Bax's Profile
Trader Joe's Yea/Nay Thread - 2nd quarter 2012
The "Almondictive Bits" are SO GOOD. My boyfriend & I have to make sure to measure out a single serving to eat because if we just sit and eat out of the container we'll end up eating FAR too many.
Help with 4 days 3 nights in Aug
I've only been to Senor Moose once but was also mostly disappointed. I admit that I may have ordered wrong, tho' -- tried a squash-based vegetarian dish and it was one of the blandest things I've ever eaten. Lacked any seasoning at all, even basic salt & pepper. Hugely disappointing (as is most of the Mexican food I've had in Seattle -- the above-mentioned "Taco Night" looks promising, tho'!).
On the other hand, Senor Moose's "limonada" (limeade) is FANTASTIC. Just like some of the best I've had in Mexico. I'd go there again just for that.
Faux Meat - Recommendations
Speaking as an omnivore with a sometime vegetarian/vegan boyfriend -- Quorn are the best fake chicken I've had (I'm eating some now, as a matter of fact!); if I didn't know better I'd assume they were real chicken patties (I haven't tried the non-breaded tenders, tho'). Their meatballs are good too, as are Trader Joe's (TJ's are crumblier; Quorn ones are sturdier and a little "meatier"). Field Roast sausages are surprisingly tasty, and certainly the best stand-in for hot dogs/sausages I've tried.
Where should I grocery-shop on the cheap near Capitol Hill?
"Cheap" and Capitol Hill aren't really things that go together, unfortunately (luckily there are some exceptions but as a rule...), but I'm curious too!
How did I do with my dinner plans? (and a couple other questions.)
For the record, Smith only does breakfast on the weekends.
The burger is the only thing I've eaten at Local 360 and most of the time it has been TERRIFIC, but last time I was there it was overcooked and just ok. Service there is almost always terrible, sad to say.
San Francisco Hound Coming to Seattle: Please Critique My List for the Emerald City!!!
MM's maple bacon ice cream was really good -- alas, a seasonal flavor, not a regular one. Other than that, the other flavors I've tried are just ok. But I agree -- good sundaes. And points for creative ice cream/sorbet flavors (last night I noticed they had a strawberry pink peppercorn I wish I'd tasted, but my boyfriend ordered my sundae so quickly I didn't get a chance!). I don't think MM's is BAD or deserves, as you say, "hating on" but I do think there are better options.
San Francisco Hound Coming to Seattle: Please Critique My List for the Emerald City!!!
As I've said elsewhere, I'd recommend Full Tilt over Molly Moon's for ice cream. There's a location in Ballard. Though I'll also say, I just had a sundae at MM's that's chocolate ice cream with bergamot olive oil, sea salt and whipped cream that's pretty darned good (tho' honestly, the ice cream is the weakest link -- the chocolate-ness could stand to be more intense).
Plain croissants at Besalu are fantastic. Don't skip them just because they're "plain." It's the best thing they make, I think.
I think the best meal I've eaten in Seattle so far has been at Walrus & Carpenter. I wish I could afford to repeat the experience more often. Be ready to wait a long time for a table and spend some $, but I think it's worth it. Everything we had there was very fresh, quality ingredients and clean flavors. A lovely experience even with all the bustle.
Poppy is controversial but I've enjoyed my experiences there. I like having lots of things to taste; it's sort of like opening presents on Christmas -- "oooh, what's THIS one?"
I haven't been to the Needle & Thread part of Tavern Law, but have been plenty happy with my experience in the downstairs main bar.
Starbucks "original" -- eh, whatever. It's not like it feels particularly historic or anything, it's pretty much just a "to say we did it" experience. Some of the best Pike Place buskers are usually outside, tho', so it's got that going for it.
What to eat for a first-timer to Seattle?
Bakeries: agree with Besalu (their croissants are terrific; everything else good), Fuji and Macrina. Also, Columbia City Bakery (if you're in that part of town, of course) and Yellow Leaf Cupcakes (Pancakes & Bacon flavor!).
Serious Biscuit (a.k.a. Dahlia Workshop) is good for sure -- my favorite is the bacon, fried green tomato & egg.
What to eat for a first-timer to Seattle?
Molly Moon is the common answer for ice cream, but my vote goes to Full Tilt (I've only tried the one in Columbia City but I assume they're all good). Their salted caramel is far and away better than Molly Moon's.
Thumbs up for Walrus & Carpenter, Paseo and Skillet. Have only had Salumi once (meatball sandwich) and thought it good but not rave-worthy. Sooner or later would like to explore their offerings further. Haven't tried most of the others, alas. I'm too broke for a lot of them...
Is Nook ever open?
I went once on a late Saturday morning, no problem. My biscuit sandwich was good but not rave-worthy (I actually don't remember that much about it now, other than I think I might've preferred it without the tomato jam). I prefer Dahlia Workshop, I think.
Phoenix kolaches?
Soooo envious....
During my time in Phoenix (18 yrs) there was briefly an outlet of a chain called (if I remember correctly) Kolache Factory up at Shea & Tatum...visited once and then it was gone. Guess the Phoenix metroplex wasn't ready for TX kolaches (at least not a place devoted to them).
