tsquare

Belle Epicurean opened this week - 1206 4th Ave (Olympic Hotel). Coffee and pastry - "Belle's Buns" and more. These are some mighty rich treats. Also, the annual holiday store at the carousel in Westlake Park is a NY Cupcake Store. Annual in that there always seems to be an empty storefront filled by a short-lived enterprise. It's down the row from See's.

Glad your trip was a success - I can't believe this place is still there - though I would be sad to hear it wasn't. I stayed there some 30+ years ago and thought it was so special. As I recall, our rooms were on the low side, near the river, and had a dorm like or servants quarters feel to them, but we were so happy to stay there anyway.

You are a brave group. I hope there was a reward for the tasters. Maybe a Jagger shot!

I second savory bread pudding. Also called strata. A local place makes them in muffin size pannetone wrappers. You can buy them at the airport too. Macrina Bakery and Cafe, Seattle, makes cream biscuits with black forest ham and romano cheese. I detour for these every now and then. They are fabulous - and in the cookbook.

Hmm, pretty difficult to imagine getting up to the 5:30 a.m. alarm!

I think Dick's is a safe bet - and easy to get to

JH Carr - I think they moved to Kent - has 'em, but probably no retail. Builder's Hardware? Ikea?

Does this happen to be the place where the chef from Axis went - Alvin Binuya (previously at Ponti)? Ah, yes: link to website Don't miss having dessert if you go!

Had a lovely puree of root vegetables at Matt's in the Market today. It had swordfish on top, but I would have been fine with just the bacon and onions that were on top of that (and a touch of watercress for color.) There was a little butter and buttermilk mixed in with turnips, rutabegas (hmm, spelling?), parsnips, potatoes, and some acorn squash (cheaters.)

Too bad you can't listen to his talk show - he and Thierry joke about stealing from each other all the time. I rewatched the show and guess he wasn't over the top by any means. My apologies. I'd get a second opinion on working for him...I've read/heard some stuff that make me question that wisdom, though I also see some long time employees, so it must work okay for some people. Have you bought "Rover's" cookbook and if so, how is it?

Hmm, I had a bite there last Friday night. Had an octopus and endive salad that was served in a martini glass. It was good, but I really disliked eating at this bar. Maybe I would like the place more at a table - or with some company, in order to share plates. The overall menu didn't really appeal to me. It was very quiet in there at 8:30 pm.

I'm sure it is buried back in this thread - but where is this and what is Spitfire? ← "Purple Cafe"Downtown on 4th Ave, I have yet to drive by just heard through the Grapevine. "Spitfire" is a new bar/restaurant going in on 4th Ave as well, I believe the location use to be the old "Sit n'Spin". ← Thanks - Belltown...

I haven't eaten in Long Beach for 20 years - but this was one of my places to go. I can't believe it is still there. It was kind of weird back then as far as decor and service - I wonder what I would think of it and the food now?

I'm sure it is buried back in this thread - but where is this and what is Spitfire?

Drove by last night - they were serving - did not stop to find out if by invitation only. Anyone checking it out this weekend, please report back! Oh, people looked dressed up last night...

Looks like the Fandango space is changing hands again. Something new.

Earth & Ocean at W Hotel for desserts?

Yes, but Tamara lost to Batali 48 to 50.

Not the food, but the show. Consider the food the free gift with purchase.

I thought he did too much scene stealing. Grace under pressure was Tamara - but she was too calm for tv entertainment. Did you notice they had the same point total - 48, but one won and one lost?

Back to the original post. In my experience, restaurants are named after (Seattle diners can try and figure these out): a) an historic, no longer in existence, restaurant that has the sense of place one wishes to evoke (and after rights to said name have expired), b) the location, c) a general idea relevant to the cuisine, ie, an ingredient or style of cooking (or both), d) exhaustive lists of names are generated by a pr company and then thrown out as no good and something else is picked out, e) the newborn child of the owner/chef, f) the family name of one of the partners, g) a different geographical location that evokes the feeling of the place or just sounds good, h) a god or goddess, i) one word that may or may not have anything to do with the concept (these are big right now.) Hmmm, how about "Big" - not for this place, but for some place...I don't think I've run into it. Hope that helps generate some ideas.

Just read the story on Clear Creek in the Seattle Times, Pacific Magazine, last weekend. you might have to register Clear Creek

And lest we forget - Brasa. Chef Tamara was on Iron Chef America a few weeks ago - and the happy hour menu is a great steal.

I've written and re-written my reaction to these recommendations and you know, like my Mom always tried to tell me, if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all..... Let's just leave it at that I would strongly encourage Union, Le Pichet, Matt's, Cafe Campagne, etc., etc. over the aforementioned.... ← Must agree (pass on Icon and Dragon in particular). I also recommend Restaurant Zoe, Flying Fish, Tango (though I haven't been in years - but thinking walking distance), Crow, Lark or Harvest Vine (short cab rides.) Cafe Campagne is very comfortable - and cassoulet is probably on the menu by now (seasonal.) Campagne is doing some promotional stuff these days, like Sunday supper.

This place just opened - you might borrow some ideas: wine bar menu at art gallery They plan to change the food with the art, monthly, keeping some items consistent. Lots of the ideas would work for openings.