Favorite New Foodie Discoveries of 2017

The year is wrapping up and I wanted to share one of my favorite subjects... food! I had the opportunity to try many new restaurants (whether they were brand new places or just new to me) and I wanted to share my favorite discoveries of 2017. These aren't in any particular order, but you'll get to see the type of food I like the most.  I also chose to to feature 9 places because 9 is my favorite number, haha.

1) Fit Bar Cafe - Renton

1) Fit Bar Cafe - This is my favorite spot for smoothie bowls and I was so excited to hear that they were opening somewhere close to home! I've tried every one of their bowls but my favorites would have to be the PB Power and the signature Vigor Green Bowl (sub strawberries for kiwi). I also love that they have a nice selection of drinks as well - my favorites would be the Lion's Mane Latte and the Matcha Chai.

2) Mashiko - West Seattle

2) Mashiko - Where has this place been all my life?! This restaurant has been on my list for awhile but it wasn't until this year that I actually went to it. I'm a huge fan of their Honkaku omakase which is their chef's choice tasting menu that lasts until you are full. I've experienced about 5 of these this past year and everyone was delicious. I actually just went here the other night and we capped at 18 courses (seen in the photo above).

3) Heyday - Seattle

3) Heyday - This is one of my favorite new spots for brunch and I wish I got to go here more often! I'm a fan of their Quinoa Crunch deconstructed-like salad and their topped toasts!

4) Minamoto - Bellevue

4) Minamoto - This restaurant was a later discovery this year and what caught my eye was their omakase offering/tasting menu option. This experience was great because you sat right where the chef prepares the food so you get a viewing experience along with your tasting!

5) Central District Ice Cream - Seattle

5) Central District Ice Cream - I went here for the first time around March/April and instantly fell in love with their flavors! I also love that they showcase different flavors each month and collab with local artists as well. The owner also own Nate's Wings and Waffles and Happy Grillmore, both delicious spots!

6) Asadero Ballard - Seattle

6) Asadero Ballard - I've been a fan of their Kent location and carne asada, but when I finally had a chance to stop by their Ballard location, I fell in love all over again, especially with their wagyu beef and bone marrow!

7) Bun & Oc - Seattle

7) Bun & Oc - If you're a fan of seafood, more particularly mollusks, gastropods and the like, then you'll love this place! It's a fairly new Vietnamese restaurant with a wide selection of snails, scallops, clams, etc. prepared in a variety of ways such as with tamarind, coconut milk, grilled, and more.

8) Red House - Renton

8) Red house - Here's another spot that's in Renton that I finally had a chance to try out this year. It's a great place for small bites in the area and they have an awesome wine selection. They also have rooms for bigger parties which are great for family gatherings and parties.

9) Frankie & Jo's - Seattle

9) Frankie and Jo's- This was an early discovery this year and though it is vegan ice cream, I consider their ice cream to be one of my favorite ice creams in general, even compared to dairy options. Their ice cream is creamy and full of flavor - my favorite by far is their Salted Caramel Ash pictured above.

I've tried many other restaurants this year, but these 9 are the ones that are by far my favorites and have me coming back for more. If you're in the Seattle area, I highly recommend checking them out if you haven't already!

What were your favorite foodie places this year? I'd love to know!

-Kirstie