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I mentioned that we love food and wine. I was going to do restaurant reviews here, but when I saw how much work that was going to be to build, and maintain the site, I opted out. I will, however, offer a few words about what we like in food and wine, the names of several of our favorite haunts, and links to some good sites that review Seattle restaurants. Some of these sites, like Zagat, review restaurants in most major cities. If I discover some new places, I'll try to add them and flag them with one of those irritating "new" signs. Another note, with a couple of exceptions, is that if we've only been to a place once, or not been there in a very long time, I tend not to talk about it. The experience has to be fairly recent (within about a year), or so exceptional that I must mention it. Generally, we go for what might be described as "non-American" food, although the food brought to our country by so many wonderful cultures over the years has changed the way we eat in the United States. I'd definitely say for the better. We like bold flavors in our food, usually provided by herbs and spices. We prefer big red wines like, Cabernet, Zinfandel, and the Barolos and Barbarescos from Italy, among others. I want to "whine" a bit about wine in restuarants. I do understand that profit margins for restaurants are small, but I'm often put off by the prices of what I would call drinkable table wines. I'm talking about prices in the $25 to $35 range for wines that I can buy at Larry's Markets, or Safeway for $12-15. Since the restaurants are buying from a distributor, they are getting it cheaper than I can buy it at the market. When my wife and I are ordering $40-$60 worth of food, we shouldn't have to pay another $30 for what I would call a good table wine. What that often forces diners to do is to avoid wine, or buy the cheapest wine you have, which does a disservice to the fine food you're serving. Good food should be enjoyed with good, affordable wine. You might make up for in volume what you're giving up as profit on one bottle of wine. Okay, that's my pitch for lower wine prices. We don't typically go to steak houses, and we're not big on "themey" places like Applebee's or The Outback Steakhouses. I prefer to think I'm having a unique meal, rather than knowing that thousands of other people are eating the same thing in chains across the country. I'm just weird that way. We have gone to both Flemings and The Metropolitan Grill in Seattle and had terrific steaks, if very expensive meals. We've gone to Chili's in Southern California and been pleasantly surprised by the food there, but you'll usually find us in an ethnic, or unique restaurant of some kind. Here are a couple of sites we use to check out restaurants. As I mentioned, Zagat will let you look at a number of cities. Many cities have a CitySearch or Insider type of site as well. Zagat, CitySearch, SeattleInsider, Chow Baby, and The Seattle Weekly's top 100. If the restuarant is underlined, it has a website you can visit. If not, that means I couldn't find one.Whatever you do, enjoy food. I recall reading one time that we spend an average of about 60,000 hours eating over our lifetime. That's about 2,400 days, or about 6 1/2 years of your life at the dinner table. For heaven sake, enjoy it. Here's our
latest discoveries since the last update. Today is
August 30,
2002:
As I revisit
this page, I'll try to mention any new restaurants
we've visited since my last update. That may be
random, so check back from time to time. After they
appear here, they'll move down into the list
below. The Stumbling
Goat Bistro 6722 Greenwood Ave N
(Phinney Ridge), 784-3535. Tues-Sun 5-10 pm. Closed
Mondays. Come on! You gotta love
that name. They took over what had been a pasta and
pizza place, dressed it up with some paint and
table cloths and began turning out some top notch
bistro food. It won't quite make it in the "cheap
eats" books, but it's darned reasonable for the
quality of food you get. Here's a review by The
Stranger: http://www.thestranger.com/2002-05-02/chow.html I guess I missed a
couple of places (probably a hell of a lot more
than that) when I built this page, so I'll put them
up here for a bit, then move them down the
page. Madame
K's 5327 Ballard Ave
NW-Seattle, WA 98107-Tel 206 783
9710 This place will serve
you some of the best pizza you've had anywhere.
They turn out a couple of excellent pastas, very
affordable wine, and for all you guys (and maybe a
couple of gals) the motif is bordello (that's
whorehouse in case you don't know the term). The
place is a kick, the food is great, and save room
for a kick-butt homemade brownie with ice cream.
