nseattlefoodie's Profile
Quintessential Seattle
How romantic do you want for her birthday meal? If you don't mind a bit more casual, I think that #1 and #4 can both be fit by Matt's in the Market. Make a reservation, get a 2 top at a window and enjoy the wonderful food and view. Some of my best birthday memories while living in Seattle is walking the market for fun and then heading to Matt's for lunch or dinner. Just my two cents.
For something special for birthday drinks I would say go for drinks/apps at the bar at Canlis. The building alone and the view is worth a trip there. I think I had heard they are remodeling their bar? You may want to call ahead and make sure everything is complete when you go.
There are quite a few Chowhound finds that are outside of the downtown core, so it's usually mainly locals. Does your wife have a favorite food/cuisine? Personally I would say head up into Queen Anne for How to Cook a Wolf (love the space, and the food is amazing) however they don't take reservations so it may depend on what day of week you go and how important it is to get a table ASAP.
Seattle: would you suggest reservations at these?
Kappo is our go-to sushi, place, love it and our #1 hands down. Nishino is wonderful too, but the two are in opposite areas of Seattle if you are trying to stay near a certain area. Kisaku we tried going to multiple times and had not very nice service from the hostess, the whole "ohhh, you don't have a reservation?" attitude on a weeknight at opening and the place was empty. Finally went to Kisaku for lunch and thought it was ok, but I prefer Kappo, IMO.
Specials in Seattle?
couldn't agree more. tried Fondi a few months ago, love them. have replaced our Tutta Bella runs with Fondi, better pizza and much better service. one of their weekly specials used to be "buy a pizza, get a pizza for half off", great deal. plus they have parking, always a bonus.
seattle lunch and dinner with kids but hound friendly...
mrnelso, awesome post! as someone who lives in seattle but sometimes has to act a bit touristy for a "hooky" day from work I say you're spot on. wish I had seen this post last year when we were trying to figure out how to entertain a teenager for a week! (from that trip, I know it sounds silly, but she loved la panier, delaurenti's and beechers in the market. we got cheese (beechers) and a baguette (le panier) along with nibbles at delaurenti's and ate it at home later and she thought that was the coolest thing ever)
Eating in the bar somewhere on 2/14 SEA
I know it's not a full dinner... but Oliver's Twist on Phinney is doing a "2 cocktails and 2 plates for $25" on V-day. Just a thought.
Seattle in March with Baby
I fully agree with both Mallory and bluedog. I think alot depends on the kid, but if you do have a "vocal" child, most other diners aren't going to find it as cute as you do, and it seems like most people don't realize that. We have stopped going to Tutta Bella's in Wallingford, too many bad experiences of not being able to hear each other over a crying kid at the next table since the parents brought them to dinner at 8pm.
maybe think about a large lunch at one of the spots? much easier to bring a little one to lunch. We've went numerous times with friends with young kids to brunch at the Hi-Life in Ballard. Awesome brunch for a place that caters to a more family atmosphere (actually, any of the CHOW places are fine to bring kids IMO)
gorgeous george's in greenwood
Great for take out, I second the kebobs, they also used to have a mixed hummus platter that was good. We've eaten there a few times and left both times just feeling odd about the place. the owner is really nice, but he kinda watches you over your shoulder the entire time you are eating, no matter how busy.
New 35th St. Bistro? (SEA)
This was one of my top 5 places to go (the steak frites was amazing, and the cocktails always tasty IMO). Anyone have any word on the changes the new owners are putting in place? We're hoping they don't change things too much, always thought it was one of the most comfortable nicer restaurants for a "date night".
One Dinner and One Breakfast in Seattle—Where?!
I second Cafe Campagne, Cafe Presse too.
For dinner... maybe add what kind of food you are looking for?
cheap silpat in SEA?
when Costco gets them it's a 2 pack. Can't remember, but a great deal and I remember thinking that I needed to pick it up.
4 days in Seattle - need help prioritizing my list!
Art of the Table has Happy Mondays... you can sample what they are trying out for the upcoming dinners and not have to go by the set meal. however, they are closed unitl Feb 9th (I think) for their holiday break. Highly recommended though, more casual, fun, interactive "happy hour"
4 days in Seattle - need help prioritizing my list!
I would give a extreme thumbs up for Wolf, Salumi, Quinn's and Matt's in the Market. Harvest Vine I fond just ok, nothing too spectacular (and hit or miss service). The two I would not miss would be How to Cook a Wolf and Matt's. Two of my top places in Seattle.
Quiet wonderful Seattle Restaurant
have to give another vote for stumbling goat. they also have a back little bar that has an upholstered ceiling (i think they call it the "lounge" or something), always been very quiet, easy to have a conversation back there. you may want to check, certain nights they have live music (a guy with an acoustic guitar) and you may want to stay away on those nights. FWIW, winter is my favorite time of year for SG, since they do so many wonderful heavier /comfort food dishes. great wine list as well.
Birthday dinner for 2: If not Poppy then where?
Stumbling Goat always gets a huge thumbs up IMO, and it's a block or so away from Oliver's Twist where you could get an after-dinner drink and dessert. The service at Oliver's Twist is hit or miss in my book (used to be much better), however I do love their chocolate marshmellow panini dessert (not sure the real name).
My vote though would be How to Cook a Wolf, put your name in, and do drinks at Opal while you are waiting.
Have fun!
Great hot chocolate in Seattle?
I'm not a big fan of chocolate, however I live with a chocoholic who swears by the hot chocolate at the Confectional in the market. I think it is more of a drinking chocolate, so may not be in your craving for a true hot chocolate, but I thought I would put the suggestion out there.
