Food & Drink

Washington Wine Month

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March is Washington Wine Month!  If you missed the first festival of the month, the Poverty Bay Wine Festival in Des Moines, WA (one of my favorites), you will have other opportunities to partake in the festivities.  Other events this month are:

  • Walla Walla Wine @ Sodo Park – Monday, March 12th at Herban Feast http://wallawallawine.com/
  • Stop by your local wine shop for a tasting event – they’ll be able to tell you what you need to know about wine
  • Try a new varietal at a favorite restaurant
  • Taste Washington – Saturday, March 31st and Sunday, April 1st at CenturyLink Field Event Center  http://tastewashington.org/

Some events during the month are listed on various blogs, newsletters, and websites… like  http://www.washingtonwine.org/events/

Salty’s on Alki

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Salty’s on Alki Seafood Restaurant has been a Seattle go-to restaurant over the years…with awards aplenty.  I myself had not visited for 15-20 years, until recently.  The food was of high quality, service was exceptional, the decor was festive; and how about the view of the Seattle skyline across the water?

Salty’s on Alki is a fun place for happy hour.  The menu showcases “Be Happy Grub” and on this night, we ordered the Flatbread (Salmon) and Prime Rib Dip Slider – the Slider was liked but the Flatbread was a bit too “fishy”, although we were impressed by the size of the dish.   They also have a nice selection of signature cocktails and we really liked the Salty’s Salmon Amber draft beer – I’ll have to find out which brewery makes this for them. I need to give a shout-out to Scott, the manager helping out in the bar this evening.  Scott got us in and out of there in time for our event downstairs and made our short time there enjoyable. 

In the banquet room, as there was a large group of us, a variety was ordered.  An appetizer sampler was enjoyed – crab legs, calamari (good!), sushi, and coconut crusted white gulf prawns.  Our party ordered a bit of everything…Vancouver Island Clam Linguine (Uli’s Famous Andouille Sausage with Beecher’s Flagship Cheese – the Beecher’s cheese was delicious), Hearts of Romaine Caesar (nice flavor), B.L.T. Salad, Chef Trevor’s Cheesy Bacon Burger, Washington Dungeness Crab Mac & Cheese, Proscuitto-Wrapped Ling Cod, Salmon, and more.  Also, a game was played here this night – the staff was helpful and the needed equipment was provided.  All in all…a nice place for a special event, happy hour with friends, or to bring an out-of-town guest.

http://www.saltys.com/seattle/index.asp

February Eats

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Ciao!  Assaggio Ristorante is a breath of fresh air when it comes to hospitality and authentic Italian fare.  It is a great place for a table for two, a party of friends, or business associates.  A staple since 1993, Assaggio provides personal attention and a varied menu (from central and northern Italy).  A remembrance and a warm greeting was had by the executive chef, Mauro.  Check out the great blog at  http://www.assaggioseattle.com/  A shout out for Michelle at the bar is needed -she was welcoming and our server was knowledgable and more than accommodating.  Suggestions were made, substitutions were granted – I was able to choose half and half (two different pastas) on this evening.  A sampling of choices this evening were:

  • Gamberoni alla Griglia – Grilled prawns dipped in goat cheese
  • Bruschetta – the fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil – delicious!
  • Prosciutto con Arugula
  • Red wine from the award-winning wine list accompanied the meal
  • Cinghiale –  wild boar ragu
  • Vongole – Linguini with manila clams
  • Melanzane al Forno – Baked Eggplant
  • A special of the evening – Risotto with chantarelle mushrooms and duck
  • Osso Bucco
  • Pepperonata (made to order for the vegetarian of the bunch)

The bar is small so happy hour may not be on the agenda, depending on the evening.

Jazz Alley – Jazz Alley is a longtime Seattle favorite hosting quality food and entertainment.  Visits here have been many and no doubt, there will be more.  Come for dinner prior to the event or just show up for dessert and drinks.  Seating options are plenty.  On this night, celebrating a friend’s birthday, we saw Smooth Jazz Guitarist Peter White.  The drummer and the rest of the ensemble were fabulous!  Entertaining, a nice mix of styles, and worth the $28 ticket.  http://www.peterwhite.com/  Check out the calendar of events, parking info (complimentary), and sample menu at  http://www.jazzalley.com/  For reservations…online or make a phone call.  All in all, it always make for a nice evening out!

