Eatin' Out 'N' About at Trotters ~ Auburn, WA

Trotter's Restaurant
825 Harvey Road
Auburn, WA 98002
(253) 833-2323 Not online or on FB

I have not been here in forever! We used to live down the road so came here a couple times but it was years ago. My hubby had baseball practice in Kent at 8am on a Sunday so afterwards we went for a 6 mile bike/run (I bike, he runs), and decided to treat ourselves by having breakfast out. Since we had no kids, it made for a nice date!

Trotters has a very hometown feel.  The seats probably should be replaced and the bathroom could be remodeled but it is so kitchy, it just reminds you of being at Grandma's! As we sit there ordering, we overhear the table next to us chatting with the waiter and they tell him they always ask for him if he's not there and how wonderful he is.  These kind of comments are rare nowadays so it's nice to be at a place that is like family. I also have to add that the background music was kind of old-time/classical and suddenly Hubby says, "It's DISNEY music!" (he's a Disney Freak).  It wasn't the regular movie-music but the kind they play like on Main Street so this put him in an extra good mood LOL

Though we could have had lunch, my heart was set on breakfast and I'm so happy that we did- it was soooso good! Since we wanted it all, we ordered two separate things and split our dishes. Mine was sourdough toast (with the YUMmest jelly....why can't I find that kind in the stores?), hash browns, and scrambled eggs with ham, cheese, and onions with a side of orange juice.

Dave ordered black coffee, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, and eggs over medium.  I was craving gravy so was grateful we were sharing! I know it was all very simple but everything was really good. Makes me regret we stopped coming here! As we leave, I see the big wall display of sundaes so you can bet that's what we're getting next time...

Eatin' Out 'N' About at Duke's Chowder House- WA and shop online, too!

Duke's Chowder House
240 W Kent Station St
Kent WA 98032
There are also five more locations and you can SHOP ONLINE!

Thinking we had a little bit of time to spare while our son was at a birthday party, we headed on over to Kent Station to go to Duke's Chowder House. I have been here a few times - with the kids, for a birthday (they are very accommodating for large parties) and then this time just with the hubby.

To go with their name, all of their decorations are things having to do with nautical items or "Duke" like John Wayne, Duke of Earl album, etc.  My favorite is there to the left of the light- The Duchess Of Duke Street which was a wonderful BBC Miniseries (watch it if you get the chance!).

First off, I have to say the have THE. BEST. clam chowder!  100% natural ingredients...and you can taste that!  Hubby ordered the Cajun Chicken Corn Chowder Bowl (for $10.99 with an extra $1.99 for the Bread Bowl).  He said that it could have done with a little more kick (being it was supposed to be Cajun) but it was very good, filling, and went well with his Redhook Blonde Ale.

Though I like the chowder, I wanted to try something different so I ordered the Fish 'n Chips.  The side dressings for this are yummy (all homemade), and I really liked their Award Winning Coleslaw.  Also.....it tasted good as leftovers considering my son got upset at the birthday party so we had to leave almost as soon as we got our food (thank you to the nice waitress who packed our stuff up so quick).

Eatin' Out 'N' About at Purple Cafe and Wine Bar ~ Seattle, WA

Purple Cafe And Wine Bar 
Couple of locations but we went to: 
1225 4th Ave Seattle 98101

A few months back, fellow Hungry Housewife Dawn and I purchased tickets to see A Christmas Story- The Musical at the 5th Ave Theater.  OF COURSE if we are hitting Seattle, we want to go out to eat, too, so we checked out the recommended places from the theater which offers discounts.  


Last time we went to see a show, we ate at Rock Bottom right across the street.  Though it was good (bathroom was weird), we wanted to try something new so we walked over to Purple (get 10% off of total bill with ticket stub).  Luckily we got out of the theater quickly because they said they had a bunch of reservations coming in so we had our choice of bar seating.  


