NFT Radar: Memo’s Mexican Food

Late-night Mexican food has long been a college student staple. Nothing soaks up the booze at 2:30 in the morning better than a couple of tacos or a fatty burrito. In my day, we had Taco Bell. But today, the kids have something a whole lot better: Real Mexican food twenty-four hours a day. Memo’s is muy authentico and delicioso. You might experience a lot of emotions after enjoying one of their combo meals, but buyer’s remorse is not one of them. Their breakfast menu, available all day, features a variety of eggy burritos (steak, ham, bacon, cheese or potato) as well as the classic Huevos Rancheros. From 6-11 am, 3 of those burritos are only $2.99. But the savings don’t stop there. 16 combo meals offer massive amounts of food for under $7. Kids eat for $3.50. Gringos might enjoy the Washington Burrito, a behemoth featuring steak, potatoes, salsa and cheese for $4.50. Did I mention taquitos? They have those too. For dessert, try their house-made flan, advertised as “the dessert with all the answers.” Run away from The Border and toward Memo”s.


4743 University Way NE 98105
206-729-5071
memosmexicanfood.com

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

April 9, 2009
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . Tags: . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

NFT Radar: Upper Playground

Used to be it was a Portland or San Fran destination. But now Seattle’s got our very own Upper Playground. This distinctive clothing store features contemporary graphic design by urban artists on casual apparel. The artists on their roster include Sam Flores, Jeremy Fish, David Choe, Estevan Oriol and Alex Pardee. Printed on high-quality, robust tees and hoodies, these are clothes that will stay with you for the long haul. They’ll certainly survive even the most intense urban lifestyle whether it’s skateboard wipeouts or DJing a Lohan party. Who couldn’t love their t-shirts that incorporate classic metal band logos with the U.P. walrus? Even if t-shirts and hoodies aren’t your thing you can still enjoy the clever and unique art in book form and on bags, mugs, pillows, shower curtains and accessories. They also have an art gallery, which occasionally holds shows and openings. At the very least, it’s a great place to find your next tattoo idea. Be sure to check out their website for more information about the artists and upcoming gallery shows, plus some pretty funny videos.


4730 University Way NE 98105
206-985-1000
www.upperplayground.com

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

March 30, 2009
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . Tags: . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

NFT Radar: China Harbor

I’ve been obsessed with China Harbor ever since I first drove past its majestic black exterior many years ago. The whole thing smacked of Chinese Mafia. The waterfront location, lack of front-facing windows and the fact that the restaurant only takes up a quarter of the massive building, abetted my suspicions. I’m happy to report that China Harbor did not disappoint. We shared the otherwise empty dining room with an elderly couple on a Sunday evening and had a terrific time eavesdropping on the dance classes taking place in the adjacent banquet room. We buzzed on complimentary tea and speculated about the people who lived in the houseboats we could see from our table. The food was outstanding. The menu is fairly typical but every dish is cooked to delicious perfection. For dessert we couldn’t resist the “8 Treasures Rice Pudding”: a mound of sticky rice filled with red bean paste, topped with orange sauce and a bevy of dried fruits. The waitress tried to talk us out of it, saying it was for Chinese people. But we assured her we knew what we were getting into, and earned brownie points for happily scarfing it down. Best of all, we left with a bag full of leftovers and all of our thumbs in tact.


2040 Westlake Ave N 98109
206-286-1688
www.chinaharborseattle.com

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

March 16, 2009
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . Tags: . Author: Baxter . Comments: 2 Comments

NFT Radar: Tilikum Place Cafe

Two of my foodie friends had a simple request: A recommendation for a Belltown restaurant which serves quality food and isn’t touristy or owned by Tom Douglas. I’d just caught wind of Tilikum Place Cafe and was keen to try it. So we all went to dinner together to see if we had a match. Guess what, Chuck. We have a love connection! Their business model is simple, reasonably priced European food with quality ingredients and a dude who knows his wine. My French food enthusiast/cook friend loved his Duck Confit. This is quite an achievement in its own right. The Grilled Beef Tri-Tip also hit a home run. Vegetarians beware. Just like in Europe proper, they like to sneak meat in unsuspecting places. But if you ask nicely, they will be happy to accommodate you. Plus, with plenty of rock solid sides like mashed potatoes and the to-die-for Butternut Squash Tart, you won’t go home hungry. If you do dairy, you don’t want to miss their cheese plate. So dinner kicked ass. And since the Brunch menu includes sweet or savory Dutch Babies, I’m definitely itching for a second date.


407 Cedar St 98121
206-282-4830

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

March 8, 2009
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . Tags: . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

NFT Radar: Mee Sum Pastry

Mee Sum Pastry is one of the only places worth braving Pike Place Market for even if it’s the height of tourist season. They make killer Hum Bow for under $3 each in BBQ Pork, Vegetarian, Chicken and Curry Beef flavors. Their fillings are sweet and savory and the buns are chewy and delightful. If you have a big appetite, add a Crab Rangoon or a couple of Sesame Balls to your order. Find a nice seat in the park and watch the Hobo Theatre while you munch. This is one of the most satisfying and cheap downtown lunches possible. Hum Buns are the cheeseburgers of China and you’ll want another one before you finish the last bite of the one you have. As a LOLCat might say, “Om nom nom nom.”


