Washington food that people "must try"

[allforcats]

"Rainier" Cherries...

I grew up back east, where Bing Cherries were the "definition" of cherries.

When I lived in Japan, sakuranbo were everywhere in late spring and early summer, as they had been for many centuries. They were yellow cherries with a red blush, and sweet -- oh my!! Loved my sakuranbo!!

Then one year, Bing cherries were introduced in Tokyo. As Japanese housewives slowly and suspiciously circled the displays, I grabbed the cherries and filled my arms, and the women looked at me as though I were stark raving mad. I explained to them (in Japanese) how sweet and delicious these American cherries are, and I freely gave samples from the bags I had purchased (those annoying Americans, forcing food on people!). The Bings cost a fortune, of course, because they were imported.

Then I came back to the States, to Seattle. Come late spring, Bings. Oh yeah!! Then suddenly, sakuranbo!!! costing twice as much as the Bings. I felt my hand reaching for a table, certain I had stepped into a parallel world...

[thatwhichisgood]

You can find the very best vegetarian omelet at the Tokeland Inn in Tokeland, Washington. It's the oldest hotel in Washington and a magical place. After breakfast just head north about a quarter mile for a beach walk.

[KAILANI]

Fresh hood canal oysters, and steamer clams!

*Our last dig out at Kalaloch for Razor clams turned up nothing. head south!

Hand picked berries at Greymarsh farm in Sequim-YUM

Red rock crab are much sweeter than Dungees.

No one mentioned fresh hunted deer meat-not for me but the locals LOVE it.

[j_k_k]

Ice Harbor IPA. The better Yak Valley varietals.

[bobbilly79]

Definitely a Miner Burger, a Dick's Burger, and Dungeness Crab. Also check out fruit stands on the side of the road and local farmers markets. And being that I'm not a wine guy but a beer guy I have to say Red Hook of course, but trying any local micro brew is worth the time.

[cogent1]

If you want truly native:
Well, I'd start with:

Nettles (Make a tea of the leaves but don't touch them before boiling, use a stick)
Huckleberries (little red berries that are tart)
'srums - Indians used to use them for their "ceremonial" occasions
Cascara tree bark (useful for when exlax isn't available)
Knick-a-nick (another Indian "ceremonial" plant)
Oregon Grape - a dark berry that is quite juicy (don't confuse with nightshade, which will turn out your lights)

Seems that is enough for a good natural outing. If I think of anyothers, I'll post 'em.


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