Risotto made with other grains can be just as good but does need some finishing work. Farro is a great in soups or pilaf, but what about a creamy risotto? It retains an excellent bite or toothsome quality and with a little heavy cream and some parmesan cheese, farro becomes a tender creamy risotto. A quick pan seared black cod, perfectly flaky, goes so well with the tomato and saffron in the risotto.

The Pacific Northwest has amazing seafood. I hate to brag, and although I could get some pretty decent fish in Michigan, nothing compares to the fresh seafood we've been eating in Seattle. Pike Place market is so much fun and truly a tourist destination. The original Starbucks, the guys who throw fish, the varied and talented buskers, it's really a lot of fun. Now that Seattle is my home, Pike Place is becoming a weekly errand, either early morning or late afternoon when the tourist rush has slowed down and I can take my time and speak with the vendors; great produce and really fantastic seafood.