Ahh Seattle!
One of my favorite family vacations was to Washington and Victoria back in 83. I was totally enamored with the Space Needle and the downtown area. I just love a town on the water. Being from Utah where it only rains in the spring I enjoy a wet, rainy Seattle when I visit as it seems normal. That is probably why Seattlans love their coffee shops. I love the food in Seattle most of all. Lots of trendy cafes and world wide cuisine. Of course the seafood is caught that day and delivered to all of the restaurants in the city proper. Your search for great food should start at Pikes Place Market http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/ . Not only do they have there own eating establishments but there are some excellent choices within a few blocks walking distance. Before eating however sit and watch the fish market workers fling seafood all over the place to waiting customers. It is truly a site to behold. In the half dozen times I've been there I've only seen them drop one fish. An immediate discount of coarse. Now onto the food.
The Elephant & Castle Pub & Restaurant: http://www.elephantcastle.com/
This place took me back to the pubs we visited on our tour through Europe in 96. Lots of wood and old English charm. It is a national chain so check out another location in another city if you can. My favorite meal here is the Roast Beef stuffed Yorkshire Pudding. If you have ever had Yorkshire pudding you will love this meal. If you haven't you need to experience this English delight. I had it quite a few times on my mission in Canada and it is truly an art making it well. I have also had the Guinness Stew which was thick, meaty and delicious. There menu has a little of everything for everyone so branch out and see what you like.
The Pink Door: http://thepinkdoor.net/
My work associate and I were just wandering around the city and actually stumbled on this place by accident. But after reading the menu we were sold. The Paglia E Fieno was my pasta of choice. A fettuccine with wild mushrooms in a light cream sauce. The Straccato Al Barolo is braised beef so tender you can cut it with a finger (fork is to cliche).
Elliott's Oyster House: http://www.elliottsoysterhouse.com/
There are tons of seafood places to eat along the pier just down from Pikes Place but my favorite is Elliotts. Now I don't have a lot of experience with oysters. My director at work who is from New York is a Oyster connoisseur and can run down dozens of different types. You do not have to get oysters here if you do not want to. But try some as an appetizer. I can't remember the ones I had so ask your server for their favorite. My meal of choice was the Pesto Clam Linguine. There is something about good pasta and seafood that just work well together. I was worried that the clams would be rubbery like some clam chowders I have eaten (mostly out of can) but I was mistaken. Fresh clams prepared right have a great texture and these were some of the best I've eaten. You have to get their Dungeness Crab Cakes as well. Soft and full of flavor.
These are just a few of my favorites downtown. I was able to eat at a few locals all over the city so I will address those in a future blog. It helps when you know someone who had family in an area as they will know where the locals eat.
For desserts you have to have a peach scone. A scone is like a giant cookie in Seattle and not Native American fry bread that we are used to in the west. But get one of these with your favorite coffee or hot chocolate (in my case) and enjoy!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
San Diego, CA.
Ah San Diego!
Of all of the cities I have traveled to for business and pleasure this has to be one of my favorites. Sea World, Old Town, Gas Lamp District, Coronado, The Zoo and on and on there is enough to fill a few weeks.
I already mentioned my favorite restaurant The Boathouse in a previous blog so I will give a few places from all over the greater San Diego proper. Don't worry, none of them are in Tijuana! Although I miss being able to park your car atthe border and just wander into the city to buy a bunch of cheap authentic merchandise, especially Chic-Let gum. Ah the memories!!!
The Poseidon http://www.poseidonrestaurant.com/
This awesome place just up the road in Del Mar is just awesome. Did I stutter? I love sitting right on the beach and eating seafood. You just have to do it when you are on the coast. Start with the Crispy Moroccan Calamari. Unlike any calamari that you will have had. It is crispy yet very tender on the inside. Then go with the Miso Glazed Mahi - Mahi and instead of the Orzo Pasta go with the Garlic Mashed. I'm a sucker for mashed tate-ers. The Tempura Asparagus is such a bonus to this meal. For those that do not like sea food I also tried my co-workers Tequila Lime Tortellini with chicken which was really good. I probably would've got it with the shrimp however.
