Labor Day weekend in Seattle: Day 2

Below, please enjoy a chronological photo/review collage from day #2 (of 4) of my beautiful - and delicious - Labor Day weekend in Seattle, the "Emerald City."

Saturday, 9/1

After a rowdy night, the first thing on my disheveled mind when I awoke on Saturday morning was: Belle Epicurean. Conveniently located within the street-level retail shops of my hotel, I make it a point to visit this French bakery every time I'm in Seattle. Regardless if I'm staying at the Fairmont. Why? Because I have yet to find a better pastry on this earth.

I ran downstairs - in my pajamas - only to realize that the bakery was about 3-minutes away from opening (at 8am). One of the store's two entrances is located in the interior of the hotel, while the other is public/exterior of the hotel. Both of the employees on duty saw me standing at the door, fogging up the glass pane, no doubt. At 8am, instead of opening the door where I was standing, the female employee went all the way to the public entrance. Unlocked the door. Moved, then arranged cafe tables and chairs outside. And propped up the folding sidewalk chalkboard with the day's specials. Finally, the beotch came over to where I was waiting and opened the door. How crappy is that?

It was hard not to let the nasty service I received spoil the bakery's delicious offerings. Especially after the said wicked witch got my coffee order wrong. It took everything in me not to punch her in the face. Seriously.

At around noon, I met my cousin, Bill, for a dim sum lunch in the International District. Jade Garden was packed with hungry guests eagerly waiting for their party's name to be called for a table. After about 20-minutes, Bill and I were seated at a comfy booth in Jade Garden's non descript, hectic dining room. Seconds later, we were served tea and offered a variety of freshly-cooked dishes from the dim sum cart. I was in hog heaven.

Because this meal was so incredibly delicious, and I could not stop raving about it, my dad and I tried convincing my mom to have dinner there on Monday night. i.e. Second visit for me, first for them. She wouldn't budge (she hates Chinese food).

Steamed shrimp & Chinese parsley dumplings

After lunch, Mom and I walked around downtown - hit the flagship Nordstrom department store - then grabbed a refreshing margarita at Purple Cafe, a cute wine/tapas joint across the street from our hotel.

The wedding festivities for the evening took us to Carnation, a town 45-minutes outside of Seattle, for the rehearsal dinner at Camp Korey. While the camp "...serves children with serious and life-altering medical conditions and their families at no cost. We provide year-round recreation programs specially designed to support the medical needs of campers while letting them just be kids and have fun," it can also be rented for special events, such as weddings.

The heartfelt mission of Camp Korey makes its breathtaking grounds all the more beautiful...

The festivities began with outdoor activities (think badminton and Frisbee), followed by a BBQ dinner that was catered by famed Seattle restaurateur, Tom Douglas.

After another fantastic - and filling - day, I hit the sheets early.

Stay tuned for day #3 of my trip to Seattle...!

…

Until we eat again,

Lindsay, The Lunch Belle

TravelThe Lady Who LunchesSeptember 6, 2012TravelComment