The Cheesecake Factory
Several locations in the US
Southcenter Mall (Location visited)
Tukwila, WA
“You haven’t been to The Cheesecake Factory?!” That was the reaction of both Sherman and Mijune when I was asking them for options of eateries in the Washington. In the past I have chosen not to go to chains, unless it is a local/regional chain because, let’s face it, pretty much you can go there when options run out. However, there was some enthusiasm and a partial endorsement from both that I thought I should give it a try. So, here it goes!
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Tagged as:
Chain Restaurant,
Pastry,
Seattle
Ezell’s Chicken
5 Locations in Washington
11805 Renton Avenue South (Location visited)
Renton, WA
I will admit something: I have never watched a single episode of Oprah’s show despite all the pop media news that pops out about here every once in a while. I still remember that reference in Ocean’s Thirteen and I was saying “huh?!”. Of course, I can be an exception to the general rule in North America, as I don’t tend to watch those type of shows anyway. If that is the case, why then bring her name? Well, when the proclaimed most “powerful” women speaks, a lot of people listen. And when she praised Ezell’s Chicken, the question of course is: how good is their fried chicken? Since I was in the SeaTac area, the only way to find out was to get some fried chicken…
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Tagged as:
Chicken,
Seattle
Bakery Nouveau
4737 California Ave SW
Seattle, WA
Yesterday, I wrote about Salumi, where I picked some goodies on my way back from Tacoma. However, that wasn’t the only place I stopped by. There was one other place where I decided to grab some goodies to share with my fellow friend food bloggers: Bakery Nouveau. I won’t disclose the reasons why I chose this place but will say that I had the hunch it would be good. How good was my hunch? Well, instead of me saying it, I will defer that to Mijune (of Follow Me Foodie), Anita (of La Petite Foodie) and Sherman (of Sherman’s Food Adventures) whom I brought these goodies. So, what about this post, then? Instead of my usual commentary, this will be mostly a photo essay. So, without further ado, the links to Mijune, Anita and Sherman’s site and some picture of their goodies! (Oh, I must mention you should visit all their sites, as they did not necessarily have the same goodies!).
Mijune’s post is up!
Anita’s post is pending.
Sherman’s post is up!
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Tagged as:
Bakery,
Photo Essay,
Seattle
Salumi
309 3rd Ave S
Seattle, WA
Taste is something subjective. There have been instances where I eat things people would look at me funny (offal, anybody?), while there are instance of food that, while I eat it, it won’t be my first choice, yet people seem to love it (cream of broccoli, who the !#!@#$!@^%#$ thought that was good?). Among the food bloggers here in Vancouver, I have been accused of being the pickiest one and end up disliking a lot more restaurants than my peers. However, at the same type, I think I have been fair in the sense that I provide details as to why I dislike something and, if somebody provides a reasonable explanation of why my assessment is wrong, I am more than willing to do re-visits. Of course, assuming that place is at arm’s reach and does not cost an arm and a leg…
A couple of months ago, fellow blogger Sherman (of Sherman’s Food Adventures) visited Salumi, a well known deli shop in Seattle, which claim to fame includes it being owned by the father of Mario Batali. Unfortunately, according to his post, his experience was subpar which lead to a mass of angry men (and women?) carrying pitchforks demanding Sherman’s head. For the most part, that subsided and felt into oblivion, if it wasn’t for a visit to a local cafe called Finch’s, which re-ignited that angry mob sentiment. I have known Sherman for some time already and, for the most part, I understand where he comes from when he says he does not like something. As a result, I suggested a compromise: If you believe Sherman was wrong, give a reasonable explanation as why you believe he is wrong and what he should have ordered. Of course, Seattle being ~250Km away does not mean we can take a day trip and find out right away (not to mention Salumi has a limited operating hours)… Fortunately, I was scheduled to go to Tacoma and thanks to the way my trip was scheduled, I had a window of opportunity to visit Salumi.
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Tagged as:
Sandwich,
Seattle
Moby Dick Restaurant
15479 Marine Drive
White Rock, BC
Among the different theories for the source name “Panama”, the place I was raised, is that of “Land of Many Fishes”. Whether that is true or not, doesn’t really matter. The truth is that there is a great variety of fish and seafood there. Among the most popular ways to cook it is that of marinating it in citrus (i.e., ceviche) and frying it. Some might call it a waste but, when it is good, does it matter? So, during our last visit to The Irish Heather for a Long Table Series, I was talking to Mark and the topic of fish and chips popped. When asked which restaurant had it, I said “whole fried fish in Panama”. Of course, the question was the best fish and chips in Metro Vancouver, not to mention the fish fillet rather than bone-in. Anyway, my answer was “Moby Dick in White Rock”. Funnily, that was the place I suggested Mijune (of Follow Me Foodie) to meet the first time (which, instead ended up being Baru Latino). And, guess who I went with this time? Yup, it was Mijune! 
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Tagged as:
Fish,
Lunch,
Seafood,
White Rock
Irashai Grill
1368 W Pender Street
Vancouver, BC
When I officially started food blogging, among one of my earliest posts was that of Irashai Grill. Armed with high expectations, I went there for lunch and I was disappointed. Fast forward a couple of months later to May 2009. During a food bloggers gathering, Sherman (of Sherman’s Food Adventures) asks me if I will be going to an open house Irashai Grill was organizing, including a separate food bloggers lunch. I told him a categorical no, which shocked him in a way. After all, it was free food! As for what happened afterwards, I will just suggest you read this post (will open in a new window). It has a long story of its own.
Once again, fast forward to the end of 2009. I became aware of a photography workshop (by Jackie Connelly) specific to taking pictures of food. I have had my share of issues taking food pictures and, I thought, hey, why not! I forwarded that email to Sherman and Anita (of La Petite Foodie) and they were good to go as well. And, in sort of a coming to a full circle type post, the place where this workshop would take place was Irashai Grill. I guess, that gave Sherman and I the chance to do a revisit and make a better assessment of their food…
Ah, the old picture taken back in 2008… How time changes!
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Tagged as:
Downtown,
Japanese,
Lunch,
Sushi,
Vancouver,
West End
As I mentioned in a tweet on Friday night, I am back in Vancouver! And where was I? How about a couple hundred of click south? Yes, I was in Seattle… Wait, make that Tacoma. It was a bit unfortunate it was raining the whole time, not to mention I was far from Downtown Seattle. I did go there on my way back but, still, I couldn’t take that many pictures of the area (aside from rain, did not have a tripod with me). But, even then, I am glad to be back in Vancouver. As a reminder of where I live, I decided to take a small walk – hey, both cities have certain similarity (rain aside…). Here, a small photo essay.
Note: Clicking the image will open it in a new window.
Cambie Bridge, afar (to the left), Vancouver City Hall
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Tagged as:
Photo Essay,
Random,
Seattle,
Vancouver
