tsquare

and you can get braised octopus for breakfast. Also, a huge and smokey pork loin chop accompanied by a Beecher's cheese omlette, potatoes and toast (one slice.)

I ate there not long ago, for the first time. Not my neck of the woods. I had a wonderful evening and supper. Great hosts. Fanciful flavor combinations. I don't recall what I ate now, but I enjoyed it all. Wondering if they were exhausted by the Bite production? Though that wouldn't explain the steak.

Seafood, wine, service, Seattle style...uh, Ray's Boathouse

Really depends on the wine, but this applies: veg recs

I noticed The Spanish Table has some interesting cheese (from Spain, and maybe Portugal) and that the prices seemed reasonable. There's PCC, Metropolitan Markets, Whole Foods, Beechers, and Big John's. There used to be that place at University Village (The Wedge?) that moved somewhere, I think. How about Pasta and Co? A real cheese shop. Nope, not that I know about.

Just saw an ad for caramel filled kisses. Anyone try these yet?

Alexandria's on 2nd opens 7/15. They're billing it as "upscale" southern cuisine with "signature cocktails." Chef is Michael Franklin. Sounds familiar. I had heard that the guy who is opening the place also owns a restaurant by the same name in Cleveland. Would love to see a first bite report of this place. Tuesday night, 80 degrees outside, this place was already open. The "dining out" crowd was all dressed up - dresses, suits and ties! Upscale - entrees with sides $12.95 - $44.95 (surf and turf.) Nope, didn't go in - underdressed and overwhelmed by the idea of southern fried cooking. There was little that didn't appear fried. Pretty traditional looking menu.

I may be wrong, but I believe the guest chefs here "coordinate" the ingredients, whereas with Boomtown, they donate them. I've heard some chefs whine a little about the quality of what they get to work with. Maybe that's changed? Still, a great deal, without doubt.

Gift certificates purchased after July 1st cannot expire due to Washington's new gift certificate law. Too slow! The Troiani certificate listed an expiration date of 1 year from purchase. The law exempts some certificates - I believe promotional (like these) and fund raisers.

Oh, and Flying Fish.

and there is also Le Gourmand and Brassiere Margaux,

It's an afternoon game.

Don't forget Lark, Harvest Vine, Campagne, Waterfront, and Cafe Juanita. But also, some of the best Seattle has to offer isn't necessarily fancy or "upscale". Thinking particularly about Matt's in the Market. Also, maybe Restaurant Zoe for something nicer but comfortable.

Egads!! What a great source for information. I so have to go check out the library's menu collection (I bet mine is better, hahaha). Thanks for the tip. But their's goes back futher in time. It was Nancy's story: A Taste of History and a follow up: a little more

Actually, the Seattle Public Library has a menu collection. I think there was a feature story on it in the Seattle Times, not too long ago. You might see if they are interested in relieving you of your collection when you are ready to part with it.

Not "best", but the cafe at SAM isn't half bad. Half a sandwich and soup or salad for $8. Summer cassoulet on the current menu. Nice looking desserts too.

Or keeping a restaurant profitable (and open) versus a chef-artist?

Lola's opened. Tom Douglas' Greek place across from Dahlia Lounge. They comp'ed my meal last night - free food, my favorite, especially when not expected. Nice looking menu (designed for sharing?), beautiful leather booths, clean lined decor (not quite completed), Ouzo. Just had a light supper, but a real rave for the goat cheese pie (all the desserts were slightly unusual.) A little filo on the outside edge, a dense, yet light cheesecake like wedge of pie accompanied by orange caramel suce and fresh ripe (local) strawberrries. Oh yeah. Looking forward to trying the Greek yogurt ice cream with fresh berries. They also listed doughnuts, turnovers, chocolate tart, and more.

The only one I can think of is Baker's on Lake City Way, but it isn't all that pleasant a place. I've been a life-long Baskin Robbins diehard, but it's gone way downhill. Everything tastes like chemical. Maybe Luna Park?

There's a second Red Mill South of the Ship Canal - in Magnolia. (Now that might as well be Siberia.)

And their anniversary dinner for July looks fabulous. They've gotten so much publicity of late - maybe everyone thinks they're too crowded?

Always thought O'Hana's happy hour looked interesting - haven't been. Marjorie's happy hour also looks very good. And you can sit outside.

Eww, I read her blurb in the Top Ten New Chefs - her favorite appliance is the microwave! I hope that was a joke.

Stalk Exchange is gone. Sold everything off this weekend. Tokyo Garden is locked. New specialty shop opened on 45th in Wallingford - forgot the name already - south side of block, east of Wallingford. Food related. Just across from Bottleworks. Tried Clara's, also on 45th. It really is a NW/Asian food for the soul place. I've never been to Hawaii, but any place serving slow cooked pork tossed with cabbage, sided with rice and macaroni slad must have island leanings. I'd go back to try the short ribs - Vashon Island grown - marinated and cooked on a grill. They looked great. Big portions, inexpensive. The place needs a bit more personality, but has a cool glass and fiber-optics back splash on the bar.

Thanks for posting this - I heard he was in town, but didn't know when this article was to run! Yeah, and Cascadia's happy hour is in everyone's price range!