|
Since changing hands, not much has changed at the Galleria. The seating is the same. The location is the same. With the introduction of the Lincoln Square Cinemas and its own parking structure hell,...
Since changing hands, not much has changed at the Galleria. The seating is the same. The location is the same. With the introduction of the Lincoln Square Cinemas and its own parking structure hell, crowds are not as strong. In all, good, but nothing outstanding in today's cinema-friendly world. If you want to watch a movie AND feed a family of 12, though, I suggest you head to the Galleria and order the small popcorn, which in most theaters would be considered the value bucket. I made the mistake of not looking to see the sample-size display and ended up eating down only about 2" of the bucket. I then spent another half hour after the movie looking for a homeless person to which to pawn the rest of my endless popcorn. Takeaway: Homeless people don't live in Bellevue (or they're hiding them). Also, popcorn is plentiful with your movie at the Galleria.
Hide
|
|
Why am I reviewing a Bartell's, you ask? You can hardly go a few miles without seeing another one. Well, after visiting a variety of their locations, I can vouch that the UVillage one is the best....
Why am I reviewing a Bartell's, you ask? You can hardly go a few miles without seeing another one. Well, after visiting a variety of their locations, I can vouch that the UVillage one is the best. There are the standard good things (well-stocked OTC drugs, clean, well-lit) and then there are the bonuses:
* The pharmacists here are extremely nice, and they usually remember me. They are great about answering questions.
* The candy lanes seem endless. Mamba? Sour jelly bellies? Bit o' honeys? They've got it, and in a variety of sizes.
* So plentiful, hair products (e.g. shampoo, gel, hair spray) take up an entirely different aisle from skin care (e.g. body wash, moisturizer, lotion) and an entirely different aisle from hair appliances and accessories (e.g. brushes, straightening irons).
* They sell baby nail clippers.
The UVillage Bartell's isn't perfect, though. According to their radio ads, the Bartell pharmacies are linked. After having prescriptions transferred to and fro (sadly UVillage's location is only open until 9; Queen Anne is open 24 hours), I can tell you that their pharmacies are decidedly not. If you have to transfer a prescription, call ahead. There will be no easy refills at a location different from the original filling.
As with the rest of the UVillage stores, parking is not easy. At least the store is located close to the garage and QFC, so you can at least hope turnover is high.
Hide
|
|
Unique meal, you say? Try Andalous, a Moroccan restaurant on N. Clark Street. My dinner mate and I had between us a well-seasoned palette and a more limited palette; I don't think he had tried more...
Unique meal, you say? Try Andalous, a Moroccan restaurant on N. Clark Street. My dinner mate and I had between us a well-seasoned palette and a more limited palette; I don't think he had tried more than a handful of different, foreign cuisines. Even so, we both really enjoyed our dinner at Andalous. The flavors were wonderful (we had tagines and pastilla--I still dream about the pastilla), just be careful: The food can be extremely spicy, so take small bites in case the owner/server doesn't manage to warn you. I think the spicy surprises were limited to the appetizers, though, and I'm pretty sure we were never truly caught off-guard.
The restaurant itself is warm and cozy inside, albeit a little cramped. The staff is attentive and friendly.
Hide
|
|
I'm unsure as to how the "Healthy" part of the restaurant's name came to be. Based on the burritos I've eaten here, I think it's possible to get your week's caloric intake in one serving. If you...
I'm unsure as to how the "Healthy" part of the restaurant's name came to be. Based on the burritos I've eaten here, I think it's possible to get your week's caloric intake in one serving. If you really want burritos as big as your head, then forget Chipotle. Gordito's burritos are huge.
Beyond size, the burritos at Gordito's are good. From the moment you step in the door, you can see that the meats are being grilled right before you. The sauce and cheese ratio on the wet burritos is near perfect, not so much of either that you notice it. I don't think I can agree with reviews of Gordito's being the BEST Mexican restaurant, but I can say it is tasty and it hits the spot when I feel like I'm on the brink of starvation.
Although there is a lot of seating, I don't particularly love dining in. It is rare for me to find a table that isn't sticky. If you do stay, at least Gorito's is prepared. Stacks of styrofoam to-go containers sit at the ready.
On my last visit, there was a picture of a baby next to a Gordito's burrito. I think the burrito was bigger.
