Wow, that is one unappealing preview image... thanks YouTube.
Moto and Alinea, two Chicago based restaurants that inject science and a dash of the avant-garde into their cuisine, were profiled on the CBS Sunday Morning News this past Sunday. The story was a rebroadcast from sometime last year, but still interesting, if for nothing else than the hoity-toity Lobster Cheeto featured towards the end.
I can't believe that in just eight months we've passed the 100 mark on our Wine We Drank Flickr photoset. It's funny because when I started, I didn't really think I'd stick with it. I'm as surprised as anyone that I've kept snapping away. I know some of our friends might get a little annoyed that I want a picture of every single wine I have a taste of, but most don't seem to mind. Plus, it's been a great resource which has saved me more than a few bucks on bum wines I would have bought twice in the past.
Here's a slideshow link. That's a lot of wine. Cheers!
I'm not a big fan of NPR's This I Believe segment. Usually I can't change the channel fast enough. But today, coming back from the grocery store with an incredibly thick new york strip, something was different. The speaker's chosen topic wasn't preachy or sanctimonious, it was... about BBQ!
There Is No Such Thing as Too Much Barbecue
"I believe in barbecue. As soul food and comfort food and health food, as a cuisine of both solace and celebration. When I'm feeling good, I want barbecue. And when I'm feeling bad, I just want barbecue more. I believe in barbecue in all its regional derivations, in its ethnic translations, in forms that range from white-tablecloth presentations of cunningly sauced costillas, to Chinese take-out spareribs that stain your fingers red, to the most authentic product of the tarpaper rib shacks of the Deep South. I believe that like sunshine and great sex, no day is bad that has barbecue in it."
Jason Sheehan, James Beard Award-winning restaurant critic for Denver's Westword newspaper, nailed it, big time. Listen to or read the whole essay here. Unfortunately, NPR doesn't offer podcast versions of these segments, but you can listen via Real or Windows Media.
Even after high recommendations from friends, it was the Ballard Market's "Festival of Salt" that prodded me into buying my first gourmet salt. Sure, the whole salt thing has been hot for awhile, but I honestly thought, "It's salt, how good could it be?"
Well let me tell you... it's that good, if not better. That first taste literally knocked the flip-flops (I don't wear socks, or shoes for that matter, after the first day of spring) off of my feet. Matiz Mediterráneo also makes a smoked sea salt which I gotta try now.
I found this salt guide from Saltworks after I started looking for info about Matiz Mediterráneo. Saltworks sells salts, so... I'm glad I stopped myself there.
If you've been considering trying something other than Kosher or table salts, don't waste another second. Get on it. This salt is worth its salt.
The Seattle Times posted this recipe today and I can't wait to try 'em with some of our 'guaranteed to make your eyes water' cocktail sauce. Crab cakes + a few Metaxa Sidecars + a warm spring day... Boy howdy, them's good eatin'.
On a related note, we had American Easter dinner at the Dahlia Lounge and my dish included hush puppies drizzled with fig molasses... now I'm obsessed with the fig-molasses combination. More on that later.
All of this kinda makes me wonder why we don't own any of Tom Douglas' cookbooks...
Here's the recipe:
Makes 8 cakes
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 pound fresh Dungeness crabmeat, picked clean of shell and lightly squeezed if wet
- 4 cups fresh bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
- About 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Green Cocktail Sauce (recipe does not follow)
- 4 lemon wedges
1. In a mini food processor, combine egg yolk, vinegar, mustard, bell pepper, onion, parsley, Tabasco, paprika, thyme, salt and pepper. Pulse to finely mince the vegetables and combine the ingredients. With motor running, slowly add oil through the feed tube until the mixture emulsifies and forms a thin mayonnaise.
2. Transfer mayonnaise mixture to a large bowl and stir in sour cream, then use a spatula to fold in crabmeat. Gently form into 8 patties, about 3 inches across and ¾-inch thick. Put bread crumbs in a shallow container and stir in parsley. Lightly dredge the crab cakes on both sides in the bread crumbs.
Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour or longer.
3. Put 2 large nonstick skillets over medium heat and add about 2 tablespoons butter to each pan. When butter is melted, add 4 cakes to each pan. Gently fry until golden brown on both sides and hot through, turning once with a spatula, about 4 minutes on each side.
4. Transfer crab cakes to plates, serving 2 to each person, accompanied by ramekins of Green Cocktail Sauce and lemon wedges.
I skipped my own advice and decided to head down to Brasa for dinner Monday night. It's one of those places we've been meaning to check out for some time. If you've never been before, Brasa is very corporate looking, but warm. Going on a Monday was great, it never got packed or noisy and we got a table right away.
Brasa is offering up a wide selection on their 25 Menu and I was floored at the bargain we were getting. My entree normally ran you $27 so we splurged on wine, choosing a bottle of the 2003 Chateau Gaillard Saumur (I need a picture), which our waitress chilled slightly before pouring. Wonderfully dry with a very long finish. Delicious.
The service was great too, warm and knowledgeable... and did I mention the comfy circular booths? We melted right into them.
We started with the mussels and flat bread with leeks and goat cheese, both terribly good. The portion of mussels was small compared to other places, I counted eight, but the broth more than made up for it. For entrees we had Beef Tenderloin and Halibut, each thoughtfully prepared, perfectly cooked, and outstanding. Desert was super-tasty pistachio crusted cheesecake and an ok cheese plate. Two glasses of Vin Santo polished it all off.
