Afishnado

Mayhaw Man, Where did you find pecan wood? And what is "evoo"? Afishnado

Wow, thank you people!

Yeah Schilke, bug your buddy for the line-out-the-door place!

Wow, can you post a few old marzipan recipes? Thanks!

Besides Ikea, does anyone know where to get good marzipan treats?

"I recall somebody recently extolling the virtues of the buffet at the Indian place near Chuck-E-Cheese and 148th in Bellevue. I need to check that one out." Schielke, that Indian buffet on 148th is right behind Wherehouse Records, in the same parking lot but just north of Fred Meyer. But I can't remember the name of it - something cafe... I gotta say that, despite my love of Spirit of India in Renton, the above buffet is truly the king of Indian buffets. I say this from the experience of maybe 10 or more Indian buffets in Seattle (& surrounding). They've got like 50 items, many good. The lamb's done 2 ways, & they've even got soups. Unlike the typical $5.95 most places charge, the above is a little pricier at like $7.95 for lunch, but it's truly the best one around. Afishnado

"I also wish Ezell's (or someplace even better, would open in the U-District or Ballard." There was an Ezell's on University Ave about 10 years ago, but they closed for whatever reason. There was another one in White Center, but it also closed, darn it... I'll tell you what I miss, food-wise, in Seattle: Good deli & kosher delights... Growing up in L.A., there was hot pastrami on good rye at a moment's notice. Here, despite a healthy Jewish population of many L.A. and NY transplants, there's a dearth of tasty eating!

You know, one restaurant that completely slipped my agile mind is Coastal Kitchen, on Capitol Hill. They've got a revolving menu so it keeps it interesting, but I can safely vouch for the smoked salmon, caper & cream cheese omelet. Another restaurant a friend of mine just opened is Crave, on 12th. It's in a small, funky space & the help can be a little sketchy, but the stuffed french toast is wonderful.

Yes, I know... In a health-conscious, weight-watching, Atkins-eating society it's pert near a faux pas to extoll the virtues of buffets. Fact is, many of them are crap. I'd set my tongue on fire before I'd step into an Old Country Buffet. But there's a whole breed of restaurants out there competing for your gustatorial greediness, and some of them are pretty good! Here's a forum for comments re your flavorite buffet(s); a place to pay homage to the never-ending plate. If you can add links & talk about which items you like/dislike most, please do. I'll start: Favorite Indian Buffet: Spirit of India, (website unknown) 307 NE 3rd St, Renton. I love their Lamb Korma (nuts, dried fruits, delectable!) and that they bring fresh hot naan to your table. It's also the only "halal" (Islamic Kosher) Indian restaurant on the Eastside as far as I know. Tag, you're it... Afishnado

I was under the impression that the 5 Spot was owned by the same family that owns the Mecca on Queen Anne? I don't know about the 5 Spot for breakfast, but it's tasty for lunch, and Zeke's Pizza's next door if you're still hungry!

I've got a suggestion for BBQ if you want to drive to the eastside: Bill's Bodacious BBQ on NE 3rd in the Renton Highlands (just west of Union). It's not much of a party place, atmosphere-wise, but he makes a fine & tender rib with a few of his own fine sauces. Seattle-wise, I'm pretty fond of General's BBQ on Madison & Jone's BBQ on MLK. Afishnado

Hi, I've been doing a little research on the question of getting farm fresh meat & produce in Seattle (& points beyond). Here's what I've come up with. Seattle Tilth put out this listing of local veggy, fruit & egg producers: http://seattletilth.org/activities/2004CSADirectory.htm Fresh wasabi! http://www.wasabifarm.com/ Fresh Beef! http://skagitriveranch.com/Skagit_River_Ranch.htm I would also be willing to go in on a pig or lamb with someone. Email me. Alan

I'm pretty fond of Beth's Cafe myself, when I'm in the neighborhood. The hash browns are refillable, and the omelets can be shared. It's the place you go to when it's 3 am, for some bizarre reason you're on Aurora, and you need grub. Another place I forgot about, but it's out of the way for me (I'm in Renton) is Mr. Bill's Restaurant on 130th & Aurora. Portions are HUGE and cheap. The pancakes are good, as are the bisqcuits & gravy. It's a 50's theme though that can get tiring, but the breakfasts are good & they've got a smoking/non-smoking section. One more place that's out of the way, personally, but is great is the Mecca Cafe on Queen Anne, just below Roy. It's the oldest family-owned restaurant in Seattle (same owners as the 5 Spot) and makes a pretty mean breakfast.

I've kinda compiled a list of all Indian buffets in the Pacific Northwest, as they all have something to offer (or not!). My absolute favorite Indian buffet by far is Spirit of India, in downtown Renton Washington. They often have lamb on the buffet, and they bring fresh hot naan to your table! http://spiritofindia.com/

Growing up in L.A., there's this fantastic breakfast (though all meals are served there) called the Pantry, at 9th & Figueroa downtown. The place's been open 24/7 since like the '20s. Your breakfast includes perfectly crunchy exterior semi-soft interior screaming hot homefries and thick grilled sourdough slab-like slices, not to mention the endless coffee.... The bisquits & gravy from scratch.... mmmmm.... I'm seeking such a place on the Eastside or Renton. Any suggestions?