Getting to know the lesser known spots of Queen Anne
Each neighborhood of Seattle has its own personality. Capitol Hill is eclectic and energetic, Belltown is chic and lively, Downtown is posh and urban, Ballard is indie and young, Fremont is artsy and free-spirited. But what is Queen Anne? Hip? Old? Both? Neither? Perhaps it’s too much to ask to describe the personality of Queen Anne since upper and lower are distinct in their own right. All we know is that Queen Anne has something special about it – almost a friendly, small town attitude that makes you feel at home.
We may not be able to describe the personality of Queen Anne in words, but we can describe it with places. If you’re a Seattleite that doesn’t spend much time in Queen Anne, we’ve compiled the perfect afternoon to get you better acquainted with the lesser known spots that perfectly sum up the personality of this neighborhood.
Your afternoon coffee
Bustle – McGraw and 6th Ave W
They say Starbucks is so successful because of their great customer service, but they honestly have nothing on Bustle. This friendly neighborhood hangout is known for their cozy atmosphere, tasty treats, delectable drinks and unbelievable service. Unlike some other small coffee shops, there’s no pretentious attitude, and there’s always lots of parking.
Enjoy a drink and small bites before dinner
The Great Nabob – 5th & Aloha
The Great Nabob is a quiet bar/eatery that is perfect for a relaxing catch-up session with a friend. It’s low key, quiet, with friendly bartenders, artful cocktails and small bites of Indian-ish cuisine. On an average day it can be a bit pricey, so check it out during their happy hour Mon-Sat 5-7pm.
Down the street to amazing sushi
Shiki Sushi – W Roy & Queen Anne N
Shiki Sushi is an unassuming little Japanese restaurant hidden away behind the bustle of W Mercer St. As soon as you walk in, you won’t feel as though you’re in a restaurant, but as though you’ve popped over to your uncle’s house who just happens to be a world class sushi chef. Although we all love conveyor belt sushi, there’s something nice about enjoying sushi the way it was intended- as an art.
Show off that brain at trivia night
Dexter and Hayes – Dexter and Hayes
Like The Great Nabob, Dexter and Hayes is another friendly neighborhood bar where everyone knows your name. While there’s nothing wrong with the food or drinks at this bar, what makes it great are the bartenders. They’re outgoing, witty and will always be great company if you’re ever in the mood for wandering off to a bar solo. They also have great Trivia Night, but mostly I just made up this category so I could add them to the list.
After visiting these places, talking to the barkeeps, enjoying the atmosphere, let us know what you think of Queen Anne.
Photo credits
The Great Nabob
Shiki Sushi
Dexter and Hayes
Bustle
Another reason to love Farestart: Bacon flavored ice cream
According to a 2011 unsheltered homeless count, there are 2,443 homeless people living on the streets of King County. I don’t know about everyone else, but I think it’s pretty frickin cold outside, and while I’m freezing my butt off waiting for the bus, others have no choice but to spend the night out on the streets.
Now I’m sure you’ve all heard this spiel before, so I’ll get right to the point. I know I’m not the only one that walks past a panhandler without giving up my spare change, and I know I’m not the only one that wishes I could do more. For those of you unbeknownst, there is an organization in Seattle that makes helping the homeless as easy as enjoying a 3 course gourmet meal for $25.
Farestart has been around for 19 years, so many of you have probably already heard of it, and may even be loyal patrons. Honestly, after going there once I don’t see how I can stay away. The concept is simple- give the homeless a place to stay, teach them a valuable skill (cooking), get them started in a career in the culinary industry.
One of the main ways they fund this program is through guest chef nights on Thursdays, in which a culinary master in the Seattle area comes to Farestart to teach the students how to whip up a 3 course meal and works with them to serve it for dinner that night.
On the February 3rd guest chef night I walked into the restaurant not entirely knowing what to expect, and was very pleasantly surprised. The interior was contemporary and swanky with the atmosphere of an upscale wine bar.
Upon sitting down we were greeted by a well-mannered volunteer waiter who presented us the fixed menu by Chef Joseph Brewer of the Swinery (can you guess what the meal’s theme will be?) and the wine list. We chose a very decently priced ’07 Dusted Vinters Syrah, and told him to bring on the food.
The first course was a plate of pate de campagne, small salad with bacon fat vinaigrette, and chicken liver pate mousse. The vinaigrette was sweet and sour, airing more on the side of sour, but fit nicely with the subtle tasting pate.
The second course was a bowl of honey and champagne braised pork belly with spaetzle and grilled veggies. The spaetzle was sweet, tangy and chewy, and provided a firm backing to the pork belly, which was in a word… guilt-licious. A good half-inch of fat, braised with a sugar and spice crust, layered the meat. While I was apprehensive about eating so much animal fat, the mixture of fat, sugar, and juicy, soft meat just melted in my mouth. And hey, eating a ton of animal fat is ok if it’s for a good cause, right? Despite my apprehension, it was a delicious experience that I probably would have never tried had it not landed in front of me.
