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25 Reviews
14 people like my reviews
What am I eating?
American 19%
Steakhouse 15%
French 11%
Korean 11%
Mediterranean 11%
Where am I eating?
Noe Valley 15%
Richmond 11%
Hayes Valley 11%
Mission 7%
San Carlos 3%
Which cities?
Seattle 11
SF Bay Area 15

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Reviews

SF Bay Area reviews

El Mansour
"Belly full, Belly dancers"
July 10, 2007 - A zaftig belly dancer shakes what her momma gave her, while you stuff your belly with what seems like an endless stream of food. Moroccan food is delightful spicy, but not in the 'hot' way- in the 'full of spice' way. Sweet and savory dishes (meet seasoned with cinammon and wrapped in pastry puff, dusted with powdered sugar- no, it's REALLY good) reign here. You'll leave with a very full belly and you might even learn some belly dancing if your dining partners 'volunteer' you. Yikes.

Recommend this review

Suppenkuche
"Prost!"
July 10, 2007 - Craving wienerschnitzel and nothing else will do? Vilkommen! This place is fairly authentic and there's nothing like a good brat and beer every once in a while. The drawbacks are:
-the place is way too small
-the noise level forces you to shout to your dining companion
-the service isn't great
-the wait is usually really long
But aside from that, drink to your health.

Recommend this review

Stinking Rose
"Stinking Rose? I'd rather eat raw garlic."
July 10, 2007 - I DO NOT understand the appeal of this place. I had one of the most terrible meals of my entire life at this restaurant, and the ONLY reason I went was because I was forced to by a group of visiting tourists. They must have a mean PR machine, because every tourist I know asks, 'Oh, have you been to the Stinking Rose? I want to go there.' Their food is shamefully overpriced, excruciatingly seasoned with garlic, and just plain disastrous. Just thinking about it makes me cringe...and not want to think about the time I had to brush my teeth 5 times a day for the next 3 days trying to get the stink out.

1 person likes this review - Recommend

Izzy's Steaks & Chops
"Now that's a burger!"
July 10, 2007 - I don't know what they do to their hamburger meat, but it makes me want to kiss the chef. I like my meat well done- I know, I know, you're probably cringing. But despite liking my meat 'over done,' Izzy's burger stays amazingly tender and juicy. It's a scientific feat! If I found out their secret for making their burgers so tender, I'd open up my open burger shack and name it 'Hamburglar's Haven.'

Recommend this review

Hahn's Hibachi
"Korean? Nice try."
July 06, 2007 - I'm confused by this place. It claims to be a Korean restaurant but it's closer to an American BBQ joint - one that would serve rice instead of corn bread.
There are very few actual Korean items on the menu. But if you're looking for BBQ, and you like rice, and you happen to be in the neighborhood, and it's pouring rain outside and you're seeking cover, and your dining companion has a bland palate, eat here. Otherwise, I'd rather eat some real Korean food at Hanuri Restaurant.

Recommend this review

Paul K
"Californian take on Mediterranean"
July 06, 2007 - Eh. Like I said, eh. The dishes are interesting enough, with fresh ingredients and great cooking methods. But I could probably go to the neighborhood Mediterranean place and find similar fare at far lower prices. To be honest, the most amusing part of the meal was the flamboyant waiter, who insisted on acting out each menu item (I don't know how you express 'tomato mousse' with hand gestures, but he found a way to do so). The only reason I'd go back is for their homemade bread, which is served warm.

Recommend this review

Le Zinc
"Nothing to write home about"
July 06, 2007 - On a good day, Le Zinc is charming and romantic. On a normal day, it's inconsistent at best. They serve standard French bistro fare. But what's up with the service (or lack thereof)? Does the snobby attitude come with the meal or as a side dish? Apparently it comes with everything. It has the potential to be a real neighborhood gem, but it continues to disappoint everytime I've been there- which lately, isn't a whole lot.

