Eating my way around West Seattle

Part of becoming a West Seattle resident means trying all of the local fare at least once. Between all the sunshine and warm weather we have been having, when would there be a better time to do so? My day was filled with good eats, which made me feel like a star on the Food Network. I started off the day meeting my friend, Megan at Bakery Nouveau, a wonderous authentic French bakery where they make everything from baguettes to tarts. Their signature I was told was a twice baked almond croissant, let me just say it was delectable. I also tried some of their quiche which was light and fluffy and left me wondering why my eggs never have that consistency.

After a far too rich brunch, we meandered our way over to Cupcake Royale to pick up some cupcakes for our other friends we were meeting for dinner later that night. Cupcake Royale is not your typical cupcake selection, their cupcakes include names like MoFro, Lemon Drop, Dance Party, Kate and one of the most unique flavors they have is a chocolate cupcake with lavendar frosting.

Happily trotting back to my car with a box full of cupcakes I came across the West Seattle Nursery and just knew I had to go within its gates. Surrounded my pops of color, not knowing much about gardening, but walking around like I did, I came across the variegated begonia and knew that it must come home with me. For anyone that knows me, I am a sucker for two things brightly colored objects and flowers, this was a instant bond.

The afternoon consisted of strolling the shores along Alki in anticipation of the new restaurant we were about to try with our friends Lynn and Steve. Picking restaurants is much like picking clothes for me, they have to have a sudden charm at first glance, whether it be quirky or plain there just has to be something intriguing about it. La Rustica with its worn weathered sign and beautiful potted plants and vines encompassing it just drew me in. The first time we ran by it I heard the familiar sound of clinking silverware and I was reminded of when I was in Venice and our hotel was right above this little outdoor restaurant. How rare it is to hear silverware over people talking, but the food must have been so good hushed it patrons. La Rustica did not disappoint between its endless warm homemade bread sticks, drink refills and thoughtfully unique larger than life entrees and appetizers. Today was a day to remember, a day for the senses.