tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16437179952409478822024-03-12T17:48:48.047-07:00Breakfast in Seattlejeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-44083068458429479672010-06-18T16:52:00.000-07:002010-06-19T17:43:56.698-07:00Latest breakfastLately, breakfast downtown has meant breakfast at home. <br /><br />The most important ingredient for this are the eggs. Downtown choices for eggs have started to expand, with now three choices at Pike Place market alone. The eggs from the market which consistently taste fresher and more flavorful are the ones from Catanzaro's. This produce vendor is on the main arcade just before Lowell's, and their eggs are definitely what's for breakfast in Seattle.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/19/2015.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/06/19/s_2015.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><p class="blogpress_location">Location:<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Madison%20St,Seattle,United%20States%4047.606551%2C-122.331881&z=10">Madison St,Seattle,United States</a><br /><br /><br />jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-60046975361420370782008-09-01T13:42:00.000-07:002008-09-01T15:03:00.631-07:00Juno<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKaRmJUrLjhCFCVUrldCAILcuZOMPm8NDZyZ-_8NQNh0rWmG5smSFTQKq72Gy4juszfV7si1HimMST5yZ2ut1XUp-k1AiCqShGtzm1otPkHtSELVRTHGfFBsC49hyphenhyphenAr6IUcry8RLloOE/s1600-h/juno1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241158539242716546" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKaRmJUrLjhCFCVUrldCAILcuZOMPm8NDZyZ-_8NQNh0rWmG5smSFTQKq72Gy4juszfV7si1HimMST5yZ2ut1XUp-k1AiCqShGtzm1otPkHtSELVRTHGfFBsC49hyphenhyphenAr6IUcry8RLloOE/s400/juno1.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Juno</strong><br /><div>700 3rd Ave<br />Seattle, WA 98104</div><div>(206) 631-8080<br /><a onclick="javascript:urchinTracker('/out/www.junorestaurant.com');" href="http://www.junorestaurant.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">www.junorestaurant.com</span></strong></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>Seven out of Ten</strong></span></div><div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/572372/restaurant/Downtown/Juno-Seattle"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 130px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; HEIGHT: 36px" alt="Juno on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/572372/minilink.gif" /></a><br /><br />Juno has a breathtaking, seasonal menu, a comfortable and modern dining room, and gets my nomination for the best hash browns in the city. And while they are fighting a little on consistency for both food and service as they feel the start up pain, it is definitely a place that is worth the risk. The fresh and changing menu and attention to detail will make this a fine addition to the downtown dining options.</div><div><br />Juno is located in the newly remodeled and converted Arctic Club building. This new hotel lobby is a can't miss part of the experience as the new remodel maintained all the periodicity from which it came. Walking into the lobby is like walking into early 1900's Seattle.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The breakfast menu at Juno provides several great options, including a wagyu scramble topped with shaved Parmesan, and a french toast dish that sounds like heaven. For my tastes though, the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_QY0wgXQEE63O_ikxXVYFaVoCm548u_vpQWWOlKcUAAPP0apSqL2UW4VA9vn3ZX5n9vyVKQOiE16KTfqsypui5BXUz59G97s77UZQmQAe9k4vrmtAWm3UXtoNyMCMEF-RgphjbKus2M/s1600-h/juno2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241158830677961698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_QY0wgXQEE63O_ikxXVYFaVoCm548u_vpQWWOlKcUAAPP0apSqL2UW4VA9vn3ZX5n9vyVKQOiE16KTfqsypui5BXUz59G97s77UZQmQAe9k4vrmtAWm3UXtoNyMCMEF-RgphjbKus2M/s400/juno2.jpg" border="0" /></a>standard 2 egg breakfast is what will keep me coming back for more. The hash browns served up are perfectly moist without being oily and perfectly crispy on top.</div><div><strong><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></strong></div><div><br />The comfortable dining room is largely booths and counter stools by a great bar. The coffee cups stayed full and the service was friendly. The main battle of the moment is consistency, which I can forgive as start up pains. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Juno is a really great place to start or end a day in the city. This is a great recommendation for out of town guests or in city retreats. This is a place we will be back at often. </div>jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-91321086810806401922008-08-17T12:33:00.000-07:002008-08-17T13:10:29.187-07:00CJ's Eatery<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwk9bKcf0F4noICcXd-kiFPbF4-JvgKUUOiv22vciCfz9fhEHiRBY56uUPQZXHxqbxSGs0d0XhHJj65p8IgkjvT-mbf4Ea5s8RyTxwUGP9BgdFPhEhSNZAP7TyBvgQSjhxM3JmZchh-w/s1600-h/cj1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235580971904800994" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwk9bKcf0F4noICcXd-kiFPbF4-JvgKUUOiv22vciCfz9fhEHiRBY56uUPQZXHxqbxSGs0d0XhHJj65p8IgkjvT-mbf4Ea5s8RyTxwUGP9BgdFPhEhSNZAP7TyBvgQSjhxM3JmZchh-w/s400/cj1.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>CJ's Eatery</strong><br />2619 1st Ave<br />Seattle, WA 98121<br /><div><div><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>Six out of Ten</strong></span></div><div></div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/4831/restaurant/Belltown/Cjs-Eatery-Seattle"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 130px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; HEIGHT: 36px" alt="Cj's Eatery on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/4831/minilink.gif" /></a><br /><br /><div>In the heart of Belltown, CJ's Eatery does simple food simply great. With an extensive menu and a hustling dining room, this is a great place to grab a quick eat. The service stands out amongst the ordered chaos that is the packed in dining area.<br /><br />We were seated quickly and coffee served right away. It is rare for your cup to run empty as well. I had a Belltown Omelet, that was very well cooked, but more of a scramble than an omelet. The food does not inspire, but instead fills you up and is served with great consistency. They were also very accommodating about watching for wheat, and even substituted fruit for toast.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7K_e_BFkCh-Y6th5k8USqULJCHANJvvsMM9Hi-2v8qBGXOcpo5l7WgzGqIMu3pbQ8PMMuC7i8Gt7mwDYRVv-SzKL9iMjnODXtfCSP4EdyTAR0g6ubcEXoh7Sn-WwwaAc7eRfutly6vRI/s1600-h/cj2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235581123392270402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7K_e_BFkCh-Y6th5k8USqULJCHANJvvsMM9Hi-2v8qBGXOcpo5l7WgzGqIMu3pbQ8PMMuC7i8Gt7mwDYRVv-SzKL9iMjnODXtfCSP4EdyTAR0g6ubcEXoh7Sn-WwwaAc7eRfutly6vRI/s400/cj2.jpg" border="0" /></a>CJ's is a great spot for a quick meal. Somehow it reminds me of the east coast, but the breakfast is all their own.</div></div>jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-34308815409919474082008-08-04T21:44:00.001-07:002008-12-12T22:34:48.604-08:00Dragonfish<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL05HeTTYsR_qveSPq5fWKDwRD-VkIYEvG4X9k13ubO4ULkmgf_Wuq3F30wCVhMZIHhod6FJmEGH3sP0HpQqt18-kGlr35yfypZDaE3Cqt-0uy1Z4j4t0dvj_bSqwol9vHnyy6Ktu_ggU/s1600-h/df1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230889987659986450" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL05HeTTYsR_qveSPq5fWKDwRD-VkIYEvG4X9k13ubO4ULkmgf_Wuq3F30wCVhMZIHhod6FJmEGH3sP0HpQqt18-kGlr35yfypZDaE3Cqt-0uy1Z4j4t0dvj_bSqwol9vHnyy6Ktu_ggU/s400/df1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>Dragonfish Asian Cafe</strong><br />722 Pine St<br />Seattle, WA 98101<br /><div>(206) 467-7777<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.dragonfishcafe.com/">website</a><br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">Zero out of Ten</span></strong><br /></span><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/2504/restaurant/Downtown/Dragonfish-Asian-Cafe-Seattle"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 130px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; HEIGHT: 36px" alt="Dragonfish Asian Cafe on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/2504/minilink.gif" /></a><br /><br />I am certainly aware that on any given day you could dine in any given restaurant and see perhaps the best or worst. Quite simply though, our breakfast at Dragonfish set a new low for the lowest low of any restaurant service.<br /><br />I knew this was risky to begin with. After all, this place serves asian cuisine, so clearly this is support for the hotel room service. However, I would never expect something to be lack as much in service, sanitary, or food quality. When walking in, there were more tables with dirty dishes waiting to be bused than there were tables with people. However, we still had to wait for a table. I was thinking short staffed, but there were four tables being served by three people.