Dining Out: Skillet Diner, Seattle WA (Capitol Hill)

In the past, enjoying Skillet Diner was limited to their roving food truck.  This popular food truck has added brick and mortar for their fan base.  You can also find their food at The Armory at The Seattle Center, Skillet: Counter at the Armory.

Located on Capitol Hill, this place is a drive from the Eastside, but I've found myself enjoying Skillet Diner when I'm looking for a good breakfast place to eat.  My time here has been limited to early breakfast or lunch, as I don't have the patience to wait for a table to eat.

Tip:  Go early or off hours, if not you'll find yourself waiting.  My favorite time to go is 8:30am on a weekend, just before the "rush".

The restaurant offers plenty of natural lighting and reminds me of a "diner" atmosphere keeping with their name.  I am always in awe at their place setting which includes a mason jar (your water glass) stuffed with a kitchen towel (your napkin) and silverware.  Very unique.

I like to sit at the counter offering a front and center view of their kitchen.  The energy is always good.  Overall it is a good place to eat, offering a casual atmosphere and serving really good food.

Comments on what I've had at Skillet Diner:
Barb's Granola - A beautiful presentation.  I am able to take home granola as their serving size could feed two people easily!
Fried Chicken Sammy - One of the best seasoned fried chicken I've had.  Excellent sandwich.
Fried Chicken & Cornmeal Waffle - I'd take the chicken over the pork.
House-Made Biscuits and Sage Gravy - My husband insists he get extra gravy on the side.
The Burger - Of course, the bacon jam is what makes this burger.
The Veggie - It's a fork and knife burger as it will fall apart on you.  It's fantastic.
Cinnamon Roll - You have to share this, consider it an appetizer.

Bottom line:  Go!

Dining Out: Book Bindery, Seattle WA

Located on the banks of the Ship Canal you'll find The Book Bindery.  You might miss it as the building looks more like a warehouse or office building rather than a restaurant.

We recently enjoyed this restaurant for Sunday Brunch.  This must be Seattle's best kept secret, because hardly anyone was there yet this place offers an exceptional meal and experience.

We were seated in their atrium which was a nice open space with lots of natural light.  On this particular day, the weather was beautiful, the sun was shining, the doors were open and the roof of the atrium was lifted.

A trip to the powder room gave me a chance to look into their dining room.  It was charming with an old world touch of molding and mill work throughout.  Books lined the walls which continued the theme, reminding me of a library doubled as decor.

Presented with a menu, I was so impressed at the substance and beauty of their book-like collection of food and drink.  Bound nicely, menu pages were secured with photo corners.  Wow, I was already impressed.

We (my husband and I) ordered heavy, wanting to taste as much on the menu as possible:

• Wagyu Beef Tartare
• Smoked Pork Belly
• Soup & Sandwich
• Black Truffle Fries
• Coconut Sorbet
• Ginger Lemonade

Fabulous!  That really sums up our experience.  The plating of food was beautiful, presentation was as good as tasting the food itself.  Anica, our server was very attentive and our plates came out at a nice pace.

Book Bindery has been mentioned by Seattle Magazine, Seattle Met Magazine, Seattle Weekly, The Seattle Times and now www.almostFitToEat.com

I would highly recommend you head to the Book Bindery for an exceptional meal.

Dining Out: Trellis Restaurant, Kirkland WA

image from Trellis

Note: The Heathman Hotel, including Trellis restaurant has been closed for the past few months due to damage to the property.  This blog entry is based on several dining experiences prior to their closure.  Their anticipated opening is Friday, August 3, 2012.


I'm not a fan of restaurants in hotels.  Low quality and cheap come to mind.  However, at Trellis Restaurant in the Heathman Hotel, it is neither.

Although I've dined breakfast, lunch and dinner at Trellis I like to go there for lunch.  I've been to Trellis on many occasions and I've always received consistent food quality and presentation.  My preference is to sit outside in their covered patio area - which is awesome any time of the year.  However they have a nice dining area that is well lit and a cozy bar area for the casual sip and snack.

Parking is free with validation, but you almost feel obligated to tip the nice person that retrieves your car.  There is street parking in Kirkland, and it's free!

