What are you eating in Denver and Seattle?
January 20, 2014 6:32 AM Subscribe
Every year for the Super Bowl we cook food from wherever the teams are from. What should we make from Denver or Seattle? The Wikipedia page for Pacific Northwest cuisine suggests "fresh food", which isn't really what we are looking for; all we can think of for Denver is Denver omelettes. What's your "signature dish"?
To give an idea of the kind of thing we're looking for, here are some things we've made in the past.
Green Bay: beer-cheese soup, brats
Pittsburgh: pierogis, and some kind of weird sandwich that I didn't eat so I don't remember anything about it
Patriots: clam chowder
Indy: hoosier pie
Chicago: deep dish pizza
New Orleans: jambalaya, beignets
Arizona: frybread
(also tell us who to root for, because for the first time we like both of the teams, ha)
To give an idea of the kind of thing we're looking for, here are some things we've made in the past.
Green Bay: beer-cheese soup, brats
Pittsburgh: pierogis, and some kind of weird sandwich that I didn't eat so I don't remember anything about it
Patriots: clam chowder
Indy: hoosier pie
Chicago: deep dish pizza
New Orleans: jambalaya, beignets
Arizona: frybread
(also tell us who to root for, because for the first time we like both of the teams, ha)
Salmon, everybody's salmon-crazy here. Also kale. And of course, coffee. The thing that I've found weirdest about this place, food-wise, though? A "Seattle dog" is a hotdog with cream cheese.
posted by Mizu at 6:40 AM on January 20, 2014 [6 favorites]
posted by Mizu at 6:40 AM on January 20, 2014 [6 favorites]
Denver could include wild game or ranch type stuff. Bison burgers and beer, for example.
posted by waterlily at 6:46 AM on January 20, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by waterlily at 6:46 AM on January 20, 2014 [2 favorites]
Denver: oysters
Seattle: ice cream
To your 2nd question: Denver
posted by Kruger5 at 6:47 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
Seattle: ice cream
To your 2nd question: Denver
posted by Kruger5 at 6:47 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
Given the recent legal change in both places.....magic brownies?
posted by melissasaurus at 6:49 AM on January 20, 2014 [25 favorites]
posted by melissasaurus at 6:49 AM on January 20, 2014 [25 favorites]
I presume this is fairly common up and down the coast, but Seattle is practically overrun with Teriyaki joints, Thai restaurants, and Pho restaurants-- I'm not complaining, I love all three of these cuisines. Naturally they mostly serve a fairly Americanized version of the Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines. Teriyaki salmon is indeed a thing...but it's not my thing, so I couldn't tell you whether it's any good.
I agree with Mizu, though: Salmon, yes. Grilled, if possible. Save the Seattle Dog for the post-game drinking-- it's fantastic drunk-food, and the hot-dog carts make a killing near the bars.
posted by Sunburnt at 7:06 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
I agree with Mizu, though: Salmon, yes. Grilled, if possible. Save the Seattle Dog for the post-game drinking-- it's fantastic drunk-food, and the hot-dog carts make a killing near the bars.
posted by Sunburnt at 7:06 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
one of my favorite dishes in washington is apple thai curry. otherwise, if you don't want to go the salmon route - crab/crawfish/etc are also quite popular.
posted by nadawi at 7:27 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by nadawi at 7:27 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
Best answer: You could go the wild-game-and-craft-beer route for Denver, sure. (Coors, yuck.) But the correct answer is green chili — it's a spicy pork stew, if you're not familiar. Having moved away, what I miss most food-wise is having competent green chili available at almost every truck stop and diner in the area.
posted by Mothlight at 7:39 AM on January 20, 2014 [7 favorites]
posted by Mothlight at 7:39 AM on January 20, 2014 [7 favorites]
Best answer: Seattle options:
-Seattle dog (hot dog/grilled onions/cream cheese) - this one is ideal because it was born in the stadium district and is dirty good
-Teriyaki chicken skewers - It's huge here
-Grilled salmon - Copper River Salmon is ideal - Probably the classic Seattle dinner
-Smoked salmon or smoked salmon candy
-Dutch babies originated here, though I don't know if they're really football food
-Sliders with bacon jam, which is from a beloved local restaurant, Skillet
-Oysters, for sure
...But the best Seattle football snack of all would be if you could somehow recreate Dick's burgers. Now that is classic Seattle.
