Only in the summer months, while tomatoes are at their best, does Capitol Hill’s Cafe Pettirosso offer one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever put in my mouth, the Caprese, with thick slices of fresh mozzarella and perfectly ripe tomato on a toasted baguette. It’s topped with basil and a generous drizzle of olive oil and a balsamic vinegar reduction, and it’s $8.75 with tax. But if you really want to appreciate the tomato, you can journey to the Eastside and fork over $27 for Cafe Juanita’s goat cheese gnocchi with heirloom cherry tomatoes. I love you, tomato season. (Cafe Pettirosso, 1101 E Pike St, 323-4830, 7 am–6 pm; Cafe Juanita, 9702 NE 120th Pl, Kirkland, 425-823-1505, 5–10 pm)
Megan Seling is The Stranger's managing editor. She mostly writes about hockey, snacks, and music. And sometimes her dog, Johnny Waffles. More by Megan Seling
Bastille has AMAZING tomatoes right now too! (The tomato salad. So good. Best tomatoes I have ever had ever.)