Seattle

A bit of Bainbridge Island: Café Hitchcock. Part of the growing Hitchcock group of restaurants, this one is downtown in the Exchange Building. Nice space for a quick bite for...

Seattle

State Hotel: Ben Paris. The name may seem a bit odd but there was a Ben Paris, a well known Seattle sportsman who had a restaurant of similar name located...

Seattle

Out shopping: Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya. This is chain from Tokyo that has a number of outlets in the Seattle metro area. Our visit was to the Bellevue Square location....

Kenmore WA

They know how to steam milk: Diva Espresso Kenmore. Located in The Hanger this is another of about a 1/2 dozen locations of this coffee roaster and purveyor of all...

Seattle

Group dinner: La Cocina Oaxaqueña. Dinner for about a dozen but we ordered from the standard menu so I feel more confident in my impressions. It’s a relatively small place on...

Seattle

Eurasian fusion: Cook Weaver. Reading about this place I was intrigued by the description of the food as well as the space. Apparently the building was built in 1930….wouldn’t know...

Seattle

Needs a little prep: Rain Shadow Meats. Grab some charcuterie…..gotta try the chicken liver paté…. and a steak for later and you’re all set. Friendly service with reasonable prices. Visit...

Seattle

Java and pastries: Broadcast Coffee. This is the location of their roastery. They also have a couple more locations around the city. The pastries were outstanding, in particular the Queen...

Seattle

Maybe the best biscuit in Seattle: Marmite. Hard to get a great biscuit in Seattle but this has to be one of the best. Made all the better by the...

Seattle

An old standby: Dahlia Bakery. It’s all about the triple coconut cream pie….for which they are famous but, they have a number of other great choices as well. This time...

Seattle

New spot, old name: Uncle Lee’s Kitchen. It used to be located about a mile away but recently moved and reopened a few weeks ago at this site. Same food...

Woodinville WA

Artisan fast food pizza: MOD Pizza. All made to order….from any of 30 toppings and in a pizza oven no less! It’s Seattle based but they have over 300 locations...

Seattle

Hard to come up for air: Deep Dive. For sure the most unique bar in Seattle. It’s located below the Amazon Spheres and has the feel of a dark undersea...

Seattle

Sushi on the Ave: KU. Started the afternoon at The Mountaineering Club and caped off the day with a bit of sushi……more precisely….rolls (maki). This is a small place just...

Seattle

Popular Brewery: Populuxe Brewing. The Tide faithful gathered here to kick off the football season and there’s nothing like beer and biscuits to get you in the mood…..especially if the...

Seattle

You gotta go for the views: Mountaineering Club. There has been a real stir recently about this bar on the rooftop of the Graduate Hotel in the U District and...

Seattle

Dandan Noodles: 7 Stars Pepper. My first experience with these noodles was in China a few years back and I’d been looking to find them in the US ever since....

Seattle

Szechuan on Capitol Hill: Chuan on Capitol. I had heard a bit about this place and it’s only a short walk from the light rail station so it seemed like...

Seattle

Recommended by a friend: Le’s Deli & Bakery. Looking for a great Bánh Mi and this place came highly recommended so I had to give it a try for lunch....

Bothell WA

On the list: Stack 571. I was in the general area to have this year’s rosé analyzed and decided to stop by to see what this place had to offer....

Seattle

Pike Place Market: Three Girls Bakery. Quick “breakfast” while visiting the Market. Not the best bakery in Seattle but it is very conveniently located if you are shopping at the...

Seattle

Impossible Burger: Meet the Moon. We had been looking…all over for the Impossible Burger….and didn’t even know they had it on the menu. Not only was it listed, they actually...

Seattle

Not a restaurant: DeLaurenti’s. This is one of those places you must visit…if you like Italian food..and even if you don’t…just to see the place. They have aisles and aisles...

Bellevue WA

Needed some Q: 3 Pigs. This is one of our go to places in Seattle for BBQ. Story is that it was started by 2 brothers from Atlanta….not a hotbed...

Seattle

Trivia night: Northlake Tavern. A group of us stopped by after a meeting and it just happened to be trivia night. It’s been a few years since I’ve been here…but...