Cafe Coyote y Cantina http://www.cafecoyoteoldtown.com/
You have to visit Old Town when you are in San Diego. It's like stepping back in time. There are a dozen places to eat but I'm glad I picked this one as the Mexican food here was award winning. Get the Guac and chips to start. Their Guac was insanely good. Then go for the Pollo a la Crema which is chicken breast on Mexican rice and a creamy jalapeno cream sauce. Very different and very good. I tried the Chili Colorado as well and the pork was as tender as the chicken. Then after topping it off with some Banana Quesadilla for desert leave plenty of time to walk around and do some shopping. It's Tijuana without the drug cartel!!!
Nicky Rottens http://nickyrottens.com/
I stumbled on this place walking from the Gas Lamp district on the south side of the city on my way to Petco park for a Padres game. I saw this huge burger this guy was eating and new this was a place for me. It is a great atmosphere before a Padres game and probably any other time of day as well. I went with the Famous Rotten Burger....what else would you go with on the first try. I loved the sauce they put on it and the bacon really accentuated the patty. It was like two burgers in one. I love to see what burger places come up with to put on burgers and there is more than enough choices here to satisfy any taste. Needless to say I didn't get anything to eat at the park and was grateful I parked a ways away so I could walk it off a little.
Daphne's Greek Cafe http://www.daphnesgreekcafe.com/index.html
You knew I would have to throw some Greek on here. This is a chain that has a few locations in the area so just enter the zip of the place your staying at to find the nearest location. There menu items are traditional Greek with some neat twists. The Pita Burger with their fire feta and fries was awesome and out of the ordinary. I had never had a burger like that one. We went back the next day for lunch again and their Gyro/chicken kabob platter was heavenly as well. Good feta makes a good eating experience in my book and they had some great feta.
These are only a few of my favorites. A co-worker of mine just returned from San Diego and was raving about Hashhouseagogo http://www.hashhouseagogo.com/ . He had a picture of his dinner on his cell phone so you know it is memorable when you are snapping pictures of your food. I can't wait to try it when I'm back down there.
Until next week "Stay Classy San Diego".....
Of all of the cities I have traveled to for business and pleasure this has to be one of my favorites. Sea World, Old Town, Gas Lamp District, Coronado, The Zoo and on and on there is enough to fill a few weeks.
I already mentioned my favorite restaurant The Boathouse in a previous blog so I will give a few places from all over the greater San Diego proper. Don't worry, none of them are in Tijuana! Although I miss being able to park your car atthe border and just wander into the city to buy a bunch of cheap authentic merchandise, especially Chic-Let gum. Ah the memories!!!
The Poseidon http://www.poseidonrestaurant.com/
This awesome place just up the road in Del Mar is just awesome. Did I stutter? I love sitting right on the beach and eating seafood. You just have to do it when you are on the coast. Start with the Crispy Moroccan Calamari. Unlike any calamari that you will have had. It is crispy yet very tender on the inside. Then go with the Miso Glazed Mahi - Mahi and instead of the Orzo Pasta go with the Garlic Mashed. I'm a sucker for mashed tate-ers. The Tempura Asparagus is such a bonus to this meal. For those that do not like sea food I also tried my co-workers Tequila Lime Tortellini with chicken which was really good. I probably would've got it with the shrimp however.
Cafe Coyote y Cantina http://www.cafecoyoteoldtown.com/
You have to visit Old Town when you are in San Diego. It's like stepping back in time. There are a dozen places to eat but I'm glad I picked this one as the Mexican food here was award winning. Get the Guac and chips to start. Their Guac was insanely good. Then go for the Pollo a la Crema which is chicken breast on Mexican rice and a creamy jalapeno cream sauce. Very different and very good. I tried the Chili Colorado as well and the pork was as tender as the chicken. Then after topping it off with some Banana Quesadilla for desert leave plenty of time to walk around and do some shopping. It's Tijuana without the drug cartel!!!
Nicky Rottens http://nickyrottens.com/
I stumbled on this place walking from the Gas Lamp district on the south side of the city on my way to Petco park for a Padres game. I saw this huge burger this guy was eating and new this was a place for me. It is a great atmosphere before a Padres game and probably any other time of day as well. I went with the Famous Rotten Burger....what else would you go with on the first try. I loved the sauce they put on it and the bacon really accentuated the patty. It was like two burgers in one. I love to see what burger places come up with to put on burgers and there is more than enough choices here to satisfy any taste. Needless to say I didn't get anything to eat at the park and was grateful I parked a ways away so I could walk it off a little.
