A mid-week, weekend-style post. I recently got word that Mario Batali and Anthony Bourdain were seen in one of my favorite places to eat, Café Presse. Nestled in between the Capitol Hill neighborhood and Seattle University, Café Presse has a great bar/café feel. The food is fantastic, especially the fries.
Café Presse (206) 709-7674
1117 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
The same owners also run Le Pichet in Belltown — a more convenient location for the throngs of cruise ship tourists now running through Seattle. Another great place and I would recommend.
Le Pichet (206) 256-1499
1933 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Also in Belltown with a similar bar/café feel is Tom Douglas’ Serious Pie. Carved out of the bakery that fuels his restaurants, the bar seating and simple menu make it a great place to eat. Pizza is the menu. “Serious” pizza. Chanterelles and truffle cheese? Morels and green garlic pesto? Hard to beat. My personal favorite is the clam and pancetta.
Serious Pie (206) 838-7388
316 Virginia St, Seattle, WA 98101
A friend recently returned from a business trip to NYC. It got me thinking of some of my favorite restaurants down in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan. Next time I hit the Big Apple, you will find me at one of these places.
Balthazar would be my first choice. There is great bar seating and awesome bakery for the AM pastry/cafe au lait. Traditional French bistro fare.
Balthazar Restaurant & Bakery
www.balthazarny.com
80 Spring St
NY, NY 10012
(212) 941-0364
Lobster rolls are foreign in Seattle. Ed’s are awesome. I enjoy the bar seating and the clean hole-in-the-wall feel.
Ed’s Lobster Bar
www.lobsterbarnyc.com
222 Lafayette Street
NY, NY 10012
(212) 343-3236
Originally read about this one in Forbes. Stands for “French Orgine”. French and North Africa influences which take me back to my wild trip to Morocco back in ’99.
Frog Restaurant
www.frognyc.com
71 Spring St
New York, NY 10012
(212) 966-5050
Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
Was able to take some time to visit Pike Place Market today. Very crowded for a Friday in April. The cruise boats will be here soon and with them, tourists. Inevitably, I am asked for recommendations, so here are a few good places to grab a bite.
Palace Kitchen
My personal favorite of celebrity chef Tom Douglas’ local restaurants. I have never had a bad experience at PK. Highly recommended.
2030 5th Ave, Seattle – (206) 448-2001
Wild Ginger
A local original and favorite. Great location and atmosphere.
1401 3rd Ave, Seattle – (206) 623-4450
Green Leaf
Great Vietnamese food and some of the best vegetarian options in the city. Can be found in the International District.
418 8th Ave S, Seattle – (206) 340-1388
Collins Pub
Upscale pub bistro fare on the fringes of Pioneer Square. I have not had a bad meal or beer here.
526 2nd Ave, Seattle – (206) 623-1016
Enjoy!
