Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

We were in Portugal and our schedules were off from the rest of the group when we arrived -- not to mention off of the normal European eating hours. We stumbled on this deserted, but pristine yellow hotel on the bank of the river Duoro. We proceeded to have an impeccably prepared lunch overlooking the water -- it was like a picture in a brochure. An entire restaurant to ourselves with a tuxedo'd server who did his best to speak English to our tired selves and all we asked for was "the recommendation" I don't know if we'll ever get back, but its my top meal ever and very intimate.

PS. My piano teacher from Ukraine also uses the word "romantical" and it is one of my favorite words.

I am lucky enough to work a block from the biggest market in Seattle. My favorite vendor is a butcher whose assistant once insisted on tenderizing a flank steak for me instead of letting me at it with my mallet, saying in a thick brogue -- "I'll just run the blardy shite out of it." Best day at the market so far. And a mighty fine flank steak at that.

I think cooking in a better kitchen is certainly can be more pleasurable (especially when there is more than one person). However, as Tomato mentioned, a person doesn't truly love cooking if that is an excuse. It can also be triumphant to produce high quality meals from a campstove or some other sub-par arrangement.

My parents owned a restaurant and for them cooking at home was really important. Most cooks would die for the kitchen I grew up in both for space and amenities. I didn't understand it then, but I sure do now. When they sold the house, one person claimed that she loved to cook, but the kitchen was just too large, she didn't like the fact that the commercial range was gas, and the final offense? -- the feng shui was left handed.

Filet Mignon

More for Seattle...
1. Madame K's pizza in Ballard. A piece of history and pizza...great atmosphere, affordable, and delicious.
2. Steelhead Diner in Pike Place Market. Affordable local dishes alongside pricier options. Because they focus on seasonal food, every visit is a surprise. Wonderful perch overlooking the market and Elliott Bay.
3. Maneki's in the International District. Oldest Japanese restaurant in Seattle and some of the best sushi in town.
Have Fun!

We have forced ourselves to learn how to make new things over the past 4 years. I hated green peppers before this summer but have learned how to cook and appreciate them because there was really no other choice by learning how to adapt favorite dishes and discovering new ones. It really has forced us outside of our meaty comfort zone into vegetable centric eating. I feed extra fruit to my team at work (better than donuts) and make random dishes for the neighbors. Its a stretch sometimes to finish it all... especially when I travel, but I think eating local and seasonal is worth it. I have all winter to eat things that don't come in the basket.