Here's a short review: http://www.inballard.com/Webroot/madameks.shtml And yet another place
in Ballard? What the hell is happening to
Ballard? The People's
Pub 5429 Ballard
NW-Seattle, WA 98107-Tel 206 783
6521 You say you want your
weiner schnitzeled? Here's where to make that
happen. Just up (or is it down?) the street from
Madame K's, this unassuming pub serves some
terrific German fare, not an easy commodity to find
around town. If you've never tried deep-fried
pickles, you've got to try it here. It's not fancy
but it's stick-to-your-ribs good German food.
http://www.inballard.com/Webroot/peoplespub.shtml Kabul Afghan Cuisine Fremont/Wallingford This is still the only game in town, as far as I know, where you can get Afghan food, and it's one of the better food bargains in Seattle. The food is terrific, with lots of flavor.The restaurant is casual, and usually crowded. Beer & wine. Afrikando Belltown This is another great restaurant. The food is West African, generally the area of Senegal. Offerings of chicken, fish, and lamb, as I recall. There are also dishes without meat. You'll be comfortable a little dressed up, or casual, as your mood dictates. They didn't have alcohol when we were there, but I understand they have beer and wine now. Try this for a unique dining experience. Pandasia There are a couple of these around. They make their own noodles, and offer some dishes you won't find in the "typical" Chinese restaurant. Casual dress. Beer & wine. Judy Fu's Snappy Dragon 8917 Roosevelt Way NE Seattle, WA 98115 (206) 528-5575 We haven't been to this one in a little while, but it was, and apparently continues to be very good. Standard Chinese menu (for the U.S.) with a few extras. Casual dress. Beer & wine. Bamboo Garden Vegetarian Cuisine 364 Roy St,Seattle,WA 98109 (206) 282-6616 You say you don't like vegetarian, Bucky? Try this place. I like to wrestle a critter to the plate as much as the next person, but we go here every now and then to remind ourselves how good a dish without meat can taste. Casual. Beer & wine. COFFEE SHOPS (Read that as espresso)Yes, I consider coffee to be food. I think a good cup of espresso, or drip coffee if you prefer, is just as important after a meal, as a good glass of wine is with the meal. By the way, the Italians, French, and others have the right idea. You shouldn't drink coffee with your meal. To truly appreciate the flavor, it should be after the meal, or by itself. Cafe Appassionato There are a number of locations, but the main store and roasting facility is near Fisherman's Terminal in Magnolia. No one makes coffee like Lavazza and Illy, form Italy, but these folks come the closest. There are franchises, or licensees around, but the quality has remained consistent wherever I've gone. The original Italian owner who brought his roaster from Italy sold out to a larger concern, but the coffee remains excellent. It's used by many independents. Cafe LLadro 600 Queen Anne Avenue North Seattle, WA There are at least two of these around. Queen Anne, and West Seattle. Maybe others. Good coffee, pastries, and an "old time" coffee house feel. You want to read a book over your cappuccino? this is a nice place to do that. I couldn't find a link, so you'll have to take my word for it. These guys are all over the place. One of the better chains around. Good coffee, nice environment. These guys just keep getting better. Look across from almost any Starbucks and you'll probably find a Tully's. Their coffee is very good, and their shops a fun place to sit and sip. Locations? Hell, they're everywhere. Do I consider them the best? No. I think all of the above is better, but Starbuck's still makes a good cup of espresso, and they certainly get the credit for starting the craze, at least in Seattle. FRENCH2808 East Madison, Seattle WA 206-235-7442 Hell no it's not cheap. Neither is a ticket to Paris, but it's a lot more than dinner here. Check the reviews. The whiners don't seem to want to pay for quality. This is as good as it gets. Be sure to note that the majority of folks give it a rating of 10! You can check out their menu, and the prices, and decide for yourself. We had one of the most memorable meals we've ever had here. Take that special someone here for a treat. 