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rockdoggydog

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Posts posted by rockdoggydog

  1. Elemental is fine if you're okay having no control at all, Phred is well, he's unique but his wife makes killer food.

    Macrina is good, worth getting up early for, that's debatable. I'd probably spend more time in the Market. Second Matt's.

    Sitka and Spruce and Joule are both great, though if you have a car and want consider Corson Building if Sitka and Spruce are on your radar.

    Food at Zig Zag is not their strong suit, if you also want food go to Spur for late night food and drinks and then head over to Bathtub Gin Co. But Zig Zag is fantastic for drinks. I'd probably go there first then hit Spur and then Bathtub Gin, and if you are really ambitious, head over to Rob Roy or head up to Vessel.

    Rover's brunch is fantastic, sleep is for later. Delancey would definitely be a much better choice for pizza. Poppy would be a great choice for happy hour, then go across the street to Olivar for a few small plates. Quinn's has slid recently as there has been complete turnover in the kitchen, they're still doing good stuff, but not as good as it used to be. I would recommend Anchovies and Olives, same chef/owner as How to Cook a Wolf and much easier to get into. Drinks at Tavern Law, especially upstairs, Barrio is also worth checking out for a drink. If you are running ahead of schedule, check out Liberty, farther north on 15th, for more drinks.

    Rocky

  2. Where are you coming from? There is a huge difference actually in which liquor store you go to. What items are you looking for and when are you going? I need to go look for booze this week anyways so I may be able to meet you and show you a few different stores. There are three in close proximity in Seattle that are a cut above the rest, U-Village, 12th Ave on Capitol Hill, and the 4th ave store, but they just moved and may or may not have everything up yet.

    Rocky

  3. I really liked ten01, but you can also pop in to the bar for some bar food and the cocktails are stellar. I would add Screen Door to the breakfast list for Portland and I woudl suggest Beast for diner.

    In Seattle Beth's and Coastal are missable. Beth's a fun and goo dgreasy spoon but there's nothing special about it. Coastal Kitchen is meh, it's not bad and it's popular, but it's not exciting at all. Kingfish Cafe, Monsoon, Rover's and Steelhead Diner would probably be my recs for breakfast/brunch. What are your dinner lineups for Seattle?

    Where will you be staying?

    Rocky

  4. all sounds good, still trying to find out the apps menu, will likely be a few days, then we can narrow the selection a bit..

    a cassis and Aligote question...

    a. how do i look for Aligote? will it be labeled as such? my familiarity with french wines is they dont state the varietal (which i assume Aligote is) on the bottle....can you hint me something to look for...??

    as for the cassis..so far all i find is Cassis de dijon and some garbage (i assume) Hiram Walker stuff...anyone know what is available to me in connecticut? or other brands other than Giffard to look for....

    and whats the difference between Creme de Cassis and "blackcurrent liqueur"? (i can get matilde brand here...

    shanty (scott)

    Sorry, I just suggested Giffard's Cassis because I like it and it's what I use. I've never tried the Mathilde liqueur, but I imagine it would work well--creme de cassis and blackcurrant liqueur are one and the same as far as I know. Also, most cremes de cassis that declare their origin, such as Dijon, will likely be pretty good.

    I'm usually a fan of the Briottet stuff.

    Rocky

  5. Instead of Zoe, I would go to their newer restaurant, Quinn's. I still love Union, but Anchovies and Olives is fresh and new. I would probably take Etta's off the list and swap in either Art of the Table or Boat St Cafe or Olivar. The Georgian is fine, not exciting by any means, but solid. If I were to go some place in the Fairmont Olympic it would actually be Shuckers during happy hour for oysters. Unlike many other oyster haooy hours all of their oysters are available at happy hour prices instead of a select few. While you're here, do try some Shigoku oysters though, they are absolutely fabulous. Spur is also a great choice especially to pop in for a bite and a drink before heading off to another place.

    Rocky

  6. No one mentioned Salumi?

    If you want Vietnamese, I would suggest Green Leaf over Tamarind Tree. New World Seafood next door to Seven Stars Pepper offers better dim sum. Honestly though, if you're heading to Vancouver get your Chinese food there, not here in Seattle. We suck in comparison. Seafood at lunch is well, look, dinner is the best time for seafood here I think. But Matt's in the Market or Market Grill are probably your best options. Curious about the Pike Place option? Check this out.