The third course was an even further departure from the norm – bacon flavored ice cream. The plate came with maple ice cream topped with bits of sweet & salty bacon bits, pecan and whipped cream. The combination amounted in a unique flavor that took a bit of getting used to, but in the end was something I could really get used to. Salty sweets have been a growing trend in Seattle, and this chef and devised a great recipe for using the texture and flavor of bacon to kick regular ice cream up a notch.
The meal as a whole had a strong cohesion, and was a genius concoction of ingredients that used the flavors pork in ways I would have never imagined. I definitely tipped my hat to the chef at the end of the night, and later found out that he was among the first student chefs to graduate from Farestart. Amazing.
If you’ve never been to Farestart you need to. Now. Err, I mean tomorrow.
Guest Chef night February 10th – Chef Wayne Johnson of Andaluca (without a daily deal, you would never be able to enjoy a 3 course meal by Chef Johnson for less than $50)
Help the homeless, help yourself. Genius.
Venice Ale House – “X” Marks the Spot for Organic and Local Food and Drink
Between the surf and the smog of Downtown LA, lies an area of land which teems with life. Surfing, skating, street markets, restaurants, bars, giant murals, fortune tellers, and the most eclectic gathering of eccentricity within a comfy 72 degrees.
Venice, CA has been a destination for tourist, both locally and from abroad, since its inception as a amusement and resort town in 1905. Last August, it was gifted yet another reason to be an “X” on any explorer’s map.
Just a sample of an incredible menu
Venice Ale House was created by owners Thomas Elliot and Spoon Singh in the spirit of a hang-out for grown-ups living, working and playing in Venice. They feature grass-fed beef, local wines and beers, a varied selection of tasty veggie-friendly dishes and their organic-centric menu is always being updated with the season. Decked out skateboard art inside the ale house and Earth-friendly powered gas lamps to keep you warm after the sun sets on their patio, you can’t go wrong wherever you choose to sit.
Spoon and Tom, Chef Emilio, and GM Lindsay are just some of the fine folks of the Venice Ale House who pour their hearts and souls into this ocean-side gem and create a hallmark of the love of food, drink and the beach. Check out their full menu here, but don’t be afraid to just stop in and trust the good people who run the joint to show you a good time. (And be sure to get the salmon tacos—they’re huge, taste amazing, and include some darn good mango salsa.)
Venice Ale House was my must go to destination on the Westside over the Fall, but where is your “X” marked in Los Angeles?
Nawab of India- The Taj Majal of Santa Monica
Every time I go to Santa Monica, I always find myself eating at one place in particular, Nawab of India. As an Asian-Indian the one thing that I am really picky about is Indian food, but I have to say there isn’t better Indian food in Santa Monica than Nawab.
Here’s why:
Service
Right when you walk in, you get great service. The people are really friendly and they do everything they can to make your experience great. Right when I walked in, I was greeted and seated down. But the difference between Nawab and eating at other restaurants is that in many cases they even go as far as pulling out you chair for you, which is rare at Indian restaurants.
Food
Indian food is notoriously known for being unhealthy. Yes there are a ton of vegetables and lean meat, but it’s typically fried, cooked with a ton of oil, or mixed with fatty creams and sauces.
At Nawab they can make your food a bit healthier for you if you request it. For example with the chicken tikka masala, I usually ask them to cook it with less cream, which they gladly do.
The big plus about Nawab is that they also try to be somewhat healthy even if you don’t ask them. For example, their samosas are cooked with wheat tortilla instead of flour tortilla.
Location
Depending where you live and work in Santa Monica, you can actually walk to the restaurant, which is a huge plus because parking isn’t cheap in city. If you end up driving like I do, luckily they have a free parking lot behind the restaurant. It’s small so make sure you arrive a bit early as the lot gets filled quickly. And if it is after 6pm, you can park on the street for free.
Conclusion
If you are located in Santa Monica or going to be in the area, make sure you stop by Nawab of India. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Bon appétit!
Date night restaurants that won’t break the bank
Times are tough, we know, which is why we work so hard to get you great deals on Seattle’s hottest eateries. But you must be wondering… Is there anywhere I can take my hot date without having to break the bank or use a deal voucher? Glad you asked. Here’s a list of AMAZING restaurants in Seattle that are a) romantic b) very reasonably priced and c) delectable.
Tamarind Tree
Tamarind Tree is a contemporary Vietnamese restaurant hidden away in the back alleys of International District. The interior has a modern, zen-like atmosphere that congers up images of food priced well into the high 20s. However, once you sit down and open a menu, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that most dishes are priced around $9-$10, and you literally can’t go wrong with any of them. Be warned – for dinner on a weekend make reservations a day in advance because as you can guess, this place is quite popular.
