Chinese dumplings: Dough Zone. There are about a dozen locations of this local chain in the Seattle metro area with the original located in Bellevue. It’s hard to go wrong...

Never too many bakeries: Honoré. Have been interested in visiting since a colleague recommended it several years ago. Usually in this are of Seattle when they weren’t open so just...

The 3rd restaurant: Sandía Saint Helens is no more. Bistro Shirlee is no more. However, this one may be the best of the three. I’m sad to see the loss...

Handmade soba noodles from scratch: Kamonegi. This chef has gotten a lot of press, including being named a James Beard semifinalist for best chef in the Northwest 2018 to 2020...

Creole Food Truck: Where Ya At Matt. On the day I learned of this food truck, it just happened to be in the neighborhood. Couldn’t pass up the opportunity to...

Quintessentially Seattle: Ivar’s. There are 3 locations on the water in the metro area and a visit to one of the locations is a must for any visitor to Seattle....

Always room for another bakery choice: Grand Central Baking Co. They have a choice of sandwiches such as turkey with havarti cheese, lettuce, mayo and Grand Central cranberry chutney on...

Anyone like ice cream: Salt & Straw. Very popular place with several locations. They have an eclectic offering of flavors and pride themselves on local selections…for Seattle. Flavors like Beecher’s...

Liquid food: Damsel Cellars. I first met Mari when she was the assistant winemaker at Darby Wines. She’s been making her own very solid wines for the last several years...

Recommendation from a local chef: Pestle Rock. The cuisine is Thai but it’s from the Isan or northeast part of the country. You will recognize the menu but there are...

Great experience: Marlaina’s Mediterranean Kitchen. Part business dinner and part get together with friends. I’d heard about this place from a coworker…whose husband is the chef/owner and it’s been on...

The original Seattle location is in a shopping center, nonetheless, this food is outstanding: Din Tai Fung. Quick fact…even though it’s at University Village, this is the first Din Tai...

In the Hood: Ravenna Brewing Co. Located in what was an auto repair shop it’s become well known for their local brews in a city with close to 70 breweries....

On Salmon Bay at Fishermen’s Terminal: Little Chinook’s. Looking for fast/To Go seafood near Discovery Park then check it out. No reservations required and you should expect the usual…cod, oysters,...

Several locations of this Seattle icon: Mioposto. Like the others, the primary offering is wood fired pizza and they do it very well. As a matter of fact, everything here...

If you are looking for French food with a view, this is the place: Maximilien. We were entertaining guest from out of town and it was a beautiful day so...

Has been on my list for several years: Joule. It’s been described as Pacific Northwest Korean and has been around since 2007…not sure why it took me so long to...

Great option: Heritage. While Purple Cafe has been our go to for many years while in Woodinville. But, we are always looking for other options in a town that is...

Mexican near the U: Agua Verde Near the UW Medical Center Montlake Campus. Indoor dining is in a small space and is frequently crowded, especially for lunch. There is a...

New Southern: JuneBaby. The food has a Southern focus starting with the bread…biscuits and cornbread as choices. Not to start a debate but the cornbread is sweet…that said, it’s very...

A very special experience: Archipelago. I’ve been trying to score a reservation here since soon after they opened about 4 years ago. Before COVID-19 hit, I finally snagged a very...

Not your average fish house: Harry’s Fish House. Very popular spot on Alki Beach. Come hungry since the portions are large. They have oysters, of course, but expect to find...

Thai in the Hood: Pinkaew. Needed a change in cuisine and this place has gotten good reviews so, it was close by and, we needed some Thai. It didn’t disappoint…one...

Asian fusion: Wild Ginger. Recently had the opportunity to visit the Bellevue location of this Seattle based restaurant long known for its Asian Fusion menu and highly rated wine cellar....

Local spot for breakfast: Bryant Corner Cafe Standard breakfast fare at this restaurant north of the UW campus. They also offer lunch and dinner as well as all day breakfast....

