NFT Radar: Georgetown Liquor Company

The Georgetown neighborhood is Seattle’s best kept hipster secret and I think a lot of people like it that way, so keep what I’m about to tell you on the proverbial D.L. Georgetown Liquor Company rules. Sure it possesses an unassuming moniker, is tucked away inconveniently (aurally speaking) next to active cargo train tracks, but that’s why one’s able to head there on a weekend and have no trouble getting a service. And that’s hardly the best part. I have good news and I have better news. The GOOD news is that G.L.C. serves a huge menu full of 100% vegetarian (and approximately 38% vegan) sandwiches and salads with nerdy names (Sulu Skewers, Darth Reuben). And ooh boy, are they delicious. If you do cheese, you will be over the moon about the Luna. The BETTER news is that you can relive your childhood (this time with booze!) by indulging in a bevy of Atari, classic or Super NES games on one of 3 set-ups. If you can reminisce (about) it, they have it. But be warned before you start the trash talking. Unless you’re Steve Wiebe, you’re probably a little rusty at Donkey Kong.

georgetown liquor company
5501 Airport Way S 98108
206-763-6764
www.georgetownliquorcompany.com

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

September 2, 2008
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . Tags: . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

NFT Radar: Molly Moon’s

Oh Molly Moon’s. How thankful I am that I have to walk almost 2 miles to your doorstep. Otherwise I would surely be as large as the cows from whence their 16 delectable flavors come. Sure, they have the classic Neopolitan trinity. But how could you even THINK of ordering vanilla when you could have Scout Mint (as in the coveted seasonal cookies), Honey Lavender or Mandarin Chocolate Sorbet. There’s nothing better than the one-two taste punch of sweet and salty. And you can satisfy that craving with the Balsamic Strawberry (featuring large stripes of that delicious dark nectar), the Maple Walnut or the more pointed Salted Caramel. If you’re after a caffeinated kick to your sugar rush, you might go for the Thai Iced Tea or the Vivace Coffee which is freckled with ground-up coffee beans. Of course you can sample any flavor before committing to a giant scoop in your fresh waffle cone. This is useful for anyone skeptical of a cardamom-based desert (though even that is pretty good). Much to the chagrin of my pants, one can also buy their favorite flavor by the pint or quart. On a hot Seattle day, you’ll find a line out the door. But I promise it’s well worth the wait.

molly moons
1622 N 45th St 98103
206-618-4934
www.mollymoonicecream.com

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

August 26, 2008
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . Tags: . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

NFT Radar: Hawaiian Breeze

Whether you’re a born and bred Kailua Boy or just an Island Cuisine enthusiast, Hawaiian Breeze has got something for you. It’s situated in the heart of Wallingford with a large window ideal for people-watching. The calming ukulele soundtrack and corny dissolve-heavy hula videos keep you distracted as you hungrily anticipate your meal. The wait can be long, even in an empty restaurant, but you’ll find it’s worth it. They have every dish down to a science. Bucking Hawaiian tradition, vegetarians can rejoice in the tofu version of the classic Chicken Katsu. The soy comes with a bonus dipping sauce, and both versions feature the Polynesian staple, macaroni salad. Likewise, the Kalhua pork and SPAM Musubi don’t miss a beat. The Karaage Chicken is universally acclaimed and is often the dish that drives customers through the door. Hawaiian Breeze is good summer eating but also provides the perfect winter comfort food when you’re trying to ignore the endless precipitation that awaits outside. Save room for a Shave Ice with the usual suspects of fruit flavors plus my personal favorite, condensed milk. Too bad there’s no beach nearby to surf away all that pork.


1719 N 45th St 98103
206-632-2583
www.hawaiianbreezeseattle.com

X-Posted from Not For Tourists.

August 15, 2008
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . Tags: . Author: Baxter . Comments: 1 Comment

NFT Radar: Harried and Hungry

Every downtown office seems to have a boner for Specialties, but I’ve never enjoyed them. Maybe it’s because I get the veggie options, but my food has always been bland and soggy. But Specialties isn’t the only lunch delivery game in town. There’s also Harried and Hungry. If you’re dining in, you’ll note the ‘harried’ part. It’s not the patrons dining and dashing back to work. It’s the owners who don’t let you stare at the menu for more than 30 seconds before ushering you to a register. That’s why I like to ponder the website menu before I go. Once I have a mission in mind, I’m usually not disappointed. Their lunch fare includes the souped-up versions of the staples: sandwiches (Grilled Pesto), salads (Curried Chicken) pizza (Bacon Blue) and soup (Wild Mushroom Grain). They are generally outstanding and never soggy. On occasion, they have been too ‘harried’ in the kitchen to remember the ‘balsamic’ part of my Caprese sandwich, but it’s still pretty tasty. Wash it all down with a fresh-made smoothie infused with green tea for that low-level afternoon buzz. Unfortunately, the prices are more NYC than Seattle, so save your patronage for when you have access to the corporate credit card.


1415 3rd Ave 98101
206-264-7900
www.orderhh.com

X-Posted from Not For Tourists.

August 8, 2008
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

First IMDb and Now This!

Amazon and partners continue to bona fi my career as I am now listed as an author on Amazon.com!

not for tourists book

If you have a minute (and a copy of the book), please give it a (preferably favorable) review.

