Bubbamike's Profile
Polish or Hungarian Food in the Puget Sound Area?
Yes, great sausage though more Balkan than pure Hungarian. Now the sausage maker that used to be on Western Avenue under the Ravenswood "L" station in Chicago, that was Hungarian. But middle European food is not in vogue so finding good examples isn't easy even in Chicago, least of all Seattle.
TenRen Green Tea Wasabi peanuts
That store is no more. It is now Seattle's Best Tea and not connected to Tenren. Not that TenRen was anything to write home about.
Which meat grinder do you recommend?
What ever you buy remember keep the meat cold and the grinder cold and you'll have less problems.
Best quality knifes?
If you're used to using Faberware then get the Forschner it will be a revelation, great value for the money. The do not wash them in the dishwasher. It takes two seconds to take a knife, run it under hot water, rub with soapy sponge, rinse in hot water and dry with towel. Dishwasher will dull your knife and a dull knife is more likely to cut you. Treat your knives well and they will last a lifetime. Treat them badly and you'll waste a ton of time, money and blood.
Terminal Gravity IPA?
I just dropped in their pub in Enterprise and I liked the ESG, the porter and stout. They were very tasty without being to bitter. Looking for them in Seattle now.
Ezell's Chicken-- Lake City Way (SEA)
I've never been fond of Ezells, what I do like is Chickie Pub in the Pal-Do World store in Federal Way, Who would have thought that Korean fried chicken was so good. Crisp and juicy. It's a long drive but well worth it.
Favorite OR Coast Fish Market?
I don't know if they have albacore but Josephson in Astoria does have knowledge folks and good fish.
SEATTLE - I want BBQ
I've had OK Q at Jones, but never knock your socks Q there and I've had bad Q there as well. I might mosey up to Monroe and check it out.
Does anyone know of a relatively inexpensive expresso-cappucino maker?
But the Handpresso is still not espresso.
SEATTLE - I want BBQ
Thanks for making up my mind for me. There are lots of different types of Q and Seattle may have a native style for Salmon it doesn't have one for beef or pork. And the best of other region's have not migrated here. So we generally get mediocre Q. I like Pecos but it is a sandwich place. They do a good job but to me it is ribs that make Q. I like a sauce or rub that is peppery and hot but still tasty. I haven't found that here since the demise of Hill's Brothers. There used to be a decent place on 23rd and Cherry run by a merchant mariner that did decent Q, but he would close up shop and go back to sea every so often and then he died.
I'm not sure what place in Woodinville. I remember when people praised Armidillio and I went and it was, "Meh." YMMV. I'll have to try Gabiel's Fire when I get a chance.
My main advise is stay away from Porter and anything he has his hand into.
Does anyone know of a relatively inexpensive expresso-cappucino maker?
A moka pot is not espresso but they can, with work, make tasty coffee.
SEATTLE - I want BBQ
Unless things have changed there is no good BBQ in Seattle. The last good place was Hills Brothers and they went downhill after Mrs Hills died. I haven't tried Gert's yet but if it follows the Seattle standard it won't cut it. I also haven't had a chance to try Willie's it might be OK.
Korean BBQ in Seattle/Eastside?
You might want to try Eastgate Korean on SE 38th just west of 150th in the old Dennys. Seems to be pretty busy most of the time.
SEA Coffee: Vivace, Victrola or Cafe Besalu?
Zoka in Kirkland does great coffee and of the places you mentioned they are the only shop with a Slayer machine for single blends. Vivace, Victrola, Vita and great, Zoka is in the same class. Also don't avoid Diva, unless they have changed they use Batdorf and Bronson coffee who is as good a roaster as you will find.
Stumptown, well they are OK, but a step below the others.
