I always consider dining at expensive top end restos on a Mom-Dad getaway, but fortunately for me, my CEO is an earthy gal who leans as frugal as I do when dining out. Hence, I get to hit up an Asian deli for glorious roast duck, in a grocery market that would make coastal elites turn, run, and unclench their 1-star reviewing fingers (and they live here, haha). We never look for 'experience' meals that may--or may not--be as satisfying/satiating than what we love. Succinctly....we are both comfortable in each other's skin. Plus, she likes to chuckle at me when tears stream down my cheeks having duck west of the Cascades. Yes, even Asian grocery stores on this side do lightyears better than anything we have on the east side. But I'll take living where I do 10 times outta 10, despite a dearth of dear duck. I did consider ordering a whole one. But, then I realized that I could roll outta bed at 9AM and go grab a fresh half just down the street. Breakfast of champions, huh? Donald, Daisy and Daffy would probably not agree with me... Beyond all that....we shopped till we dropped at the market. Black Bean Paste, Gochujang, salty snacks, dry noodles, etc. It's always a box we need to check when we come to this metro area. A duck check box...

We live up in Bothell so we normally go to the H-Mart in Lynnwood. It is also Asian but with a Korean flavor. We decided to drive down to Kent to take a look at the Great Wall. It is a small mall of Asian shops with the Ranch 99 market in the middle. There's a great variety of shops: restaurants, bar/disco, hair, travel, bank, novelties, etc., with a game arcade out in the open space. The market has a great selection: meats, fish, produce, bakery and a buffet. The depth of Asian specialties is awesome.