (and some week days too!) there is a pretty hefty line of people waiting for brunch at this trendy diner. I've gone there for brunch more times than I can count, and it is well worth the wait. It's always fresh and distinctive. 

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Brunch at Belle + Whete by Esther Loopstra

After getting the February issue of Seattle Met featuring a serious list of where to go for lunch in Seattle, my friend and I decided on Belle + Whete in Belletown. I was dead set on getting their Crab Benedict but the waiter suggested the quiche, and the way he described it really got me curious. I'm so glad I tried the Wild Mushroom and Smoked Cheddar Quiche because it was probably the best I've ever had. 

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Brunch Illustrations by Esther Loopstra

Any time I can, I like to try a new brunch place in Seattle. I recently went to brunch with some friends and my suggestion was Ba Bar in Capitol Hill, Seattle. I didn't know much about the restaurant but whenever I drive past the restaurant it's packed, so I thought it must be good. Turns out they serve Vietnamese street food and noodles... and delicious pastries. We ordered brunch which was terrific, flavorful and unique but the highlight was this pastry that we THOUGHT was a donut. All of us were going crazy over this thing so we had to order another one. It was flaky and chewy with just the right texture. It wasn't until I got home and did some research for this illustration that it is actually a "cronut". This term has been trademarked so I think they call them "Double Happiness" according to this article by The Seattle Times. I've been meaning to try this treat (a combination of a doughnut and a croissant) since I started hearing about them awhile back so I know I'm a little late in the game. But stumbling upon it at this terrific local restaurant was a moment that my mouth will not soon forget. 

 

From the sketchbook - Curried Fish and Veggies by Esther Loopstra

I like to try to eat fish about 2-3 times a week because I don't eat a lot of other meat, it can be a great source of healthy protein and fat. But fish can be expensive and sometimes I'm just not great at cooking white fish. So, I've come up with a solution which makes for a really easy one pot meal. Buy frozen fish (I get mine at Costco) and defrost it. Then, chop up a bunch of veggies with coconut milk and curry powder and place them in the oven at about 350 degrees until they are almost done. Then, place the defrosted fish on top and cover it with the sauce and cook for a bit more, until the fish is done! It's a versatile dish that can help you use up whatever veggies are in your fridge.