Bronwen and I moved to Seattle almost exctly two years ago. Since we have moved we still reminince about old Seattle. Sometimes I bring up my life in Fishermens Terminal, a place I worked out of for 15 years.
One night we were taliign about old Seattle and I was talking about the Bay Cafe and then it hit me... I live in Seattle. I can GO there now, I don't just have to reminisce!!!! Bronwens new schedule gives her Saturdays off, so Bay Cafe here we come.
I have not been down here for years. It was kinda weird. The old Insurance Agency my mother owned is gone. Even the Bank of America that gave me my first credit card is gone! But the restaurants are the same. Highliner tavern, Chinooks and Bay Cafe.
When I walked in, it was like deja vu. It hasn't changed at all. In fact, I think it's the same manager!
I was worried about crowds but I forgot how big the place is. We were immediately seated.
The menu appears to be the same. I remember the big omelets. I ordered the Spinach Feta and B ordered the California omelet. Kimmi and his friend joined us and ordered Waffles.
The omelets were good, mine had maybe a bit too much spinach, but it was still tasty. The hash browns are shredded! and they were cooked to perfection. B and I both were pleased. Kimmis waffles looked perfectly golden brown.
The place continued to fill as we ate and we did have some delay in getting the check. Not an issue normally except Kimmi was flying out soon.
All in all, great breakfast experience. I look forward to checking out Ballard soon. I hear its unrecognizable from my early 1990 memories.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Friday, September 20, 2013
Vegas dining recap - Aug 2013
Here is a run down of the dining we enjoyed or didnt enjoy in Las Vegas.
Peppermill. A Vegas institution. Been coming here since '91 when Glenn took us. It was his favorite place. The first day we ate dinner there. I had nachos, just cause and B had the Fettucine Alfredo. Both plates were enough for 2 people! My Nachos were decent with beans on the side just the way I like them. B has still not stopped talking about that Alfredo. She took most of it back to the room and actually did eat some of it. Leftovers rarely seem to happen on Vacation
We started and ended with Peppmill. We ate our final breakfast here too. WOW! my first breakfast at the Peppermill It was awesome. HUGE omelets with shredded hashbrowns! Cooked to perfection. Great way to end the trip.
Circus Circus Buffet. WHY? Never again. I went for the breakfast buffet. The next day I went to Mc Donalds..
Lobster Me. What a fun fast food place. Lobster being the main ingredient and their signature dish is the Lobster Roll. We had the Lobster shooter whcih is a Lobster bloody mary basically. We came back for the Lobster on a Stick. Deep fried and served with a side of melted butter. YUM!
Spice Island Buffet at Planet Hollywood We had a choice of 6 different restaurants that came with our time share offer. I chose this one. Everyone tried to tell us it was too busy, to go to one of the other restaurants. Nice try. It was not too crowded, but it was super good. The buffet has separate areas each serving a nationality food. Asian, Italian, Indian, and more. Everything was so good we ate ourselves sick. Kelsey and I dined for breakfast here a few years ago and it was great.
Rice and Company - Luxor. Super good rice based dishes. Sushi prepared in the main dining room. B had great Phad Thai with Chicken and Shrimp. I had an Avacado roll and Seared Ahi. Really good and not too pricy.
Peppermill. A Vegas institution. Been coming here since '91 when Glenn took us. It was his favorite place. The first day we ate dinner there. I had nachos, just cause and B had the Fettucine Alfredo. Both plates were enough for 2 people! My Nachos were decent with beans on the side just the way I like them. B has still not stopped talking about that Alfredo. She took most of it back to the room and actually did eat some of it. Leftovers rarely seem to happen on Vacation
We started and ended with Peppmill. We ate our final breakfast here too. WOW! my first breakfast at the Peppermill It was awesome. HUGE omelets with shredded hashbrowns! Cooked to perfection. Great way to end the trip.
Circus Circus Buffet. WHY? Never again. I went for the breakfast buffet. The next day I went to Mc Donalds..