86 Pine St Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 728-2800 Once again, when I read the reviews, I find that the grumblers probably had no business in a French restaurant. They are either complaining about prices, or the portions. If you don't understand French food, you should probably stick to the all-you-can-eat buffets. You can't go to a French, Italian, or Thai restaurant and expect a typical American meal. This is one of our top French restaurants. FUSIONThese are restaurants that, while they may use influences from Asia, Spain, or other areas of the world are, in my opinion, a fusion of those cultures and others, often using ingredients from the Northwest. Never-the-less, they are a treat to dine at, and you will find many of them listed under the heading of special occasions. 2001 4th Ave Seattle, WA 98121 (206) 682-4142 Don't miss this one. One of the pioneers of fine dining in Seattle, Tom Douglas has made his mark, both in Seattle and across the U.S. Food, service, and a heck of a lot of fun. Don't be surprised if Tom stops by your table to chat. Check the bottom of their website for Etta's and The Palace Kitchen, all Tom's, and all great. 2107 Third Ave., Seattle, WA (206) 728-4220 Owner/chef Tamara Murphy just keeps hitting home runs. She is one of a number of preeminate women chefs from the Northwest. We've only been here once, but want to go back. Definite Spanish (Spain, not Mexico) dishes and overtones. Modern, upbeat atmosphere. You might want to dress up a little. Not a lot, but Levi's just don't seem quite right. There's a full bar. 4th & Lenora, Seattle, WA 206-777-1990 I approach hotel restaurants with a little caution. This one is very good. We got married on Christmas Eve, 1974. Bad idea if you want to go out for dinner. If restaurants are open, they want to go home early. We went here for our anniversary in 2001 and had a terrific time. Good food, service, and even a strolling musician came by to serenade us. I'd say this place deserves better than jeans. Marco's Supper Club 2510 First Ave.Seattle, WA 98121 206-441-7801 If you haven't been to Marco's, you may be the only Seattlite that hasn't. They don't seem to have a website, but a check of reviews will give you an idea of the menu. Great food. Expect it to be crowed, and noisy. But what place in Belltown isn't? Dress ranges from casual to dress-up. 3321 W. McGraw Seattle, WA 98199 (206) 284-7305 Wonderful says it all. Ludgar's food has been raved about by some of the more prestigious reviewers in the country. I haven't been to the new place in Kirkland, but the restaurant in Magnolia is like fine dining in Europe. Leave the Levi's at home for this one. 2313 First Avenue Seattle, Washington (206) 441-1188 Another local star, Kristine Keff, knocks them dead with her cooking, here and at the Flying Fish. I'm ashamed to say we haven't yet been to the Fish, but Fandango is one of our favorites. We love the Spanish/Latin influenced foods, and Fandango does a marvelous job. Casual might work, but personally I'd at least put on some Dockers. By the way, try a Mojito. It's one of my favorite drinks.
6722 Greenwood Ave. N. (67th St.) Seattle, WA, 98103-5226 (206) 784-3535 Our newest discovery. Chef Craig Serbousek (ex Herbfarm) offers "exquisitely prepared" items using fresh herbs and vegetables (in season one would assume) from his own garden, an old Herbfarm standard. The food is exceptional, the decor a big improvement over the old pizza joint that was in this location. Bring money, it's not cheap, but quality never is. Figure on around $17 for an entree, and if you want a salad or starter, add another $8. Wine is $6 a glass, or $28 to $48 by the bottle. If you love good food and wine, this is a must try. Will the Greenwood neighborhood, with the 74th Street Ale House and Yanni's Greek restaurant a few blocks away support this Belltown type of restaurant? We'll see. I hope so. GREEKI guess the Greeks get a lot of credit for influencing the cuisine of much of the Mediterranean, along with the Romans,Turks, Mongols, Moors, and whoever else occupied that part of the world over the millennia. No matter, they have some terrific food. I suppose if I were to complain, it would be the old "formula" argument. I'd sure like to see some dishes like Rabbit Stiffado on the menus. Most places shy away from an aggressive menu because Americans are timid about trying new foods. Makes you wonder how we won WWII if we're afraid of a little food on our plate. Georgia's 323 NW 85th St. Seattle, WA 206-783-1228. I didn't find a review for this one, so you'll have to take my word for it. It's good Greek food, and you'll probably take some