I LOVE Whole Foods. If I ever came in to a large sum of money, I would immediately rent a flatbed and go to Whole Foods. They have the best stuff. However, the best comes at a price. If you shop smart and selectively, you can get some good deals. Today I felt like just spending some money.
I got some Yogi Tea. Mint Garden Green Tea. Never tried this variety, never even seen it before. It was on sale for $3.99.
I bought two salsas I've never heard of before. Frontera Roasted Habenero and Green Mountain Gringo Hot Salsa. I tried the Green Mt today with lunch. It was good. Both were on sale for $3.00.
Bhutanese Red Rice! wow, it looks really cool. 16 oz bag on sale for $3.00.
Finally, the real reason I even came to Whole Foods. The frozen burrito.
I went with the Whole Foods 365 Brand Bean and Cheese ($1.69) and Helens Kitchen Pinto Bean and Two Cheese ($2.69). The Whole Foods brand was ok. The Helens Kitchen Burrito was better, but I still prefer Amys over these two.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Pho T and N vs Pho Tai
First off, why the hell do I have to drive to Poulsbo WA to get decent Pho? Why are all the good restaurants opening in Poulbo? oh well.
I had my first Pho at T and N. I have yet to find another pho as good. I get the vegetarian Pho. This is really not Pho. Pho is made from beef marrow. But, in the USA, it's considered Pho. Vegetarian stock with tofu.
The stock is very flavorful. T and N has three separate stocks. Traditional Beef marrow, Chicken and Vegetarian. Am told the two meat broth is very good too.
Joe, the manager/owner is one of the most friendly guys you will ever come across in a restaurant. He sometimes acts like it is his personal dining room in his house, and we are his guests. I was taken back a bit the first time he ribbed me for not eating my mushrooms. He told me there were expensive. At first I though, so? But they are special, expensive mushrooms. I don't like mushrooms, I appreciated him letting me know that I should order without mushrooms.
Now that we know Joe better, he spends a lot of time at our table. Sometimes too much time. He loves to tell us how we "should be eating it". How its eaten traditionally. His intentions are the best, but sometimes I just want to eat! However, I can't imagine a T and N without Joe.
I have tried the fresh rolls and I find them to be great as well. They use a very good tofu.
Pho Tai opened before Summer. Coincidentally, it is on the other side of the shopping complex from T and N.
The building is brand new. It appeared ready to open many months ago, but never did. It just sat there for many months. One day, it opened.
They do offer a vegetarian Pho, just like T and N. It comes with carrots and celery in the soup. I don't care for that. The broth is good, not quite as good at T and N.
The Vietnamese sandwiches are GREAT! Fresh baked bread from a 3rd generation Vietnamese bakery in Seattle. The bread alone is fabulous. Filled with Tofu, lettuce, carrot shreds and cilantro. this is a great sandwich, for $4.19!
Pho Tai is new. I've had the Pho twice now and it was different both times. I will try again at some point, but for now, T and N is my Pho source. I will be back for the sandwiches. I will be back because, its a nicer space than T and N. It's new, has nice comfy booths. It is more comfortable than T and N.
Overall T and N wins. Now, would someone open a place on Bainbridge?
I had my first Pho at T and N. I have yet to find another pho as good. I get the vegetarian Pho. This is really not Pho. Pho is made from beef marrow. But, in the USA, it's considered Pho. Vegetarian stock with tofu.
The stock is very flavorful. T and N has three separate stocks. Traditional Beef marrow, Chicken and Vegetarian. Am told the two meat broth is very good too.
Joe, the manager/owner is one of the most friendly guys you will ever come across in a restaurant. He sometimes acts like it is his personal dining room in his house, and we are his guests. I was taken back a bit the first time he ribbed me for not eating my mushrooms. He told me there were expensive. At first I though, so? But they are special, expensive mushrooms. I don't like mushrooms, I appreciated him letting me know that I should order without mushrooms.
Now that we know Joe better, he spends a lot of time at our table. Sometimes too much time. He loves to tell us how we "should be eating it". How its eaten traditionally. His intentions are the best, but sometimes I just want to eat! However, I can't imagine a T and N without Joe.
I have tried the fresh rolls and I find them to be great as well. They use a very good tofu.
Pho Tai opened before Summer. Coincidentally, it is on the other side of the shopping complex from T and N.
The building is brand new. It appeared ready to open many months ago, but never did. It just sat there for many months. One day, it opened.
They do offer a vegetarian Pho, just like T and N. It comes with carrots and celery in the soup. I don't care for that. The broth is good, not quite as good at T and N.
The Vietnamese sandwiches are GREAT! Fresh baked bread from a 3rd generation Vietnamese bakery in Seattle. The bread alone is fabulous. Filled with Tofu, lettuce, carrot shreds and cilantro. this is a great sandwich, for $4.19!
Pho Tai is new. I've had the Pho twice now and it was different both times. I will try again at some point, but for now, T and N is my Pho source. I will be back for the sandwiches. I will be back because, its a nicer space than T and N. It's new, has nice comfy booths. It is more comfortable than T and N.
Overall T and N wins. Now, would someone open a place on Bainbridge?