Purple's 2nd floor is more of a loft with a bar downstairs in the middle of everything or a more quieter bar upstairs where we sat.  It looked like they had a more private are in the back, the bar in the center and then these super comfy chairs that overlook the balcony.

Sorry Blurry!  Didn't want to use flash.

It was great because we got to watch a lot of prep-work they do up there but the small downside was we sat near the end which ended up being a little bit of an employee hangout.  Wasn't too bad though.

Having NO idea what to get, the menu is slightly intimidating but the waitress will explain it all to you.  There is regular dinner items or you can do Tastings (NOTE:  prices are for the FOOD- wine is additional $5 for each pairing).  

I'm just now "discovering" wine so I'm not sure what I like but I KNOW I don't like it too sweet or too dry.  The server recommended one of the Staff's favorite wines from a NW Winery: McKinley Springs 2008 Chenin Blanc Horse Heaven Hills.  It was sooooo good that after the first tasting, we ended up ordering a glass for $8.50 each (BTW- the cost per bottle was $32 so would have been cheaper overall but is only $12 from the winery itself).  It's described as being "Pale yellow wine with aromas of basil, honeydew melon, and the scent of fresh rain.  It has candied pineapple, nut and tropical fruit flavors.  Finishing with ripe fruit, good acidity and bracing minerality."  The only problem I had was that they gave us our tasting right away but nobody came back for another tasting or a refill when we got our food so we had to flag down somebody.

For pairings, you can get what you want but they recommend you choose 5 items which includes cheeses and prices starting at $3.00.  We ordered Feta Walnut Spread and Candied Walnuts, and Artichoke Hazelnut Spread With Toasted Hazelnuts (both $3 each- shown below left) which comes with pita-like strips.  The FW one was more of a mellow taste with these SUPER yummy candied walnuts on top.  It tasted best with a bite of the spread and the walnuts so I wish the pieces were smaller.  Then the AH was the better one (I love artichoke)- the hazelnuts didn't add anything to it though.

On the far right, is our Brandy Marinated Apricots and Onion, Herbed Goat Cheese Spread, Crostini ($4.00 item) which was topped with basil I believe, and White Prawn Ceviche, Cucumber, Avocado, Cilantro, and Red Peppers ($6.00).  The Apricot was SO. SO. good (which is should be at $2 a piece- it took longer to say the name than to eat it!).  I want to replicate this at home!  I also loved the Prawns which was really tangy but balanced perfect with the wine.

Next we ordered a Baked Brie.  The description for this was "apricot preserves, caramelized onions, candied walnuts, grapes and housemade crackers."  What it DIDN'T say is that it's baked into a phyllo bundle which was reallllllllllly good though it didn't leave you with a lot of cheese inside so was harder to eat with the crackers which were also yummy- reminded me of flattened cornbread.  The Brie is another I'd like to try to make at home.

We rounded out our meal by getting dessert.  The coffee- OH, STOP THE PRESSES (LOL) was THE best straight up coffee I've had at a restaurant.  The price was the best, too- $3.50 for a pretty pot full that says it's good for 2 cups (we squeezed out four).  Normally I would never order the Red Velvet Cake, Lavender Cream Cheese Icing but I'm glad I did- the icing was the best part!  We thought the dessert was a good price too but they're even smallller than the photo suggests (the Sticky Toffee Pudding Creme Brulee, Date Caramel was literally two bites) but for $3.50 each, it left you not feeling over-stuffed. 

We really liked it here- in fact, a week later, I woke up to a text from my friend saying, ""I have been thinking of the Purple Cafe for days!!  Especially their coffee!".  So who knows?  Maybe we'll come back for my birthday this month (cause I would LOVE to spend a day in Seattle!).

Last photo!  Had to share the 5th Ave Theater that we passed on our way back to the parking garage.  Oh, I love Seattle during Christmas!

