Seafood Dinner Party

We ate these raw and then barbecued the heads. If you like Shrimp rice crackers you will enjoy eating the heads barbecued and sprinkled with salt. May sound strange to some, but trust me it's delicious when crispy!

Oh, and the shrimp was bought at the fish market that day, so they were fresh enough to eat raw.

Okay, I love seafood, but when I first saw this I thought it was a little creepy. Then I learned it was from the shrimp family and so I tried it. It was delicious! Just like shrimp! What you have to do is not think of the original form and go for it. You will be happy you did for you shrimp lovers out there.

I swear this crab was saying "eat me", why else would he be pointing at himself?

Seattle Series: On the Cobblestone Streets

There are so many shops at Pike Place Market and so many different kinds of people! When you come here you will understand why it is a place not to be missed in Seattle. I think this place in essence shows the atmosphere of Seattle. A mix of people with different tastes and styles. People are friendly, although maybe not California friendly, but still friendly. You will find the spirit of Seattle here. 

You can find the seafood that Seattle is famous for.

FYI: I didn't realize there was an alligator/crocodile in the tank when I took this photo. I don't know if it is real or not. I'm hoping not since the tank walls are very shallow.

Clams anyone?

Sweets like giant cookies, cupcakes and ice creams are delicious as well.

 Cupcake Royale is a local cupcake shop. They have several locations, which you can find on their website (just click the link above). They make amazing cupcakes and now ice cream! I didn't have time to stop in for a sinful bite of ice cream, but I hoping to stop by the next time I'm in town! If you have a sweet tooth like me you won't want to miss out on their cupcakes, otherwise you will regret it...just a *light* warning.

If you don't like cupcakes then all I can say is "what's the matter with you?!", I'm just kidding! Don't worry as I mentioned they now make ice cream, so check out their flavors! If their ice cream is as good as their cupcakes I'm sure you will be more than satisfied!

I love Beecher's handmade cheese shop! They make a great variety of cheeses and you can ask for samples! If you like cheese you won't want to miss out on this shop. It may be a little pricier than you usually pay at your supermarket for cheese, but these are no supermarket cheeses! Their cheeses range from $19- $25 per lb. Don't worry you won't be buying a pound of cheese! Well, if you are a caterer or throwing a really big party you might....Either way stop by the shop for a sample and decide for yourself.

 The group of men in front of Starbucks may not look like it, but they are fun singers! They add to the atmosphere of Pike Place and to help them out you can buy their CD.

Seattle can not be mentioned without Starbucks being added somewhere in there. This is the first Starbucks shop (type in Pike Place in the store locator for directions) in Seattle and even today it gets loads of people! There is another Starbucks around the corner, it's bigger and newer....but it's not the very first Starbucks one. 

The singers outside Starbucks do help to entertain the crowd waiting in line for a coffee at Starbucks.

When you visit Seattle, Pike Place Market can NOT be missed! Don't forget!

Seafood, Fruits and Veggies at Mercat La Boqueria

 It seems there is a bit of a touching problem in the seafood section of La Boqueria.

 Shrimp anyone? No? How about a claw?

 Beautiful colors at vegetable and fruit stands!

フルツと野菜のいろがとてもきれいでした！

 The way they lined up their produce was beautiful as well!

ならびかたもきれいでした。

 A very happy and friendly shop keeper, the best person to buy from!

 Mushrooms

Wow, I have no idea how to cut open a melon in this fashion. This takes skill!

Kanazawa, Japan: Lots Of Fresh Seafood, Fruits and Vegetables

 A case full of fresh seafood!

 I have to say I was surprised when I saw whale meat for sale. I have not met someone who says they like whale meat. It doesn't look like it would be flavorful. Truthfully, to me this looks like the blubber part of the whale is the "meat". But, I guess in this area there is enough of a demand for a little whale meat to be sold. Of course, I only saw whale meat at this one shop.

Milling around the various stores shopping for the evenings dinner.

 I would buy this except maybe it's just a little too much for two people to eat.......just maybe

 They offer samples at some stores to get you interested in their products. I would like to say it didn't work on me, but I would be lying. I bought some shrimp and squid that went really well with rice. Sato bought wasabi Octopus and a different version of the squid.

Everything tasted amazingly delicious!

 Scallops anyone?

 Sweet Shrimp!

 Very fragrant mushrooms! Tasted great when they are made into tempura!

 Lots fruits!

I bought two of these pears. They were huge and heavy, but very sweet!

 Many varieties of mushrooms are available.

 If my memory serves me correctly this was some kind of potato.......

Mini eggplants!

 So many crab legs..........I don't know whether to think this would be delicious or if this is a massacre.....lol

 Oysters!

Still have some more pictures left of the fish market, some more seafood, but there were some great store signs as well!