Food & Drink

Dining in August…

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Mamma Melina Ristorante + Pizzeria – http://www.mammamelina.com/  Located a block or so north of University Village in Seattle on 25th Ave NE.  The contemporary atmosphere will most surely please.  Enjoy the relaxation of outdoor dining on their resort style patio… or dine-in.  The patio comes with padded lounge options and a water structure.  Mamma Melina’s offers a sampling of Neapolitan Pizza, house made pastas, Insalatone, Antipasti such as Formatti Italiana, Bruschette, and Piatto di prosciutto, fish and meat selections, and sandwiches.  We had the Vegetariano and Pollo Sandwiches which are accompanied by your choice of salad or fries.  We chose the salad as a side and both were nicely presented on a sleek rectangular white plate.  White wine is served in an ice bucket to keep it cool on a warm day.   Upon entering, I was impressed with how airy it was and then noticed the art hanging above…very cool – check out their website for photos and more detail.

Bison Creek Pizza & Pub – Located in Burien, WA, this rustic establishment has been serving South Seattle communities since 1975.  It resides in the old Burien Theatre building and can see the original projector holes above the antique 1890’s back bar.  On this night, the four of us split a large pizza and a calzone and Chicken Strippers (minus the pole and the bad dj…the menu reads) were ordered.  The pizza is loaded with toppings.  There are 16 varieties such as Rod’s Wrangler Roundup, Mama’s Margherita Pizza, The Greek Goddess, Ray Ray’s BBQ Chicken Special, The Stampede aka Heart Attack, Home on the Range, etc… OR you can build your own pizza.  We chose the Meathead Combo and it was indeed loaded.  The Plus:  not greasy and  the Minus:  sauce was a bit sweet/too much tomato flavor…would recommend more garlic and herbs.  I will say that there was a lot of meat (full size salami and Canadian bacon), a bit too much maybe…I think next time I would like to build my own pizza – the fresh tomatoes looked good.  The menu also boasts pasta, grinders, salads (there is a salad bar as well), burgers, and something sweet.  For you local fans that might like The Men’s Room Original Red…it is served here.  www.bisoncreekpizza.com

Farmers Markets of the Puget Sound

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Whether you are a local or visiting from afar, a Farmers Market is a place to experience community.  The Farmers Market is a great excuse to take a road trip.  Fresh and local quality fare can be found here…such as homemade pasta, seafood, sauces, jams and jellies, crafts, beautiful fresh flower arrangements, plants, and organic or local fruits and vegetables (what these markets are typically known for).  Or try a snack such as roasted corn on the cob, donuts, a hot dog from the local non-profit group, or maybe a dish on the ethnic side.  Many entertain with live music as well.

Most are open from late May/early June through October.  Some are open year-round.  Farmers Markets can be found on a country road, a big city, or anything in between.  Find a list of Farmers Markets in the Puget Sound area here:  http://www.pugetsoundfresh.org/farmers_markets.htm

Dining in July…

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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…

Mariners Baseball and Elysian Fields

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Although I have written of this before (see May 2010), I needed to add to it as the experience was again a good one.  Prior to the July 8th Seattle Mariners game vs. the New York Yankees, we had starters at Elysian Fields.  Recommendations:  1) Side:  French Fries 2) Starter: Oasis Plate – Hummus, Baba Ganouj, cucumber salad, grilled pita.  The cucumber salad is wonderful – nice chunks of tomato, feta cheese, cucumber.  So good I had to mention it.  3) Starter: Fried Goat Cheese – rosemary honey, red pepper coulis, grilled baguette – YUM!!!! It is also served with greens that has a delicious balsamic dressing.  Delectable!  4)  Men’s Room Original Red – and for the fans… it is being served in other establishments around the Puget Sound area and is now being bottled.

The weather was great for baseball in the summertime.  Did you ever hear that summer starts July 5th in the Seattle area?  It is true much of the time.  On this day, it was our hottest day yet…but still comfortable.  We were sitting behind right field where Nick Swisher was playing for the Yankees.  I am not a Yankee fan but am a Nick Swisher fan.  I was wearing my Oakland Athletics 33 Swisher t-shirt…I stood up and yelled…Hey Swish!  He looked, smiled, and tipped his hat…now that was cool!  It made my night.   A shout out must also be given to the staff at Safeco Field – my sunglasses of five years (purchased in NYC), fell from my purse and one of the clean-up crew actually turned them in to lost and found!  How great is that!

World Cup Madness

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The World Cup is a great time to get into soccer (or in many parts of the world…football).  The World Cup occurs every four years.  It is almost addictive on some levels.   I enjoy that the people and teams from around the world come together in one country to celebrate their love of the sport. 

Recently I watched the movie Invictus.  It is a great time of year to do it…a history lesson and hits home with the World Cup happening now. 