Munchbar – NOTE:  As of January 2012, Munchbar in Bellevue, WA is now closed. See June 2011 for an earlier mention.  Looking for the best veggie burger ever?  Munchbar has it.  The veggie burger is beautifully built using crispy onions, arugula, avocado, sundried tomato and black olive mayo.  Delicious!  Also tried this time around was the mini munch®* slider (melted cheddar, tomatoes, pickles, crispy onions, shredded romaine, “fancy sauce”).  I suggest ordering  it without the fancy sauce as it comes with personal sized ketchup (and mustard) bottles.  Again, loved the music played here.  And hey…there’s a Las Vegas location too.  http://www.munchgroup.com/bellevue/

Palomino –   Bellevue – Great lunch once again!  Check out my initial November 2010 post.  This time around, Dungeness Crab Sliders were on the menu – Yum!… and I can recommend the Turkey Panini as well.   http://palomino.com/

Exotic Wines Festival

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The 3rd annual Exotic Wines Festival took place at Teatro ZinZanni, Tuesday, February 21st, 2012.  As this evening was also Mardi Gras, there were attendees in costume and many of the wine reps were wearing masks, hats, beads…all which made it very festive!  And the location at Teatro ZinZanni was perfect! 25 Washington wineries poured some of their more unique wines using these exotic grapes.  These include Tempranillo, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Viognier, Mourvedre, and more.  I had the opportunity to try a number of these and my favorites came from Brian Carter Cellars, Five Star Cellars, Kerloo, and Pleasant Hill Cellars.  A special performance by the beautiful and fabulous Vita Radionova, with the use of hula hoops, was a special treat!  Also, the guests enjoyed getting their pictures taken with the sexy Manuela Horn.  So much fun!  Proceeds benefited the ZinZanni Institute for Circus Arts (ZICA).  http://dreams.zinzanni.org/

Sign up to get Seattle Uncorked’s newsletter for future events and information at http://www.seattleuncorked.com/

Bistro San Martin

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Bistro San Martin, this gem of a restaurant in Arlington, WA, is worth any amount of time and or money to get there.  They serve a fine dining menu that includes a fresh sheet with a nice variety of fresh, seasonal seafood, meat, and vegetarian options.  The incredible handcrafted sauces add to the flavorful and delicious creations cooked-up in the open kitchen by Chef Martin…an excellent one man show behind the grill.  Steve, personable and engaging, is the perfect front of the house host.

On the menu this evening, the following was thoroughly enjoyed:

  • Mushroom Puff Pastry – Local Mixed Mushrooms Sautéed with Garlic and Fresh Herbs in Brandy Cream Sauce
  • Gnudi Ravioli Potato Gnocchi – with Ricotta, Parmesan, Spinach, Garlic, Brown Butter and Tomato Cream Sauce
  • Cup of Seafood Bisque – crab, halibut, and shrimp
  • Jumbo Sea Scallops – Pan-Seared Fresh Jumbo Sea Scallops with Sambal-Tomato Beurre Blanc and  Mixed Herb Chimichurri (South American Pesto).  Served with Edamame & Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan & Seasonal Vegetable Medley
  • Roasted Duck – “Maple Leaf Farms” All Natural Roasted Half of Duckling with a Seasonal Fruit Sauce and Red Wine Reduction, Basmati and Wild Rice with Toasted Almonds, Parsley, Green Onions and Seasonal Vegetable Medley
  • Raspberry Champagne Sorbet
  • Bottle of Five Star Cellars Merlot

The decor is a comfy mediterranean mix that has a warmth.  The flower vases are made from antique silverware which I thought was clever and added a nice touch.

