My fiancé and I love the Emerald City. And, whenever we go, we always  discover great restaurants and new sights to see. This past Weekend in Seattle was no different. It’s always good to make the most of a long weekend with a quick getaway! So, with our Nexus cards in hand, off we went! All good things must be shared so here’s where I ate, saw, shopped and stayed.

And, in case you missed my first Seattle travel guide, I encourage you to check it out here.

What I saw

Gas Works Park – Recommended by good ol’ Papa Tong, we ventured to Gas Works Park for the first time. On the site of the former Seattle Gas Light company plant, this expansive and hilly park is located on the north shore of Lake Union. The industrial remnants of a coal gasification plant is juxtaposed against a stunning backdrop of city views. It’s quite the sight and like something out of a video game.  A high hill offers a scenic viewpoint as well as a great spot to fly a kite. The park has a really chill and relaxed weekend vibe. Think families playing in the park, couples taking a stroll, and friends picnicking or playing Frisbee on the grass.

What I ate

Trouve – A new favourite Seattle lunch spot discovered. Trouve is a casual eatery which specializes in noodles, BBQ and ice cream parfaits. Hungry yet? I didn’t get a chance to try the BBQ but the noodle bar is fantastic. We had the poppy seed noodles with beef nihari and pea vine, the pad thai with pork belly and chilli peanuts, and the kimchi pork dumplings. All were beyond delicious, super fresh and outstandingly flavourful. Parfaits are ordered and delivered from a store-front window that resembles an ice cream truck. So much cuteness. The ube frozen custard served with passion milk drizzle, toasted coconut and tapioca fruit salad sounded out of this world. But, sadly, I stuffed my face with the delicious noodles so I had no room for parfait (I know, such an amateur foodie). Next time!

– Just steps down from Trouve, if you live and die by your Starbucks non-fat skinny vanilla latte every morning, the Starbucks Reserve, Roastery & Tasting Room is a must-see. This place can only be best described as a Starbucks-themed Disneyland with a Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory vibe. For coffee connoisseurs, try a tasting flight and watch master roasters unlock coffee’s inherent flavours. Everything from the food, environment and of course the coffee is elevated. This is not your neighbourhood Starbucks. You’ll find to-go hot drinks served in chic black paper cups with minimalist gold branding and iced drinks in a sturdy plastic cup.  Make sure to peruse the merchandise because you’ll find mugs, tumblers, cold brew growlers and special reserve beans that are exclusive to this Starbucks Mecca.

Lola – Seattle Executive Chef and Restaurateur, Tom Douglas has opened a slew of restaurants in the city and I’m seriously planning to try them all. Lola offers modern, Greek-influenced flavours that feature local ingredients. In other words, this is no run-of-the-mill Greek fare. The cauliflower and anchovy spread with pita is to die for (seriously need to re-create this at home) and Jackie’s Greek Salad, one of the freshest and most beautifully presented Greek salads I’ve ever seen, has re-ignited my love for this simple yet addictive salad.

Where I shopped

BHLDN (pronounced “Beholden”) – With my upcoming wedding, a lot of my recent shopping has been wedding related. BHLDN is Anthropologie’s wedding line. Who knew?! On the second floor of downtown Seattle’s Anthropologie, you’ll one third of the store devoted this heavenly bridal line. Expect a treasure trove of gorgeous boho and wildly romantic wedding gowns. If you are a bride-to-be with a love for soft and ethereal gowns, this is the place for you. Just note that this location doesn’t carry everything that you see online (such as shoes and lingerie), but they can order the items for you in-store and waive the shipping fee.

Where I stayed

Hyatt Olive 8 – Situated at 8th Ave and Olive Way, this Hyatt hotel is modern, contemporary and perfect for a weekend getaway in Seattle. It’s located one block away from the main drag with lots of shopping options like Nordstroms, Nordstroms Rack, Barney’s, Macy’s and All Saints. Let’s just say, you’re close to all the action. What I also love about staying at Olive 8 is the swimming and whirlpool on level 2 and the complimentary in-room wifi (gotta stay connected).

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