-Rachel's Ginger Beer and any beer from any local brewery
posted by leitmotif at 7:40 AM on January 20, 2014 [6 favorites]
-Seattle dog (hot dog/grilled onions/cream cheese) - this one is ideal because it was born in the stadium district and is dirty good
-Teriyaki chicken skewers - It's huge here
-Grilled salmon - Copper River Salmon is ideal - Probably the classic Seattle dinner
-Smoked salmon or smoked salmon candy
-Dutch babies originated here, though I don't know if they're really football food
-Sliders with bacon jam, which is from a beloved local restaurant, Skillet
-Oysters, for sure
...But the best Seattle football snack of all would be if you could somehow recreate Dick's burgers. Now that is classic Seattle.
-Rachel's Ginger Beer and any beer from any local brewery
posted by leitmotif at 7:40 AM on January 20, 2014 [6 favorites]
Denver: oysters
That's rocky-mountain oysters, not the shellfish.
posted by k5.user at 7:56 AM on January 20, 2014 [3 favorites]
That's rocky-mountain oysters, not the shellfish.
posted by k5.user at 7:56 AM on January 20, 2014 [3 favorites]
If you don't mind having non-craft brews, rainier beer is our local session beer.
I totally agree with the Seattle dog suggestion. Cream cheese on a hot dog is both strange and delicious. I suggest horseradish in addition to that, or perhaps siracha.
As for salmon, make sure it's Alaskan salmon and not Atlantic salmon. There's a taste difference, and Alaska is where we get all our salmon.
Then there's Starbucks, of course, and Washingon apples.
posted by MsMartian at 8:02 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
I totally agree with the Seattle dog suggestion. Cream cheese on a hot dog is both strange and delicious. I suggest horseradish in addition to that, or perhaps siracha.
As for salmon, make sure it's Alaskan salmon and not Atlantic salmon. There's a taste difference, and Alaska is where we get all our salmon.
Then there's Starbucks, of course, and Washingon apples.
posted by MsMartian at 8:02 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
having grown up in Denver i can't really say there is a particular signature dish for the city, but i do recall having eaten a lot of 7 layer bean dip at football viewing parties and it always goes so fast.
also, ditto on Coors being gross. the craft beer scene has been growing there so there plenty of other beers from CO worth stocking your fridge with.
posted by cristinacristinacristina at 8:03 AM on January 20, 2014
also, ditto on Coors being gross. the craft beer scene has been growing there so there plenty of other beers from CO worth stocking your fridge with.
posted by cristinacristinacristina at 8:03 AM on January 20, 2014
Seconding that the green chile stew is the most Denver-y thing I could think of. I personally hated it, and every Mexican placed dumped a tonne of stuff over everything on the plate, but it was definitely a thing there.
I think Chipotle (the restaurant) originated in Denver.
posted by jeoc at 8:08 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
I think Chipotle (the restaurant) originated in Denver.
posted by jeoc at 8:08 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
I've now lived in Seattle for longer than I've lived anywhere else. I would say cedar-planked salmon, clam chowder (a la Ivar's), marionberry pie, and lattes.
posted by KathrynT at 8:09 AM on January 20, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by KathrynT at 8:09 AM on January 20, 2014 [4 favorites]
I associate Seattle with seafood and Asian cuisine, salmon would be dead on. Denver feels like game meat, bison, and chili.
posted by The Whelk at 8:18 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by The Whelk at 8:18 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
If you are going to do beer from Colorado, it's worth noting that Denver has a huge craft brew culture, and several breweries. For that matter, so does Seattle. I mean, if you like Coors go ahead and drink Coors, but when I think of Denver Beer, that's not what I think of.
Anyway, I'd go with a Green Chili Burger, or green chili fries for Denver.
posted by Gygesringtone at 8:24 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
Anyway, I'd go with a Green Chili Burger, or green chili fries for Denver.
posted by Gygesringtone at 8:24 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
Yes, Seattle is salmon. In addition to Copper River which may be hard to find outside of the Pacific Northwest, coho and steelhead are pretty common.
posted by rabbitrabbit at 8:36 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by rabbitrabbit at 8:36 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
From someone who actually lives here: yea Denver is definitely green chili, so I'd nth that recommendation. Either pork green chili or the vegetarian option is fine.
