Frank's Quality Produce in the Pike Place Market Reopening Doors weekend of June 11th

Frank's Quality Produce in the market is reopening their doors this weekend according to owner Frank Genzale Jr. Frank's is one of the better produce and more personable vendors at the famous Pike Place Market. The men and women who work there know their produce and are always willing to help. They're friendly and the prices are some of the best in the market. Also, what really draws me back to Frank's and keeps me loyal is the obvious employee satisfaction. I've been seeing the same smiling faces for years and regardless of how much time goes by in between my visits they always remember mine.

Franks was closed due to the most recent Phase 2 of 3 renovations at the Pike Place Market and I'm guessing they took advantage of being closed to update their plumbing and tear out some walls to make room for their increasing customer base.

I'm glad they were able to tear down some walls and make the customer experience better by providing more leg room while you shop. I also think it'll increase business as more will people be able to shop at once. With their previous setup that good ole' American personal space was constantly being challenged by an arm or a leg that wasn't yours.

In 2008, Seattle voters passed a $73 million dollar levy for a complete face-lift. Despite the hardships caused to vendors and the temporary moves of my favorite vendors, the market is looking good and as a Seattle lover and advocate I would have to agree with James Haydu, a spokeperson for the market who told the Seattle PI in 2009 "We look at the renovation as a long-term vision and investment." The market is Seattle's top tourist destination and in the winter and early spring, a place for locals to come and cherish the best things about Seattle: local culture and community. I'm grateful Seattle voters saw value in the market and voted hands down to preserve it. Thank you Seattle.

Review of the Blackened Rock Fish Tacos at Anthony's Fish Bar on Pier 66

After a greatly appreciated sun filled bike ride with my husband through Seattle's beautiful Elliot Bay Trail, I was pretty famished. And because I recently had an anticlimactic experience with the fish tacos at the newly arrived Poquitos on Capitol Hill, I needed to remind myself how awesome fish tacos can be. Plus Anthony's Fish Bar, which is a smaller, cheaper and more focused version of Anthony's Restaurant, sits right along Seattle's water front at Pier 66 and has an outdoor seating area. So not only did we get to enjoy $5 beers and a $6 taco we were in the best location to take in the Puget Sound view, while soaking up some extra Seattle sun. (It comes out on occasion. Really it does) It was the best $11 I've spent in a long time. And if I were a tourist looking for a cheap meal at a place with a picturesque view? The fish bar is where I'd end up at.

Anthony's fish taco is a generous piece of fresh blackened rock fish on a flour tortilla, a modest portion of crisp cabbage, a simple mango salsa and their house-made salsa mayo. Every flavor comes together nicely and the salsa mayo is a various of spices with a subtle, yet complex garlic ending. But don't worry suffers of alluimphobia, I apparently had ninja like taste buds because I was told by the woman behind the counter that I was the first to call garlic out as one of the ingredients in the salsa mayo. Regardless, the salsa mayo is unique, fresh and the perfect addition to a perfect taco.

Being the food snob...I mean connesouir that I am and one who typically avoids touristy restaurants (unless of course my mom's visiting, she seems to can't get enough of this place) I have to really give Anthony's credit for appealing to mainly off the boat tourists, while representing the best and freshest food that Seattle is well-known for. I recently had a friend tell me that she made her decision to move to Seattle after an epic meal at the fish bar. I don't blame her...sitting among the well-fed sea gulls, happy tourists, drinking a cold beer and listening to the gentle lapping of the water...life can't hand you a better moment.

Anthony's Fish Bar is located south of the Olympic Sculpture Park at Pier 66 (2201 Alaskan Way) and is open daily at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner.