It’s that time again, Dine Around Seattle is here for the month of March.  Check out my November post for more details on this bi-annual event.   http://www.dinearoundseattle.org/ There will likely be a number of visits this month…

1.  Barrio — Bellevue, WA  (also located on Capitol Hill).  Barrio is part of Dine Around Seattle this month but, instead we enjoyed Happy Hour.  Negra Modelo on tap.   This night, we started out with Guacamole Made to Order served with chips and salsa.  My friend made mention that she could eat it with a spoon.  I can say that it is not as good as my husband’s, but a nice starter.  Highly recommended is the Tina del Pollo taco – chipolte braised pulled chicken, escabeche slaw, avocado salsa and cotija cheese.  Really great flavor!  I think the slaw is what really made it.  Also, the Pork Loin al Pastor taco is delicious – caramelized pineapple, shaved red onion and cilantro.  Barrio in Bellevue shares a hallway with its sister restaurant, Purple Cafe, part of the Heavy Restaurant Group Concept.   http://www.thepurplecafe.com/barrio/downtown-bellevue.html

2.  Chez Shea —  Chez Shea is located at Pike Place Market…the building across the bricked drive overlooking the Pike Place Market sign.  http://www.chezshea.com/ This is the first time I have visited Chez Shea and that is a surprise considering it has been around since the 80’s (or so I was told).  I am happy that I was able to experience it as the ambiance was lovely…even when the noise level rises.  It has been voted “the most romantic” as well.  I really liked the metal sliding door, the artwork, and rustic chandeliers.  The service was good (the door hostess…fabulous!) and a nice menu selection was offered.  The party agreed on the following:

1. Roasted Beet Salad and Lobster Bisque – good
2. Pan Seared Alaskan Halibut Cheeks and Strip Loin Steak (really nice sauce) – both delicious!
3. Asparagus Risotto – definitely skip it – it is mush!
4. Pineapple Basil Sorbet – refreshing…and Chocolate Mousse Cake – yummy (I was told…great presentation…one blackberry and one blueberry sitting on top)

Overall, a pleasant experience…and really good choice.

3. Not at all part of Dine Around Seattle but wanted to make mention of Tap House Grill in Bellevue, WA – a wonderful House-Made Hummus… with toasted pine nuts, olive tapenade, broiled tomato salad, and flatbread

and Elysian Fields – I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again – Hamburger with Truffle Fries…excellent!

and Jimmy’s on First – located on First Ave. South across from Safeco Field (and Qwest Events Center), breakfast has been had here (2x) as we just missed the start of the lunch menu.  The portions are quite large.  Service is good (especially by Jackie!).   The party ordered Brioche French Toast, Jimmy’s Breakfast, Great Northwest Breakfast, and the Ham & Cheese Omelet.  I especially liked the potatoes which included a salt rub. The eggs were cooked just right.  The OJ was a bit different…maybe grapefruit was added?  The bacon…yummy!  Come hungry!   http://www.jimmysonfirst.com/