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51 Friends24 Reviews
13 people like my reviews
| What am I eating? | |
|---|---|
| American | 25% |
| Italian | 14% |
| Northwest | 13% |
| French | 12% |
| Seafood | 9% |
| Where am I eating? | |
| Ballard | 14% |
| Downtown | 9% |
| Belltown | 9% |
| Capitol Hill | 5% |
| Queen Anne | 4% |
| Which cities? | |
| New York | 17 |
| Seattle | 128 |
| SF Bay Area | 3 |
| Vancouver | 21 |
| Washington DC | 2 |
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johnnjill
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Reviews
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Seattle reviews
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Gorgeous George's "Two nights in a row, two perfect, casual meals" July 14, 2008 - I've been on the hunt for a place in Seattle that could stand toe to toe with Old Jerusalem in SF. At last, I've found it.Once inside, the smell of garlic, grilled onions and lamb kebobs proliferate so as to transport you to an immediate mouth-watering state of desire. The bright yellow walls are decorated with pictures from Northern Israel.George hails from Natz'rat (the birthplace of Christ) and the traditional cooking that emanates from the kitchen proves tthat there is definitely something holy about the place: everything is cooked fresh and everything tastes sublime. The hummus and babaganouje come on side plates, served in a circle with a healthy mound in the center, olive oil filling the moat. The taboon bread that accompanies is served flat and heated, but barely browned so the soft doughy texture makes a great complement to the dips.We had a Tawook platter (grilled chicken skewers) and a lamb shawarma platter on night #1, the generous portions left us feeling like we had ordered too much so when we returned on the night #2, on a promise from George that he would make us kanafeh, we shared a falafel platter between us.The platters come with soup or salad. The salad makes a nice addition to taboon bread, hummus and oil -- roughly ripped chard, lettuce, tomato quarters, diced cucumbers and a delicious green dressing, which tastes like Green Goddess, but with hints of mint or basil in addition to the olive-oil-vinegar-parsley-garlicky-lemony pizzazz of the old health food favorite.We were delighted by the grilled chicken platter, which has the taste of an overnight soak in a garlic and lemon marinade, cooked so that the breast is still moist and tender.The lamb shawarma was unlike anything we have ever had at Mediterranean fast food joints -- small cubes of meat, marinated in lemon, spiced with cilantro & perhaps cumin, pepper & served with a small dollop of tahini, rice and a cucumber yogurt sauce on the side. It simply tastes great.On night #2, we shared the falafel platter. It came plated in a similar fashion to the lamb dish and was some of the best we have ever had -- lighter (and greener) than most. If you are a fan (or a vegan), it is a must! The Kanafeh: As I described in my Old Jerusalem review, this dessert is made by drizzling a row of thin streams of semolina wheat flour-and-water batter onto a turning hot plate. The dried threads are used to sandwich a soft cheese filling. On top, there's a honey-like syrup and crushed pistachios. Sticky, sweet and delicious. GG's is generous with conversation. When they're full of customers, they get a little behind on plating all of the orders at once, but that just leaves you more time to slow down and enjoy your appetizers. To reward patience, George might bring a couple of extra taste treats & leave them off the bill. Three people can eat well for less than $12/person. GG is a definite addition to our casual dining routine. 1 person likes this review - Recommend |
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Artemis Café & Bar "Thanks for the good times & great little tastes!" June 17, 2008 - Urbanspooners met at Artemis tonight for an evening of wine, small plates and lively conversation. It almost felt like what I have always imagined the slow food guide book meets must be like in small Tuscan villages with people who obviously love food, eating, drinking, cooking, exploring new cuisines and sharing travel experiences and all of the little discoveries they have found along the way with others who find joy in such gatherings of kindred spirits.The atmosphere is warm and spacious -- with bare, wood beams, onyx black bars and table tops and floor to ceiling windows at the far end of the room facing a lovely tree top view of Queen Anne Hill and the Space Needle in the distance.What of the food? Well, first, for a party of 30, it seemed quite economical (or perhaps it just seemed that way since Adam, Patrick and Ethan picked up the tab -- Thanks Guys!). But I