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Crow
Category:
Restaurants
823 5th N
Seattle, Washington 98109
(206) 283-8800
After my second visit to Crow, I am smitten. My first visit I thought the food was good, but not exceptional. Tonight I had the good fortune of sitting at the kitchen bar. This may have been one of...
After my second visit to Crow, I am smitten. My first visit I thought the food was good, but not exceptional. Tonight I had the good fortune of sitting at the kitchen bar. This may have been one of the best dinners I've had in a long time. I do agree with earlier posts that the service could be better (flow/execution). The hostess seems to be a bit non-existant and they lack style at points. Nevertheless, I'm not dining at Crow for just the service, its really all about the food. We started with the Salumi cured meats, which of course were good (I wish my waiter had told me what was on the plate presented to me). Crow in some ways could learn from other establishments such as Volterra who are well educated regarding the ingredients on the menu.
My green salad was above average, what really made the simple greens stand out was the dressing. The greens could of been a bit fresher.
The main course is what makes Crow exemplary. My dining companion ordered their infamous chicken. All I can say is wow. This is the moistness, flavorful and perfectly cooked chicken I've ever tasted. I could eat this chicken at least once a week. And what amazes me is that after watching the chef cook a multitude of chickens- simply coating each piece with salt, pepper and olive oil- I wish I could replicate this at home. Somehow, my similar technique does not yield the same results. I ordered the fillet mignon- which was a STEAL at only $25, this steak was better than pricier steaks I've ordered. My fillet was cooked exactly how I ordered it. The Stilton on top was creamy and pungent. I'm surprised I enjoyed it after indulging in cheese all day at the festival (that's beside the point). My wilted greens with fingerling potatoes were well done- a nice balance of flavor. The steak really took center stage. Sauces complemented the food without overpowering. I truly enjoyed watching the chefs create their masterpieces. I found myself often wondering, how they could create such flavor with using such simple cooking techniques.... All I can say it that they know what they are doing and continue to do what they do best, let the food shine.
Here's one of my only complaints. The wine list is extensive, however the wines by the glass are lacking a bit. I don't think the wine recommended by the waitress really complemented my steak. They should know, which wines suit the entrées best. Lastly, my favorite department dessert, didn't grab my attention tonight. Creme brulee, often on most average restaurants menus doesn't belong at Crow. The menu is missing the simple, I'm not super hungry and I want something light dessert. Part of this was my problem that I don't like rhubarb, the seasonal fruit dessert. However, there needs to be something in between the dark chocolate stout cake and the ice cream sundae. Dessert at a restaurant like Crow needs to have the wow factor- something I can't or don't make at home. None of the desserts offered this particular evening fit that bill.
Regardless of the few shortfalls Crow has won over my heart. Crow is exactly what Queen Anne needs, a casual upscale restaurant focused on good food, quality ingredients and a stylish location (parking is a bitch). Crow has officially become part of my restaurant repertoire.
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Cafe Fiore represents what a coffee house in Seattle should be. It has the soul that Starbucks lacks. The Queen Anne location is roomy and often on weekends people camp out with books and laptops...
Cafe Fiore represents what a coffee house in Seattle should be. It has the soul that Starbucks lacks. The Queen Anne location is roomy and often on weekends people camp out with books and laptops (often a mac to boot). Their organic free trade coffee (yes, all of the right buzz words) comes from Vita. However, I often I find that its not the source of the coffee thats good, but the baristas since its how the shot is pulled. The coffee is complex and creamy, they also know how to poor correctly since you get that leaf pattern. There is no bitter after taste to their coffee which I often find with Starbucks. They are very committed to selling organic products, which means Might O Donuts and Essential Baking Company pastries (who by the way use biodiesel to fuel there delivery trucks). I love walking to Fiore on weekends. I like that there are only two locations, it keeps their integrity. I don't go often enough, but it seems that they know their regulars by name and of course drink. Plus its close to Trader Joes so you can grab a cup of coffee before or after shopping.
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I finally tried Portage Bay Cafe thanks to numerous positive posts on Judy's Book and I think its my new favorite breakfast place. The menu is fantastic, I truly had a difficult time deciding since...
I finally tried Portage Bay Cafe thanks to numerous positive posts on Judy's Book and I think its my new favorite breakfast place. The menu is fantastic, I truly had a difficult time deciding since everything sounded delicious. I finally tried a sampler breakfast, which included French toast, which meant a trip to the toppings bar. The French toast was delicious, my only complaint was that I wish there was more fresh fruit (I could tell it was frozen berries), but that may? change when more fresh berries are in season. Other than that and the potatoes being a bit dry, everything was delicious. The sausages were fantastic and my sunny side eggs were perfectly cooked.
Good atmosphere, a bit crowded/noisy, but it was Saturday at 11am, so anywhere you go is going to have that problem. I want to go back and try all of the egg dishers and maybe even the pancakes. Portage bay to me is what breakfast should be- healthy and flavorful (plus a bit organic!) Oh and I could get a latte, which makes breakfast perfection. I wish they had a bloody mary though, but thats what chow foods is for.
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We stumbled upon the 14 Carrot Cafe accidentally, looking for something different from the normal breakfast places. Its not knock your socks off breakfast, just a good average down home place. The...