Hide
|
|
I went to Ponti for Valentine's Day a year ago and I was delighted. Our waiter was funny and charming, and all the courses excellent. Endorphins accounted for, the meal was exquisite.
This...
I went to Ponti for Valentine's Day a year ago and I was delighted. Our waiter was funny and charming, and all the courses excellent. Endorphins accounted for, the meal was exquisite.
This weekend, I returned for the 25 for $25 March promotion. The physical offerings varied slightly from the online menu, but were still a nice selection. I had the oyster tamale, which was better than I expected. Everyone in my large party seemed at least satisfied if not pleased with their appetizer. Unfortunately, it went downhill from there. After trying the halibut enchilada, my friend remarked, "Wow. That tastes like enchilada... but without the red sauce." Although my dish came out looking and tasting nearly picture perfect, the other two diners who ordered pork tenderloin were less than enthused. Their cuts were much smaller, less fresh and way overcooked; one friend's likening it to a microwaved meat appeared dead-on. The desserts were also met with mixed response. With more than two people disappointed with their meal, it's hard to give a blanket recommendation. At least I can say I've always enjoyed my dinner at Ponti.
Not all seats are created equal, so if you're hankering for a view, you should mention it when making the reservation. The dining area to the left, near the bar, is also darker if mood is part of your objective.
Parking, I believe, is all valet--unless you park a block or two away and make the short walk over.
Hide
|
|
My relationship with Vietnamese restaurants has been indifferent at best. Most of the time, the food can't live up to my mother's. The rest of the time, the restaurants are trying to pull out some...
My relationship with Vietnamese restaurants has been indifferent at best. Most of the time, the food can't live up to my mother's. The rest of the time, the restaurants are trying to pull out some type of fusion menu that dilutes the greatness of the meals themselves (Le Colonial, I'm talking to you). So maybe it's because I'm like a woman scorned that when I went to Tamarind Tree--the glowing reviews already seeming too good to be true--that I quickly fell in love with the restaurant.
All the shortcomings of many other Vietnamese restaurants (ambience, menu, food quality) are erased at Tamarind Tree. Walking up the restaurant, I knew to expect something different, what with the outdoor patio's small waterfall. Inside, the decor was warm and intimate and designed well to hide the crowds that form outside. (Reservations are HIGHLY recommended on weekends. We managed an early Friday dinner and were seated pretty quickly, but when we left we were met with lines upon lines of people.) The tables are set pretty close together, but somehow it doesn't seem like you're seated at the same table as your neighbors even though you essentially are.
Despite the crowds, our waitstaff was attentive and prompt. Our appetizers (Tamarind Tree rolls and nem nuong rolls) came extremely quickly and were quite good (I preferred the Tamarind Tree rolls). We didn't try any of the drinks, although the list was long and full of delicious-sounding concoctions. After re-reading the menu a few times (SO many dishes I've been craving), we settled on lemongrass chicken and "morning glory garlic", their name for the water spinach/ong choi I love so much. Both, to my sheer delight, were perfect.
With that being my first visit--and in a small party of two--I didn't get a chance to sample much of the extensive menu. I can live with that; I know I'll be back.
Hide
|
|
If you're looking to introduce someone to sushi, Blue C is the place to go. Many of the dishes are "safe" and easy (cucumber rolls galore!), and everything is labeled so you can see and read what it...
If you're looking to introduce someone to sushi, Blue C is the place to go. Many of the dishes are "safe" and easy (cucumber rolls galore!), and everything is labeled so you can see and read what it is you're getting. Blue C is a kaiten sushi restaurant, so the interaction with the food (watching it go by on the conveyer belt, picking out which one you want) can be fun and different.
The food is comparable in price if not slightly less than other sushi restaurants. The only problem I encounter with kaiten sushi is how much I should tip the waiter. On the one-hand, he brought me my drink and calculated my bill. On the other hand, all he did was bring me my drink and calculate my bill. Decisions, decisions.
Blue C is adorned with metal walls and non-traditional lighting that give the restaurant a decidedly cool, modern and almost sterile feel--which doesn't hurt if you're trying to convince someone over to the sushi world. There is a waiting area/bar upstairs, but I find the drinks a little pricey.