think it is just as likely that it is the nature of small plates, ranging in price from $6 to $17, that you can fill yourself pretty quickly with six or eight plates shared among a party of four.With 30, we shared a lot of small plates -- frequent repeats included the semolina cake with taleggio cheese sauce and fried sage. This dish is like a baked polenta except richer (with the creamy cheese sauce) and nuttier due to the use of the semolina flour; the seared sea scallops with brown butter and chives, which were delightfully light and sweet; the grilled asparagus wrapped in proscuitto and drizzled with hollandaise sauce--also richly sweet but offset by the tender grassy flavor of the asparagus.My favorite small plate of the night was the grilled quail served atop soft semolina polenta and arrope. This dish paired the succulent quail, grilled to perfection so that the meat could be sucked off the little bones. Here, the creaminess of the polenta was balanced with grilled baby onions, small bites of pumpkin cured in and drizzled with a sharp balsamic reduction. Well worth returning for another helping.We sampled three desserts--homemade vanilla ice cream, mixed with carmel glaze and peaches and cookie crumbles; a dark chocolate pot de creme that revealed whole hazelnuts at the bottom--the chocolate lovers thought this best of the three, but my vote went to the lemon custard tart served with a sprinkling of tarragon, tart rhubarb sauce and a dab of whip cream.Thanks to Oscar for making all of the foodies so welcome and thanks to the Spoon for bringing us all together! 5 people like this review - Recommend |
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Tilth "Who knew that NW cuisine could be so scrumptious & refined?" April 30, 2008 - It's too bad that Tilth takes reservations, it would be best if it worked on a first come, first serve basis so that newcomers and oldtimers could get in to eat any night of the week. Alas, the reservation queue is long and the line at the bar or for the outdoor patio is even longer (when the weather turns warm) so it seems that unless you book in advance there will be no joy for lovers of fine food and spontaneity.When you do book a table, the atmosphere for a sitdown (read: slow and enjoyable meal) is quite lovely -- tables of two or four situated inside the former livingroom and dining room of a converted four-square house in Wallingford with white walls, white table clothes and hints of color added by a seasonal flower on every table. All of these details add to a feeling of comfortable dining rather than fanciness.The food is "ready-to-eat", nothing too complicated -- although the favors and food combinations are quite amazing -- not the typical kitchen sink Northwest fare. When I was there last, I sat at the bar and had tuna sashimi with a soft boiled quail egg on top and a few sprinkles of green onion as an appetizer. It was delicious. Then, my wife and I split a pan-seared halibut cheek that was served with roast potatoes and a nicely sized portion of grilled vegetables that were drizzled with olive oil and lightly dashed with sea salt. Also, very nice.The wine selection is very nice -- good selections from the Northwest -- and desserts are hard to pass up.All around a very scrumptious meal. I'd recommend to anybody who's looking for a fine "special occasion" meal in a comfortable setting. 1 person likes this review - Recommend |
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Shun Japanese Restaurant "Nothing Special" April 26, 2008 - When it comes to sushi in the PNW, I feel spoiled. Friends and family on the East Coast have stopped eating fish entirely for fear of mercury poisoning -- but we have it good with the ultra-clean Alaskan Ocean Fishery and the PNW river fisheries. The real question at any sushi place around these parts isn't whether the fish is fresh -- if it ain't, then there are dozens of other places to go from the inexpensive to the very expensive -- it is whether the sushi chef(s) are creative. Great sushi is an art, which means the artist's talents are at the forefront of a fabulous meal -- fresh, interesting taste combinations, light, delectable and sweet or spicy flavors. So, where is Shun in all of this? They're just okay, passable, nothing special. |
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Cremant "upscale brasserie" September 22, 2007 - Okay, it's small. Okay, the clientele is well off and may look a little too refined. But this is a French brasserie (but it's not fast :) and, in the tradition of fine French brasseries in Paris, it is a place that is busy, crowded, noisy, full of life and conversation, diners with panache and very, very fine brasserie fare. On par with the meat-lovers heaven, Le Pichet, but with dishes that even a vegetarian will love. |