Daphne's Greek Cafe http://www.daphnesgreekcafe.com/index.html
You knew I would have to throw some Greek on here. This is a chain that has a few locations in the area so just enter the zip of the place your staying at to find the nearest location. There menu items are traditional Greek with some neat twists. The Pita Burger with their fire feta and fries was awesome and out of the ordinary. I had never had a burger like that one. We went back the next day for lunch again and their Gyro/chicken kabob platter was heavenly as well. Good feta makes a good eating experience in my book and they had some great feta.
These are only a few of my favorites. A co-worker of mine just returned from San Diego and was raving about Hashhouseagogo http://www.hashhouseagogo.com/ . He had a picture of his dinner on his cell phone so you know it is memorable when you are snapping pictures of your food. I can't wait to try it when I'm back down there.
Until next week "Stay Classy San Diego".....
Friday, March 11, 2011
DENVER, CO.
"That John Denver is full of @#%^!"
One of my all time favorite lines from Dumb & Dumber.
I love Denver. I have been out there over a dozen times and love that you can view all 4 major sports in one lo-cal. I first went out there in 95 to catch a Rockies game and of all of the baseball stadiums I've been to I think Coors Field is the most picturesque. The downtown skyline provides a beautiful backdrop from center field. I bought some street burritos before entering and was glad I did. YUM! Now onto the food.
For my business trips I stayed on Colorado Blvd so most of my recommendations are from this main artery in the city. In my 5 National favorites blog I already mentioned Cherry Creek Grill so I will not re-hash that here. So here are a few other favorites.
Ya Hala: http://www.yahalagrill.com/index.html
This Syrian restaurant is awesome. I was turned onto this place on one of my last trips there by some employees at the bank I was working at. The menu is very Mediterranean. I went with the Hummus as an appetizer which was excellent. Very smooth and very tasty. I chickened out and went with the Chicken Kabob and I was very pleased with my choice. If the Kabobs are excellent its a great jumping off point to the rest of the menu. I didn't get the Baklava so I will get that when I go back and let you know how it is but their web-site says it's the best in the state. That statement might be over coined but I'll go with it.
Kona Grill: http://www.konagrill.com/
First off I'm not that much of a Sushi guy. I know it's trendy and very business class but I think of it as a appetizer and not a meal. I'm also very pedestrian when I order Sushi. But this place has some of the best Sushi I've had. Go with the Fiery Shrimp Roll for some kick to wake up your taste buds. This is also the place I've had the best Pot Stickers I've ever had as well. They are chuck full of chicken and vegetables and I swear the sauce they give you to dip them in is illegal. My menu item of choice is the Macadamia Nut Chicken. A very tasty dish. It's in the Cherry Creek Mall shopping area so do the valet parking. Trust me.
Qudoba Mexican Grill: http://www.qdoba.com/
This is a national chain everywhere but Utah so I have to mention it. Get the 3 Cheese Steak Nachos. You will not be disappointed. Their burritos are huge and delicious but a lot of places do a good burrito. I guess I might love it because we don't have it so absence must make the heart grow fonder. HA!
Asian Grill Mongolian BBQ: http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/17/210259/restaurant/Denver/Southeast-Denver/Asian-Grill-Mongolian-BBQ-Glendale
I've eaten a lot of Mongolian BBQ in my day and at a few locations throughout Denver but what separates this place is the variety. Lots of meats, tons of sauces and veggies. If you've never had MBBQ you have to try it. The flavors all mix together into a large bowl of heaven. My perfect sauce is 3 spoonfuls of Teriyaki, 1 Sechwan and 1 House. I like a little sweet and a little kick.
So go ahead and add these on your next visit to the Mile High city. It should give you some variety and some options.
Enjoy!
One of my all time favorite lines from Dumb & Dumber.
I love Denver. I have been out there over a dozen times and love that you can view all 4 major sports in one lo-cal. I first went out there in 95 to catch a Rockies game and of all of the baseball stadiums I've been to I think Coors Field is the most picturesque. The downtown skyline provides a beautiful backdrop from center field. I bought some street burritos before entering and was glad I did. YUM! Now onto the food.
For my business trips I stayed on Colorado Blvd so most of my recommendations are from this main artery in the city. In my 5 National favorites blog I already mentioned Cherry Creek Grill so I will not re-hash that here. So here are a few other favorites.
