LEdlund

I'd second the recommendation for Norm's Eatery in Fremont. Their bonus: home made potato chips. The other place I recently tried is The Barking Dog. It's in an odd location in Ballard (705 NW 70th). I'm not a really a beer fan, but I had a great "vintage" Fullers there. One of our fall back places is Nickerson Street. They make a decent burger and, unless there is a big game on, we can always get a table.

That's right, I thought it was a Riesling but it was this wine. I loved this.

Here's last nights menu: Seaweed salad with sesame oil and sesame seeds I am a sucker for anything with sesame oil so, for me, this was the perfect amuse. Striped Bass Tartare It was bound together with avocado and lime. The avocado I have been buying lately have tasted nothing like this did. Very creamy, buttery and fresh tasting. Watercress Soup In the middle of the bowl was a dollop of creamy fennel and crab salad topped with a special treat just for us - caviar! I can't remember who said it, but the comment was made that this soup is how green tastes. It was so vibrant. It's funny, but until I looked at the menu this morning I had no idea there was crab or fennel in that salad. I don't know what I thought it was, but I would have never guessed crab or fennel. I guess I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the caviar. Seared Ahi Tuna This was sitting on top of a sort of ragout of fiddlehead ferns, bacon and lemon. The tuna was warm all the way through while remaining to be raw. The ferns were slightly tangy and the bacon, well, smoky. We decided Ethan is the king of texture. This really showcased his talants. Seared Foie Gras How spoiled are we? We are so spoiled that we had extra course, just for us. And this course was superb. It was paired with blood oranges and a reduction of some sort. As good eGulleters should, we practically licked the plates clean. Grilled Lamb Chop With potato puree, red wine sauce and hazelnut oil. As the crab and fennel, I didn't detect the hazelnut oil. I'm not usually a lamb lover (except for Vij's popsicles) but these might convince me I do love lamb. Blue de Gex Served with toasted pecans and a port reduction. Mmmmm creamy cheese and warm pecans. Pinapple and Banana Sorbet With Creme Fraiche. Not my favorite course. Luckily Ed was able to help me finish Vanilla Bean Flan When I saw this on the menu, my heart sunk. I have a real aversion to flan. Can't stand it usually. I thought, well at least I will save those calories! Of course I had to have a taste before I passed it on to a more appreciative diner. Let me tell you, this was a real surprise to me. I loved it. The texture was more creamy than I think of for flan. It was topped with unsweetened whipped cream and the combination of the two flavors and textures fun. I wasn't involved much in the ordering of the wines (just the imbibing of them) so I'll let someone else speak to those. There was a Pinot Noir that I really liked. And a Riesling. It was a fun group. So many lively conversations going, sometimes I felt I was having three at once! MsRamsey and I were commenting on the wonderful friends we have made through eGullet. We have a great community here.

I saw it, too. Maybe it was just my mood that night, but I found it kind of boring. After the movie my friend's commented "what's the point of watching someone else go through what I've gone through". She's been dealing with our local liquor control board so that part of the movie was particularly familiar for her. I loved The Big Picture though. I can't wait to go back.

I just wanted to remind everyone of our dinner tomorrow night. I have confirmed the reservation for: me SeaGal HeyJude and Richard MsRamsey Seawakim and Seawadave Fwed and Ed ScorchedPalate and Seacrotty The reservation is for 6:00. Don't forget to bring cash - probably around $40.00 if you're not drinking wine, more if you are. I figure the most fair way to split the bill is to come up with two prices. One for the wine drinkers and one for the non-wine drinkers. A couple of people have asked me what is the appropriate attire for Union. I've only been there once and I don't remember what others were wearing (I was on my way to the symphony and dressed accordingly). Can anyone who has been there more recently answer this? Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow. Lauren

There's a Zeitgeist Coffee in Pioneer Square Zeitgeist's Downtown Location

Ah, Kathy Casey I know. Thanks!

I'm in Seattle but I'm not familiar with these two. Where in Seattle are they? FWIW, at a local bar, I had a fabulous Chartreuse made with fresh thyme.

I'm available the 5th, 6th, 7th and 9th.

Oh all right, since I already admited to this at the Salumi lunch, I'll admit to it here. I'm not totally unavailable earlier in the week. I'm doing Weight Watchers and I weigh in on Wednesdays so I didn't want to go right before I had to weigh in. But, since that is not a real conflict, I will go on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday night.

Speaking of Cowgirls, Inc., I just heard that one opened in Pioneer Square.

There was an interesting article on The Savvy Traveler about Genoa being an "overlooked gem". The description appealed to my husband and I but I'm going to have to listen to the article again to remember why. Thanks, Magnolia, for the vote of confidence!

The have a meat and cheese platter, a gratin, a pate, that type of thing. Oh, and chocolate truffles! I wished they offered small salads but they said that not enough people order them and they ended up throwing away a lot of lettuce. All the food is made on site.

Have you tried Portalis, which is just down the street from where Grapes used to be? It's wonderful. Funky, warm atmosphere. Extremely knowledgable staff. Limited food selection but what they do have is quite good. I could make it a regular hang out.

I'm available Wednesday March 31 or Thursday April 1st. Sounds like fun.

My husband and I are thinking about traveling to Italy in the next few months. I'd like to start the trip with a cooking/wine class/tour lasting approximately 4 - 6 days. We're planning to limit our visit to northern Italy, probably flying into Milan. We'd like to spend significant time in Genoa. Any experience with this? I've been checking out some websites but I'd rather hear first hand experience from fellow eGulleters. Has anyone taken cooking classes while on vacation?

I love sea beans. My favorite is to saute them with evoo then sprinkle them on a piece of grilled salmon.

Doh! I just got a digital camera last month and I keep forgetting to take it with me........

I drove by last night, I think it's Carla's Food for the Soul. Malarkey said it was NW with a japanese flair. Doesn't that name ring odd for that?

We had our book group last night and the array of black and white food was amazing. I ended up sticking with my jicima slaw idea, tossed with spicy nori strips. Not an attractive dish but, when displayed with all the other black and white items, made for an impressive image. We had steamed mussels and clams, vietnamese pork balls rolled in white rice w/ a black (soy-based) dipping sauce, mashed potatoes, black beans topped w/ sour cream and an array of desserts. Thanks for all your suggestions!

I can't imagine this ever being the case for me, no matter how much disposable income I have. I am way too value conscious.

Welcome little ms foodie!

That's exactly my feeling about Canlis (wow, we agree again ) As I was reading Wilson's post I was thinking "I can't believe they have hazelnut chicken on the menu". I'd go back there if the food was more imaginative.

I love this idea! Especially since I have all the ingredients in my refrigerator.

Are these at the Gretchen's counter in there? Are they roasted turkey breast? Yum. My favorite turkey breast sandwiches are at The Crumpet Shop on First. I went into the Harbor Cafe one day (looking for Lucy's Tacqueria - I don't get out much) but it looked like most of the other places tucked in the office buildings. You know, where they buy stuff from Costco and re-package it to sell to office employees. I'll have to take a closer look. There's a decent sushi place in a food court on 4th Avenue, just south of City Kitchens. I can't remember the name now, but I'll check it out next time I'm by there and post it. I'm at 5th and University and I am always dismayed at the lack of good, fast lunch options.