3 Seattle Desserts to Try Now

As the Rain or Shine dynamic duo we have a lot in common, our love of travel, wine, food, and dogs to name a few, but there is one thing we will just never agree on... 

Desserts.

The line has been drawn. Spoons have been unholstered. The question on the table? Which is more delicious, fruit desserts or chocolate desserts?

It is a battle as epic as the Hatfields and McCoys, the Packers and the Bears, Bugs Bunny and Wile E. Coyote. Neither side is backing down. But hey, we don't mind, we actually look forward to the times we get to go into battle versus each other, because this means we get to eat. And so far it has proven to be one of the most delicious arguments ever.

We took this battle to the streets of Seattle to try some of the biggest and best desserts the city has to offer. Here are our three favorite finds! 

Bambu's Shaved Ice

Chocolate and Strawberry Shaved ice from Bambu

We agree on a lot, but never on dessert flavors

Tucked on 7th Ave in the International District this Vietnamese spot is churning out some seriously delicious desserts. Shaved Ice is definitely taking the U.S. by storm with shops popping up in many of the big cities and we aren't complaining! This was our first time having this cold, loaded up mountain of sweet goodness and we both almost died trying to finish our plates. We would have died happy though, that's for sure. It is a combo that tastes similar to ice cream, but a lot icier (so colder) and strangely enough, it was more dense too. They have 14 different flavors and double that amount of toppings, so there is something for everyone and they come in a few different sizes, including the family size which looks more like it would take a village. (Challenge accepted?)

Check them out.

Shug's Ice Cream Sundaes

Shug's S'more Sundae (Sarah's favorite) 

Shug's Banana Split (Has fruit in it. Obviously Kristina's choice.)

Shug's is one of the new additions we saw at Pike Place Market in 2016 (along with Old Stove Brewing and Cycene). It is an old style ice cream shop, complete with a soda fountain and ice cream made on Lopez Island. The menu features some classics (banana splits and good ole milkshakes), but a quite a few modern ice cream creations as well. They also partner with a lot of local makers to get ingredients from the community for their masterpieces, including cacao from indi chocolate and donuts from Mighty-O. We highly recommend the S'more sundae. Make sure to grab a seat at the bar if there is one available, watching them make the desserts is half the fun...obviously eating them is the other half...or maybe it's more like an 80/20 spilt....90/10? Anyways, you get it. Eating them is really enjoyable.

Check them out.

Blank Space Bubble waffles

Blank Space Bubble Waffle

This one is good for everyone, chocolate and fruit lovers alike. 

You have to venture across the bridge to get Blank Space, but it's worth it. We have no idea why bubble tea is the main advertisement when you can get THAT (^^) from the menu. Those waffles are made fresh and they are not hollow bubbles, they are little puff balls full of sweet bread that you can then soak in ice cream and coat in toppings like oreos, fruity pebbles, and sprinkles. Icing on the cake? They have macrons too! What is this heavenly place?! It is like they snuck into our dreams and then recreated them in a discreet building in Downtown Bellevue. Thank you Blank Space, thank you!

Check them out.

Rain or Shine out. Gotta go sleep off this sugar coma.

Seattle's Best Food Trucks

Seattle is definitely a little behind on the food truck game compared to its sister city to the south, Portland, and California was wayyyy ahead of the game. But lately we definitely feel a larger presence around the city and we are even starting to get some decent sized pods popping up around town. Which is exciting, because who doesn't love more casual and delicious dining options? If you just raised your hand, we kindly ask you to leave this blog. We don't want food truck haters here. After all the saying goes: Peace, love, and food out of a truck. 

If you are curious where a few of the "hubs" are you can check out this website as a resource. 

Here is part one of our "Best of Seattle: Food Trucks". Let us know in the comments if we missed any of your favorites! We have tried a ton, but not every one, so speak up! 

Nosh

Nosh serves up British/American grub and let us just say, everything they make is DIVINE. Yep, we just used that word and it was in a serious manner. We've been to the UK and are okay saying their fish 'n chips are the best we have ever had. Best. Ever. Other awesome menu offerings include the Caprese Baguette and the Roasted Bone Marrow.

RoS Insider Tip: Always use eating at Nosh as an opportunity to say "Cheerio chap!" in a British accent as you get your food.

Napkin Friends

Have you ever looked at your sandwich and thought, "Wow I really wish someone would take this to the next level."? Enter Napkin Friends. They looks at that sad, plain, tasteless bread you put on either side of your sandwich fixings and decided to replace it with two deep fried latkes aka a potato pancake. Our favorite is the B.L.T.G.A. Imagine two hash brown patties and then stuffed bacon, lettuce, tomato, gouda, and avocado in between. Hungry? 