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Nijo "creative sushi" September 22, 2007 - Seattle has its share of great sushi restaurants, no doubt, but Nijo has something that many seem to lack ... a creative flare for fine combinations -- not just the typical load-it-up-to-the-hilt-roll, but more delicate selections perfectly matched with contrasting and complementary flavors. When I feel like treating myself, family or guests to a fine meal, Nijo is one my favorite spots. |
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Senor Moose "Chips and Salsa for Breakfast!" July 03, 2007 - Seems like word is already out about this gemfor casual dining in Ballard. Chilaquitos are a hit among my family and friends, basically, a large pile of softened tortilla chips smoothered in fresh green salsa and topped with eggs any style of your choosing. Put the pancakes and potatoes on hold and get out to Senor Moose this weekend to try the most delicious and interesting breakfast plates in town. Another favorite is tomato soup with egg in it. Sounds strange, tastes great! |
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Gaudí "Count your lucky Spanish stars!" February 24, 2007 - Ethan's post covers all very well but for the wine, Jo made a point of bringing us four open bottles to try. We settled on a wine that was full bodied, full of blackberries and cherries, and had a slightly earthy aftertaste to it, similar in many aspects to a French Rhone. I cannot, for the life of me, remember the name of the wine. Perhaps it was all the wine tasting ;~o. While we didn't take the hint on drinking a full bottle between the two of us, Jo made it clear that if we wanted to eat and relax like true Spaniards, we would take her up on her offer. Next time perhaps we will.Loved it. Will go back with family and friends.--john 1 person likes this review - Recommend |
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Jewel of India "delicious!" February 12, 2007 - I just ate at Jewel last night. The butter chicken was succulent. The panneer was spiced perfectly. And the nan was made to order. I have been to Taste of Indian in the U. District as well, and thought their food was good, but not great. I am glad to know about Jewel as it answers the need for great Indian food. And if you have a vegetarian in your party, I think you will find it even better -- a good half of the menu is 100% vegan. |
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Shanghai Garden "The winner, by knock out, and reigning World Heavyweight champ" October 26, 2006 - Shanghai Garden beats all comers in terms of best Chinese food in Seattle. Try the chef's special tofu, the stir-fry greens, the fresh barley shaved noodles, even the brown rice with vegetables is superb. Clap when you see the champ! And let's get some more votes in here ... this place is better than Sea Garden and more affordable. |
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Harvest Vine "like it? nope, I love it" October 26, 2006 - Hard to get in, but if you can find a seat at the tapas bar, enjoy a glass of wine and some of the very best food in Seattle. Probably not a place for vegetarians (esp. those who do not like to look at or smell meat cooking) because of all the wonderful sausage that is almost always smoking on the the grill. Warm, cozy, comfortable atmosphere and great service make HV a worthwhile night out on the town. |
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Veil "Stuff what the PI and the Seattle Times say where the sun don't shine" October 26, 2006 - Uh ... a place where the sun don't shine could be Seattle 8 months out of the year, but I think the papers are missing the point here. Veil is not about Seattle -- it's a hommage to the other great foodie city on the opposite coast. Decor is very New York Modern and by that I mean that it reminds me of The Modern, the restauarant next door to the new MOMA in NYC. The menu is original, the plates and the service impeccable. Sure, it's not an everyday sort of place. And it's not Asian-cum-Cascadia or yet another Northwest casual dining, like Rays or Ettas. But Veil has sophistication, creativity and very fine food. And the prices are reasonable, which is more like Seattle than New York. TG. |
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Licorous "same food as Lark, shorter wait" October 26, 2006 - If you are a disciple of Jon Sundstrom, and you get tired of going to Lark on a whim .. as if you are going to get in, the line starts to form at 4 pm ... then maybe you can find a stool at Licorus next door and enjoy a house special cocktail, the same creative small plates, chat with friends and smile at the folks waiting on the sidewalk outside. 2 people like this review - Recommend |
