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Days Inn
Category:
Hotels
3241 156th Ave SE
Bellevue, Washington 98007
(425) 643-6644
There's a Days Inn in the Eastgate neighborhood of Bellevue that definitely has power. It sits between the Chaplin's car dealership and a giant Starbucks and is right off of I-90. I've never...
There's a Days Inn in the Eastgate neighborhood of Bellevue that definitely has power. It sits between the Chaplin's car dealership and a giant Starbucks and is right off of I-90. I've never stayed there, but it looks decent and I bet their rates are reasonable, at least more so than the Hyatt or Westin, etc.
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I think it is unfortunate that some of the reviews posted here are just mediocre, because Spa Scotta is anything but. After visits here and there to all sorts of day spas in Seattle, I have to say...
I think it is unfortunate that some of the reviews posted here are just mediocre, because Spa Scotta is anything but. After visits here and there to all sorts of day spas in Seattle, I have to say that Spa Scotta is my favorite. The only negative I see is that it is in U-Village, which is lovely but a parking nightmare during the holidays. However, they are right next to the parking garage, so it is it not really that big of a deal.
The reception area is beautiful and calming. They of course have the latest magazines, but their selection of products is wonderful to browse before your appointment. They have the most gorgeous pajamas, robes and candles that you'll ever see. The reception staff have always been very pleasant and professional, quick to offer a drink or anything I need to feel comfortable.
I've had a variety of services here. I highly recommend Tamara for any kind of waxing services. She is highly skilled and she strikes the right balance between being friendly and lightening-quick. She makes a not-so-pleasant experience surprisingly comfortable. After seeing her, I won't go to anyone else.
I also had a wonderful massage at Spa Scotta. The beds they use have a wonderful, feather-bed like top on them and I could have fallen asleep instantly. After your service, the staff continues to be helpful and offer water or anything else you need. At other highly-rated spas I have felt rushed out the door to make room for the next clients. Here, I felt like I could relax there until I was ready to leave. The attitude of the staff here is to go above-and-beyond. They've even responded to some of the mediocre reviews published here, which shows they deeply care about their customers.
Also, don't forget that the prices here are reasonable for a day spa of this caliber and cheaper than many in town who don't live up to their hype. Great spa services aren't cheap, but going to Spa Scotta feels like an investment in my well-being, not just a visit to a spa. I give this place my highest recommendation (especially Tamara) and assure you that it is much more than mediocre!
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Benihana
Category:
Restaurants
1200 5th Ave Ste 3
Seattle, Washington 98101
(206) 682-4686
Benihana is a place often recommended for special occasions and for good reasons. Japanese food is a bit out of the ordinary (for me at least) and here it is wonderfully prepared. Yes, the chefs...
Benihana is a place often recommended for special occasions and for good reasons. Japanese food is a bit out of the ordinary (for me at least) and here it is wonderfully prepared. Yes, the chefs are amazingly skilled and put on a show, but also keep in mind that the food is delicious! I went there with a coworker for lunch and it was really reasonable (About $10 per person, before tax and tip). The "show" that the chef put on was pretty brief, but that's a good thing when you have limited time. The food was still amazing and I have to mention how good their green tea is--no sugar necessary.
Benihana also gets bonus points from me as a vegetarian. I ordered the veggie yakisoba, while others the the table were having beef and chicken. I did get my food last, but the chef was very conscious not too get any of my food near the meat and even cleaned the grill completely before starting on my noodles and veggies. That's going above and beyond, without me even asking (not that I would have, but it was nice). The service here was also great. My tea cup never got more than half full.
For those into this kind of thing, celebrities visiting Seattle can often be spotted here. I think this has to do with it being a well-recognized restaurant as well as its location across from the Fairmont Olympic (the highest-rated hotel in Seattle) The have pictures of famous folk on the walls to prove it. While I was there, 5 very tall men came and sat at the table next to us. I realized later in the day that they were players from a visiting NBA team. So that is an added bonus to an already-great restaurant. You never know who you'll run into there.
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Kaspar's
Category:
Restaurants
19 W Harrison St
Seattle, Washington 98119
(206) 298-0123
Kaspar's used to be a restaurant, but now they've changed their business model. They occasionally return to being a restaurant for a few nights out of the year, but they mostly stick to catering...
Kaspar's used to be a restaurant, but now they've changed their business model. They occasionally return to being a restaurant for a few nights out of the year, but they mostly stick to catering for special events. You can use their space for your event and it is quite versatile. The have a small room in the back, full of wine bottles and it is very cozy for about 10-15 people. They also have the larger dining space if your group is bigger.
I went to a tasting where I got to try several of their featured dishes. Everything I had was fantastic. They make very hearty vegetarian dishes, which is great in the winter when you want more than a salad or pasta. They had some exotic dishes, like wild boar, which was a big hit. For dessert, they made crepes with several different fillings and toppings.
They also host several cooking classes, both private and ones you can sign up for individually. I haven't attended one myself, but I hear they are tons of fun and people actually use the recipes and tips they pick up there.
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The other reviewers have hit the mark on Dragonfish's happy hour. Getting a table in the bar before 6pm can be a challenge, but great if you can swing it. The spring rolls are great, as is the...