<br /><br />The food was pitiful. The eggs were runny and bad. The worst was that they ran out of hash browns so they decided to replace them with french fries without telling us. At least they brought ketchup, I guess. Our coffee cups were more empty than full. All for an unreasonable price.<br /><br />I wish I could find something good to say about this place, unfortunately I can not find anything. Even the decor is slightly tacky. Stay away. If this is any indication of typical, I would avoid lunch and dinner as well.jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-37989946519473545282008-06-30T18:24:00.001-07:002008-12-12T22:34:48.913-08:00Cafe Campagne<strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnh5QPQIbLqzCPelpaujAbYY-4qaejEguCqKt5EGtBVFP-9f_L6SaY_Y0G9gnyByOpktZ5whfZUcKcma0w6JC_PhTLOkyE4z7UVfYIyFZIgPVnGaMF8WhMcMX5ftUXzFFishVJFw_rvYQ/s1600-h/cafec2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217850722082152722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnh5QPQIbLqzCPelpaujAbYY-4qaejEguCqKt5EGtBVFP-9f_L6SaY_Y0G9gnyByOpktZ5whfZUcKcma0w6JC_PhTLOkyE4z7UVfYIyFZIgPVnGaMF8WhMcMX5ftUXzFFishVJFw_rvYQ/s400/cafec2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Cafe Campagne</strong><br />1600 Post Aly<br />Seattle, WA<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(206) 728-2233</span><br /><strong><a href="http://www.campagnerestaurant.com/cafe_home.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">website</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Four out of Ten</span></strong><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/4859/Seattle/Downtown-restaurants/Cafe-Campagne.html"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 130px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; HEIGHT: 36px" alt="Cafe Campagne on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/4859/minilink.gif" /></a><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></strong><br />I really wanted to like the breakfast at Cafe Campagne, and find it very difficult to criticise a place that I have enjoyed so many really wonderful and memorable meals. Unfortunately I find it more difficult to find very much good to say about breakfast. The dining room is crowded and cramped to the point where you will be sharing your conversation with the people next to you. The breakfast menu is pretty limited and the food is just not as good as it is for dinner.<br /><br />I had a chevre omelet with the sausage. The portions were pretty small. Most surprising was the orange juice cut with club soda (or something fizzy). It was billed as orange juice not an orange cooler cocktail.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217850713735023506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrhiAax9jiImHVyukF9ntQd07GU92iwY0VdH4N1GSdpaVUChDEhDRQQZxj0e1fAAOj_BVh_9UJK3NKUYJt02XhEHEd25HlfguYJAYC3zVXcrHD6A5qDRJhJ1iOE_y5K43guI_HjUk5kM/s400/cafec.jpg" border="0" />The service was mediocre and the coffee cups were empty often. It is not that I will never eat here again, it is just that I will never eat breakfast here. This is still a great dinner.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrhiAax9jiImHVyukF9ntQd07GU92iwY0VdH4N1GSdpaVUChDEhDRQQZxj0e1fAAOj_BVh_9UJK3NKUYJt02XhEHEd25HlfguYJAYC3zVXcrHD6A5qDRJhJ1iOE_y5K43guI_HjUk5kM/s1600-h/cafec.jpg"></a>jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-38074478095332764842008-06-23T19:07:00.000-07:002008-06-23T20:03:32.817-07:00Celiac In SeattleFor me, breakfast is the easiest meal to have out. There is no wheat in eggs and bacon. So other than any cross contamination, it is pretty easy to go anywhere and be able to find something. However, the anxiety of trying to find something at times for dinner or lunch can be pretty painful, and often times resulting in nothing but some lettuce and oil and vinegar. So here's my list of friendly places for anyone with Celiac or a wheat allergy to enjoy a really nice meal.<br /><br /><strong>Outback Steakhouse and P.F. Chang's</strong><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/2060/Seattle/Downtown-restaurants/PF-Changs-China-Bistro-Downtown.html"><img id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 104px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; HEIGHT: 15px" alt="PFChangs China Bistro (Downtown) on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/2060/minilogo.gif" /></a><br />I know I am going to get some pretentious heat for this one, but not from anyone who understands how good it feels when a place actually has a gluten free menu (and a full bar). Both of these chains have a full gluten free menu upon asking, and P.F. Chang's has tamari (gluten free soy sauce). The food is fine. it won't be the best meal you ever have, but you can eat worry free.<br /><br /><strong>The Triple Door<br /></strong><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/5672/Seattle/Downtown-restaurants/Triple-Door-Mainstage.html"><img id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 104px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; HEIGHT: 15px" alt="Triple Door Mainstage on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/5672/minilogo.gif" /></a><br />It was a great surprise to find out they had a gluten free menu. The food is prepared by Wild Ginger (and oddly, Wild Ginger does not have a gluten free menu, although they have the same dishes). This is dinner theater, so depending on the show your whole experience will vary. The food is really good with great spice. Ample choices for both appetizers and entrees will satisfy any level of hunger, from a few things to nosh on during the show or a full meal.<br /><br /><strong>Lola</strong><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/2180/Seattle/Belltown-restaurants/Lola.html"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 104px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; HEIGHT: 15px" alt="Lola on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/2180/minilogo.gif" /></a><br />This is a unique and fun dining experiences, and the incredible food makes this a must. A couple of appetizer skewers, a couple of tagines, and an amazing bottle of wine make a very romantic dinner. This place has a great cozy atmosphere, and a very professional staff. The prices are downtown reasonable as well. This did not have a gluten free menu, but the staff was very knowledgeable, and I ate with confidence. A definite treat!<br /><br /><strong>Tango</strong><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/3359/Seattle/Capitol-Hill-restaurants/Tango.html"><img id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 104px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; HEIGHT: 15px" alt="Tango on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/3359/minilogo.gif" /></a><br />Yum, yum, yum, yum, yum. And still not enough yums. This place will be your new favorite after a single visit. The food is fantastic, and those in the know will leave room for the el diablo. And all wheat free. This is a definite must. I recommend Monday night for half price bottle night (which my wife says doesn't mean you save money, it means you drink twice as much). Every dish we got was full of flavor, and when we looked up we saw we had been sitting there for hours. The ambiance and professional service makes this a must.<br /><br /><strong>Impromptu<br /></strong><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/5699/Seattle/Madison-Park-restaurants/Impromptu-Wine-Art-Bar.html"><img id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 104px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; HEIGHT: 15px" alt="Impromptu Wine & Art Bar on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/5699/minilogo.gif" /></a><br />If you are reading this because you too have Celiac, you probably already know about this place. This is the mecca for Celiacs in Seattle, but everyone will enjoy the food. A great selection of wine, and a small cafe feel make this a great place to celebrate life.jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-64045395024679850772008-05-30T08:19:00.000-07:002008-12-12T22:34:49.233-08:00Julia's on Broadway<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGuQMpTnjttWYqSXvPv4gbDN7wedBPnK31YtSs_yQ5mCLVrtx_x-0SRlh98btI36oYYnB5X3DzWzuEb23SJnzQ34LIhKIFXC06-jej-8uTnaRyRp1y9MKVMx8LtA3uEThKmD-LSkGB8I/s1600-h/julias1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207010756767915330" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGuQMpTnjttWYqSXvPv4gbDN7wedBPnK31YtSs_yQ5mCLVrtx_x-0SRlh98btI36oYYnB5X3DzWzuEb23SJnzQ34LIhKIFXC06-jej-8uTnaRyRp1y9MKVMx8LtA3uEThKmD-LSkGB8I/s400/julias1.