BetsyinKY

Oooh! You all are making me really miss Seattle! I had a slice of the olive bread at the Dahlia Lounge, when I ate there earlier this month. It was wonderful. Also, Le Painier....the chocolate filled croissants.....beyond delicious! I have been missing them ever since I've been home! Betsy in KY (who will hopefully be in Seattle again in June!)

Re the mint julep discussion, I live in KY and I have never seen/heard anyone order a mint julep in a bar. Derby is about the only time you hear people talk about mint juleps, and for most people, one julep in their lifetime is enough! :) Betsy in KY

Ooh! Ooh! I vote for the Pelican Club! I really think it is very under-rated. The last time I ate there was last April, but it was wonderful. My parents both loved it, too, and one is a health nut and the other is a picky eater. Just my two cents worth! Betsy in KY

My family has been vacationing in Naples for over 20 years. Some of our favorites include: Tommy Bahama-3rd Street-It is a chain, but it is quite good. The food is Caribbean style and there is outdoor dining. Chops City Grill-5th Avenue-I had one of the best red snapper entrees ever the last time we ate here. Mangrove Cafe-5th Avenue-My parents especially love this restaurant. Bleu Provence-Crayton Cove area-French Kelly's Fish House-Ok...not the most outstanding culinary experience ever, but it has become a family tradition to eat here at least once per vacation. They have really great coleslaw and hushpuppies, and if you are in the mood for good fried seafood, this is the place. We haven't had a chance to eat at Roy's yet, in Bonita Beach, but I've heard nothing but raves about it. Yabba's on 5th Ave. also gets really good comments. Hope this helps a little! Betsy in KY

Wow! You guys are great! Thanks so much for the recommendations. I am sure I will be back with questions as I try to prepare an itinerary and I will definitely be back to post a report on the trip! Thanks again! Betsy

Ok, I am new to this forum, and I am sure that this question has been posed before. However, I am hoping that you all won't mind answering again to help a Southerner in distress! I am going to visit my cousin in Seattle in April. She recently moved there after college graduation, and hasn't had much time to really explore the Seattle food scene. She knows that I am an extremely anal trip planner, particularly when it comes to food, so she is counting on me to introduce her to some good restaurants. We are both adventurous eaters and are only picky when it comes to the quality of food, not the type. I will be there for lunch and dinner on four days. In terms of price, we would prefer to stay at or below the $25-$30 per entree range for dinners. What restaurants would you recommend? Thanks for any and all help! Betsy

I, too, have seen mixed reviews on NOLA. Two other dinner spots, just to throw them in the mix, are the Pelican Club, which I feel is one of the most underrated restaurants in New Orleans, and GW Fins, which is wonderful if you are a seafood eater who is not searching for battered and fried. For lunch, I'll second the recommendation of Port of Call, if you are in a burger mood. Their burgers are true hamburger bliss! Betsy