THE Sunday Brunch

This is our destination for brunch. Have not been in ages and quite excited. I love the places that preserve the old building or house and turn it into a business. Rather than knocking the building down and creating a new featureless space, the old brick beauty got refurbished and maintains a little character.

And so the Hi-Life is a converted firehouse that now serves as a restaurant. You've got the nice brick interior with high ceilings and ample space. If you tacked on a fireplace and let people slide down poles then you'd have the perfect atmosphere.

The price isn't the cheapest in the Seattle area for standard breakfast food, but it's not gonna kill you either. Chippy staff here and even on the weekend it has a more mellow vibe. Overall, it's a pretty good brunch choice.So we met up and snagged a table as they opened at 8:30 with Mick arriving a few minutes later. Rob & Jodie were already parked and waiting when I arrived 15 minutes early. Coffee was up first and not bad, but I make better. Waiting for Mick we shared a piece of Apple Coffee Cake. I held to two bites and it was moist and tasty. They do a seasonal menu and also all the art work changes quarterly.

Jodie opted for the traditional biscuits & Gravy. I gave her my hash browns and we called it good. She said they were better than average. The High Life holds a special place for her as it was where Rob took her out to breakfast the very first time. Yup, all together = Awwwwww! They are just about the cutest couple I know. Did I mention here yet that they are getting married next year!? Here there are plans to go with a whole Cinco de Mayo theme complete with a pinata in the shape of a wedding cakeNo, do not adjust your computer or eyes, this is a breakfast pizza. Rob ordered it and shared he would again in fact. Eggs, pico de gallo and chorizo made for a festive Mexican theme for his brunch. Hmm, do you get a sense of a theme developing on that side of the table. They keep saying the fact that the reception happens to fall on Cinco de Mayo is totally happen chance. Me thinks they doth protest too much! Ole!Had not seen Mick in a few weeks and always good to catch up. He seems to have dined in quite a few of the breakfast joints around town and had a favorite dish ready to order here. He had the Chili Verde Slinger - Green chile & braised pork stew with pepper jack, stacked on a bed of spiced hash browns. Get two eggs any style & toast. The garnish of some fresh fried tortilla noodles was perfect. By how fast he ate it, it must have been good.Last, but not least I decided to try a seasonal special. Called the Pig in the Orchard Omelet - Smoked pork, Fuji apples, sharp cheddar cheese & red onions folded into a scallion flecked omelet shell. Served with hash browns & toast. Had them hold the onions, actually asked if they could grill them a bit, but they left them off. Hash browns to Jodie and I ate a half slice of bread and a quarter of another. Quite controlled if you ask me.

Next weekend the place will be a zoo as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of the building and here is a blurb on their website: Come celebrate the 100 Year Anniversary of the Old Ballard Firehouse #18 on Saturday October 22nd. All day festivities which will include a family style pancake feed & firemen chili cook-off!

I'll be driving up to Portland from Ashland and will miss it, but I have to admit I am pleased to be getting back to doing things as the pounds begin to fall off. I like being back on my game.