Lobster Me. What a fun fast food place. Lobster being the main ingredient and their signature dish is the Lobster Roll. We had the Lobster shooter whcih is a Lobster bloody mary basically. We came back for the Lobster on a Stick. Deep fried and served with a side of melted butter. YUM!
Spice Island Buffet at Planet Hollywood We had a choice of 6 different restaurants that came with our time share offer. I chose this one. Everyone tried to tell us it was too busy, to go to one of the other restaurants. Nice try. It was not too crowded, but it was super good. The buffet has separate areas each serving a nationality food. Asian, Italian, Indian, and more. Everything was so good we ate ourselves sick. Kelsey and I dined for breakfast here a few years ago and it was great.
Rice and Company - Luxor. Super good rice based dishes. Sushi prepared in the main dining room. B had great Phad Thai with Chicken and Shrimp. I had an Avacado roll and Seared Ahi. Really good and not too pricy.
Monday, August 26, 2013
fool me thrice?
ugh, food trucks.. They have a lot working against them already and now, for the third time, a truck I like disappears.
Yep, Lumpia World truck hasnt been at Westlake since the day I ate that wonderful Pancit..
1. Falafel Salam. Best Falafel I have ever had. They left Morgan Junction for Edmonds. I thought Morgan Junction was an odd location anyways, since the neighborhood is primarily Ethopian, it didnt make a lot of sense to me for a Jewish dude to sell Falafels there.
2. D Jung on Wheels. This one is on me, I saw them everywhere, but finally tried them when they came to Alki. The fish cakes are amazing. I really wanted to try the Phad Thai. They packed up for S. Lake Union.
3. Lumpia World. There were at Westlake for over a week. I waited in line one day when they ran out of food, then I finally was able to try the Pancit. It was great! That's the last I have seen of them.
It is clear that these trucks just don't have a lot of success downtown. Too much competition I suppose.
Yep, Lumpia World truck hasnt been at Westlake since the day I ate that wonderful Pancit..
1. Falafel Salam. Best Falafel I have ever had. They left Morgan Junction for Edmonds. I thought Morgan Junction was an odd location anyways, since the neighborhood is primarily Ethopian, it didnt make a lot of sense to me for a Jewish dude to sell Falafels there.
2. D Jung on Wheels. This one is on me, I saw them everywhere, but finally tried them when they came to Alki. The fish cakes are amazing. I really wanted to try the Phad Thai. They packed up for S. Lake Union.
3. Lumpia World. There were at Westlake for over a week. I waited in line one day when they ran out of food, then I finally was able to try the Pancit. It was great! That's the last I have seen of them.
It is clear that these trucks just don't have a lot of success downtown. Too much competition I suppose.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Lumpia World! yet another food truck!
I really should just name this the Food Truck blog. I can't help it, I am fascinated with them. Why? The are typically over priced and over hyped. But here is the reason, because these are small, locally owned and operated trucks, which means that what is coming out is the best they can do. Restaurants can be hit and miss as different people prepare the food each day. I truly appreciate the quality and consistency of these food trucks. The price is not always good though!
Last week I discovered a new truck, Lumpia World. I had to check it out. I ate a lot of Phillipine food as a kid, loved Lumpia and Pork Adobo. But, how can you have vegetarian Phillipine food? My experience in Southcenter at the Seafood Market a few weeks ago was confirmation that its Pork, Pork and more Pork! The first thing on the buffet is a whole roasted pig! head and all.
I looked over this Lumpia World truck with optimistic skepticism. Sure enough, they offer Vegetarian Pancit and Vegetarian Lumpia!
Today I bit. I have a full lunch in the kitchen here, but I had to take a look and sure enough they offer a side of Pancit for $4.00. This is always a complaint of mine, no smaller portions or sides. Its a big ol entree or nothing.
I ordered the Pancit and asked about the Lumpia. The menu made it sound like it had sweet potato in it, but not the case. They have a sweet potato lumpia for dessert.
well, I wouldn't have put down my bowl and started typing if it wasn't FANTASTIC! I will probably end up going here tomorrow for the Veggie Pancit and Lumpia combo. $8.50
Who needs pork? Not me. And not Lumpia World although they do have pork. Last friday Veggie Pancit was sold out!
