What makes a dive bar? A ‘dive' is usually is a term that is applied pejoratively, or ironically, meaning some kitsch value is attached the bar. In reality they are a place to act out a bit - let out a bit of tension lubricated by a bit of cheap beer and heavy cocktails. No one's going to look down their nose at you for yelling or laughing too loud, or using an obscenity, or for the most part anything that isn't illegal as long as you would allow the same freedom to your neighbor.

"Ahh - Lapsang Souchong," says Brett, an enthusiastic tea salesman at Queen Anne Teacup Tea Market, who relishes my selection of a black Chinese smoked tea.

It's a small teahouse situated along Queen Anne Avenue that would probably be mistaken for a standard café were it not for the wall of metal drums that line the south wall and filled with hundreds of pounds of loose leaf tea. Brett takes the time to write out the name of the tea in Chinese script underneath its English name. A bit showy, but it's a nice touch and instills within me a sense of confidence.

It is estimated 1 in every 100 Americans has celiac disease and as a growing number of people are diagnosed or choose to live gluten-free, more restaurants have begun to create menus or even specialize in gluten-free cuisine.

Seattle is a beer city. Besides the well-known and large scale breweries such as Pyramid and Redhook, you can't swing an empty pint glass without it smashing against a local brewpub. Yet, if the lure of locally grown hops and grains isn't enough to satisfy your taste buds, you can try your non-glass shard wounded hand at the expanse of esoteric beer venues in Seattle.