We stumbled upon the 14 Carrot Cafe accidentally, looking for something different from the normal breakfast places. Its not knock your socks off breakfast, just a good average down home place. The oat hotcakes were excellent. When I go back I would stick the pancakes, which were whole wheat based with a nice spiciness to them. Plus, they are HUGE. I ordered the Mediterranean scramble, which had some promising qualities to it, but lacked in other departments. The hash browns were dry and a bit flavorless and my toast arrived cold/slightly burned. The actual scramble was tasty, especially the crumbled feta on top. The scramble was something that I could make at home just as easily and most likely better tasting.
They serve Vita coffee a definite plus, but need to work on keeping it warmer. A couple of times they refilled my cub with luke-warm coffee. You can order espresso drinks inside, which are actually made outside by a barista. The ability to order a latte is always a plus in my book.
My reason for giving 14 Carrot Cafe three stars besides the yummy pancakes is the atmosphere. We were fortunate to have window seat, which provided lots of opportunities for people watching. I liked the relaxed feeling- in my opinion thats what breakfast should be, especially on a Sunday. Don't expect super quick service or a "stressed out" wait staff. Its truly a neighborhood café- its not a place to seen, rather enjoy good conversation with family/friends and relax. I think we forget what leisurely Sunday breakfasts are all about.
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I just discovered Mae Phim today and I have to says its some of the better Thai around. First of all, its cheap-
$5.50 for most entrées,you really can't beat that price. Second, its quick and...
I just discovered Mae Phim today and I have to says its some of the better Thai around. First of all, its cheap-
$5.50 for most entrées,you really can't beat that price. Second, its quick and fresh. I tried the token pad Thai- somewhat laking in the peanut department, but lots of white meat chicken and crispy tofu. The noodles were perfectly cooked. Another diner was eating the soup, which I had originally been contemplating and it looked fantastic. Full of flavor, however my two star spice could of been a bit spicier, but spice level always varies depending on the place.
This is one of the "undiscovered" places that I am sure the regulars want to keep it that way. My friend who used to work in the area says its packed at lunch.
I wish it was closer to Queen Anne... then it surely would become my take out place for those nights I lack the inertia to cook.
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El Camino in Fremont is not your family Mexican, however I wonder their authenticity. That being said, I still love their food and drinks.
This is the place to have a mojito (or two or three..)...
El Camino in Fremont is not your family Mexican, however I wonder their authenticity. That being said, I still love their food and drinks.
This is the place to have a mojito (or two or three..) and enjoy a great dinner while watching the hipness that surrounds you. Yes, El Camino is about the food, but its also about the trendiness. Granted the food is good but limited choices. I tend to stick to the carne asada tacos. On my last visit we tried a couple of apps, which were tasty, but nothing revolutionary. We also shared a lemon tart with a coconut cream which was outstanding (and the only dessert left on the menu on a Sunday evening).
I haven't made it their in the summer, but from my understanding that's really when it becomes a happening place.
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I've never actually bought their paint, but Restoration Hardware has some lovely paints. Many of their colors match the craftsman homes of this area. I love their colors and they appear to give a...
I've never actually bought their paint, but Restoration Hardware has some lovely paints. Many of their colors match the craftsman homes of this area. I love their colors and they appear to give a nice gloss. I don't know about wear & tear etc, but I know that if I do ever own a home I'd buy their paints. Plus, they are open both Saturday and Sunday.
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Bush Garden's bar is the definition of dive bar. What more could you ask for- a dimly lit room circa 1970s, a surly waitress who acts like you are vain to her existence and cheap drinks. Oh and...
Bush Garden's bar is the definition of dive bar. What more could you ask for- a dimly lit room circa 1970s, a surly waitress who acts like you are vain to her existence and cheap drinks. Oh and karaoke with this old Asian man, who is a bit crazy. Its crazy karaoke with a screen in the background playing cool circa 1980 videos for every song. These videos take the cake, they are hilarious. Bush Garden tends to be a bit dead and most groups using it as a stopping ground.
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I am going to prefix by saying that I have not had decent Chinese in Seattle except for PF Changs, which really doesn't count since its yuppie chain Chinese.
Regardless, dinner at Jade Garden...
I am going to prefix by saying that I have not had decent Chinese in Seattle except for PF Changs, which really doesn't count since its yuppie chain Chinese.
Regardless, dinner at Jade Garden was average, however I don't think we ordered the right dishes. I ordered cashew chicken, which had a little too much ginger since I generally don't enjoy huge chunks of ginger. My friend ordered Mongolian beef, which was much more flavorful. I wish that I knew what others around me were eating because they seemed to be enjoying a more eclectic variety of food. I always seem to find this though, you want to tap the Asians dining there and ask what they ordered.
It sounds like Jade Garden's specialty is dim sum. I heart dim sum and cannot wait to try it on a Sunday morning. I'm still searching for good Chinese, but from what I've read so is everyone else in this city.
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Tucked away in the UDistrict and what appears to be the ultimate dive bar is some simply delicious pizza at the Northlake Tavern. There is nothing trendy about the Northlake Tavern rather that...
Tucked away in the UDistrict and what appears to be the ultimate dive bar is some simply delicious pizza at the Northlake Tavern. There is nothing trendy about the Northlake Tavern rather that hometown feel with red checkered plastic table clothes, wood paneling and no windows. Upon entrance one might think bad bar food, think again. Huge pizzas adorned with toppings galore. A thick chewy crust, but not undercooked as many pizza places tend to do. The perfect amount of sauce and fresh ingredients. After two slices I was stuffed. They have a decent beer selection on tap including some local micro brews. Northlake is the type of place you would go with friends on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, kick back with a couple (or more) beers, eat good pizza and have fun.
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