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Julia's on Broadway<br /></strong>300 Broadway E<br />Seattle, WA 98102<br />(206) 860-1818<br /><a href="http://eatatjulias.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">website</span></a><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Five out of Ten<br /></span></strong><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/5706/Seattle/Capitol-Hill-restaurants/Julias-Broadway.html"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 130px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; HEIGHT: 36px" alt="Julia's (Broadway) on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/5706/minilink.gif" /></a><br /><br />Julia's on Capitol Hill is a longstanding institution that represents Seattle ambiance at its best. The west coast Victorian decor and ornate decorations make this enormous space with 30 foot ceilings a comfortable place to sit for a long meal. Unfortunately the food does not quite complement the great service, location, and decor.<br /><br />The breakfast menu is typical and large. The coffee is hot and frequently refreshed. But the portions were heavy and not very well cooked. I had the potato plate with two eggs, but it also came with an unappetizing tomato based sauce that could not be well discerned from oil. She had the standard egg breakfast, but the bacon was overcooked and generally weak. The toast was also from a bag of sliced bread. All in all a bit of a disappointment from such a well known and well established place.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPfs0ppkVsiYw7lMonj07c8VzoEIJOIFpfbNFaoXDuByxOQ9DICSo0zpf_tN7hkcAk4l8w8f8mdP-sgVApbV3AcycVsXR86fBAsjlyx6a0glQQBJdSP0kHT_NCcWMfotKeEzRnc2wOqI/s1600-h/julias2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207010511954779442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPfs0ppkVsiYw7lMonj07c8VzoEIJOIFpfbNFaoXDuByxOQ9DICSo0zpf_tN7hkcAk4l8w8f8mdP-sgVApbV3AcycVsXR86fBAsjlyx6a0glQQBJdSP0kHT_NCcWMfotKeEzRnc2wOqI/s400/julias2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Julia's is a great place with great service. If looking to experience a great Seattle feel for all its charm, and to keep your coffee cup full, this is a great spot. Order carefully and do not have high expectations for the food.jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-67594882678298319332008-05-18T18:16:00.000-07:002008-12-12T22:34:49.474-08:00Coastal Kitchen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1U1yDnQJDdOQSehK9anGCv5y4wMPfr63Rrew-ZJ7_vDPqi3fs7Cs3loFgZQrl3jYVw9j7oD2uXoTGKTP7pr_gKQ2tOEpkqq0QNQG62cUSEpbkC2Dpe6C2Ga1PwqlXzVnXKQiC62Ly3w/s1600-h/ck1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201892881544882610" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1U1yDnQJDdOQSehK9anGCv5y4wMPfr63Rrew-ZJ7_vDPqi3fs7Cs3loFgZQrl3jYVw9j7oD2uXoTGKTP7pr_gKQ2tOEpkqq0QNQG62cUSEpbkC2Dpe6C2Ga1PwqlXzVnXKQiC62Ly3w/s320/ck1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>Coastal Kitchen<br /></strong>429 15th Ave E<br />Seattle, WA 98112<br />(206) 322-1145<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Seven out of Ten</span><br /></strong><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/854/Seattle/Capitol-Hill-restaurants/Coastal-Kitchen.html"><img id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 130px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; HEIGHT: 36px" alt="Coastal Kitchen on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/854/minilink.gif" /></a><br /><br />Having a unique, but limited, menu the Coastal Kitchen had some of the tastiest and well spiced food we have tasted to date. Always crowded, with a long wait that grows quickly, the service here was friendly but inattentive. The ambiance was a combination of typical Capital Hill art and a take on the changing theme, which was currently Roman. But it is clearly the food that holds this place together as a neighborhood favorite breakfast spot.<br /><br />I had the mushroom Swiss omelet, made with two types of <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pzI2Ey0fjg-KS9lCiaQ5_qYv_ai2uK-FBb-2F52j-6uW_wc-EqUdKnLs4_k7fed4nUUE_IL0WMZc4m1xiqMH32qHy9iQU183952QROM_qlIZlNqN2rDBsReCCeisBcr3VcGOBSpkoFU/s1600-h/ck2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201892714041158050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pzI2Ey0fjg-KS9lCiaQ5_qYv_ai2uK-FBb-2F52j-6uW_wc-EqUdKnLs4_k7fed4nUUE_IL0WMZc4m1xiqMH32qHy9iQU183952QROM_qlIZlNqN2rDBsReCCeisBcr3VcGOBSpkoFU/s320/ck2.jpg" border="0" /></a>mushrooms locally grown, and fresh chives. Fruit was substituted for toast, and the Orange juice was fresh squeezed from the market. She had the classic EMPT. The potatoes were spicy and delicious and the most noteworthy part of the meal.<br /><br />Kid friendly, and a great cup of coffee (when you can get it filled) round out a wonderful tasting breakfast. The wait is well recommended.jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-32981873422043119812008-05-11T13:15:00.001-07:002008-12-12T22:34:49.630-08:00Breakfast At Home<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPBQtAPRH9CnbZj_CGLZPpZDvfDul5uWQpnvz0sT9bQ49AyVgBZLvQxGEY1mKupT_bmp5YM3ZPKjbXmBRudGPE6Yre3ms2JYr-oIU0DTKnjF3aNPSoSJoSYrSnG_0YgMB4MPWYesD0g0/s1600-h/athome.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199216696012679458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPBQtAPRH9CnbZj_CGLZPpZDvfDul5uWQpnvz0sT9bQ49AyVgBZLvQxGEY1mKupT_bmp5YM3ZPKjbXmBRudGPE6Yre3ms2JYr-oIU0DTKnjF3aNPSoSJoSYrSnG_0YgMB4MPWYesD0g0/s320/athome.jpg" border="0" /></a> Since finding out I had Celiac disease, we have experimented extensively with both available products and homemade foods to determine what wheat items can be replaced and what will just be missed. For example, a warm and chewy NY style bagel with whipped cream cheese is just something I have to live without, as is a sandwich on crusty baguette from Salumi's. Some things, however, are easy to make and hard to detect that they are gluten free. Fortunately, for breakfast, pancakes and waffles are one of the replaceable ones. They are just not available on any menu that I know of, except at home. Of course I love the ambiance of this place (home) because of the sweeping city views and soaring ceilings. There really is nowhere else I would rather be or eat, but the service here is, well, not so attentive.<br /><br />Besides the gluten free waffles, this breakfast had two other special ingredients. Lately, we have been frequenting the University Farmer's market. We have become very enamored with the fresh organic eggs and chickens from one vendor. When we first found him, he asked if we had ever tried his product before. When we told him we had not, he told us that we were in for some big trouble, because now we will never be able to eat anything but. He was pretty accurate. The quality of the product is just so fresh. I can not wait to try his duck early in the summer. For this breakfast, we had fresh organic eggs from the farmer's market.<br /><br />The second ingredient we have come to enjoy very much is the bacon we got from <a href="http://woolypigs.com/">Wooly Pigs</a>. We first heard about this place from our daughter who interviewed them for a school journalism piece, but later have read about them in Seattle Magazine. Their story is fascinating and their product is incredible. We certainly will never taste pork roast in the same way. Their bacon is just as good, with a thick, chewy and meatier taste. We have done a couple of Mangaliste roasts, but this was the first taste of the bacon, and we are now fans as well.<br /><br />As much as we love the convenience and ease of breakfast out, there always is no place like home. Its the best way to insure the meal is gluten free and tastes great.jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-8027698012933456642008-05-04T10:48:00.000-07:002008-12-12T22:34:50.406-08:00Le Pichet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3Vw6ToWh-YCqVX8Q0xuaNlCAOi615YEANGZgz6XQ-KB3TbGTQLM7Er-w5Y3AKw7iXN0ObKEOV_xG8nbXixFzV5IhIFG6fsBRRMsSOMBvdZPUEX45XqWoHYaAxohHVhyphenhyphenmVdfisIifcPM/s1600-h/lepichet2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196582540967446962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3Vw6ToWh-YCqVX8Q0xuaNlCAOi615YEANGZgz6XQ-KB3TbGTQLM7Er-w5Y3AKw7iXN0ObKEOV_xG8nbXixFzV5IhIFG6fsBRRMsSOMBvdZPUEX45XqWoHYaAxohHVhyphenhyphenmVdfisIifcPM/s320/lepichet2.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Le Pichet</strong><br />1933 1st Ave<br />Seattle, WA 98101<br />(206) 256-1499<br /><a onclick="javascript:urchinTracker('/out/www.lepichetseattle.com');" href="http://www.lepichetseattle.