home. The servings are generous. They have music on the weekends. I can't attest to Hank and Cathie, the regulars, but I can tell you that the night we went, Taki (see Taki's below), and Yiannis (hope I've spelled that right) who also plays at Porta Greek Taverna (haven't hit that yet) were playing. Several of the belly-dancing Diva's came in that night and we had a marvelous time. The food, music, and dancing transported us to Greece, if just for an evening. Casual is fine. By the way, if you've never tried it, give Retsina a whirl. It's a Greek wine with a most unusual flavor. We love it. Niko's 2231 32nd Ave W, Seattle, WA (206) 285-4778 I couldn't find a write-up on Niko's. It's fairly new, and in out-of-the-way Magnolia, but for us Magnolians it's a life saver. We don't have a lot of restaurants in our little corner of Seattle, and Niko's is a very welcome addition. Serving in an almost Bistro style, they have gyros (pronounced yee-rows). Unfortunately, like most places, they use the preformed stuff. They also have lamb, pork, eggplant, and a ground beef roll that you can have in Pita bread with the tomatoes, cucumber, yogurt sauce, et al. You can get several dinner plates with your choice of meats, as well as moussaka, loukanikos, a wonderful Greek sausage, and other Greek specialties. Now, if they would just get some beer and wine, especially Retsina. Somehow, Coke just doesn't seem to go with Greek food. Casual is the order of the day here. Yanni's 7419 Greenwood Ave N Seattle, WA (206) 783-6945 When I think about sitting down to a mult-course dinner of Greek food, I think of Yanni's. There food is cooked to order, so don't go there if you're in a hurry, or on a schedule. The idea is to relax and enjoy the surroundings, the food, and people around you. Food here is terrific. The service is good, but it can be a little slow at times. Get over it. You're here to enjoy. Fast food is at McDonald's. I just love the place. Could it be the Retsina? Nah, couldn't be that. Casual dress is fine. ITALIANNow, for my all-time favorite food. If someone told me I could only eat one kind of food for the rest of my life, I think it would have to be Italian, although it would break my heart to give up the others. With good Italian food, and trust me it's not all good, the freshness of the ingredients and the blend of textures, flavors, and spices is hard to beat. From north to south, from the coast to the mountains, the variety is amazing, although non-existent in most of the restaurants. Give me good food, some good red wine, and my beautiful Italian wife, and I don't need much more in life. A note about garlic. Gaspare's (Il Gambero) mother lived to be over 105. When a local paper in Italy interviewed her for her 105th birthday, and asked her to what she attributed her long life, she told them she eaten a clove of raw garlic every day for her entire life. So eat your garlic. If you're married, make sure you both eat it. If you share my love of things Italian, check out this site: http://www.mangiarebene.net/ 2132 1st Ave Seattle, WA(206) 448-8597 This link will take you to Gaspare's, the original original restaurant, that shares some menu items with Il Gambero. Is Il Gambero the best Italian restaurant in town? You can't answer that question because the cooking from all over Italy is so varied. But, I can tell you this. You won't find anyone who is more committed to quality food than Gaspare Trani. His cooking, reflecting his origins on Ischia, an island off the coast of Naples, reflects both the southern influence, and being surrounded by the sea. The restaurant is nicely appointed, the service crisp, and food excellent. The Volare room is a great place to have an after dinner drink, or just stop by after the theater for a cocktail, and if the kitchen is open, a late night snack. Dress can be casual, but I'd put on some slacks. Sostanza 1927 43rd Ave E Seattle, WA (206) 324-9701 When you put it all together, great food, great atmosphere, superb service, and great wine, it doesn't get any better than Sostanza. Lorenzo Cianciusi, owner/chef does it all just right here. When it's nice, try for an outside table. You might find quail on the menu, or parpardelle with chanterelle mushrooms. Like I said, the Italians eat more than spaghetti and meatballs. There's a bar upstairs, and in the winter, a fireplace can make this one of the more romantic spots in town. I'd definitely go with dress slacks. Hey, remember, you're