Check out those thumbs!

This gato lives next door to that petite little thing on NE 9th & Tillamook. I wonder if they’re friends?

We had quite a little photoshoot together, but it was rudely interrupted by a dog across the street.

Chris checked Wizard’s First Rule by Terry Goodkind out of the library a bit ago and it’s due back tomorrow, so this whole last week was frantic with the thought of going back on the wait list. It seems to be a popular series– and with good reason. If you’re a fan of fantasy, I highly recommend this book.

Last night I stayed up way past my bedtime and finally finished it! A whole day and a half ahead of schedule, at that.

Now I get to fully indulge myself in the first season of Legend of the Seeker until I get my mitts on the second book in the series. Wait lists be damned!

I’ve been wanting another French Press for non-coffee related purposes and found this little fella at my local Goodwill for 4 measly dollars. Ask and ye shall receive!

Some time ago I had read that you can froth milk using a French Press, but thought it sounded silly and never tried. The first thing I did when I got home with this guy was make hot cocoa and attempt to froth it.

The results were like buttah. Or maybe velvet is more accurate.

Anyway, it’s possible, guys! Recipe for a hot tea latte after the froth porn.

These photos are from a romp I had this morning with a black tea latte I made using honey and my Nilla Nut tea from Whole Foods.

Frothed Tea Latte:

1 tea bag
1/2 cup milk
Sweetener of choice

French Press

1. Fill mug about 1/4 way with hot water and steep tea with sweetener.

2. Meanwhile, heat milk in a small saucepan. Don’t bring it to a boil, but you want it to be hot. Stir frequently to keep it from scalding.

3. Pour milk into French Press and give it a good few pumps, until you notice the volume increasing, making sure to bring the mesh up for air after each pump. I usually give about 8-10 quick pumps.

4. Pour milk into cup, remove tea bag and give it a stir.

In case you don’t happen to own a French Press, a friend tipped me off that you can buy a battery powered milk frother from Ikea for $1.99 that would likely produce similar results.

I see this little lady on my walk to work sometimes, and she rivals Pistachio in the friendly department. The only time she hasn’t ever rushed over to solicit pets is when it’s raining.

When that happens, she’s tethered to the front porch of her home, pacing the top step while frantically meowing and pounding her paws on the ground in a fit of passion.

D’aw.

When we were preparing for my brother’s week-long holiday visit I built a list of possible places to go, things to do and (of course) restaurants to eat at. There were a handful of places I’d never been to but was curious about, and Petisco on NE 14th & Broadway was one of them. It’s only a few blocks from my work and the cute little outdoor patio had always seemed real inviting to me.

We finally tested the waters one day on our way to the MAX. Our appetites had taken control of us and we popped in to get a couple sandwiches. That first visit was only a few weeks ago (December 26th, actually– are you scared that I know that?) and I’ve already been back two more times since then.

You guys have no idea.

The restaurant itself somehow manages to feel like a classy joint and a cozy nook all at once, and their food falls right in line. Reading the ingredients on the menu can make your mouth water– the cheese list alone is admirable, with Machego, Grana Padano and imported French brie– but comfort food like tuna salad still share space on the menu, in case you aren’t feeling too adventurous.

My first time there, I decided to go with a chicken salad sandwich. It was a great stand-by with a few classy additions– mainly the pine nuts and basil, which I’d never seen in a chicken sal before.

The last two visits I stepped outside of my box and went with the Angry Sicilian. I’m not sure I’ve ever had a sandwich quite like it– Prosciutto, salami, sopressata, hot cappicolla, Grana Padano cheese, tomato, roasted red peppers, balsamic vinegar & extra virgin olive oil, all squished inside a piping hot Ciabatta panini.

I can’t imagine it any other way; the cheese melts ever so slightly, while the balsamic vinegar soaks into the bread and there is just the most perfect hint of the roasted peppers. Too often have I been turned off by a sandwich with a giant slab of slimy roasted pepper for you to gnaw on, but not here– the sandwich wizard behind the counter knows the true value of a well balanced sando.

I have also witnessed the consumption of the Roasted Portabello salad with Manchego cheese, as well as Fresh Mozzarella panini. The former looked scrum, had I not squirmed every time I saw a mushroom, and the latter is something I’ll likely end up ordering in the near future.

Everything I’ve had (or witnessed) here has a handcrafted nature, but I’ve also noticed that there’s a serious dedication to quality and consistency without coming out looking or tasting manufactured. You can tell that the folks behind Petisco are true foodies at heart.

And the prices? Not bad at all, especially considering the high caliber ingredients. If you stop by between 3 and 6pm, Tuesday-Friday you can treat yourself to their sandwich happy hour where all sandwiches are $5.

Someday, I’ll get real adventurous and have something that isn’t a sandwich. But for now? I’m in love with the Angry Sicilian.

Petisco is located on NE Broadway & 14th on the ground floor.
They’re open: Sunday 9am-2pm, Monday 10am-2pm, Tue-Thur 10am-9pm, Friday 10am-10pm and Saturday 9am -10pm.
503-360-1048