Foodie-Girl

Not sure why eating at Emeril's requires an admission(of guilt?) I've eaten there at least a dozen times and not been disappointed.

Cascadia The Herbfarm Mistral Minimum of $100 per person at each restaurant for some incredibly satisfying meals.

Abra, though it's a subjective issue, for me the quality and presentation of the meal were well-worth the cost.

In-N-Out Double-Double Cheeseburger with onions and a milkshake. Doesn't get much better than that.....

VEGETARIAN TASTING MENU $50 Minted Romaine Salad Tomato Basil Sorbet Posh Mac & Cheese Braised Stuffed Fennel Goats Cheese Crottin Ice Cream FOOD FROM HERE TASTING MENU $65 Smoked Salmon Ginger Oyster Clam Chowder Douglas Fir Sorbet Pan Seared Alaskan Halibut Fenugreek Crusted Lamb Whipped Oregon Blue Cheese Lemon Creme Brulee With 2 cocktails and a bottle of wine and gratuity we made it out the door for $200. Their Three Course Tasting Menu looks to be a steal at $25, bye the way.

Had our first meal at Cascadia on Tuesday night and we were blown away (almost literally by the tornado-like wind!!!) First, it's a beautiful restaurant. Second, the service is professional. And, most importantly, the food was incredible !!!! With my favorite local restaurants being Mistral and The Herbfarm I quickly put Cascadia in their category. I had the Vegetarian Tasting Menu (since I just went to the Met I'm obviously not a veg-head) only because it sounded SO interesting and I think a vegetarian menu really challanges the chef. My husband had a different tasting menu (more things to share) and we were set for a wonderful evening. If anyone is interested I'll try to find my notes on the specifics...but, for now, I just want to say that Cascadia was an overwhelming hit for me.

Thanks for your suggestions. The prices are about the same but I'm more inclined to try the Heathman restaurant. I'll let you know how it goes.

I know what you mean about the lack of tasting menus in various cities. Frequently we put our own together by ordering/sharing a succession of appetizers. Yes, frequently I see the most creativity among the appetizers rather than main courses which often look lackluster and just too big. Thanks MSG. I'll definitely keep Hurley's in mind...but for next week we're cramming a lot into our quick trip and I'd really like to make dinner a leisurely walk from the Heathman.

It's midnight, I have insomnia and an mildly confused. That said, psychobombshellgirl...I did manage to follow your directions. Yes, indeed we are going to the Rau exhibit first and then to dinner. I think we'll stick to places easy to find and close to each other. THis is a quickie trip...don't want to waste time getting lost (it happens0

For this brief run down from SEA I'm thinking the Heathman/hotel and restaurant might fit the bill. A little O.T. but is the art museum close by?

Thanks Jim and MSG. I think we'll be staying at either the Vintage Court or Heathman...so I'll take a look and see where your suggestions line-up location-wise. I haven't been to PDX in about 10 years and need to re-acquaint myself. MSG...not necessarily fancy-schmancy but I mentioned Mistral and Herbfarm as styles of cooking/presentation I really love. Small portion tasting menus are my favorite.

We're going to take a drive down (from SEA) and want to stay downtown and be able to walk to dinner. Mistral and The Herb Farm are my two favorites here...if that helps. Thanks...

Agnolottgirl...You're making me hungry!!! Portland I have covered...but it's the other places that I'm coming up empty. Thanks so much for your help!

Thanks for the info. We will also be staying in Freeport (visiting family) and will be eating in Portland while there. Oh Yes, we've been to Fore. Street....really liked it a lot. I'm really interested in the restaurant with a chef from French Laundry (one of the best restaurants I've ever been to...) so I'll follow up on that one as well. THANKS

Taking a driving trip out your way starting June first and needs some advice. Love all kinds of food but especially interested in seafood....not on a budget and want to eat close to where we sleep...Here are our stops: Prouts Neck, ME (staying at Black Point Inn 1 night) Kennebunkport, ME (2 nights) Lenox, MA (1 night) Cooperstown, NY (1 night) **Guess I should also post on NY board. Thanks in advance!

Loved The Met ! Professional and attentive service make any dining experience better and this place does it right. Here's our dinner from last night: Cocktails: Mohito and Side Car Wine: Chateauneuf du Pope 2001 Vieux Mas De Pope (I know, it's against the rules to drink white wine with red meat..so sue me) Appetizers: Clams on the Half Shell (?Eagles Nest) Calamari with Tomato Basil Relish and saffron-roasted red petter aioli We were smart and shared the 20-OZ Bone-In Fillet with garlic mashed potatoes and a HUGE side of creamed spinach. Dessert: Ice Cream Sundae.... No complaints about this place...It delivered as promised and everything came at the appropriate temperature and at the right pace. If I had to find a negative it would be the size of the portions. My Calamari appetizers would have easily fed four people. As it was I shared it with my husband and we only got about half-way through it. Same for the spinach..family-size. That said, I thought the steak was fantastic and loved the simple ice cream sundae to top-off the heavy meal.

I hope so...agnolottigirl !

thanks, tsquare

OK, tsquare...I'm getting the hint. But I am going to stick with the plan...I am really craving a big 'ol slab of meat...nice and rare and a martini or three.

Yeah, yeah, yeah...I know it sounds like a real throw-back as compared to the type of food I usually seek...but I think it will be fun. I've walked by a few times and it reminds me a little of places my parents took me as a kid....Maybe that's part of the attraction....LOL

***WHOA...I've eaten at Babbo and thought every bite was fantastic...now I'm REALLY looking forward to Salumi next month !! (Yeah, like I wasn't already excited)

Thanks for the valet tip, tsquare..but we don't bring a car when we go to Seattle. It is SO nice to just walk from the ferry. I be spoiled...((-:

What about Earth and Ocean, Sazerac, Union, or the Japanese place on Harbor Steps? *** tsquare....I've been in the mood for a good steak or prime rib dinner and the Met seemed a great location. You're right about my visit to Troiani...It was a bit hit or miss. As to your other suggestions...I've been to all of them except Zoe, Brasa, Earth/Ocean and Sazerac...and have them on the 'to visit' list. I just wanted to know if anyone had really strong opinions either way about Met. I realize it's not cutting edge cuisine...but for cocktails and a hunk of good meat I hope it fits the bill.

As we're going to the symphony at 8 PM and would prefer a shorter walk rather than running from Belltown or trying to find a cab at the last minute. So.....we haven't been to Metropolitan Grill and thought we'd give it a try. Any thoughts?

The classes do look interesting but I'm still searching for day-time classes that are no more than a short cab ride away from the ferry.