Canadian Buffoon's Back to Front Vacation - Update! 05/18 - Falling Down

[pkondz]

You're very welcome. As soon as this semester is finished she'll start working on something new for the Cons she wants to go to this summer.

At which point you will
post phots, right???

 

[pkondz]

I'm not a big time coffee drinker but I can understand why someone who is one would want to say they had been there.

I can too, actually.

To each their own.

No! It's my way
or the highway!!

They are beautiful. I image you were flooded with smells too.

I did notice that. Keep your hands to yourself.

You're taking all the
fun out of this, Vanessa.

Just a little squeeze?

Very funny.

I think you are too.

Just a bit.
But not by the
end of the day!

They look really good.

They really were!
I mean... still hot!

I have not. I do not like oysters. The girls like them.

Have they ever had
that particular dish?

I knew this about you from prior reports. This is just perfect for you.

As I was reading it I was wondering "how do you decide what to get? It all looks so good."

Right??????

I saw that and thought it would be perfect for you.

I was actually relieved
that they had that option.

That's a lot of food.

It was far too much.
I don't think I could've
finished it even if I hadn't
gotten the roll.
I never did touch the
other bread.

I'm sure it's much better than the lobster roll @ Columbia Harbor House.

I'll find out soon, I hope!
(As I mentioned on your TR)

I like them too, they're very cute.

I was thinking what a great picture when I saw it. I love it!

Thanks!

I did. Was he telling you where to go?

He always does.

 

[jaqsdad]

Next time you are in Portland, don't miss the Lan Su Chinese Garden. The Japanese Garden gets all the hype (probably because it is bigger and next to the rose test garden - which you MUST see in full bloom) but the Chinese Garden is a spectacular Oasis in the middle of downtown.

Then there is the Oregon Garden and their Monkey Puzzle tree.

Multnomah Falls is for tourists. We also have Willamette Falls (the second largest falls by volume in he US), or even better - Silver Falls State Park.

 

[docsoliday1]

I'm not a big time coffee drinker but I can understand why someone who is one would want to say they had been there.



To each their own.



They are beautiful. I image you were flooded with smells too.



I did notice that. Keep your hands to yourself.



Very funny.



I think you are too.



Such good looking food.



I did not know that.



They look really good.



I have not. I do not like oysters. The girls like them.



I knew this about you from prior reports. This is just perfect for you.



WOW!



As I was reading it I was wondering "how do you decide what to get? It all looks so good."



I saw that and thought it would be perfect for you.



That's a lot of food.



I'm glad to hear that.



I'm sure it's much better than the lobster roll @ Columbia Harbor House.



I like them too, they're very cute.



I was thinking what a great picture when I saw it. I love it!



I did. Was he telling you where to go?

Not a coffee drinker either and even if I was, would refuse to do Starbucks because if price and the arrogant nature of their stance on issues. Wouldn't reward their behavior.

I think Marvin was pointing him to the doughnuts (or donuts if you prefer that spelling)

I like fried clams, but never been a chowder fan. Sure my DW would love it. I leave the snot on a rock for other folks.

The duck picture was fantastic!! @pkondz

 

[docsoliday1]

Was just thinking...if they moved the line that well and everything was hot and good, maybe you ought to see if you could get Disney to take notes???
Or send a team there to find out how to do it right? I think Disney does okay in most instances, but some places are abysmally slow and not so good.

 

[pkondz]

Next time you are in Portland, don't miss the Lan Su Chinese Garden. The Japanese Garden gets all the hype (probably because it is bigger and next to the rose test garden - which you MUST see in full bloom) but the Chinese Garden is a spectacular Oasis in the middle of downtown.

Then there is the Oregon Garden and their Monkey Puzzle tree.

First off...
to the TR!

Secondly...
Thanks for the tips!
There's a pretty good
chance I'll get out that
way again in a year or two.

Multnomah Falls is for tourists.

I believe that, based on
the infrastructure around it...
But it was still beautiful!

We also have Willamette Falls (the second largest falls by volume in he US), or even better - Silver Falls State Park.

Now I'm curious.
Why is Silver Falls better?

 

[pkondz]

Not a coffee drinker either and even if I was, would refuse to do Starbucks because if price and the arrogant nature of their stance on issues. Wouldn't reward their behavior.

Must admit I don't know
what their "stance on issues" is.

I do occasionally go there
for a frozen drink.
But... maybe once or
twice a year?

