Dinner at Serafina - Friendship Celebration in Seattle

A dear friend from culinary school was in town visiting me from Washington DC.  She flew in just for a few days, to see me, and for me to meet her lovely 14-month-old daughter.  I was quite flattered, excited, and slightly worried.  What would we do?  Where would we go?  Would Seattle weather cooperate?  Of course, the weather did not cooperate - it was cold and raining.  On top of it all, the weather on the East Coast did not cooperate either, and my friend had to leave a day early to ensure a safe return home.

Meanwhile, I am happy to report that great time was had by all! For our first dinner out, my friend chose a local neighborhood restaurant - Serafina - that serves Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. 

Brunch: Poached Egg with Smoked Salmon and Salsa Verde on Toasted English Muffin

I am in love with poached eggs.  And smoked salmon.  And a properly toasted English muffin.  But I must admit to my dislike of Hollandaise sauce.  Instead I chose to use salsa verde for its brightness, acidity and flavor.

Mediterranean Pizza with Sausage, Olive, Artichokes ~ Redemption Recipe

I pride myself on knowing what to do in the kitchen.  I can cook.  Most often, by feel, touch, idea of what ingredients go together, rather than by a recipe.  When my abilities are questioned or challenged, I take notice. 

Last year, the Artist and I attended a Make Your Own Pizza Channukah get together at my friend's house. My pizza was topped with arugula, thinly sliced pears, goat cheese, and toasted pine nuts. "I'm sorry to tell you this honey, but this pizza is horrible," said the Artist. He said it a few times that night, and has been saying it occasionally since. It was time to redeem my pizza-making abilities!

And so on a late Saturday night after strolling through the streets of Seattle, visiting the Art Museum and reliving our first date at a coffee shop, we shopped for the pizza supplies and picked up a bottle of wine, just in case.