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I can't remember when or how exactly I stumbled into Bella Dolce, but I am supremely delighted to have discovered it. Situated in a tiny little storefront in Madison Valley, dwarfed by local giant...
I can't remember when or how exactly I stumbled into Bella Dolce, but I am supremely delighted to have discovered it. Situated in a tiny little storefront in Madison Valley, dwarfed by local giant Essential Baking Co. almost next door, it's easy to pass by.
I've been there a few times, and I'm eager to go back and try more of their luscious buttery pastries and fine espresso. They're only about three tables in the cozy but cramped storefront, and you can see right into the little back kitchen where the staff (always attractive young women, but maybe I just have a weakness for women in smocks and covered with flour) studiously works away.
The offerings are limited and delicious: usually a couple of scones, a gallette or other daily pastry, some apple cinnamon rolls, a few muffins and sweetbreads, and some cakes or cupcakes (which I've yet to try) and cookies. Thumbs up for the fact that they almost always have a few things on sample. There are also a few savory items for lunch: usually a frittata, a salad and soup of the day, something unique like crab cakes, and a few other offerings.
Bella dolce is one of the few places in town where I'll actually buy a scone. It seems that your average scone in Seattle would make a more suitable projectile weapon (nearly the size of a brick, overly dense and dry). These are welcome departure: no bigger than your palm, light, moist, slightly sweet and a flaky/crisp top. My sister is a big fan of their apple cinnamon rolls: full of yeasty and appley goodness without being overly sweet.
So next time you're down in Madison Valley, pass up the din and crowd of Essential Baking Company and try the local, little sister bakery nearly next-door: Bella Dolce.
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Seattle has no shortage of Vietnamese restaurants, and while I'm not a connoisseur of Vietnamese cuisine, I have tried many of the restaurants in the international District. I will say that...
Seattle has no shortage of Vietnamese restaurants, and while I'm not a connoisseur of Vietnamese cuisine, I have tried many of the restaurants in the international District. I will say that Tamarind Tree is one of my favorites. The cuisine is tasty, fresh and adds a little creativity to your typical menu... in addition, there are more vegetarian options than usual with extensive use of meat substitutes (not just tofu! ). Although I'm always skeptical of items such as "faux shrimp", and tend to stick with grilled tofu.
The biggest allure of Tamarind Tree, in my opinion, is the atmosphere... elegant and trendy (bordering on overdone, the big fireplace and all) with vibrantly colored walls, dim lighting, fancy cocktails and a long long line out the door any weekend night. Compared your average Vietnamese restaurant (fluorescent lighting and peeling laminated menus), it fills a rather empty niche in Seattle (classy style, cheap & yummy Vietnamese cuisine).
All that said, I've only been there twice and probably won't return except for lunch. The primary reason for this is that I have no patience for the long lines that inevitably crowd Tamarind Tree most evenings. Instead, my new favorite is Greenleaf (418 Eighth Ave S, just off Jackson ) -- the food is just as delicious, the owners very friendly, and I haven't yet had to wait in line for it. They definitely don't have the sophistication of decor, although it's a step up from your average hole in the wall. Think adjustable track lighting, little bamboo plants on every table, and the obligatory poppy Muzak looping over the speakers.
At both restaurants, my favorite dishes are the vegetarian spring rolls (with fresh coconut meat and crispy wonton wrappers to add a crunch), and the green mango salad with grilled tofu. The only other drawback of Greenleaf is I'm not sure that they offer cocktails (at least I didn't see a menu for them last I went). For dessert, a little sticky rice and banana dumplings with coconut milk are just delicious. To impress a date, go to Tamarind Tree... for a night out with friends without waiting in line, check out Greenleaf.
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I heard many people gush about this place it was excited to try it. Unfortunately, I was disappointed by the food and put off by the ambiance. First of all, I was unimpressed by the salsas which...
I heard many people gush about this place it was excited to try it. Unfortunately, I was disappointed by the food and put off by the ambiance. First of all, I was unimpressed by the salsas which were rather bland (hard to do with pico de gallo)... second of all, the dishes I ordered came to me nearly cold (a big no no for cheese quesadillas) and again void of significant flavor and heat and packaged tortillas (the flavor of preservatives tips that off). The cheese was flavorless and the beans unseasoned mush. I am vegetarian, so my dining companion and I only ordered the meatless items on the menu -- none of which I would recommend. Maybe the meat-containing dishes are better?
Although I really didn't like ambiance, I will say that the average Seattle-ite would probably enjoy it. All in all, the crowed is uber-hip -- filled with Ballard young professionals & hipsters. The decor cashes in on the fetishization of Oaxaca/Zapatista culture, and romanticizing (they have so little but seem so happy!) and exoticizing the third world poverty so popular among Seattle's largely white, well-educated, liberal population. You're surrounded by chic, glowing pictures of wise and old (assumedly) Oaxacan men, smiling barefoot children sitting in the dirt and other earthy scenes evocative of third-world rural living.
I am sincerely puzzled by the rave reviews this restaurant receives... and keep thinking I should give it another try. But, quite frankly, don't want to waste my money or time. Honestly, I can make much tastier and cheaper food at home. I've yet to find good Mexican food in Seattle. Growing up close to the border has given me a critical tongue.
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