All-in-all, a definite gem in the “Seattle” food scene.  The restaurant is closed for three weeks in January, so make a plan for a visit in the near future.  Reservations are recommended.  An all-around fabulous meal and experience!  Be sure to put it on your “must-try” list for 2012!

http://www.bistrosanmartin.com/

Madrona… glassybaby, st. clouds

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glassybaby is where it all happens!  The Madrona studio showcases the art of glass blowing and the amazing creation of beautiful pieces of art.   glassybaby is located in Madrona, Bellevue, University Village, and New York City!  glassybabys can be purchased here.  Check out a road show too.  Maybe you want to rent a group of glassybabys for a special occasion?  We attended an event at glassybaby Madrona to benefit the Madrona Community Council…also sponsored by Leschi Market.  One thing you will want to note is that a number of glassybabys are designated to their own particular charity.  For example, if you purchase Wet Dog, a portion of the sales would go to the Humane Society.  There are others…  On the home page of their website,  check out “How to Light a glassybaby”… doesn’t it make you want one?  Under the goodwill section, ingest the message “As a company, we are determined to stay true to our mission, we are grateful to our community for sharing in our journey, remembering that as each of us moves through our own story, it is our own voice we must listen to, it is our light that must shine.”  http://www.glassybaby.com/home.aspx   All I can say is… So cool!

Afterwards, a stop was warranted … St. Clouds, who also offered up a number of snacks at the studio, also offers comforting foods, seasonal menus, subdued lighting and music to go with… The Beautiful Sunsets played this particular evening.  We stopped by for a light bite…Caramelized Onion/Grilled Fig and Goat  Cheese Bruschetta and Rusty’s New York Cheesecake with a half bottle of wine to top it off.  Another word for St. Clouds … Community.  View the Community section of their website for more information on the mission…charitable donations,  homeless cooking, putting people to work.  Check out all the inviting info at:  http://www.stclouds.com/

I will explore the Madrona neighborhood in more depth at a later date as the shops and other dining options are calling…. http://madronaseattle.com/

Din Tai Fung Dumpling House and others…

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Din Tai Fung Dumpling House, known for their world-renowned dumplings, has two North America locations… Los Angeles, CA and Bellevue, WA.  Watch the staff make the dumplings as you wait or as you pass by at Lincoln Square. If you were to pass by, most certainly come back!   I hesitated adding other “eats” to this post, as Din Tai Fung Dumpling House deserves its own!.

What’s on the menu?  Soups, steamed dumplings, steamed buns, noodles(made fresh in-house), wontons, fried noodles, fried rice, greens, dessert, and drink.  The Juicy Pork Dumplings (house specialty) and the Shrimp & Pork Shao Mai dumplings, are delicious!  10 pieces brought steaming hot to the table.  A nice addition is the Chicken Fried Noodle.  You will have much to choose from that will tempt your taste buds.  Try a pot of jasmine tea and/or a glass of Tsingtao beer, and you are all set!  Actually, I would have liked the Sauteed String Bean with Garlic dish or the Soy Noodle Salad, but those will have to wait till next time. http://www.dintaifungusa.com/

Dick’s Drive-Ins – Hello Seattlelites! Hello Puget Sounders! Hello Edmonds??? Dick’s Drive-In, a staple since the 1950’s brings good memories of the old and a new tradition for the young. Dick’s has opened its sixth and newest location in Edmonds, WA (actually on Hwy. 99 just north of 220th). Awards include ‘Best Cheap Eats’ and ‘Best Roadside Diner’ among others… Check out the Memories tab at http://www.dicksdrivein.com/ for nostalgia ….but most of all check out a Dick’s Deluxe… always a great eat.

Broiler Bay–  Onion rings to die for…really!  Lightly battered, the flavor of the onion shines through.  Located at the corner of 107th and Main Street in Bellevue, WA.  Try the Bacon Cheeseburger, and if you are watching your portions, the junior will be plenty (or just right).  Charbroiled 1/4 lb. burgers, chicken sandwiches, Philly Cheese Steak, among others (check out the menu).  Milkshakes are a favorite, with a host of flavors.  Been around since 1989.  Mom and Pop style.  Grease friendly.  Parking is limited.  Good prices.   http://broilerbay.com/

Also, I need to give a shout out to Chuck’s Donut Shop in Renton – located at 5335 NE 4th St in the Renton Highlands. I admit I am not a big donut fan, partaking in the delicious fried dough just here and there, but I must report that Chuck’s gets a big Yes! from me…  the icing is creamy and delicious! Open Monday – Saturday 3 am – 3 pm.