If I were to describe their food in one word, it would be "fresh".  Probably due to the farm to table dining philosophy, locally sourced ingredients and offerings from Chef Brian Scheehser's personal farm in Woodinville.

What's good:
Corned Beef Hash - This is my husband's go to dish when we're there for brunch.  With its big pieces of potatoes and fresh corned beef, it's fantastic.
Housemade Granola - This is delicious if you're looking for something light to eat.
Salmon Nicoise - My favorite lunch dish - and favorite Nicoise salad in the area.  I love the presentation.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich - Oh, so buttery and very rich and delicious.  The nice crust makes this sandwich your perfect comfort food.
Grilled Tomato Soup - Ok this may sound weird, but I like this soup paired with the grilled cheese sandwich and not on it's own.  I found it a little under-seasoned for my taste, and on it's own wasn't a delicious as with the salty, cheesy sandwich.
Field Green Salad - A delicious, fresh salad with nothing but field greens.  Simplicity at it's best.
Trip Tip Sirloin - My husband thoroughly enjoyed this dish.  Meet cooked perfectly and well seasoned.
Ice Cream Sandwich - Currently not on the menu.  I had this house made dessert last summer and it was over the top good.  It's a substantial dessert, perfect for sharing.  Don't be intimated by the steak knife that accompanies this fabulous dessert.
Ice Cream Puffs - Probably their signature dessert and well done.  A nice twist turning the ordinary into something delicious.

Dining Out: CHA:N, Seattle WA (PIKE MARKET)

 

Note: Their website has an incredible photo gallery. I would encourage you to look, the food styling and photography is phenomenal.

 

Tucked away off Pike Street in a small area known as Inn and the Market lies Cha:n.

Cha:n is a Korean fusion restaurant that is small and intimate.

Being near the market, parking is challenging.  We ended up valet parking, which Cha:n doesn’t validate (note that other restaurants validate parking).   There is obviously street parking and lot parking in the area, but be prepared to search out for it.

As I entered the restaurant, I noticed the small space and low ceilings.  Being it was somewhat in a basement of a building natural light was limited.

We sat in a table set for two, where on one side was a chair and the other was a long stretch of a booth that accommodated other tables.

We picked up the menu and noticed the humble offerings.  On one side of the menu was traditional Korean dishes and on the other were selections a bit more creative – Korean inspired dishes.

Our server was prompt and attentive.  Our small table didn’t offer much room for the dishes we ordered, so our server was constantly at our table clearing and replenishing.

One thing that stood out – banchan and kimchee came at a modest price.  I’ve been to several Korean restaurants around the country and for the most part, these items are free.  They are small dishes that offer diners a little nibble and accompaniment to their meal.  Similar to an amuse-bouche, they are usually a gift from the chef.  Just note that at this restaurant, you’ll have to pay additional for these items.

Definitely this restaurant offers innovative Korean dishes that pushes the envelope when it comes to traditional Korean cuisine.  It’s not at all a bad thing, it is just different.  I appreciate the step that Chef Heong Soon Park to take Korean dining to another level.

I would recommend dining here – but if you have any preconceived notions of Korean dining, leave them at the door and enjoy what Cha:n has to offer.

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!

Out and About: Fainting Goat, Wallingford

 

I'm not big on frozen treats, so I can't tell you if this is the best gelato in the world - however, I can tell you that the gelato at Fainting Goat is delicious.

Gelato in general has a lower butterfat content than traditional ice cream products.  It's made in the same way as ice cream, but has a softer texture than it's American counterpart.

Fainting Goat is located in Wallingford right on the main strip.  It's small with about 5 tables for sit down eating.  Flavors are typical of a gelaterie (a place where gelato is made).  There's the always present vanilla bean, chocoalte, but other options like mango, pistachio, coffee and banana.  You'll also find cakes and espresso drinks at this small mom and pop establishment.

Behind the counter you'll find a husband and wife team happily scooping their frozen creations for you.  They're open late - perfect for an evening treat.  Samples are free for the asking.

Support local businesses.  Visit Fainting Goat.

