Feast your senses on the subtly exotic temptations of Greece on Cap Hill. Once you step into Omega Ouzeri, you’ll know what I mean. On a warm day, there’s a gentle breeze coming through the open air window. Light from a window reflection floods the dining room. Blue and white décor somehow captures a postcard you’ve seen of Santorini. The hospitality makes it feel like you’re with family rather than on Capitol Hill. On a Thursday summer evening, the dining room is full of people enjoying life. Among them is Omega Ouzeri owner Thomas Soukakos. “Have you ever been to Greece?” Soukakos asks. You’ll be ready to start packing your bags before the entrée even comes out. Soukakos has been on the Seattle Greek food scene since 1993 but conceptually, Omega features the most modern take on Greek food. With...
Feast your senses on the subtly exotic temptations of Greece on Cap Hill. Once you step into Omega Ouzeri, you’ll know what I mean. On a warm day, there’s a gentle breeze coming through the open air window. Light from a window reflection floods the dining room. Blue and white décor somehow captures a postcard you’ve seen of Santorini. The hospitality makes it feel like you’re with family rather than on Capitol Hill. On a Thursday summer evening, the dining room is full of people enjoying life. Among them is Omega Ouzeri owner Thomas Soukakos. “Have you ever been to Greece?” Soukakos asks. You’ll be ready to start packing your bags before the entrée even comes out. Soukakos has been on the Seattle Greek food scene since 1993 but conceptually, Omega features the most modern take on Greek food. With...
The iconic Washington apple gets a turn in the limelight this week as the Cider Summit Seattle kicks off the sixth annual Washington Cider Week in South Lake Union on September 8th. With fall fast approaching, there are plenty of reasons to soak up the last rays with a crisp cider. Cider festivities affiliated with Seattle Cider Week will be held around the Seattle area from September 8 – 18th. Beneficiaries of the event include the Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research. , Northwest Cider Association , and Seattle Humane . Be on the look-out for some of the local favorites and whether you try them in your backyard, in the tap room, or at the Washington Cider Week make sure to enjoy with company that is just as refreshing as this orchard elixir. Locust No additives – just...
As summer comes to a close this edition of food news covers late summer and early fall. Get the most notable food news on the Seattle food scene including what’s new, what’s closing, and where you can have your next foodie adventure. Newish: Vestal Vestal opened on Westlake in South Lake Union on 8/23. The latest Josh Henderson project is shrouded in deep mahogany wood décor and decorated with delicate succulent accents. The food will undoubtedly be thoughtful with rich Northwest-inspired ingredients. The connected space Cantine has recently opened it's doors and is already busy servicing the Amazon crowd and Poulet Galore are slated to open early fall. The Butcher’s Table Another Westlake charmer opened earlier this summer and has already started to reign in the Amazon crowd with the sleek interior and floor to ceiling windows. The Butchers Table...
Winter is coming. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is here. But don’t fret because the weather is changing. It’s time to get happy with some of the best happy hours in Seattle. Elevate your mood, social life, and bank account with these top of the chart menus. Palomino Happy Hour: 3 pm – close Long hours and cheap eats from $1.95 sprinkled with truffle oil. What’s not to be happy about? Brave the Bellevue bustle and wind down in the dimly lit Palomino lounge. Wine from $5.50 and cocktails from $5.95. Get the Gluten Free Wild Mushroom Ravioli with gorgonzola cream, roasted mushrooms, toasted hazelnuts, and truffle oil for $6.95. Ballard Pizza Company SLU Happy Hour: 4 – 8 pm Pizza lovers rejoice because Ethan Stowell does fast casual right. Hit the courtyard patio for a fat slice of pie and...
If you’re from Seattle, you’re pretty much obligated to celebrate National Coffee Day. Think of everything that coffee has done for you. I have a lot of fond coffee memories from the first taste of Stumptown in Portland, lines out the door at the Starbucks in New Orleans, espresso at the train station in Rome and many hours with my laptop at Urban Coffee Lounge. Seattle has so many incredible local roasters that are changing the way we drink coffee. From Victrola to Zoka , Herkimer and Elm , there's no shortage of places to drink good coffee. Honor your own coffee memories with a celebratory spike, and cheers to getting buzzed with a beverage that’s been there through it all. E Smith Mercantile Tucked away behind an all American mercantile with apothecary items, bulk teas, coffee, and candy, is...