Hide
|
|
Barca
Category:
Bars
1510 11th Ave
Seattle, Washington 98122
(206) 325-8263
I could divide a room of people based on whether they like Barca and think it's charming and fun or whether they think it's full of pretentious hipsters. Although I'm pretty close to straddling the...
I could divide a room of people based on whether they like Barca and think it's charming and fun or whether they think it's full of pretentious hipsters. Although I'm pretty close to straddling the line, I lean slightly more to the "I think it's charming" group. The walls are dark and red, and there's a nice stairway to the upstairs/balcony area that is lit by a string of white Christmas lights. Although I dislike the fact that I actually have to dress up a little, I don't mind being in a room full of well-manicured, social people; I just keep to myself and my own circle, though, so I'm not really bothered.
The reviews are true: Lines can be long for drinks. If you stay downstairs, though, you stand a better chance of getting served.
The upstairs area tends to get packed (PACKED!) and so standing around in the designated fire lanes can be dangerous. You'll either end up accosted by one of the bouncers/coolies/Barca bad guys or given rude looks by the waitresses. If you manage to find a seat next to said fire lines, you run a huge risk of having one of the people crowded around spill their drink right on top of you as the waitresses mow them down for being in their way. True story.
The drink lists are longs (they carry my framboise lambic!), the shots are tasty and I've never encountered any sort of cover. The atmosphere and crowds? Up to you to decide.
Hide
|
|
Things I love about Trader Joe's:
* All-Natural Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits: All-natural and very well-loved puppy cookies in fun--although large--shapes.
* Lindeman's Framboise Lambic Ale: They...
Things I love about Trader Joe's:
* All-Natural Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits: All-natural and very well-loved puppy cookies in fun--although large--shapes.
* Lindeman's Framboise Lambic Ale: They carry the lambic regularly and in the larger bottle. Take that, QFC.
* Mango mochi: Mango mochi.
* Happy employees: Smiles and friendly service all around. Also, I like that they wear Hawaiian shirts for their uniform.
* Cinnamon & sugar pita chips: Like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but in chip form.
* Molasses ginger cookies: They're delicious, soft and not too ginger-y. I forgot I bought some once and dove in even though it had been awhile (probably too long for me to not think twice before popping one in my mouth). The cookies were still soft (a few seconds in the microwave could have taken care of that if not) and tasty, AND I didn't get sick.
* Two-buck Chuck: You can't really beat TJ-brand Charles Shaw for an inexpensive "everyday" wine.
Points off for:
* Awful parking structure: The last few times I've gone, a police officer has been stationed in the garage to help direct traffic and parking. Having parked there and watched others park sans officer, that's a positive and almost necessary development.
* Awful bags: Their bags, while paper and useful for collecting shredded paper recycling, have fake handles. Sure they're there, but they tear away within two minutes of attempting to use them.
* Raising the price of tamari almonds by almost $2, making the cost comparable to grocery store bulk areas.
* Difficulty keeping popular products in stock. Despite the fact they restock shelves a few times a week, it can be hard to nearly impossible to find certain products, tamari almonds and chocolate-covered sunflower seeds included.
Even with those few points off, I walk in to Trader Joe's and find items I would pick up at a regular grocery store--at comparable prices--as well as specialty items. And then I leave with about 15 other things I didn't expect but that delight me, and I go home happy. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Hide
|
|
The egg-based menu is extensive and they'll serve you waffles however you'd like them. Although no dishes are stand-outs for me, I've never eaten anything I truly disliked. (Ambivalent about, sure,...
The egg-based menu is extensive and they'll serve you waffles however you'd like them. Although no dishes are stand-outs for me, I've never eaten anything I truly disliked. (Ambivalent about, sure, but not dislike.) The potatoes aren't particularly exciting, but the coffee's not bad, the portions large and the bacon tasty (a nice blend of crispy and fatty). Basically if I get anything I'm not particularly enthused about, a side of bacon will cure me right up. Also if I get something I am enthused about, a side of bacon makes it even better.
While Egg's Cetera isn't anything to write home about, it's easy. I've never waited more than 20 minutes, even on Sunday mornings. There isn't much in the way of atmosphere either (lots of wooden-bench booths, some open tables), but it's a step up from the neighborhood greasy spoon.
Hide
|