November 2010
Scoop: Chef Blaine Wetzel on Lummi Island
World-class Chef Blaine Wetzel magically appears on Lummi Island at the Willows Inn.
It’s not every day that a chef hailing from the best restaurant in the world—according to this year’s prestigious S. Pellegrino awards—decides to relocate to our neck of the woods, let alone plant himself in a destination as unlikely as tiny Lummi Island. Chef Blaine Wetzel has done just that: He left Copenhagen’s renowned Noma…
Carnivore’s Guide: Best Steakhouses in Seattle
The mouthwatering promise of really good meat at a steakhouse
There is nothing quite like dinner at a steakhouse. The sense of occasion, the mouthwatering promise of really good meat, tip-top service and splurging on that excellent bottle of red—it all adds up to a special night out. Lucky us, we went to them all so you can better decide which fits your style. The…
Cheap Eats: Big Mario’s
Big Mario's brings a touch of the East Coast to Cap Hill
Wicked Slice: Another NYC-style pizzeria joins the fold Need proof that the Neapolitan pizza craze is being supplanted? Last month, we heralded Fatty’s Corner Pizzeria in Greenwood; this month, it’s BIG MARIO’S, another New York City–style pizza joint, which opened in mid-July next to Caffé Vita on Capitol Hill. (Vita’s Mike McConnell is a co-owner.)…
Most Influential 2010: Dave Ross and Tom Douglas
Radio host Dave Ross and Restaurateur Tom Douglas show their patriotism and democracy
On April 1, Dave Ross, host of The Dave Ross Show on KIRO-FM, opened his morning broadcast with the news that One Reel, the nonprofit organization that runs the Fourth of July festivities at Lake Union, had failed to secure a corporate sponsor and was canceling the event. It was no April Fool’s joke. “It…
Sitka & Spruce: Restaurant Review
An utterly brilliant showcase for the nationally renowned chef Matt Dillon.
After everyone got over the quirky charm of such a good chef (Matt Dillon) cooking in such an unexpected place (an Eastlake strip mall), Sitka & Spruce’s near-windowless and somewhat claustrophobic dining room became something to accept, rather than something to praise. Now, however, having relocated to Capitol Hill’s Melrose Market in late May, Sitka…
Sushi Kappo Tamura: Restaurant Review
Chef Taichi Kitamura's dedication to local and seasonal seafood translates to Kappo Tamura playing w
The last time we saw chef Taichi Kitamura, he was creating gorgeous plates for a lucky few diners at the hallowed Chiso Kappo above Fremont’s Chiso Sushi. There, his manner was subdued, respectful. It didn’t seem as if he was having very much fun. At Sushi Kappo Tamura, which he opened in July, Kitamura shouts…
Bar Hop: The Market Arms in Ballard
The Market Arms in Ballard opened in June, much to the delight of World Cup soccer fans
On a bustling corner in Ballard, The Market Arms (2401 NW Market St; 206.789.0470; themarketarms.com) opened in June, much to the delight of World Cup soccer fans. Brought to you by the local Brits responsible for The George & Dragon in Fremont, the bar features endless sports on the telly and, of course, Guinness galore….
Cravings: Kickin’ it with Kimchi
Kimchi's flavor is one of a kind, adding serious punch to many dishes
Usually made with cabbage, this Korean side dish is traditionally pickled in brine and buried underground to ferment for a few days. It is thought to have many health benefits, such as improving gastrointestinal function. Kimchi’s flavor is one of a kind—a spicy, savory taste adding serious punch to many dishes. Here are four local…
The Most Influential of 2010
From the arts to sports, from high tech to low profile, we single out those who had an impact on our
Publishing a list of the region’s most influential people is an exercise that obviously invites response. And we welcome it. Ultimately, we hope this list provides insight and context to what was happening all around us this year. We try to recognize people and organizations across as many disciplines as possible, thus ensuring a broad…
Out to Lunch: Savatdee
The flavors of Laos and Thailand beckon from Savatdee's exotic menu
Hey, you like fried rice, right? Who doesn’t? Well, I’ve got the dish for you. It’s like the love child of fried rice and popcorn chicken, with some lettuce wrapping thrown in for good measure. It’s called nhem mou ($11), and you’ll find it at Savatdee on the special menu of dishes from Laos. The…
Seattle’s Local Meat Guide
If you appreciate a good steak, a thick chop, a juicy roasted chicken, this edition is what’s for di
We love meat. There, we said it. Vegetables, granola and tofu have their places in our diets, but deep in the primal depths of our beings, we just crave gamey lamb chops. Pork belly calls to us in our dreams. And because many of us, for ethical and health reasons, find ourselves buying less—but better…
Datebook: New Exhibit at Nordic Heritage Museum
Architecture and nature coexist peacefully in a new exhibit at the Nordic Heritage Museum
Good news for Dwell magazine groupies (present company included): Ballard’s Nordic Heritage Museum is hosting an exhibit that will have you geeking out over gorgeous modern architecture, and possibly packing up and moving to Norway. Featuring stunning photographs and architectural models, Lost in Nature: The Architecture of Jarmund/Vigsnæs showcases contemporary work by a prominent Oslo-based…