Recommend this review

Hukilau
"Hook me up with Hukilau"
July 06, 2007 - This ain't a place you get served with fine china, but it's a 'stick-to-your-ribs' kind of downhome Hawaiian fare. The owners are super nice and they've created a place where you can come hang out in your flipflops after surfing at Ocean Beach, chow down on some soothing saimen or a plate of chicken katsu that's fried to perfection. Portions are huge here, but the prices aren't. The Big Island Brownie is chocolate goodness- a brownie flown in from Hawaii covered in chocolate, with a pile of ice-cream on top. Does it get much better?!

1 person likes this review - Recommend

Hanuri Korean Barbeque
"Hanuri must mean 'Heck Yeah' in Korean"
July 06, 2007 - All kidding aside, this is quite possibly the best Korean joint in town (and trust me, I know my Korean food- it's in my blood). Their assortment of 'banchan' is quite varied but all equally delicious. Their BBQ might be a little overpriced, but they make up for it in their banchan. I don't know why everyone raves about 'Brothers BBQ' for Korean food when a place like Hanuri is just down the block.

Recommend this review

Tokyo Go Go
"Go Go to Tokyo Go Go"
July 06, 2007 - Sushi joints in this town are a dime a dozen, but Tokyo Go Go is fresh, inventive, and delicious. Their rolls are very creative, yet not in the 'what-were-they-thinking?!' kind of way- rather, a 'huh-I-wouldn't-have-thought-to-put-these-things-together-bu t-it-tastes-damn-good' kind of way.

Recommend this review

Ti Couz
"Crepes Galore"
July 06, 2007 - I stumbled upon this unassuming Mission gem a few years ago and I'm so happy I did. Their buckwheat crepes are deliciously hearty and you can choose your fillings to your heart's content. It's not a place you'd leisurely dine in, but then again, you can't beat a $6 crepe with all the trimmings. Their dessert crepes are delicious, too- but you can't really go wrong with anything filled with Nutella- can you?!

Recommend this review

Fresca
"Fresca, Schmesca"
July 06, 2007 - While the Noe Valley location is a lot bigger than its Pacific Heights counterpart, the ambience leaves a lot to be desired. Since I used to live in the neighborhood until recently, I used to go to this place frequently, but ONLY because my best friend loved their ceviche. And quite honestly, the ceviche is the only reason why it's worth going to Fresca. The rest of the menu is unimaginative and overly salty (and that's coming from a salt fiend- if I say it's salty, then something's wrong). The service has been consistent- consistently bad, that is. Time and time again, I curse my best friend for his ceviche cravings, which unfortunately can only be satiated by this place.

Recommend this review

Absinthe
"Unpretentious French Fare"
July 06, 2007 - Unpretentious and French don't always go together, but at Absinthe, they do. We were warmly greeted by the hostess, even though we didn't have reservations, and were seated promptly. Fresh ingredients and creative twists to the usual French fare make this place worthwhile.

Recommend this review

Farmerbrown
"I want to swim in the Mac N Cheese"
July 06, 2007 - I think the title says it all. This is a fun place to come for a chill night out. There's a DJ spinning, but the food is so amazing that you don't hear anything. Their fried chicken is amazing- crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. And who would've thought that pan-fried meatloaf could be so moist and tender? Their drinks are creative, too. Your cardiologist may not be happy you dined there, but your stomach will surely scream, 'Hallelujiah!'

1 person likes this review - Recommend

Seattle reviews

Daniel's Broiler
"Daniel's Dumpster"
July 10, 2007 - This place has one too many busty bleached blonds and skeezy guys with slicked hair flaunting their money for my tastes. They claim to have great steak, but on the night I went, I got the grizzliest slab of meat (at least, I think it was meat) I have ever eaten. And I paid a pretty penny for it too, sadly. Needless to say, I've never been back.

1 person likes this review - Recommend

Kauai Family Restaurant
"When I die, I want to die with Spam Musubi in my mouth"
July 10, 2007 - This place is a gem. You don't come here for the amazing decor or the attentive service. You get your food, open your mouth, and shove the juicy morsels in. Their Spam musubi is perfect- crispy Spam encased in sticky white rice. Try their dessert cakes as well- they're astoundingly good.