Seattle

Finger licking good & it’s not the Colonel: Bonchon. They have multiple restaurants in the US and about 300 worldwide but this is the first for Seattle….and, as typical the...

Seattle

Quick lunch: Delicatus @ The Hall. Small deli just above the University Street Light Rail station at Benaroya Hall.  It’s very convenient if you’re headed downtown and are looking for...

Seattle

Mediterranean on Beacon Hill: Homer. I’d heard a lot about this relatively new place so I waited awhile to visit, hoping the crowds would die down a bit. Finally visited...

Seattle

Don’t worry, it’s not on the menu: How to Cook a Wolf. I’ve been intrigued by the name and finally decided to give it a try. I was also up...

Seattle

All about the shakes: Shake Shack. I’ve tried a couple of their burgers including the SmokeShack and the ShackBurger which were good for fast food burgers but not the best...

Seattle

Booze for 50: The Blind Tiger. Rang in the New Year with the group from work. This is an interesting venue downtown that’s located in the back of the Do...

Seattle

At the Amazon Spheres: Willmott’s Ghost. I’ve wanted to visit this new, Italian themed, restaurant by Renee Erickson since it opened in late October. The space is very unique……inside the...

Seattle

All things German: Hans’ Sausage and Deli. Need stocking stuffers? Looking for real German Haribo and not those from Turkey? Need a German sausage fix? German pickles? Blaukraut? Then this...

Seattle

Happy Hour: Cafe Pettirosso. We were out doing some shopping on Capitol Hill and our first choice was closed for a private party. We weren’t that hungry and this place...

Seattle

Jazzy food: Jazz Alley. This is a great venue for music so that’s the main draw of this place. That said, the food is good as well. Expect a varied...

Seattle

Recommended by a colleague: Pomegranate Bistro. Located in an industrial looking building in “downtown” Redmond, it’s a bit hard to find from the street and the parking lot fills quickly...

Seattle

Southern food downtown: The Hart and the Hunter. I felt compelled to visit this place….advertised as the second location of the original in LA and they both serve Southern inspired...

Seattle

On my list for some time: Revel. Had wanted to visit the original but it is closed until 2019 for renovation so, since I was in the area, I decided...

Seattle

Chocolate nirvana: Theo Chocolate Store. This place needs to be on the short list of all chocoholics and while their chocolates are widely available, the store/factory has choices you will...

Seattle

Very unique space in Ballard: Sawyer. Open since August, the story is that the original space was a sawmill…..looks non descript from the outside. Inside, it is open and modern...

Woodinville WA

Finally got a chance to try: Twisted Cuban. I’ve passed this place numerous times riding my bike but hadn’t had a chance to try it despite recommendations from others. This...

Seattle

Beer by the Lake: Magnuson Cafe & Brewery. A nice spot for a bite in Magnuson Park if you’re in the neighborhood. It can be busy, especially on a nice...

Seattle

Funky little sandwich shop: HoneyHole. Busy spot on Cap Hill with a great space and sandwiches. The sandwich selection is extensive and burgers are available as well. Vegetarian, vegan and...

Woodinville WA

Food truck and wine: Taqueria los Chilangos. Wine pick up and tasting at Darby Wines which included food. Good tacos and service. Of course the wine was first rate…as expected....

Woodinville WA

Former Biker Bar: Hollywood Tavern. Started out as a service station in 1922 then became a roadside tavern in the 1940s. Completely renovated a few years ago and has now...

Seattle

“BBQ” in Seattle: Brileys. Hard to find great BBQ in this town but finally visited this place after it was suggested to me by a friend some months ago. It...

Seattle

Return visit: Bar Cantinetta. Our prior visit was for a wine tasting menu and I wasn’t that impressed with the food but I thought we should give it another try……I...

Seattle

Meeting at SeaTac: The Conference Center at SEA. I gotta quit eating like this….at another meeting. Nice space for a smaller meeting and convenient via the Link Light Rail. Otherwise,...

Bellevue WA

Bakery near the convention center: The French Bakery. Had a meeting at the Bellevue Convention Center and needed a quick bite to eat before sitting in a room all day...

Seattle

Thai in Maple Leaf: Ban Hua Sai. Decided to give this place a try based on reviews indicating it was the best Thai in the area and we needed a quick...