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Matador "pretentious" October 26, 2006 - let Fremont and Belltown keep all of the places like this ... unfortunately, Ballard seems to be seeing more not less of this type of place, what with Linda opening a !?!swanky burger joint!?! down on Ballard Ave. There are better happy hours, better fish tacos, and better tortilla soup within spitting distance of this crowdstuffed, loud, singles place. Give me a beer at Hatie's Hat and let's call it a night! |
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India Bistro "in north seattle?? probably better to say only place ..." October 26, 2006 - Just fyi, Masala on Northgate Way is better by far, but also a little bit out of the way if you are centered in Ballard and Greenlake. 1 person likes this review - Recommend |
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Cafe Besalu "the bar none, best damn pastry place in the US" October 26, 2006 - Hey, did you hear the one about the three great chefs from NYC, Paris, and London who visited Seattle? No, well, this really happened. They came to see James to ask him to come make pastries for them. But the sly fox has a winning thing in his little cafe. Great coffee and the best damn French pastries -- light, buttery dough filled with fresh fruit and other seasonal fillings, sweet jam and sticky, sugary sauces. The quiche is to die for, a perfect thin, crunchy crust, whipped eggs with bacon and cheese, spinach, or cheese and onion, but not before 11 a.m. Still, take one bite of a plain croissant and you'll be hooked and in the long line that forms every morning from Wednesday through Sunday. If you miss their hours, you can get left over pastries from the day at the Tall Grass Bakery next door. |
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Cocina Esperanza "nice place for a cup of soup and fish tacos" October 26, 2006 - the tortilla soup and the fish tacos are the highlight of the menu. It's not a fancy place and the prices reflect that. but it is nicely decorated and makes for a very pleasant dinner out. service could use some help, but nobody seems to mind since it is so family and neighborhood friendly. |
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La Carta de Oaxaca "Original and True Mexican food" October 26, 2006 - This ain't no gut busting cheese abd refried beans over the top of everything type of tex-mex joint. This is original and true oaxacan food. It"s light and flavorful. Even the mole won't weigh you down. Recommend the stuffed peppers, the pounded pork, and the bean soups. Love it, just wish there were more tables so that they could seat more of crowd standing outside every night. 1 person likes this review - Recommend |
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Volterra "heck, even the NYT raves about this place ..." October 26, 2006 - Sure, Seattle may not need another Italian restaurant ... But unlike so many of the more fancy joints, this improptu restaurant specializes in Tuscan food. Lamb ragu with little ears. fresh antipasto. Fresh fish in parchment, bread with olive oil and salt. spagetti with crab meat. All are delicious. And the wine list is an Italian treat. Sit in the bar for a more upbeat atmosphere. Or enjoy the patio for dining el fresco when it opens in the spring. |
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Zagi's Pizza Ristorante "Best pizza pie West of John St." October 26, 2006 - And I am not talking Capital Hill here, I mean lower East Side of NYC. Calzones are huge and hugely satisfying. Pizza crust is so thin that it actually takes folding over to eat it. Recommend the sausage and onion highly ... organic sausage in large strips. Say goodbye to Piecora's and all the rest of the imitation pizzas. This is the real thing. |
SF Bay Area reviews
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Mandalay "More like 3 stars" June 14, 2008 - I see that the SJMN has rated Mandalay 2/4 stars -- I am guessing that this is due to the downscale environs, not the food.I went with a party of four adults, one seatarian among us, plus a three year old in tow--the place with packed to the gills from the time we walked in at 5:30 p.m. to the time we left at 8 p.m., when the line went out the door and down the block. The food is a fascinating mix of chinese and Malaysian food with a heavy emphasis on fish and vegetable dishes.We shared all of the dishes community style and had plenty to go around with four main dishes and two salads.The salads were both incredible edibles. The first was something I had never tried before--Tea Leaf Salad (Lap Pat Dok), which as it says in the menu is "prepared with imported Burmese tea leaves, toasted with Lentil