Cafe Campagne, the more casual sibling of Campagne Restaurant in Seattle's Post Alley, near Pike Place Market is definitely one of my Seattle favorites.
I showed up by my self and wasn't hauled off to the back of the cafe, but given a good table in the front. Since I was going to The Moore Theatre and a bit strapped for time, I opted for a creamy carrot & fennel soup, which was —I kid you not— to die for. The first spoonful brought a big smile to my face.
Before the soup arrived, good bread and butter lined my stomach for what the gentle folks at Campagne call a taste of wine. Now this is the most civilized invention since, what? Mmmh., offering a second fork for dessert perhaps. No, it ranks higher on my list of appreciated gestures. A 2 oz serving of this or that (see the winelist) with bread and soup may be followed by another taste to go with the excellent "Bucherondin de chèvre baked on croutons and served on a salad of frisée and arugula in a scallion vinaigrette" (their menu wording). The serving of goat cheese could have been a bit smaller as far as I'm concerned, but hey, who's to complain about that?
Eyeing the plates of the couple at the table next to me, who had arrived in time for dinner (I later saw them at The Moore). I knew I'd be back for a longer visit. One had the special, something with fish that looked and smelled divine, the other the steak frites.
Last week I did return with my Beau. The ambience is great for a intimate tête a tête, but watching a couple pet at the bar made me wish for proper attire rules: No shorts, especially not if wine makes you lose control of your hands. But that as an aside.
While both of us craved steak frites, the foursome at the neighboring table had chosen the menu prix fixe, highly recommendable if I go by their happy countenance, the aroma and look of the plates.
Our choice reinforced my conviction that I prefer top sirloin or entrecôte many times over flank, and that however much I love twice fried fries, extra-extra brown really is over the top. The heap piled high on hour plates resembled a fried bird's nest.
Looks like we'll be going back to try the chef's specials, or just for a coffee & dessert, or another few tastes of the wine list.
Ah, and if we can get our butts in gear early in the morning, Oeufs en Cocotte or Brioche fried in Bourbon egg batter, call it French Toast with an attitude will make my day.
Previously published April 22, 2007 by HotelsByCity
Monday, July 28, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Gluten Free Dining - Seattle Area - Good for You!
Delectable Sensations to be had
Dietary restrictions can really put a damper on traveling. Whether you suffer from Coelic or Celiac Disease (gluten sensitivity) any other allergies, or from food intolerance (immediate adverse reaction to food, no histamines involved) you can have a hell of time finding a restaurant that caters to your needs. Or better yet satisfies your cravings.
In Seattle you'll find a good number of fine eateries that will make you forget you're on a restricted diet —while the memory lapse won't get you into trouble.
Check out Bamboo Garden in the lower Queen Anne Hill neighborhood, a couple of blocks north of the Space Needle. Just tell your server restrictions regarding preparation of the dishes you wish to order.
The Bonefish Grill on west side of Lake Union, provides a menu with with clearly marked GF dishes.
At Cafe Flora in Madison Valley, know for the vegetarian dishes, you'll also discover non-dairy and gluten free options on the menu.
Up the hill from Cafe Flora, in the same hood, you'll find the Impromptu Wine Cafe Bar where chef Dan promises to create a great meal for people: "…who have felt tentative about eating in restaurants".
Visit The Flying Apron Bakery in Fremont for organic, gluten free and wheat free products, often sweetened with alternatives for sugar.
Three times hurray for Lombardi's Neighborhood Italian in Ballard, where you may request a GF menu.
On Sundays Restaurant Zoe waves corkage fees, so feel free to bring your own bottle to enjoy with a meal especially created with your sensitivities in mind.
A great choice on lower Queen Anne Hill for dinner and drinks before or after the theatre is Ten Mercer. Best is if you notify them ahead of time, so they can accomodate your dietary needs. For spur of the moment visits, ask for the GF menu they have on file.
Wild Ginger, a popular Pan Asian Restaurant across the street from the Seattle Symphony on Third Avenue can accomodate most dietary needs. Their kitchen caters to Triple Door one of the hottest music venues in town with eclectic programming.
