"I ventured out to this spot after reading this review. It was spot-on. We had a great time, enjoyed the food and found it totally relaxing. We'll go ... more -->
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Thursday, July 03, 2008
But Stick to the Ancien
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Bakery Nouveau
William Leaman is a baking god. The croissants at his Bakery Nouveau are crispy, buttery and light. Unfortunately, the croissant sandwiches can be slightly gloppy: the havarti/butter/sandwich spread combo on the turkey havarti croissant sandwich reminded me of Velveeta. Not to knock Velveeta, but it seems a shame to mix its texture and flavor with other, more divine, ingredients. On the flip side, the peppered turkey was great (I could almost tell it had led a fulfilling, life-affirming existence before becoming lunch meat). When the croissants at Bakery Nouveau are filled in true French fashion rather than done up as standard American lunch fare, they are fabulous, especially the chocolate croissant. The other baked goods are stellar as well, including cinnamon rolls, brioche, and cheesecake. So, as I said, Mr. Leaman has no peer in the baking department. But perhaps take a pass on the conventional lunch items. As an aside, despite a line stretching out to the street, I was in and out in about 15 minutes. One downer: no formal menu, so you almost have to go in with an idea of what you want, otherwise you feel like you’re holding up the line (or maybe that’s just my Catholic guilt talking). |
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Wednesday, July 02, 2008
It Takes a Village...
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China Village
To raise your food. My bet is that somewhere a balding man, who's set up a desk in a basement, an LLC and has an excellent formula for slightly nonsensical, but catchy (some owners even say lucky!) names, creates the names for Asian restaurants. He often works into the night, catching up with demand, thinking up the great Asia Houses and Pow Changs to fill our strip malls. China Village may have very well have been one of his bland creations. But trust me, this is one of those places where the menu greatly exceeds expectations you may have upon hearing the restaurant's humdrum name. Be sure not to snack before you come here and come with more than one person, so you can order a few items to share. The sizzling rice soup's a great starter. The walnut prawns are heavy, sticky and delicious. The noodle dishes and meat portions are ample and well-executed. Some items are standouts like the moo shu pork with pancakes and some are just decent, like the broccoli beef. Prices for entrees range from $9 up to $19 for some of the seafood dishes. |
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Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Porn No, Popcorn Yes
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Video Isle
When I first moved to Queen Anne I was really bummed for two reasons. One, I hate moms/dogs/babies. And two, where the hell am I gonna rent a decent movie around here? Blockbuster just sucks huge hairy balls and I assumed that's all I was gonna get out of this Stroller City. But then I present you with today's Radar: Video Isle. I love this place. Not only do they keep everything divided by the typical indie video store genre standard, but there's always some weirdo, obscure movie playing when I walk in. The rentals are crazy cheap, and there's always a fun special, like Two for One Tuesdays. But the best reason to go is that you get free popcorn when you rent a flick! So when I get my independent documentary about being Green with my warm, yummy popcorn in its authentic popcorn bag, I usually make it a point to pass Blockbuster. That way, I can laugh at all the zombies trying to check out some stupid movie with Mandy Moore crying about how she can't get a boyfriend because she's fat. God, I hate her. |
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Monday, June 30, 2008
Waterways Leading the People
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Seattle Ferry Terminal
Just the kind of ferry I was looking for! All my life. Large, utilitarian, powder blue of seat and tawny fibrous rigging material of rope, the Washington State Ferries have taken me places I've never been, in many senses, on many islands. The former "Mosquito Fleet" now contains 28 ferries; the largest carrying up to 2500 passengers and 202 vehicles. They rove to the lovely Victorians in Port Townsend, the weird bags with the dolphins on them in Friday Harbor. The running space on board is bounteous, the amount of vending machines sufficient. Voyage often enough and you might run into a gaggle of early adolescents sprawled indecorously on deck, reading magazines and singing mysterious idiomatic songs. A ferry ride is a romantic mode of transport, but not without its darker elements. Years ago I saw a drug bust. I can only imagine what sinful nuggets they have now. |
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Friday, June 27, 2008
Holy, Costly
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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 of 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. |
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Archived Radars |
The Drive-Thru Espresso Stand
What's a drive-thru box in an abandoned lot without a hot girl in it? Welcome to Seattle, where sexy ladies of the "suburban strip mall" persuasion inveigle you with their womanly ways and awe you with their homemade espresso. For indeed, in this town, a lissome femme and a fine cup of joe are the only stimulants you'll EVER NEED! Sarah Sluis reports.
Archived Features...
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