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Mike's Noodle House is one of those "Finds" in the International District that you want to share with all your friends. They serve up tasty Noodles and Congee - a thick, yet watery rice porridge -...
Mike's Noodle House is one of those "Finds" in the International District that you want to share with all your friends. They serve up tasty Noodles and Congee - a thick, yet watery rice porridge - which they serve plain or with a variety of meats & "spare parts," i.e. innards like fish maw, pig intestines and stomach at a good price.
They have two types of dumplings - Won Ton or Sui Kow - both which are authentic and very flavorful. The Won Ton has the usual pork & prawn (shrimp) meat, while the Sui Kow has the former, plus the "extras" that are found in Sui Kow. The "extras" need not be uniform - some places use black mushrooms, some black fungus, some use fresh spring onions, etc. etc. Mike's has strips of black fungus and the distinct taste of a flavorful, aromatic dried and salted fish (some year, I'll find out what it is in English or scientific terms).
Mike's also features a small selection of ala carte items - the deep fried "Chinese donut" reminiscent of a beignet without the sugar, steamed veggies, etc. and a stewed beef (and tendon) that is also flavorful.
Examine the sauces and don't be timid about asking for a small plate in which to pull out your dumplings for dipping. I recommend the pot of chopped chillies which is flavorful and not mouth burning hot (if taken in small quantities). Enough to enhance the taste of what you eat without burning off the roof of your mouth (your personal mileage may vary).
For the adventurous, try the Sampan Congee which has "everything" including peanuts on top. Order the donuts. Those are eaten with the Congee. If fish isn't your thing, don't do the Sui Kow. Otherwise, I've been there many times and have not yet once been disappointed.
For the ones who prefer to play it safe, there's always the noodles with stewed beef, Won Ton and plain pork porridge.
Prices are in the $5 to $6 range and tea of course, comes free. The portions are not huge but satisfying for the small / medium appetites. The place is small but clean, the waitresses harried but impeccably dressed, and smile as you are seated with a complete stranger. ;)
Individual tastes differ, but I highly recommend it. Oh... and visit the neat little Tea place that just opened up beside it. It's like a little Treasure House full of Chinese tea paraphernalia.
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I was quoted $126 per unit for service of 2 furnaces and 2 heat pumps. I asked to speak to someone about a service contract. I was told that the service tech would help me with that.
The...
I was quoted $126 per unit for service of 2 furnaces and 2 heat pumps. I asked to speak to someone about a service contract. I was told that the service tech would help me with that.
The service technician came out and did an excellent job given that he had only expected 2 heat pumps and no furnaces. He had the parts to make them work and told me verbally what to expect for the unit that was making noise. He also made a few suggestions and told me that he would have his office contact me about the service contract and quote for some heat directors and radiant heat bars. He did not leave a copy of the completed / signed service order - and I had expected to pay for the visit there and then.
Three weeks or so later, I receive a bill for quite a bit more than expected. I called the office and was told. "Oh no... it's $126 per gas furnace, but $248 per heat pump."
I asked about a service contract and was transferred to someone else. After we spoke, I asked about the rest of my request. Quotation for the metal shields to re-direct heat, the quote for the radiant bars. Oh... that's someone else. So I was transferred again to someone else who had pulled my company file and had everything "in front of her."
I asked her if she could kindly get everything to me and she offered to fax it. I waited, then figured she got busy and I would get it the next day. It's been more than a week. Nothing.
I guess they don't want my business!
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I've eaten in California Pizza Kitchens on both coasts and somewhere in the middle of the country as well. When I've wanted food I knew would be good and I saw one of these, I'd head on...
I've eaten in California Pizza Kitchens on both coasts and somewhere in the middle of the country as well. When I've wanted food I knew would be good and I saw one of these, I'd head on over.
California Kitchen serves up a menu that's replete with Pizza, Pasta, Soup, Sandwiches and Salad as well. The quality of food is high, the menu changes regularly and the price is reasonable for a restaurant of it's type.
If you feel that the name reminds you of a trendy-twenty-something- beach-boy-californian type place, you're spot on... and every one of them feels the same, including this one in Bellevue - opposite the Barnes and Noble.