I think Marvin was pointing him to the doughnuts (or donuts if you prefer that spelling)

I'd follow that guidance.

I like fried clams, but never been a chowder fan. Sure my DW would love it. I leave the snot on a rock for other folks.

"snot on a rock"...

The duck picture was fantastic!! @pkondz

Thanks!

Was just thinking...if they moved the line that well and everything was hot and good, maybe you ought to see if you could get Disney to take notes???
Or send a team there to find out how to do it right? I think Disney does okay in most instances, but some places are abysmally slow and not so good.

I'm pretty sure everything
was on a tray even before
I finished paying.
It was quick!

 

[docsoliday1]

.

"snot on a rock"...






Thanks!



I'm pretty sure everything
was on a tray even before
I finished paying.
It was quick!

I have to give credit...pretty sure it was @Captain_Oblivious who coined that phrase.
Just
have to wonder though...who was the first person that said "hey let's eat this slimy gooey thing, it looks so appetizing"

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Let's explore Pike Place Market
shall we?

Sure, what the heck.

What makes this particular
Starbucks unique is that
it is the first Starbucks.

Now, I'm not a coffee drinker,
so maybe I'm wrong, but...
I can't see myself standing
in line just to say I've had a
coffee there.

That'll be $6, sir.

(checks earpiece)

I'm sorry, this is the world's first Starbucks. Your half-caf mocha vanilla frappuccino decaf latte with a twist of lemon will be $12.

The writer of this TR,
that's who.
So all those people
are nuts whereas what
I have done for ice cream
is perfectly normal.

Darn right!

And the prices!!
I almost fainted when I saw
how cheap they were!

I wasn't expecting to read that sentence.

I quickly found that it
was a passive aggressive
market.
Notice the sign above?
"You squeeze, you buy".

Anything, or just the fruit?

There was live entertainment, too!
The Three Tenors were performing.
I caught them mid-aria,
before they were told
to cool it and were
put on ice.

Bite?
Who is this person going
around biting the seafood?

Yeah...that would signify the need for a strait jacket, I think.

Apparently licking is allowed.

Ew.

Turns out it was just a
butcher shop.

Disappointing.

A butcher shop is never disappointing.

Let's see what else is
in this place to take my
mind off of food.

How did that work out for you?

While I didn't get a decent
shot of fish being thrown,
I did get to witness it.


See?
I'll stand in line for a
good fish throwing.
Not like those coffee
swilling weirdos.

I think it would be awful messy to throw coffee at people. Potentially painful, too.

Okay, the alluring aroma
of fresh cooked doughnuts
filled the air and called to me.

Like a siren's song.

10. Curry Udon at Marukame Udon in Honolulu, HI
9. Lewellyn’s Fine Fried Chicken at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar in Miami Beach, FL
8. Uni Pasta at EMC Seafood & Raw Bar in Los Angeles, CA
7. Chargrilled Oysters at Acme Oyster House in New Orleans, LA
6. Crab Legs at Bacchanal Buffet in Las Vegas, NV
5. Wood Oven Roasted Pig Face at Girl & the Goat in Chicago, IL
4. Tea Leaf Salad at Burma Superstar in San Francisco, CA
3. Maine Lobster Roll at Neptune Oyster in Boston, MA
2. Pork Buns at Ippudo East Village in New York, NY
1. New England Clam Chowder at Pike Place Chowder in Seattle, WA

(* so tell me... have you
tried any of these? Let me know!)

Well...I'm 0 for 10. But honestly, I can't say I'd be interested in very many of them. Maybe the fried chicken and pork buns.

I went to what I thought
was the end of the line and...

Kept going.

What I thought was the end
of the line was merely
the break in the line so people
could get through.

This was the end of the line:

The awards lining the walls were
a good sign.
Actually, the line of people
was a good sign.

This is very true.

I noticed that each table had
a sign on it.
I didn't take a photo
(should have, darn it!)
but it essentially said that
tables could not be occupied
unless you had food.
The turnover was rapid
and no one seemed to go
without finding a spot.
I don't know how... but it worked.

I like this system! More places should adopt it.

I let my stomach do the talking.
"I'll have the 4 soup sampler.
New England Clam Chowder,
Smoked Salmon Chowder,
Market Chowder and,
Seafood Bisque.
Oh... and throw in a
Lobster Roll too."

(Spoiler alert. I didn't
come close to finishing it all.)

Do you have a wheelbarrow, so you can help me move when I'm done?