Delfino's Chicago Pizza

Delfino's has a brick and mortar location in University Village and to everyone's delight a food truck too. They serve up Chicago style deep dish pizza as personal sized pies. Honestly we always wish we had like 1-2 more slices, but if you're craving pizza, this will hit the spot. 

Off the Rez

If you aren't familiar with Indian Fry Bread, well then you haven't been living. Off the Rez is famous for their version of tacos. They start by deep frying dough for the "shell," it comes out puffy and soft, but a little crispy. Then they top it with sweet or savory goodies! You absolutely cannot go wrong getting a couple 10 hour slow cooked BBQ pork tacos along with a nutella sweet taco to top it off! 

Where Ya At Matt?

This southern/creole inspired food truck is great when you are looking for some flavor! The smothered chicken Po'boy and the Shrimp and Grits are hard to stray away from. The spice is just right and leaves your mouth and your stomach smiling! 

Photo by Mark Gsellman

Bomba Fushion

Bomba Fushion lets you do a create your own bowl/burrito/taco style meal. They combine Korean and Mexican foods to bring you mind-blowing delciousness. Think nachos covered in spicy pork bulgogi. Or if you want something a bit more traditional you can get a colorful Bibimbap bowl with our favorite part, the perfectly fried egg!

El Cabrito Oaxaca

If we had to pick one food to eat for the rest of our lives, it would probably be tacos. So this food truck gets a lot of love from us. El Cabrito makes traditional style Mexican food for a great price. The taco plate is where it's at. $7 for four street tacos. yes please! We recommend piling them with the carnitas or al pastor because this places knows how to cook pork. 

Seattle Neighborhoods: Wallingford

QFC's giant Wallingford sign

Sandwiched in between the U District and Fremont sits a neighborhood full to the brim with great restaurants, shopping, and character. The QFC is even unique, donning a huge neon sign of the neighborhood name. 45th Ave. is the hot street. You can get basically whatever you want within a 5 block stretch from Mexican to Poke. 

TNT Taqueria

This little taqueria has a big time menu and a cute little interior restaurant. You cannot go wrong with any of their fillings, but since we love to talk about food we will tell you our fav. It's the chorizo verde and hominy hash with a Dos Equis on the side. Tacos like these.. you can eat them everyday. 

The Octopus Bar

The Octopus Bar plays into two categories we personally love at RoS Guides: the dive bar and the instagram-worthy bar/restaurant. It's the perfect culmination of PNW charm. We love the Crow's Nest deviled eggs and any of their creative cocktails.

Ezell's Fried Chicken

This is Seattle's premier destination for fried chicken. It's old school, crispy and delicious. I don't think we need to say more. 

45th Stop N Shop Deli

You have to be in the know to wander into this convenience store and know there is more than candy bars and soda inside. There is a secret poke bar in the back and it is a.w.e.s.o.m.e. The fish is high quality and the ingredients blend together to melt in your mouth. Hawaii, we salute you.

Pam's Kitchen

This Caribbean restaurant offers some mouth-watering fare. Beware: If you are looking for instagram-able food, keep walking, these plates aren't beautiful. The cooks are focused more on creating food orgasms in your mouth, so definitely weigh your options. In our humble opinion though delicious spicy jerk chicken plate > pretty food photo. 

Molly Moon's

Molly Moon's is a Seattle staple. Their ice cream is beloved by all for it's unique flavors that are full of sugar and spice and everything nice, but to be honest what truly sets them apart from other ice cream parlors in town is the waffle cone. They are made fresh right in front of you and taste like heaven. Pair it with the cookie dough ice cream and thank us later. 

Ramen Man

What's better than a big, steamy bowl of ramen?  Nothing! This place is delicious and has a variety of ramen to choose from (spicy, miso, garlic, shoyu). In addition to the thinly sliced pork, you can also get an unlimited amount of soft boiled eggs for the soup, which might be the very best thing about ramen in the first place. 

Wallingford Center

Wallingford Center is an old school turned into a retail space. You can't miss the big stately brick building when you are wandering around and there are some great finds inside. 

• Trophy Cupcakes offers up classic and creative cupcakes, so whether you want a perfect vanilla with buttercream frosting or something a little more snazzy, say Raspberry Macaroon, you'll be able to find it here! 
• Bootyland Kids is the type of children's store we can get behind. It is full of imaginative and unique toys and clothes for the little ones in your life. Skip the chain stores and support these guys instead!  
• Crackerjack is a little shop with a gift for just about anyone. If you want to support american craftspeople this is a great place to support. 

