MsRamsey

That's West Coast gastronomy. A Southerner would have at least included pork. There's always next time!

It sounds refreshing and orange-y. Where does one purchase Velvet Falernum syrup online? And other hard-to-find spirits, for that matter?

I decided to call Ou(W)est. The person who answered was a man named Tim. I told him that I had read a press release, and asked whether there were any changes other than the name change. He assured me that Chef Hawksworth is absolutely still there. When I asked whether the menu was changing, he told me that Chef Hawksworth routinely changes his menu every 3 months. Instead of the previous tasting menus, there will now be two 5-course tasting menus and two 8-course tasting menus. In terms of the "look" of the restaurant, there has been some remodeling. (I've never been there, so I am only reporting what Tim had to say and cannot interpret it in a meaningful way.) The barrier that was apparently in the middle of the room has been taken down. The colors and the lighting have been dabbled with, creating what he described as "more movement."

No, that's from CARS.

Seattle progressive? That's rich. How about fighting for decent public transportation so that our air quality IN GENERAL isn't so lousy? Have you noticed the nasty brown haze hanging over everything since Monday?

Andrew Lloyd Weber.

I don't know how to post pictures -- sorry. Here's a guy with a typical Iowa tenderloin sandwich. I don't miss them much. http://www.ge-at.iastate.edu/courses/Geol_.../tenderloin.jpg

You'd get better service, sure. But the prices in Chicago and Seattle are within a few dollars of each other. As opposed to . . . ? Are you thinking exclusively of wine?

We'd love it, scout! I hope you can make it. Kathy

The place on Western is World Spice Herb & Teahouse. It's a great store, very close to the Spanish Table. You'll be bringing home more than salt if you visit World Spice.

Le Pichet is one my favorites (and my husband's #1 favorite). It fulfills the fun and funky you desire, as well as the price range. Here's one review (don't get too invested in any of the dishes mentioned; the menu changes frequently): http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/food/19421_rest20x.shtml You would need to make reservations a few days in advance, but I highly recommend it. Edit: Here's more info, with a sample menu and photos! http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/pacificnw...17/cover06.html

It isn't that I am not grateful for the information, but that's about the 500th rumor I've heard about the fate of the Kalakala. The whole restoration project has been horribly mismanaged since Peter Bevis brought the boat back from Alaska. If it ends up in California, restored and loved, great. It's become clear that it just ain't gonna happen here. But really, don't believe anything you hear about it being sold to California, to South America, to Portugal, etc., etc. Um, food related . . . I had some tasty hot dogs aboard the Kalakala! And beer!

I've got to mention this funny tidbit about Seattle Liquor Control. There is a Liquor Control dude here who goes into bars, gets completely shitfaced, and then cites the bar who served him. And I actually met this guy. My husband used to put in a lot of volunteer time on restoration of the Kalakala*, and we were there for a 4th of July bash. There were kegs of beer, and this guy boarded the boat, flashed his badge, and threatened the party-throwers with legal action. He was completely soused himself! I've mentioned this to people who have lived here for a long time, and some knew all about him. *Historic art deco ferry

Liquor and porn, all in one place! That's what's available in a state with sane laws! I'm always amused by the fancy schmancy liquor store in downtown Seattle. It has MOOD LIGHTING, fer chrissakes.

I'm shocked at the accolades for ANYTHING made by Pyramid, since most of their beer is swill. Guess I will have to buy ONE bottle and try it.

Or soda, or tonic, or juice, etc.

I ate there in November, and the bento box at lunch is 25 pounds (not 20). It's huge, delicious, and worth every penny. I had a small sake (can't remember the price) and a giant bottle of water (4 pounds, I think).

In case you wanted to stop and try the place, just know that Hans no longer owns the Arosa in Madison Park. He sold it to some other folks because he wanted to retire. Then he decided that he wasn't ready for retirement and opened the Arosa on First Hill. As for Subway, if you must, get a small, cheap veggie sandwich, but I don't think you'll like it. Squishy and low quality. It's my understanding that there are so many Subway stores because it's the cheapest franchise one can own.

The bread they serve at Tango is SOOO good! It has cornmeal in it. It has more of a cake-like texture than the more chewy, sourdough type one normally sees around here. Next time, I will ask where they get it. I also love the Sicilian flatbread from Macrina. It's heavy on the olive oil and rosemary. Kathy

Oh yeah, oops.

I'm not generally crazy about sandwiches. That said, I'll be a broken record and mention Salumi. There is a coffee place called Arosa on Madison (near where I work on Pill Hill) that has great panini sandwiches. The owner (Hans) also makes really good homemade waffles. They are made with yeast and allowed to rise before being grilled in the waffle iron. Yummy! I first tried his paninis last week, and they were grand. Also on First Hill (on Boren), Otis Cafe has pretty good panini sandwiches. I like Hans' sandwiches better, though. There is NOWHERE (unless you want to eat at McDonald's or Subway) to get a sandwich for under $6. Even Quizno's inedible horrors are really pricy.

Thank you!! And the poached eggs with foie gras sounds amazing! Will definitely try it soon.

So this is the one they now serve in the morning/daytime? Will you please describe the Oeufs Plats?

I have been to Le Pichet once for breakfast, but not for quite a while. I had baguette and pate. The pastries weren't listed on the menu, and from where I was sitting, I could not see the pastries (they were behind the bar ). When someone who knew something ordered a croissant or brioche or some such thing, I was bummed that I hadn't known they were available. The pastries looked great, but I don't know who makes them. A steady stream of people came through the door as I was sitting there. When told that there was no conventional breakfast menu (no egg dishes, for example), they promptly left. I think Le Pichet finally thought better of it and now has some sort of egg dish on the breakfast menu. I keep meaning to go back and try it. Care to join me?