TASTY WEST
NEXT
Todd and Diane headed to Penn
Cove Shellfish on Whidbey Island to see the area ’ s freshest mussels and those sourced for Shuckers Restaurant . Nutrient rich waters are essential for top-notch shellfish , and after spending hours with them , Todd and Diane were eager to try some for themselves . After Seattle , it was off to three distinct Northern California experiences . The White on Rice Couple began in the heart of wine country at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa , one of their favorite properties , as it ’ s dog friendly .
To experience Seattle and Northern California through the eyes of food stylists , Fairmont Hotels and Resorts partnered with Todd and Diane , the husband and wife duo behind the popular lifestyle blog White on Rice Couple . Using the couple ’ s passion for discovering local artisan cuisine , Fairmont ’ s Choose Your Moment service curated two unique itineraries . From a shellfish farm visit to cocktails at the nation ’ s oldest running tiki bar . Seattle is one of the couple ’ s favorite cities . They love the natural beauty , approachable locals , and ever-changing culinary scene . They checked into the Fairmont Olympic Hotel , a gorgeous building built in 1924 . They were elated to discover that despite the hotel ’ s downtown location , its dedication to fresh ingredients means sourcing from its very own roof . “ The Fairmont Olympic Honey Ale is one perfect example ,” Todd and Diane said after touring the rooftop garden and apiary , where they even got a lesson in beekeeping from a chef at The Georgian . Handling the bees that helped create the Honey Ale brought a whole new dimension to the term “ locally crafted beer .”
BLISSFUL DAYS
After two blissful days in Sonoma Valley , Todd and Diane drove to one of the newest members of the Fairmont family , Claremont Club & Spa , located between Berkley and Oakland , and a hotel Frank Lloyd Wright called “ one of the few hotels in the world with warmth , character and charm .” After the following day ’ s “ insanely delicious ” meals at Limewood Bar and Restaurant and Meritage , the couple was grateful for the Claremont ’ s exclusive access to The Club and its lap pools , tennis courts and TechnoGym . A gourmet breakfast overlooking the city rounded out their Northern California vacation and leaving paradise is never easy , so The White on Rice Couple vowed to return soon knowing there ’ s far more food and drink to discover .
The couple enjoyed a perfect apéritif to prepare them for a prix-fixe dinner at the Michelin award-winning Santé Restaurant , where they had “ one of the best lamb dishes ” they ’ d ever tasted : a roasted ribeye of free range lamb , topped with tabbouleh , eggplant , minted yogurt and bordelaise aioli .