Seattle

Late night cookies: Midnight Cookie Co. Have a craving for cookies in the middle of the night?……they deliver until 3 am! Just choose your delivery service…..Uber Eats, Grubhub, etc. Note...

Seattle

Interesting experience: Manolin. Had an opportunity to have early dinner and this seemed like a good place for the experience since they opened for happy hour early in the afternoon...

Seattle

Street party: Off the Rez. Invited by friends to a Saturday night block party……with a food truck. Their claim to fame is that it’s the only Native American food truck...

Seattle

Georgetown vibe: Ciudad. Not sure how to describe this place…..Spanish……Middle Eastern…..or? They describe themselves as “flavors from the East, vibes from the West” and I think they are spot on...

Seattle

On my list: Flintcreek Cattle Co. This is the sister restaurant to Rockcreek and, as expected, it’s the turf version although they do have a vegetarian and seafood option on...

United States

The Eating Places: James Beard Award Winners 2018. Best new restaurant: JuneBaby, Seattle. Outstanding restaurant: Highlands Bar and Grill, Birmingham. Rising star chef of the year: Camille Cogswell, Zahav, Philly. Outstanding pastry...

Seattle

An old favorite: Boat Street Kitchen (Cafe). It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been to this little jewel but my first experience was when it was in the...

Seattle

Italian near UW: Mamma Melina. I’ve been here several times……including when it was located in the U District but it’s been a while since my last visit. The special part...

Seattle

Another coffee option: Gretchen’s Place. It’s been a while since I have been here and apparently it has new ownership……I knew the original owner who passed away a few years...

Seattle

The Truck: El Camión. There are several locations and we have visited the one located in a parking lot near Home Depot in north Seattle and we now have one...

Seattle

Vegan ice cream: Frankie & Jo’s. One of three locations, this one is on lower Capitol Hill. The shop is small and lines form at times so you may have...

Seattle

Neapolitan style pizza: Veraci. One of several locations in Seattle…..including a mobile unit usually seen at the Ballard Market….with branches in Spokane and Bend OR. Their claim to fame is...

Seattle

Beer with a twist: No Anchor. Focus is on beer…and variations on that theme. It’s a relatively small bar in the Belltown area that has developed a big reputation, not...

Seattle

Extraordinary dining experience: Harvest Beat. As you know, I’m basically a carnivore but when given the opportunity to experience truly great food, I’ll give it a try. Such is the...

Issaquah WA

Looking for late lunch: Stan’s BBQ. Hard to find good BBQ in Seattle but thought we’d give this place a try. Located in the old town area, the owner hails...

Seattle

Had an eye on: San Fermo. I noticed this small restaurant when visiting the Ballard Sunday Market and was intrigued by the facade….apparently one of the oldest homes in Seattle…from...

Seattle

A different dinner for 30: Lark. Unique experience at this well known establishment on Capitol Hill. What was unique?…..our choices, although pre determined, were drawn from the current menu…..so, this...

Seattle

An homage to all things meat: The Shambles. Maple Leaf butchery and restaurant specializing in house made sausage, meats and charcuterie. The food is about small plates…..think small to medium/large plates….with...

Seattle

Nice spot near Seattle Center on lower Queen Anne for a drink: Solo Bar & Eatery. Eclectic space that feels a bit like having a drink in someone’s living room....

Seattle

Would be even better for dinner and a beer in the summer: White Swan Public House. Located in South Lake Union the views, even in winter, are exceptional…..Lake Union, the...

Seattle

Whiskey anyone? Copperworks. Holiday season party at this downtown distillery of single malt whiskey. Nice tasting room with a bar that is over a hundred years old. Tours of the...

Seattle

More coffee: Caffè Fiore. One of four locations, this one is located in Old Ballard. It’s nice for a quick cup before or after visiting the Ballard Sunday Market……or anytime...

Seattle

Quick bite after a movie: Great State Burger. One of 6 locations in Seattle for this burger outlet. The spin here is local farm to table burgers with cows who...

Seattle

Another coffee shop in Seattle: Ballard Coffee Works. Part of Seattle Coffee Works this is the Ballard location which is one of 4 in Seattle. The space is lively and...