If you're thinking that doesn't
look so good, you're wrong.
(Unless you really don't like,
or can't eat seafood, of course.)

Yeah...I'm just not a seafood fan at all.

You're still wrong.
This stuff was far better
than just good.
It was incredible.

My least favourite soup
was the Market Chowder.
And that was far, far
superior to any chowder
I've ever had in my life.

Sounds like it was a worthy visit, though. Glad you liked it so much!

Great shot!

Did you see it in this chapter?

Hopefully that wasn't the end of the line for Starbucks, or he'll be waiting a while.

 

[pkondz]

I have to give credit...pretty sure it was @Captain_Oblivious who coined that phrase.

I thought it sounded
vaguely familiar.

I recall the conversation
we had a while back
about that.

Just
have to wonder though...who was the first person that said "hey let's eat this slimy gooey thing, it looks so appetizing"

Yeah that was me.
I might've done it
on a dare
and then everyone
else copied me.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I have to give credit...pretty sure it was @Captain_Oblivious who coined that phrase.
Just
have to wonder though...who was the first person that said "hey let's eat this slimy gooey thing, it looks so appetizing"

It's fine, I stole it from Jim Gaffigan. He has a great rant on seafood (as he does with most foods).

 

[pkondz]

Sure, what the heck.

Good thing since
we're there anyway.

That'll be $6, sir.

(checks earpiece)

I'm sorry, this is the world's first Starbucks. Your half-caf mocha vanilla frappuccino decaf latte with a twist of lemon will be $12.

I'm surprised you went
that low.

Darn right!

Yeah!!
Ice cream trumps
almost... everything.

I wasn't expecting to read that sentence.

I suspect they may have
a profit sharing plan in
place with Starbucks.

Anything, or just the fruit?

I asked.
I got slapped.

So I'm not sure.

Yeah...that would signify the need for a strait jacket, I think.

"Is your crab el dente?"

Ew.

Hey, I just write what I see.

A butcher shop is never disappointing.

How did that work out for you?

Just fine...
Once I got to the doughnuts.

I think it would be awful messy to throw coffee at people. Potentially painful, too.

But funny!!!

You are correct.

Well...I'm 0 for 10. But honestly, I can't say I'd be interested in very many of them. Maybe the fried chicken and pork buns.

Well...
10. Curry Udon at Marukame Udon in Honolulu, HI
9. Lewellyn’s Fine Fried Chicken at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar in Miami Beach, FL
8. Uni Pasta at EMC Seafood & Raw Bar in Los Angeles, CA
7. Chargrilled Oysters at Acme Oyster House in New Orleans, LA
6. Crab Legs at Bacchanal Buffet in Las Vegas, NV
5. Wood Oven Roasted Pig Face at Girl & the Goat in Chicago, IL
4. Tea Leaf Salad at Burma Superstar in San Francisco, CA
3. Maine Lobster Roll at Neptune Oyster in Boston, MA
2. Pork Buns at Ippudo East Village in New York, NY
1. New England Clam Chowder at Pike Place Chowder in Seattle, WA

I'd try 10, 8, 7... but with some reservations.
(sorry... ADRs)
6 and 2 sound okay... I'm not a huge
pork bun fan and crab legs always
seem to be more work than they're worth.
4 doesn't interest me.
5... if it wasn't face... but I'd try it.
Give it the benefit of the doubt.
3 sounds good and I'd like to see
how it compares to the one I had.
9. This. This I really want to try.
And of course I've done 1.

I like this system! More places should adopt it.

I wonder how it'd work?
As long as it's fairly quick
(to eat) food?
Sure worked well there.

Do you have a wheelbarrow, so you can help me move when I'm done?

Yeah, pretty much!

Yeah...I'm just not a seafood fan at all.

Then this isn't the place
for you.
Sort of like... oh... Delaware.

Sounds like it was a worthy visit, though. Glad you liked it so much!

Great shot!

Thanks!

Hopefully that wasn't the end of the line for Starbucks, or he'll be waiting a while.

He's used to waiting.
That ride to Earth takes a while.

 

[pkondz]

It's fine, I stole it from Jim Gaffigan. He has a great rant on seafood (as he does with most foods).

And he probably stole it from
someone else who stole it
from someone and so on,
and so on,...

until finally, you get to God...


