I’m gonna be the Queen of Pies

July 7, 2015monpetitseattle Leave a comment

I thought I knew how to bake tarts… but I wanted to get more recipes and learn a few tips and tricks.

My Sweet and Savory Tarts Class at The Pantry was a total success! Not only did I learn a lot, but it was fun, friendly and last but not least… delicious! Yes, I had a bite of each tart, pie and quiche.

Cooking classes take place in the back of the Delancey Pizza Restaurant in north Ballard. The room is cosy and really looks like a Pantry.

Our Teacher, Megan Gordon (www.asweetspoonful.com and author of Whole-Grain Mornings) was amazing, super nice and explained everything.

Happy students at today's Sweet and Savory Tarts Class. And now: time for an instructor iced tea + nap!

A photo posted by meganjgordon (@meganjgordon) on Jun 5, 2015 at 3:31pm PDT

We learned how to properly prepare a good dough with some advice on ingredient choices and then made, in group of 2 or 3, different tarts and quiches:

– Savory apple tart with mustard and sharp cheddar
– Tomato tart with creme fraiche
– Artichoke and ricotta tart
– Quiche with Asparagus and goat cheese
– Strawberry Rhubarb Tart

I had the chance to have a spot for this class at the last minute (not really the last minute but the day before). I am very lucky as all classes are full booked till end of September and their wait lists are pretty long. But I hope I will be able to do another one soon.

Check their website: The Pantry

Do you remember my favorite jams? Ayako Jams!

And I thought I had a lot of Recipe Books!

Now you know, I don’t like Goat Cheese 😉

Savory apple tart with mustard and sharp cheddar

Around Alki Beach

July 4, 2015monpetitseattle Leave a comment

What to do around Alki Beach?

If you have out of town visitors, there is a great view point above Alki Beach you may not know about. On your way to Alki Beach, take California Way SW just after the Water Taxi Dock on your left and a bit higher you’ll find Hamilton Viewpoint Park. Click on the address below to get the directions.

— Hamilton Viewpoint Park 1531 California Way SW

If you are lucky, when wandering along the beach, you can say hi to the seals… but always from a distance.

And for a casual lunch or dinner, stop at Marination Makai. Read my post here: Marination Makai

—Marination Makai 1660 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle

And if like me, you have a thing for ferries, sit on the beach, you will be in the front row.

If you look for a more quiet Beach, pass Alki Point and the Lighthouse to go to Beach Drive SW.

ELM Coffee Roaster

July 3, 2015monpetitseattle Leave a comment

I met a friend at ELM on a sunny morning during the week. This a nice coffee place with a lot of natural light, and a minimalist decoration consisting of white and light wood and exposed bricks on the walls.

I had a very good in-house roasted coffee (you can see the roaster in the back of the room) and you can buy it by the pound. I also ordered a delicious fluffy biscuit provided by their neighbor, The London Place.

The staff was very nice and I like that they bring your cup to your table. This is a great spot to work. It was very quiet at least during the time we were there (8am-10am) and we had a great conversation.

My friend told me how a few years ago, she was about to rent a loft a few blocks away with her husband and kids but decided at the last minute that it may be not a good choice. Today, the Pioneer Square neighborhood is changing and renovating. There are still some improvements needed but I like the direction it has taken for the last 2 or 3 years.

I really like this cafe!

However be aware that a parking spot is not easy to find.

— ELM Coffee Roaster 240 2nd Avenue South

Monday–Friday: 7am–7pm
Saturday–Sunday: 8am–6pm