Leper's Profile
Les Ambassadeurs or Le Grand Vefour for 30th anniversary in Paris?
Helen, Les Ambassadeurs will provide you with an unforgettable evening. Food, service and ambiance are exceptional. (As will be the bill.) Go for it.
Quiet Restaurants in Seattle
I second the suggestion for Ponti. Excellent food and service in a fine dining atmosphere.
Staff Appreciatioin Lunch--Maximilien's or Pink Door or?
PAO, I think you could probably arrange to have the upstairs bar at Maximilien's as a private venue. The bar itself is wonderfully rustic with great views. Their take on Mussel's is a Seattle classic.
I'm BORED with my food
Pick up a copy of "The Essential New York Times Cookbook" by Amanda Hessler. Sit back with a glass of wine and a note pad and note the page numbers of recipes that intrigue you. (This will take some time as it's a 800 page book.) Then keep the notes & list at the beginning of the book for quick future reference before you leave for the market.
Where Do You Eat in Gig Harbor?
It isn't fair to rate a restaurant on just one dining experience, but I was less than impressed with Brix 25. (I will try them again soon as other Chowhounds rate them consistently high.) I suggest The Green Turtle as another option as well. While it is just good pub food, The Tides Tavern is THE Gig Harbor destination for fun and food if you just want a beer and some fish & chips. (If I could own one restaurant in all of Puget Sound, it would be The Tides. That place mints money.)
dickey's bbq pit-any opinions?
Bighound, One word describes Dickey's: TERRIBLE. But it needs to be repeated several times:
Terrible, Terrible, Terrible. In fact, It's terrible. They have actually found a way to franchise Dreck. My God, it's bad. Dickey's is to BBQ what White Castle is to fine dining. I suggest you make a pilgrimage to Brank's BBQ in Sumner or the Ranch House BBQ West of Olympia. (Yes, its a long way; but you DO love brisket don't you?) One more word on Dickey's: Terrible.
Pink Slime (UGH!) - What are the safe brands?
MysticYoYo, I found it quite interesting that when major chains quit purchasing Pink Slime (McDonalds, for instance), the U.S. Government immediately bought thousands of pounds of it for the public schools. Makes you wonder just how strong the lobbyist group is for Pink Slime.
Seattle/Tacoma--college dining
Sue, Near the UPS campus is the Southern Kitchen open for breakfast, lunch & dinner serving very tasty Soul food. (Great catfish.) Also recommended in the Tacoma area is Matador (Tex-Mex), Indochine (Asian Fusion), Vuelve A La Vida (authentic Mexican including excellent oysters) and Asado for steaks and bargain Happy Hour food. You may also try a UPS student favorite: The Red Hot which just serves hot dogs and beer; while that not sound like much, there is an aura to the Red Hot that cannot be explained--just experienced. (Don't be surprised if you suddenly crave having a new tattoo.) Scan the Seattle Chowhound board and you'll see visitor recommendations for a wide range of cuisine.
Help! Need a memorable anniversary dinner!
We went to Teatro Zinzani and had a terrific and memorable evening; I would definitely second the suggestion. For a quiet venue, I would suggest Ponti or the Book Bindery.
Replacing my Viking range
S.M., I read a lot of reviews on e-pinions .com before remodeling and there were few kind words for Viking and especially for their warranty/customer service. We settled upon Dacor and have been happy ever since. Dacor offers a duel-fuel range that has a gas broiler and electric oven--a winning combination. Their pure electric ovens are also excellent. (As are their microwaves.) Most of my friends who have Viking appliances are now one a suicide watch and my turn is Sunday night.
Travel anywhere in the world to eat...where to go?
I've done this trip and can honestly say adding Reykajavik to the itinerary before or after Paris is a cultural home run. If you can, rent a car in Iceland and drive across the tundra to some of the smaller, outlying towns. At times, you'll wonder if your still on planet earth. The people are wonderful and you will remember this trip for a long time. Just don't disturb the Fairies.
First time in Seattle -- help requested
DF, I would definitely recommend Long's Provincial, Matt's at the Market, the Palace Kitchen and Steelhead Diner. (All well within easy walking distance.) At Long's, focus on their seafood options and try some of their unique appetizers--your palate won't be bored. You can also ride the S.L.U.T. to South Lake Union for Cuoco, Brave Horse Tavern and Re:Public. Have a great Seattle Chowhound experience!
Kitchen remodel decisions that might help others
Mikie, I agree. I did a lot of homework before a major kitchen remodel and relied about e-pinions.com and found them accurate and helpful. Personally, I would stay away from any Sharp product and the ASKO dishwasher. (Service problems.) I also learned how bad customer service was for Viking and have friends you have since experienced it personally. The two non-English speaking Russian guys who did my appliance install could have been brain surgeons in another life. Wow, were they good.
Looking for Puyallup area recommendations
Ms_Behavin, For breakfast try the Buttered Biscuit in nearby Sumner. (5 minutes from downtown Puyallup. It's hard to find their location the first time as it is in an ally behind Main St.) For lunch or dinner, "Crockett's pub" offers exceptional food for the area and is a good pub as well.) Nearby is "It's Greek To Me" and is worth seeking out for Greek food. Nearby Sumner also features Aversano's Italian for old school red gravy Italian. (90% of the wait staff at this gem are High School students and they do a terrific job; Seattle's Belltown joints could learn from this place.) Tacoma is 10 minutes away down River Road and offers the Matador (TexMex), The Spar (A classic 100 year old pub facing the water) and Sixth Avenue which features Asado, Marrow, Engine House Number 9, etc. Finally, the Red Hot on Sixth Avenue in Tacoma has given hot dogs a new life for reasons that cannot be explained--only experienced. Stay off Meridian Avenue as it is a franchise nightmare and a Chowhound wasteland...