National chain restaurants such as The Old Spaghetti Factory (although mentioning a pasta joint under the heading "gluten free dining" seems a bit odd), the Outback Steak House (same owners in Seattle as Bonefish Grill), PF Changs and Red Robin offer gluten free options upon request.
Previously published at hotelsbycity 4/16/2007
Dietary restrictions can really put a damper on traveling. Whether you suffer from Coelic or Celiac Disease (gluten sensitivity) any other allergies, or from food intolerance (immediate adverse reaction to food, no histamines involved) you can have a hell of time finding a restaurant that caters to your needs. Or better yet satisfies your cravings.
In Seattle you'll find a good number of fine eateries that will make you forget you're on a restricted diet —while the memory lapse won't get you into trouble.
Check out Bamboo Garden in the lower Queen Anne Hill neighborhood, a couple of blocks north of the Space Needle. Just tell your server restrictions regarding preparation of the dishes you wish to order.
The Bonefish Grill on west side of Lake Union, provides a menu with with clearly marked GF dishes.
At Cafe Flora in Madison Valley, know for the vegetarian dishes, you'll also discover non-dairy and gluten free options on the menu.
Up the hill from Cafe Flora, in the same hood, you'll find the Impromptu Wine Cafe Bar where chef Dan promises to create a great meal for people: "…who have felt tentative about eating in restaurants".
Visit The Flying Apron Bakery in Fremont for organic, gluten free and wheat free products, often sweetened with alternatives for sugar.
Three times hurray for Lombardi's Neighborhood Italian in Ballard, where you may request a GF menu.
On Sundays Restaurant Zoe waves corkage fees, so feel free to bring your own bottle to enjoy with a meal especially created with your sensitivities in mind.
A great choice on lower Queen Anne Hill for dinner and drinks before or after the theatre is Ten Mercer. Best is if you notify them ahead of time, so they can accomodate your dietary needs. For spur of the moment visits, ask for the GF menu they have on file.
Wild Ginger, a popular Pan Asian Restaurant across the street from the Seattle Symphony on Third Avenue can accomodate most dietary needs. Their kitchen caters to Triple Door one of the hottest music venues in town with eclectic programming.
National chain restaurants such as The Old Spaghetti Factory (although mentioning a pasta joint under the heading "gluten free dining" seems a bit odd), the Outback Steak House (same owners in Seattle as Bonefish Grill), PF Changs and Red Robin offer gluten free options upon request.
Previously published at hotelsbycity 4/16/2007
Coffee Shops in Seattle with Wireless Perks
Hot Spots
There are a great number of independent free (or mostly free) wireless coffee shops in Seattle. Places where you can buy your Java, bring your laptop or iBook and get online. The web site WiFi Mug offers an impressive list of hot spots all over town, as well as lists focussed on neighborhoods, from Alki Bakery on Alki (Beach) in West Seattle, to Tea House Kuan Yin in Wallingford and Grateful Bread in Wedgewood.
Check WiFi Mug for individual hot spot policies.
For every chain coffee shop in Seattle, there's usually an independent alternative kitty corner, or right around the bend of the road!
Previously published at hotelsbycity 3/25/2007
There are a great number of independent free (or mostly free) wireless coffee shops in Seattle. Places where you can buy your Java, bring your laptop or iBook and get online. The web site WiFi Mug offers an impressive list of hot spots all over town, as well as lists focussed on neighborhoods, from Alki Bakery on Alki (Beach) in West Seattle, to Tea House Kuan Yin in Wallingford and Grateful Bread in Wedgewood.
Check WiFi Mug for individual hot spot policies.
For every chain coffee shop in Seattle, there's usually an independent alternative kitty corner, or right around the bend of the road!
Previously published at hotelsbycity 3/25/2007
Great Views of Mount Rainier from Seattle
From the sky
The plane you arrived in may have skirted Mount Rainier, but driving from SeaTac Airport to the Emerald City you'll have turned your back to that giant ice cream cone. But there are plenty of opportunities in town to turn around and try for a face to face.