Don't expect the pizzas to be boring here. Sure, the standard Pepperoni, Cheese, Sausage is available, but also a Jamaican Jerk, Carne Asada and Mango Tandoori (new for Dec)... and of course their original California Pizza Kitchen pizza - the BBQ Chicken.
The Pasta ranges from your standard "Spagh Bog" to Chicken Tequila to Shanghai Garlic.
The menu is also vegetarian friendly (although not vegan) with not one but several vegetarian pizzas - try the Pear and Gorgonzola - and several vegetarian pasta dishes - almost all which can also be had without the meat.
The Bellevue location boasts a full bar, patio seating in the warmer season and complimentary refills on lemonade, coffee, tea, and fountain drinks.
Feeling adventurous yet? Forget the plain mozarella cheese pizza (although it *is* available. Try the five cheese. Maybe the Margherita?
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I'll have to admit, I'm a fan of Gilbert's when I'm in the mood for a great bagel sandwich. It's a Deli and a popular one. At lunch time, the lines are long, seating is limited and service is......
I'll have to admit, I'm a fan of Gilbert's when I'm in the mood for a great bagel sandwich. It's a Deli and a popular one. At lunch time, the lines are long, seating is limited and service is... well, when it backs up like that... they can only go so fast. So grab a menu and make a decision fast if you happen to get there early as they have a great variety of sandwiches and several soups each day.
Not only your tuna melts, turkey bacon and ham and American cheese with tomato and lettuce either. They have sandwiches with avocado, sprouts and cranberry relish... Hmmm... just the thought of the Turkey with cream chease and cranberry relish on an asiago cheese bagel is enough to make my mouth water.
I'll reiterate... the portions are huge... when I get the bagels, the other half goes home with me for dinner / supper. They do have some half sandwiches and soup and sandwich combos.
I love the ambience. There's playbills on the walls, old magazines like those you'd find in a Dentist's from a Norman Rockwell painting, "eclectic" chairs (they don't match)
There's also sidewalk seating which is pleasant on a sunny day as Main Street in downtown Bellevue isn't what I would call busy.
The only cons (apart from being so popular that it's always crowded) is that it is a little on the pricey side. But well... I've spent the same at The Other Coast in Ballard, and they don't even have bagels or crepes.
Oh yes! Crepes are available for afternoon tea. I'll have to check that and breakfast out some time.
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Belle Pastry is my favorite place for afternoon tea in Bellevue. They have scrumptious cakes - fruit tarts - eclairs and croissants. All baked fresh by owner Jean-Claude Ferré.
Where better to...
Belle Pastry is my favorite place for afternoon tea in Bellevue. They have scrumptious cakes - fruit tarts - eclairs and croissants. All baked fresh by owner Jean-Claude Ferré.
Where better to pretend you're in a sidewalk cafe in Paris and nibble on a croissant and sip a cup of coffee? Or share a brioche with slathers of butter with a friend?
Forget the mass-produced, shipped from somewhere, heavy, overly sweet confections from the grocery store. Indulge instead, in lovingly prepared pastries by a master of the art.
Ever tried an European apple tartlet? It's not apple pie where apples are cut into chunks, cooked and then baked in a pie crust. No... each quarter is sliced again into thin slices and fanned out on pastry, brushed with a glaze of apricot jam and I forget what else, then baked, and served with a dollop of cream. One of my very favorites.
The Lemon Meringue pie is light and fluffy with just the right touch of tangy sourness. The napoleans light and airy...
I'm waiting to see if he ever makes Clafouti!
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One of my favorite places to browse in, Fireworks is brightly "artsy-fartsy," with unique gifts, knick-knacks and doo-dads. Some are wonderfully useful, yet artistically designed, like kitchen...
One of my favorite places to browse in, Fireworks is brightly "artsy-fartsy," with unique gifts, knick-knacks and doo-dads. Some are wonderfully useful, yet artistically designed, like kitchen trivets, measuring spoons, wall shelves, and lighting.
Most are hand-crafted and some pieces are unique one-of-a-kind or limited by the artist. Some useful, some decorative, some just... pure fun.
Not the best place to bring children as many breakables are within easy reach, but they also have the neatest stuff for children, including some winningly attractive rainwear for toddlers and some marvelous hand puppets.