Guild 45th Theatre

There are several "neighborhood" theaters around Seattle. Theaters who aren't owned by huge multiplexes and have some old character and charm. Guild 45 is one of those. Don't expect the plush seats and digital ticket kiosks you find at most theaters nowadays though, we said they are charming, not fresh. 

The Sock Monster

Who doesn't love a crazy pair of socks? There isn't much to this place. Actually there is only one thing. Socks. But you know what every human on earth needs at some point in their lives? Socks. And Sock Monster has got you covered in every single way you could imagine. Star Wars socks? Check. Rainbow socks? Check. Seahawks socks. You bet your ass they do. 

Paper Delights

Paper Delights is a great shop for getting beautiful cards and other paper goods like stationary and art. Beyond having a card for every occasion they also host watercolor and calligraphy classes, which are a great night out for girls and you walk away with a new skill and decoration for your home. 

Beyond 45th St. there are still a ton of hidden gems in Wallingford, so don't stop exploring after you get through this list. Some notable places to check out include RoRo BBQ, Joule, and Blue Star Diner. Alright, good luck exploring! 

The Nutcracker: Ballet vs. Burlesque

Everyone knows about the Nutcracker. Even if you haven't seen the famous ballet you probably know the music or the general story. It is a Christmas tradition and one of the most recognizable decorations during the holiday season. This year we decided to put two interpretations of the story to the test.

So..which is more entertaining? The traditional Nutcracker, performed as a ballet, or the more... shall we say... "risqué" Nutcracker, performed as a burlesque show? 

George Balanchine's Nutcracker with the PNW Ballet, Image credit: Pacific Northwest Ballet 

George Balanchine's Nutcracker 

The Pacific Northwest Ballet has been putting on The Nutcracker every year for the past three decades. It is a tradition for many families to go each year and experience the childish magic that brings to life the dancing candy canes, mice, and best of all, the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Last year big news struck Seattle. The Nutcracker that Seattle had grown to love over the last 30 years, by Maurice Sendak and Kent Stowell, would be getting a face lift. This year's performance is completely updated with sets and costumes by Ian Falconer and George Balanchine's classic choreography. From what we can tell it is brighter, more cheerful, but just as beautiful as always. 

We were lucky enough to have some very young, female commentary coming from the row behind our seats. This added to the story of Clara dreaming of her perfect world. We heard "Ohhhh here comes the peacock, she is my faaavorite." and our personal favorite, as the candies danced, one little girl exclaimed in envy "I wish I had a lot of sugar right now!" Something tells me her parents don't give her lots of sugar for good reason. 

With talented and beautiful dancers on center stage, don't forget to take in the beautiful set decorations and costumes. It truly all adds up to an incredible event. When the curtain drops at the end of the night you will feel like you have just woken up from a dream. Make sure your dreamy state doesn't keep you from cheering loudly, they definitely earn the applause. 

Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker at the Triple Door, Image credit: The Triple Door

Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker

What can we say? We love a good burlesque show. The Triple Door puts on a variety of shows throughout the year, but the Nutcracker is definitely a crowd favorite. For those of you who haven't been to one of these shows, we seriously encourage it. It's fun, outrageous, and surprisingly tasteful.

The storytelling is definitely a little loose, the clothing is even looser, but the talent and the beauty is there. Oh, and beware, the glitter and stagecraft is through the roof. 

At the ballet you see very little diversity, even in a city as progressive and open minded as Seattle, ballerina's are just a certain build and predominately white. What we love when you see a show put on by Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann is it's guaranteed to pay tribute to all shapes and sizes. Male, female, black, white, big and small, it is a homage to the people of our city and the fun-loving energy that many of us love to feel a part of.

Taking in both versions of the show

So who wins this face off? Can we cheat and call it a tie? Even if they are the same "story" we admit, we have really been comparing apples and oranges this whole time. If you want a magical and fancy night out, the PNB's Nutcracker is absolutely worth the ticket price. If you want a sexy and laughable evening, go with The Triple Door's Land of Sweets

Pacific Northwest Ballet Insider Tip: You can preorder your drinks for intermission before the show starts. This way, when hundreds of people are lining up for another glass, yours is sitting ready for you on a table to the side, no extra charge! 

The Triple Door Insider Tip: Arrive early and eat/drink in the lounge, not the theatre. The menu has more options and it is wayyyyyy cheaper!