Chinook’s at Salmon Bay – located at the Fishermen’s Terminal in the Magnolia area of  Seattle.  The Terminal houses hundreds of commercial fishing vessels.  It is a favorite for those looking for an open air, light feel and the energy creates a great atmosphere.  Chinook’s offers seating on their outdoor patio as well which is exceptional during the summer months.   Although windy this time around, it still made for a good time.  Recommendation:  Half Shell Oysters, Oyster shooters, Hearts of Romaine with Blue Cheese, and the Chinook’s Cannery bread is to die for.  Paired with a brew, it makes for a tasty dinner indeed as Anthony’s and Chinook’s has a great selection of Northwest beer and wine.  I can’t recommend the other items had but can say that they have a good menu selection and in the future would like to try their Fettuccine (as I saw it on the line as we were leaving).  Chinook’s offers Happy Hour in the bar and on the patio and is a great value.  Fisherman’s Breakfast is served Saturday and Sunday mornings starting at 7:30 am.  All you can eat Fish ‘n Chips starts at 4 pm on Mondays.  Seating is taken on a walk-in basis.  Little Chinook’s is also located at Fishermen’s Terminal…take your fish and chips or other orders to go….  

Taqueria el Rincon – this is a taco truck but a taco truck at its best.  Located in the South Park neighborhood of Seattle (at the 76 gas station lot on 14th Ave S), you will find lines of those eager to get a taste of excellent Mexican cuisine.  We chose  Tacos @ $4.40 a plate…carne asada and spicy pork and finished off with a Mexican Coca-Cola (made with real sugar).  It did not  fail to satisfy.  I would like to try some of the other plates as well such as the authentic Sopas and Tortas.

All Things Wine – this isn’t exactly dining, but wanted to give it a mention.  Located in the Renton Highlands, visit All Things Wine for a great selection of wine and wine related gifts.  They have wine and beer tastings on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons should you want to try a new or old favorite.  Wayne is a great guy and will find you what you need if not in the store (visit anytime but Wayne can be found there mostly on evenings and weekends).  They just celebrated their 3rd Anniversary – Fort Walla Walla, Windy Point Vineyards, Robert Karl, Covington Cellars, Ironhorse Brewery, Three Skulls Brewery, Masset Winery and Barrister Winery were being poured.  http://www.allthingswineonline.com/article.espx?SHOW=12263  All Things Wine also has a wine club…sign up!

Vino at the Landing – located at The Landing in Renton… Vino at the Landing carries hard to find Northwest wines  in a variety of price ranges including California and international wines.  It is a wine bar that is also a wine shop.  Order your wine by the glass, by the flight, or bottles can be purchased from the wall and opened there for a corkage fee.  They offer outdoor dining during the summer, join their wine club, seating options include bar, restaurant style seating, or lounge near the cozy fireplace, free Wifi, Happy Hour Mon-Fri 3-6 p.m., artisan beer selections (by the bottle only), wine tastings on Friday evenings, live music on Saturday evenings and enjoy the work of the current featured artist (which can be purchased), Andrea Yajko.  The menu is a treat – flavorable and nicely presented… a cheese platter, paninis, flatbreads, wraps, salad, soup…much has been tried (over a number of stops) and I can actually say I crave it.  This is a nice gathering place.  http://www.vinoatthelanding.com/

See other postings this month for others…