Seattle

In Ballard for the Farmers Market and needed breakfast: Porkchop & Co. Just stumbled on this place after a bit of research and it sounded interesting so it was time...

Seattle

Bikes and beer in Ballard: Peddler Brewing Co. Going away party for one of our staff…returning home to Texas. Small craft beer spot on Leary. The owners are devoted cyclist...

Seattle

Asian fusion: Wild Ginger. We were downtown for an event and stopped in to once again experience this well known and respected spot for Asian food. Not only known for...

Seattle

Like a little slice of Paris in the Pike Place Market area: Le Pichet. The menu is very typical of a small French bistro and the food is all very...

Seattle

Vietnamese fast food: Sizzle & Crunch. Right off the Ave in the UW District this recently opened restaurant serves Vietnamese food much like Chipotle serves Mexican food……order the dish then add...

Seattle

Doughnuts anyone? Top Pot. This is a Seattle institution for doughnuts. They started as a single storefront downtown and now there are multiple opportunities throughout the metro area. The doughnuts are...

Woodinville WA

Wine is food: Guardian Cellars. In Woodinville Wine Country on an errand and thought I should pick up a bit more wine. This is one of our go to places....

Woodinville WA

More wine as food: Gorman Winery. Another great option in Woodinville Wine Country in the Hollywood School area. Chris is all about music and the tasting room walls are festooned...

Seattle

One of my favorite espresso shops: Vivace Alley 24. Doing some shopping at REI and decided to have a quick mocha caramel latte. Their claim to fame is that they...

Seattle

If you’re in South Seattle and you need a food fix: Super Six. Part of the Marination group of restaurants this one is in Columbia City and serves brunch, lunch...

Seattle

Third location of this Vietnamese restaurant: Ba Bar. Have been wanting to try this location since it was announced in January that it would be opening this summer and finally...

Seattle

New spot for ramen in the U District: Hokkaido Ramen Santouka. Great choice on a night with a bit of fall chill in the air. The space is small so...

Seattle

Haven’t been here in a few years: Steelhead Diner. Had a relative in town for business who wanted seafood and this seemed like a good choice……close to her hotel and...

Seattle

Have noticed this place while in South Lake Union: Cinque Terre. Modern space serving foods from the region and on the streetcar line on Westlake which makes it convenient if...

Seattle

One more coffee shop in Seattle: Diva Espresso. One of about a half dozen locations in the city. This visit was to the Harborview location. This purveyor of the roasted...

Seattle

Now for some caffeine: Fuel Coffee. One of 3 locations in Seattle but their coffee is more broadly available. It was a hot day and I had a bit of...

Seattle

Hot wings without the wings: Ma’ono Fried Chicken. Located inside Rachel’s Ginger Beer at University Village this is a great space to visit on a sunny day with its open...

Kirkland WA

Looking for Thai and a new experience: Isarn Thai Soul Kitchen Have heard great things about this place so we decided to visit on a cold rainy Junuary Seattle day....

Seattle

Not really a commercial concern: Dean Wines Those of you who have read my home page and my posts know of my enjoyment of good wine and my hobby of...

Seattle

Vietnamese on lower Capitol Hill: Ba Bar One of three restaurants this is the original location. It’s part of the Monsoon restaurant group. I have been wanting to try it...

Bellevue WA

Dinner for thirty: Seastar Another group dinner at this well known and highly regarded seafood restaurant in the metro area. Fixed menu this night with the typical choices…salmon, a chicken...

Seattle

A Seattle institution: The Pink Door. The cuisine is Italian but this place is more than just food…..there are nightly shows that vary between music and on Saturdays, cabaret and...

Seattle

It’s all about the view: Aqua. Entertaining a visiting faculty member at this waterside spot on Puget Sound. There are a couple of places like this in Seattle but this...

Seattle

High end Indian: Nirmal’s. The space is beautiful and located in the historic Pioneer Square area. It has received multiple accolades including Zagat’s top 15 hottest new restaurants in the...

Seattle

Third option for lunch: Gracia. We didn’t start out to try this place in Ballard but wound up here when our other choices weren’t open for lunch. The space is...

Seattle

End of the indoor cycling class season meetup: The Pub at 3rd Place. Always been an interesting place in the basement of 3rd Place Books…almost like entering a cave. Typical...