Sunday, April 15, 2012

Pike Place Market Food Tour!

Sometimes it is fun to be a tourist in your own town.  My friend Sarica and I headed to Pike Place Market for a history and food tour of the legendary market.  I love a good trip to the market, but tend to be a creature of habit.  I really only go to the tea shop, buy some fresh flowers from whatever vendor has the most beautiful arrangements and then get some bread or a meringue from my favorite bakery (Le Panier) in the bank of stores across from the market.  I still did those things, but our minds were opened to all new sights, sounds and smells of the market.





We learned all sorts of fun facts.  Did you know that all the tiles on the market floor signify donors, some of which include famous celebrities?  There was even a scientist who wanted to have some prime numbers forever included in the market so there were tiles with 2, 3,5,7,11, 13, etc.  Yours truly was the first person to figure out the meaning of the numbers.  I think that solidifies my nerdiness.  Another fun fact: the company that throws fish when you order them did so out of frustration for always having to walk from the front of the counter to the back of the counter.  Customers were so intrigued that the company continued doing so to attract business. 
     
During the tour, we sampled donuts, crab cakes, tea, smoked salmon, macaroni and cheese, fruit and more.  I think my favorite, though, was the clam chowder from Pike Place Chowder in Post Alley.  I had never visited this area during the day, but it felt like a fabulous European street with everyone outdoors enjoying the sunshine.  Of course I was inspired to take a picture of my reflection in Sarica’s sunglasses as we impatiently awaited for our samples.



 What person under the age of 60 would wear suspenders and have a giant full beard?  Clearly our fabulous tour guide who helped us navigate the incredible Pike Place Market for the afternoon.