How Do We Love Our Food? Let Us Count the Ways (Pt. 1)

According to population statistics, Seattle is the 23rd largest city in the United States. Yet our fair city gets mentioned far more often than other cities higher on the list when food is mentioned. Seattlest rarely hears about the food scene in Indianapolis (12th) or even Detriot (10th). Why do you suppose that is?

Well, fret not, for Seattlest has 10 reasons on why our food scene is better than theirs.

10. Grocery Stores: Sure, we have our Safeways and our QFCs for our everyday, average stuff. But Seattle boasts a bevy of supermarkets that other cities have only heard about. Looking for exotic Pan-Asian ingredients? Head over to Uwajimaya. Like shopping while keeping social concerns in the back of your mind? Market co-ops PCC and Madison Markets are your options. Do you like upscale products? Delaurenti, Whole Foods, and Larry's are where you should head. We haven't even mentioned the various independent markets that cater to various ethnicities in the region. If you can't find a product here in Seattle, chances are you aren't looking hard enough.

9. Limited Fast Food: Some of us have quite a culture shock when we moved from the east coast. Seattle has few fast-food outlets in the downtown area. Compare that with, say, Columbus, Ohio, where there's practically a Wendy's or McDonald's on every corner. Seattlest finds this lack of prevalance very pleasing.

It's not like the fast-food giants haven't tried to get a foothold here. But ask Burger King how difficult it is to have a profitable franchise here? They'll point you to their several recently closed locations.

8. Food Artisans: Local Seattleites have the "Oh, we'll just make it our own damn selves" mentality down pat. Local soda company? Check. Local cheesemakers? Check. Local chocolatiers? Check and double check. Name a food product and chances are good that there's someone in the area looking to make it better.

7. Microbreweries: Speaking of artisans, it should come as no surprise that folks in the area have a tradition of making their own beer. Have you seen a list of microbreweries in the area? Elliott Bay Brewing Co, Elysian Brewing Company, and The Pike Pub and Brewery all have a decent reputation.

Then there are those in the area who have expanded beyond the local region...Pyramid Ale and Red Hook Breweries. We here in Seattle are not want for homegrown brews.

6. Farmers Markets: Do you have any idea how many farmer's markets are in the city limits of Seattle?

Seven (the six listed here, plus one more that we'll mention next week).

Part of this is due to the bounty of farms in the area. But there's also an Economics 101 theory on display here. The marketplace (Seattle) has a demand for these farmers markets.

Next week, we'll count down the last five. Never let it be said that Seattlest can't stretch out a post over two weeks.