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Tag Archives: Capitol Hill

The Wandering Goose – Seattle, WA

May 16, 2016
American, Breakfast, Capitol Hill, Coffee, Seattle
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The Wandering Goose – Seattle, WA

Why don’t I go here more often?!  This place is ridiculously good.  I was in the mood for a biscuit sandwich this time which didn’t disappoint.  I added homemade sausage to it and ate every crumb on my plate.  I’ve had their Little Gem Salad with fried chicken in the past and that was equally as scrumptious just not as breakfast savory.  Don’t hold back here – let yourself be tempted by the gorgeous cakes and treats – just don’t count your calories.  You’ll want to try them all!

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The Easy – egg & cheese biscuit sandwich with sausage added

General Porpoise – Seattle, WA

March 28, 2016
American, Capitol Hill, Coffee, Seattle
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General Porpoise – Seattle, WA

My husband for months now has been describing in detail how amazing the filled doughnuts at General Porpoise are however I have yet to have one until just recently.  I typically don’t like filled doughnuts, I’m kind of a purist with mine BUT…I am a total sucker for marshmallow anything so I’ve been salivating thinking about the chocolate marshmallow one.  OH. MY. GOD. THESE ARE UNREAL!  No wonder there’s a line every day to get one (or 3 if you’re me – I’m pregnant – that’s my excuse).  The doughnuts are perfectly soft and sugar coated and the filling is just the right amount such that you get a perfectly balanced bite every time.

If you’re needing an idea for a brunch, shower, or party treat – you can pre-order online!

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Bateau – Seattle, WA

November 23, 2015
American, Seattle, Steakhouse
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Bateau – Seattle, WA

My oh my this place is a beauty!  From the perfect interior design choices to the awesome meat cooler on display, Renee Erickson (along with her partners at Sea Creatures), has opened another stunner.  Bateau is going to get a lot of press and it will all be well deserved.  The focus is grass-finished beef (soon to be from their own farm on Whidbey Island) from Burk Ridge Farms and Painted Hills that is butchered and dry-aged in house.

I have no problem admitting that yes, I’m that person that typically orders fish at a steakhouse.  It’s not that I don’t care for meat but I just gravitate towards seafood most of the time.  Not here.  I couldn’t resist the filet topped with browned butter and preserved lemon (you get your choice of butter – nori bonito, brown butter and preserved lemon, bone marrow or anchovy).  My husband got the ribeye with the same butter.  Both were outstanding!  I couldn’t eat the full 8oz but it was delicious the second day with eggs for breakfast.  The steaks are served a la carte but there are so many great sides to accompany them.  We decided on the frites and aioli, roasted mushrooms and swiss chard.  We also started with the steak tartare (served with homemade potato chips) and octopus.  Both were unbelievable.  The octopus was served so beautifully like I’ve never seen before, sliced into little coin like disks topped with a small dots of burnt lemon, roasted pepper and ink aioli.

You’ll most definitely need a reservation to eat here so get one soon before they get more attention.  Bravo Renee!

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Octopus – burnt lemon, peppers, in aioli

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Steak Tartare – egg yolk, fried potatoes

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Filet – Burk Ridge, Custer, WA, grass finished & dry aged 30 days, 8oz

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Frites & Aioli

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Roasted Mushrooms – egg yolk, toasted garlic

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Swiss Chard – garlic, preserved lemon, créme fraîche

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Boat Street Bread Pudding – rum butter cream

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Mamnoon – Seattle, WA

May 12, 2015
Lebanese, Seattle, Syrian
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Mamnoon – Seattle, WA

I’ve been meaning to go here for a while, ever since I noticed construction going on while dining across the street at Terra Plata.  The space is gorgeous and without knowing you’re in Seattle, this could easily be in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, etc.  Very urban and edgy.

And the food…I honestly can’t say enough great things about it.  A blend of Lebanese and Syrian food, it’s absolutely delicious and unlike anything else in the city.  Lots of bright spices and fresh vegetables, perfectly cooked meats and sauces that you can’t help but sop up with whatever bread you have left on the table.  Each dish is so uniquely different from the last that you end up having a hard time picking a favorite when it’s all over.  I went with a group of 6 and after eating there I think it’s probably best to go in a group so you have the opportunity to try a bunch of different things.  That or you’ll just want to immediately go back to try what you didn’t have room for.  We ordered a lot…primarily vegetarian heavy items…and I walked away satisfied, content and excited to go back!

Be sure to order one of the khobz – specialty breads, the bateresh – charred eggplant with minced lamb, fatten hummus – fresh chickpeas, grilled bread, green garlic yogurt and pine nuts (one of my all time favorite dishes to make in culinary school!) and the kefta – minced lamb, onion, pistachio and baharat.  YUMMMM!!!