Now don't get all excited, there are those who have visited Seattle many a time, and still have to see "Tahoma" or "The Mountain" as the Native Americans called Mount Rainier. Even on a clear day you can't be assured of the view. So, know yourself lucky when that photo opportunity occurs and take a picture, right away.
The lay-out and planning of the University of Washington Campus is such that you may find that Photo Op the moment you put foot onto the Central Plaza (Red Square)in front of Suzello Library. Direct your gaze south at the Drumheller Fountain, et voilà! Well, maybe. I wish you good luck. By the way, a virtual tour may be worth your while, click on the link next on "Begin tour" in the upper left hand corner, and you are on your way.
Oh, yes, and spring is THE time to see the cherry blossoms on campus!
The lively neighborhood just north of downtown is called Queen Anne. Locals speak of Upper Queen Anne and Lower Queen Anne. Upper naturally refers to the top of the hill, and Lower, you got it, to the foot. An avenue appropriately called Queen Anne Ave. leads from the bottom on the south side across the top to the northern side, and Ship Canal, the waterway which separates Queen Anne from Ballard. But we won't go there now. Half way up the southern slope of Queen Anne Hill you'll find a street called Highland, and Kerry Park Viewpoint. On a good day (which, again may not be a clear day) you'll see Mount Rainier behind the skyline of downtown.
I've missed many a photo op because I was driving. That's right, both hands on the steering column please?!
But I kid you not, the best views of Mount Rainier may be had while driving along, minding your own business. For instance, you've been to Golden Gardens, and you're returning to your hotel downtown. You're driving south from NW 85th on 15th Ave. NW. All of a sudden you see Mount Rainier in all his splendor in the SW. Wow! What do you do? Go around the block, try again? Or just file it under Photo Ops and for future reference?
Another thrilling moment may occur as you're heading to your home away from home after a visit to Greenlake, Woodland Park Zoo, or later in the season the Woodland Park Rose Garden. There you are, on Aurora, also known as #99 (click on the link and come along for the ride) and there he is, glorious, and amazingly large and frightening near by. Before you can ask yourself: What happened, has the Mountain started on a walk-about? He'll be back to the usual proportions, or rather, lost to your view. Enjoy looking out over Union Lake and please, mind the traffic, everybody always seems to speed up when crossing the Aurora Bridge.
If by any chance you're heading for Columbia City or Borracchini's Bakery on Rainier Avenue, you know you're going in the right direction as long as you see the Mountain at the end of your path. That is, if he's allowing you the view.
Again, good luck, and remember, Photo Ops may also be stored in your mind.
Previously published at hotelsbycity 3/23/2007
The plane you arrived in may have skirted Mount Rainier, but driving from SeaTac Airport to the Emerald City you'll have turned your back to that giant ice cream cone. But there are plenty of opportunities in town to turn around and try for a face to face.
Now don't get all excited, there are those who have visited Seattle many a time, and still have to see "Tahoma" or "The Mountain" as the Native Americans called Mount Rainier. Even on a clear day you can't be assured of the view. So, know yourself lucky when that photo opportunity occurs and take a picture, right away.
The lay-out and planning of the University of Washington Campus is such that you may find that Photo Op the moment you put foot onto the Central Plaza (Red Square)in front of Suzello Library. Direct your gaze south at the Drumheller Fountain, et voilà! Well, maybe. I wish you good luck. By the way, a virtual tour may be worth your while, click on the link next on "Begin tour" in the upper left hand corner, and you are on your way.
Oh, yes, and spring is THE time to see the cherry blossoms on campus!
The lively neighborhood just north of downtown is called Queen Anne. Locals speak of Upper Queen Anne and Lower Queen Anne. Upper naturally refers to the top of the hill, and Lower, you got it, to the foot. An avenue appropriately called Queen Anne Ave. leads from the bottom on the south side across the top to the northern side, and Ship Canal, the waterway which separates Queen Anne from Ballard. But we won't go there now. Half way up the southern slope of Queen Anne Hill you'll find a street called Highland, and Kerry Park Viewpoint. On a good day (which, again may not be a clear day) you'll see Mount Rainier behind the skyline of downtown.