1526 Pike Pl 98101
206-682-6780

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

March 6, 2009
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . Tags: . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

NFT Radar: Stella Cafe

Everyone knows that Seattle loves coffee. So it’s surprising that it took this long to get an authentic Italian cafe. Stella fills that void with ease. The Vespa in the window tells you they’re bona fide before you even order your espresso. You may think a shot isn’t your thing, but that’s because you’ve never had it the Italiano way. It’s not bitter like that Starbucks crap. Their dark Roman blend is brewed just right, covering every shot with a thick layer of “crema”. This is the magic of espresso and it lends sweetness to every nutty sip. Afterward, you will feel relaxed and pampered instead of jittery. Of course, Italians also like to eat and Stella serves up the classics with perfection. Choose from 9 huge Panini for under $6 featuring a variety of meats, cheeses and vegetables. They have the Sweet-tooths covered too. If you’re a native Seattleite, chances are you’ve never had a proper Canoli. Now is your chance to try these crispy, creamy confections of perfection. The portions are small so you don’t have to share unless you want to. They haven’t forgotten about the Panetone either. This light, sweet fruit bread is served grilled. La Vita es indeed Dolce!


1224 1st Ave 98101
206-624-1299
www.stellacoffees.com

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

February 27, 2009
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . Tags: . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

NFT Radar: Carmelita

Perhaps February 14th was a risky date to try someplace new, what with set menus and fact that most restaurants are booked solid. But I’d wanted to try Carmelita for a while and their romantic but laid-back ambiance and upscale vegetarian cuisine seemed ideal for Valentine’s Day. Besides, their set menu sounded foolproof. So I made a reservation for two and scored one of the last tables. Truffles and risotto are two of my favorite things so imagine my delight when one available entree involved both of these things. Unfortunately, the result was lackluster at best. Truffles have a very strong and distinct flavor and I couldn’t taste them at all. Did they forget to add them? The orzo was al dente and the whole dish was overwhelmed by cauliflower, a fairly bland vegetable when under-seasoned. It’s disenchanting to have to add salt to a $40 meal. Perhaps they were off their game on account of being so busy. Still, everything else was terrific. My guy loved his Carrot-Mascarpone Gnocchi. Our wine recommendation panned out (Malbec). The Chocolate Muck Muck was both chocolatey and muck mucky. I’d go back again for sure. But what the hell happened with that risotto?


7314 Greenwood Ave N 98103
206-706-7703
www.carmelita.net

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

February 25, 2009
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . Tags: . Author: Baxter . Comments: 1 Comment

NFT Radar: The Spectator

It’s the classic couples problem. One of you enjoys professional sports and one of you doesn’t. Fortunately, you both like to drink. The Spectator has your compromise. With 13 flat screen TVs broadcasting everything from American football to what the rest of the world calls Football, the sports enthusiast you are or love won’t miss a play. Numerous classic arcade games, pool, and shuffleboard keep the less enthused half entertained. They also have a video poker machine featuring my all-time favorite bar game: Naked Lady Poke (a.k.a. Spot the Difference). Their weekday happy hour prices almost everything below $4. The eats aren’t too shabby but they get a little too liberal with the nacho cheese. 5 minutes after your cheesy bacon tater tots hit the table, you’ll need a fork, lest you contribute to tree genocide with the amount of napkins you’ll need. That’s not all they’re liberal with. They boast about their famous pound of chicken wings but I suspect they serve everything there by the pound. Rent the mezzanine for private parties or settle into a big, cushy booth for impromptu gatherings. Go team!


529 Queen Anne Ave N 98109
206-599-4263
www.thespectatorsports.com

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

February 19, 2009
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

NFT Radar: Bengal Tiger

We’d passed the signs countless times. “NW Source’s People’s Pick for 2006 and 2007!” Every grocery receipt from the neighboring QFC had a coupon on the back. But I’ve never even heard of NW Source and besides, the Mister and I are Taste of India devotees anyway. Is there really room for more than one Indian restaurant in our lives? Well, in January, they had a new sign. Apparently, the People picked them again for 2008! We finally caved and gave it a try. And it was…pretty good! I love any place that gives you freebies and here you get Papadums (the Indian tortilla chip!) and a delicious lentil soup started included in your meal. Our curries were excellent, albeit a little spicier than we’d ordered. But what do those stars mean anyway? The sauce on my Garlic Wala was creamy and pleasant. The gentleman had the house special, lamb with mint sauce, and it was tender and…minty. No complaints about the service either. And the tiger motif is adorable. Bengal Tiger IS grrrrreat! But we live just as close to Taste of India. And frankly, it’s still OUR people’s pick. Sorry, Tiger.


6510 Roosevelt Way NE 98115
206-985-0041

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

February 9, 2009
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . Tags: . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

NFT Radar: Mae’s Phinney Ridge Cafe

Longevity is rare in these condo-riffic times. But Mae’s has managed to overcome. In 1988, Midwestern Mae turned around a divey diner. Apparently, she’s really into cows. Seated in the Moo Room, replete with cow paraphernalia, you’ll feel a bit like you’re staying with your crazy aunt. The menu’s also cow-pun laden. Fortunately, the food kicks ass. Every breakfast staple is present and in top form including Corned Beef Hash and Eggs Benedict. The grits and biscuits are perfect and they’ve provided an excuse to have ice cream for breakfast with the Shake and Eggs. They’re also famous for their cinnamon rolls, which you can purchase to go. Just don’t look at the nutrition information, lest you meet the same end as the Nazis in Raiders. Nobody is more obsessed with local ingredients than Washingtonians and Mae’s honors this institution with Snoqualmie Gourmet ice cream, in-house-roasted coffee, and Bacon Salt on every table. Lest you think vegans out of luck in this meat and dairy Valhalla, there’s Tofu Scramble and Biscuits with Mushroom Gravy. It gets pretty crowded on weekends but they have plenty of space in the back so you won’t be waiting long.


6412 Phinney Ave N 98103
206-782-1222
www.maescafe.com

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

February 4, 2009
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . . Author: Baxter . Comments: 1 Comment

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