About a week or so ago, the husband, pup, and I went to Seattle to
see my family and spend some time in the (rare) Seattle sunshine. We
went to the Ballard Farmer’s Market, a plethora of fresh produce,
handmade jewelry, talented street musicians, and just about anything you
would want to see.
The Ballard Farmer’s Market is the quintessential
example of why I love Seattle down to my very core. If a stranger ever
asked me for the perfect Sunday morning activity, I would tell them:
first, a latte at
Caffe Vita and then stroll along the street, past the boutiques, the
hotcakes shop, and the antique stores to
the farmer’s market. Oh yes, and follow it up with a cupcake.
As we ended our foray into the market, after making about three loops
past the Danish pastries, the bunches of vibrant flowers, and the hand
crafted necklaces, we stumbled across a chalkboard sign inviting us to
eat and relax on a deck… with our dog. Now, I know that Seattle is down
with the doggy friends, we’ve been to Norm’s and have wanted to check
out Shorty’s in Belltown, if it wasn’t for our mutual fear of the clown
decor. But nevertheless, the opportunity to sit back, savor the
sunshine, and grab a bite with our four legged friend is something we
will not pass up.
And that’s how we found the Urban Family Public House. Snugly tucked
in beside Staple & Fancy on Ballard Avenue, the pub was the perfect
setting for some quiet conversation, a filling and tasty sandwich, and
of course, a cold IPA. When we ventured in, we asked the bartender
(because maybe someone had made a mistake) whether dogs were indeed
allowed in. He said “sure, inside, outside, wherever!” Magic to our
ears, my friends, magic to our ears.
We promptly ordered two prosciutto paninis, which were accompanied by
a cannellini bean salad, a match made in heaven in my opinion. The
prosciutto was crisp and salty, the pesto warm and smooth, and the
cheese, well I cannot say enough about the cheese.
While we were there, we nodded hello to a few other patrons, also
overjoyed to be sitting outside, on a deck, in Seattle. Keep in mind
this is not something that happens very frequently. It truly is like
Christmas. A sweet middle aged couple sitting next to us were doing
exactly the same thing, closing their eyes and munching on their paninis
in between sips of an ice cold IPA. And of course, our dog was there
the whole time.
Urban Family Public House, 5329 Ballard Ave. N.W., (206-783-BEER) or
www.urbanfamilypublichouse.com)
*Farmer’s Market picture courtesy of The Kitchn