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Stateside – Seattle, WA

February 25, 2015
French Vietnamese, Seattle
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Stateside – Seattle, WA

I feel like even just 6 or 7 years ago when my husband and I moved back home from San Francisco, we felt like Seattle had some serious catching up to do in terms of the restaurant scene, but today I think a lot of cities need to catch up to us.  I’m happily floored by the chefs that have emerged and all the different cuisines that are popping up.

A French Vietnamese restaurant, Stateside’s chef/owners have planted themselves in the heart of Capitol Hill’s restaurant scene (at least the one on the west side – there are many) and have created such a fun environment.  Tropical wallpaper mixed with reclaimed wood tables, it’s a good mix and a great backdrop for some pretty awesome food!

We started with the Crispy Duck Fresh Rolls (duck rolls wrapped in fresh herbs and rice paper) which were very good.  Fresh flavors from the herbs, great texture from the crispy duck…all in all I would get these again no doubt about it.

Next were the Chili Cumin Pork Ribs (a bit spicy or extra spicy).  We chose a bit spicy but I think I’d go extra spicy next time.  I just wasn’t sure what to expect so we played it safe.  The ribs were perfectly cooked…the meat was so tender and moist.  The spices were great…different than your normal ribs but I like the change.  The fresh cilantro on the side is a great addition too!

The Green Papaya Salad was calling my name – sooo good if you like green papaya salad.  Long beans, tomatoes, lime, chili, dried shrimp (didn’t even notice them) and beef jerky…whaaaa?!  Crazy right?!  No…amazing!  They do note that it can be made vegetarian.  Unless you are one don’t do it:)  Everything about this was perfect.  Slightly spicy, fresh, crunchy peanuts on top…YUM!

The Master Stock Crispy Chicken (free range chicken poached in aromatic stock, then fried crispy) sounded too good not to try.  And different.  It came with three dipping sauces (I can’t remember them now sorry) and was topped with scallions and something fried like tempura bits but I can’t recall that either – my apologies.  Great dish!  The flavors are so different and well matched that I’m having a hard time describing them.

Last for the savory was the Bun Cha Hanoi (pork patties and belly in caramel fish sauce marinade.  imperial rolls, rice vermicelli and herb plate).  Delicious!  I loved this and think i could eat it quite often.  Everything is served separately which allows you create your bite.  Just thinking about this meal makes me hungry:)

Last but not least was dessert.  The only tragedy here is that ever since having a baby I’ve completely lost the ability to remember anything worthwhile therefore I need to write everything down and I didn’t in this case.  SO…I have no idea what it was we ate but I can tell you this…it was the most incredible dessert and I would go back for just it.  I realize I’m not helping you out here but at least you can reference the photo and see if anything looks similar on the menu.

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Trove Noodle – Seattle, WA

February 16, 2015
Korean, Seattle
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Trove Noodle – Seattle, WA

Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi have proven themselves ingenious chefs once again!  Trove, located on the corner of Pike and Summit, is four concepts in one.  You’ve got Noodle, Parfait, Bar and BBQ.  All are very unique and different yet they compliment each other perfectly.  I’ve been to all four but because they’re each their own, they also deserve their own blog post so stay tuned.

We couldn’t help ourselves and had to order three different noodles.  First the yellow curry rigatoni with cauliflower chickpea and yogurt.  Out standing!  So much flavor, awesome texture…standout dish for me!  I believe the nuts on top were toasted hazelnuts and there were also raisins or currants in there as well.  Perfection.

Next the spaghetti stir fried with meatballs and swiss chard.  Sounds plain but there was so much more to the dish and it was tasty!

Last but not least (and somehow I forgot to take a picture) was the rice noodle, chipotle pad thai with pork belly and yu choy.  Awesome!

I really don’t think you can go wrong.  The menu rotates so get in there often and try something new each time.  IF you aren’t stuffed when you leave, stop by Parfait on the way out.

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Terra Plata – Seattle, WA

May 21, 2012
American, Northwest, Seattle, Spanish
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Terra Plata – Seattle, WA

Since going to Melrose Market for the first time I’ve had a serious urge to go back so my husband and I tried Terra Plata for dinner the other night.  It was a gorgeous night as we were going home from the airport and since they were still open we went for it!

The decor combines exposed wood beam ceilings with steel…it’s beautiful and what I often refer to as contemporary Northwest architecture.  Philip Christofides of Arellano Christofides is responsible for this gorgeous space (in collaboration with owners Tamara Murphy and Linda Morton).