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:78%;">www.lepichetseattle.com</span></a><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Eight out of Ten</span></strong><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/242/Seattle/Downtown-restaurants/Le-Pichet.html"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 130px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; HEIGHT: 36px" alt="Le Pichet on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/242/minilink.gif" /></a><br /><br />I have to admit that I am completely partial to Le Pichet. It is one of our absolute most favorite restaurants in the city. We have had so many good meals and so many good nights here. It is very hard to separate out all of our great dinner experiences from the breakfast experience. Although there is a limited breakfast menu, and this is far from your classic American breakfast by any means, the food prepared, the great <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMmPA4mZF_rTtBau9RuqY8d2sZAVSV7dLeCkzqnjK28RVcqm26oaPGhjI-lof1LrTGNv70n8HJHkIeMspC0meaqkquzN0IM15cg92SuXtzwVeDzJOtV2m7_yOL8YoRE9fWvqMk0jx4N0/s1600-h/lepichet1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196582729946008002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMmPA4mZF_rTtBau9RuqY8d2sZAVSV7dLeCkzqnjK28RVcqm26oaPGhjI-lof1LrTGNv70n8HJHkIeMspC0meaqkquzN0IM15cg92SuXtzwVeDzJOtV2m7_yOL8YoRE9fWvqMk0jx4N0/s320/lepichet1.jpg" border="0" /></a>coffee, and the whole experience make this another place easy to recommend.<br /><br />The ambiance of Le Pichet is very enjoyable. A classic small french bistro done impeccably well. The sights and smells always captivate here. The menu, although limited for a breakfast meal, somehow satisfies. The food is perfectly prepared and presented. I ordered the ham, eggs, and Gruyere prepared under the broiler. I left well satisfied. The Orange juice is squeezed at the bar, and is a great addition to the meal.<br /><br />This is a very enjoyable place to simply sit, read the paper, or people watch, all with a common thread of really great food. Not quite as good for breakfast as it is for dinner, Le Pichet still provides a breakfast that makes me proud to be downtown.jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-53033191631183946332008-04-27T17:20:00.000-07:002008-12-12T22:34:50.623-08:00Elephant & Castle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EtVWP84tuF-GNs-SNBg2YjzflwVK4TNhhUNzxeJN40762t2wzwMsVpWlSp5uMc7-OwXPbZGR3xvihyhT8lcNCoGLG47MrohK4T2-hfs2u41wt7RmD4INrQ6C_Nd7OtkcgqbUfwm_J3Y/s1600-h/ecastle1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194086185715927458" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EtVWP84tuF-GNs-SNBg2YjzflwVK4TNhhUNzxeJN40762t2wzwMsVpWlSp5uMc7-OwXPbZGR3xvihyhT8lcNCoGLG47MrohK4T2-hfs2u41wt7RmD4INrQ6C_Nd7OtkcgqbUfwm_J3Y/s320/ecastle1.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Elephant & Castle<br /></strong>1415 5th Ave<br />Seattle, WA 98101<br />(206) 624-99772<br /><a onclick="javascript:urchinTracker('/out/www.elephantcastle.com');" href="http://www.elephantcastle.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:85%;">www.elephantcastle.com</span></a><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Three out of Ten<br /></span></strong><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/3886/Seattle/Downtown-restaurants/Elephant-Castle.html"><img height="36" alt="Elephant & Castle in Seattle" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/3886/minilink.gif" width="130" /></a><br /><br />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.jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-65989197358662741762008-04-16T08:55:00.000-07:002008-12-12T22:34:50.976-08:00Cyclops<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqYKHNxjm3iuwh6cA_tUYA_TG5dFNK9-fDdP1PbgctJU5bt6HeRR4AP6iNHdmAM_nKw2ir6umc6SvtiuFUx9krAn7UAMzPooOe831lPgflQMhm_649nIaqab3namYYZPEYAZVCamrbpY/s1600-h/cyclpos2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191398319790888082" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqYKHNxjm3iuwh6cA_tUYA_TG5dFNK9-fDdP1PbgctJU5bt6HeRR4AP6iNHdmAM_nKw2ir6umc6SvtiuFUx9krAn7UAMzPooOe831lPgflQMhm_649nIaqab3namYYZPEYAZVCamrbpY/s320/cyclpos2.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Cyclops </strong><br />2421 1st Ave<br />Seattle, WA 98121<br />(206) 441-1677<br /><a href="http://www.cyclopsseattle.com/"><span style="font-size:78%;">http://www.cyclopsseattle.com/</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Four out of Ten</strong><br /></span><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/2188/Seattle/Belltown-restaurants/Cyclops.html"><img height="36" alt="Cyclops in Seattle" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/2188/minilink.gif" width="130" /></a><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AFtaU0jrethrLNlAPfhW5rtXzmUPmskXUnYCfIizJVr3G-oVWUovqlooCr511j-u0UO3GVFDX_BtGWLWSV2ZnA-Jx2uLknAW7b-Tyr_rEhlLMLjxN_ZhfFdL05gKsUsSxG7lFB1P2AU/s1600-h/cyclops1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191398135107294338" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AFtaU0jrethrLNlAPfhW5rtXzmUPmskXUnYCfIizJVr3G-oVWUovqlooCr511j-u0UO3GVFDX_BtGWLWSV2ZnA-Jx2uLknAW7b-Tyr_rEhlLMLjxN_ZhfFdL05gKsUsSxG7lFB1P2AU/s320/cyclops1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />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.jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-49224975130428734872008-04-06T13:15:00.000-07:002008-12-12T22:34:51.312-08:00Lowell's<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2VInlZAZg1P6VNgGgQC0lE0r5NcRvglRobqecrmhywAOdWSyIzFCOQhYipucu6iHSLm3GJOB3jHtUUaW-qbFjF6_Q59XvvqKXKHYyhyphenhyphenjO6xnjkdp9aZOQ8s9zA3Glh33e7qIHW3S9Zg/s1600-h/lowells1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186229649664209330" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2VInlZAZg1P6VNgGgQC0lE0r5NcRvglRobqecrmhywAOdWSyIzFCOQhYipucu6iHSLm3GJOB3jHtUUaW-qbFjF6_Q59XvvqKXKHYyhyphenhyphenjO6xnjkdp9aZOQ8s9zA3Glh33e7qIHW3S9Zg/s320/lowells1.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Lowell's<br /></strong>1519 Pike Pl<br />Seattle, WA 98101<br />(206) 622-2036<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Two out of Ten</strong></span><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/3509/Seattle/Downtown-restaurants/Lowells.html"><img height="36" alt="Lowell's in Seattle" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/3509/minilink.gif" width="130" /></a><br /><div><div></div><br /><div>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. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumwOWtmXqHgQK5nGBWlc0TjgCrLjeAA4fnmQuZGY0apdpDJtOSEuMJki22CZu2uCuKFIQT5AvOzLyPq_joXo44u0hUdDM6pYau-_qT36NNVv-cNFSCeC7S4lDgqNV4T7-47dDX747nO4/s1600-h/lowells2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186229155742970274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumwOWtmXqHgQK5nGBWlc0TjgCrLjeAA4fnmQuZGY0apdpDJtOSEuMJki22CZu2uCuKFIQT5AvOzLyPq_joXo44u0hUdDM6pYau-_qT36NNVv-cNFSCeC7S4lDgqNV4T7-47dDX747nO4/s320/lowells2.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>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.<br /><br />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).</div><div> </div><div>When finished, at least you are in the market, but the market offers plenty of better alternatives. I would not recommend.</div></div>jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-13642686665103618682008-03-19T08:01:00.000-07:002008-12-12T22:34:51.623-08:0014 Carrot Cafe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMpIp-M51M35DqCKqeQhHekvQntNEwUdHbPSgk6Sn1psTm0ccvp_jz35obWpJ0P_q5cZ7XTiu13u56IWbk-O472zGJZ9KSjT6D8njGWxg9GGmOXm1GzBM0Lwjw_b86RpOcua64hsHQDk/s1600-h/14carrot2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183673843475378578" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMpIp-M51M35DqCKqeQhHekvQntNEwUdHbPSgk6Sn1psTm0ccvp_jz35obWpJ0P_q5cZ7XTiu13u56IWbk-O472zGJZ9KSjT6D8njGWxg9GGmOXm1GzBM0Lwjw_b86RpOcua64hsHQDk/s320/14carrot2.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>14 Carrot Cafe</strong><br />2305 Eastlake Ave E<br />Seattle, WA 98102<br />(206) 324-1442<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Five out of Ten</strong><br /></span><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/1093/Seattle/Eastlake-Lake-Union-restaurants/14-Carrot-Cafe.html"><img height="36" alt="14 Carrot Cafe in Seattle" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1093/minilink.gif" width="130" /></a><br /><br />Full of neighborhood charm and breakfast served all day, 14 Carrot is a breakfast spot that we have actually gone to over and over again. Introduced to me by Ethan, my restaurant and spelling mentor, 14 Carrot has a really good cup of coffee, a total lack of pretentiousness, and a great assortment of omelets prepared well and served quickly.