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35th Street Bistro, Seattle's Fremont District

We happened upon the 35th Street Bistro several years ago during our first visit to the Fremont Street Fair in a desperate attempt to escape the increasing afternoon heat and throngs of looky-lous cheering-on the naked bikers in the Solstice Parade.  (Ah yes, even when you’ve heard they’re coming, you’re never truly prepared.)  Relief came immediately in the form of a shaded bistro, a quiet table, a slight breeze and a glass of pinot noir.  Although the dining room was mostly empty, I could feel an inevitable post-parade sneak attack; but after a few sips of wine and deep breaths, my aggravation transformed into relaxation.  Now, every time I walk by, I get the same feeling of deliverance.  

Trout stuffed with orange, fennel & hazelnuts

I May Move to Bellevue Just to be Near Belle Pastry

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I might just move to Bellevue for the pastries - for Belle Pastry, anyway.  Everyone should have delectable pastries in their neighborhood.  It could be the new American dream.  Proximity to the perfect, shatteringly crisp, buttery croissant is much better than a white picket fence.  I should be careful with the wishing, it could lead to an extra 250 pounds & sparkly fuschia stretch pants.

Jean-Claude Ferré, chef/owner of Belle Pastry, entered culinary school when he was 14.  He was classically trained in chocolates & pastries in Paris and Switzerland.  After many successful ventures in his home town Normandy, Saudi Arabia, Alaska and around the Sound, Chef Jean-Claude opened Belle Pastry.

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Monsoon East, Bellevue

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I was beginning to wonder if really good food would ever hit Old Bellevue.  It hit.  Monsoon East, the little sister of Monsoon on Capital Hill, opened a few months ago to rave reviews.  

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Tavolata: Best Pasta in Seattle

Where does one go for truly great pasta in Seattle? The current answer is Tavolata, no question. The small, seasonal menu is mainly divided between appetizers and simple, fresh pasta dishes, with a small handful of entrees and desserts.

I’ve been three times this month (having my fair share of out-of-town guests), and I can assure you of two things really: 1) Although offerings may seem limited, the defined, bold flavor combinations pretty much cover the gamut of moods and tastes. And 2) No matter how tired or unadventurous the guests were, every gosh darn one of them left Tavolata full and completely satisfied, which was worth every penny, every time.

Mom, Kristen & Michele - full of energy & adventure!

How to Cook A Wolf: Queen Anne’s New Hot Spot

Ethan Stowell’s third restaurant brings a different twist to Queen Anne’s usual stroller scene. How to Cook a Wolf is modern, chic and cozy - a nice, grown-up place to get a drink & a snack. Andrew & I went early last Saturday evening and snagged a seat at the bar - the place was filled within 45 minutes.

The small, constantly changing menu is seasonal with an Italian feel - creative crostinis, cured meat plates, great little salads, etc. Wolf has a full bar with wines by the glass and bottle.

The Tuna Confit Salad with Creamy Saffron Dressing and Haricots Verts was absolutely divine. It was refreshing, light, and full of flavor - perfect for a sunny day.

The prosciutto plate was beautifully presented on a wooden cheese board drizzled with olive oil and garnished with Parmigiano-Reggiano. I was glad there was two of us and that the server gave us some bread at the beginning, because 15 slices of cured meat can be a little daunting otherwise.

The Anchovy Crostini with Tapenade was even better than I had anticipated. The bread was warm and crisp, but the tapenade and white anchovy fillets were cool - it was a delicious contrast of flavors, textures and temperatures.

Three appetizers, one martini and a glass of red wine set us back just over $60. Wolf isn’t a cheap date, to be sure, but the food, wine and atmosphere were delicious - - and the lack of screaming children made it priceless.

Andrew's Party @La Medusa Sicilian Restaurant

Darren, Karra, Andrew & Kimberly

My friend Andrew is classically debonaire - he reminds me of a 1940s movie star (especially when he calls me “doll”).

Purple Cafe: Wine & Cheese Pairings

Wine & cheese - it’s still my new favorite thing. Last year’s New York gastronomic tour (or, five-day constant indulgence of soul-satisfying, mind-altering food & wine, actually) reminded me of the loveliness derived from a well-designed after-dinner cheese plate.

Restaurant Cremant

The best word to describe Cremant is charming.

Sentosa Restaurant's Dim Sum: A Divine Way to Spend a Rainy Sunday Morning

By name only, Sentosa Asian Restaurant sounds like it should serve Singaporean cuisine, but actually specializes in Hong Kong-style dim sum.

Dessert @Cascadia

Christmas week felt like decoupaging icicles at the insane asylum, so we opted to celebrate the season with our good friends, Troy & Jody, after the holiday hustle & bustle subsided a bit.