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: restaurants . Author: Baxter . Comments: Leave a comment

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.

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

X-Posted from Not For Tourists.

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

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.

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