When one Thai restaurant falls, another takes its place. Or so it goes in Sea-Town. Pawinee Thai became the auspiciously titled Amazing Thai Cuisine under new owners, but in this case it was definitely an improvement, rather than a replacement. I was feeling lazy one day and called Pawinee for delivery. Amazing Thai answered, but all I heard was “Thai.” I was a couple of dishes into my order before we both realized what had happened. There I was with no menu and a house full of hungry Thai enthusiasts. But the man on the phone was kind enough to suggest things based on what I had wanted to order and still brought it to my door. He also brought me FIVE menus for some reason. But I’m happy to have them. This menu is huge. It’s got all the old standby dishes plus a few surprises like the Puff Omelet, Grilled Salmon, Pineapple Curry and something called Ultimate Fried Rice. It’s not the best Thai I’ve ever had, but it’s good enough to be called Amazing. And if I don’t have to cook or put on pants, that’s good enough for me.

5210 Roosevelt Way NE 98105
206-528-0102

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

September 30, 2008
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . Tags: food . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

CrazyCherry (formerly the lawsuiterific CrazyBerry), is the frozen yogurt of the future. I admit I was skeptical at first. They have only two flavors, one of which is “plain.” The other is “green tea.” “What’s all this crapery?” I wondered. “I’m on board with the Green Tea but what kind of fascist establishment calls ‘plain’ a flavor? What are my topping options? Rice and water?” But since I’m a girl who loves her some fro yo, I decided to give it a whirl. Much to my surprise, there is nothing plain about the “plain.” It’s sweet and delicious with tangy kick. The “green tea” doesn’t disappoint either. But, as I soon learned: CrazyCherry ain’t about the flavor of the yogurt. It’s about the TOPPINGS! Their vast array is not limited to the moniker-alluded berries. They carry the traditional delights like sprinkles and oreo crumble, but they also offer unique (and magically delicious) toppings like Captain Crunch, marshmallows and mochi balls (Ha! Rice IS a topping). Once you’ve chosen a topping trifeca kick back in a smooth futuristic orange plastic chair and contemplate the white orb lights dangling from the ceiling whilst scarfing down your personalized, moderately healthy yogurt creation. The future is now.

131 Broadway E 98102
206-324-2550
www.crazy-berry.com

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

September 23, 2008
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . Tags: food . Author: Baxter . Comments: 2 Comments

I’m not sure what it is with hipsters and hunting themes but it seems to work. The Redwood nails Log Cabin chic with wood paneling; antler lamps and burlap animal targets abound. But unlike a Linda Dershang bar, this place skews more animal-friendly than carnivorous. Vegetarian meatloaf sandwiches, vegan chili burgers, sweet potato fries and yes, some real dead cow as well. And there’s more. You’ll only pay backwoods prices for your cocktails and they’ll throw in free peanuts to boot (go ahead and toss those shells on the floor). However, while you may feel like you’re drinking in the Appalachians, don’t forget to use your indoor voice, even when you’re outside smoking. The neighbors will call the cops on your city slicker ass. For serious.

514 E Howell St 98122
206-329-1952
www.redwoodseattle.com

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

September 12, 2008
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . Tags: food . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

It may not be the best sushi in Seattle, but it’s definitely the best conveyor belt sushi. Blue C is all about instant gratification and they have it in spades. Once seated, it won’t be but a second or two before something delicious passes before your eyes. And what variety! They got the standards like the California Roll. The salmon and eel rolls are especially competent. You can’t go wrong with any of the tempura rolls from the shrimp to the tofu. Vegetarians rejoice, because unlike most conveyor belt places, you don’t have to special order an animal-free dish. If you’re lucky, they’ll have the delectable V8 roll, stuffed with crunchy veggie tempura in an avocado blanket and doused with hot sauce. Otherwise, the plain old Kappa Maki and Inari are good enough to satisfy. Be sure to grab a potato dumpling hot plate or pickle salad to share. Save room for a cream puff but take small, easy bites lest you squirt cream filling on your date. It’s crowded around dinner time, but with no waiting for service, the turnover is quick. Enjoy a cocktail or sake in the upstairs bar while you wait.

3411 Fremont Ave N 98103
206-633-3411
www.bluecsushi.com

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

September 10, 2008
Categories: NotForTourists, Seattle . Tags: food . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

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.

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

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

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

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.

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

X-posted from Not For Tourists.

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

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: food . Author: Baxter . Comments: 1 Comment