Up Next: A Diet

Lot No. 3

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Lot No. 3, located in downtown Bellevue on 106th, invites you to enjoy comforting foods, great service, and an atmosphere that oozes quality and strength.  Lot No. 3 is part of Heavy Restaurant Group, which also runs Purple Cafe and Barrio.   The lunch menu has a nice selection including combos, nicely plated sandwiches with sides, and great service – Brad was especially charming!  I can recommend the flavorful creamy tomato soup with the lot 3 chopped salad.  Also recommended is the corn & sausage chowder and the veggie sandwich.  Whether it be for lunch, a lazy afternoon stop,  a lively happy hour, dinner or that late night out, you should be pleased with the overall experience.  A favorite for me was the enchanting brick wall.   Have you seen the menu yet?  Comforting choices abound.  Looking for a little entertainment? check out their blog.   As for my evening out list – Lot No. 3 is on it!  Enjoy! http://www.lotno3.com/

John Howie Steak

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Are you looking for an enchanting dining experience?  Try John Howie Steak at the Bravern in Bellevue, WA.  Whether it be for lunch or dinner, you will experience inviting ambiance, delicious food and exceptional service.  On this evening, Ira did it up well.   This restaurant makes for a great date, a business lunch/dinner, an evening out with friends or a special event with family.  The menu invites you to “comfort” sides, an appetizing selection of starters, including the Almond Crusted Sea Scallops, and prime custom-aged steaks.  In fact, I have to say that I liked so many of the menu options that I’ll have to go back…soon!  I had a melt in your mouth 8 oz. Filet Mignon and the Iceberg Wedge salad.  The salad is innovative in that it included Cerignola black olives, Kurobuta bacon, grape tomatoes, DuChilly hazelnuts, Rogue River Blue Cheese, and crispy shallots.  Also recommended (or so I was told) is the New York Strip French Onion style and the Dungeness Crab and Shrimp Chowder.  To view the tempting selections, check out the Fresh Sheet and full menu at  http://www.johnhowiesteak.com/

Suncadia Resort

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Suncadia Resort sits just over the Cascade Mountains, 80 miles east of Seattle in the Cle Elum/Roslyn area.  Need a day away?  This just might be it.  On this weekend in October, the 6th annual Suncadia Harvest Festival is a buzz. 

The history in this area abounds.  It  housed the hunting and fishing grounds of the Yakama First Nations people as well as to the former Coal Mine Number 9.  Suncadia has included remnants of the coal mines.

The Suncadia Harvest Festival offers the little tikes a fun time…a straw maze, pumpkin patch, pony rides, and more.  There are arts and crafts, brews and brats, musical entertainment, and mechanical bull and bouncy houses.

Dine – Hoist House Restaurant – an energetic vibe exists, sit indoors or when the weather permits, enjoy the views and fire pits on the patio.  Fifty 6 degrees – located in the Lodge, enjoy a ballgame, happy hour, Wine Flight Wednesday, Prime Rib night or an afternoon of hangin’ out in the afternoon.  Portals, located in the Lodge – a nice selection and beautiful views makes for a nice lunch out with a friend, family, a date with a special someone, or a corporate dinner.  A friend and I enjoyed our time at Portals – great service and menu selection.  The menu changes seasonally.  There are more options…check out the dining section on their website.

Swiftwater Cellars  – When you visit, you’ll see the varied and appetizing menu at The Hoist House and visit The Boutique at Swiftwater.  Enjoy the wine tasting, $10 for their second label, No.9 and for $14, try a flight of the Pick Axe line-up.  The Rope Rider Golf Course is now open!  The pro shop is located here too.  Live music on Friday and Saturday evenings and happy hour is served up from 3-6 pm on weekdays.  http://www.swiftwatercellars.com/

Stay – The Lodge at Suncadia.  Enjoy the Glade Spring Spa.  Rent a vacation home.  Purchase a condo or home.   If you have a wedding or corporate event, reserve The Inn at Suncadia.  Beautiful views and a rustic elegance interior invites…I happen to feel right at home here.

Recreation – A swim and fitness center, motorized scooter rentals, ATV tours, bike rentals, boat rentals, hiking, geo caching, a bike scavenger hunt, golf (Prospector, Tumble Creek, Rope Rider), fly fishing, horseback riding, CampCadia for those 4-12 yrs. of age, and more.  Depending on the season, there is plenty of fun to keep you busy, or relaxed.  In the winter, enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, skiing, a rope tow tubing hill, snowmobile tours, winter fly fishing…now this all sounds really fun!

My favorite part of their marketing is “Four seasons of fun” http://www.suncadiaresort.com/