We have watched the Cup at a number of pubs in the Renton, WA area.  1)  Pickled Onion – this is in the Renton Highlands area as is your typical neighborhood, strip mall pub/tavern.  Their website says they are “the Eastside’s Only Authentic English Soccer Pub”.  They specialize in dart tournaments, have a pool table, pull-tabs and TVs to watch your favorite match.  I did question whether everything I touched was actually clean though.  We tried the Freedom Dip (roast beef, swiss, onions) and the Cod and Chips.  Below average I would say considering all was too fried or too toasted.  The beer selection was very good.  http://pickledonionpub.com/  2)  A Terrible Beauty – located downtown Renton, this Irish pub has changed hands/names a number of times but it looks like they might have it right this time.  We visited for St. Patrick’s Day and it drew quite a crowd.  And for the World Cup, a nice crowd showed to view the game and grab some Irish grub.  A Terrible Beauty is currently working on their website so there is no link to provide at this time.  Recommendations: 1) Bangers & Prawn Skewers (Sausage and Prawns on skewers served with mashed potatoes) and St. Killians Cheese Bites as starters…crispy fried wedges of Camembert cheese served with homemade Cumberland sauce 2) Houligan House Dip – roast beef, swiss, homemade ground mustard on a baguette served with ATB’s Guinness gravy dip  3) The Dubliner or Belfast Burger.  A gentleman next to us ordered The Reuben “soon to be famous” sandwich – now this is a huge sandwich (2-3x the size of the norm)…just a note.  There are many other items on this menu that I would like to try.  A Terrible Beauty is also open for weekend brunch from 9 am – 3 pm.  UPDATE 1/13/11 – Macaroni & Cheese and a Guinness Stew, a nice hearty dish for these cool nights!  It was trivia night on this night, which always draws a big crowd.  Join in the fun!

“Invictus” is a poem written by English poet William Ernest Henley in the 1800’s:

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

World Cup Final July 11, 2010 – Spain vs. Netherlands – Spain won in extra time 1-0

Dining in June…

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The Ram – Kent, WA and have visited University Village and Northgate locations (Seattle) as well.  There are locations in four other states.  http://www.theram.com/  The Kent location is located at Kent Station http://www.kentstation.com/ which includes a movie theater and shopping…so whether you make it your only reason for visiting or a stop before or after your outing…it makes your time there a good one.  We happened to see Iron Man 2 beforehand – and it gets a thumbs-up!  The RAM is a good place to view a sporting event, offers good quality food and a nice menu selection.  A favorite and common selection is Buttface Amber beer and Bacon Chedder burger.  The French Dip is also a good choice.   Ooohh…and we can’t forget the Bloody Mary, especially for game day (morning).  Join their MVP club for updates and promotions via email.

The Ram UPDATE 1/16/11 – Northgate location.   During this time of year, The Ram opens at 9 am for NFL playoffs and serves a breakfast menu.  We were there bright and early for the festivities; unfortunately the Seattle Seahawks lost to the Chicago Bears…two games away from the Superbowl.  This description was taken straight from the menu.. THE FABURGE, a masterpiece of burger d’art, named after the famed “Faburge” egg…features breakfast, lunch and dinner in every bite. Seasoned burger patty, topped with Wisconsin cheddar, sliced country ham, hickory smoked bacon, fried egg, fried onion crisps and mayonnaise 11.99 (note:  I did not have this selection but the comment was that it is GOOD…with enthusiasm :)).  Also, the Nachos Deluxe (beef) was served as well as the Full Blitz Skillet.  On this day, The Ram made a special Bloody Mary that came with a skewer of olives, onions, cheese, celery, and cherry tomatoes…and a snit of Blonde ale.

Joey Restaurant (two times this month) – locations in Canada and three in Washington State.  Suggestions include the BLT Wedge Salad (although I typically ask for it to be chopped), Joey Signature Fries, Cheesburger Sliders, and all else that has been tried http://joeyrestaurants.com/.  This is a good meeting place and you can typically find this a big hangout for the male persuasion…the women servers wearing black.  UPDATE 3/2011 – I wish I had ordered the burger or sliders on this date….  there were four of us and the partial winner was the Evil Chicken Chopped Salad.