Excellent Italian food: Cantinetta. This is a small place near the UW campus that is our go to place for Italian food in Seattle. I’ve never had a bad meal...

Small plates in Alki: Driftwood. Delightfull new find and a must visit now that the West Seattle Bridge is back open. The other must visit, when you get the chance,...

University Village: Joey Kitchen. This is a chain of restaurants out of Vancouver BC that serves a mix of Asian fusion, PNW, burgers, and steaks in a very nice upscale...

Hollywood district of Woodinville wine tasting: Purple Cafe & Wine Bar. On the way to taste Darby’s most recent release and stopped by for a quick bite at the original...

Looking for Indian food: Taste of India. This is my go to place for Indian food and has been for a number of years. It’s like having dinner in your...

Finally got to the brick and mortar restaurant: Monsoon. My first experience was take away from this highly regarded Vietnamese restaurant on Capitol Hill. My usual go to Vietnamese food,...

Nice spot in Pioneer Square with a perfect name: Damn the Weather. The space is in one of the original buildings on 1st, between Yesler and S Washington Street, and...

Change of pace: Mr West Cafe Bar. Located in the space previously occupied by a cooking store, it offers unique cuisine at U Village. The menu is of small plates...

Try this place for happy hour or dinner: Frank’s Oyster House. One of a 2 restaurants owned by the same family this one is a bar and oyster house. Convenient...

Dinner for 15: Via Tribunali. I usually find it more difficult to fully experience a restaurant with a larger group. However, we had several pizzas from the wood fired oven...

For biscuit fans: Seattle Biscuit Company. First met these guys when all they had was a truck. Now they have a brick and mortar place in Fremont (Frelard area). They...

Seattle Malasadas: General Porpoise. There are several locations of this very popular spot for doughnuts…..better described as malasadas….the Portuguese variety of doughnut. Very nice open space to enjoy your choices!...

A slice of the Caribbean: Bongos Cafe. This place has been on my radar for some time and I finally got a chance to visit. Describing it as laid back...

A Puget Sound institution: Taylor Shellfish Farms. The space is small and is the definition of an oyster bar. The fresh tanks are centrally placed with the dining area arrayed...

Hidden gem: Terra Plata. Another option in the option filled Capitol Hill area of Seattle. The restaurant is described as Spanish in orientation but it seems a bit more toward...

Japanese American fusion: TOMO. I’ve had my eye on this place for quite some time but it’s not that easy to get a reservation. That’s a must unless you want...

Dinner for 30: Duke’s Chowder House. I have to admit, I haven’t been to this area of Seattle in a number of years so, it was time. As I’ve mentioned...

Always a unique experience: The London Plane. Breakfast: The eggs and biscuits with gravy were fabulous….best gravy I think I’ve ever had. For those not wanting meat or eggs the...

Italian at U Village: Piatti. This is a go to place for a solid experience. Plenty of outside seating if you’re looking for that which is a great place to...

Authentic Sichuan: Tian Fu. I was near the light rail station and needed lunch so why not some Sichuan? Interesting place just across the street from Northgate Station and down...

Food truck: Now Make Me a Sandwich. Darby Wine Club release and this was the food offering which didn’t disappoint. But, you ask, where’s the sandwich? I was a little...

Breweries everywhere: Burke Gilman Brewing Co. I have driven by and ride my bike by here frequently but haven’t visited. We finished a walk at a nearby birding area and...

The experience continues: Rusty Pelican. Once again back in Woodinville and decided to give this place a try for lunch. The menu is fairly standard with salads, soups, burgers and...

Surrounded by wine: Brix Wine Café. In the Woodin Creek Village area which has many new restaurants and wine tasting opportunities including Wine Alley where there are over 1/2 dozen...

Wine around every corner: Woodinville Wine Country. There are more than 130 wineries offering almost as many tasting rooms. Here are a few of my favorites: Darby Wines: I’ve known...

While you shop or not: Habitant at Nordstrom Ok…ok….you have to have a drink before shopping….right? Even if that isn’t correct, if you’re in a shopping mood and find yourself...

