I first fell for Seattle after watching the movie ‘Singles’ in my University days. I was charmed by the characters and wanted to know more about the city where grunge and coffee culture ruled.  I’d go down to catch a band or shop, but recently my visits have begun to focus more on the culinary scene that Seattle is now known for.   While entire books have been devoted to the subject, I merely offer up a few suggestions for interested foodies on their next trip down.

To Tour

Pike Place Market is a pleasant stroll from your hotel and is full of everything fresh from fish to flowers.  Don’t miss the show the fishmonger puts on, or a chance to enjoy a drink and the view from many of the market’s restaurants.  www.pikeplacemarket.org

Chocolate fans can head to the Chocolate Box near Pike Place market for the “Tour de Chocolat”.  Every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 8:30 am the 3-hour tour visits local chocolate shops.  $59 gets you a goodie bag to take home and chocolate samples at each stop. www.sschocolatebox.com or www.toursofseattle.com

Gray Line of Seattle culinary tours offers eight culinary tours this summer.  Meet at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel and join a chef from a Seattle hotspot.  Head to the market to pick up that day’s fresh ingredients and then back to the chef’s restaurant for a cooking demonstration and tasting. Participating restaurants include Crush, El Gaucho and Sky City at the Space Needle.  Try to catch Chef Jason Wilson of Crush on July 13 and 27, or August 24 and 31.  The tour lasts four hours for US$100 a person and begins at 1 p.m. To book, call 800-426-7532 or visit www.graylineofseattle.com

Learn all about Washington Wines with a Washington Wine Cruise offered by Holland America and AAA Washington.  Attend seminars, lectures, tastings and dinners with chefs and winemakers from Washington’s best wineries.  Spring 2009 dates will soon be posted at www.hollandamerica.com

To Eat

Brunch – Veil – On Saturdays and Sundays locals head to the Queen Edward Hotel for the city’s best brunch at Veil.  Old favourites and fresh takes on standards. Start with a glass of meadow (champagne with lavender-infused honey) and try the Belgian-style waffles with banana and Nutella, or the duck confit hash.  Those in a lunch mood might want the mini lamb burgers or the mac and cheese. – NOW CLOSED – WATCH FOR UPDATE

Lunch – Salumi – Open Tuesdays from 11-4 pm this is home to the original Mr. Batali (Mario’s father Amandino).  Charcuterie, sandwiches, pastas and soups drawn lines from the minute the place opens. Take home cured meats to enjoy later. www.salumicuredmeats.com

Dinner – Tilth – Chef Maria Hines uses fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients to create the divine dishes at newcomer Tilth.  In a quaint and charming house with superb service you’ll enjoy one of the freshest meals in town.  Absolutely delicious.  Menu changes seasonally, but if the tuna with avocado and wasabi mayo is on the menu don’t miss it. http://tilthblog.wordpress.com

Tulio – You’ll find contemporary Italian food at this delightful spot in the Hotel Vintage Park.  The three-beet salad, grilled calamari with lavender sausage and the Dungeness crab tortilli are superb.  If Tonia is on hand to serve, make sure she is yours.  www.tulio.com

Drinks – Vessel – Ex-Vancouverite Jamie Boudreau is the genius behind the cocktail menu at this downtown hotspot.  A gorgeous room and small plates round out the experience.  UPDATE – Jamie is now at Tini Bigs

Bottleneck – This casual neighbourhood spot is a wonderful place to grab a beer and a panini or a plate of nachos.  The servers are genuine.  Ask for Erin. www.bottlenecklounge.com

Special Events

Taste of Washington – Each year hundreds of wineries and dozens of restaurants get together for this grand tasting.  March 31, April 1 2012. (Spokane June)www.tastewashington.org

Woodinville Wine Country Wine Notes – On July 26 and 27 music, top Woodinville wineries and regional restaurants come together for a 2-day festival of taste. Held in King County at Marymoor Park. www.winenotesconcerts.com