seeds, grounded shrimps, fried garlic, green pepper, sesame seeds, peanuts & dressing." When I read it, I thought I would need to apply the philosophy of the ever intrepid world explorer ;p who says, "I'll try anything once." But when it was served, it was really like a turn on a wilted spinach salad, the nuts and seeds providing counterpoint to the soft sweet flavors of the tea leaves, garlic and shrimp. Also delightful was the lime dressed Green Papaya Salad with shredded green papaya mixed with cucumber, green pepper, onion, fried garlic, ground shrimp and peanuts. Both of these dishes were so well liked they disappeared completely leaving only a few wisps of the clear, sticky lime dressing on the plates for the server to clear. Dinner included Rangoon Lamb, a dish with marinated slices of lamb, sauteed with tomato, onion and green chili. It was hot and spicy. We also enjoyed the Pan Fried Okra Prawns that was tossed with ginger and garlic, and the Mandalay Special Noodle with Tofu, which was a wide flat rice noodle pan fried with yellow pea powder, lime juice, and onion.For the food combinations and the freshness of the ingredients, I would rate Mandalay a 3/4 stars. The lively atmosphere was a real plus on a rainy Saturday night. |
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Old Jerusalem "What do they call that? Fried cheese, yum!" June 14, 2008 - Has anybody noticed that the Mission doesn't seem quite as down and out as it used to? There are many stretches of blocks now that are what used to be gangland or down and out that are populated by coffee shops and some of the West Coast's finest ethnic food--Mexican, Spanish, Malaysian, Burmese and Middle Eastern--perhaps the transformation is due to the numerous tech start-ups that dot the Mission or perhaps it is more organic growth of the population of new immigrants to the Bay Area who have set up shop in the Mission, and live in the row houses near-by rather than out in Oakland.In any case, Old Jerusalem is one of those very fine ethnic restaurants that can be counted on for an authentic, satisfying, no frills meal. It's a family-owned and operated restaurant -- a bit downscale, clean with a dozen or so chairs and tables in a 40X14 box, decorated with tapestries and knick-knacks from Palestine.It seems like a place that is brokering peace between Palestinian and Israeli everyday--nobody talks politics, but everyone comes and enjoys the food, so reminiscent of Jerusalem and the West Bank, that it seems people are transported there through food--with Arabic and Hebrew being spoken at side-by-side tables, and warm greetings to regular and new customers alike.My wife and I were fortunate enough to dine with a regular. We barely had to order and the food started coming on large trays with grilled meats--various preparations of lamb and chicken--vegetables, falafel and beans. Not one was a disappointment.The appetizers included hummus served in a circle on a flat plate with a reserve of olive oil in the center, a lentil bean dip with red pepper spice, yogurt sauce with mint, tahini with cucumber, whole olives and plenty of warmed pita.Stand outs included the falafel stuffed with ground lamb and an amazing dessert that was a combination of a soft, fried cheese, honey and red coloring and served on a plate in a big square--enough for our table of four. I don't remember what they called it, but it was yummy! |
Vancouver reviews
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Lumière "Superb special occasion meal." September 22, 2007 - My wife and I ate at Lumiere for our first wedding anniversary dinner. It was simply superb. Like Seattle, Vancouver is a foodie's paradise. Fresh local meats and vegetables are sold at farmer's markets everyday. The red wines from the Okanogan compete for quality, value and taste with the better known wine makers in Oregon, Washington and California. And Lumiere is the most obvious beneficiary of this bounty. We had a delicious meal -- stand-outs were a super light potato soup, rack of lamb, and the ice wine that we ordered with a crisp fruit tart for dessert. |
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Vij's "Best Indian Food in My Life" September 22, 2007 - I've never been to Bombay, but I'm told that London and New York are in the pantheon of best Indian food ... and I've had a few great Indian meals in those cities ... but Vij's is something different altogether. Perhaps that is because it is more like eating in a fine French restaurant where the sauces and the spices are light, simple complements to sumptuously fresh and meticulously prepared dishes. When in Vancouver, I find it hard to try new places every night because Vij's remains a must visit . 1 person likes this review - Recommend |