photo: Teatro ZinZanni's Joe de Paul by Michael Doucett On a rainy Thursday night, an unassuming tent was lit with bright white lights, welcoming a festively dressed crowd to Teatro ZinZanni’s “Love, Chaos, and Dinner.” Previously in Queen Anne, ZinZanni’s new temporary location in Marymoor Park boasts a larger than life Moulin Rouge Spiegeltent—one of the oldest and only of its kind in the world. Previously in Queen Anne, ZinZanni’s new temporary location in Marymoor Park boasts a larger than life Moulin Rouge Spiegeltent—one of the oldest and only of its kind in the world. Once inside the plush walls, guests are transported into a red velvet Vaudeville. In the new location, Teatro ZinZanni maintains the same high standards it did in Queen Anne with a performance that is part circus, part cabaret with music, comedy, and improv. After...
photo: Teatro ZinZanni's Joe de Paul by Michael Doucett On a rainy Thursday night, an unassuming tent was lit with bright white lights, welcoming a festively dressed crowd to Teatro ZinZanni’s “Love, Chaos, and Dinner.” Previously in Queen Anne, ZinZanni’s new temporary location in Marymoor Park boasts a larger than life Moulin Rouge Spiegeltent—one of the oldest and only of its kind in the world. Previously in Queen Anne, ZinZanni’s new temporary location in Marymoor Park boasts a larger than life Moulin Rouge Spiegeltent—one of the oldest and only of its kind in the world. Once inside the plush walls, guests are transported into a red velvet Vaudeville. In the new location, Teatro ZinZanni maintains the same high standards it did in Queen Anne with a performance that is part circus, part cabaret with music, comedy, and improv. After...
There’s nothing better than the February Food News highlights to triage a month that includes way too much pink and recent rain forecasts that have undoubtedly tested everyone’s patience and SAD lamps. The closing of The Butcher and The Baker isn’t helping anything either. Here’s my proposal: wait out the rain in one of Seattle’s newest hot spots—before you know it, the sun will be out. Newish Reckless Noodle House This haven for Vietnamese eats opened last month in the Central District. Bites like Caramelized Pork Fresh Rolls and traditional papaya salad are only $4 at happy hour which also includes $6 cocktails from the Reckless Margarita to a barrel aged negroni. Le Messe Eastlake just got another Italian joint with Brian Clevenger’s Le Messe. As it should be, the pasta is the star of the show with tantalizing options...
photo credit: Black Cat | @photosbykaijaphotosbykaija Feeling lucky? Well you should because boilermakers are popping up on menus all over the place. Spots like Gold Bar and Black Cat are going beyond the basic beer and shot of whiskey by serving up shiny new combos. Follow the rainbow to your dining and drinking dreams with this edition of March Food News. NEWISH Tamari Bar Cap Hill's new-style Izakaya and sister restaurant to Suika opened on Valentine's Day with a wide variety of menu items that combine Japanese pub food traditions with modern techniques and flavors. Don't miss The Rockin Marinated Waygu Beef served raw to grill on a hot stone, the Seattle Croquette, or any of the fresh sushi. For those feeling thirsty, Tamari also offers Japanese whiskey and sake flights. Gold Bar & Oro Kitchen Gold Bar is a...
When it comes to mixing my own cocktails, I’m bad at trying new things. I have my favorite standbys—vodka La Croix and wine straight up. Obviously not very committed to a long list of ingredients; for me, it's booze + mixer. But in the spirit of spring (see what I did there)—I’ve decided to elevate my mixer game. Check out these new ideas for easy mixer + booze recipes and give ‘em a try yourself. SIPP SPARKLING ORGANICS If you like soda as a mixer, these are for you—they’re different than anything else on the market. The organic, handcrafted soda uses all natural ingredients and agave as sweetener with only 100 calories per bottle. With flavors like Ginger Blossom with ginger, vanilla, and lime, Lemon Flower with lemon, elderflower, and tarragon, Zesty Orange with blood orange, lime, and cilantro it’s sincerely...
Whether you’re racking your brain on what to bring to the next dinner party or tired of the same ‘ol cheese and crackers, it’s time to elevate your flavors. These versatile condiments will not only change your appetizer game but can pair with anything from pork to veggies, toast or cheese. Try out the five on our list and then spread the word about your favorites. 1. Chutney A versatile item in the traditional English kitchen, chutney is an incredibly flexible and savory condiment that contains fruit, vinegar, sugar, and spices and distinguishes dishes in just seconds. With a wide range of flavors from sweet to savory, chutney is easy to pair with any meal. The best of the best is Alabama’s Southern specialty Holmsted Fines Chutney . Use the sweet and tangy Balsamic Red Onion spread thick on brie,...
For the person that loves to wine and dine, the Columbia River Gorge is a perfect place to escape for a long weekend. I cashed in time-off to do just that with an extra day of full relaxation in one of the regions most renowned resorts—Skamania Lodge. In the heart of the Pacific Northwest’s wine country, Skamania Lodge provides the perfect backdrop for a gourmet getaway with sweeping views of the Columbia River, a golf course, spa, and farm-to-table dining by Executive Chef Matt Hale. A Room with a View With so much to do in the Columbia River Gorge from hiking to touring local wineries, and exploring the riverside, you may not be planning for much time at the resort—but think again. One of my favorite parts of my stay was the rustic ambiance of Skamania. The resort sits...
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...
When the temps rise and the Seattle beaches are packed, there is still plenty to do that will keep the summer cooler than ever. Be Artsy Artists have long been a little bit cooler than everyone else. Tap into your artsy self by embracing the summer’s scene. Escape the sun by retreating to WAMU for the Seattle Art Fair , a cultural hub for Pacific Northwest art featuring large-scale outdoor sculpture at the North Plaza at CenturyLink Field by Jessica Jackson Hutchins . Hutchins incorporates stained glass frames into art inspired by the design of public rest spots, such as bus stops and park gazebos, to invoke a feeling of friction between mundane and transcendent. Don’t miss local artists like Sean Barton featured by SEASON and Sherry Markovitz featured by Greg Kucera Gallery. Photo: Gilley Wotan Woodside Braseth Gallery (Seattle...
Poke is still the new avocado toast and the Seattle restaurant scene is still turnt up. Find a patio to sit on and take in all the flavors this summer has to offer while there’s still extra daylight. Newish 2120 From the owners of 99 Park in Bellevue, 2120 spices up Amazon Headquarters with this trendy spot to see and be seen. Each dish includes a Mexican flare paired with local Pacific Northwest traditions including $2 oysters at happy hour. Sit on the patio and people watch with their New York “Asada” or mole verde gnocchi. Tentenyu Ramen From Kyoto to LA and now, Cap Hill, ramen lovers can get their fix. Tentenyu specializes Kyoto style ramen, emphasizing their creamy, rich slow simmered chicken broth. Their signature ramen is Tentenyu Chashu Ramen with eight slices of pork chashu, menma (fermented...
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...
