Dining Out: Lynn's Bistro

Dining Out:  Lynn's Bistro, Kirkland WA

l-r (top) Chocolate Mousse Cake, Rib Eye w/ Brandy Peppercorn Sauce, Wild Salmon w/ Soy Citrus Sauce
l-r (bottom) Goat Cheese Salad, French Onion Soup
Descriptions of each dish can be found on the restaurants website

A Snapshot:  Wow!  The menu is like having Seattle Restaurant Week (or Dine Around Seattle) all year long.  With a prix fixe (pronounced prefix) menu this restaurant offers a great value any day of the year.  A small, intimate and humble space that has transformed into a french bistro.  Limited seating and small staff (I counted four on a Friday evening) make for a cozy dining experience.  By the way, parking sucks but there are cheap lots around the area as well as free street parking.  Reservations are a must unless you want to wait.

The Meal:  A delicious meal worthy of the budget friendly three course offerings.  The salad had a bitter dressing, but when paired with the goat cheese was delicious.  I found my salmon and potato (galette looking) a bit overcooked but well seasoned.  The chocolate mousse cake had a delicious raspberry coulis which topped off a wonderful meal.

Comments From My Dining Companions:  I did not have the french onion soup but Tokuro and Mike said it was good in flavor, well seasoned by over the top with bread and cheese.  It was more of a meal than a soup starter.

The Verdict:  Would I return - sure (said with light enthusiasm).  This restaurant probably wouldn't be my first choice if I'm in Kirkland.  Now, I hear they have a wonderful weekend brunch...stay tuned.

Dining Out: Hitchcock, Bainbridge Island, WA

When the weather is beautiful and sunny our family heads for Bainbridge Island.  We park our car in Seattle and walk on the ferry (it's cheaper).  A few minutes walk from the ferry dock is a quaint town filled with mostly independent culinary establishments and fun boutiques.

Our most recent visit brought us to Hitchcock.  Unfortunately we were all still full from lunch, so by the time dinner rolled around we were more inclined to have small plates.

I was lame and only shot one photo: the bone marrow appetizer.  Gosh it was delicious and reminded me of restaurants in NYC where it seems that all of them had it on the menu.  I was pleasantly surprised with the smoked grey sea salt.

For the first time I had Green Garbanzo Beans that were sill in their pod (who knew?) and oven roasted.  It was like eating edamamae at a Japanese restaurant, but better.  Warm, smokey (pods were slightly charred) buttery (from the EVOO) - I bet it would be great with a cold beer.

Also had an incredibly unique interpretation of Waldorf Salad.  Small dice and stuffed in endive.

For sure I will return to Hitchcock....and I'll bring my appetite.  I'm very interested in their Name Your Price Chef's Menu.  Stay tuned.

In The Kitchen: Smoked Paprika Chicken with Potato & Onion

I'm an avid viewer of the food channels.  I even take notes for future food field trips and anything important for future use. I happen to catch "The Best Thing I've Ever Made" which featured Alton Brown and this recipe.

I've never used smoked paprika and had to trek to Seattle's World Spice Merchants to get it (Whole Foods didn't have it).  Wow!  If you're in the market for spices I highly recommend this place.  Every spice they carry is displayed in jars of one ounce so you can look at it, smell it and determine how much you want to buy.  It's located on Western below the market - so parking is terrible and if you drive too fast, you'll miss it.

My family loved it.  It really was a delicious dinner - full of flavor. I used 4 thighs and 2 breasts - organic, free range chicken which I don't think really made a difference (except in price).  Bonus was the crunch from the skin.  The "smoke" really came out and gave it that smoked flavor without the grill.  I would definitely make it again and not change a thing.