    Rocky

  7. From a press release I received this morning:

    Joint Venture for Linda Derschang and Chef Ericka Burke

    Oddfellows cafe & bar to Open on Capitol Hill

    SEATTLE, November 6, 2008 – Newly renovated, the historic 1908 Oddfellows Building on Capitol Hill will be home to a joint venture between well-known restaurateur/bar maven, Linda Derschang and chef Ericka Burke of the beloved Volunteer Park Cafe.  Slated to open mid-December, Oddfellows cafe & bar will be the quintessential neighborhood hangout in this booming urban area known as the Pike Pine Triangle.

    “I’ve had a strong attachment to the Pike/Pine neighborhood for over 15 years,” says Derschang. “I really felt that a cafe like Oddfellows is what the neighborhood was missing.”

    “The goal is to create a place where people feel comfortable,” says Burke.  “Where they feel like they are part of this vibrant community.”

    “A home away from home,” says Derschang, “that’s the ultimate goal.”

    Oddfellows cafe & bar will occupy the ground floor space at 1525 10th Avenue between Pike and Pine.  This 2500 square foot space boasts 18-foot coffered ceilings, well-worn dance studio floors, exposed brick walls, an enclosed patio, and large east-facing windows that open to the street. 

    “The enclosed patio was a great surprise,” says Burke, “with brick walls climbing up a few stories, it’s very urban, very New York.”

    “And we’re going to make it super charming,” says Derschang, “string some little white lights, have lots of candles, get some heaters for the cold months.  It’ll be totally enchanting.”

    Dovetail General Contractors, who specializes in renovations, is doing the build out of the space and keeping much of the early 1900s charm intact. Derschang and Burke are collaborating on the design aspect, along with Sterling Voss of Atlas Woodworking.  The interior will feature vintage industrial lights, salvaged wood shelves, a marble topped bar, vintage bar stools, farmhouse tables and benches, church pews salvaged from St. Joseph on Capitol Hill, and an open kitchen.

    When asked about her signature taxidermy, so prominent in her other venues, Derschage says that she doesn’t think Oddfellows will have any, but you never know.

    Oddfellows cafe & bar will be open daily from 7am to 12am, and until 2am on Friday and Saturday.  Following the successful model of Volunteer Park Cafe, this 80-plus seat cafe will offer a selection of housemade pastries and a light breakfast menu in the mornings that includes a Bacon Cheddar Scone with Green Onion ($2.50), Peach Muffin with Streusel Topping ($2.50), Hammers, a Swiss Cheese Scone with a Ham Center ($2.75), Homemade Oatmeal with Brown Sugar & Cream ($5), a Breakfast Panini, Poached Eggs, Bacon, Tomato, Smoked Cheddar, & Gruyere ($7), Mascarpone & Pear stuffed Brioche French Toast ($8), and a Dutch Oven Frittata & Salad ($6). 

    Beginning at 11am and available until closing, the cafe will offer a selection of sandwiches and hearty salads that can be ordered at the counter to eat in-house or grabbed to go. Look for items like, a Three Cheese & Onion Jam Panini ($6), a Braised Pulled Pork Sandwich ($8), French Dip Sandwich, Roast Beef with Horseradish & Au Jus ($9), a PB & J Panini ($5), Chicken Panzanella with Arugula, Bacon, Avocado, Tomato & Blue Cheese ($9), Roasted Beets & Apple with Chevre, Hazelnuts & Greens ($8), and Baby Spinach with Faro, Roasted Winter Squash, Garbanzo Bean & Tahini Dressing ($8).

    Table service will begin at 5pm and include a seasonal menu of simple, rustic dishes and daily specials such as, a Cheese Plate with Nuts, Fruit & Crostini ($10), Pate with Crostini ($8), The Cutting Board, Cured Meats with Mustard ($12), Mac & Cheese ($5), Crispy Pork Nuggets ($5), Braised Pork Shank with French Lentils & Creamed Cabbage ($15), Steak with Blue Cheese, Braised Onion & Arugula ($14), Beef Stew ($12), and Rotisserie Chicken ($14). 

    “The idea is to offer the growing neighborhood a place they can hang out, day and night,” says Derschang.  “Come in for coffee and a pastry in the morning, swing by to grab a rotisserie chicken and a bottle of wine to take home, meet friends for a late afternoon snack, cocktails at the bar before a show, a romantic dinner, whatever.”

    “And the food will be a great value, delicious, comforting,” says Burke.  “Very important in this uncertain economic time.”

