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Port of Seattle, The New Gateway to Alaska
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| Fish Market |
In the last several years, with the increase in homeports around the USA, Seattle has become a surprise success! Not less than four major cruise lines now offer departures to Alaska from this city throughout the season. It was not too long ago the only way to catch a ship to Alaska was to go through customs and immigration in Canada. Vancouver is still a major port of departure for Alaskan waters, but Seattle has been quickly becoming a favorite alternative.
With no international formalities to deal with, it is a joy just to fly into Seattle-Tacoma International airport (known locally as Sea-Tac), a major airport with non-stops from all over the USA, pick up your bags and be off to your ship. Or better yet to a downtown hotel for a pre-cruise visit to one of the most inviting cities in the world!
When the cloud cover breaks, the city reveals itself as a Mecca for people who love the outdoors, are serious coffee drinkers, enjoy fine food and great hotels. Just hop onto one of the many commuter ferries for a ride across Elliot Bay for magnificent views of downtown Seattle and some local flavor in the small towns across the bay.
Pioneer Square is worth a wander as it was the center of the original city before the great fire of 1889. The area abounds with classic turn of the century Victorian architecture built after the conflagration and is now the center of a lively bar scene with live Jazz and blues in several clubs. Pop into the Elliot Bay Book Store at 101 South Main, one of the best in the country and enjoy the creative recommendations from the staff.
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| Public Market Center |
The Pike Place Market is a must for any visitor to Seattle. Fresh cut flowers, fruit, and vegetables are ripe and beautifully displayed. All kinds of local foods, baked goods and sweets are readily available. It is similar to the wonderful fresh food market on Granville Island in Vancouver, also a "must see" for those of you departing from that "original" Alaska homeport. The most well known attraction at Pike Place was featured in the Seattle series of the MTV show "Real World" where one of the housemates worked at the Pike Place fishmonger's stand. With tourist cameras flashing, twenty-pound Alaskan Salmon are thrown from one employee to another while the fellow behind the counter shouts "anyone here to buy some fish?"
You might not be in the Market for a twenty-pound raw fish, but Seattle does offer some great dining choices when it comes to fresh seafood, along with a wide variety of all kinds of top quality restaurant choices. Right behind the fishmonger in the Pike Place Market is Place Pigalle. Named for its checkered past, when the goods for sale had little to do with dinner, this intimate restaurant offers fine food and a grand view of the sunset on Elliot Bay. Seafood entrees are exceptional. I enjoyed fresh asparagus in lime vinaigrette to start and a delicious piece of broiled halibut!
Georgian Restaurant, Olympic Fairmont Hotel
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| Georgian Restaurant |
The most luxurious restaurant in town, and one of the priciest, is the Georgian, located in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. The hotel, built in 1924 is rather grand and the main lobby is worth a visit. If you can afford to "shoot the lock off," dinner in the Georgian Restaurant is a memorable experience. Service, food and ambiance are, as good as it gets!
Award winning Chef, Gavin Stephenson's innovative seasonal Northwestern cuisine combined with an inspired regional wine list and the friendly, but professional service make this restaurant very special!
"This region abounds with native fruits, vegetables and herbs, not to mention an expansive variety of seafood" according to Chef Gavin. "Our goal is to create seasonal menus that feature the flavors of the Pacific Northwest and to respect the ingredients in every dish. I don't like to clutter the palate by fusing too many flavors together, but prefer to allow the unique characteristics of each ingredient to speak for themselves."
Following the restoration of its ornate architectural details, the restaurant boasts a vibrant color scheme with 11 shades of yellow, mix and match china, comfy chairs and a decorative display of art glass from local artisans. "No jackets required" at the Georgian. "We want the restaurant to be accessible to everyone" according to the manager. The result is a casual dining experience in a formal atmosphere with just wonderful cuisine!
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