It’s fall harvest time. Apples, leeks, squash, and cranberries are all coming into season. Get the most out of this exciting month for foodies by following our notable food news including what’s new, what’s closing, and where you can have your next foodie adventure. There’s lots of upcoming openings slated for October, too so stay tuned! Newish: Asadero Sinaloa in Ballard The smartest foodies know to dine at Asadero Sinaloa in Kent before a Thunderbirds game. Now, Seattle residents don’t need to journey South for this authentic favorite for all-out-incredible carne asada and soft homemade tortillas. The second location is now open in Ballard with soft opening hours Tuesday to Sunday 5:00pm – 10:00 pm. White Swan Public House SLU has another addition to their growing restaurant scene. White Swan opened late last month next to the well-loved summer walk-up...
It’s hard to find the right words to give pizza the recognition it deserves. Pizza is its own food group. It’s timeless. It’s worldly. The topping combinations are endless. It’s a late night snack and then its grab-and-go breakfast on the way to work. And the Seattle dining scene can't get enough of it. With new places like Southpaw and China Pie coming soon, the pizza party is packed. So what if we're mid-way through National Pizza Month; there’s still time to eat as a much pizza as humanly possible. Check out this hot, crispy, doughy, cheesy short list and grab a slice of the action. Bar del Corso The Beacon Hill crowd can’t stop raving about Bar del Corso. This dimly lit neighborhood spot opened in 2011 and five years later there’s still a wait to enjoy the Neapolitan-style...
Every once in a while I desperately miss the southern flavors of life in New Orleans. And not just the food—the slower pace and the charming hospitality. Thankfully, Kickin’ Boot Whiskey Kitchen in Ballard comes pretty close to achieving everything that makes southern dining great with plenty of lively, country ambiance. Beware: It’s not fussy. It’s a place to have a fun, kick-back and enjoy. It’s the kind of place where everything on the menu just sounds good. From the Creole BBQ Shrimp with Worcestershire to the Chicken Pot Pie soup, Butcher Shop Burger with pimento, and variety of BBQ it’s hard to make a choice about what will satisfy your cravings for southern comfort the best. Check out the favorites and find some new ones of your own. Fried Green Tomatoes Before coming back to Seattle, I would routinely...
Looking back on a year filled with awesome food, it seems like Seattle's restaurant game hit new strides and in 2017, there will be no shortage of new places to try. For those resolving to learn to cook this month, utilize in-season ingredients from leafy greens like kale, roots like beets and radishes, plus leeks, and citrus. Regardless of where your food goals fall in the New Year, here’s the rundown of the latest from the Seattle food scene, including what’s new, what’s closing, and where you can have your next foodie adventure. Newish Bar Charlie Seaplane themed bar swoops in on Stone Way in Fremont. The relaxed neighborhood spot aims to maintain a chill vibe where people can get together and enjoy good food and drinks. Menu items include Hatch Chili Baked Mac and Cheese with Beecher’s Flagship, Poutine...
The rain is beating down on your frozen Seattle soul and you’re one of the people that refuses to carry an umbrella. The bus is late or full. This winter feels colder than last year. Your heating bill has skyrocketed even though you swear you’ve barely touched the thermostat. If these aren’t reasons to hide in a dark bar and sip a cocktail while waiting out the storm, I don’t know what is. Forget it's winter with these dimly lit places for boozy concoctions. The Octopus Bar Ahoy, it’s a pirate ship turned shadowy booze paradise laden with treasure from breakfast flatbreads to Swedish fish cocktail garnishes. Set sail for this neighborhood oasis and be prepared to drink too many Shipwreck Molly (vodka, pineapple, orange, Blue Curaco, and soda) then return to cure your hangover with their acclaimed Bloody Marys....
News: the influx of new Seattle restaurants is on a temporary pause and so this edition of Food News focuses on an epic day to wine and dine—Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, want to rally friends for an extravagant party, or just decide to binge on beer and chocolate, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Channel your extreme romantic with these Valentine’s Day menus: Goldfinch Enjoy a four course dinner experience paired with Dolcetta chocolates and Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noir champagne. Course highlights include Black Cod Croquettes with tarragon aioli and King Crab & Scallop, with leek purée, herb Salad and black truffle. Accepting reservations for Feb. 10 — 11th, & Feb. 14th at $95. Serafina Eastlake’s Old World Italian staple is offering a five course tasting menu with plenty of options. From beef...
Experiencing an authentic New Orleans Mardi Gras is a spectacle unlike anything else—a true lesson in all-out revelry that spans weeks—not just a single day. Far from the tourist flooded streets of Bourbon, Mardi Gras season means neighborhoods are lined with families, new friends and old, tailgating evening parades while dressed in purple, green, and gold… and undoubtedly boozing hard. Think you can booze like a New Orleanian on February 27th? Show Seattle how it’s done by indulging in the true spirit of Mardi Gras with one (or five) of these historic New Orleans cocktails. Sazerac According to lore, the Haitian born New Orleans transplant, Antoine Amédée Peychaud, set up his own drugstore in the early 19th century slangin’ the cognac Sazerac de Forge et Fils and Peychaud’s bitters to his ailing customers. The concoction was later popularized at the...
