Seattle is marking the 50th anniversary of the Seattle Center, the site of the 1962 World’s Fair. When friends visit from out of town they always ask what the essential Seattle experiences are.
Honestly, I’m a bit nostalgic. I remember old favorites like the Bubbleator and the Food Circus at the Seattle Center. I appreciate the newer attractions too, but I’m not the one to talk into a “Ride the Ducks.”
To celebrate, I created a dessert table inspired by the Seattle I love—a mix of tourist staples and local favorites, presented in sweet form.
When people think of Seattle, the first thing that comes to mind is often the weather—dress in layers, carry an umbrella, or wear a waterproof jacket. To evoke that iconic drizzle I made little umbrella meringue pops: store-bought meringue cookies mounted on lollipop sticks, dipped in yellow candy melts, and finished with half a blue heart sprinkle to suggest a raindrop.
I still love going to the top of the Space Needle—its views of the city and the sound are magical at any hour. For the dessert table I turned Keebler 100-calorie striped cookies into tiny Space Needle cupcake toppers: dipped in white candy melts, pierced with pretzel sticks through the existing hole, finished with a white jimmie for the observation deck and fondant “legs.”
Pike Place Market is my absolute favorite place in Seattle—vibrant vendors, fresh seafood, flowers, produce, and unbeatable people-watching. For the table I paired fresh raspberries from the market with graham cracker cookies I made, frosting and decorating the tops with fondant. An edible marker recreated the famous Market sign on a cookie for a playful touch.
J.P. Patches is a Seattle television legend. Many of us who grew up watching his show remember learning our sense of humor from those morning routines. I admired his warmth and compassion as an adult too, and he remains a beloved local icon. I made a cookie tribute to capture his playful spirit.
Dick’s Drive-In is a Seattle institution—greasy, simple, and reliably satisfying. For this setup I fashioned the iconic signs from Rice Krispie treats and fondant, painted with food coloring. The cheeseburgers are Oreo Cakesters with a mint patty and colored icing for cheese and ketchup. I even made a little paper fry bag, complete with “greasy” spots, filled with shoestring potato sticks for authenticity.
If you visit Seattle, here’s my personal, food-forward itinerary for an ideal day in the city.
1. Start at Remo Borrachini’s Bakery for a french cruller or an apple strudel—Remo has been a fixture in the community for decades. His pastries are classic Seattle bakery fare, and they bring up fond memories for many locals.
2. While you’re nearby, pick up a polish dog and a pack of jerky from O’Berto’s—classic snack stops that capture the city’s casual food scene.
3. Head to Pike Place Market. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also a historic and lively marketplace. Watch the fishmongers, but don’t forget to buy some fresh produce—support the vendors and enjoy the flavors of the region.
Stop at Le Panier for the Normandie—a chicken and onion pastry worth savoring. Sit by the window to people-watch, then treat yourself to a napoleon and an orange macaron; the napoleon is especially memorable.
4. Ride to the top of the Space Needle for sweeping city and water views—an essential Seattle perspective.
5. Catch a Mariners or Seahawks game if you can; the fan energy is contagious even for casual observers. One tip: skip the garlic fries if you’re in a crowd who might be bothered by strong aromas.
6. Dine at Canlis for a special evening—elegant service, classic Seattle hospitality, and outstanding dishes. Treat yourself to a steak or, if available, their pork belly; both are memorable and showcase the restaurant’s caliber.
7. Enjoy local live performances—Jazz Alley, Chop Suey, or the Taproot Theatre all showcase terrific regional talent and make for a great cultural night out.
8. After the show, stop by Dick’s Drive-In—my go-to is a cheeseburger, fries, and a chocolate shake. Dick’s keeps it simple and classic, and that’s part of the charm.
9. Finish the night at home watching reruns of local television favorites like J.P. Patches or Almost Live—comforting, nostalgic, and uniquely Seattle.
This is my ideal Seattle experience—personal, largely food-focused, and rooted in memories of places that make the city special. There’s so much more to see and do, but if you have just one day, these highlights give a true taste of Seattle.
Now, where did I put that orange macaron?