Another coffee spot in Seattle: Seattle Sunshine Coffee. The space is inviting with an open feel and the coffee is from Lighthouse Roasters in Fremont. They have a small selection...

Milanese bakery: Starbucks Reserve Roastery. This was the first appearance of Princi Bakery in the US and there isn’t any indication, to the unaware, that it is located inside the...

One of the 2 or 3 best places for pastries in Seattle: Café Besalu. I think this place ranks just behind my number 1 recommendation: Bakery Nouveau in West Seattle....

Recommended by a German friend: Kaffeeklatsch. On the way to Woodinville to pick up some wine at Damsel Cellars so, why not? In my somewhat limited experience with German baked...

For breakfast, lunch and happy hour: Belle Epicurean. One of two in Seattle and this visit was to the location in Madison Valley. It’s a combination bakery, coffee shop (Fonté...

Worth the find: Place Pigalle. Small intimate French bistrot in the heart of Pike Place Market near Rachel the Pig. Though small, the view from the window tables is expansive...

The original: Macrina Bakery. I’ve been to the original location in Belltown of this well known bakery many times over the years and it continues to not disappoint. While you...

Not easy: The Nest. I’ve wanted to visit this rooftop bar at the Seattle Thompson Hotel and finally scored a table…probably had something to do with showing up when they...

French with a Japanese twist: Fresh Flours Bakery & Cafe. One of four locations of this bakery with the original in West Seattle. This location is in the Phinney Ridge...

Newer kid on the block: Spinnaker Chocolate. Nothing but chocolate and this duo has brought it to a new level. So if you like chocolate, you must make a visit...

Soul fusion: Communion. This place has been on my list for some time and we just happened to have a free Saturday and they had a reservation. Looking at the...

Thai: Thai Thai Kitchen. I’m told there are more than 100 Thai restaurants in Seattle and this was a new choice for us. That said, I think it has the...

Vietnamese: The Monkey Bridge. I’ve driven by this place many times but never thought to give it a try. Our son and daughter in law gave it great marks so,...

Bingsu(Bingsoo): Snowy Village Dessert Cafe. You may know Hawaiian shaved ice but have you had this? If you haven’t…you must! This takes shaved ice to another level…creamy, sweet and light...

Vietnamese in Lake City: Green Papaya. Only have takeaway so we used Grubhub this time since it’s fairly close to our home plus it gets great ratings. It didn’t disappoint....

A new old place: El Gaucho. It’s been a number of years since my last visit…and it’s not where it used to be! So, make sure you go to the...

Virtual restaurant: Molly’s Garden. You read it correctly…a virtual restaurant. Really, it’s a takeaway place using Shawn O’Donnell’s locations. Our order was from the Fremont location. The Molly’s Chicken Salad...

A hidden gem: Baker’s. This is a place for cocktails, small plates and making new friends. Basically a “local” watering hole in the Sunset Hill area of Seattle. It’s one...

Nepalese in the neighborhood: Himalayan Sherpa House. Interesting menu with items you’ll recognize…naan and gulab jamun but others that you won’t…momo and Himalayan noodles. So, try something different. My choices...

Mochi doughnuts: Dochi. When it opened about a year and a half ago, the line was out the door so I waited for things to settle down a bit. The...

Tucked away in the U District : Saint Bread. Originally opened to long lines but things have settled down a bit, at least on weekdays. Started by a trio from...

Just driving by: Tacos El Güero. In the parking lot of Met Market at Sandpoint and it was lunchtime so, why not? My choice this visit were the carnitas which...

Someone Couldn’t Wait: Pie Day. Not homemade this year but nonetheless, excellent. Our choice: Sea Salt Caramel Pie. Source: Metropolitan Market. Washed down with a light Chianti Classico with notes...

Fried Chicken in Seattle: Cookie’s Country Chicken. Near Lumen Field in Pioneer Square. We happened to be in the neighborhood the day I noticed a post from @eatseattle about the...

