I realize I’m developing a bit of a habit comparing the way I feel after spending a weekend with my folks in Washington to the way my cat looks……..

But the comparison is quite accurate for good reason. Aside from the fact that my mom affectionately feeds us both only the best salmon and crab (my mom also says that in her next life she’d like to come back as a cat owned by her), this is the first time I visited Washington and did not run even once, so my cat and I got about the same amount of exercise over the long weekend. However, I did manage to get myself around without having my mom carry me around everywhere like her royal highness…….

I don’t wonder for one second from where I developed an affinity for fresh-from-the-sea and fresh-off-the-vine real, whole foods. Neither do friends once they’ve been treated to a meal by my parents. Here’s a look at what we ate this time around in Washington. Warning: I waive full responsibility of any cravings you may acquire from reading this post!

{The setting}

{Friday’s appertizer hour: bruschetta, manilla steamer clams, vegetable crudites}

{Friday’s dinner: BBQ salmon, pesto pasta, chocolates, and Testarosa Pinot Noir}

{Sunday’s lunch: salmon salad sandwiches a la me. Recipe to come soon!}

{Saturday’s dinner: smoked salmon bruschetta, prosciutto and cheese, steak skewers, corn on the cob, pototo salad, pinot noir, chocolates}

{Sunday’s Appetizers: Oyster shooters, goat cheese-Fuji Apple-beet-salad, champagne, homemade caramel, mint chocolate chip, and chocolate ice cream at the Rhododendron Cafe in Bow}

{Sunday’s dinner: fresh caught-that-day-Dengeness Crab, mom’s lemon noodles, garden salad, and champagne}

{Monday’s breakfast: Dungeness crab scramble}

{Monday’s breakfast cont’d: homemade muffins made from scratch, fresh fruit}

{Monday’s breakfast cont’d: homemade pain perdu — aka the best french toast evah.}