The food was outstanding as well!  So flavorful that midway through the meal we ordered some bread just so we could sop up what was left on our plates:)  We started with the Shisito peppers.  Anytime I see those on a menu I always order them.  We were lucky this time and didn’t get a hot one…nice!  For my entrée I chose the Sea Bream with chorizo, clams, preserved lemon and tomatoes…awesome!  I would order this again in a heartbeat.  And for dessert…who can say no to homemade churros?  Not us!  Great choice and I can’t wait to go back.  Maybe next time for brunch!

Blistered Shisito Peppers – aioli, sea salt

Crispy Brussels Sprouts – serrano ham, maple, rosemary

Steak & Potatoes – hanger steak, remoulade potatoes, cabrales butter, crispy onions

Whole Fish – sea bream, clams, chorizo, tomato, preserved lemon

Churros with dipping chocolate

Eltana – Seattle, WA

January 27, 2012
American, Seattle
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Eltana – Seattle, WA

New to the Capitol Hill area, Eltana is the place to go when you need a bagel fix.  Made fresh right there, the bagels are hand-rolled and wood-fired giving each bite the most deliciously mild smoky flavor.  There are sweet and savory spreads (aka cream cheese) to choose from, from honey almond to fava bean mint as well as different kind of bagels.

I opted for more than just a bagel for lunch…their Shakshuka which is an Israeli pepper and tomato stew that they put two poached eggs in…SO good!  I would definitely go back again for that.  And it’s rather healthy (minus the bagel and cream cheese on the side:))

Shakshuka – Israeli pepper, tomato and egg stew

*Our friend Justin Kane Elder made the wall sized crossword shown here.  I haven’t participated but every week there’s a new crossword puzzle that you can get a copy of and do while you enjoy your food.  Something different and fun!

Momiji – Seattle, WA

October 22, 2011
Japanese, Seattle
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Momiji – Seattle, WA

We heard about this new sushi restaurant from an acquaintance and just had to try it.  It’s owned by the same people that own Umi Sake House in Belltown.  The space is warm and minimalistic.  There’s a very serene vibe about the place which I love.

All of the servers are very friendly and are helpful in suggesting rolls if you don’t know where to start.  Our food came out quickly (in a good way…not rushed) and everything we ate was so delicious.  Each roll tasted so different and was complex in it’s own way.  I have to say, this is by far one of our favorite sushi spots in Seattle, if not our favorite now.  The location is great, parking isn’t horrible and they’re open from 4pm-2am daily!  The fact that we went 3 times in the span of about 10 days should say something:)

*Pardon the photos…as the night went on I lost a lot of light so they’re not that great but I think you’ll get idea

Beautiful little courtyard in the middle of the restaurant

Madai Jalapeño – snapper sashimi, jalapeño, garlic & cilantro with citrus-yuzu ponzu…one of the specials that night…so fresh and flavorful

Crunchy Seattle Roll – salmon, avocado, cream cheese fried and drizzled with teriyaki sauce and sweet chili aioli…best roll I’ve had like this!

007 Roll – spicy tuna, avocado, cucumber & cilantro, wrapped with yellowtail, lime, shishito peppers and jalapeño

White Tiger Roll – spicy yellowtail, cucumber & asparagus topped with wild white king salmon, lime, tobiko & yuzu citrus sauce

Skillet Diner – Seattle, WA

October 17, 2011
American, Seattle
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Skillet Diner – Seattle, WA

Most people in Seattle know about the airstream trailer food truck – Skillet.  If you haven’t eaten their delicious burger topped with bacon jam…either track down the truck, find it in the grocery store or better yet, head to Skillet Diner for lunch or dinner and bit into a little piece of heaven!

The new diner on the corner or 14th and Union is such a great neighborhood joint where reservations aren’t taken (they say that will happen soon), people are served all beverages in mason jars and the waitstaff seems relaxed and happy to be at work.  The decor is current but still has that nostalgic 50’s diner feel.

The southern fried chicken does NOT disappoint.  Half of a perfectly golden chicken is topped with a black pepper honey drizzle and a side of potato salad.  If you’re feeling up to it, order the cornmeal waffle and go to town!

There are weekly specials as well as the daily menu.  I’m looking forward to going on a Monday to try Mama’s Meatloaf.  Wednesday’s Beer Braised Beef Stroganoff also sounds mighty delicious.  Oh and did I mention you can order breakfast ALL day?!  Genius!

My husband and I love the poutine at Zog’s in Whistler, BC but this version has a little touch of gourmet that is very good!  The serving size is absurdly large but overall it’s a winner in my book!

Friday night special: Chicken and Dumplings.  Pretty good although there was a little too much of the same texture for me.

SOOOO good!  I definitely had order envy this night:)

For dessert we indulged in the bittersweet chocolate pudding which was sprinkled with cocoa nibs and sea salt and had pieces of pie crust stuck in it…two thumbs up!