Phoenix kolaches?
Rainbow has "Texas"/sausage kolaches now that I don't live in Phoenix anymore?!?! BAH. They are one of the things I always longed for but could never find (tho' I think that Europa had the fruity kind, or something similar).
Now if only I could find a place to get them here in Seattle....
Best Burger in Seatown?
To be fair, last time we went to Local 360 our burgers were disappointingly overcooked (and not just by a little). Still tasty despite that, tho'. And service was TERRIBLE, SO VERY VERY TERRIBLE (actually, service there has never been great, and rarely even good, but this was just REMARKABLY, HORRIBLY BAD). We haven't been back since...but that doesn't mean I haven't wanted to go. I'm not going to hold one bad experience against them, but it has meant exploring other options in the area, or going to other parts of town, rather than return so far.
Best Burger in Seatown?
Ok. Boyfriend & I tried to go to Dot's the other night but were too late -- they closed at 8. So back to Uneeda for another go. We both had the basic burger (#1) with cheese & bacon added.
I still say "meh."
Now, I DO agree that for a sub-$5 burger (a little more than that with the bacon, of course) it's good. But it still wasn't anything to get excited about. If I'm going to have a burger (because after all, burgers really aren't something one should be eating every day...or even every week, probably...) I want it to be WORTH IT, y'know? I'm willing to pay $10+ for something that will be DELICIOUS and memorable and indulgent and satisfying. I didn't find Uneeda to be any of those things. I just found it to be...adequate.
I'd go back for the onion rings, tho'. Perfectly crisp, very tasty. I was put off by the pool of grease left in the bottom of the serving dish (would it kill them to let those things drain on some paper or something before serving them?) but they were delicious enough that I was willing to overlook it.
Best Burger in Seatown?
Finally got around to trying Uneeda a couple of days ago and unfortunately was kind of disappointed. I had the mushroom/truffle burger and while it wasn't BAD, it didn't leave me excited to go back.
The menu board states that they cook their burgers to medium, emphasizing that that means "pink." I asked "can you do medium rare?" and the cashier assured me they could. Unfortunately what I got was closer to medium well.
The barely pink patty was covered with mushrooms, shallots and creamy sauce, all of which were tasty but completely overwhelmed the meat (especially the sauce). And overall it was a little too salty, especially when paired with the over-salted french fries (which were otherwise good -- crispy outside, tender inside).
I may go back one of these days to try a basic cheeseburger, but with Paseo and Dot's right there (both of which I love), I doubt Uneeda will be getting much attention from me.
Seattle Agenda for late October - Any obvious ommissions?
uhockey -- after reading your reviews on the Phoenix board, I look forward to your reports on your Seattle trip!
Seattle Since 2006
Just went to Full Tilt (Columbia City) this weekend. It was very good! I had the salted caramel, which I much preferred to Molly Moon's version (MM's is good for a spoonful or two but too salty for a full scoop, if you ask me). Very creamy & smooth. I look forward to trying more flavors from them.
Walrus & Carpenter, if you have a little $ to spend (or aren't planning on eating much).
Yea on Skillet from me.
I once would've wholeheartedly said Local 360, but burgers were overcooked last time we went and the service has been pretty horrible the last several times, so I'm a little leery. Still, when they're on, they're ON.
Where can I get some really great apple cider in Seattle - prefer non-pasturized?
U. District and W. Seattle farmers' markets supposedly have cider, but I haven't had it so don't know details. Might be worth checking out, though.
BURGER IN DOWNTOWN SEATTLE
I'm pretty sure Two Bells doesn't offer fries, and I'm guessing no onion rings either. I seem to remember the baked beans are good. The burger certainly is.
Local 360 may be farther than 5 min. but not by a lot. They have been known to make my favorite Seattle burger so far...then again, last time we were there they overcooked the burgers (still tasty, but disappointing) and the service was HORRIBLE. Good fries, tho''.
One of these days I'm gonna try one of those Palace Kitchen burgers....
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Palace Kitchen
2030 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Trader Joe's Holiday Items - 2011
Ha -- thanks for the recommendation, but I'm only trying to feed two of us. Costco pie might be overkill (my boyfriend DOES like pumpkin pie, but....).
I've been considering fresh & locally baked, but it's awfully spendy to do so. If TJ's pies are good, they are SO much cheaper!
Trader Joe's Holiday Items - 2011
I've been considering my options for pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving (not wanting to go to the trouble of baking) -- how is Trader Joe's? Any yays/nays on that?
Thanks!
Best recommendations for Thanksgiving pies?
How much are the Whidbey pies at Metropolitan Market?
We got a High 5 last year (pumpkin) and it was just ok. I don't remember how much it was, but less than $20 I'm pretty sure.
I saw that Skillet is doing pies this year and considered the pumpkin hazelnut, but can't quite bring myself to pay $25 for pie.