Last week I discovered a new truck, Lumpia World. I had to check it out. I ate a lot of Phillipine food as a kid, loved Lumpia and Pork Adobo. But, how can you have vegetarian Phillipine food? My experience in Southcenter at the Seafood Market a few weeks ago was confirmation that its Pork, Pork and more Pork! The first thing on the buffet is a whole roasted pig! head and all.
I looked over this Lumpia World truck with optimistic skepticism. Sure enough, they offer Vegetarian Pancit and Vegetarian Lumpia!
Today I bit. I have a full lunch in the kitchen here, but I had to take a look and sure enough they offer a side of Pancit for $4.00. This is always a complaint of mine, no smaller portions or sides. Its a big ol entree or nothing.
I ordered the Pancit and asked about the Lumpia. The menu made it sound like it had sweet potato in it, but not the case. They have a sweet potato lumpia for dessert.
well, I wouldn't have put down my bowl and started typing if it wasn't FANTASTIC! I will probably end up going here tomorrow for the Veggie Pancit and Lumpia combo. $8.50
Who needs pork? Not me. And not Lumpia World although they do have pork. Last friday Veggie Pancit was sold out!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Another food truck? In W. Seattle? Falafel Salam
Falafel Salam
Yes, the food truck craze is spreading to the burbs. I read on the W Seattle blog that a new Falafel truck was looking for a home. Last Sunday, I found the home!
I do love Falafel. I turned around and went to get me one.
I was the only one there when I got there. 1pm on a lazy Sunday. A man reached out of the truck window and handed me half a Falafel fresh out of the oil. It was really good. I ordered the regular Falafel. It was huge. It was also $8.00! I can get a good Falafel in an actual restaurant for $6. I will never understand why these trucks charge more than brick and mortar places. But I felt compelled to try this new Falafel Stand.
The truck is sporting a nice new paint job. It looks good, makes you trust that these four guys hanging out in a truck in W Seattle, dangerously close to White Center, can make good food!
My Falafel was probably the biggest Falafel I have ever had, and it comes with a side. I chose Dolmas. They gave me one. It was decent. The Falafel was good too, good spices, good flavor. Fresh veggies. It was a quality Falafel. But again, it was $8. From a truck. I am just not hip or ironic enough I guess to grasp this fancy food truck craze. I'd rather sit down and have a glass of water with my meal.
All told, I may stop here again when I find myself too far South on 35th SW. again...
Yes, the food truck craze is spreading to the burbs. I read on the W Seattle blog that a new Falafel truck was looking for a home. Last Sunday, I found the home!
I do love Falafel. I turned around and went to get me one.
I was the only one there when I got there. 1pm on a lazy Sunday. A man reached out of the truck window and handed me half a Falafel fresh out of the oil. It was really good. I ordered the regular Falafel. It was huge. It was also $8.00! I can get a good Falafel in an actual restaurant for $6. I will never understand why these trucks charge more than brick and mortar places. But I felt compelled to try this new Falafel Stand.
The truck is sporting a nice new paint job. It looks good, makes you trust that these four guys hanging out in a truck in W Seattle, dangerously close to White Center, can make good food!
My Falafel was probably the biggest Falafel I have ever had, and it comes with a side. I chose Dolmas. They gave me one. It was decent. The Falafel was good too, good spices, good flavor. Fresh veggies. It was a quality Falafel. But again, it was $8. From a truck. I am just not hip or ironic enough I guess to grasp this fancy food truck craze. I'd rather sit down and have a glass of water with my meal.
All told, I may stop here again when I find myself too far South on 35th SW. again...
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Back to Bang Bar
Bronwen wanted to go here for her birthday. Last time is was crowded and we were packed in at the bar, this time we got there earlier and had a nice booth. The decor is pretty cool. There is a water fall thing, and the bar has lights under it that change. It's a nice decor.
