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He is opening a banquet space around the corner from Dahlia AND has signed a lease on the space across the street on 4th in the renovated hotel! Wow.

Did my Union duty (and hi tighe and scrat who were also there, again...) and have to say, call me a peasant. It was all so nice, but nothing popped for our table. I guess I like more assertive flavors. We joked about going out for pizza afterwards - we ended up feeling satisfied, but this is not a big meal, still a deal, but not my taste. Ah well.

Wally's is the location of the place I can't quite remember the name of "Food for the Soul". It sounds like the chef, Wayne ?, knows what he is doing.

On Pike, between 1st and 2nd, Johny Rockets - hamburger joint is underway. I'm surprised - this is a chain, yes? On 45th in Wallingford, next to the teahouse, recently opened, a place named "(I can't remember), Food for the Soul". I hear it may be pretty good - NW with a Japanese flair.

From inquiry to cheese star: Amir!

Rather than Mae Phim, try Jasmine, in the Market. Newer, fresher, version - actually, related by family - and they have some Moroccan (sp?) dishes as well. Zum zum is interesting - kind of a gut bomb though. Bakeman's. Gelatiamo (cheap, light sandwiches and great gelato) Matt's in the Market. Market Grill. Food to go at the Mexican Market towards the North end of the Market. Turkey sandwiches at Benaroya Hall. Splurge at Troiani, Union, Cafe Campagne. There is a place called Harbor Cafe - inside the lobby of the building on the corner of 4th and Union - just past Tully's. Limited menu, but freshly made - some Thai, bbq pork sandwiches, plate of the day. These are longtime restaurant people doing a silly little b'fest and lunch trade temporarily.

There is an (a?) Hawaiian coffee cart in the market - towards the sound from the flying fish guys and Rachael the brass pig. Or there was last month. Oh, that's Pike Place Market, Seattle.

is "budge" budget or bulge?

who's making the cake?

I've recently enjoyed corona beans with duck two ways - confit and crispy, and braised greens with crispy duck hindquarter and duck confit ravioli.

At your price, you can eat almost anywhere - especially if you meant "per entree." Are you prepared to spend additional for appetizers, sides, dessert...? Nice budget if you can swing it. While you'll miss this month's 25 for $25 promotion, there are a number of restaurants that do prix fix all year round, and there are other specials that happen here and there. Also, many happy hours that offer cheap gourmet eats in the bar with purchase of a beverage. No one has asked, but what type of food and ambience are you looking for? Obviously, we love our local places and highly recommend staying out of the national chains, but there are the nice places, the ethnic type (more moderate to cheap) eats, the visit with the tourists places that aren't bad, the hip places, the foodie places, and the rest (some categories may overlap.) You should be able to eat well and have lots of fun.

The sad thing is that there are so many good restaurants in the area and still people select these as special occassion places.

Have you heard of Triple Door? Under Wild Ginger. Sounds like you might enjoy it. Also, not much of a music scene, but Pampas Room under El Gaucho might be of interest.

Here are two articles that are worth browsing: scroll down more specific

I've bought Zante Currants over the years from natural food stores and, maybe, Trader Joes? I did not know they were ever off the market. But I don't know the country of origin or such. Dried currents are actually dried Zante grapes! Golden raisins are oven dried to avoid the darkening effect of sunlight. Learn something new every day. Thanks for asking.

and would sit so well with the Mormons...

In the interest of those who don't like wine served in tumblers, I checked out Stumbling Goat again. They are still serving wine in the tumblers, maybe cocktails in stemware? However, the beet, stilton, mixed green salad is still outstanding, and last night's special was good to the last drop - crispy duck hindquarter with duck confit ravioli, served with braised greens. The ravioli had a hint of ginger, maybe some additional asian seasonings, excellent balance of flavors, pasta not etheral, but not tough either. Good solid hit.

So not true. They are one of a number of places - and BE is not necessarily the least expensive. Other options are Dick's near the stadiums - has used equipment as well, and a host of other places nearby, as well as other big players such as Smith and Greene (in Kent - I don't know that they retail, but I don't know that don't) and Sysco...I'm sure there are others as well.

and they have some great sales on occassion - I think November might be the one that applies to the whole store.

PF Changs opens March 8 at Westlake Center - as if it was necessary.

Thanks girl chow! I got a reservation for a pre-symphony dinner. They are still a bit vague on the details - but it is definitely in reponse to the 25 for 25 and how badly that impacted their business last time. And the boredom of the same ol' restaurant line up.

I think Brazil may have been one of Tony's favorite binges. Good luck finding it if you haven't seen it already. Such luck! (Mmm, he ate lots of food on the beach, lots of meat, and fejoda in the 'hood. What else...) Oh yeah, the Speedo visuals.

how about acupuncture?

If you are interested in a non-traditional option, look into F.O.S. You can get this in Stevia Plus packages - "Don't sweeten your coffee, supplement it." Here's a link to some info: F.O.S. I use Sweet Leaf Company Stevia Plus - started as a sweetener and immune system enhancer when I was getting sick too much. Didn't actually realize the fiber connection to later - seems to be very mild, but effective.

yes - numerous threads. no - not mistaken.