Upscale chain: BrickTop’s. One of those places that has a bit of everything and it’s all good but nothing was particularly memorable because of that approach. There are over a...

Brunch Italian or Southern style: Trattoria ZaZa. Since pizza is on the menu I guess the best way to describe this place is Italian with a Southern touch. It’s small...

They might not have it: Crú. Flight delayed for 3 hours and it was right across from my gate on Concourse B so…why not! Concept is similar to Vino Volo...

Peruvian food in the heart of cheesesteak country: Vista Peru. Last minutes decision….we were looking for a place that could accommodate at least 8 people on a Saturday night and...

Nice little spot for coffee: KáVé. Just barely out of town on the way to Manson and the parking lot is a bit tricky so when you see it start...

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...

The other half: Salish Lodge Dining Room. We usually visit the Attic but decided on the more formal Dining Room for brunch…and the Attic doesn’t serve breakfast on weekdays. It...

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...