Seattle {in 3 days}

It has definitely been the summer of travel for us here at Modernlyfe.  I love traveling to celebrate weddings, especially when they are hosted in fun cites.  The husband and I attended a rustic barn wedding outside of Seattle in July, we were able to play in the city for 3 days and really made the most of the fabulous weather they were having.  Are you heading to Seattle this year? Check out the must do's, see's and eat's below.  

Stay:

W Seattle- Great location, hip but also suitable for small families. We were able to walk to all sights and very close to Pike market. Enjoy a night cap at Trace lounge before heading to bed. To book a room visit here.

Transportation:

Seattle is very walkable (when it is not raining.)  We used Uber to and from the airport as well as into Ballard for dinner. 

Explore:

Chihuly gardens and glass- Located right next to the space needle.  Stroll around the museum and take in the vibrate colors of the twisted glass.  His work is famously displayed at the Belligo in Las Vegas as well as the Seattle airport.

In the gardens

Space Needle- A must for first time visitors but once you have taken in the view explore the city by foot. check out tickets here.

Nordstrom- Lets just say this is the location that started it all.

Pike Market- Check out the aisles of fresh fruit and colorful blooms.  If you time it right you might be able to catch a throwing of the fish demo.

Green Lake- Grab your sneakers and hail a cab.  Enjoy a walk or run around this lake with the locals, just 10 minutes away from downtown.

Don't miss:
Capitol hill and Fremont districts. Emerge yourself in the eclectic and historic areas of Seattle.  Grab dinner at one of the new hip restaurants- see eats-

Eats: 

Pink door- Classic old school Italian food, friendly service with a great patio.  Sit inside and enjoy the band of the night while admiring rustic antiques.  Explore the menu here.

Moorse coffee- Need an afternoon pick me up? stop into Moorse, best all around coffee with unique décor.  Don't be surprised if you get a cute design on top of your latte, that is what they are known for.

cutest latte ever

 Staple and Fancy- Ready to leave the tourist area and visit a “local” spot? Take part in the Chefs tasting menu, which consists of 8-10 small plates of off menu items.  Be prepared to relax, eat and leave overly satisfied. TIP* Go early and visit the attached bar next store.  Reserve a table here.

Café champagne-Don't be afraid to sleep in. Cafe Champagne is great for a late breakfast or lunch, enjoy fresh pastries and quiche that would make the French drool.

Biscuit bitch- Great for breakfast or lunch, we were there for breakfast.  Order at the counter and grab a seat, fast friendly service with gluten free options! So tasty I’m still craving it.

best looking gluten free biscuit 

Marjorie- Enjoy dinner on the cute patio, a local favorite with friendly service. *TIP try the non alcoholic  drinks.

Pike place chowder-Noted for the best clam chowder in town.  They offer many tasty chowder options.  Grab a table outside and rub shoulders with visitors and locals alike. It was 80 degrees when we were there and the patio was full that says something.  Don’t forget to get some sourdough bread on the side.

Crab sandwich 

Drinks:

Radiator whisky- Love trying unique bar/restaurants?  make sure to put this on your list.  They showcase unique bourbons and whisky's of course.  Go for the tasting and try 3 flavors, you will not be disappointed.  Located above Pike Market grab a window seat in enjoy the view.  Review the drink menu here.

enjoying a bourbon on the rocks

Purple wine bar- Very close to the W hotel.  Get the night started at the circular bar right in the middle with a flight of wines from around the world.

The tasting room- Great spot to taste local wines, they have games you can play while sipping.

Clearly we had a wonderful time and did not waste a minute, we finished the weekend just outside of Seattle in Cle Elm for Emily and Davids pinterest worthy wedding.

Hope you enjoy your stay.
XoXo
ML 

This is a little late, but I had to try it first before approving and passing the recipe along to you.  This fabulous looking and tasting meal was made on Valentines day night by my husband.  He enjoys cooking on special occasions, mainly because he just does not have the time during the week.  I love when he cooks because he spares no expense and we get to seek out different ingredients.  Although, this specific recipe does not including anything out of the ordinary it was a treat to indulge in fresh pasta.  Does the recipe call for lobster...? YES! and we are lucky enough to have the well known Santa monica seafood right around the corner.  They are known for serving up the freshest fish from around the world responsibly sourced, including Maine lobster {see more about Santa monica seafood HERE.}
Most nights I throw together dinners trying to alter a recipe or experience with something "new".  It is great to savor these less frequent moments while cooking together in the kitchen.
Have a great bottle of wine you have been waiting to open? stop waiting and open it now.  The sauce will need to simmer for about 30 minutes so sit back, connect and sip on the "special occasion" wine.  We enjoyed a 2006 French pinot noir gifted to us this past Christmas. I hope you enjoy.
The hubby found the recipe at Yummly.

Lobster Fra Diavolo 

INGREDIENTS

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 (1¼-lb.) lobsters, cleaned, tails cut into 6 pieces, claws cracked open, bodies reserved
½ cup flour
2 tsp. crushed red chile flakes
1 tsp. dried oregano

5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tbsp. tomato paste
½ cup cognac or brandy
1 cup seafood or fish stock
1 (28-oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes in juice, crushed
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 lb. bucatini pasta, cooked
1 tbsp. chopped parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat oil in an 8-qt. Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss lobster pieces (including reserved bodies) in flour, shake off excess, and add to pot; cook until shells turn red, about 6 minutes. Transfer lobster pieces to a plate; set aside. Add chile flakes, oregano, and garlic to pot; cook until lightly toasted, about 3 minutes. Add tomato paste; cook until lightly caramelized, about 2 minutes. Add cognac; cook until almost evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add stock, tomatoes, and bay leaf; boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, partially covered, until thickened, about 30 minutes. Return lobster to pot; cook until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add pasta; toss with sauce. Transfer to a large serving platter; sprinkle with parsley