Della

Little Ms Foodie and I went to Nectar in Fremont for happy hour tonight. (412 N 36th). Happy hour is 3 pm - 7 pm. No cocktail specials but pitchers of beer were $6.00 (I think Bud was $4.00 for a pitcher). We had the Mac & Jacks. Pizza's were $5.00. I would guess they were about 10 inches. We had the Spicey Mo (or named something to that effect) Pepperoni, pepperoncini, jalepeno and mozzarella. I picked - I can't resist jalapeno and pepperoni - I know, I know, weird, but try it - it's good! They had about 8 or 9 different pizza topping combos. We thought it had too much sauce, but the crust was thin and crispy and for $5.00 it was pretty darn good. They have other apps for $3.00 including a decent sized nachos. I don't remember all the other choices but I am pretty sure there was a bruscetta (sp) in there someplace. The space is quite big with an upstairs that has tables and a view of the main floor. The main floor has a huge big screen tv that was showing a b-ball game when we were in tonight. There is a stage and they have live bands and dj's but fortunately not when we were there tonight! Not sure if they are trying to be swank, hip, industrial or all three. I looked around but didn't see anyone smoking so maybe it is non-smoking inside but don't quote me on that - I could be wrong. They have space out front with some space heaters so I am thinking springtime would be great for outdoor drinks. I think that is the full report. Not worth making a special trip for in my opinon, but worth stopping by if you are in the neighborhood and feel like some bar snacks and a beer.

Little Ms Foodie and I went to Nectar in Fremont for happy hour tonight. (412 N 36th). Happy hour is 3 pm - 7 pm. No cocktail specials but pitchers of beer were $6.00 (I think Bud was $4.00 for a pitcher). We had the Mac & Jacks. Pizza's were $5.00. I would guess they were about 10 inches. We had the Spicey Mo (or named something to that effect) Pepperoni, pepperoncini, jalepeno and mozzarella. I picked - I can't resist jalapeno and pepperoni - I know, I know, weird, but try it - it's good! They had about 8 or 9 different pizza topping combos. We thought it had too much sauce, but the crust was thin and crispy and for $5.00 it was pretty darn good. They have other apps for $3.00 including a decent sized nachos. I don't remember all the other choices but I am pretty sure there was a bruscetta (sp) in there someplace. The space is quite big with an upstairs that has tables and a view of the main floor. The main floor has a huge big screen tv that was showing a b-ball game when we were in tonight. There is a stage and they have live bands and dj's but fortunately not when we were there tonight! Not sure if they are trying to be swank, hip, industrial or all three. I looked around but didn't see anyone smoking so maybe it is non-smoking inside but don't quote me on that - I could be wrong. They have space out front with some space heaters so I am thinking springtime would be great for outdoor drinks. I think that is the full report. Not worth making a special trip for in my opinon, but worth stopping by if you are in the neighborhood and feel like some bar snacks and a beer.

Bis on Main - This place looks like the best bet so far. THANKS! PS - I worked for as a waitress for many years at Black Angus when I was young and silly - Don't get me started. Della

Two words: NOT IN A MILLION YEARS Oh wait, that is more than two words.....Regardless, IMO, not in a million years. ← Let me rephrase - I say not in a million years. My mistake and now I must admit, Adiabatic is my darling boyfriend......and I posted my reply on his log in. (note to self - must remember to not use boyfriend computer!) Della

Actually, the Keg crossed my mind also. Thanks for the ideas. I will make a couple calls to a few of these places and make my inquiries for the family. Darn kids! ha ha

My niece has a 21st birthday coming up and her mother wants to take her and a group of people (10) out for dinner this Saturday night. My niece suggested Daniel's Broiler but my sister-in-law isn't sold on spending $500 for dinner. I was reviewing previous threads on places to eat on the Eastside but didn't note any places that would fit the bill so I thought I would post a new thread. Specifically, I am looking for someplace that will serve a decent Filet Mignon for the birthday girl and won't end up being $50 per plate. Am I out of my mind to think there might be a place where it will be more in the $25-ish range? I suggested Jak's in Issaquah but they don't take reservations. Oh - and specifically - They are wanting a place in Bellevue. Is there such a place? Any advice is welcome. THANKS Della

We are going to have pork spare ribs tonight. Slow cooked in the oven for several hours. Baked beans & cornbread. My attempt at recreating summer even though it is too cold to grill (at least for me it is!)

Whenever I roast my garlic I just put in a very small baking dish, barely cover w/water and a splash of olive oil and cover. Bake at 400 for about 30 - 45 depending on when I check on it. I have tried the foil thing and it just burns on me. As for storage - I have kept it for as long as a week in the fridge. But it ususally doesn't last that long.

I am not a fan of the buffet. There are times it is ok - such as at a nice restaurant for brunch (which I seem to do about once every 2 years so it isn't really an issue). I just hate to line up with a bunch of people and pick over the food that is just sitting there under heat lamps or iced down. I worry about germs and it makes me feel like everyone is watching - I know I know - that was fairly revealing! I hate people watching me eat or load up a plate. Maybe too many years waiting tables and watching other eat.