Apart from the object d'arts, Fireworks also carries jewelry and a good Judaica collection.
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I've always loved 2nd hand bookstores. Where else can you hunt through the shelves and find that book you've been seeking in an almost new condition for half the price?
It's cramped, you can't...
I've always loved 2nd hand bookstores. Where else can you hunt through the shelves and find that book you've been seeking in an almost new condition for half the price?
It's cramped, you can't always find the latest, but hey... it *is* a used (mostly) book store! They also have gently used CDs, DVDs and oh-mi-gosh-n-golly... LPs! I've found many a treasure in a closeout for 50cents each.
Shop often as their stock moves in and out very quickly, especially for gift books. Also check the bargain racks. You never know when a book you've got in hand just happens to also be on the bargain rack. A little more dog-eared perhaps, but still readable!
In December, if you spend $30, you'll also get a calendar for the next year with discount coupons in it. Altogether... a great place to spend a rainy afternoon and come home with more books than you originally planned to get.
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I shop every year at the Made in Washington store for presents for out-of-state friends and for myself too. They have a wide selection of gifts ranging from decoratives & dinnerware by local...
I shop every year at the Made in Washington store for presents for out-of-state friends and for myself too. They have a wide selection of gifts ranging from decoratives & dinnerware by local artisans to varieties of huckleberry jams & chocolates. Smoked Salmon, hot cocoa, coffee and books on Washington.
Where else can you buy Space Needle shaped pasta?? The store in Bellevue Square is one of the larger stores. Friendly sales staff and AAA discounts can't be beat.
Around the holiday season, they will also bring out the gift baskets, and they have a gift basket purchase and shipping program as well.
For your next funky gift for a hard-to-buy-for relative, give the Made in Washington store a visit.
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In a city over-crowded with coffee stands and shops, Koots Green Tea is a quiet, tranquil, breath of fresh air. The Koots chain has its roots in Japan and carries nine varieties of green tea. From...
In a city over-crowded with coffee stands and shops, Koots Green Tea is a quiet, tranquil, breath of fresh air. The Koots chain has its roots in Japan and carries nine varieties of green tea. From Bancha - often known as "twig tea" - made from the tea stalk itself to Matcha - the finely powdered tea made from young green leaves - that is used in the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.
Not only do they offer the traditional teas, they offer updated recipes such as smoothies and lattes - made with your choice of milk or soy milk. Some of the drinks they feature:
Iced mint pearl tea: Iced sencha (made with green tea leaves), black pearl tapioca and a hint of mint,
Matcha latte: Organic matcha and steamed milk - one of my favorites.
Matcha chocolat: White-chocolate chips whisked in green-tea powder with steamed milk and whipped cream
The store has a small alcove - tatami seating area as well as a bar that wraps around two walls, and cafe table with a bamboo like top with chairs covered in a kimono pattern.
Various confections are available such as green-tea iced scones and green-tea muffins and slices of cake. Also offered are some distinctly European styled cakes and cookies available, like the slices of Lavender Citrus cake and the pressed almond cookies - sliced, toasted and held together by chocolate.
Sushi rolls are also available for those wanting a more substantial snack or wishing to lunch there.
Judging by the number of patrons I've seen there with their laptops, I'm guessing that they offer WiFi as well. I'll have to check next time I'm there.
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Walk into this place on a weekend and you'll find it packed with Chinese families although scattered here and there, you will find diners of other nationalities. This is the place for Dim Sum on...
Walk into this place on a weekend and you'll find it packed with Chinese families although scattered here and there, you will find diners of other nationalities. This is the place for Dim Sum on the eastside.
Here you will find all the expected Chinese Dim Sum dishes. The various dumplings - baked, steamed. Sweet "Tou Hwa" ... Hong Kong Congee with century eggs, stewed tripe... Grab what you want the moment the cart comes by, especially the egg custard tarts... hot off the cart. If you wait... you may not see it again!
Reservations are recommended as they are always packed. Parking isn't too bad, just farther away then you'd expect, especially on a Sunday when all the other businesses around it are closed and you face vast empty lots that you cannot park in, but must park in the Cinema lot or the Factoria mall.
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