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29E-Aj8LF_JT_UCN272-VMCe7zwrIVJT6o5V0WohEJv_NnW1ls2KZuB2a3YXzW2rV6vbxwBD5jOzHeTXV3h5U6FdIh-qhvqjDAILgDL5XcZjOWPhS2rflBalQ7F0SPaJ6wTj1or18WHM/s1600-h/14car1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183673663086752130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29E-Aj8LF_JT_UCN272-VMCe7zwrIVJT6o5V0WohEJv_NnW1ls2KZuB2a3YXzW2rV6vbxwBD5jOzHeTXV3h5U6FdIh-qhvqjDAILgDL5XcZjOWPhS2rflBalQ7F0SPaJ6wTj1or18WHM/s320/14car1.jpg" border="0" /></a>I am finally getting around to blogging 14 Carrot, after having been there multiple times in the last year. This place seems to be one of the first places that comes up when asked, "where should we go?". In the heart of east lake union, 14 Carrot is part neighborhood joint part great place to take visitors. There is ample seating and always a flurry of activity. Half the menu is on chalkboards scattered around the place, which means you pretty much could get eggs with anything you want. I'm not sure what their specialty would be, other than a good endless cup of coffee and fairly attentive service.<br /><br />14 Carrot is just a great neighborhood place that we find ourselves winding up at all the time. The food, although nothing to rave about, hits the spot. And with the extensive menu, you can find any combination of stuff you are craving. This is a great place to start the day.jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-61464633065015315352008-03-16T12:03:00.000-07:002008-12-12T22:34:52.223-08:00Etta's Seafood<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO73vFiEF9f_EVZsmbMPSxmbMDDG5GC6UZ0A9ix-OETEnrDXG92OcZE_8KEINT7xyOej7R1Pp4cUP5pkHJ5pZMyHkeaB66umoQpFgvRwGyf1EP0dmropmDERSq7Hmr0I2cUitlHqdfNcs/s1600-h/ettas2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178422543811353778" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO73vFiEF9f_EVZsmbMPSxmbMDDG5GC6UZ0A9ix-OETEnrDXG92OcZE_8KEINT7xyOej7R1Pp4cUP5pkHJ5pZMyHkeaB66umoQpFgvRwGyf1EP0dmropmDERSq7Hmr0I2cUitlHqdfNcs/s320/ettas2.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Etta's Seafood<br /></strong>2020 Western Ave<br />Seattle, WA 98121<br />(206) 443-6000<br /><a onclick="javascript:urchinTracker('/out/www.tomdouglas.com');" href="http://www.tomdouglas.com/ettas/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:78%;">www.tomdouglas.com/ettas/index.html</span></a><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Nine out of Ten<br /></span></strong><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/2343/Seattle/Downtown-restaurants/Ettas-Seafood.html"><img height="36" alt="Etta's Seafood in Seattle" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/2343/minilink.gif" width="130" /></a><br /><div><div><div><br /><div>Finally a breakfast spot that fires on all cylinders. The location, the ambiance, the service, the food, the menu were all worth waking up for. The only possible thing to find to comment negatively on would be the bill, but well worth it given all the other strengths. Etta's is well worth waking up for and heading to on a Sunday morning.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdDFQnEW2_8p_kMm3cu86IP5mho72K60bngoTnb1lKHGV3p7jiqeYSqBTVJNHjJ73wGlfya0JY23asrdLvULKmAft_cPXsDKrlaPYTyvUjcU6V9gNoA8_QJvH8ZDCCULiTF0SOXDib-k/s1600-h/ettas1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178419799327251602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdDFQnEW2_8p_kMm3cu86IP5mho72K60bngoTnb1lKHGV3p7jiqeYSqBTVJNHjJ73wGlfya0JY23asrdLvULKmAft_cPXsDKrlaPYTyvUjcU6V9gNoA8_QJvH8ZDCCULiTF0SOXDib-k/s320/ettas1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Located at the north end of Pike Place Market, going to Etta's is great for beginning a market run. The view is of Puget Sound, the park, and the totem at the northern tip of the market. Etta's looks to fill up fast so get there early or be ready to wait. But this place is really worth the wait.<br /><br />The menu is simple and the food is great. There are plenty of northwest styled choices, and of course all the breakfast classics. She had the corned beef hash, which was presented very well. I had the classic EMPT (hold the T). The food had great flavor, great presentation, and good portions. The orange juice was obviously fresh squeezed as well, the bacon well cooked, the toast made from artisan bread, and the potatoes actually heavily spiced (unique for a more touristy place).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCtD4mw3S7wG5emlUCX5rkxaeg6TjxXpv9LMHNy8c-WwXvRI52CbXCjWTEe9L-fKPgZtDKbCxG3Sx1a7P_Tb4XTasB6gKT0yWJVL4NrmdCaq3sMsPQw5OejwITHcmplt3k1Ok-zWXbmU/s1600-h/ettas3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178422234573708450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCtD4mw3S7wG5emlUCX5rkxaeg6TjxXpv9LMHNy8c-WwXvRI52CbXCjWTEe9L-fKPgZtDKbCxG3Sx1a7P_Tb4XTasB6gKT0yWJVL4NrmdCaq3sMsPQw5OejwITHcmplt3k1Ok-zWXbmU/s320/ettas3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The ambiance at Etta's is very enjoyable. Comfortable booths, linen napkins, trendy and fun art and fixtures, and an incredible view make this a place to relax and sip a cup of coffee. The service was impeccable and always kept the coffee cup full. The lounge jazz music makes for a very upbeat mood.<br /><br />Etta's breakfast is the first place I can recommend without hesitation. A bit pricey, but worth it. With great food and great service, Etta's fits the bill for visitors out of town or locals looking to pick up something at the market. </div></div></div></div>jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-13472780421622311772008-03-04T07:13:00.000-08:002008-12-12T22:34:52.403-08:00Breakfast in the UKI somehow have wound up in the UK frequently, and by frequently I mean an average of once or twice a year for the last few years. This has been either for vacation, stopping through for another destination, or for business (my position is in the UK). So for many reasons, I seem to get there a lot. From the touristy museums, to the wonderful shows, to the off the beaten path areas, it is very easy to be well entertained for a day or a week.<br /><br />I should be upfront...I am not a huge fan of British food. I find it bland and under spiced, which is surprising given their advanced culture. This is with the exception of a few Indian places. And I must stress, just a few Indian places. More often than not, the Indian food I have stumbled onto in the UK tastes like Campbell's tomato soup poured over boiled chicken and somehow called tikka masalla.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsnBGIrLhnJ1iTLXgIWqgfpm0FK9uV3rHUFSxgmewpiK7texU73pIB0wPsvQ2BWGb8Uf7eFQT6DjG96uxqEfaBWEL7BGvnZi11T-QYP6aO_gP4S9dOZQiR1eNtC79IiOM6H221ognExU/s1600-h/uk.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175806328907504754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsnBGIrLhnJ1iTLXgIWqgfpm0FK9uV3rHUFSxgmewpiK7texU73pIB0wPsvQ2BWGb8Uf7eFQT6DjG96uxqEfaBWEL7BGvnZi11T-QYP6aO_gP4S9dOZQiR1eNtC79IiOM6H221ognExU/s320/uk.jpg" border="0" /></a>But the one meal of the day I can be happy with is breakfast. There are just some slight modifications from what is standard over there to what is standard here that make it worth waking up for. First, their bacon is better. Called back bacon, it is much less fatty but not nearly as crisp. The other standard that has taken me several trips to get used to and appreciate is the serving of baked beans at breakfast. Also frequently making the plate is a broiled tomato (and said with the longest of ahhhs in tomato) or whole mushrooms. All of which, however, are cooked quite blandly and without many if any spices.<br /><br /><p>It has been said that to eat well in Britain you should eat breakfast three times a day. This might well be the only meal that you can afford while in London. Coffee and Tea included.</p>jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-8414104635457476252008-03-02T09:39:00.001-08:002008-12-12T22:34:52.846-08:00Hi-Spot Cafe<strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GHsQ-W3BMDaIDTLN7hdST-NqR7nxYFicfmj_YVGOtZT-F2yc4QaUS4kdykXW3vrcjcqKucqC4uaZV3ETRTX392IXj2J22L1h7e9qONFfU16K_GIXAOhR81EYIBplgAj996jvN3rX2_0/s1600-h/hs1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173206367236003522" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GHsQ-W3BMDaIDTLN7hdST-NqR7nxYFicfmj_YVGOtZT-F2yc4QaUS4kdykXW3vrcjcqKucqC4uaZV3ETRTX392IXj2J22L1h7e9qONFfU16K_GIXAOhR81EYIBplgAj996jvN3rX2_0/s320/hs1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Hi-Spot Cafe</strong> <br />1410 34th Ave<br />Seattle, WA 98122<br /><a href="http://www.hispotcafe.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">www.hispotcafe.com</span></a><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Eight out of Ten<br /></span></strong><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/1260/Seattle/Madrona-restaurants/Hi-Spot-Cafe.html"><img height="36" alt="Hi-Spot Cafe in Seattle" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1260/minilink.gif" width="130" /></a><br /><br />Quaint but cramped, the High Spot is a great neighborhood cafe with a great menu, attentive service, and good food. You better get there early though, or you are in for a wait.. It is, however, well worth the wait, seating is plentiful, and you can get coffee while you wait.