The 2009 book is on its way!

July 22, 2008
Categories: NotForTourists, The Printernet . . Author: Baxter . Comments: 1 Comment

NFT Radar: Red Fin

What is it about Seattle’s posh art hotels always being adjacent to sushi restaurants? Not that I’m complaining. Hotel Max has Red Fin, a black and red art deco number which looks unaffordable but actually isn’t. They’re open early for breakfast and late for midnight snacks (and for drinking any time because life on the road gets lonely). But this isn’t mediocre, travel convenience food. This shit is good. The breakfast menu is standard with a bit of culinary flair. Come lunch time, the Asian fusion kicks in. In the Seattle tradition, the sushi menu features inventive rolls with a geographical naming convention. Tempura abounds if you like your rolls to crunch. Get in on the happy hour deals from 4-6 and 10-1am daily including $3 hot sakes and an incrementally priced small plate menu. Hickory smoked sea salt makes a world of difference for edamame. Don’t forsake the shiitake mushroom dumplings or the teriyaki chicken sandwich (with applewood smoked bacon, naturally). When you’re stuffed with Asian goodies, feast your eyes on a stroll through the Hotel Max lobby.

red fin
612 Stewart St 98101
206-441-4340
www.redfinsushi.com

X-Posted from Not For Tourists.

July 14, 2008
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . Tags: . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

NFT Radar: The Saint

Ding Dong, the Wingdome is dead, and in its place rose the Good Tequila Fairy, also known as The Saint. The robin’s egg blue exterior warmly invites Hillites to try their extensive tequila menu either straight or in a specialty cocktail. It’s difficult to choose the appropriate accompaniment. Agave syrup or egg white? Fortunately, they offer a rotating sampler so that you can get a feel for their offerings before committing to one. And at an average of $10 a cocktail, you are going to want to be sure. While you’re at it, line your stomach with decent upscale-ish Mexican fare. All the food is made on site, even the chips and salsa. Try the Pozole Verde, a green version of a Mexican pork and hominy stew. But if you’re eating, be sure to hit them up during happy hour. Three small empanadas are worth it at half price, but they are certainly not $8 worth of food. Also, you might want to ask for a salt shaker.

the saint

1416 E Olive Way 981022
206-323-9922

X-Posted from Not For Tourists.

June 27, 2008
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

NFT Radar: Boom Noodle

The creators of Blue C Sushi bring you the Euro-style Boom Noodle. The shared tables create a sort of upscale cafeteria feel. Perhaps that is why the place is often teeming with families; an unusual scene for a Capitol Hill restaurant. For a more private meal that is minor free, sit in the bar and take in the game with your sake or Shiso Mojito. As the name suggests, Boom Noodle excels at ramen. But this ain’t your 99 cent Top variety. These noodle soups made from fresh ingredients almost convince you you’re eating health food. Almost. Don’t fret if you aren’t into noodles. They offer large salad and rice dishes as well as a small plate menu full of beef and fish in a unique platform. I heeded the advice of the waitress and tried the Miso Broiled Rice Cakes. She flashed a smug smile when I confirmed their crispy deliciousness. Vegetarians can order with ease using their coded menu and most dishes can be altered to meet dietary restrictions. For dessert, the Mochi Trio doesn’t disappoint, but the Boom Waffle, with its strange bean compote topping, could use an overhaul.

boom noodle

1121 E Pike St 98122
206-701-9130
www.boomnoodle.com

X-Posted from Not For Tourists.

June 18, 2008
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

NFT Radar: Bento World

Belltown is seriously lacking in good cheap lunch spots. What are the working stiffs supposed to do? We can’t afford to lunch at a Tom Douglas restaurant every day and lord knows we are sick to death of the Westlake Center food court. Thank god for Bento World! It may be small but their comprehensive menu equally accommodates vegetarians and carnivores. $6.95 will buy you an entree, vegetables, and rice enough for at least 2 meals. Sushi, bento boxes, bee bim babs, and teriyaki provide Japanese delights for any mood. The tempura meal is truly transcendent. What a beautiful Bento World!

bento world
306 Lenora St 98121
206-441-4474

X-Posted from Not For Tourists.

June 16, 2008
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . . Author: Baxter . Comments: 1 Comment

NFT Radar: Pizza Ragazzi

It’s not necessarily the best option for pizza delivery in the U District. It’s a bit greasy for my taste and they go a little too easy on the sauce. That said, I know people who positively swear by Ragazzi pies. Perhaps that is more to do with the fact that they will deliver to you as late as 4am, every day of the week. That means there are only 7 hours a day that one can’t have piping hot pizza delivered to them. You can Ragazzi around the clock, if you will. And let’s face it; if you need pizza between 4am and 11am, you need to rethink your life. Being that they are conveniently located near a large university, that is a smart as hell business plan. Adding to the convenience is the ability to order on-line and a walk-up window which sells slices. Now if only they would make it easy to turn off the “Candle in the Wind” elevator music on their website.

pizza ragazzi
5201 University Way NE 98105
206-525-1700
www.pizzaragazzi.com

X-Posted from Not For Tourists.

June 4, 2008
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . Tags: . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

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