in Madison Park. 120 Blanchard St Seattle, WA (206) 441-1045 I almost hate to tell anyone about this one. I feel like it's one of our secrets. On the other hand, I definitely want them to succeed and stick around. This is Sicilian food, a rare commodity in Seattle. Tucked away between two buildings just up the hill from 1st Avenue in Belltown, a little fountain (that's what La Fontana means) bubbles away in front. This, and a place in San Diego called Basalucci's, that may or may not still be there, are the only Italian restaurants I've found that offer Pasta con le sarde, or pasta with sardines. Now before you make a face about sardines, you need to know that fresh sardines taste nothing like what comes out of a can. It's like comparing fresh tuna with canned. We've had a number of terrific dinners here. The decor is old world, and welcoming. Dress can run from casual (again, I would'nt wear jeans) to dressed up. 2010 4th Ave · Seattle, WA 98121 (206) 441-1399 Much has been written about Assaggio, and most of it true. It seems to have lost some of its glamor, but I'm not sure that isn't the old "familiarity breeds contempt". There's a lot of competition these days. It's still a great meal in a great setting. The dining room is one of my favorites, and Mauro will make you feel like one of the family. Dress should probably be a cut above casual. After all, that's Italian. 8051 Lake City Way NE Seattle, WA 98115 (206) 524-3806 This is where it all started for Gaspare (see Il Gambero above). Well, not really. He was a chef on cruise lines for twenty years, and a chef in Seattle for about six years before opening his namesake in Lake City Way. It still reflects the loving care that diners fell in love with back in 1991. He met and married Diane, and Italian restaurants in Seattle have never been the same. Diane, a jazz singer, manages the restaurant these days while Gaspare works his magic at Il Gambero. If you're lucky, she may decide to sing. His chef in residence at Gaspare's has learned all of Gaspare's secrets. If you want some damn good Italian, in a warm, inviting atmosphere, get on down to Lake City Way. Dress is casual to sporty dress. La Romantica 2221 NW Market St, 789-3922 Ballard may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about great food, unless of course your Scandanavian, but that's all changing, and one of the restaurants that's leading that change is La Romantica. Before there was La Romantica, there was Luna Rosa on Roosevelt. Owners Aniello and Antonia Iodice have their roots in Ischia, as do a majority of Italian restaurateurs in this town. Thank heavens for that. Aniello designed the restaurant, and did most of the work himself. Before turning to the restaurant business, he was a journeyman contractor. Fortunately for us, he headed to the kitchen, and stayed there, turning out plates of Spaghetti Carbonara, Penne Arrabiata, Spaghetti Puttanesca. There are an assortment of chicken and veal dishes, good wine, and desserts. Portions are generous, and dress can be casual, on up. A word about these next four. There are a number of Italian restaurants owned and run by Greeks. You could likely start a major debate as to who influenced whom when it comes to either cuisine, but the Greeks add a flavor that is generally unique to their dishes. When we want the Greek version of Italian, there's no good substitute. Spiro's 3401 California Ave SW Seattle, WA 98116 206-932-5100 & on North Aurora at 181st This one has been in West Seattle for years, and Evan, the son of the owner, Evan, has a Spiro's on North Aurora at about 185th. The food is great, the portions generous, and the atmosphere friendly. It's also a family friendly atmosphere. A selection of pastas with both red and white sauces, great pizzas, and a decent wine selection for a pizza house. You won't leave hungry, or unhappy. Casual dress. Taki's 7729 24th Ave NW Seattle , WA 98117 (206) 789-4446 It would appear that none of our erstwhile restaurant reviewers have made it to Taki's yet. That may not be surprising considering that it's stuck in a northwest corner of Ballard. Their loss. So, again, you'll have to suffer through my review. This is another pizza and pasta house with a Greek touch, and an excellent one at that. There are a couple of appetizers reflecting Greek cuisine, including a melted cheese thing that will have you calling for more. A nice selection of pastas with some sauces you won't find elsewhere, and