God: Okay, so that was fun. Let's call it a platypus.
Angel: Got it. What's next?
God: Let's make something really gross.
Angel: Okay...
God: And then let's make people eat it.
Angel: So you're thinking...
God: Like snot on a rock.
Angel: <nods>

 

[dolewhipdreams]

I am FINALLY all caught up on your TR.

If I commented on everything I thought was neat/funny/absurd, I'd be here forever so instead I'll just say, wow what a neat/fun/absurd time you had!

 

[vamassey1]

At which point you will
post phots, right???

If I have photos to post, I will.

No! It's my way
or the highway!!

This is DH's mantra.

Just a little squeeze?

You squeeze it you buy it.

Have they ever had
that particular dish?

Yes they have. The restaurant that Michelle worked out from high school until she got her "big girl job" after college serves them. Danielle is working there now. Michelle will eat the raw oysters too but Danielle only likes the char-grilled ones. I don't eat either. But I love crawfish and some consider that gross.

I never did touch the
other bread.

Good for you, bread only fills you up. You needed more room for the good stuff.

I'll find out soon, I hope!
(As I mentioned on your TR)

You're getting really close. I'm jelly.

 

[jaqsdad]

Now I'm curious.
Why is Silver Falls better?

Silver Falls State Park isn't just one waterfall. it has 10 falls of different types, heights and sizes. Some falls are right by the parking area, but if you are so inclined, there is an easy 7 mile hike that takes you above, around, behind (and even below if you want) all the falls.

Can I put the words easy and hike in the same sentence?

 

[Steppesister]

Wonderful chapter... back to comment this weekend.

 

[Terra Nova guy]

So I’m reading at home and on my phone because 1. you remember that annoying problem where I can’t see your pictures anymore via my work computer and 2. I’m up early waiting for DW and DD to get ready for dance competition 2 of 3 (it’s Wanna Dance this weekend).

I knew the original Starbucks was in Seattle. I also have a love hate relationship with Starbucks...in that I love to hate it. I think we discussed it before, but I’m not a coffee drinker and I don’t like the idea of paying six bucks for tea I can make at home for 10 cents.

The market looks interesting. I rarely buy flowers though. DW thinks they’re a waste since they just die. But if they were that cheap it would make more sense.

I also think I’ve mentioned before that I’m not a seafood lover. I have to admit to never having any kind of chowder. But I suppose if I ever find myself in Seattle, I might want to give it a go.
I would like to try the fried chicken on that list though.

Your campsite looks great. Fun idea to camp out instead of hotels.

I’ve been having a hard time with Marvin lately. Pictures on the phone is not ideal for spotting him.

 

[Kiotzu]

I know that feeling.

I'm two exams down, so I am much closer to sleepy time but the Leafs are in the playoffs so I must wake up for that.

Yeah, I knew what you meant.
And yet... it could actually
be a very impactful photo.

There have been some amazing photo editorials on the downtown eastside, but unfortunately it just keeps getting worse.

Now you do.
Next one is July 27.

Sigh, my sisters birthday.

Pikes Place Market advertises
itself as a farmers and craft
market, but the first thing
I noticed when I entered
were the flowers.

The flowers are always so pretty but unfortunately its a pain to bring cut flowers across the border.

While I didn't get a decent
shot of fish being thrown,
I did get to witness it.

It's always super fun to go and watch.

1. New England Clam Chowder at Pike Place Chowder in Seattle, WA

THE LINES! It always has a huge lineup.

I've never had soups like those!
I can't emphasize enough how

I may have to bear the line and eat some soup.

 

[Tracy161]

grabbed the camera and
moseyed on down the road.

Moseyed!? You're really expanding your walking styles

Then again, I'll drive 1,000
miles out of my way for
good ice cream, soooo...
who am I to judge??

whereas what
I have done for ice cream
is perfectly normal.

Large bouquets ranging from
$10-$15.
Back home arrangements like
that would run closer to $40-$80.

You won't believe this then... down the road from where my mom and stepdad live (about 40 minutes from where you met me), there are gorgeous flower bouquets about that size for $2. Not a typo - TWO DOLLARS! They are a lovely Mennonite family and she leaves about 6 flower bouquets with a jar for payment at the side of the road every morning all summer long. They are always sold by day's end (often bought by various members of my family )

Come in, eat the best chowder
you will ever have, and get out.

I think I've mentioned that my family was in the restaurant business for 30+ years. I spent about 20 of those years wishing I could say that: come in, eat, and get out!

Lovely post! What a neat place. And the sites by the KOA? Gorgeous!