Thursday, July 29, 2010
La Fluente - West Wenatchee, WA
La Fluente
816 South Mission Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801-3054
(509) 664-1910
This is possibly the best Mexican food I have ever had. The receptionist at the Coast Hotel told us about this place. Her favorite.
We ordered Shrimp Fajitas, House nachos and a Chili Relleno. Omg, the Relleno was heaven! It was freshly made and had an amazing egg batter. It reminded me of eating an omelet.
The beans and rice were incredible. Beans so rich, rice so fluffy and seasoned just right. The house salsa was great too.
The shrimp fajitas was excellent. Big prawns cooked just right. The fajita sauce was great, the sauted veggies were great. Everything was great!
however, I did feel a bit ill a few hours after. I suspect the rice or beans had meat in them. oh well, I'd eat there again in a heartbeat.
816 South Mission Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801-3054
(509) 664-1910
This is possibly the best Mexican food I have ever had. The receptionist at the Coast Hotel told us about this place. Her favorite.
We ordered Shrimp Fajitas, House nachos and a Chili Relleno. Omg, the Relleno was heaven! It was freshly made and had an amazing egg batter. It reminded me of eating an omelet.
The beans and rice were incredible. Beans so rich, rice so fluffy and seasoned just right. The house salsa was great too.
The shrimp fajitas was excellent. Big prawns cooked just right. The fajita sauce was great, the sauted veggies were great. Everything was great!
however, I did feel a bit ill a few hours after. I suspect the rice or beans had meat in them. oh well, I'd eat there again in a heartbeat.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Zainas vs Pita Express
I love my Falafel. Its a great vegetarian sandwich, chock full of protein from the Falafel, which is made of Garbanzo beans.
In the early part of this century, my co workers and I would flock to Zaina to get a Falafel. The line would be out the door during the lunch rush. They closed for a while, and reopened as this hip Indian Hooka Bar. Shortly there after, the no smoking law was passed and they were out of business.
A few years later, Pita Express opened and I began to frequent the establishment several times a month.
One day last week I decided to go to the Nordstroms Rack for something. When I left, I crossed Pine and headed West towards First Ave. I saw a neon sign in small storefront that said "Falefel". I went in to investigate and I saw the same sign from the place my coworkers and I used to love. Zaina was back! However, there are no crowds and I am not sure anyone knows they exist.
The Zaina Falafel uses hand made falafel, caramelized onions, a light peanut sauce and of course, I ask for extra hot sauce. The hot sauce is great! This Falafel is good, not quite as good as it used to be in my memory, but still very good. $5.99
The Pita Express Falafel comes with either a White flour pita, or a wheat Pita. I switched to Wheat and its just as good, hardly noticeable. Pita Express is set up like a Subway, and coincidentally, the owner also owns the Subway next door! PE uses pre made falafel patties, that I suspect are bought frozen premade. They use a light hummus spread, fresh veggies, cheese, although I have no idea what kind, a creamy yogurt sauce of some kind, and of course, extra hot sauce. I think both places use the same hot sauce. Price varies, the owner is constantly tweaking the menu. Today it cost me $5.00. Last week it was $5.79.
It is hard to pick a winner, both have qualities I like. Both are the same distance from my office. If I had to pick, which is what I intended to do here, I'd go with Zaina because they use fresher ingredients. Both owners are very friendly and this can be good and bad. At Zaina last week, the owner was working the register and was having a lengthy conversation with a customer. Two customers had to wait for them to finish their conversation before we could pay and go eat.
In the early part of this century, my co workers and I would flock to Zaina to get a Falafel. The line would be out the door during the lunch rush. They closed for a while, and reopened as this hip Indian Hooka Bar. Shortly there after, the no smoking law was passed and they were out of business.
A few years later, Pita Express opened and I began to frequent the establishment several times a month.
One day last week I decided to go to the Nordstroms Rack for something. When I left, I crossed Pine and headed West towards First Ave. I saw a neon sign in small storefront that said "Falefel". I went in to investigate and I saw the same sign from the place my coworkers and I used to love. Zaina was back! However, there are no crowds and I am not sure anyone knows they exist.
The Zaina Falafel uses hand made falafel, caramelized onions, a light peanut sauce and of course, I ask for extra hot sauce. The hot sauce is great! This Falafel is good, not quite as good as it used to be in my memory, but still very good. $5.99
The Pita Express Falafel comes with either a White flour pita, or a wheat Pita. I switched to Wheat and its just as good, hardly noticeable. Pita Express is set up like a Subway, and coincidentally, the owner also owns the Subway next door! PE uses pre made falafel patties, that I suspect are bought frozen premade. They use a light hummus spread, fresh veggies, cheese, although I have no idea what kind, a creamy yogurt sauce of some kind, and of course, extra hot sauce. I think both places use the same hot sauce. Price varies, the owner is constantly tweaking the menu. Today it cost me $5.00. Last week it was $5.79.
It is hard to pick a winner, both have qualities I like. Both are the same distance from my office. If I had to pick, which is what I intended to do here, I'd go with Zaina because they use fresher ingredients. Both owners are very friendly and this can be good and bad. At Zaina last week, the owner was working the register and was having a lengthy conversation with a customer. Two customers had to wait for them to finish their conversation before we could pay and go eat.
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