terrific pizzas. Taki imparts his unique quality to his dishes, setting him apart from most of the "pizza" places. Did I mention they have Retsina...dress is casual. Olympia Pizza 1500 Queen Anne Ave N Seattle, WA 98109 206-285-5550 Yeah, parking sucks anywhere on upper Queen Anne, but drive around the block a couple of times. It's worth it. Bob and Angelo (we know Angelo from the days of Mirabou-but that's another story) pack them in most nights for some of the best pizza in town. Interestingly, we usually get a couple of our favorite pasta dishes instead of pizza. My wife likes their meat sauce, and I like their version of Putanesca, but I wish they would use Kalamata olives instead of those California things, but it's still very good. They don't have Retsina (shame!) but the have a couple of nice red Greek wines. Dress is casual. Pegasus 2758 Alki Ave. S.W. Seattle, WA 98116 206-932-4849 Is it Italian, or Greek? Who the hell cares? Spaghetti with Mizthra cheese, and an assortment of pizzas, have them standing in line for a table. Whatever you do, try the Greek pizza. I'd drive 20 miles, and have, to eat one of those. Feta cheese, sausage, spinach, sauce, and pine nuts. People from all over the country stop here for a Pegasus Greek pizza. And, on a sunny summer evening, the sun setting on the Sound, a glass of wine (Retsina of course) in your hand. It doesn't get much better than that, my friends. Casual. Buca de Beppo 701 Ninth Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109 206-244-2288(There's one in Lynnwood and one down south, I think) Okay. It's a little contrived with the Frank Sinatra music playing, and the help doing their shtick, but it's fun. More importantly, the food is damn good for a big chain-formula kind of place. It's one of the few chains that we frequent. It will be crowded and noisy, but it's an experience to be had. Be sure to take a tour of the photos, especially the men's room (Yes, ladies, you too). Be sure to take your appetite. The portions are huge, but again the quality is very good, and consistent from visit to visit. A decent wine list, monstrous desserts, and Lemoncello (on last visit) to drink with your coffee. Casual. MEXICAN Let me get my whine out of the way here. Mexican food is more than tacos, burritos, and fajita. I don't even know where the hell fajita came from. Look at a map of Mexico. Look at the thousands of mile of coastline. Do you suppose they eat a little seafood? I'd love to see some restaurants branch out and start offering some dishes from all over Mexico, but I understand that we Americans are pickyunish about what we eat. Get over it, folks. A July 2000 estimate of Mexico's population (they don't have an exact count) puts it at 100,349,766. I'd say that their food isn't killing anyone. So stop fussing about eating something new. You're missing some great food.El Ranchon 3416 W Mcgraw St Seattle, WA 206-281-9233 Abraham Garcia and Raul Lopez, brothers-in-law, have found the secret of success. Great food, great service, and a nice decor. While their menu may be formula, their preparation is anything but. They have beer and wine, and a full bar. Hear that you Margarita junkies? If you love good Mexican food, and have a reason to visit Magnolia (El Ranchon is reason enough), then stop here. Be prepared to wait for a table. Dress is casual. You might see Jamie Moyer having dinner with his family. It's one of his favorites. Freddy Garcia has been there, as have other sports figures. Mostly, it's just regular folks who love good Mexican food. Dress is casual. La Palma 3456 15th Ave W Seattle , WA (206) 284-1001 Before El Ranchon moved in closer to home, this was where we went for our Mexican fix. In another life, when I lived in San Diego, I had Mexican friends who lived in Tijuana. I'd be invited to have dinner with them. If I didn't know better, I'd swear Mama was in the kitchen at La Palma. It has that home-cooked quality. Why it hasn't been reviewed, I don't know. It's been there since the Denny Party arrived. Okay, not that long, but a long time. It's an old building, and shows its years inside. Nothing bad, just time worn, but if you want good Mexican food, you'll find it here. Casual. Burrito Loco 9211 Holman Road N.W.. Seattle, WA 98117-2259 (206) 783-0719 I guess you could call this the Bo Derek of Mexican restaurants. It gets straight 10's from the diners who reviewed it. I wish this was a little closer to home, but it's worth the drive for both good food, and a different style of Mexican. I mentioned the different styles of food from all over Mexico, and this reflects some of that variety. I think the owners are from the area around Guaymas, south and east of Nogales, in the Sonoran desert, but sitting on the Gulf of California. If you're out on Holman Road, be sure to stop here. You won't be sorry. Casual. 