I've missed many a photo op because I was driving. That's right, both hands on the steering column please?!
But I kid you not, the best views of Mount Rainier may be had while driving along, minding your own business. For instance, you've been to Golden Gardens, and you're returning to your hotel downtown. You're driving south from NW 85th on 15th Ave. NW. All of a sudden you see Mount Rainier in all his splendor in the SW. Wow! What do you do? Go around the block, try again? Or just file it under Photo Ops and for future reference?
Another thrilling moment may occur as you're heading to your home away from home after a visit to Greenlake, Woodland Park Zoo, or later in the season the Woodland Park Rose Garden. There you are, on Aurora, also known as #99 (click on the link and come along for the ride) and there he is, glorious, and amazingly large and frightening near by. Before you can ask yourself: What happened, has the Mountain started on a walk-about? He'll be back to the usual proportions, or rather, lost to your view. Enjoy looking out over Union Lake and please, mind the traffic, everybody always seems to speed up when crossing the Aurora Bridge.
If by any chance you're heading for Columbia City or Borracchini's Bakery on Rainier Avenue, you know you're going in the right direction as long as you see the Mountain at the end of your path. That is, if he's allowing you the view.
Again, good luck, and remember, Photo Ops may also be stored in your mind.
Previously published at hotelsbycity 3/23/2007
Top 10+1 Off Leash Parks in Seattle
Let 'em run and stretch your legs as well!
On the days that I need the car, Pooch and I drop Beau off at work, so I can run my errands. Pooch knows what's coming, no matter which neighborhood we're in, her nose tells her long before we get there, that we're close to one of her favorite Off Leash Areas (OLA) in town. Now it's got to be said, any OLA we hit is her favorite. What's more, she'll forget she's just finished running with her palls of the moment, when we come in the vicinity of another OLA. Throwing her head back, pointing her nose up in the air, she'll start that typicle Basenji yodel, spiced with the Terrier's powerful yap. Yep! That's right, before we know it the next favorite OLA comes in sight.
Now if you ask me what my favorite OLA is, I've got to admit, it's all got to do with my personal needs of the moment. If I want to stretch my own legs, I might choose Westcrest Park in West Seattle. Plus points are the walk-about for owners and dogs through a park-like setting, you can actually get somewhat of a work-out yourself, another is the separate area for smaller dogs (the large ones can be quite boisterous), the size of the grassy and sandy area, and Real Bathrooms near the kiddy play-ground and pick-nick area. The lawn outside OLA is great for flying a kite!
For a pretty good walk, and a magnificent view of the city with great photo ops, Jose Rizal gets big points.
If my errands take me to N.E. Seattle, and I have some time at hand, I'll stop at Warren G. Magnuson Park at Sand Point Way. This former Navy facility is by far the largest OLA in Seattle proper, and there's (sweet water) beach access! Once Pooch has had her run, checked messages and left some herself, she's fine being leashed again for additional walking in the magnificent Magnuson. I've been there on a stormy day, with winds gushing and sprays of sweet water frizzing my curls, a wonderful inland treat of ocean shore force.
Pooch's all time favorite (even if she doesn't know it) might be Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island. Located in the middle of Lake Washington, this OLA has splendid beach access.
Another well known large OLA can be found at Marymoor across the parking lot of Sainte Michelle's Winery. While this is a great park, reports are that a lot of dog owners are irresponsible and leave 'do' lying around. Yugh Bad, Bad Owners (YBBO)!
I've run into (Yugh!) the same problem at Genesee, an otherwise pleasant and convenient neighborhood OLA.
YBBO's are the worst and ruin it for everybody else.
Help keep our OLA's clean! Scoop up yer dogs' poo.