Redhook Brewery/Forecaster’s Pub – Woodinville, WA – see “Sammamish River Trail” posting

Tacos Guaymas – see “Green Lake” posting

See “4 hours to Methow Valley” posting for various…

Sammamish River Trail

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Located on the “Eastside”, the Sammamish River Trail makes I-5 in Seattle look like a country road – just kidding… as we came upon an accident between two bicyclists.  This trail is enjoyed by cyclists, runners, walkers, commuters, rollerbladers, dog walkers, and families out for a day together.  It runs from Marymoor Park in Redmond along the Sammamish River into Bothell, and then picks up the Burke Gilman Trail which extends all the way to Seattle.  A friend and I are preparing for a half marathon and wanted to get some walk time in…so, 7.5 miles were walked with a stop at the Redhook Brewery afterwards for a fill up.   I was so focused on my walking that I forgot to take a picture.  There is much to do around the Sammamish River Trail…it is close to shopping, parks, wine tasting in Woodinville, as well as cultural activities.

http://www.kingcounty.gov/recreation/parks/trails/regionaltrailssystem/sammamishriver.aspx

Redhook Brewery and Forecaster’s Pub –  http://www.redhook.com/Default.aspx?p=41  Forecaster’s Pub is open daily and has a variety of brews on tap and a pub-style menu that will surely please…whether you choose the bratwurst, a sandwich, nachos, burger, or other (hint:  warm the bun).  An outdoor patio (when the weather allows)  makes this an essential summer stop.  Minors are welcome anytime except for after 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays when the patrons are entertained by live music (which I have heard is a bit too loud).   The brewery is known for a tasty and informative tour – 1 hour for $1.  On select Thursday evenings during the summer, cop a squat under the stars and enjoy a flick at the outdoor Moonlight cinema.  The movie starts at dusk.

Pizzeria Pulcinella…and other dining experiences in May

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May (as it is my birthday month) caters to going out more often.   And yes, I had others to share in the variety of selections noted below.  The #1 choice this month was Pizzeria Pulcinella in Seattle, WA (southend of Rainier Ave).  Great for a date night!  It has an ambiance and a feeling as if you are in a local pizzeria in Italy.  The centerpiece of the pizzeria is the Valoriani wood fire oven from Italy.  The oven design allows the pizza to be baked in about 90 seconds at a temperature of 800 -900 degrees, which is a key element of authentic Neapolitan pizza.  We enjoyed a caesar salad, the Vesuvio pizza, and cream puffs for dessert.  Bridgette J. has been our server on different occasions…and is wonderful!  Rated best wood-fired pizza in Seattle in Seattle Magazine’s 2009 Best Restaurants issue.  http://www.pulcinellapizza.com/index.htm 

An overview of some of the others:

The Pumphouse – http://www.pumphousebellevue.com/ Bellevue, WA.  A Bellevue landmark since 1978.  A great selection of brews, some of the best hamburgers around (in my opinion), and a great place to gather to watch your favorite sporting event.

Brix Wine Cafe – http://www.brixwinecafe.com/  Kirkland (Juanita area) WA.  Happy Hour is served daily throughout the entire cafe 4-6 pm and the last hour.  Good to meet up with friends or co-workers.  Sangria.  Parking is limited.  A variety was sampled:  Truffle Fries, Chipolte Hummus & Grilled Flatbread, Brix Mac & Cheese, Prosciutto & Arugula Flatbread Pizza, Pesto Chicken Flatbread Pizza.

Chandler’s Crabhouse – http://www.schwartzbros.com/chandlers.cfm  Located in Seattle on Lake Union.  Deck with views.  Generous Happy Hour 3:30 – 6:30 pm and 9-11 pm nightly…selections tried were the Brie Wedge, Tempura Prawns & Asparagus, Colorado Lamb Riblettes, Crab & Artichoke Dip, and the Sliced Sirloin Slider.  Good size bar area.  Ira the manager on duty and the staff are top notch.

Matt’s in the Market – http://www.mattsinthemarket.com/  Pike Place Market, Seattle.  A charming, intimate setting with views of Elliott Bay and the hustle and bustle of Pike Place Market below.  Although we were able to be seated upon arrival, reservations are recommended as this hotspot fills up quickly.  Lunch included Seared halibut fishwich with a cup of Seafood chowder, simple green salad (which includes bleu cheese, pumpkin seeds, roasted garlic dressing), chips & dip, and a custard style chocolate dessert.  This was my first time at Matt’s (after all these years in the Seattle area), and will definitely return.

The Red House – http://www.redhousebeerandwine.com/default.asp  Renton, WA.  Tapas are the specialty of this local establishment with an extensive selection of wine and beer for both in-house and retail purchase.  Wednesdays offer wine tasting and food from 6-8 pm for $20 per person with a different selection of wineries each week.

The Met Coffee & Wine Bar – http://www.themetwinebar.com/ Renton, WA.  Located in the heart of downtown Renton, WA, the Met Coffee and Wine Bar specializes in Northwest wines (plus a number of others thrown in) by the glass or bottle.  Constantly rotating specialty draft beer selections…so, stop in to see what is on tap this week!  The coffee is top notch in this Wi-Fi hotspot.   Relax in the large armchairs and sofa in front of the cozy fireplace or gather with friends at a number of tables (that promote gathering).  Sample some light fare and on Tuesdays during the summer/Renton Farmers Market, join Mike, the owner for a barbeque out on the patio.  Join the wine club!  Every Thursday, join the loyal following for wine tasting from 5-7 pm.  Cheers!