Coors is NOT "Denver beer" fwiw it is unrepentant piss thanks to Miller Corp and exactly zero of the locals I know will drink it; this includes poor college students and hipsters alike. It has not been a good example of local "culture" beer for well over a decade. Hell in my experience even CU frat parties use kegs of PBR or Fat Tire instead of Coors.
New Belgium / Fat Tire is likely the most popular local / area beer that is likely going to be available outside the region. If you're looking for something a little more crafty / high quality then I'd suggest looking for something from Avery Brewing - it's the most well liked local craft brewery I know of.
As far as comfort food goes, you can't go wrong with a good Denver omelette. Every single one of the breakfast / brunch places around here serves them.
posted by lonefrontranger at 8:50 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
Coors is NOT "Denver beer" fwiw it is unrepentant piss thanks to Miller Corp and exactly zero of the locals I know will drink it; this includes poor college students and hipsters alike. It has not been a good example of local "culture" beer for well over a decade. Hell in my experience even CU frat parties use kegs of PBR or Fat Tire instead of Coors.
New Belgium / Fat Tire is likely the most popular local / area beer that is likely going to be available outside the region. If you're looking for something a little more crafty / high quality then I'd suggest looking for something from Avery Brewing - it's the most well liked local craft brewery I know of.
As far as comfort food goes, you can't go wrong with a good Denver omelette. Every single one of the breakfast / brunch places around here serves them.
posted by lonefrontranger at 8:50 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
Seattle style hotdogs! - kielbasa or brat with cream cheese, grilled onions and peppers
Or maybe a really gooey junky dungeness crab dip?
posted by joan_holloway at 8:52 AM on January 20, 2014
Or maybe a really gooey junky dungeness crab dip?
posted by joan_holloway at 8:52 AM on January 20, 2014
Hey, from that article about the Seattle Dog that leitmotif linked (awesome read, by the way!):
JIM PITTENGER is the Jim of Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs in Denver. In 2005, his buddy Michael Anderson suggested he get into the hot-dog business.
I bought my first cart from a guy in Boise, and when I got the cart from him, he gave me this cool cream-cheese caulking gun that he'd gotten from some guy in Seattle. So I rolled out doing it. I probably went a good long way spreading the gospel here in Denver of the cream cheese on the dog. We do an elk- jalapeño sausage, and it's like the cream cheese is made for that dog. It's just the perfect accompaniment. Throw on some caramelized onions and everybody's happy.
So, elk and veggie sausage bar with fixin's including cream cheese and green chili would appear to cover all your bases.
posted by Mizu at 8:53 AM on January 20, 2014
JIM PITTENGER is the Jim of Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs in Denver. In 2005, his buddy Michael Anderson suggested he get into the hot-dog business.
I bought my first cart from a guy in Boise, and when I got the cart from him, he gave me this cool cream-cheese caulking gun that he'd gotten from some guy in Seattle. So I rolled out doing it. I probably went a good long way spreading the gospel here in Denver of the cream cheese on the dog. We do an elk- jalapeño sausage, and it's like the cream cheese is made for that dog. It's just the perfect accompaniment. Throw on some caramelized onions and everybody's happy.
So, elk and veggie sausage bar with fixin's including cream cheese and green chili would appear to cover all your bases.
posted by Mizu at 8:53 AM on January 20, 2014
For Seattle beers, both Red Hook and Pyramid are pretty widely available outside the region.
posted by lunasol at 8:59 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by lunasol at 8:59 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
For Seattle, steamed butter clams.
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 9:01 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 9:01 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Here is a really, really, really good green chile stew that can (and should) be made several days ahead of time. Serve with some warm corn tortillas and you're golden.
Bonus: Here is Rick Bayless on warming corn tortillas for a crowd in the microwave (middle item). It works very well.
posted by mudpuppie at 9:25 AM on January 20, 2014 [7 favorites]
Bonus: Here is Rick Bayless on warming corn tortillas for a crowd in the microwave (middle item). It works very well.
posted by mudpuppie at 9:25 AM on January 20, 2014 [7 favorites]
Apparently there is something called Denver Chocolate Pudding Cake. Not sure how much it has to do with Denver but damn its a cake with pudding on it.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 9:43 AM on January 20, 2014
posted by Potomac Avenue at 9:43 AM on January 20, 2014
Nthing green chili for Denver. We've only lived here 8 months or so, but realized pretty quickly that the stuff is everywhere and served on just about everything -- and for good reason; it's delicious.
