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…
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…
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…
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…
Shopping Around: November’s Shopping Finds
Our top shopping finds for the month
Wax OnWhen pressed on the inspiration for his new line of apparel and bags, 27-year-old Green Lake–based designer Mike Jolley looks straight down—at his tin-cloth Filson coat, passed down to him by his grandfather. A descendant of cotton farmers, Jolley has taken heritage to heart with the recent debut of his Legacy Clothing “Prospector 2011”…
Parental Guidance: November
Local News, Tips, and Products for Families
The Quickie Holiday PicSlacker parents who have put off taking this year’s family holiday photo (and whose Type-A neighbors did it in September!) will be happy to know that Seattle photographer Sara Adamski (photosbysara.com) has them covered. Call it a drive-through holiday picture service, where all you do is show up at a local park…
Scoop: Local Thanksgiving Desserts
Seattle bakeries offering seasonal pies that put a twist on traditional Thanksgiving desserts.
If you’re feeling less than thankful for the same old Thanksgiving dessert, consider the wealth of Seattle bakeries offering seasonal pies that put a twist on tradition without sacrificing holiday flavor. The best part? All you have to do is warm them up. 1. High 5 PieMade with sweet potatoes, cream, and locally milled Shepherd’s…
Scoop: Road Trip to Willamette Valley
Let's take a trip to Willamette Valley, Oregon for The 28th Annual Wine Country Thanksgiving!
WHERE: Willamette Valley, Oregon, the V-shaped region that encompasses two-thirds of the state’s wineries and vineyards. WHY: The 28th annual Wine Country Thanksgiving (November 26–28; willamettewines.com), the perfect excuse to skip a weekend of turkey leftovers. DRINK UP: The event spans nearly 160 wineries across the winding river valley, including the popular Domaine Drouhin and…
Scoop: Good for You
Health Month makes getting healthy an interactive we adventure
Yes, this is the month we’re going to stop eating pizza and start going to the gym every day! Definitely. Well, probably. OK, maybe? When it comes to getting healthy, many of us have trouble with stick-to-it-iveness—largely because we assign ourselves unachievable goals. That’s where recently launched Health Month (healthmonth.com) may help. Invented by Seattleite…