<br /><br />The high spot is a 3 story conversion tucked in the heart of Madrona with a great homey feeling. The decor is modern coffee house hippie, and the tables are as tightly crammed together as they could possibly be. But if I had them lining as far out the door as they do, I would be cramming them in as well. With no white linens and a very kid friendly atmosphere, the high spot has a great neighborhood feel, but this is not the place to go for a nice quiet breakfast. It is the place to go for a unique menu cooked well.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeo2XJuxpLqRrWUpDKxHzfkcSKjJRmMqVZjGXgUTKDSru2jJ5g8_uis7mi4vCDbahvSBTZOc2PYmadu3i67jw-Dr8oXeUH3m3n8x4pqXyE32tZwY7LEOet_K6LgFjMIhIfI7zyaN5UMUU/s1600-h/hs2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173206070883260082" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeo2XJuxpLqRrWUpDKxHzfkcSKjJRmMqVZjGXgUTKDSru2jJ5g8_uis7mi4vCDbahvSBTZOc2PYmadu3i67jw-Dr8oXeUH3m3n8x4pqXyE32tZwY7LEOet_K6LgFjMIhIfI7zyaN5UMUU/s320/hs2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />There are many different options on the menu, many with a distinctive west coast flavor. I went the opposite way and had the chirizo scramble. She had the tried and true EPMT (eggs potato meat toast). The food was well prepared and well presented. The toast was a very hearty artisan, and the potatoes actually had spices and flavor. The cinnamon rolls carried by to other tables often also looked intriguing.<br /><br />The service, although young, was very attentive. The coffee cups stayed full, the meal came quick and hot, and any requests were met with a friendly smile.<br />This is a top breakfast spot, and although a little off the beaten path, worth the trip.jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-86468694454999361042008-02-07T08:27:00.000-08:002008-12-12T22:34:53.283-08:00The Hurricane Cafe<strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165923204459209058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaDQGinoPPVaTzz9WnHn8TjHQ_wtL9drcPB-V2v8YB2qSUi7L8G2qMMg6ApI_WTCOf6lbNDmXhw3tcW3OvJhC25CB3BdYcpEiuzb5XPCCr8I1ojor3NshhP2EMz5KTiuig1-ip4gbrRs/s320/hurricane1.jpg" border="0" />The Hurricane Cafe</strong><br />2230 7th Ave<br />Seattle, WA 98121<br />(206) 682-5858<br /><a href="http://www.hurricanecafe.com/"><span style="font-size:78%;">website</span></a><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Four out of Ten<br /></span></strong><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/4412/Seattle/Downtown-restaurants/Hurricane-Cafe.html"><img height="36" alt="Hurricane Cafe in Seattle" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/4412/minilink.gif" width="130" /></a><br /><br />I am not sure when I will ever crave a 12 egg omelet, but at least now I know where to get one. The Hurricane Cafe, open 24 hours, with a room of pinball machines off to the right, and a stop light up front telling you to "Stop to be Seated", gets my pick for top hangover menu, offering up 4, 6 and 12 egg omelets and all-you-can-eat hashbrowns.<br /><br />Not that you go here for the ambience, but it is a bit rundown, and has a strangely eclectic mix of interior, customers and employees, including full bar, jukebox, and photographs from hurricane Andrew (the second most destructive hurricane in American history). The service was good and attentive with a great cup of coffee that never ran empty.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiu1gdHh8vgNXto3I1l_twx68T1FZ417uZgGsH6XgGtSOYR99xlgAAhaf5No63N2bB-w9X5T4ucXdzr0jOKVMukJ8DZfx3ByRhFTmBZ736hlrzyfq6fbVoWcOGbosY25_TaXmP4-ZR_OI/s1600-h/hurricane2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165923539466658162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px" height="161" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiu1gdHh8vgNXto3I1l_twx68T1FZ417uZgGsH6XgGtSOYR99xlgAAhaf5No63N2bB-w9X5T4ucXdzr0jOKVMukJ8DZfx3ByRhFTmBZ736hlrzyfq6fbVoWcOGbosY25_TaXmP4-ZR_OI/s320/hurricane2.jpg" width="309" border="0" /></a>The food is below cafeteria quality. I had the sausage omelet, and she had the bacon and eggs. Her eggs were undercooked, my omelet was tasteless, and the hashbrowns were bland and greasy. But then again, we were not hung-over, so unfair judges.<br /><br />With reasonable prices, a good menu, and 24 hour service, the Hurricane is not the place to take your out of town grandmother. I can not imagine what this place is like at 3am when the bars close, but for a quick breakfast on Sunday morning.jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-33299242014505218562008-02-03T16:28:00.000-08:002008-12-12T22:34:53.424-08:00Tulio's<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-S4tY7fJYwidZh4mLbBoWmTmQJo3dYgThEKl4XzRerN0GXcDomtqjO6prtLF7vQiGkUxofjtzXJ0RsaQpWBAVElPmqeXlUJFFZRPdQHQm8cw47s7O29boln9diDOdpuJgo3u9WDbO3Vc/s1600-h/tulio.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162962758187351122" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-S4tY7fJYwidZh4mLbBoWmTmQJo3dYgThEKl4XzRerN0GXcDomtqjO6prtLF7vQiGkUxofjtzXJ0RsaQpWBAVElPmqeXlUJFFZRPdQHQm8cw47s7O29boln9diDOdpuJgo3u9WDbO3Vc/s320/tulio.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Tulio's<br /></strong>1100 5th Ave<br />Seattle, WA 98101<br />(206) 624-5500<br /><a href="http://www.tulio.com/"><span style="font-size:68%;">website</span></a><strong><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Five out of Ten<br /></span></strong><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/3828/Seattle/Downtown-restaurants/Tulio-Ristorante.html"><img height="36" alt="Tulio Ristorante in Seattle" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/3828/minilink.gif" width="130" /></a><br /><br /></span>This week is supposed to be about breakfast at Tulio's. Tulio’s is a popular, quaint Italian place. But we are done with the disappointing hotel restaurants that continually serve a mundane and average breakfast. As convenient as it is to walk to go out, we have decided we can not find the breakfast spot we seek. We need to branch further and take more risks. From now on, white linen at breakfast is a bad thing, and the bland, uninspiring food is to be avoided.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong. Tulio's is not a bad place, and I am sure the dinner or lunch service is one of the best in town. We continually read about the private dining room occupied by the rich and famous. But the breakfast is just nothing worth waking up for. Nice service, nice ambience, and white linen are all here, but the food is bland, the menu is predictable, and there is no way I could get excited to recommend starting your morning here. If you wake up at the Hotel Vintage Park, and need a meal, fine. Otherwise, dear eaters, we can do much better. And will.jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-31358292065609906972008-01-28T17:55:00.000-08:002008-12-12T22:34:53.643-08:00Cafe Migliore<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKc_wkwGLCzD_XC7xnS2_HDVKNiSBQosYcM-kCLO1XBNCmUuq0PHpVHNX9WgB6FxSgmjR9w_4H85XDnfqUXQqM5AKlgzO5nNhFNZKMEvKh1b1n1o3X7shEloyfd5CvYSigqVYiKVQhsY/s1600-h/cafemigliore.jpg"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168090904518271394" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKc_wkwGLCzD_XC7xnS2_HDVKNiSBQosYcM-kCLO1XBNCmUuq0PHpVHNX9WgB6FxSgmjR9w_4H85XDnfqUXQqM5AKlgzO5nNhFNZKMEvKh1b1n1o3X7shEloyfd5CvYSigqVYiKVQhsY/s320/cafemigliore.jpg" border="0" /></strong></a><strong>Cafe Migliore</strong><br />1215 4th Ave<br />Seattle, WA 98161<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(206) 624-9893</span><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/3884/Seattle/Downtown-restaurants/Caffe-Migliore.html"><img height="36" alt="Caffe Migliore in Seattle" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/3884/minilink.gif" width="130" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Eight out of Ten</strong><br /></span><br />I know everyone raves on their barista. I know everyone feels that their barista understands coffee better than all others. I know everyone feels they have the best coffee secret in the java city. And even though I fully understand this, my barista is the best, their coffee is better than the rest, and Cafe Migliore is the best coffee secret in the java city. Hands down, I'll put them up against yours any day of the week.<br /><br />We stumbled onto this place when we moved downtown and quickly became coffee snobs. Now it is part of our daily weekday (they are closed on weekends) routine. On our second trip we were already regulars, with questions about our dogs (our morning routine includes a morning walk with the dogs) and remembered drinks.