Stuffing and Desserts recipes that dairy, egg, wheat, soy and nut free?
Da Vinci (last time I was in there) makes whole take-away items around the holiday (gravy, biscuits, rolls, stuffing etc). for the breadcrumbs, I would just go there, get their bread and make your own in a food processor.
Traveler on Leary, Stepping Stone, Ballard SEA
went to the Traveler, awesome! generous portions for the price, although our review is pretty simple since we mainly went for beer(s) and split the mini burgers and fries. everyone was super friendly, really good service (didn't hover, but was there when you needed them) and the mini burgers rocked. an order was 4 mini burgers, the aoli had a bit of a kick (which was nice), the meat was juicy, had a few other toppings too? can't remember... carmelized onions i think? and they were served on great little buns (anyone know what bakery they get them from?) overall, everyone was really happy and decided we need to go back for an actual meal.
Via Verde in Ballard?
I really wanted to like this place, always looking for tasty pizza. maybe the day we went was just a bad day, but we haven't been back. no one had the time of day for us after we sat down. everyone kept going to a table near the back, sitting down, eating and having some wine (owner's family table?) which normally wouldn't bother me, but when we've seen 3 parties get up and leave for lack of service it gets kind of frustrating. wings and ribs (as BF said) seemed to be precooked and then thrown into a fryer? some were extremely overcooked and barely chewable and then others looked done but were ice cold on the inside? we also ordered the margherita pizza, it came just tomato sauce and cheese (melted, pre-shredded). which would be fine if i wanted a cheese pizza, but i had a craving for the nice fresh basil. i asked if i could get a little basil for the top and they said they didn't have any. we never got our drinks, but we hurried up, paid the bill, and went for ice cream on the way home since we were still hungry.
Good fried chicken in N. Seattle?
I'm usually ashamed to admit... but I have to agree. When I have a quick fried chicken craving I head to Safeway and then go home and reheat according to their directions. I get the one that is under the rotisserie chickens in packages of 6, so it hasn't been sitting under the reheating lamps all day.Good amount of pepper in the batter/coating, it does the trick and for a great price. I think around $7 for a large portion of 6 pieces?
One great meal in Seattle
we had went on a wed night, around 6 and had a 30 min wait. also went to Opal for drinks (had awesome service there, btw). plus, HTCAW will call you on your cell when your table is ready, and were great about letting us finish up our drinks at Opal.
NY FOODIE IN SEATTLE FOR 2 MEALS
I second Matt's and the Stumbling Goat. For sushi, I love Nishino and Chiso. Canlis is wonderful for the view and service, I know it has people on this board who don't care for it, but the service and wine list is top notch.
SEA- Brewpubs/Breweries Unique to SEA?
Thanks! I didn't even think of that one. It'll go on the list.
First Time in Seattle
A third yay! for bourbongal's post. Matt's in the Market is one of my all time favorites.
SEA- Brewpubs/Breweries Unique to SEA?
Friends from the E Coast are headed out (on really short notice) and love all of our microbrews, unique beer, etc. We always end up going to the same ones, Elysian (but I think their food has went downhill), Jolly Rodger (spelling? just love the mini burgers though...) and Brouwers (for the selection and the food). Was hoping the new one on Greenwood would be open for their visit, but peeked my head in yesterday and not even close. Ambiance doesn't matter as much as good beer and food. Any ideas?
Romantic NW Getaway
Love Cave B, however, their wines aren't fantastic (and their restaurant only serves their wine) so bring your own to enjoy in your room. Prefer Cave B in off season (after the concerts at the Gorge (sp?) are done), not as busy, and amazing service. The restaurant I think just changed hands, so I can't speak for the new food, but when I was there last it was alot of comfort food, and we loved it. Splurge on an upgraded room, the Cliffhouses are amazing.
Food suggestions for Seattle trip?
Love Portage Bay. I have to say, it's my favorite place to go for breakfast if I want good portions and good food. And the fruit topping bar is wonderful, the pancakes come with a free trip up to the toppings bar (fruit, whipped cream, etc).
The Dish is great for a greasy spoon, homemade scones (more cake like than scone? but still good) are a side option with most of the dishes. FYI, they take cash only at the Dish.
Georgetown Truck Stop (SEA)
Smarty Pants, Calamity Janes, Stellar, and Via Tribunali are the ones I know are open for lunch on the Airport Way stretch...
5 days in Seattle beginning of September
alot of them are open by appt, so just call around. I would skip the big wineries (Ste. Michelle, Columbia, etc etc) I think the new building for Novelty HIll and Januik is stunning, worth a see just for the wall of glass into the barrel room (plus just around the corner from the Willows). Maybe post wine styles you like and fellow CH'ers can help with the winery choices? There really are tons of tasting rooms up there. good luck!
Harvest Vine
i have to agree with cocktailhour, i loved How to Cook a Wolf, Corson Building, Art of the Table, Elemental etc... however my bad experiences with awful service (on multiple occasions) along with just ok food? doesn't make it worthy of my time. Leper you crack me up if you think tapas "push the edge", seeing how that's what everyone and their mother is doing these days.
5 days in Seattle beginning of September
For a restaurant that is a "NW Experience" I'd say Matt's hands down. http://www.mattsinthemarket.com/
Overnight to wine areas are difficult from Seattle (unless you want to just go to Woodinville; head to Woodinville, do the tasting rooms, stay at the Willows and eat at either the Barking Frog or the Herbfarm. close to Seattle, but would feel like a "get-a-way") Or you could do Cave B, they have a winery and hotel, however it is a bit of a drive, and you would be there during concert season, not sure how busy it would be.