Night out in Tacoma
I would highly recommend Marzano's in Parkland for exceptional, authentic Italian served with warmth and care. (They make all their own pastas and sauces in-house.) You need reservations even on weeknights. IndoChine at Pacific Avenue (downtown) serves Asian fusian with excellent seafood. The setting is quite elegant and service is excellent. For something new and edgy, check out Marrow on Sixth Avenue. (Especially if you are a carnivore.) Maxwell's Speakeasy is always a fun place to dine. I suggest going to 1022 Lounge for drinks before or after to discover why the New York Times finds them one of the best bars in America. Have a great T-Town visit!
Who likes Cajun food?
Cacheinhand, I new home-style Cajun place has just opened in Parkland near Pacific Lutheran University. (Madea's Cajun Cafe, 417 Garfield St., Parkland.) It is owned by two sisters from Louisiana and they are starting out small with a limited menu. (i.e. Gumbo is only served Friday & Saturday and not during the week.) I have not been yet, but it is on my short list to try as I still miss "From The Bayou" which used to be in the same neighborhood.
Dickey's BBQ
DoobieWah, I live in the Pacific Northwest where they just put in a Dickey's in a local suburb. Frankly, that is the worst BBQ dreck I have ever experienced. Dickey's has to be the Olive Garden of BBQ. There is no explaining how crap like they serve can survive other than to prove franchise restaurants are the antithesis of Chowhound.
25 Most Expensive Restaurants in the U.S.
Actually Jack `N The Box is the most expensive restaurant even if you have terrific health insurance.
ISO a lunch stop near or in Seattle but before Tacoma and a dinner stop on the way back
Grayelf, I suggest Vuelva A La Vida in Tacoma for authentic Mexican. (Lots of seafood on the menu including oysters.) They are located at 5310 Pacific Avenue which is an easy off/on from Interstate 5. I am a big fan of their Ceviche and also their goat tacos. (Don't expect any chips and salsa--this is not Americanized food.)
One fun night in Seattle
Jmil, Based upon your criteria, the Palace Kitchen would be my go to place. I also recommend Lowell's for breakfast as a true Seattle experience.
Restaraunts near Lucca, Viareggio and forte dei marmi
In Lucca you MUST visit Bucca De San Antonio. The best meal we had in Italy and one of the best I've ever had in my life.
Seattle specialties
When the big event happens, the only survivors will be cockroaches and Seattle Teriyaki restaurants....
Next weekend in Seattle
Guy, Thank you for letting us know where you are coming from, it helps with suggestions. I would substitute Matt's at the Market for Lola at lunch. (I agree with the previous poster.) Lola does serve a good breakfast but don't miss Lowell's breakfast for a true Seattle experience. For your Thursday evening, try Long's Provincial for a chow-edgy menu with excellent seafood.
What are YOUR predictions for 2012 food trends?
Restaurants in 2011 went to pork belly to be trendy and yet offer a good price point. Consumers went for it. 2012 will be the year of "sausage cuisine--"boutique sausages made in-house and served with European sides. (Especially with pasta.) I agree that cupcakes have run their course and will be replaced by rustic breads---served with sausage.
Walmart Cajun Trail Mix: The New Crack
I am not a snacker. I don't eat between meals and don't buy dip and chips. (Except during the Super Bowl.) Given that, I received a package of Walmart's Cajun Trail Mix as a stocking stuffer this Christmas and now I'm a lost soul. I might as well be on heroin. What the hell is this stuff? And what happened to me? This time next year I'll probably be in a shelter begging for coins to buy this stuff...
Carmine Has Passed
Seattle Hounds: Carmine Smeraldo, owner of Il Terrazo Carmine, passed away last evening. To me he was the epitome of a great restauranteur who knew how to create and deliver a great dining experience. I hope his legacy lives on at Il Terrazo Carmine.
Funniest Thing a Server Said to You
CyndiA, This truly is a great thread and I have been laughing all morning. My favorite story is from college where we frequented a local Pizza & Calzone take-out restaurant. I was soon taught by the college seniors not to order a Calzone before 6:30 p.m. "Why?" I asked.
"Because the evening kitchen crew is always stoned by 6:30 and the Calzone's are twice as big."
He was right, the 6:30 p.m. Calzone was almost the size of a Butterball turkey for $4.95!
Last Minute Weekend Visit
Redbird, I strongly suggest Din Tai Fung for Friday even with the line/wait. For Sunday brunch/lunch, check out Long's Provincial in Seattle. They offer some Chowhound cuisine you won't find in Boston. For prepared food/charcuterie, Metropolitan Market has some excellent offerings including charcuterie from Salumi--a Seattle gem. Met Market also has a great wine and bread selection to go with your picnic dinner. (DeLaurentie's in Pike Place Market is another option.)
What Is the Hottest Hot Sauce You've Ever Tasted?
Bob, Peppers.com is the first source I've seen where you can buy Dave's Insanity Sauce by the gallon. What a great gift idea...