posted by ThatSomething at 10:08 AM on January 20, 2014
posted by ThatSomething at 10:08 AM on January 20, 2014
Denverite here nthing green chili. Despite the name, Denver omelets are neither prevalent nor exceptional here. Also, cheeseburgers were invented in Denver!
posted by Wordwoman at 10:20 AM on January 20, 2014
posted by Wordwoman at 10:20 AM on January 20, 2014
Seattle : Bacon Mac n' Cheese ; Oysters cooked on a grill; cupcakes with coffee frosting; IPA
posted by OHenryPacey at 10:31 AM on January 20, 2014
posted by OHenryPacey at 10:31 AM on January 20, 2014
Colorado born and raised...Nthing green chili and beverages from the New Belgium brewery. Bonus points for working elk into the menu. We have no shortage of that icon of western wilderness here. If no elk, then maybe trout?
Go Broncos! Go Broncos! Go Broncos!
posted by Lycaon_pictus at 11:34 AM on January 20, 2014
Go Broncos! Go Broncos! Go Broncos!
posted by Lycaon_pictus at 11:34 AM on January 20, 2014
Response by poster: Oh this is fabulous! Thank you guys.
Does anyone have a good green chili recipe to share? (We'd like to make a pork and a vegetarian version, if possible...)
posted by goodbyewaffles at 12:02 PM on January 20, 2014
Does anyone have a good green chili recipe to share? (We'd like to make a pork and a vegetarian version, if possible...)
posted by goodbyewaffles at 12:02 PM on January 20, 2014
goodbyewaffles - my impression of veggie green chili (which is prevalent here in Boulder) from making both varieties for a number of potlucks here on the Front Range is that one would merely sub in veggie base (broth) and pinto beans for the chicken stock and pork.
This is a decent recipe, as is this.
Decent green chili can potentially be found at Costco (505 brand). I am all about the "lazy man's solution", meaning I am not about to prep / roast a bunch of green chilis from scratch for stew. If that makes me a green chili apostate, then so be it. I would also steer clear of any recipes calling for "chipotle" or smoked peppers, as to my experience these may be very good but are not authentic.
posted by lonefrontranger at 1:39 PM on January 20, 2014
This is a decent recipe, as is this.
Decent green chili can potentially be found at Costco (505 brand). I am all about the "lazy man's solution", meaning I am not about to prep / roast a bunch of green chilis from scratch for stew. If that makes me a green chili apostate, then so be it. I would also steer clear of any recipes calling for "chipotle" or smoked peppers, as to my experience these may be very good but are not authentic.
posted by lonefrontranger at 1:39 PM on January 20, 2014
For a veggie version, I'd follow the general recipe I posted above and use potatoes and hominy in place of the pork. Hominy is what you want here.
posted by mudpuppie at 3:09 PM on January 20, 2014
posted by mudpuppie at 3:09 PM on January 20, 2014
Best answer: Apologies for the self-link, but when I read your update question looking for vegetarian green chile I thought hey! I made that once!
posted by hungrybruno at 12:45 PM on January 21, 2014
posted by hungrybruno at 12:45 PM on January 21, 2014
Neither Coors (Golden) nor New Belgium (Fort Collins) are from actual Denver. If you are going down that road, I recommend Avery (Boulder) or Oskar Blues (Longmont).
For "Actual Denver" I recommend Great Divide.
posted by sideshow at 12:04 AM on January 22, 2014
For "Actual Denver" I recommend Great Divide.
posted by sideshow at 12:04 AM on January 22, 2014
If you can get a hold of Beecher's Flagship Cheese, then you can make Beecher's Mac and Cheese, as sold at their storefront at Pike's Place Market.
Not sure how regional said cheese is, but they sell it in giganto-bricks at the local Costco so perhaps it's not so hard to find.
And if money is no object, you can buy your salmon direct from Pike's Place Fish Market. Make sure you throw it over your guests' heads a few times before cooking.
posted by rouftop at 11:36 PM on January 23, 2014
Not sure how regional said cheese is, but they sell it in giganto-bricks at the local Costco so perhaps it's not so hard to find.
And if money is no object, you can buy your salmon direct from Pike's Place Fish Market. Make sure you throw it over your guests' heads a few times before cooking.
posted by rouftop at 11:36 PM on January 23, 2014
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by eddydamascene at 6:38 AM on January 20, 2014 [1 favorite]