<br /><br />You can tell that everyone working here is passionate about two things, coffee and incredible customer service. They know your name right away. No line seems too long. Situated in the Financial Building, this place provides plenty of seating, unique drink and food options, and very friendly service. Cafe Migliore is always worth a visit, but unforunately they are closed on weekends (and President's Day)...but we deal with it.jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-18629762866895452012008-01-24T09:27:00.001-08:002008-12-12T22:34:54.093-08:00Sazerac<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwV9Dg8gqQxibhANdwSosozwz_yZZYHfhGjPJKJuqIUHKQZwvbCf3hZzwD8-BD6Wvfxgj07EAr_2a1duH0DCLauug92ypAtr8jFwDBxt5BiVihbPdOA2YiJidwBGWYldpKCCUHHPPMAo/s1600-h/sazarac2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160290837557673010" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwV9Dg8gqQxibhANdwSosozwz_yZZYHfhGjPJKJuqIUHKQZwvbCf3hZzwD8-BD6Wvfxgj07EAr_2a1duH0DCLauug92ypAtr8jFwDBxt5BiVihbPdOA2YiJidwBGWYldpKCCUHHPPMAo/s320/sazarac2.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Sazerac</strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />1101 4th Ave<br />Seattle, WA 98101<br />(206) 624-7755<br /></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sazeracrestaurant.com"><span style="font-size:78%;">web</span></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sazeracrestaurant.com"><span style="font-size:78%;">site</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><br /><strong>Six out of Ten<br /></strong><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/3865/Seattle/Downtown-restaurants/Sazerac.html"><img src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/3865/minilink.gif" width=130></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Service-Ambiance+Menu+</span><br /><br />January is the slowest month for restaurants, so it is the best time for a place to shut down and remodel. One of the places we were eagerly waiting to reopen was Sazerac. Connected to then Hotel Monaco, Sazerac is well known in the city for a great happy hour with a wood fired oven for pizza. We had eaten breakfast there previously, and thought it was a great experience of good food and good service. So we were anxious to see a revamped menu and decor. The remodel is nice, the menu the same and the service has gone a bit down hill.<br /><br />I like the breakfast menu at Sazerac. All the standards, plus a Bagel and Lox platter, and my favorite "Eggs in Hell" which is a nice red bean Cajun themed breakfast (and gluten free!). This time, I went for the standard American breakfast. Besides the bland potatoes, the eggs were well cooked and the andoie sausage was nice. She went for the Bagel and Lox and was pleased with the food and presentation as well. When it eventually came.<br /><br />The service was a bit sub par, especially for a white linen restaurant. There seemed to be plenty of people standing around, including the manager bragging about how things were in his previous job, while there were plenty of empty coffee cups in the dining room. It just reminds you that on any given day you could get any given level of service...last time the service was above excellent.<br />The inside decor is very pleasing with a recently completed remodel. The room feels especially large and private. Although the wood fire oven was not firing at breakfast, it is still the center piece of the room. White linen napkins and designer flatware make for a great dining <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-Yg0dID9qhCbaXCGJ0Ti2ZlmRMkVXgdGrjxCvXukjfaTwB9G7Fb2vnBvtwVzo2GsZMXDXB1Z0BouBpGWGk6JQdUyIhZyVT7X36P3aA9gO4At5dJhxP0zVLv9pLu5EJCBKc2A8q8KqMA/s1600-h/sazarac1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160291026536234050" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-Yg0dID9qhCbaXCGJ0Ti2ZlmRMkVXgdGrjxCvXukjfaTwB9G7Fb2vnBvtwVzo2GsZMXDXB1Z0BouBpGWGk6JQdUyIhZyVT7X36P3aA9gO4At5dJhxP0zVLv9pLu5EJCBKc2A8q8KqMA/s320/sazarac1.jpg" border="0" /></a>experience that allows you to forget this restaurant is attached to a hotel.<br /><br />Sazerac has a great menu prepared well and a distinctive, comfortable ambiance. However, with service a gamble, I would save a visit to Sazerac for happy hour, and skip the breakfast.jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-18972280478155799002008-01-20T10:41:00.000-08:002008-12-12T22:34:54.497-08:001st Hill Bar and Grill<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kKOYua_Y2yxA0rkY-kYZ9XFAHVopE-g4QDgm7ngu6zaDSKG3Ns3L5UsqARUDbeNWADmjZfS1lnioNfkbr43fW1M7VHpktmjQaKI5a6kGA2NiJtAN3WXT-Ym7AlxTWjcmdjcDkPMT2CI/s1600-h/1sthill2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157633176543491746" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kKOYua_Y2yxA0rkY-kYZ9XFAHVopE-g4QDgm7ngu6zaDSKG3Ns3L5UsqARUDbeNWADmjZfS1lnioNfkbr43fW1M7VHpktmjQaKI5a6kGA2NiJtAN3WXT-Ym7AlxTWjcmdjcDkPMT2CI/s320/1sthill2.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>1st Hill Bar & Grill</strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">901 Madison St<br />Seattle, WA 98104<br />(206) 623-6333<br /></span><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Three out of Ten<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/3701/Seattle/Capitol-Hill-restaurants/First-Hill-Bar-Grill.html"><img src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/3701/minilink.gif" alt="First Hill Bar & Grill in Seattle" width="130" height="36"/></a><br /></span></strong><br />There is something comforting walking into a diner with counter stools, freezer jelly on the table, and a waitress who knows every one's name at the counter. It is a piece of Americana; the same place west coast to east coast. And somehow the expectations of top notch cuisine are traded for a nice familiar meal. This is a dive judged more for consistency than taste. 1st Hill is this type of neighborhood hangout that has served up the same food, and ambiance longer than most have been in Seattle.<br /><br />The menu and the ambiance have a distinctive Greek slant, including the homemade Loukaniko sausage and the statuette of Venus (goddess not planet) at the front door. What gets sacrificed in food eloquence is made up for in personality and service. When requesting a gluten free meal, the response was "You told me that last time" and "would you like more hashbrowns instead". As a local hangout, the prices are a top bargain. This was the least expensive breakfast to date.<br /><br />I had the eggs and Loukaniko breakfast (being a sucker for homemade sausage, and wanting to say the word Loukinako out loud). She had the eggs/bacon/french toast. Not much can be said about the food other than it met expectations. It was not the best meal, with fake maple syrup, nonexistent spice usage, and some sort of butter margarine mix, but a nice cup of coffee that was frequently refilled (although typically an empty cup).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2E-XcZBkE8MXqQ5vt8mifnIiKIdUKF1UySwSFl-k79O7ecFTAO90GX5WCKknkZVI7ThP4m4PLjeozJFu9oMQcNGDuk88NZqwUllkClG4s5bZZ_r27j__Tcz1YUryvqAfDq1YZffRrCk/s1600-h/1sthill1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157633610335188658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2E-XcZBkE8MXqQ5vt8mifnIiKIdUKF1UySwSFl-k79O7ecFTAO90GX5WCKknkZVI7ThP4m4PLjeozJFu9oMQcNGDuk88NZqwUllkClG4s5bZZ_r27j__Tcz1YUryvqAfDq1YZffRrCk/s320/1sthill1.jpg" border="0" /></a>A classic neighborhood joint, the 1st Hill has a familiar feel when you walk in for the first time. Classic diner food, ambiance and service. Not worth going out of your way for, but if you happen to wake up right next door, tell 'em I sent you.jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-2530456648158238992008-01-08T18:01:00.000-08:002008-12-12T22:34:54.891-08:00Lola<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155080518565688946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 186px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 295px" height="302" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbED2RKfoj3tQ4lsq6_pLfnIviYSHf6zS7dAJwqQ90R4I8u3rVrkOd79lu92ROTxGu8PfdiwFatuFto3bYtAlE_o-RtgeFvn9yPLxcK9on6qauuy9o8FtSpHHeOYVFgRVt1ShDyK2Dko/s320/lolaout.jpg" width="191" border="0" /><strong>Lola</strong><br />2000 4th Ave<br />Seattle<br />(206) 441-1430<br /><a href="http://tomdouglas.com/lola/index.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">website</span></a><br /><br /><strong>Eight out of Ten</strong><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/2180/Seattle/Belltown-restaurants/Lola.html"><img height="36" alt="Lola in Seattle" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/2180/minilink.gif" width="130" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Service+Ambiance+Presentation+Menu+</span><br /><br />Tom Douglas Breakfast: Impeccable service, ambiance, presentation, and menu. Food...ok.