The other reviewers have hit the mark on Dragonfish's happy hour. Getting a table in the bar before 6pm can be a challenge, but great if you can swing it. The spring rolls are great, as is the crispy tofu. The drinks are a bit weak during happy hour, but for $3 each, you can order two for cheaper than one would cost during dinner.
Lunch and dinner seem to be hit-or-miss. At lunch the service is really slow for no good reason. Make sure to give yourself at least 1.5 hours or you'll be late getting back to work. Their noodle dishes can be loaded down with sauce, so I recommend something else. At lunch the Bento boxes seem to be the best option and give you a sampling of several dishes for about $8. At dinner, I've enjoyed the tempura halibut, but it is one of the more expensive entrées. All in all, not a bad place to check out.
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Cinerama
Category:
Movie Theaters
2100 4th Ave
Seattle, Washington 98121
(206) 441-3653
The Cinerama is a classic and by far the biggest screen in Seattle. They play the big blockbuster movies and seeing films here really is different that at your average theater. The best is if you...
The Cinerama is a classic and by far the biggest screen in Seattle. They play the big blockbuster movies and seeing films here really is different that at your average theater. The best is if you can get tickets to an opening show of something you're really looking forward to. The fans that show up there are always so into the movies in the first few days. Seeing the Lord of the Rings films there was an experience I will never forget!
It is important to note that if you go when there is a crowd, you will have to wait outside until about 10 minutes before the show is supposed to start and people start lining up very early, so plan ahead.
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I've been to the Melting Pot in Bellevue twice now and it is really in a class by itself. It turns dining out back into an event, not just a stop along the way. The best way to experience this...
I've been to the Melting Pot in Bellevue twice now and it is really in a class by itself. It turns dining out back into an event, not just a stop along the way. The best way to experience this place is to order one of the 3 or 4 course meals, although stopping by for dessert and drinks could be fun too. I loved the cheese fondue, served the classic way with all the fancy ingredients you skip on when you make fondue at home. The dinner portion is crazy--they bring you a tray of raw food that you skewer and cook in the broth of your choosing. We've splurged for the Coq Au Vin and it is much better than just the plain broth or oil. The big finish is, of course, the chocolate fondue and you can have it several different ways. The Bailey's Irish Cream fondue was particularly good.
They do have a vegetarian option that has ravioli, veggies, tofu, etc. However, everyone cooks in the same pot, so if you go with carnivores, be prepared to watch your tofu simmer with their steak. I usually get sick from meat, but dipped my veggies in with the meat here and felt just fine afterward.
The price is pretty steep, with the 4-course meals running upwards of $60 per person, but you'd pay as much at any other nice restaurant for that many courses. What seems really luxurious is the amount of time you get to spend over dinner here. For us, it was easily over 2 hours, which gives you time to have nice long conversations over dinner. So make sure you go with people who's company you enjoy ;)
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I been to Zao a bunch of times, because there's not much to choose from in U Village. I order one of two things every time: Monk's Vegetarian Delight or the Kid's Peanut Noodles with grilled tofu. ...
I been to Zao a bunch of times, because there's not much to choose from in U Village. I order one of two things every time: Monk's Vegetarian Delight or the Kid's Peanut Noodles with grilled tofu. It always amazes me how different these dishes turn out each time I order them. The ingredients are the same but both can range from really great to really bland and oily. They have a good selection of hot tea and they serve it in cast iron pots, which I love. But the tables are really close together, so you know everyone around you can hear your conversation and you hear theirs. It is one of the better places in U Village, but that's not saying much.
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I love Thai and before the Thaiger Room opened, Siam on Broadway was my favorite Thai restaurant. They still get my vote for the best spring rolls in town. Their peanut sauce is heavenly, rich and...
I love Thai and before the Thaiger Room opened, Siam on Broadway was my favorite Thai restaurant. They still get my vote for the best spring rolls in town. Their peanut sauce is heavenly, rich and creamy yet not heavy. Mom mom swears she would eat her own shoe if it was covered in this sauce. They also have a wonderful dish that used their peanut sauce, tofu and fresh green beans. If you can check them out for lunch, you get a cheaper meal along with a great homemade soup. This place can get crowded at dinner time and on the weekends, but good Thai food is always worth the wait. There are less crowds at the Lake Union location, but the food there is not as good and a bit more expensive.
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I'm trying to think of a better word for it, but this place is just cool. I can't believe it is still such a hidden gem. It is right on 45th, just across from a popular tanning salon and the jiffy...
I'm trying to think of a better word for it, but this place is just cool. I can't believe it is still such a hidden gem. It is right on 45th, just across from a popular tanning salon and the jiffy lube.
Djan (the Thai word for moon, I believe) is very stylish, both in the food they serve and the atmosphere they've created. They have all of the Thai favorites, but they put a little creative spin on them. A signature dish is their Fusion Noodles, which are a mix of pad thai and pad kee mao, with jalapeños thrown in (very very spicy!). The decor, like the food, is fresh and inspired. The restaurant is actually a converted house and the decor is all white. Instead of being stark, it is charming and contemporary. They warm the space with votives and a few bright yellow flowers at each table. Even the silverware is fresh and modern. Upstairs they feature a private Thai-style dining room that you can book for special events.
There is a small parking lot in the back, but you could also easily find street parking nearby. This would be a great date spot, since the prices are really reasonable and the small tables are perfect for conversation. As another reviewer commented, they also have a great take-out service.
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