    Oddfellows will have a full bar that highlights scratch cocktails inspired by the classics. They will have a vast selection of mostly European beers both in the bottle and on tap, as well as a few microbrew and domestic options.  An eclectic collection of moderately priced old and new world wines will be available to enjoy in-house or to go.

    Within the cafe there will be an espresso counter that serves Stumptown coffee and espresso, and a bakery case filled with a rotating selection of sweets created by Heather Earnhardt of the Volunteer Park Cafe.  Look for items like, Butterscotch Oaties ($1.75), Chocolate Whopper Cookies ($1.75), Apple Jack Cupcakes ($3.50), and Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes ($3.50).  There will also be a small candy counter stocked with old-school candy.  Oddfellows will take reservations for parties of six or more.  More information will be available soon at www.oddfellowscafe.com.

    Linda Derschang has always been a little ahead of her time, a pioneer of sorts. Her sense of style and design aesthetic uniquely played out in each one of her ventures over the past 15 years.  Whether nightclub, bar, or restaurant, each venue sets a tone, inspires a mood, and gives the city exactly what it didn’t know it’s been missing. Currently, Derschang owns four establishments in Seattle, Linda’s Tavern, Viceroy, King’s Hardware, and Smith.

    Located among the elegant homes of Seattle’s North Capitol Hill, chef Ericka Burke’s Volunteer Park Cafe (VPC) is the ideal neighborhood-meeting place.  With mismatched vintage chairs, throw pillows tossed along banquets, and a communal table running the length of the inviting sunlit room - it’s the perfect place to spend time. The food is delicious home-style goodness, house made pastries, savory and sweet, and a selection of fresh salads, soups, and sandwiches provide daytime provisions ordered from friendly faces behind the counter. As the light dims and the candles are lit, table service begins and guests cozy in for rustic pizzas and ever-changing seasonal offerings like Braised Short Ribs, the ever-popular Pot of Gold (roasted baby pumpkin filled with fontina polenta, roasted mushrooms & a creamy rosemary sauce), or the heavenly Daily Pot Pie. VPC offers a generous selection of boutique wines by the glass and bottles of wine can be enjoyed at the cafe or taken to go. VPC is open Tuesday – Friday from 7am – 4:30pm, weekends from 8am – 4:30pm, and dinner is served Tuesday – Saturday from 5:30pm – 9pm. For more information, call (206) 328-3155 or visit www.alwaysfreshgoodness.com.

    Volunteer Park Cafe is located at 1501 17th Avenue East (at Galer) in Seattle, Washington.

  8. Murray works Tuesday through Friday at Zig Zag, though everyone there is a great bartender and you won't disappointed in the least. You should also consider as many of the following as possible:

    Vessel - next door to 5th Ave Theater

    Liberty Bar - on Capitol Hill

    Union - Friday, Saturday, or Sunday when Keith Waldbauer is behind the bar

    Can Can - go late if you're going to go Friday or Saturday, Sunday is a good day

    Sun Liquor - also on Capitol Hill

    Spur Gastropub - Belltown

    Hazelwood - Ballard

    Sambar - attached to Le Gourmand on the border between Phinney Ridge and Ballard

    Tini Bigs - Monday-Wednesday Jamie Boudreau is there tending bar

    These are all definitely more than worth checking out, and besides Zig Zag some are also on par with Death and Co, PDT, and Pegu. The others are not far behind.

    Rocky

  9. Sounds fun! I would probably include the (Fresh) shrimp spring rolls from either Tamarind Tree or Green Leaf, the ones with the crunchy center. You can order them to go. They are my favorite thing to eat in this whole city, I think. Oysters in the bar at Elliot's, especially during happy hour when they are cheap, would be a good addition too. In the bar there's no problem with a quick bite though on busy summer days it can take a while to get your oystes.

    I personally don't think Molly Moon's is worth going out of my way for but I'm assuming you've been and like it.

    For happy hour oysters I would actually suggest Shucker's in the Fairmont Olympic.

    Rocky

  10. You may want to have a look here. It may be of some help. As far as dumplings go I would add Fu Man in Shoreline, Tacos Asadero on Rainier, Carniceria El Paisano in White Center for tamales and chicharron de carne, Banh Mi at Saigon Deli, Rueben from I Love NY Deli, spring rolls to go from Green Leaf, fried chicken sandwich from Grubz Grill, pretty much anything from Gordo's on Shilshole; grab it and head down to the beach, roast pork sandwich from Boat St Kitchen, Spam Musubi from Hawaiian BBQ, chicharron if they have it from Inay's. I'm assuming that the place with dumplings that you're thinking of on the Ave is Mandarin Chef, across the street is Jack's Tapas, get a scallion pancake - and get just one, it will feed several people, and the lamb and scallion stir fry. Oh and taste and compare the BBQ ork and roast pork between King's BBQ and Kau Kau in the ID. Would you be willing to go to late night lengths?