Ya Hala: http://www.yahalagrill.com/index.html
This Syrian restaurant is awesome. I was turned onto this place on one of my last trips there by some employees at the bank I was working at. The menu is very Mediterranean. I went with the Hummus as an appetizer which was excellent. Very smooth and very tasty. I chickened out and went with the Chicken Kabob and I was very pleased with my choice. If the Kabobs are excellent its a great jumping off point to the rest of the menu. I didn't get the Baklava so I will get that when I go back and let you know how it is but their web-site says it's the best in the state. That statement might be over coined but I'll go with it.
Kona Grill: http://www.konagrill.com/
First off I'm not that much of a Sushi guy. I know it's trendy and very business class but I think of it as a appetizer and not a meal. I'm also very pedestrian when I order Sushi. But this place has some of the best Sushi I've had. Go with the Fiery Shrimp Roll for some kick to wake up your taste buds. This is also the place I've had the best Pot Stickers I've ever had as well. They are chuck full of chicken and vegetables and I swear the sauce they give you to dip them in is illegal. My menu item of choice is the Macadamia Nut Chicken. A very tasty dish. It's in the Cherry Creek Mall shopping area so do the valet parking. Trust me.
Qudoba Mexican Grill: http://www.qdoba.com/
This is a national chain everywhere but Utah so I have to mention it. Get the 3 Cheese Steak Nachos. You will not be disappointed. Their burritos are huge and delicious but a lot of places do a good burrito. I guess I might love it because we don't have it so absence must make the heart grow fonder. HA!
Asian Grill Mongolian BBQ: http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/17/210259/restaurant/Denver/Southeast-Denver/Asian-Grill-Mongolian-BBQ-Glendale
I've eaten a lot of Mongolian BBQ in my day and at a few locations throughout Denver but what separates this place is the variety. Lots of meats, tons of sauces and veggies. If you've never had MBBQ you have to try it. The flavors all mix together into a large bowl of heaven. My perfect sauce is 3 spoonfuls of Teriyaki, 1 Sechwan and 1 House. I like a little sweet and a little kick.
So go ahead and add these on your next visit to the Mile High city. It should give you some variety and some options.
Enjoy!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
VIVA LAS VEGAS
Still winter here so I'm sticking with another warm lo-cal. Las Vegas!
I know Vegas gets a bad rep from a lot of people. You either have a great time there or you don't. There really isn't any middle ground. The locals stay off the strip and the tourists very rarely leave it. But when your there on business you learn to get around this great city and live in both worlds. There is so much to see, do and EAT!
I'm going to spot light 4 restaurants in this blog. These were always on my rotation during my week long business trips as well as vacations. Two on the strip and two off of it. I picked these four as they are very diverse and should give you some nice choices on your next visit.
Strip:
Trevi at The Forum Shopping at Caesars Palace: http://www.trevi-italian.com/
This Italian restaurant is a taste of Rome in Las Vegas. It's one of the few places you can order just about anything on the menu and you will not be disappointed. They give you an excellent olive tapenade with your bread while you wait. I scored the tapenade recipe off our waiter the first time I was there so I will share it with all of you soon. Of all of the dishes I have had there the one that rises to the top is the Fazolleto Trevi. There is no meat in this dish but the flavor is strong and bold. Fresh pasta sheets with spinach and ricotta in a wild mushroom sauce. Terrifico!!! Now some people do not like mushrooms......I don't know who they are but if you don't go with the Chicken Cannelloni. Save room for the Tiramisu Gelato to finish it off. Then you will be ready to wander around the awesome shops and hit the water light show at the Billagio.
Taqueria Canonita at The Venetian: http://www.canonita.net/
For a place located deep within the Venetian it is well worth the walk off the strip. This is not your typical Mexican restaurant. It has a very local menu flavor. I have never been to Mexico City but some of the entrees look to be right out of the great city. You have to go with the Santa Rosa Barbacoa de Puero. Check this out. Marinated pork slowly marinated in a banana leaf with cilantro rice, beans and chipolte barbecue sauce. You will have nothing like it out side of Mexico.....I guess. Tres Taco is not a bad call either as you get the best of three worlds in one meal.