We had a great meal and a great time. Executive Chef Tamara Murphy is doing a bang up job at Brasa, if you've ever wanted to check it out, now is the time. Shortlist Brasa and get in there!
I know I'm 9 days late, but here we go again! For the remainder of March, Sunday dinner through Thursday dinner, twenty-five restaurants in Seattle are offering you a little more bang for your buck. A three course prix-fixe dinner for $25, and in some cases a $12 prix-fixe lunch.
Realistically, you aren't going to go eat out 25 times this month, (I'm not counting all those trips to Red Mill) so here's my short-listed recommendations cheat sheet. It's quick, easy to follow and suitable for printing.
Dave's Super-Delicious Top 5 For $25 Cheat Sheet
1. Eva Restaurant
2. Nell's
3. Restaurant Zoë
4. Flying Fish
5. Campagne
All of the above will satisfy your wild culinary cravings and leave your tummy quite happy. Why try the rest when you can try the best?!? If you choose to go elsewhere avoid the risotto.
Speaking of elsewhere, how have so many corporate restaurants managed to finagle their way into the somewhat exclusive 5-squared club? Not to name names, but "name-brand" restaurants smack underneath ginormous hotels? It's quite disheartening. Seattle easily has 50+ top notch locally owned eateries that deserve this kind of publicity. I wanna see more of them, and less of the others, come November when 25 for $25 happens again.
'Nuff said. Now go eat!
Whenever I head out of town, I'm always on the hunt for some good eats. Seeing as how Flashforward is happening on my home turf this time around, I thought it might be a good idea to pass along a scant handful of my favorite places to grab some grub in the area.
The Washington State Convention & Trade Center is situated right between Downtown and Capitol Hill, so there are plenty of restaurants within reach. Some within walking distance, some may require a short cab or bus ride. Between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. the city buses offer a ride free area in Downtown Seattle.
This list is in no particular order, but i'll try and denote lunch and/or dinner options.
Baguette Box
Delicious Asian-inspired sandwiches just a short walk East over I-5. Try the drunken chicken and thank me later. From the same people behind Monsoon, located on the NE side of Capitol Hill.
Good for lunch or a cheap dinner.
Google Maps link
Via Tribunali
Authentic Italian pizza, good house wine by the carafe, meats from Salume, menus entirely in Italian, long waits, highly recommended for a small group.
Dinner only on Capitol Hill, open late.
Google Maps link
Citysearch link
Palace Kitchen
It's a bar, it's a restaurant, it's owned by Tom Douglas, it's been around for nearly 10 years, it's very Seattle, and they have one of the best $12 burgers you'll ever wrap your mouth around.
Dinner only in Downtown, open late, full menu til 1 a.m.
Google Maps link
Le Pichet
You like French food right? This little bistro is the place to go if you do. Jambon and gruyère for lunch or trout for dinner, I am so there.
Lunch and dinner right above the Pike Place Market on 1st, open late.
Google Maps link
Dick's Drive-In Restaurant
A Seattle original, Dick's serves yummy cheap burgers, shakes, and fries. Some people love it, some people hate it. I figure if it's good enough for Sir Mix-A-Lot, it's good enough for me.
Capitol Hill location is your best bet, open late.
Google Maps link
Yelp link
Frontier Room
BBQ in Seattle? Who woulda thunk it? Go with a friend and get some ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. Doesn't that sound good? I'm going there tonight.
Dinner only, closed Mondays, good for large groups, Downtown North of the Market on 1st.
Google Maps link
Bimbo's Bitchin' Burrito Kitchen
Bimbos can be hit or miss, but it's always worth a shot. The cumin-lime sour cream is killer. The sunflower seeds? I'll pass.
This hipster haven is right up Pine St. on Capitol Hill. Makes for a cheap lunch and/or dinner. If you go for dinner, hit the accompanying Cha Cha Lounge afterwards for an ice-cold can of domestic brew.
Google Maps link
Yelp link
McMenamins Six Arms
Truth be told, I used to eat here all the time. I lived nearby and a certain friend of ours couldn't get enough of the French Dip. The food is usually pretty average, but it is nearby and I'd go there for a quick bite or drink in a heartbeat. BTW, McMenamins is an Oregon based brewery so you'll have to try a pint. I like the Hammerhead.
Great for lunch or dinner, open late, right on the East side of I-5 on Pike.
Google Maps link
Machiavelli Ristorante
This is my absolute favorite place to get Italian in Seattle. Great service, a simple menu, and very reasonable prices make Machiavelli a win-win. It's usually crowded so plan on having a drink at the tiny bar while you wait.
Dinner only, good for small groups (6 may be pushing it), right on the East side of I-5 on Pine.
Google Maps link
Stranger Review
Beecher's Handmade Cheese
You're going to be in Seattle, so you have to go see the Pike Place Market, right? Watch the guys throw fish, sit on the brass pig, etc... Well while you're in there, stop in Beecher's for lunch and watch 'em make some cheese. Speaking of cheese, the mac & cheese is crazy good. That's right, I said crazy good and I stand by that. They also serve grilled paninis and soups for the M&C haters out there.
Lunch only, right in the Pike Place Market, good trip for groups.
Google Maps link
