girl chow

I can only imagine the excitement of Toddler Girlchow at a place like Cupcake Royale ... he's a huge fan of cupcakes (even more than his mom). I made these ridiculous sugary cupcakes a few weeks ago ... chocolate injected with butterscotch and frosted with chocolate buttercream ... Toddler GC ate 2 1/2 in one sitting (bad mommy), then stripped naked and streaked around the house like a meth addict on a bender (he also does this after eating cookies and ice cream. it's very entertaining). I didn't even know Macrina had any such things, yum. I'm totally skewing the thread, but please post here if you know of any other great places to get cupcakes. They're an addiction

Ahhhhhh, the power of banh mi. Thanks for the recs at Than Vi. I've been twice now and have only just eaten soups. Next time, I'm going for banh xeo. I am so disappointed to hear that Cupcake Royale didn't blow you away. I am a huge fan of cupcakes and had high hopes. Bummer. Thanks for the report. I love reading your posts on the other board that shall remain nameless and it's so nice to see your reports here!

I love From the Bayou... in fact MsRamsey, LEdlund and our significant spouses are planning a trip there (if only our schedules would magically meld). Here's a link to the lunch menu From the Bayou is located in Parkland (just outside Tacoma proper) near Pacific Lutheran University. My favorite dish, and what I think is their specialty, is the gumbo. It's rich and thick and is built upon a sinfully dark and rich roux, just like a good gumbo should be. I like the chicken and andouille sausage gumbo, and this is consistently the best of the gumbos they offer. The seafood gumbo has been good on some visits, and only just fine on other visits. One thing to note is that sometimes (not always) the kitchen staff puts entirely too much rice in the gumbo. So ask for it on the side or for a light dose. I think the stuffed mushrooms are mediocre, so you can consider skipping those, but everything else on the salad/soup/app menu that I've tried has been great. The little jalapeno corn muffins they serve with your meal are delightful -- and addicting. My favorite entree (might not be on the lunch menu) is the halibut with the red pepper and crawfish sauce. My husband has tried several of their catfish dishes and has loved them all. We have yet to try their sandwiches, but they look pretty appealing. In true Southern style, they always have alligator, frog and crawdad on the menu.

Yes! I think I'm in for the 25th (in addition to dinner w/hubby on the 8th) I just have to find someone to watch my child now....

I just made reservations for hubby and I

Holy cow! Check out this press release and please note the part where it says "eight courses" for $25!!!! SEATTLE – Ethan Stowell, executive chef and owner of Union, announces the availability of his $25 tasting menu during the month of March. The eight-course offering features examples of Union’s daily changing menu, which includes fresh local ingredients as well as items from around the world. The $25 tasting menu offers a variety of daily options, including, Potato Leek Soup with soft poached chicken egg and spoonbill caviar; Roasted Sea Trout with shaved fennel and blood orange salad; Braised Rabbit Leg with roasted fingerling potatoes and brussel sprouts, braised reduction; Lemon Sorbet with candied orange and blood orange; and Honey Parfait with armagnac jus and pear compote. “Union offers a daily changing menu and we are excited to feature a variety of dishes on our $25 tasting menu,” said owner and executive chef Ethan Stowell. “Each March and November 25 restaurants partner with their 25 for $25 promotion. It is a terrific idea that helps both restaurants and diners in the Seattle area. But there are many more than 25 restaurants that need and want to showcase their cuisine and certainly enough guests to support more than those 25 restaurants selected to participate. Union is proud to offer our own eight-course tasting menu during the month of March.” Stowell, a Seattle native, has cooked in many of Seattle’s most respected kitchens including Nell’s, The Ruins, The Painted Table, and Szmania’s. Union, located at 1400 First Avenue on the corner of First and Union, is open for dinner from 5 to 11 p.m. in the dining room, Monday through Sunday and the bar is open from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling (206) 838-8000. Union opened on Monday, Sept. 29, 2003. ###

Ohhhhh... dated in appearance, I assumed you meant the menu/food concept. My bad. Agreed...they probably could use a good fluff and buff in the dining room, but would the locals freak? By urban Seattle standards, I agree The Ark looks totally outdated. But for a coastal Washington restaurant? It's the nicest place for miles and miles (this is why I don't live on the coast). Can you imagine bringing Arellano/Christofides in to do a makeover? Egads!

I too had a great meal on my last visit to Ark -- really good seafood that was so very fresh (and we always eat there off season). With Jimella Lucas and Nancy Main at the helm, I can't believe things could go *that* wrong?? I hope not Tsquare, is your criticism that they're no longer on the cutting edge w/their menu? (go here) to see a sample menu). I can see where you might think that. I suppose they never intend to be cutting edge? I'm not sure. I think their focus/concept has always been to create a menu using seasonal, regional and locally available products. It was cutting edge when they started doing that in the 1980s and they influenced a whole generation of local chefs with that concept (and impressed James Beard with their cooking, there's a great pic of them with him in their lobby). So I think they get props from the local foodies for being among the first to advance NW-centric cuisine. Their focus is on pretty simple seafood preparations that really let the local products shine. Perhaps because everyone else is now doing this, it seems that their concept is dated? TSquare, maybe you can tell us more about why you were less than impressed. I had no idea about that burger shack, I'm so there next time I head to Long Beach.

