The other day, lunch plans fell through, and I was left sitting at my desk without food.  Hungry. Sneezing and coughing. I was cold.  I just had pho a few days earlier and was craving a different kind of soup.  Why not chowder? 

I have heard about Pike Place Chowder many times with rave reviews – fresh, creamy, delicious and comforting.  I chose to skip the busy, original Pike Place location, and instead headed a few blocks up to the Pacific Place.

Before I saw the regular menu, I was greeted by a hand-written menu with two daily specials.  Chorizo and oysters?  How could I resist. 

I went for a medium size, sans the bread bowl, and received a complimentary slice of bread and crackers.  The chowder kept warm on my way back to work.  I added a sprinkle of black pepper and a few shots of Tabasco and lingered on the creamy, rich, health restorative chowder.