I have to say I am a fan of the zip lock as well. But it makes me feel guilty as they end up getting tossed in the garbage after one use most of the time. I will wash them out and reuse if I didn't use them for meat, stock or something very strong smelling like onion or blue cheese. I have some tupperware type items I use for large leftovers (soup, chili and the like) that we are eating over the course of a couple days. And I save the plastic tubs that fresh mozzarella comes in and things like that for small items (and taking things to work for lunch).

Best of luck with your new career and life path!!!

I try to remember the advil/water thing before bed. I don't always though. My favorite remedy is Alka Seltzer. I think that stuff is the best! After that - maybe some diet pepsi or diet coke. I need the caffiene and I seem to like the carbonation. Lastly - something greasy. Potato chips work great. (mmmm - salty too!)

My boyfriend uses the Black & Decker Thermal Select. It brews into a thermos and stays decently hot for 4 - 5 hours. He likes to drink his coffee slowly in the mornings and with a typical coffee pot the coffee gets all sludgey and burnt. I am not sure if it has the "sneak a cup" feature however. As a side note, you should think about pregrind some good coffee for yourself .....Don't resign yourself to Folgers ~ You deserve more!

Your trip sounds amazing and I am loving your pictures and descriptions of the food and beverages. And how nice that your taxi driver can take you to some local places you might not have been inclined to try (or find). Keep it coming!

I have bought turkey legs before and just used them for turkey enchiladas & turkey salad (as opposed to chicken salad for a sandwich). In the summer we have actually smoked them in the smoker in the backyard and had a bid ol'bbq. But then again, your post is in December so that probably won't work out too well right now. Just thinking out loud here but could you do some sort of turkey caccitore (sp)?

Thanks so much for everyones input!! Normally my quacamole is avacado, lime, seeded tomato, jalapeno and serrano chili's (sometimes fresh, sometimes roasted), white or red onion (depends on my mood), salt, pepper and a sqeeze or two of lime. I don't know what possessed me to add too much lime to that particular batch but there have been some great suggestions as to how to "fix" it if I ever add too much again. As a side note - I used to make guac off the cuff - changing ingrediants, tossing things in, never measuring and then recently I have been trying to get my measurements "measured" and come up with a fool proof recipe that I know will be great everytime, and oddly enough, it isn't as good. It was much better when I just faked it.

Glad to hear they worked out. I saw that on the fab five special and thought it looked great - who would have thought! ha ha I made some herb butter for a turkey - fresh thyme, parsley, sage and winter savory. I don't know that this counts as a 'dish' but I hadn't made it before and it turned out pretty good. I would definately use the butter again at a holiday (or anytime).

I recently made some guacamole and I ended up putting in too much lime juice. Normally, I like to think my guac is pretty darn good but I must have been sipping my adult beverages too much prior to making it because it was just toooo limey (is that a word?). Anyway - I wanted to "fix" that little problem but was out of avacado's, didn't want to go to the store to get more and so I decided to add a pinch of sugar to the mix to see if it would help. Needless to say, it didn't help and made my guacamole almost inedible. Yes - ALMOST, cause we ate it anyway - but it wasn't delicious So - my question is - aside from adding more avacado and making a larger batch - does anyone have any solution for too much lime in the guac??? Thanks! Della

Glad to see your write up on Casa d'Italia Seagal. Thanks! We live just a few blocks away from there and haven't made it in yet. I did stop and peek in the window one time (it was closed) and thought it appeared cozy inside but the menu didn't jump out at me. Maybe it will be a good spot on a night when I don't feel like cooking.

I have been making wings lately but I just toss them in the oven on a sheet pan and cook for about 40 min at 350, then toss with sauce (either hot or bbq) the last 10 minutes and they are damm good. (I think anyway)

Dick's is ok at 1:30 am in the morning but that is about the only time in my opinion. Try the Two Bell's in Belltown - they have a good burger.

I don't know any places in Renton or the Eastside anymore (i used to go to Hector's but I read up above that is has been redone??) I do think the Mecca has great corned beef hash but it is too smokey and loud for me to go there anymore and the Queen Anne Cafe has the best Chicken Friend Steak and Eggs. Peso's actually has decent breakfast food. Hmmm - I guess if you want to check out someplace in Renton you might want to go to the Tukwila Southcenter area. I think there are a lot of restaurants around there and you might be able to find one or two that serve a good breakfast?

'Plain old' would be winter savoury, so named because it is perennial in northern climates. It is stronger in flavour than the subtle (and presumably fresh) summer savoury mentioned here. ← We grow winter savory in our herb garden. While I know that the fresh is best and this thread is for dried herbs in the cupboard I have to add my two cents - I use savory in place of rosemary quite often. Crush some up and rub all over some pork and you will be in heaven!!! Dried spices I don't really use - poultry seasoning, all spice, dried basil, lemon pepper (i don't know why i bought that!)

Everything sounds good! I don't normally eat oysters but yours sound lovely. I might have to try some

The Hopvine has two "sister" taverns - The Fiddlers Inn in Wedgwood and the Latona Pub near Greenlake. I haven't eaten at the Hopvine for over a year and a half but remember it to be fairly good if average pub food. I know the Latona did a remodel and really jazzed up their food offerings sometime last spring/summer. Perhaps the Hopvine has as well? I love a good soup. Sounds like a visit might be in order.