This time we had the room and the time to really check the menus out thoroughly and we did. The specials menu was interesting. The first dish was Dungeness Crab Phad Thai. Wow, now that almost sounds too decadent! Neither of us ordered it.
The drink menu was extensive, and they have a whole page dedicated to Tea! I settled on the classic, Jasmine Tea but I want to come back here again just for the Tea! The Tea comes in a heavy squat Thai style (I guess) pot. It is hot. It was very good tea, freshly made.
Bronwen couldnt help herself, she ordered the Bang Bar noodles again! It is a combination of Wide rice noodles, lots of veggies and your choice of protein, with both Yellow and Red curry sauce. She says its fabulous and I believe her. I almost ordered it myself.
I decided to go with the Garlic Tofu. I didn't want the the noodles today (diet) so that sounded like a good choice. West Seattle seems obsessed with the Crispy Garlic Chicken, so I thought this would be a close substitute. It wasn't crispy though!
It was good, the garlic sauce was probably the best I have had. It was just strong enough to not overpower the meal and I didn't taste it all night like other Asian garlic sauces I have had.
This place is good, no doubt about it. As we were leaving around 6, it was getting very busy.
This time we had the room and the time to really check the menus out thoroughly and we did. The specials menu was interesting. The first dish was Dungeness Crab Phad Thai. Wow, now that almost sounds too decadent! Neither of us ordered it.
The drink menu was extensive, and they have a whole page dedicated to Tea! I settled on the classic, Jasmine Tea but I want to come back here again just for the Tea! The Tea comes in a heavy squat Thai style (I guess) pot. It is hot. It was very good tea, freshly made.
Bronwen couldnt help herself, she ordered the Bang Bar noodles again! It is a combination of Wide rice noodles, lots of veggies and your choice of protein, with both Yellow and Red curry sauce. She says its fabulous and I believe her. I almost ordered it myself.
I decided to go with the Garlic Tofu. I didn't want the the noodles today (diet) so that sounded like a good choice. West Seattle seems obsessed with the Crispy Garlic Chicken, so I thought this would be a close substitute. It wasn't crispy though!
It was good, the garlic sauce was probably the best I have had. It was just strong enough to not overpower the meal and I didn't taste it all night like other Asian garlic sauces I have had.
This place is good, no doubt about it. As we were leaving around 6, it was getting very busy.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Tower Bistro - Sacramento
My cousin is the Executive Chef at Embassy Suites in Sacramento. The restaurant on site is called Tower Bistro, named after the Tower Bridge next door. I call it the Gold Bridge, since it's painted gold.
Last year Chef Clay hosted a birthday dinner for his Mother, my aunt Joyce. He created an extensive dinner, many courses. It was fabulous. Of course, it was all off the menu items. I don't often eat at the hotel I stay in, I prefer to get out and see the city and eat at a place I find. However, we did eat the Calamari before the basketball game. It was fabulous.
The Calamari came in a big basket, like a basket that would hold a burger and fries, but this basket was FULL of Calamari. It was very tender, and perfectly cooked. I enjoy Calamari, it is one of my favorites, and this Calamari ranks right up there with the best. I wish we had tried other dishes, besides of course the huge Breakfast buffet with an Omelet bar. Another favorite!
Looking forward to visiting again and trying more things at the Tower Bistro.
Last year Chef Clay hosted a birthday dinner for his Mother, my aunt Joyce. He created an extensive dinner, many courses. It was fabulous. Of course, it was all off the menu items. I don't often eat at the hotel I stay in, I prefer to get out and see the city and eat at a place I find. However, we did eat the Calamari before the basketball game. It was fabulous.
The Calamari came in a big basket, like a basket that would hold a burger and fries, but this basket was FULL of Calamari. It was very tender, and perfectly cooked. I enjoy Calamari, it is one of my favorites, and this Calamari ranks right up there with the best. I wish we had tried other dishes, besides of course the huge Breakfast buffet with an Omelet bar. Another favorite!
Looking forward to visiting again and trying more things at the Tower Bistro.
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