Enjoy a taste of Italy and France, no passport required.
Bonjour and Ciao, friends! In this week’s Iconic Market Box, we are on our way to two of our favorite
culinary destinations – France and Italy! Both countries are home to some of the most iconic dishes
known in restaurants and kitchens around the world, and In Pike Place Market, it is no different. You can
find a variety of businesses that produce items inspired by the culinary creations of these two countries,
meaning you don’t have to leave Seattle to get a taste of the best these to countries have to offer.
SeaBear Smokehouse
Founded in Anacortes, Washington in 1957, SeaBear Smokehouse produces all the seafood and smoked
fish products at the Made in Washington store in Pike Place Market, and provides smoked products to
fine dining restaurants and hotels nationwide. The name “SeaBear” refers to a Native American legend
of a creature that is both part bear and part killer whale, which is appropriate considering both animals
love salmon!
This Week, SeaBear Smokehouse has provided their Garlic Lover’s smoked salmon. The salmon is
treated to a garlic-infused brine and a light brushing of garlic olive oi, allowing the intense flavors to
absorb into the fillet. The fish is then topped with more minced garlic and crushed black pepper and hot
smoked until ready, resulting in a flaky soft texture and a beautiful flavor of garlic and pepper. Like the
name suggests, if you love garlic, you will love this smoked salmon! Follow SeaBear Smokehouse on Instagram at @seabearsmokehouse
Uli’s Famous Sausage
Did you know that Pike Place Market is home to a German master butcher? Uli Lengenberg trained as a
butcher in his home country of Germany, and later took his talents global. He started his first sausage
business, Uli’s Euro Deli, in Taiwan and operated it for 15 years. In Taiwan, he learned about the
different flavors of the world. Uli made his first visit to America in 1991, which included a visit to the
Pike Place Market. The Market reminded him of the markets in Germany, and he promptly decided to
move to the Puget Sound. Since 2000, Uli’s Famous Sausage has been sold both in wholesale and retail,
and customers can visit their dine-in location in the Pike Place Market, Uli’s Bierstube.
This week’s Iconic Market Box includes a package of Uli’s Mild Italian Sausage. If you need an idea to
prepare them for a meal, we suggest to saute the sausage with onions, add the Pomodoro sauce, and
toss with the cooked sourdough pasta. Yum! Follow Uli’s Famous Sausage on Instagram @ulifamoussausage
Von’s 1000 Spirits
A favorite stop among guests on our Gourmet Seattle Tour, the name Von’s 1000 Spirits is not just named in jest: Over 1,300 spirits are available at one of the biggest bars in downtown Seattle. Von’s has been around in the Seattle dining scene for over 100 years, originally established in 1094 on Pine street near where the Roosevelt hotel stands today (if you ever look down on the sidewalk near the exterior wall of the hotel, you might see an old tile mosaic still preserved with the name “Von’s” displayed). Locals in the know love this place for their seemingly never-ending happy hour and their $5 scratch manhattans and martinis which are available all day, every day.
When Von’s 1000 Spirits moved to its current location on 1 st avenue near the Harbor Steps, the bar was able to grow, expanding the business to include a full-service restaurant. Executive Chef Jason Amador leads his team as a full scratch kitchen. This means that they take full control of the flavors that they produce, buying local and doing a lot of the work themselves rather than purchasing product that leads to shortcuts in the kitchen. Examples of this include sourcing local salmon from the waters of the Pacific Northwest, chopping their own beef to Prime grade for their Hamburgs, and baking their own Seattle sourdough for pastas, brioche buns and pizza crusts. What really stands out on the Von’s 1000 Spirits menu are their sourdough pastas, which are truly one of a kind. The sourdough starter that Jason uses has been passed down in his family for 3 generations and has to be attended to carefully to ensure its survival for continued use. The result of their hard work and intentional care is a soft, yet chewy pasta that carries the flavors of sauces from plate to palate. If you are a pizza fan, you will want to add them to your list of places to try. Follow Von’s 1000 Spirits on Instagram @vons1000spirits
DeLaurenti Food & Wine
There is no missing DeLaurenti Food and Wine on the corner of 1 st avenue and Pike St – from the double door entrance to the smell of fresh coffee being poured and fresh-baked pizza wafting in the air, it is a Pike Place Market icon. For 75 years, DeLaurenti has served up the best specialty foods – think feta and kasseri cheese cut to order, Italian olive oils, imported Italian wine – that you can find in the Pacific Northwest. Founded by Peter “Pete” DeLaurenti, Pete delivered bread in Pike Place Market in the early 1920s, where he met his wife Marmie-Marie whose mother owned a grocery in the lower levels of the Market. After marrying and taking over the grocery store just after the end of World War II, “Pete’s Italian Grocery” began and would be the start of what we know as DeLaurenti today. The store did not move to its current location until the 1970s, after Pete’s son Louie took over the business. Three generations of DeLaurentis managed the store until 2001, when three customers and former Starbucks employees made an offer to Louie to purchase the business, an offer so good he couldn’t refuse.