4 people like this review - Recommend

Queen Sheba
"Satisfies my monthly hankerings"
July 10, 2007 - Every once in a while, I get a real hankering for Ethiopian food. I haven't found too many other places in Seattle, so I've settled for Queen Sheba. I can't say it's the best Ethiopian food I've ever had, but when I get that hankering, nothing else satisfies. It's a family-run joint, so the service is always warm and courteous.

Recommend this review

Hosoonyi
"Hits the spot"
July 10, 2007 - Don't expect anything more than a long wait on most nights and discourteous service. But, by the time you're finished stuffing your face with soon dubu and BBQ, you can almost forget about the dismal atmosphere and service. Enough Koreans eat there, meaning the food isn't americanized too much.

1 person likes this review - Recommend

Cactus
"If you can't head south of the border, Cactus will do"
July 10, 2007 - If you look past the Madrona crowd, you can actually get some great Tex-Mex here. The waiters and hostesses always cop attitudes, which never fails to piss me off, but again- ignore that and ignore the fact that it's in Madrona. Their margaritas are quite tasty as well.

1 person likes this review - Recommend

Noah's Bagels (Queen Anne)
"Bagels, schmagels"
July 10, 2007 - Look, you can't convince a New Yorker that the lumps of bread they sell at Noah's is a 'bagel.' Sorry. No can do. No dice. A true bagel is crispy on the outside and moist and chewy on the inside. Not doughy. Not like regular bread. And nice try with the 'schmear.' Sounds like Noah's is trying too hard to be authentic, with the operative word being 'trying.'

2 people like this review - Recommend

Canlis
"Converted a cynic"
July 06, 2007 - I normally don't go to restaurants that are hyped up, because- well, they're hyped up! BUT, I have to strongly disagree with all the other reviewers on this one. I had a phenomenal experience at Canlis. From the moment we stepped in, we were treated courteously. Everything from the servers' uniforms to the view are beautiful. And the food. Well, the food speaks for itself. Exquisite food, prepared delicately, arranged artistically. After an unforgettable meal, we stepped outside, and our car magically appeared (we never got a claim check and they never took down our names). Subtle touches like that make you feel like royalty.

1 person likes this review - Recommend

Cafe Flora
"Calling all Herbivores"
July 06, 2007 - Personally, I do love me a juicy burger. But once in a while, I like to go vegetarian for about a month stretch. This place is definitely a vegetarian mecca where I'll gladly make a pilgrimage. Their food is innovative, hearty, and beautiful, unlike most vegetarian restaurants.

Recommend this review

Metropolitan Grill
"Movers and Shakers like their steaks rare"
July 06, 2007 - Closed a huge deal? Made a killing in the latest stock market run? Got a corporate expense account? Grab a booth at the Met. This place is teeming with corporate types- you know, bankers from across the street at Wells Fargo or US Bank- the types who don't mind spending $500 on a bottle of wine and a big fat juicy steak. The steak sandwich is pretty damn good (back when my company was paying for 'em). It's a haven for celebrities who want good cow. But personally, dining with hoards of tourists, money-hungry bankers, and 80 year old men who want to relive their gentlemen's club days isn't my cup of tea.

Recommend this review

Dahlia Lounge
"What's the big deal?"
July 06, 2007 - When I moved to Seattle years ago, a date took me to Dahlia Lounge - said it was one of the 'best' in town. Hm. Well, suffice it to say, the restaurant was far from that (and so was the date). The trouble with 'celebrity chefs' these days, is that the focus is more on the chef than it is on the food. Tom Douglas is a local hero, but after eating here, I really don't understand why.

Recommend this review

Panos Kleftiko Greek Taverna
"Panos in my heart"
July 06, 2007 - I moved away from Seattle recently, and to be honest, I don't miss much. But, I do miss Panos Kleftiko with a passion. What I wouldn't give for their unpretentious taverna food, prepared with love by Panos himself and lovingly served up by his wife. Their place is tiny - about 10 tables - but it only adds to their 'mom-n-pop' charm. Yassu Panos!

1 person likes this review - Recommend

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