Off the strip:
Paymon's Mediterranean: http://www.paymons.com/med_main.html
If you have never had a Kabob you have to go to Paymon's and try all of them. The spices they use should be illegal. I love the Broiled Kabob trio which is chicken, lamb and beef. The thing I love about Mediterranean/Greek/Indian food is it hardly anything is deep fried. You actually can order so many things on the menu and feel good about it. I've had good and bad Moussaka and Pastitsio but they have some of the best I've had. I wish they had their market near my home here as I would love to make my own some day. If you are there at lunch time get a side of their Athens fries. Yummy! Did I mention they HARDLY have anything deep fried. Be naughty. Order them. What happens in Vegas..............
Lindo Michoacan: http://www.lindomichoacan.com/
On my most recent visit this place was referred to me by my manager and it was awesome. Talk about some hot salsa and some even hotter dishes but this is a local favorite and if the locals like it you will like it. Right! My waitress recommended the #16 Polo Con Rajas y Crema and I almost hugged her after that recommendation.....come to think of it I did. It is not your typical Mexican chicken dish. It is a creamy sauce but works very well as opposed to your traditional enchilada sauces. I visited the West Flamingo restaurant but they have a few more locations scattered around the city.
Now put on your Elvis hair and you ladies your flamingo outfits and eat well!
Enjoy!
I know Vegas gets a bad rep from a lot of people. You either have a great time there or you don't. There really isn't any middle ground. The locals stay off the strip and the tourists very rarely leave it. But when your there on business you learn to get around this great city and live in both worlds. There is so much to see, do and EAT!
I'm going to spot light 4 restaurants in this blog. These were always on my rotation during my week long business trips as well as vacations. Two on the strip and two off of it. I picked these four as they are very diverse and should give you some nice choices on your next visit.
Strip:
Trevi at The Forum Shopping at Caesars Palace: http://www.trevi-italian.com/
This Italian restaurant is a taste of Rome in Las Vegas. It's one of the few places you can order just about anything on the menu and you will not be disappointed. They give you an excellent olive tapenade with your bread while you wait. I scored the tapenade recipe off our waiter the first time I was there so I will share it with all of you soon. Of all of the dishes I have had there the one that rises to the top is the Fazolleto Trevi. There is no meat in this dish but the flavor is strong and bold. Fresh pasta sheets with spinach and ricotta in a wild mushroom sauce. Terrifico!!! Now some people do not like mushrooms......I don't know who they are but if you don't go with the Chicken Cannelloni. Save room for the Tiramisu Gelato to finish it off. Then you will be ready to wander around the awesome shops and hit the water light show at the Billagio.
Taqueria Canonita at The Venetian: http://www.canonita.net/
For a place located deep within the Venetian it is well worth the walk off the strip. This is not your typical Mexican restaurant. It has a very local menu flavor. I have never been to Mexico City but some of the entrees look to be right out of the great city. You have to go with the Santa Rosa Barbacoa de Puero. Check this out. Marinated pork slowly marinated in a banana leaf with cilantro rice, beans and chipolte barbecue sauce. You will have nothing like it out side of Mexico.....I guess. Tres Taco is not a bad call either as you get the best of three worlds in one meal.
Off the strip:
Paymon's Mediterranean: http://www.paymons.com/med_main.html
If you have never had a Kabob you have to go to Paymon's and try all of them. The spices they use should be illegal. I love the Broiled Kabob trio which is chicken, lamb and beef. The thing I love about Mediterranean/Greek/Indian food is it hardly anything is deep fried. You actually can order so many things on the menu and feel good about it. I've had good and bad Moussaka and Pastitsio but they have some of the best I've had. I wish they had their market near my home here as I would love to make my own some day. If you are there at lunch time get a side of their Athens fries. Yummy! Did I mention they HARDLY have anything deep fried. Be naughty. Order them. What happens in Vegas..............
Lindo Michoacan: http://www.lindomichoacan.com/
On my most recent visit this place was referred to me by my manager and it was awesome. Talk about some hot salsa and some even hotter dishes but this is a local favorite and if the locals like it you will like it. Right! My waitress recommended the #16 Polo Con Rajas y Crema and I almost hugged her after that recommendation.....come to think of it I did. It is not your typical Mexican chicken dish. It is a creamy sauce but works very well as opposed to your traditional enchilada sauces. I visited the West Flamingo restaurant but they have a few more locations scattered around the city.
Now put on your Elvis hair and you ladies your flamingo outfits and eat well!
Enjoy!
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