Ohhhh, I really want to go to La Carta da Oaxca after reading the other posts about that place.... I'm by no means a mole expert, but I've tried the mole sauce a half dozen times or so at Burrito Loco in Crown Hill and I think it's pretty damn good (and the ceviche is really, truly excellent). We don't post much about this place, but I really like the food and the attitude in that restaurant. It's at 9211 Holman Road. There's also an outlet in U Village, but I've only eaten there once or twice.

Fai Jay, is this the place you mean? (P.S.: It's always helpful to identify in the thread title and in the post where the restaurant is located, as well as any additional info about the place.. .especially for those who don't know where Chehalis is....) For the record, while on the topic of Chehalis/Centralia eats.... I LOVE BURGERVILLE! Not quite a Mary McCrank experience (at least judging from MM's Web site, I've never been). Burgerville is a burger joint (duh) located just off I-5 (take the same exit as the outlet malls and turn East at the end of the exit, Burgerville will be on the north side of the street). They feature seasonal produce and local products (like seasonal berry shakes and locally produced cheeses for their burgers). And the "special" sauce rules. This is a great place for burgers. And now back to our regularly scheduled thread on Mary McCrank's.....

Reesek, I'm glad to hear you'll go back and give it a try. Give my method a try if you like, or develop your own ordering method (watch the Seinfeld Soup Nazi episode for tips) and let us know what worked for you (perhaps waving your hands and yelling NUMBER FIVE!! NUMBER FIVE!! I WANT NUMBER FIVE!!??) And let me know if you conduct further tofu banh mi research and find a better version of the tofu sandwich at another banh mi shop. I definitely want to check that out. And just in case you hadn't discovered it (you probably have), here is an old thread about banh mi, it's one of my favorite banh mi threads (and there are so many)..... it's a four page thread, so it will take some time to read.... banh mi thread from the ol' days

Isn't that Seattle Deli? Hey MsRamsey, I misspoke.. Saigon Deli is EAST, not North of 12th and Jackson. My bad! If it was North, indeed I would be describing Seattle Deli (I'm usually not so directionally challenged). In fact, ReeseK is describing the very same Saigon Deli I mentioned above, which is my favorite place for tofu sandwiches. It's right next to the hair place, across from the jewelry store and right before you hit the Rainier intersection. Parking lot is adjacent. Oh, the service. Yeah, I forget how abrupt they can be at Saigon Deli. I remember the first few times I went in there, the service was weird. Not really bad, but you had to be pretty agressive to get your order taken. I have developed a direct method for getting a sandwich. I walk in, look sandwich lady right in the eye. Wait for her to look at me. Continue to stare until she looks up several times. When she finally yells, "What you want?" I respond loudly and clearly, "NUMBER FIVE, TOFU SANDWICH, ONE SANDWICH ONLY. TOASTED" Works every time. Well, almost every time. One time I almost wound up with Five Number Ones instead of One Number Five. There seriously is a language and somewhat of a cultural barier there, so do keep that in mind. Once you get to know the people who work there (it will take several visits), they actually can be almost polite. For the record, this is the kind of experience I've come to expect from most of my favorite places in the ID. It's just the way it is.

I'm a big fan of tofu banh mi and personally I think Saigon Deli just north of the 12th and Jackson intersection has the best. This is the Saigon Deli that is next door to Anthony's hair school. It's a newish location with a parking lot that is only slightly less scary than the parking lot at Banh Mi 88 (there is a deli by the same name ... or there was... in the strip mall on the northeast corner at 12th and Jackson). The tofu banh mi at Saigon comes with fried, marinated tofu (no pate). They use the tofu that is on the steam table, it's marinated in a pretty tasty sauce. I cannot say for sure that the tofu has not actually touched or been cooked with meat, but I'm not a vegetarian, so that doesn't matter much to me (it might to you). Sandwich is all about the fried tofu... on the traiditional toasted bread along with jalapeno slices and the fresh cilantro...pickled carrots, zucchini and daikon radish, salt and pepper, a squirt of fish sauce, yada yada yada. It's delightful and only $1.50 (they raised all their prices for sandwiches recently to $1.50... and the fried pork is now $2). I was there last night, got my sandwich and some fresh spring rolls, but I didn't see any sesame balls. I have seen them there before, it could be just that they were out last night. I've had the tofu banh mi elsewhere, but I'm pretty sure Saigon Deli has the best.