Eatin' Out 'N' About at Mr. Jalapeños ~ Bonney Lake, WA

Mr. Jalapeno (not on FB)
21160 St Rt 410 E Bonney Lake, WA

My mother was in town from Idaho so we thought this would be a nice place for a dinner that wasn't too expensive, and since we have been without TV for a few months, it was great to watch the World Series on their big screen.

The owners of this restaurant used to have a place within walking distance of our home so after they sold it, we were happy when they opened a new restaurant.  All the people that work here are SUPER nice and accommodating- makes you feel at home!  It's a bummer that their web-page needs a little work (on the first page is two misspells and the photos are hazy).  You can view their history which is nice but the menus are not completed/detailed enough and it needs spell-check, too.  
Of course, like all Mexican restaurants, we're served chips and salsa but this is my FAV place because they serve the home-made chips with a yummy pico de gallo along with the salsa.  YUM- could eat with every meal (in fact, I top my leftovers with it).

My husband ordered the #5- an enchilada and tostada combo.  He really liked the rice especially.

My mom ordered the enchiladas.  Though it said a single, there were two (not sure if that's regular or a fluke) which was nice because we had enough extra for dinner tomorrow (I see she topped it with pico de gallo, too)

My 12 yr old got the quesidilla which he said "was VERY good", and we ordered an enchilada for the 5 yr old though he doesn't eat.  I was hoping he'd try it but if he didn't, somebody else could eat it.  Problem was, all the plates come VERY hot (which is so nice- I hate cold food) but the kid's enchilada was served on a cold plate making the food itself cold.  Which, I realize, is good for kids to not burn themselves but a room-temp plate would have been nicer.

I have this thing about ALWAYS ordering the same thing at Mexican restaurants- Arroz Con Pollo. Yum, yum, yum.  This comes with a stack of warm tortillas- I recommend it to everybody!!!
Thank you Mr. Jalapeño for another good dinner- we'll be seeing you soon :)

Eatin' Out 'N' About at Hop Jacks ~ Bonney Lake, WA

Hop Jacks but couldn't find on Facebook
21290 Hwy 410 Bonney Lake, WA
I've been here a few times for dates, family dinner and a birthday celebration but for this trip, my friend Dawn and I were just out lunchin'.  Hop Jacks (name based on the hops used for making beer) is 1/2 family seating area and 1/2 bar which is separated by this cool metal art (sorry no photo- only had my camera phone!). 

I just get a water but Dawn orders the Hand Shaken Bloody Jack...Oops Mary.  The green bean was limp and tasted canned and she said it didn't taste that good (personally, Bloody Marys remind me of shrimp dipping sauce so yuck anyways!).

We have a hard time deciding what to get but settle on splitting the California Turkey Sandwich (mainly because it was one of the few sandwiches NOT on a ciabatta roll!) and each having French Onion soup.  I was bummed about my soup....the top was overly cooked making the entire soup soooo hot, it was hard to eat even AFTER I had finished my sandwich!  Also, I wish it had came with croutons instead of the oyster crackers.

Loved, loved, loved my sandwich that we shared!!!  First off, it was SO BIG (that's what she said! haha) and it tasted super yummy.  The bacon (oh, who doesn't love bacon!) were these nice thick slices and the turkey was very generous.  Described as "Roasted Turkey with bacon, provolone cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pesto may on thick 9 grain bread" and came with your choice of chips, fries, fresh fruit, or salad.  Only bad thing I can say is that the avocado was a little sparse and a tad over ripe but I will be ordering this again!!!

Eatin' Out 'N' About at P.F. Chang's China Bistro ~ Bellevue, WA

525 Bellevue Square Bellevue, Washington 98004
www.pfchangs.com and look for them on Facebook!

Our first visit here was because of a gift certificate.  My friend Tara was a romantic person who thought that my husband and I didn't date enough.  Considering we had the card for about nine months before going- she was correct!  I almost decided to use it to go out with girlfriends but when Tara passed away last December, we chose to honor her by going together on Valentine's Day.  Since then, we've been here a few times with this last visit paid via gift certificates received for my husband participating in the Seattle Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon.

