Dining Out: Lot No.3, Bellevue WA



I'm not much of a drinker, but I make up for that in food.  If any restaurant can convert me into a consumer of the spirits, it's Lot No. 3 located in the Bellevue Towers.  There is free validated parking - so make sure to bring your ticket when you dine.

When you open the big, substantial doors you enter a space with high ceilings, bad aucustics and a dark loft area with ample seating.  There are tables and chairs, sofas, cozy chairs, coffee tables - just about every seating arrangement to suit your dining mood.

The menu is ample, offering lots of pub food and drink but with a classy and upscale twist.  Beverage choices are overwhelming and for this non-drinking foodie I can't begin to do their drink menu justice.  I do know that they offer house infused spirits, beer, cocktails and anything that will quench your thrist.  If they don't have it, they can run next door to their sister restaurant, Purple Cafe and get it.

Food selections are upscale and delicious.  I'm impressed that they have taken the ordinary and made it their own.  I've been to Lot No. 3 many many times and each visit has been consistently good.  My son loves this place too.

What I recommend:
Pretzel - This is my absolute favorite.  It's served on a cutting board with a side of housemade beer based mustard.  It has a thin, buttery crust and an inside so soft it almost melts in your mouth but has just enough texture to still be considered a pretzel.  It's fantastic.
Creamy Tomato Soup - I usually get this and a pretzel and I'm all set.  The soup has a delicious tomato flavor and just enough cream to give it some substance.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich - My son's favorite.  It's made with gruyere cheese and caramelized onions.  It's quite the combination.
Veggie Sandwich - I try to eat vegetarian throughout the week, and this sandwich makes it easy to do so.  Their vegetables are well seasoned and makes eating your veggies a pleasurable experience.
Lot No. 3 Punch - Think of kool-aid, but even better because it's housemade.  The flavor changes often, so ask your server what's currently "on tap" so to speak.
Big Piece of Chocolate Cake - Ok, if you're a chocoholic, this will put your claim to the test.  This is an intense piece of cake that is sure to satisfy a sweet tooth and your chocolate cravings in one dessert.  I was pleasantly surprised!

Dining Out: Monsoon (East), Bellevue WA

It seems that Vietnamese cuisine brings thoughts of "strip mall", "noodle soup" and "inexpensive" .  Well, some of that may be true.  But at Monsoon, none really apply.

Monsoon East is a great upscale Vietnamese restaurant in old downtown Bellevue.  It is part of the Monsoon family of restaurants that includes a location in Seattle, Ba Bar and Baguette Box.

Ok, back to their East location. Located on Main Street in old downtown Bellevue they offer street parking and lot parking which I have yet to find.  Open their big, heavy door and you'll find yourself in a restaurant very fitting for the Bellevue scene.

I've been many times for happy hour, brunch, lunch and dinner.  I find their menu able to please anyone, especially my picky vegetarian friends.  Ingredients are always fresh and flavors of herbs and spices blend very nicely with their menu items.

Most Vietnamese restaurants don't compare to the quality and attention that good food deserves.  You'll find yourself plesantly surprised at how Monsoon has elevated this wonderful cuisine as well as the dining experience.

My go to menu items include the following.  Note that items may not be served throughout the day:
Grilled Lo la lot
Arugula, avocado salad (this is fantastic, the flavors are so fresh and delicious)
Vegetable fresh rolls
Crispy Washington druken chicken
Oxtail broth pho (note, this pho is much more flavorful)
Any of the Vermicelli bowls (a hearty salad(ish) dish)
Any Banhi mi (in case you're looking for a soup and sandwich combo)

Out and About: Vovito Cafe & Gelato, Bellevue WA

When I can find a local, independent cafe that serves a decent cup of coffee, you'll find me there.  Vovito Cafe & Gelato, located in The Shops at The Bravern in Bellevue, this cafe is great for those afternoon pick-me-ups or even a casual business meeting.  I have been many many times, and I've experienced this cafe evolve into something worth going to.

Parking at the Bravern is free with validation.  Take either the red or blue elevators up to the 2nd floor and you are there!

You'll find your assortment of espresso beverages using their own single origin bean made deliciously on the famous and very expensive Slayer machines.  Don't drink coffee?  Vovito has a wide array of non-caffeinated beverages including sodas, teas, juices and alcohol.

The food assortment is your typical coffee shop pasty items taken to the next level.  With a nice offering of sweet and savory, you'll be able to enjoy a bite to eat.  My favorite is their soup de jour and chocolate chip cookies.  Just recently they revamped their menu, which is evident in the quality and selection of their food offerings.

For those looking for a frozen treat, look no further.  Vovito offers a variety of gelato flavors delicious at any time of the year.  Can't decide?  Get their sampler which you choose 6 flavors to enjoy.  Vovito also offers made to order cakes for your special occasion.

Tip:  service is slow, so expect to wait if ordering a beverage.  It's relatively warm and the air can be stuffy, probably due to the panini presses.  Although there is ample seating, it's usually full with your MSFT employees taking over the seating area.

Out And About: Cafe Cesura, Bellevue WA

Yes, Cafe Cesura serves coffee (Stumptown) but I like to head to this cafe for lunch or a quick bite to eat.  It's in downtown Bellevue and parking sucks (street parking and a limited number of stalls in the garage) but if I can park, I will eat.  Service is great, very helpful folks behind the counter.  Lots of seating (tables and chairs), especially with the big communal table.  They were recently featured in Seattle Met magazine.

They offer a soup of the day (aka Market Inspired Soup) which I have found to be delicious in flavor and freshness.  They also top them with things like roasted nuts and infused oils.

Pair the soup with the Mt Townsend Creamery New Moon Grilled Cheese Sandwich.  It lends for interesting flavors with the caramelized onions.

I've also had their Smoked Salmon w/ Picked Onion and Caper Aioli on Baguette - great flavors, but I was a bit put off by the baguette.  I (as well as my son who ate the other half) found it to have a pretty tough crust.

Finally!  A place in Bellevue that serves delicious coffee and delicious food to go with.  That's a rare find on the eastside.