The new restaurant at the Silver Cloud is called Cayenne and owners are Eastsiders (LOCALS!). The menu looks, well, pretty unusual (not sure what to think)... duck flautas (!!) and an ahi tuna margarita .... I know nothing about the chef, but the menu looks like it would be tricky to pull off... there are a lot of fusion things on the menu that could potentially be very bad if in the wrong chef's hands. The opening party is next Wednesday (I'm not going) and open to the public at the end of the month. I'd love to hear any first impressions if anyone goes. Clickety here for menu: Cayenne

Linkage to Waterfront for more info/menu: Waterfront on Pier 70

Tsquare and others provided some helpful reviews when Fish Club opened. Click here to revist the thread: fish club thread It's been too long, but I've really liked the few times I've been to Waterfront. Have you tried it? If you've got money to spend (or an expense account), it's a very nice experience. Disclaimer: Have not been to Waterfront since Vicky McCaffree bolted across the lake back to Yarrow Bay Grill.

I can't agree more about the Calcutta recommendation (up on the hill above Factoria, technically in Newcastle at the Newcastle Golf Club), the view is great. Not now, of course, but during the very short al fresco season here next summer, they'll open the patio for dining. The experience is wonderful. Love that view. Another possibility is Grazie in Factoria. Simple Italian food prepared fairly well. Atmosphere is warm and inviting. Pesto sauce is fantastic. On the other side of I-90 in the Eastgate area is a nice little family Italian place called Cucina Mama Mia. It's in the strip mall where Safeway recently departed (I think a car dealership is moving there).

Coop, as others have said, she's legit and has the respect of local foodies (this one included). Now I know I really need to bump Union up my list. I wish I had gotten around to it before the Times review because I imagine now that reservations will be a challenge through the holidays. I'll probably wait until January.

I too was surprised and shocked to find no donut sandwiches. It seems like an obvious menu item Another comment on the interior: the book shelves along the walls are totally cool. Has anyone every climbed the ladder?

Stopped in at Top Pot for a sandwich yesterday. The El Coyote was good, a real bargain at $4. Served on a really crusty baguette, maybe just a tad too hearty for the sandwich, but still a nicely textured bread (do they bake it on site?). The chipotle mayo was divine, as was the smoked chicken (or was it turkey breast?). I'm almost certain the cheese was processed (very suspicious looking shiny cheese with funny texture). I think they need to find a better cheese for that sandwich. Provolone maybe? I couldn't bring myself to getting a donut thanks to the carb overload from the substantial baguette. I'll have to go back to try those... I can't believe I still haven't had one of their donuts. They looked divine. The space is great. I belong to a non-profit group that meets once a month at Uptown Espresso on Fourth, a few blocks away. I think I'll officially recommend we move our meeting place to Top Pot

What's the story with Bonefish Grill, a chain opening at S. Lake Union (711 Westlake Ave N.). They bill themselves as a "casual seafood restaurant." I don't know much else about this chain, other than the menu looks like something you'd find at Newport Bay (ack) or Red Lobster (double ack). And similar prices to these chains. The fish list didn't look impressive: King Salmon, mahi mahi, swordfish, Alaskan halibut, ahi, sea bass.. blah blah blah. Nothing original at all. Sounds like another case of the chainy-chainy-chain chain syndrome that's stricken Seattle. Bummer? Or maybe I'm wrong? Please tell me I'm wrong. Opening allegedly Dec. 8 with a benefit for PNB (at least that's a good thing). Please share details if you have them. Clickety here for info on the chain: Bonefish (warning: the web site has an annoying flash intro)

Hmmmmmm.... he sounds really familiar, but I can't say for sure why. For some reason, I keep thinking he used to own something non-restaurant (??) on the Eastside. My memory isn't as good as it used to be....I have no idea who Angel Tejador is. I did a Google and came up with nothing on both of them. I'd love to hear if anyone else has the scoop on this joint and its owners.

I just got some info on this place. It's called Madrid 522 and allegedly they open Wednesday (preview was Sunday, but I didn't go). From what I know, the chef is from Spain. Her name is Clara Guiterrez (sp?), but that's pretty much all I know. The menu is described as "Spanish regional food and tapas." Owners are Marco Beaux and Angel Tejedor (??).

We haven't made it to Brasa yet -- OR any other 25 for $25 restaurant this month. Doh! Instead, we went local last weekend and ate at the fabulous Paolo's Ristorante in Kent .... and paid another visit to Indochine in Federal Way (which I don't think is as good as Noodle Boat ....but that's a whole other thread and PM discussion w/MsRamsey, Tighe and Mamster :) I would really like to make it to a 25 for $25 restaurant for dinner, but my schedule sucks. I think I'll have better luck doing lunch next Tuesday or Thursday if anyone is organizing a $12.50 lunch outing. :)

I was just waiting for someone to post about this! Somehow, I knew it would the Klink. Ack! I won't bore you all with my rant about the objectification of women (any sane person would agree this is not a good advancement for womankind), but I will say this: body sushi is really gross and horribly unsanitary -- plastic wrap or not. Sick and wrong, man.