I'm looking for a down-home bistro that just happens to serve incredible sweetbreads. I know I've read they're everywhere in Paris, but when I look at menus, I don't see them very often. Any suggestions would be most welcome!

Well, we ended up going to Lulu's, Spencer's and Le Vallarius. Lulu's was okay -- very "hip," but food was average. Spencer's has a great ambiance. Again, food was good, nothing to write home about. However, Le Vallarius was exceptional in every regard. Great setting, incredible food, superb service. If I were going to Palm Springs, this would be the only restaurant on my "must-do" list, although I heard good things about Trio.

"Touristy" was the wrong word. What I meant to say was a little more intimate.

Have a brief time with my mother in SD and need something to do that she'll enjoy, so am looking for a place in LJ that has a good lunch with a view. I know of Georg's at the Cove -- looking for something a little less touristy.

Looking for best places in Palm Springs. Will be there for three days in May. Right now, Trio and Spencer's are on the list. What say you?

Well, if price is no object, I would do Chef's Table at Mistral Kitchen. It's an AMAZING experience and the food is top-notch.

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Mistral Kitchen
2020 Westlake Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121

A coworker and I are planning on lunch at Il Corvo next week. I've never been and am wondering are there tables to sit down? Or is it all takeout? Is there a choice of pastas or do they do a single pasta each day? Thanks!

As noted, the seating is all communal and food is (usually) served family-style. There's one platter of food that is passed around the table. The atmosphere is like being at a wonderfully chic dinner party. The food is simple, but delicious. Everything is first rate. It would be a wonderful place to celebrate a birthday (as I plan to do in January). As far as attire, you'll see it all -- people who dress up and people dressed casually. The staff is usually in jeans, so you won't feel out of place in jeans.

Actually, I neglected to put Sitka and Spruce on my list, which I heartily recommend -- and it is, indeed, quintessential Seattle. The only reason I wouldn't put Corson on that list is that's it's a little high end to be considered "quintessential." But we're splitting hairs here.

I think you mean "Pair," which is good, although I wouldn't consider that North Seattle.

Marcello's on Roosevelt.

Well, i'll answer my own question -- it's 820 Pike Street Asian Cuisine.

I would recommend as follows:

The Book Bindery
Art of the Table
Corson Building
Crush
Lark (for quintessential Seattle)

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Art of the Table
1054 N 39th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Book Bindery
198 Nickerson Street, Seattle, WA 98109

Does anyone know what restaurant is in the space that used to house Bambuza (across from the Convention Center)?

The Fairmont Olympic has The Georgian, which is a FABULOUS restaurant and it is open Christmas -- that would be VERY festive.

Does anyone know of any restaurants that are open Thanksgiving Day that aren't doing a "special" Thanksgiving menu? Or at least offer their usual menu?

Yes, I've been. Food was good, service was HORRIBLE. I can't recommend it.

So, I thought I'd give you my report. We dined at Chef's Table. Nice table, not at the bar. Lots of attention, LOTS of wine. Still eight courses -- I don't think the food differs from Jewel Box. I'm glad I experienced it, but when we return (and return we will!), we'll go the Jewel Box route.

That's what I figured. Gonna try Sip this weekend. Thanks, as always!!

Any feelings on which is better?

If you can get away from downtown, I highly recommend Joule in the Wallingford neighborhood. First, the food (French/Korean fusion) is fabulous. The Chef there was featured on Iron Chef not too long ago (lost, but just barely). Second, it's a VERY comfortable place to dine alone. They have a "bar" area, where you can watch them cook. They'll take VERY good care of you and did I mention the food is FABULOUS!!

Oooops. Never mind. You're correct. The Chef's Table IS more expensive. My bad.

By "bar seating," do you mean sitting at an actual bar? The photos I've seen show people at a white-linen-covered table.

actually, according to the website, the chef's table is cheaper than the 8-course Jewel Box with wine.

Thanks! I really appreciate it.

Has anyone done the Chef's Table at Mistral Kitchen? I'm just wondering how it differs from dinner at the Jewel Box, if at all. Thanks!

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Mistral Kitchen
2020 Westlake Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121

I will be taking my parents out to eat at Kai soon. This is a surprise -- they know nothing about it. I know that if they see the menu, they'll balk at the prices and limit their order. Does Kai provide menus without prices by any chance?

That's great!! Thanks so much!

I wrote earlier about a good place to take my nephew for lunch for his graduation on Memorial Day. Someplace on the "special" side. Well, all of your wonderful recommendations -- Centro, Django, Alba, Dos Rios -- are all CLOSED on Memorial day. Does anyone know anyplace that is a step (or two) above Denny's that is open for brunch/lunch on Memorial Day???

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Centro
1007 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Django Restaurant
210 10th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Thanks, everyone. The entire family is actually going to Centro for dinner, or I would definitely go there. I didn't really think there was a "awesome" place, but thought I would ask!

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Centro
1007 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309