March in Seattle announced its looming arrival like an unruly beast. We got hit with thunder snow and a subsequent traffic apocalypse that made those commuting in and out of the city question their slowly diminishing sanity. We’re all ready for spring…But I’m not expecting it anytime soon. On the bright side, Seattle’s March food scene is as hot as a steaming bowl noodles. Noodle joints are popping up to warm you up, and there are always events focused on eating and drinking. Enjoy! Newish Sen Noodle Bar Wontons stuffed with pork, garlic and giner, build-your-own noodle bowls, and authentic Thai omelets served over rice. There’s a little something for everyone no matter what you’re craving. Budget friendly bowls of items garlic pork rice are only $5. The Nook This West Seattle cocktail bar features everything from classic craft cocktails...
When all you want to do is get out of town and as far from your desk job as possible, weekend getaways are clutch. There’s nothing like the feeling of leaving the office early on a Friday and hittin’ the road. And if you’re anything like me, one of the best parts of skipping town is trying new restaurants, sampling local specialties, and searching for hidden eateries off the beaten path. For indulgence chasers, foodies, and anyone who appreciates a good old fashioned weekend road trip, try one of these Pacific Northwest destinations. VANCOUVER, BC The Trip: 2.5 hours driving or 4 hours by Bolt Bus Who should go: cosmopolitan taste-makers Where to go: - Brunch is worth the wait at the Library District’s Mediterranean-inspired Medina Café. Don’t skip the $3 lieg style waffle with White Chocolate Pistachio Rosewater for...
Epic camping tradition; warm, indulgent dessert; iconic pop tart flavor; decadent milkshake made better with Kahlua. What’s not to love about s’mores. The best thing about s’mores is that, like any social tradition, they’re best enjoyed with friends or family and usually invoke some kind of nostalgic memory. Sure, things have been a bit smoky around here, but whether there’s a fire ban, coal ban, or any other kind of ban hindering your last month of summer, there’s still time to make s’more memories with these Seattle spots and recipe ideas. Urban Camping @ Shelter Lounge Head to Ballard to enjoy the complimentary s’mores set up at Shelter Lounge . Even in inclement (or highly smoky weather) the indoor fire pits lend a convenient spot to camp out with your squad and get down on summer’s best free dessert. Have...
photo credit: Alabastro Photography l Fremont Oktoberfest 2016 As summer winds down and so does the steady stream of new restaurants—at least for now. Getting ready for fall means being basic with PSLs, grilling fresh corn from the farmer’s market, and warming up with hearty soups from Marmite. And enjoying the final days of sunshine means finally trying out one of Seattle’s new restaurants of getting out to enjoy your neighborhood’s Oktoberfest celebration. Newish The Halal Guys This world renowned spot opened their Pioneer Square location last month serving up either a sandwich or platter with choice of chicken, gyro meat, or falafel. Avoid the lines and get it delivered or try swinging by for an evening snack—they’re open until 10 pm. Commonwealth Nestled in the alley between 3rd and 4th is the new bar from the team behind Pintxo and...
My interest in saké blossomed at Umi Sake House where a date indulged me in my first ever sake flight. Two years and plenty of saké later, I’m excited to experience this iconic beverage on vacation in Tokyo with the same date who is now my fiancé. But before all that, I invite you to join me in raising an ochoko to National Saké Day. If you’ve never tried it, or only tried it once—I promise a true love is just a flight away. Kanpai! Saké 101 Saké is often referred to as Japanese rice wine and is made with only four all-natural ingredients: rice, water, yeast, and koji. The process starts when the rice gets polished to remove the bran so that it can be soaked and steamed. The more rice grain that gets polished away, the smoother the saké. After steaming,...
November is finally here which means we are swiftly approaching an entire holiday devoted to eating—and I couldn’t be more excited. This year I’ll be trading in the turkey for Sake and Sushi (read more about my research here). New tradition? Maybe. No matter what you choose to gorge on this month, remember to give thanks for great food and even better company. Newish Joli Amy Beaumier (previously of Local 360 and Bell and Whete) opened Joli last month. Nestled between Greenwood and Ballard, this cocktail bar has been a long time coming (almost two years to be exact). Neighborhood patrons can expect a monthly rotating menu with items like Delicata Squash & Burrata with apple, ground cherry, brown butter, and sherry and Mushroom Flatbread with kale, sauce mornay, cured egg yolk, and chili oil. Happy Grillmore What started as...