1303 NE Boat St. Seattle, WA 98105 (206)-545-8570 Guess what? Mexicans eat more than tacos and enchiladas, and they put more than chicken or beef in them. On Lake Union, you can taste what the "other Mexicans" eat. Go to the website and check out the menu. This out-of-the-way eatery has a great location on lake union. It's part of kayak paddle club. Don't drive past this one. You'll have a new outlook on Mexican food. Casual
MIDDLE EASTERN105 First Avenue South, Seattle, WA 206-621-8585 Marvelous food, great decor, top service. Ekram and Michael are the perfect hosts. Go on a Saturday night and catch the music and dancing. It's the next best thing to taking a vacation to the Middle East. You'll find a variety of dishes from that part of the world, all made with quality ingredients. For you non-Arabs, like us, don't be put off on a Friday or Saturday night by all the people from the Middle-East coming in to dance. They are there to hear the music and have fun. Stick around and do the same. If you don't want to try dancing, do like we do and enjoy the music with a glass of wine. Mediterranean Kitchen 366 Roy St, Seattle, WA 206-285-6713 This is one of the standards in Seattle. They moved from their old location a few years ago, but the food is marvelous. Eat here every night and you might live to be 110 with all the garlic they use. Great food, great service, and a very nice spot to sit and enjoy a meal. Casual to dress-up. Phoenicia 2716 Alki Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 206-935-6550 Another Seattle standard for Middle Eastern food, Hussein relocated from The Queen Anne Baking Company some years ago, to this perfect location on the water in West Seattle. Phoenicia has been around so long, and is so good, the local reviewers take it for granted. Hussein's loyal following fills the place up most nights. Go out of your way to give it a try. Casual is okay. After all, you're at the beach. SPANISHWe have a serious shortage of "real" Spanish restaurants in this town. Years ago, we had one near the Seattle Center, La Gaviota, that was marvelous, along with Cafe Felipe in Pioneer Square which was very good. Today, we have but two that I know of, Marcha and Fernando's. There's Vizcaya, but it's a blend of Cuban and Spanish. Brasa, which is great, uses Spanish influences. I'm looking forward to trying both of the ones that lay claim to authentic Spanish food.SPECIAL OCCASION-Forgot your spouses birthday, or your anniversary? Or maybe you're just hoping to score with someone special. These are places I'd recommend for such an occasion. While I know that some folks consider Applebees, or Sizzler to be a special occasion, we don't. So these are upscale restaurants that I consider special. Some of them are repeated from other areas of my reviews, so I've provided a link back to that review.RoversAgain, this is one of our favorites for a special occasion, as well as just great French food.This is simply special! My favorite room, ever! Food, service, and ambiance unequaled. This is dining like royalty. Tom Douglas, and all of his restaurants are special, and have become a favorite destination for Seattle diners.See the review above. That special someone will not be disappointed. On Pier 70. We've only been here once, but the experience was outstanding. Another special restaurant. Food, Service, and decor nearly perfect. Why not? It's the same folks that own El Gaucho. Sostanza Want a romantic atmosphere, great food, and great service? You will love this place. Il Gambero As I said above, when we want wonderful Italian food prepared by one of the best, we go to see Gaspare'. Come to Szamania and experience the quality and service that has come to represent the finest in European dining. One of my exceptions. We've only been here once, but it was a most remarkable meal. We want to go again. Food, atmosphere, service, and Mojitos. Fandango has it all. |
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Michael E. Davis
mrmega74@attbi.com
Date Last Modified: 6/30/02
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