Today, DeLaurenti is a favorite to both locals and visitors alike. It is common to find fish mongers on their break getting coffee from DeLaurenti’s espresso stand, or Market buskers walking out the shop, chomping on a slice of pepperoni pizza from the pizza counter. The warm and inviting embrace of the shop makes a perfect first impression for those who first enter Pike Place Market. Follow DeLaurenti Food & Wine on Instagram @delaurentifoodandwine
Pappardelle’s Pasta
Ever been asked to sample a piece of chocolate pasta in Pike Place Market? If so, it was probably by the
kind folks at Pappardelle’s Pasta. Located in the Main Arcade, Papardelle’s is known for their wild and
creative assortment of flavored dry pastas, olive oils and sauces. Originally started in Denver, Colorado
by Bill Curtis and David Bowen in 1984, the business was bought by a couple name Paula and Jim in 2002
and soon expanded into Pike Place Market in 2006. Since then, the pasta stall has been a major part of
the market experience. Their famous pasta was served in the White House in the early 1990s, and was
even tasted by the Pope!
Besides fresh and dried pasta, the company also produces gourmet olive oils and vinegars. Their OMG!
Meyer lemon olive oil is great on grilled chicken or salmon. Try it drizzled over the farro and kale salad
for added zip! Follow Pappardelle’s Pasta on Instagram @pikeplacepasta
Michou Deli
A favorite among the crafts line vendors, artists and pretty much everyone who works in the Pike Place Market, Michou World Class Deli makes another appearance in this week’s iconic Market Box. Michou’s
bounty of panini-style sandwiches, soups, dips, desserts, and salads are beloved for their use of great quality ingredients, and lines are common in the morning and during the lunch rush. Follow Michou Deli on Instagram @michoudeli
Fran’s Chocolates
If you saw Fran Bigelow walking down the street, you might not recognize her as one of the most prominent chocolatiers in the country, but once you meet her in person, her love for chocolate is both clear and passionate, and it is that passion that makes people look to Fran’s Chocolates for their confectionary needs. Originally started in Capitol Hill, her now famous sea salt caramels were created as a small batch to go along other sweet treats at her patisserie and chocolate shop. Little did she know that their popularity would grow, so much so that she is credited for igniting the artisan chocolate renaissance in the United States. Her caramels were served by the Obama administration as gifts to foreign leaders and ambassadors, and were a favorite treat of Michelle Obama. Today, the business is run by her family, who delight in bringing the joys of artisanal chocolate to a store near you. Follow Fran’s Chocolates on Instagram @franschocolates
Le Panier
If you love the smells of freshly baked croissants and French pressed coffee as much as we do, then
you’ll love Le Panier in Pike Place Market. Started in 1983, the bakery blends together precise French
technique with the local bounty of the Pacific Northwest. Signature items include the classic French
baguette, almond croissants, and macarons.
This week, we have two apricot croissants, a favorite of those who visit the Pike Place Market bakery
often. To warm them up for the ultimate morning wake-up treat, place croissants in the oven at 350
degrees for 5 minutes for warm buttery perfection. Follow Le Panier on Instagram @lepanierbakery
Frank’s Quality Produce
When it comes to fruits and vegetables, there is no better place than Frank’s Quality Produce, located at
the Corner Market Building of Pike Place Market. Three generations of the Genzales’ family have had a
presence in the Pike Place Market, starting with Frank “Cheech” Genzale in 1928, and now Frank Jr., the
current owner and operator of Franks’ Quality Produce. Locals choose this stall not just for the high
quality of produce, but because of the people that make this stall so special. It is not a rarity to find team
members recommending recipes or describing flavors of veggies unfamiliar to those who pass by or visit.
It is that kind of quality service that keeps locals loyal, and why we love working with this amazing
family-owned small business.
Each week, Iconic Market Boxes include a box of produce, curated by Frank Jr. and his team. The
produce changes each week based on availability and season, ensuring that our customers get the best
produce available – much fresher and better than what you find at the grocery store! Follow Frank’s Quality Produce on Instagram @franksqualityproduce
Middle Fork Roasters
In 2009, a close-knit group of friends and coffee-lovers decided to put their passions first and began roasting coffee in the heart and soul of Seattle’s coffee scene. Since then, they have been regularly active in their community, giving back whenever they can and working with other businesses to help make their own coffee dreams come true. In fact, Middle Fork Roasters are responsible for providing the beans to many businesses around Seattle, including those in Pike Place Market. We’re psyched that Middle Fork created the Savor Seattle Blend – a combination of Brazilian and Sumatran beans, delivering a bold yet buttery body with rich chocolate undertones. This laid-back blend provides an incredibly clean finish that is perfect for easing into your morning routine. Every Iconic Market Box includes a 1 lb. bag of whole bean coffee. Follow Middle Fork Roasters on Instagram @middleforkroasters
Order your Iconic Market Box today!
Pike Place Market celebrates its 113th birthday on August 17th ! To celebrate, our Iconic Market Box has been curated to make this milestone one to remember. Get ready for salmon burger patties from “the guys that throw the fish,” sour cream and onion gourmet popcorn, birthday cupcakes and more in next week’s Iconic Market Box!