    Rocky

  11. I'll be spending some time in Portland later this week.  One of my favorite cities, period.  On Friday afternoon, I'll be driving out to the coast.  We'll be staying in Seaside, and plan on just trying to relax, enjoy some scenery, hiking.  I've read that Mo's has the best clam chowder?  Not sure if this is tourist fodder or if its really something to go after?  Also, just looking for opinions on dining options in the general area - in general, good food, representative of the locale is really what appeals to me.  Also, if there happens to be a place you know to get some great sandwiches or other picnic fare, I'd be up for hearing about that as well!

    Yeah, kind of vague, but since I haven't spent any time there, I'm just trying to get a feeler...

    Thanks in advance!

    Tourist crap!

    Rocky

  12. I think the flip side of the argument can be stated that if you walk into a bar and start scanning what's up on the shelves you take a certain comfort in spotting certain bottles. If the bar is either taking the time to go find certain liquors or paying for certain bottles then you feel a little bit better. I'm not talking about Hendrick's or Junipero - though at least that means I can get a decent G&T, but maybe some Vya down in the well, or a bottle of VEP or Sazerac. It's not a guarantee that a place is taking the whole thing seriously, but it's hope.

    Rocky

  13. Are you someone who doesn't mind hopping around for starters and a drink somewhere, then moving on to another venue for coffee and dessert?

    Some highlights from my trip included:

    -Monsoon (dinner or dim sum brunch)

    -Kingfish Cafe (brunch)

    -Lark (anything... just go. The plates are small so you can go as heavy as you want)

    -Veil (I loved the foie gras with pb & j and the salted peanut butter ice cream)

    At the Pike Place Market:

    -Matt’s in the Market for lunch-- a must.

    -The Crumpet Shop for tea and crumpets

    -DiLaurenti for Salumi meats if you have a craving and Salumi is closed

    -City Fish for smoked sturgeon, smoked sable and smoked Chilean sea bass to eat as a snack or on a picnic.

    -Uli’s for sausages.

    If you happen to pass by, grab a warm glazed cake doughnut at Top Pot Doughnuts, but make a special trip for one of the wonderful sticky buns from from Belle’s Buns. They're incredibly special.

    I have heard many times that the cubano at Paseo is amazing, so if you make it there you will have to report back with all the delicious details...

    If you like cocktails:

    -Early evening: Union.

    -Late evening: Palace Kitchen

    -Late-late: Zig Zag. Not to be missed.

    On your way back from Salumi, hit up Grand Central Bakery for coffee and a big slice of pear polenta pound cake.

    Finally, swing  by Chefshop for the best olive oils, vinegars and some RJ’s licorice.

    For cocktails you should add Vessel to the list.

    Rocky

  14. Tried out Whym the other night at about three in the morning after a bachelor party and really needing something in my belly.

    A beacon in the dark

    2721828604_58c5b4186f_b.jpg

    The space is vastly different from when it was Minnie's, most notably it's clean and not sticky! I guess it helps to close for two hours a day to clean. It also seems little smaller than it was. There were about four other tables occupied when we got there.

    2721007583_762fcb60c6.jpg

    2721004885_2617f28029.jpg

    The Menu

    2721838100_cf1690b7d8_b.jpg

    2721010085_f6f8a60b70_b.jpg

    Farmer's Breakfast

    2721016505_ce0a96ca71_b.jpg

    CFS - that's actually a slice of round steak under there, not a patty, good creamy gravy.

    2721016505_ce0a96ca71_b.jpg

    Beignets - uhm they're a bit chewy for beignets, but still fried dough and sugar so it's till good, just not a beignet. Sorry, I'm being really picky about this after eating a week of beignets in NOLA.

    2721844034_955dbf14fb.jpg

    Overall the food is good and well prepared, the prices are fair, and the service is amazing considering the time of night and where it is. Whym - stupid name not withstanding, is a welcome replacement for Minnie's and will definitely go into my rotation of late night places, hell I'd go there during the day.

    Rocky

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