One of the BEST things about this particular P.F. Chang's is the location- connected to the mall!  We like to park on the far side so we can get our exercise walking across the entire place.  Which means we get to window shop!

Though we usually just share a mandarin tea, Dave was celebrating his game ending season for his baseball team and ordered a Mac And Jack's (wasn't on menu but they had it).

Their Happy Hour is mainly discounted appetizers.  I had a coupon for a free app but decided to save it for another day since the Pork Won-Tons were on special for just $3 for 8

A condiment tray of mysterious sauces comes automatically to your table.  During a previous visit, the waitress mixed us up a concoction but our waiter this time didn't offer and then we totally forgot about using them.

Today we had our youngest with us so we were seated waaaaaaaaaaay in the far back, but it had a huge window seat so it was perfect to keep him occupied.

Just ADORE these ceiling lights.  I would put these up all over my house if I could!

Dave's Sweet and Sour Chicken

The food is served in a way that you help yourself.  This is great if you want to share....bummer if you're me because I can't get what I REALLY want (hubby has long list of no-eats).  Though to be fair- he told me we didn't have to share but I was wanting some of what he got!

My Mongolian Beef with a side of brown rice

The beef had a nice taste and wasn't tough at all.  It was good but I liked Dave's chicken better- the breading has a nice texture.  Not soggy or overcooked.  My one complaint is their kid menu.  LOOKS yummy.  SOUNDS yummy....but not to a 4 yr old who just wants fries!

Isn't it funny how happy fortune cookies make us???

Dave's: "Tomorrow will be a productive day.  Don't oversleep".  Well, that was a bunch of bull- we vegged on the computers all day (with the exception of a short trip to Winco).
Mine: "You will enjoy doing something different this coming weekend"  Wonder if that means we're FINALLY putting in our floor???????
Corbin's: "No obstacles will stand in the way of your success this month".  Well, considering he's only 4 yrs old, I guess there won't be much stopping him!

YUMMY!!!!  Nothin' like leftovers..............and I call dibbs! :)

Eatin' Out 'N' About at Mama Stortini's ~ Kent, WA

240 W. Kent Station St. Suite 104 Kent, WA 98032
www.mamastortinis.com and FB (Puyallup location)


For Hungry Housewife Jody's birthday, she wanted to do dinner and a movie so we went to Kent Station which is one of my FAVorite places for a date night.  There are little shops, great restaurants, a movie theater, and the atmosphere is comfortable even late at night.

Since we came there to do Happy Hour, we ate in the bar area.  We didn't want to eat at the bar height tables, so they put two tables together but "couldn't find a third" so they used a round table.  Made it a little uncomfortable for the person on the edge but we were glad to be seated all together.

Jamaican Breeze

Dawn drinking her Raspberry-Lemon Drop

Gotta love Happy Hour Drinks!

MY FOOD! Grilled Chicken Skewers with Warm Pita & Fresh Cucumber-Garlic Sauce.  Not sure if it was, but it felt "healthier".  Pita was REALLY good...loved the sauce.

A couple of the gals got Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Crisps.  These were THE. BEST. food of the night!  YUM.

Stephanie had the Chop-Chop Salad (not shown) and the Happy-Hour Fettuccine with Tomato Cream Sauce (and obviously a GENEROUS helping of grated Parmesan!) which she said was "perfectly al dente"

Jody ordered the Toasted Five Cheese Raviolis

Heather's Tillamook Cheddar Burger- HUGE!

BIRTHDAY GIRL JODY opening her presents

It took them forever to get Jody her complimentary BDay dessert but you can't complain when it's free!  Was good though with ten women, most of us are too anal to share a dish of ice cream LOL.  We were very happy with our waitress who was gracious enough to seperate our recipets AND split Jody's meal evenly on all of our bills.  THANK YOU!

Off to watch Eat, Pray, Love!  See our blog about it from 9/3/2010 at: THH Blog Review on Eat, Pray, Love