Dining Out: Bisato, Seattle WA (Belltown)

from bisato facebook page

On 1^st Ave in Belltown where the former Lampreia restaurant once stood now sits Bisato.  Led by Chef Scott Carsberg, a James Beard recipient, the space has transformed into an open, 21 and over bar that offers a bistro type setting with high-end fine dining eats.

Bisato serves Ventian style small plate dishes.  You won’t find your traditional big plate pasta, meatballs or pizza here.  

Note: I did not take pictures.  On their website there are fantastic photos of the dishes that really do justice to their food!  I've shared a few here.

l-r: naomi, myrissa, chef scott, manh
outside bisato restaurant

My husband and I dined as guests of some very dear friends of ours (and fellow foodies) Manh and Naoimi.  We arrived and were not surprised that they were chatting it up with Chef Scott.  We started with cocktails and after a few minutes I felt myself starting to unwind (is that what alcohol does to a person) and studying the menu.

The menu at Bisto includes short and descriptive offerings.  What‘s interesting about the rotating menu is what you read is what you get.  Chef is a firm believer at keeping his dishes simple and limiting ingredients to only few to really help his diners saver the flavors.  Too much could get lost on the palate.  With 20+ offerings on the menu I was a bit overwhelmed, however my host informed me that dishes are small, some eaten in a few bites, so order heavily.  Taking their cue, we ordered "heavily" and we all shared around the table.

from bisato facebook page

My eyes were impressed.   Rarely have I seen food so artfully displayed.  Dish after dish was such eye candy.  But the most exciting part was actually eating these culinary masterpieces.  One after another we were entertained in so many ways that made the dining experience amazing.  Just about all five of my senses enjoyed the dinner at Bisato.

Bisato is a restaurant where you’ll want to sit, relax and enjoy the menu for all it has to offer.  A seat at the counter will treat you to a view where all of the culinary magic takes place. Take time to indulge all of your senses and you’ll find your meal at Bisato well worth your time and money.

from bisato website

What we enjoyed:
morel panna cotta with warm violet asparagus
spring artichoke soup with condiments
blini of red beet with gravlax salmon and crème fraiche
variolo of porcini and egg with butter sauce
warm spaghetti with eggplant
cow's milk gnocchi with ramp butter and parmesan
sweet corn soup, Copper River sockeye salmon, herbs
risotto of strawberry
braised short rib in barolo wine
orange confit with chocolate caramel mousse (You HAVE to order this, absolutely fabulous)
milk chocolate parfait
lemon tart

Dining Out: Revel, Seattle WA (Fremont)

I can only vouch for their brunch - which I've enjoyed several times.

Revel is led by husband and wife duo Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi.  I first learned of them and their sister restaurant Joule on the Food Network's Iron Chef America where they battled Iron Chef Garces.

Located in Fremont where parking is tough but so worth the effort to have a delicious meal lies a small entrace to Revel (with their neighboring bar right next door, Quoin).  Tables are first come, first served but reservations are accepted for parties of 6 or more.  There is outdoor seating with comfortable heat lamps to counteract the tempermental Seattle weather.

Tip:  Go right when they open or before they close, or you'll wait.

The space is long, with a visible open kitchen and I just love the seating available right up at the counter (on the other side of the counter is the kitchen).  Every time I've been, it's been busy.  Energy is high, volume is loud and the space is inviting.

The brunch menu is simple, two selections for each type of dish that is offered.  Chef Rachel and Chef Seif have created a brunch menu bursting with asian flavors yet blend with current world cuisine.  Your palate will be excited with the tastes of sweet, savory, tangy, spicy and down-right delicious.

My son enjoyed the two eggs, house bacon, scallion potato hash and toast and said the bacon was "amazing".

On the lighter side the kaffir lime yogurt, spicy mango, black rice puff and the meyer lemon, rhubarb, candied almond porridge are FANTASTIC.

For a hearty appetite may I recommend the short rib rice bowl, fried egg, chili chimichurri, arugula or the kalbi burger, bacon, shallot pickle.  Both just bursting with savory flavors.

If you like Asian flavors, you'll love dining at Revel.