<br /><br />The breakfast menu is small but effective. It has everything you want and several surprises. The made to order doughnuts, which she ordered, were tasty and well presented. I was not daring enough for the octopus/pork belly/squash meal at 9am Sunday. Fortunately, I was able to find the classic egg/potato/meat/(hold the)toast dish. Portions were right sized, leaving us full but not overwhelmed.<br /><br />The service was spot on as well. A carafe of coffee is provided, so your cup should never get empty (although kind of a shortcut/cop out. :)) Presentation was also impressive with the doughnuts coming in a paper bag to be sugar coated by the waitress by shaking at the table. The cranberry compote and mascarpone topping was also a very nice touch for these. All the other food was flavorful except for the overcooked eggs; although the maple flavored sausage more than made up for this.<br /><br />The ambiance of Lola comes from an exquisite interior with a clean, industrial feeling and soaring 30foot ceilings. Two rows of private booths provide for a quiet and private meal.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AMlxVlew2S5BfCuDagponHquRuzSFiM5O7g8La562AfQ6kRDCsppAmJZBXuSFWpFpHwWooVR_PGv32AjJ7dHVx1y42G1DuUDqSlaOxD_BkmlH5aE2KADBv38E-s49ajdhZ2LNuoP_rU/s1600-h/lolafood.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155080866458039954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AMlxVlew2S5BfCuDagponHquRuzSFiM5O7g8La562AfQ6kRDCsppAmJZBXuSFWpFpHwWooVR_PGv32AjJ7dHVx1y42G1DuUDqSlaOxD_BkmlH5aE2KADBv38E-s49ajdhZ2LNuoP_rU/s320/lolafood.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Lola is very much worth a visit with a reasonably priced menu and great experience. I would go soon though, with the hotel and a new high rise condo going up right across the street, this might be a hard table to get soon, even early on a Sunday.jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-91898170647365915322008-01-02T08:44:00.000-08:002008-12-12T22:34:55.339-08:00Bacco Bistro<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfPZGwyEwzdKyVEeq9UrUDPprNJ3lSP5vi2kYE8E0_3ChWXAsUU1fH_j79HxW0pGOkHv1qIDfZNRTznUSDiVrgvyIwIpTHNeQ1e25lXiQp3_m-1XMP2bZmwFaCro1YtFOxu1KaOXmEnI/s1600-h/bacco.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152500991272482402" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="248" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfPZGwyEwzdKyVEeq9UrUDPprNJ3lSP5vi2kYE8E0_3ChWXAsUU1fH_j79HxW0pGOkHv1qIDfZNRTznUSDiVrgvyIwIpTHNeQ1e25lXiQp3_m-1XMP2bZmwFaCro1YtFOxu1KaOXmEnI/s320/bacco.jpg" width="141" border="0" /></a><strong>Bacco Bistro</strong><br />1611 First Ave<br />Seattle, Washington 98101<br />(206) 443-5443<br /><br /><div><strong>Two out of Ten</strong></div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/2339/Seattle/Downtown-restaurants/Bacco.html"><img src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/2339/minilink.gif" alt="Bacco in Seattle" width="130" height="36"/></a><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Service-Food-Ambiance-</span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span>The essence of this <em>bistro</em> became clear when I overheard the waiter explaining to another patron that this place primarily handles the room service for the Inn at the Market next door. And so the quality of this restaurant's food, service, decor, etc is on par with hotel room service.<br /><br />The restaurant could be called cute and cozy, but at the same time called tired and overdone. The flowing wall fountain is an interesting touch, but the entire place is in major need of a thorough scrubbing. The menu is limited, and doesn't even include the basic eggs breakfast. The only redeeming menu item is a list of fresh juice combination choices and reasonable prices. The service was slow and sloppy. Our coffee cups were always empty, and we watched the wrong order brought out on three <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOa5yrWYk6EK8mRgfVXXbgpmOnS7H1-_r0mBqevMSZboUcAFcjuwWCXpSinYwLoTCv5sYQ5F6F-s1PfdWt5pjMXEySQGL_9x3vidbTkbkAcg2VJu8X8mlj1OGhgRcHpJdKLaySs727YFc/s1600-h/baccobreak.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152499320530204242" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 172px" height="191" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOa5yrWYk6EK8mRgfVXXbgpmOnS7H1-_r0mBqevMSZboUcAFcjuwWCXpSinYwLoTCv5sYQ5F6F-s1PfdWt5pjMXEySQGL_9x3vidbTkbkAcg2VJu8X8mlj1OGhgRcHpJdKLaySs727YFc/s320/baccobreak.jpg" width="246" border="0" /></a>occasions.<br /><br />I had a smoked salmon omelet, that was more like a caper filled omelet. She had a breakfast croissant, but really had two, since the wrong one came out first. I also think the bleach smell from the cleaning of tables as people left didn't help very much.<br /><br />This is a place looking for identity...an Italian bistro, juice bar, breakfast, room service place. Unfortunate for a place so close to the market. I only hope their room service is better than their table side service. The food was negative, service negative, facilities negative. I would avoid this place unless you are staying at the Inn and too tired to move. And then, just order some juice</div>jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643717995240947882.post-76852282439429846862007-12-23T17:02:00.001-08:002008-12-12T22:34:55.589-08:00The Library Bistro<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_ATWc20To-8Uf_gD5vZILK3eyUviA2rChhXuZQxom01VLk3HXsOUIVBZcSFF413dDU9YgxFdUCZ3oNJWR0_U34-LbQ29K5mfe7qQswEAMjhE_ywGlApCgY9CMbi4JAzugUoLVJN2-OQ/s1600-h/ph_1_big.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147340158569608754" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 226px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 131px" height="196" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_ATWc20To-8Uf_gD5vZILK3eyUviA2rChhXuZQxom01VLk3HXsOUIVBZcSFF413dDU9YgxFdUCZ3oNJWR0_U34-LbQ29K5mfe7qQswEAMjhE_ywGlApCgY9CMbi4JAzugUoLVJN2-OQ/s320/ph_1_big.jpg" width="277" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>The Library Bistro</strong><br />92 Madison Street<br />Seattle, Washington 98104<br />Tel: (206) 624-3646<br /><a href="http://www.librarybistro.com/" url="http://www.librarybistro.com"><span style="font-size:65%;">http://www.librarybistro.com/</span></a><br /><br /><strong>Six out of Ten</strong><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/3801/Seattle/Downtown-restaurants/Library-Bistro.html"><img src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/3801/minilink.gif" alt="Library Bistro in Seattle" width="130" height="36"/></a><br /><em><span style="font-size:65%;">Service+Accomodating+Food-</span></em><br /><br />Residing inside the beautiful Alexis Hotel of Seattle, the Library Bistro provides a very relaxing and peaceful ambiance. It has the panache of white table linens, but still playful with crayons and butcher paper to doodle. The arched booths lining the far wall and the library motif also provide for a unique and soothing experience.<br /><br />The weekend breakfast menu at the Library Bistro includes both typical breakfast fair, such as eggs Benedict and custom omelette's, while also providing a selection of lunch entrees. The menu stays until 2pm, providing nice options for the late risers. The prices were very reasonable, considering the location and quality of the restaurant. Breakfast entrees were in the $11-$13 range.<br /><br />The service at the Library Bistro was above excellent. Never once was our coffee cup close to empty. It was also nice to see all the members of the staff showing strong teamwork to provide such great service without any territorial table areas limiting them from helping out or pouring coffee. The service was very well versed in being present for needs without being overbearing throughout the meal. Our waiter was also very familiar with the dining needs of someone gluten free, and very accommodating.<br /><br />The food, however, was nowhere near as good as the service. I had the omelet with chevre, mushrooms, and sausage. This came with potatoes and typically toast (absent from mine, of course). She had the classic breakfast with two over medium, bacon, potatoes, and whole grain toast. The food was a bit disappointing and a lot under seasoned. The orange juice was not fresh squeezed, the mushrooms were canned, and the bread used for toast seemed very supermarket bought. The potatoes were overly bland, although they were cooked with some sort of mild pepper (a nice twist). A nice cup of coffee was what made up for most of these shortcomings.<br /><br />The superior service and atmosphere was far better than the food. If staying at the Alexis, the Library Bistro will provide for a relaxing morning breakfast and a great start to a Sunday. But the disappointing lack of quality ingredients makes this not a place to go out of your way to eat breakfast at. </div>jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13662444964617098143noreply@blogger.com0