So I guess this is a new place that opened at some point this month. I heard about it through some foodie co-workers who scoped it out a few days ago.
We popped in around 12:15pm, and they weren’t too busy, which was nice. A short walk from the office and nestled in the heart of Strip Club Central. It was kind of reminiscent of Bakesale Betty (which I have YET to try!!!) or Gregoire, since the restaurant was nondescript and minimalist, and the menu was scrawled on the wall in chalk. There’s no seating indoor or outdoor, but patrons are welcome to eat at Enrico’s patio next door. And with the weather as awesome as it was, that was not a bad option!
They were out of the foie gras & prosciutto sandwich, which didn’t really affect me, but given that they ran out of their $15 sandwiches that don’t even come with sides or a drink… Yeah, that’s pretty significant, right? They ordered the kobe beef sandwiches ($10) and pepper soup ($5); I heard the kobe was great and the pepper was so-so. I went for the shrimp sandwich ($9), which was quite good. The cool, saucy shrimp was perfect for the warm day, but the bread could’ve been toastier.
I only hope that this is one of those places that changes its menu with the seasons.
Not sure how useful my review will be, given the fact that it’s a Vietnamese restaurant, and I had neither the pho nor the imperial rolls. Instead, I ordered the eggplant in garlic sauce ($8). The dish was generous enough, and rice was yummy. Service was fast and easy. Going here is always tough because the lunch hour can be packed and have a waiting line out the door. We went in around 1:30pm and had no problems getting a seat.
Hmm, yeah, nothing else going on here. Maybe I am jaded from all the recent eating out, but Sai’s is good though not amazing.
I had my first relleno here. That said, I’m not quite sure how they should taste, but mine was like a cheesy omelet with bell peppers. Except the bell pepper wasn’t cut into pieces. Beans and rice were standard.
There isn’t much to this place to make it amazing. It doesn’t taste that great, and it isn’t a bargain. It’s only incredibly close to work. Maybe I’m not being fair. I mean, the name of the place is “Alex Gourmet Burrito”, so maybe they suck at rellenos but excel in burritos. Who knows? I’m not sure that I’d return though–Tlaloc is still better.
Went here for a late lunch, since it’s conveniently kitty-corner from the office. There isn’t much to say about the service, since orders are made and picked up from the counter, but the place is cute and clean enough.
Because they were out of falafel (!!!), I had the Basil Leaf wrap, which was leafy with roasted peppers, feta, and random slices of peach. And I thought it would come in a standard pita–you know, the kind that’s round and fluffy/pocket-y–but the wrap was instead flatter and square and a bit tough. Maybe it’s just my limited knowledge of Mediterranean food.
Anyway, $9 for a huge wrap and Dirty kettle chips. Not too shabby.
A pretty straightforward restaurant. Service is fast, food is decent, and there’s a good amount of open seating at any given time. Both the plantain chips and the sweet plantains are good. (Note to self: Order the yucca fries next time.) This time, I had the Cubaniçoise, a salad that included both plantain chips and hearts of palm*. Not bad.
This place is solid, and that’s about it. If I could choose, I’d still go next door for some Japanese curry from Muracci’s.
http://www.paladarcafecubano.com
*I first thought that the hearts of palm were artichoke hearts. Clearly, I don’t eat [out] enough.
Today I made my second trip to this little cafe–and then I remembered why it was months before I went back. I don’t care how yummy your food is. GIVE ME SOME QUALITY SERVICE! We waited at least 15 minutes just to get dessert, both of which included very little preparation before serving. (One was a cookie, and the other was a cake that had to be warmed.) She didn’t say, “I’ll be with you in a minute”, she didn’t smile, she served two other people after taking his order and before taking mine (even though we were obviously together), and she barely made eye contact.
BLARGH!
Cake was yummy, and the cookie was so-so. Not really worth it, in my opinion. The service is really crappy.
Chic, bold decor and a nice, attentive waitstaff. It’s hard to notice this place, slipped between a few other Asian restaurants, but it’s incredibly spacious inside.
The favorite stir fry was creamy and mild, but it was the tempura fish that really did it for me. Sweet and salty and with a pinch of spice. Add some fluffy white rice to that (and a glass or three of Gewürztraminer) and I am good to go. The mushroom and chicken soup we had beforehand is maybe worth trying. It’s sour and savory but doesn’t have much else besides mushroom and chicken.
Bonus points for it being in the lovely Queen Anne.
Who knew that there was a difference between gianduia (chocolate hazelnut) and plain old hazelnut? Apparently, there is a heavenly difference. Get it on a waffle or sugar cone and consider your day complete.
The cashier/waitress/person at the counter could’ve been a little more cheerful. How could she be so grumpy in a place like that?
Cute little place tucked away near Pike Place Market. I had one of the few vegetarian options, it seemed–the quiche du jour. Flakey crust and not dry at all. Served with a simple side salad. I enjoyed the texture but thought that it could’ve been a little more flavorful.
I would recommend getting an order of pomme frites and sharing it with a friend. Because as good as they are, esepcially with the garlic aioli, one basket is just way too much. Very tasty though. And did I mention the garlic aioli???
Brunch, I hear, is even better. Can’t wait to go back.