Previously published in hotelsbycity 3/22/2007
On the days that I need the car, Pooch and I drop Beau off at work, so I can run my errands. Pooch knows what's coming, no matter which neighborhood we're in, her nose tells her long before we get there, that we're close to one of her favorite Off Leash Areas (OLA) in town. Now it's got to be said, any OLA we hit is her favorite. What's more, she'll forget she's just finished running with her palls of the moment, when we come in the vicinity of another OLA. Throwing her head back, pointing her nose up in the air, she'll start that typicle Basenji yodel, spiced with the Terrier's powerful yap. Yep! That's right, before we know it the next favorite OLA comes in sight.
Now if you ask me what my favorite OLA is, I've got to admit, it's all got to do with my personal needs of the moment. If I want to stretch my own legs, I might choose Westcrest Park in West Seattle. Plus points are the walk-about for owners and dogs through a park-like setting, you can actually get somewhat of a work-out yourself, another is the separate area for smaller dogs (the large ones can be quite boisterous), the size of the grassy and sandy area, and Real Bathrooms near the kiddy play-ground and pick-nick area. The lawn outside OLA is great for flying a kite!
For a pretty good walk, and a magnificent view of the city with great photo ops, Jose Rizal gets big points.
If my errands take me to N.E. Seattle, and I have some time at hand, I'll stop at Warren G. Magnuson Park at Sand Point Way. This former Navy facility is by far the largest OLA in Seattle proper, and there's (sweet water) beach access! Once Pooch has had her run, checked messages and left some herself, she's fine being leashed again for additional walking in the magnificent Magnuson. I've been there on a stormy day, with winds gushing and sprays of sweet water frizzing my curls, a wonderful inland treat of ocean shore force.
Pooch's all time favorite (even if she doesn't know it) might be Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island. Located in the middle of Lake Washington, this OLA has splendid beach access.
Another well known large OLA can be found at Marymoor across the parking lot of Sainte Michelle's Winery. While this is a great park, reports are that a lot of dog owners are irresponsible and leave 'do' lying around. Yugh Bad, Bad Owners (YBBO)!
I've run into (Yugh!) the same problem at Genesee, an otherwise pleasant and convenient neighborhood OLA.
YBBO's are the worst and ruin it for everybody else.
Help keep our OLA's clean! Scoop up yer dogs' poo.
Previously published in hotelsbycity 3/22/2007
Best Waterfront Restaurant with View of Seattle Skyline
Dine with View of Seattle Skyline
If you read this today March the 20th, you are just in time to make reservations at Salty's for the Three Rivers Winery event tonight. Select wines, a five-course dinner and a smasing view of Elliot Bay and downtown Seattle for $95 per person.
If you read this on any other day, make it a point to check out Salty's anyway. The food is great, the wines are choice, and the service pleasant. Evenings with live music and a comfortable bar add another reason to visit this well known and respected West Seattle destination.
Previously published 3/20/2007
If you read this today March the 20th, you are just in time to make reservations at Salty's for the Three Rivers Winery event tonight. Select wines, a five-course dinner and a smasing view of Elliot Bay and downtown Seattle for $95 per person.
If you read this on any other day, make it a point to check out Salty's anyway. The food is great, the wines are choice, and the service pleasant. Evenings with live music and a comfortable bar add another reason to visit this well known and respected West Seattle destination.
Previously published 3/20/2007
Monday, April 7, 2008
Cellar 46º Seattle
If you are a wine lover, and you plan to be in Seattle for the weekend of March 24 and 25 pencil in a visit to Mercer Island's newest wine shop Cellar 46º. Owner Ryan Allison and his team celebrate the opening of this new venture with food, wine tastings, music and other festivities.
If the real thing is anything like their web site, you'll be ushered into a wine cave, with dark wood, atmosphere lighting, barrels of the good stuff, that's for sure.
Previously published 3/17/2007
If the real thing is anything like their web site, you'll be ushered into a wine cave, with dark wood, atmosphere lighting, barrels of the good stuff, that's for sure.
Previously published 3/17/2007
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