That’s Amore
This restaurant is a cozy, little Italian eatery with a lot of charm and a killer view of downtown Seattle. Besides the fabulously priced and tasting food, this restaurant stands out for its the service. There are restaurants with great service, then there are restaurants that treat service like an art form. You won’t be disappointed. We highly recommend this place for an intimate candle lit dinner for two – just please, please promise us you’ll save room for their Tiramisu.
Phayathai Cuisine
If you’re a fan of Thai cuisine, Phayathai will make you weak in the knees. Located in kind of an odd location in Lake City, this restaurant has some of the best Thai food in Seattle – especially the green curry and green bean wok. The interior is in a word, sophisticated, the prices are surprisingly reasonable, sometimes as low as $8.95 for a main course dish and the service is fantastic. Talk about a triple whammy.
Phonecia
All the way over in West Seattle lies a cozy yet contemporary restaurant serving top-of-the line tapas and pizza. If you live in West Seattle, you’ve no doubt tried Phoenecia or heard of it. If you don’t, you now have a perfect excuse to visit Alki. Their menu has a large variety of Mediterranean small bites and artisan pizza, and a great selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes. For an intimate night out, head over closer to summer to enjoy a romantic sunset stroll down Alki beach. He/she will be putty in your hands.
Know of a restaurant we missed? Let us know!
Review of Alibi Room – Seattle’s Literally Hidden Gem
At the southern end of Post Alley, down the old brick corridor, across from the famed gum wall, lies Alibi Room, a tucked away little restaurant with a lot of heart.
My first experience with Alibi Room was exactly a year ago. It was a cold, rainy night, and I remember being led down into the dark, empty, brick alley way as if in some kind of Jack the Ripper movie. But as soon as we opened the large wooden door, the energy of the restaurant rushed upon us like a warm oasis in the middle of a frozen tundra.
The inside of the restaurant was dimly lit, the brick walls were filled with indie art, and the music was quintessential Seattle hip hop. It had the coziness of a friend’s living room, and perhaps the size of it, too.
As soon as we sat down, our waiter greeted us with witty banter and later returned with our microbrews and delicious pizzas. We had a big group at the time, and ordered a variety to share such as the chicken & pepper and sausage & basil. Because of the restaurant’s vicinity to Pike Place Market, they get dibs on the freshest ingredients, which are delicately chosen and placed on the char crusted pizza to create a heavenly medley of flavors.
We chatted the night away, enjoying the ambiance, great music and microbrew refills. It was the kind of night that makes you proud to be a Seattleite. We have a great city with this great restaurant built from the building blocks of what makes this city (and state) so great – the fresh food, the beer, the wine, the music, the art and the people.
Since that first day I’ve had a hard time staying away, especially when I get a craving for their to-die-for spicy mac and cheese.
How To Become A Sushi Snob
I love fish. I love it any way it’s served up, but I especially love it when it’s not cooked.
Sushi is a popular cuisine here in Seattle considering our proximity to, well, water, and also because we house some of the top sushi chefs in the country. A favorite spot of mine known for both its great sashimi as well as a killer happy hour is Nijo, which is on Spring right between 1st and Alaskan behind the Alexis Hotel and Bookstore Bar. It’s very sneaky and you’ll miss it if you’re not looking. It’s also conveniently located next to a running store. I’m just saying.
Sushi is especially great when you know proper etiquette (Photo credit: Or Hiltch via Flickr)
Why you should go: They serve up a mean hamachi (yellowtail) with ponzu, and their chefs have some of the most discerning palates in the city. They also sometimes project old ninja movies onto a wall in the bar. A nice alternative to whatever game happens to be on TV at the time. And the bartenders don’t give you dirty looks for ordering sake bombs. What? They’re good.
What you should order: Their vegetable croquettes, yam fries, shiro – maguro (get at least two orders of this, trust me) and top it off with some tempura ice cream. And at $3 a bottle, you’ll want at least two cold Kirin Ichibans.
But before you decide to jump ship into sushi-land, you must first understand the culture you’re diving in to. The preparation of sushi is an art form that takes literally years to perfect, and that’s just the cutting part. Discerning palates will need to understand (and be able to handle) sake pairings. For this lesson I’d refer you to a favorite stop of mine for First Thursday art walk, Sake Nomi. Owned by Johnnie Stroud and his bride Taiko, Sake Nomi has a quaint little bar that rates high in authenticity and options, and Stroud is always around to provide recommendations and answer questions, silly or otherwise. Trust me – you will leave schooled.
I’ll leave you with this article by foodie and chef Grant Y, who wrote a great article on 7 Tips to Becoming A Sushi Snob, including (surprise!) don’t order rolls (well, don’t order them all the time, anyway) and don’t mix your wasabi with soy sauce. In fact, if you do use soy sauce, use it sparingly. It will not enable you to have a discerning palate for sushi and certainly won’t gain the respect of sushi chefs. He also included a handy video instructing you how to eat sushi properly.
いただきます (itadakimasu)! Or, in other words, bon appetit!