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Metropolitan Market
1908 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA
Dot's Deli, Fremont
I'm not much of a french onion soup person but I LOVED theirs. Tho' to be honest it was almost more of an onion stew -- LOTS of onions, very little broth. Fine by me, tho'. Very deep, rich beefy/onion-y flavor. It was delicious for dipping my frites!
Speaking of the frites, first time I got them I saw them and thought "they look like they came out of a freezer bag! but upon tasting them realized they're the real deal. Haven't had a problem with oversalted.
Dot's Deli, Fremont
I haven't been when it's ridiculously busy but I agree that the butcher block in the window is a silly use of the space.
Sorry to hear that your experience was disappointing, but I do hope you'll give them another try and have better luck. I've had their hot dog and sausage & frites (on 2 occasions, different sausages each time) and tried the steak tartare and french onion soup and enjoyed them all very much (hot dog least, but then again I got it to go and it maybe wasn't at it's prime when I ate it). Service has always been friendly and capable. I'm a fan.
The new Taylor Shellfish shop (@ Melrose Market). Great!
I'm still awaiting your review of Dot's. I've had nothing but great experiences there and am really curious to hear about yours!
LA Hound Coming on Short Notice -- Help!
W & C is delicious, but "hearty" was NOT a word that came to mind while dining there. Mostly small plates, and a lot of raw and/or cold dishes...tho' maybe that will change with the cooler weather? You are right about Quinn's being hearty, tho'.
Not having had Caribbean/Central American in L.A. I'm not sure if you should skip Paseo or not; all I know is they make a damn fine sandwich that it'd be a pity to miss. Still, it sounds like you've got lots of other good eating to do, so it may not really matter.
LA Hound Coming on Short Notice -- Help!
Yeah, I don't understand why people make such a big deal about Top Pot. They're just doughnuts. I guess they're a step up from supermarket doughnuts, maybe, but I have found nothing remarkable about them. Just sweet. Eh. On the other hand, the plain croissants from Besalu TOTALLY live up to the hype. They are indeed wonderful.
The sweets I've had that I find worth touting are cupcakes from Yellow Leaf down in Belltown. Specifically the Pancakes'n'Bacon flavor. YUM. They do tend to be very sweet (I normally eat no more than 1/2 a cupcake at a time), but sounds like that might be to your liking.
Breakfast near market or downtown
The biscuit sandwiches are really good, tho'. Well, at least the bacon & fried tomato one is. I've also had the sausage and the ham & cheese and they were just ok. The bacon one? YUM.
Steak tartare?
Sorry -- W & C = The Walrus and the Carpenter.
We liked the atmosphere. One of our friends commented that it felt "homey." It was bustling and crazy, of course, but I pretty easily tuned out the bustle and just enjoyed our food and drinks and conversation.
I've read mixed things about service there, but we loved our waitress. She remembered my boyfriend and me from our previous attempts and seemed genuinely happy for us that we'd come back and succeeded. She was warm without being overly friendly, made good suggestions when asked for them, and was relatively attentive given how busy it was (a little slow with bread at one point, but it was a crazy Saturday night so I'm willing to give a little leeway).
We ordered a lot (shared amongst four of us) and got dishes one or two at a time, for the most part. I know that might bother some people (and it would have been a problem had we not all been sharing everything), but I liked it because it gave us a chance to focus on and appreciate each dish and kept the table from being overly crowded.
There were things on the menu that required cooking (grilled sardines, fried oysters, etc.) but yes, a lot of it is more about preparation than cooking. What made it good? Quality and freshness of ingredients, mainly. And yes, a deft hand at preparation. Mostly I think they seem to be letting the ingredients speak for themselves -- instead of having a zillion complex layers, there are typically a small handful of elements working together harmoniously. I don't have a problem with complex foods, but there's definitely something to be said for simple, clean flavors and that seems to be what W & C does best. It is a small menu and does seem to change frequently (the menu I looked at online a couple of weeks ago was different from the one online now, both of which are different from the one we had last night ...tho' with some overlap). She said, for example, that the tomatoes would be gone soon, and the spot prawns were new. So seasonality is big (not that that's unusual in Seattle).
As for why W & C is so successful when so many other places fail...my theory is that it's a combination of quality and LUCK (same as it is for actors, or bands, or...whatever). W & C has been lucky enough to get noticed by "GQ," "Bon Appetit," "The NY Times" (I think?) and so on, which creates buzz (once one big name takes notice, everyone else jumps on the bandwagon), and to their credit they've got the quality to back up the hype. I'm sure there are a ton of restaurants out there that deserve the attention just as much, but for whatever reason end up flying under the radar instead of getting noticed.
It probably works in their favor that they're a small space, too. They can only turn tables so fast, which inevitably leads to a line/wait, which leads to people thinking "well it MUST be good if we have to wait to get in!" which leads to more interest/buzz, etc. It is much the same as I saw with Pizzeria Bianco when I lived in Phoenix -- small space that doesn't take reservations serving high quality food + luck of getting noticed by a hype-creating entity + bandwagon jumping = 3-4 hours of waiting to get a pizza. Crazy, but that's the way it works sometimes.
I hope that answered all your questions! I'm not sure the "steak tartare" thread is the best place for this but there ya go.
