I started our date off with treating Sarah to brunch at Via Vita Cafe in Downtown Bellevue. I just bought a Groupon and couldn't wait to try this spot... because I love the name and when I went to their website it read: The Road to Life: Good Coffee, Good Food, Good Wine, and Good Company.
When I walked in I knew I would love this brunch/lunch/wine bar! It was cute, quaint and so inviting. As I sat at the table and looked around at all the pictures and decor it made me want to go to Europe... ASAP. As Sarah and I looked over menu we quickly decided that we both wanted similar items. She went for the Northwest Omelete with duckfat potatoes and I went with the Smoked Salmon Crepe.
The menu was small but had everything you could ever want for brunch... omeletes, crepes, french toast, croque madame and sandwiches. As my crepe came out I was so glad that it wasn't ginormous... it was just the right size.
My crepe was filled with smoked salmon, capers, red onion and a nice creamy sauce. It was super savory and a little bit sweet all at once. I really enjoyed my crepe and can't wait to something different on my next visit because it was so tasty. Sarah's omelete was super light and the mini brioche and duckfat potatoes were amazing sides. Direct quote from Sarah "The duckfat potaotes taste like Thanksgiving." My response was "You are surprisingly right Sarah, I love Thanksgiving and I love these potoates." We are made to friends!
After using my Groupon we headed to Woodinville to go winetatsting. Sarah had bought a winetasting Groupon that included a wine tour, tasting w/ chocolate and cheese pairings and a bottle of wine from Robert Ramsey Cellars. As we pulled into the Office Park of wineries this is what we saw...
I mean how amazing is this site... all of those signs are for wineries in walking distance! :) I looked at Sarah and I said "Please don't let me drink to much!" I have self control issues with wine. When we got to Robert Ramsey Cellars we walked in and were immediately greeted and taken on a tour... the tour wasn't long and it was very informative. This boutique winery was a little chilly but the wine warmed me right up. I loved their Cab and Syrah. The salted caramels and cheese really hit the spot... with these great red wines. Sarah and I both agreed that this is a winery we would come back too. BTW we were informed that there was 40 wineries in this office park and 15 across the street... umm what an amazing concept.
HELPFUL HINT: Dress warm these places are chilly!
The salted carmaels and cheese were amazing. We got a recommendation to hit Obelisco next... so we hoofed it over 3 doors to Obelisco Estate Winery. It was a totally different atmosphere warm and cozy! They were pouring 5 wines for $10 so Sarah and I made a good decision to share a tasting. The (5) red wines were all tasty but I think my favorite was the Cab... they also had cheese and crackers that paired perfectly with all the wines being poured. After Obelisco, we headed to Efeste Winery which was about 3 blocks away so we of course drove. We both loved everything about Efeste, it had a great atmosphere that allowed us to sit and enjoy your wine. And believe me Sarah and I again shared a tasting that was $10... they were pouring 6 wines. I mean seriously if you don't share a tasting you are going to get bombed really fast. :)
Sarah and I agreed that our Christmas gifts to each other would be sharing Groupons that we bought with each other. :) It is really a fantastic idea... everyone should try it.
I love you.
ReplyDeleteWhere would our social lives be without Groupon/Living Social.
So great.