Last night Bob and I decided to take a long, leisurely walk from my English Hill home to dinner in Woodinville via the Tolt Pipeline Trail. Jen helped me drop my car off in the soccer field parking lot earlier in the day – I didn’t want to walk back up Heartattack Hill in the dark on our way home!
Armed with comfy (but still cute) shoes and a sundress, a bottle of water and a bottle of Perrier, I made Bob carry my heavy camera so we could document our adventures.
I was relieved that by the time we started walking (around 6:30) the temperature had dropped to the low seventies. Eyeing these clouds, I wondered if I would be dashing into my backyard to rescue my outdoor cushions from rain when we got home.
We stopped to admire this beautiful patch of foxglove.
After we descended Heartattack Hill, we paused at Castillo de Feliciana to check out these gorgeous flowers. Anyone know what they are called? Please drop a comment below and let us know!
My feet were starting to hurt and I wanted to guzzle my Perrier, so we stopped for a break at this picnic table on the Sammamish River Trail. I was delighted to see a pair of eagles flying overhead and landing in a nearby nest – wish I’d been able to get a photo of them!
Some kissing might have occurred on this bench, but I shouldn’t overshare any details!
After a brief discussion of the many fabulous restaurants near the trail, we decided to eat at Purple Cafe Woodinville. Bob hadn’t eaten here for about five years, so we thought it would be fun for him to experience this restaurant again.
Bob ordered a bottle of local Woodinville beer from Triplehorn Brewing Company – he chose the Landwink IPA and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I have a difficult time ordering anything other than a glass of Vinho Verde wine when I come to Purple, especially on a warm evening. I’d never tasted a vinho verde until I had one at Purple Cafe Kirkland a few years ago. Loved the effervescent, clean taste of it!
I was stern with myself and didn’t just order my go-to strawberry and goat cheese salad. “Try something new!” I urged myself, so ordered the Greek and Grains salad: Farro, quinoa, lentils, olives, marinated artichokes, tomatoes and cucumbers, pumpkin seeds, pickled shallots, and goat cheese. It’s my new favorite!
After our long walk, Bob couldn’t resist the Wednesday special: Fried chicken!
It came with a choice of two sides – I was hoping Bob might order a side of baked beans, but he went for the mashed potatoes and gravy (who wouldn’t?) and the mac & cheese side.
My dinner selection was the basil pesto, with lemon zest, pine nuts and parmigiano-reggiano cheese. I almost licked my plate clean, but sensed that would not be the most ladylike choice.
We really enjoyed our meal, the lovely outdoor patio, and the friendly and knowledgeable service from our server, Alana. We chatted into the evening and did not feel rushed.
A couple of other diners lingered as well, enjoying the beautiful warm evening. Raindrops were beginning to fall, so we made our way back to my car, drove home and rescued my cushions from the impending rainfall.
-Carrie