Not my go to but: Krispy Kreme Mars Doughnut. Special, limited edition release to celebrate Perseverance landing on Mars! Had to have one of these chocolate cream filled doughnuts…a bit...

Fast food: Chick-fil-A. Sometimes you just need some and we needed it this day. My choice is usually the spicy fried chicken sandwich. I have to say, it’s always good...

Takeaway: Tam Noodle Box. Recommended by a colleague and it was spot on. This place is all about wok prepared noodles…multiple choices to which you add a protein…chicken, pork, shrimp...

On the Eastside: Nasai Teriyaki. Not our usual go to for this Japanese staple but our local source was closed the day we needed a teriyaki fix so we gave...

In the hood: Pleasant Beach Donuts. Seem to be sold out when we usually think of visiting but this day we arrived in the late afternoon and there was still...

An old favorite: Pagliacci. Needed a change so why not back to the future? A Seattle original with locations all around but it’s been a few years since we’ve experienced...

Small Plates on 55th: Ebb & Co. First noticed this new place a few months ago and finally got a chance to experience their offerings. I wish I hadn’t taken...

Takeaway: New Orleans style Po Boy. Part of Ethan Stowell Restaurants this popup was all about New Orleans style Po Boys. You order online for a specific pickup time then...

Takeaway: Lobster Roll. Part of Ethan Stowell Restaurants this popup was all about lobster…whole or on a roll. You order online for a specific pickup time then show up just...

Filipino takeaway: Archipelago Balikbayan Box. Before COVID-19 hit, I had snagged a very hard to come by reservation at this well regarded restaurant with very limited seating. Alas…the reservation was...

Takeaway: Mean Sandwich. COVD pandemic continues making take away the best option.  This is a place that gets great reviews and has been on my list to visit. Very efficient...

Looking for some Q: Meaty Johnson’s. Described as Seattle BBQ…whatever that is, the meat is smoked in house…on the second floor no less! Three types of sauce are offered…mild, medium...

Bakery and a cup of Joe: Kringles Bakery. Happened to be in the neighborhood and having a kringle seemed like a great diversion before returning home. Nice selection of baked...

A bit of hygge in SLU: Café Hagen. Opened for just a few months and located very near REI this is a perfect spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch or early...

What…another coffee spot in Seattle: Armistice Coffee Roaster. Nice new place just off 65th with not only coffee, espresso, etc. but also a full bar and…they know how to steam...

Jianbing: Me and Crêpe. Started in Richmond BC and more recently has moved into Shanghai…reverse migration. This location, in Bellevue Square, open in the spring of last year. There are...

University Village Sushi: Bamboo Sushi. Located in the space formerly occupied by Blue C Sushi, they are a Portland chain that promotes sustainable seafood/sushi. The space is much nicer than...

Japanese sandos: Tres Sandwich House. Recommended by my daughter, who is a bit of all things Japanese nut, it’s a great find in south Bellevue…you have to want to go...

Afternoon cup of joe: Stone Way Cafe. Just happened across this popular spot and decided to give it a try. We weren’t disappointed. They know how to steam milk here…including...

Quick stop for lunch: Homegrown. One of about a dozen outlets in the metro area this visit was to the University Village location. They are all about sustainable local food...

A bit of Bainbridge Island: Café Hitchcock. Part of the growing Hitchcock group of restaurants, this one is downtown in the Exchange Building. Nice space for a quick bite for...

State Hotel: Ben Paris. The name may seem a bit odd but there was a Ben Paris, a well known Seattle sportsman who had a restaurant of similar name located...

Out shopping: Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya. This is chain from Tokyo that has a number of outlets in the Seattle metro area. Our visit was to the Bellevue Square location....

They know how to steam milk: Diva Espresso Kenmore. Located in The Hanger this is another of about a 1/2 dozen locations of this coffee roaster and purveyor of all...

Group dinner: La Cocina Oaxaqueña. Dinner for about a dozen but we ordered from the standard menu so I feel more confident in my impressions. It’s a relatively small place on...