Sunday, April 27, 2008

Elephant & Castle

Elephant & Castle
1415 5th Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 624-99772
www.elephantcastle.com

Three out of Ten
Elephant & Castle in Seattle

For some reason, I feel tricked. I feel tricked because from the outside this place doesn't look like just another hotel restaurant, but once you get inside you immediately figure it out. I then feel tricked again, because for some reason I thought they could deliver an English breakfast. The Elephant & Castle was disappointing serving below average hotel quality food and bad imitation decor. Cold beans and canned mushrooms made for a horrible imitation English breakfast. Although the coffee was good, and the service attentative, this is not the place to start your day.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Cyclops

Cyclops
2421 1st Ave
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 441-1677
http://www.cyclopsseattle.com/

Four out of Ten
Cyclops in Seattle

A Belltown institution for years, Cyclops provides decent food at a decent price. Weak service with a strong attitude is made up for by kitchy decor (elvis shrine anyone?) and unique style. This style translates down to the menu choices and food prep...in a good way.

I ordered the 8-Ball omelet (chicken, green onion, swiss, mushroom) and she had the E/P/T. The potatoes are uniquely prepared with a long grilling for an almost roasted taste. The omelet was pleasantly fluffy and tasty. The food made up for the morning service. Hey, I'm sorry your job starts at 9am on Sunday, but please don't take it out on me. Our coffee cups spent more time empty than with coffee too.

This is a unique place to grab a bite, and a fun place to see inside and out. Easy parking on Sunday morning, and a nice menu. You can do much worse.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Lowell's

Lowell's
1519 Pike Pl
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 622-2036

Two out of Ten
Lowell's in Seattle

Lowell's offers cafeteria service and cafeteria class food aimed squarely at tourists, but I wouldn't recommend this to anyone, even an out of town tourist. In the heart of Pike Place Market, and offering enormous seating on three levels, the only positive thing to be said about this place, other than the location and longevity, is there a very nice sound views. But it is just as easy to find these views elsewhere, especially if you are looking for a decent meal or something beyond serve yourself.
Nestled inside Pike Place market, ordering begins by walking in the correct door right into line. There is a pretty limited menu, and the people behind you would prefer you not to spend too much time deciding. You place your order, receive a number, and then you go and choose your seat. You pour your own coffee (and we had to go down stairs for any), and gather your own flatware. Somehow the food finds you...but we probably would have rather it not have found us.

The food is pretty awful, and both of us were not feeling very well afterwards. We both got the same thing (hmmm.....) the classic EMPT. No spices on the potatoes, runny eggs, and basically not a very pleasant experience (except for the view of course).
When finished, at least you are in the market, but the market offers plenty of better alternatives. I would not recommend.