A Canuck Foodie in Seattle

[canucklehead]

Another canuck came a'vistin this weekend. It was my first time in Seattle where kids were not the major focus or impediment in trying out some new place to eat.

First stop Salumi

Porchetta Sandwhich

Salumi Salami Sandwhich

The place certainly lives up to the hype. The Senior Batali was so incredibly friendly and gave out samples left and right. The porchetta sandwhich was a massive undertaking - and delicous. Pork shoulder cooked to a delicous soft falling apart pile scented with onions and fennel - excellent. The highlight was the salami sandwhich w/ fresh mozz - fantastic salami - sweet and porky and pearled with fat - fantastic. Excellent start to the weekend.

Dinner at Zoe's - definitely a place that though busy - does not have the buzz of Brasa, Crow, et al. And it is better for it - had some of the best low key italian food since Delfina in SF.

Started with a burrata salad

One of the best things I have eaten in a very long time. Incredibly fresh mozz - tasting of fresh sweet dairy. Dressed with salt and fruity olive oil, served over tender arugala and a heirloom tomato bruchetta. Not overly dressed up - the Chef really taking full confidence in the ingredients. Absolutely fantastic.

Hanger Steak - what's up with Hanger steak in Seattle, it was on every menu that I looked at. Crazy. This was served with roasted veggies and glazed with a sweet brown sauce. The meat itself was likely smoked and suprisingly tender - I am used to a bigger chew from a hanger steak.

Side dishes - Sauteed Porcini, Tagliatelle w/ Butter and Parm

If I could order two (or three) orders of the pasta and two (or three) orders of the mushrooms and created my own piggy main course - I would have. Easily some of the best pasta I have had in a restaurant. Fresh, lively and bouyant in the mouth - not weighted down by cream or anything else too heavy - I could have eaten this pasta all f'king night. Great stuff.

Dessert was a Roasted Strawberry Crisp

Intense strawberry fruit - without the cloying jamminess that can happen with cooked strawberries. Washington strawberries seemed to have gotten less rain the BC crop. The roasted fruit was excellent - cooked strawberries are something that I tend avoid - but was very pleasantly surprised here.

Great dinner - one of the nicest I have had in while. You get the sense that the Chef is cooking within himself - not pulling any extraneous tricks or trying to play to the latest fad. Really superb. Not sure why Zoe is not discussed more on this thread.

Dinner Day Two

Went to another place seems to be flying a little below the radar (though it was also busy) - and was again rewarded with a solid meal and got to see real Seattlites dining at Le Pichet.

Started with a beautiful chacuterie platter. Particular stand outs were the velvety chicken liver pate and the beef tongue. Sooo good.

Shared the Roast Chicken for two - served wth fava beans and a chevre polenta

Delicous crispy skin - perfectly tender and juicy chicken.

Other party had the Roasted Pork Loin - served over macaroni.

I was uncertain about the macaroni - but it worked. The brined loin was perfectly tender and seasoned. Good solid simple food done extremely well.

Best dessert was Frozen Lemon Mousse with Blueberries

Wonderfully tart and the only seemingly sane way to end a very rich meal. In fact - the portion sizes were the only off putting thing. The roast chicken could have fed four. Not sure what restaurant ettiquite would be - but the next time I go - I will have the chacuterie platter, followed by a salad, then maybe a dessert.

But again - excellent simple fare that is deceptively hard to execute.

So - it was a great weekend. The food was spectacular and it was good to find things in Seattle that are not so available yet in Vancouver.

Yum Dude!

Edited July 4, 2005 by canucklehead (log)

[little ms foodie]

mmm, thanks for sharing your pictures. You ate at 3 of the local favorites. We talk a lot about Zoe and Le Pichet, just not when the tourists are listening!! haha! If you are ever in town on a Monday Zoe has 1/2 price wine bottles on Monday.

[rockdoggydog]

I like nothing more than going to Le Pichet early in the afternoon after the lunch rush has passed and getting the charcuterie plate, a glass of wine, and watching life rush by.

Rocky

[canucklehead]

Hey

I was in Seattle again this weekend and went to Dilaurenti to get my Salumi fix and then sampled some brisket from the Frontier Room

I knew that we were in for a treat with Dilaurenti - but what a suprise the brisket was at the Frontier Room. Smokey, tender, delicious!! We were treated extra nice and got some end bits and the cap of the brisket. The sauce was really good and the coleslaw had a nice spicy bite.

How does the Frontier Room rate in local's minds. If there are better joints - there will be another trip to more fully explore BBQ in Seattle.