NFT Radar: Gainsbourg

I’m not crazy about authentic French cooking. I find it heavy and uninteresting. Apparently, all it needed was a Seattle twist! Gainsbourg is among Seatown’s best restaurants. We were lucky enough to dine when mac and cheese was the special. Not too oily, perfectly bread crumbed and Gruyere laden, it was unequivocally the best I’ve ever tasted. Gruyere. Other menu highlights include the Croque Monsieur, the French Dip, and Poutine. They season most dishes with pig, but will make vegetarian versions of practically everything. (Beware. They mustn’t clean the pans. A little chunk of ham was hiding in our Roasted Brussels Sprouts.) Their drink menu is as elaborate as the food, with an entire page devoted to Absinthe. The Lavender Lemonade (spiked with vodka) is as refreshing as it is dangerous. Naturally, they also offer a large list of French wines. The decor is dark and interesting. Real candelabras sit on each table, making you feel like characters in a gothic romance novel. But you might want to move it away from yourself after a few drinks. Francophiles might take issue. But for people on the fence about French cooking, Gainsbourg is a revelation.


8550 Greenwood Ave N

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

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September 22, 2010
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . Tags: . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

NFT Radar: Curtsy Bella

These days, you can pretty much buy anything on line. But Curtsy Bella remembers when customer service meant something. If you’re in the market for a cute and quirky gift for your engaged friend, your pregnant friend or your girlfriend, 10 minutes of browsing the cleverly arranged displays will yield more viable options than you ever thought possible. Their fanciful inventory includes socks, hats, bags, jewelry, clothing, and plenty of knickknacks you can’t live without. They also have a delightfully snarky greeting card selection to help express your sentiments. It’s like an upscale Archie McPhee’s you’re your recipients will actually use the things you buy them. The easily overwhelmed can take advantage of their shopping service. Call or email with a little information and they’ll work with you until they find the perfect gift to meet your needs. They’ll even gift wrap it (in leopard print paper!) and ship next day or same day by courier. You’ll look thoughtful, whimsical and timely. I’d say that you couldn’t buy service like that. But you could. At Curtsy Bella.


2920 NE Blakeley St
www.curtsybella.com

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

September 22, 2010
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . Tags: . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

NFT Radar: Bottega Italiana

People say gelato is better for you than ice cream but it sounds too good to be true. Still, when there’s a gelato place in your neighborhood, it’s difficult to stay away. Bottega Italiana follows suit with being irresistible, but they aren’t exaggerating when they say that their gelato isn’t bad for you. It’s not as healthy as, say, a big bowl of spinach, but indulging isn’t going to negate your time at the gym either. As if that weren’t enough of an excuse, they use only natural, local and seasonal ingredients. Whether you’ve chosen to live dairy free, or nature chose for you, you can still enjoy one of their vegan fruit flavors. Those who can’t say no to creamy goodness will be pleased as punch with one or more of their year-round flavors like hazelnut, pistachio, and caffe. If you feel the need to be responsible, you can make a meal out of it by adding a lunchtime pannini and real Italian espresso. But remember, it’s low fat. So if you’ve had a hard day (or want to make a good day better), go ahead and get that double scoop. We won’t judge.


409 NE 70th St
www.bottegaitaliana.com

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

September 22, 2010
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . Tags: . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment