Showing posts with label restaurant review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label restaurant review. Show all posts

New Chinese restaurants in Shoreline replace old ones

Monday, August 12, 2024

Two long-time Shoreline restaurants have closed but are being replaced with new ones.

The Black Pearl, next to Goodwill on 15th NE is a new establishment called Chen.s Shanghai.

Susan Westphal is enthusiastic about Chen.s.

Today I noticed for the first time that the Black Pearl on 146th and 15th Ave NE has new owners. It is now called Chen.s Shanghai. Always wanting to support new business ventures, my housemate and I went there for dinner tonight. Parking is horrid (as always) and we parked in the Goodwill parking lot. 

Inside has been refreshed (bright pink!) and is clean. We ordered combination fried rice, dry-fried green beans (spicy is an option but we declined), Special crispy pork with mixed vegetables and buns (to make sandwiches) and Xiaolongbao (meat dumplings). 

Way too much food for the two of us but we love leftovers. Don't let the pictures on the menu put you off. The actual food is much more attractive. It was SO GOOD!  We will be going back and hope others in the neighborhood support our new restaurant. They appear to be doing a bang-up UberEats business already.

Chen.s Shanghai at 14602 15th NE, Shoreline WA 98155. 10:30am to 9:30pm. Traditional flavors and dishes of Shanghai 

Photo by Patricia Hale

At Shoreline Place, the Super China Buffet has closed and will be replaced with Triumph Valley Restaurant

Patty Hale reports:


I spoke with Jern today, who will be the restaurant manager when the totally remodeled building opens about two months from now. Triumph Valley will have a full menu of traditional Chinese food. To get an idea of what will be served at this new Shoreline restaurant, check out the menu for their sister restaurant in Renton.

Triumph Valley at 15323 Westminster Way N, Shoreline WA 98133. Traditional Chinese cuisine


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Anne Stadler: When my daughter comes to town...

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Sue and Anne Stadler at The Local 104


…her first stop is The Local 104, in what used to be the 7/11 next to LFP Elementary at 35th and Ballinger Way in Lake Forest Park. 

Great pizza! Great oysters! Great service!

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On the Menu at Le Petit Paquet: Change!

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Le Petit Paquet photo by Wayne Pridemore
By Jamie Holter

It’s been just over a year since Le Petit Paquet opened in the old Streetzeria Pizza location in Richmond Beach on Richmond Beach Road at 20th Ave NW. 

On the menu for year two? Change! And it’s all good.

Zephyr Paquette is the owner, a little dynamo package herself, just as her restaurant’s name implies. 

In the last year, she’s stayed true to the excellent pizza we have come to expect and added a bit more: fresh ingredients from local farmers. 

She dries her own herbs and continues to focus relentlessly on quality and tasty food.

Date night. Photo by Jamie Holter
But here’s what’s new.
Wednesday is Date Night! 

$50 and tip includes a pizza + salad + a bottle of wine. What??? That’s amazing. 

It’s not just any bottle of wine. Zephyr prides herself on carefully chosen wine, chosen with her best customers’ tastes in mind. 

You can buy a bottle to take home with you from the retail wall, too.

On Fridays, she releases the “Fresh Sheet.”
 The Friday night dinner menu goes beyond pizza to include Duck Confit or Halibut or Scallops, whatever is fresh at the moment. 

Her summer burrata has roasted peaches, pickled cherries and white balsamic reduction. Yum. Oh, and lemon bars. Yes, the lemon bars.

She’s wrapping up work on the outside patio. Dogs are not only welcome, but enthusiastically so. (Her pup, Ziggy, herded me around the restaurant for a while then sat down, allowing me to scratch his shoulder for 10 minutes. Sorry, I was distracted by this adorable dog.)

Zephyr sees movie nights and outdoor dining
Photo by Jamie Holter
But wait, there’s more!
 

Zephyr is going to use the huge open space behind the restaurant to expand the eating area and show big screen movies over the summer. 

Buy dinner (or her new “lunch box” concept), bring a blanket, and watch a movie. 

That’s her plan and she hopes it is yours as well. 

New tables for the back yard
Photo by Jamie Holter
The day I visited, she was sanding and priming two gorgeous pieces of wood that will soon become tables. She plans a bar out back too.

Photo by Jamie Holter
But it’s the staff who she is proudest of right now. 

Every kitchen employee is 19 and under so she considers the workplace a teaching kitchen. 

She knows the backstory of each student which was impressive.

So if you haven’t been to Le Petit Paquet in a while, consider a visit before summer. 

Bring a date on Wednesday or your best dog anytime and definitely make a plan for a family or friends movie night with the big blow up screen between May and October.


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Restaurant Review: Pizza at The Local 104

Sunday, September 18, 2022

Sue Stadler at The Local 104
Photo by Anne Stadler
Sue Stadler, LFP Elementary/Kellogg/Shorecrest graduate, enjoys a mushroom pizza at The Local 104 where she was having supper with her mother, Anne Stadler.

Anne talked with Chef Tony Vujovich, co-owner of The Local 104

Chef Tony is truly the KING of local food!! Awesome supper at Local 104!!

He uses a method for creating the dough that he invented. It makes an incredibly delicious thin crust.

He’s really super thoughtful about sourcing locally, paying careful attention to climate change issues and practices. The place is a pleasure to eat in! And he’s an impressive guy!

The Local 104 is on Ballinger Way and 35th Ave NE, 18498 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155



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Seattle Times discovers some Shoreline restaurants

Thursday, July 30, 2020

Waken Bacon counter
Photo by Cynthia Sheridan


We knew they were there but the folk in that big city south of us had no idea. But now, thanks to an article published on Wednesday, they know about four great places to eat in Shoreline.

From pretty poke bowls to huge barbecue platters that will feed you for days, Shoreline boasts these great eats

Hint to The Times: here's a few more



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The Aurora Borealis shines in Shoreline

Friday, May 24, 2019

Text and photos by Rob Oxford

Since the legendary Parker's Ballroom closed its doors in 2012, the community of Shoreline has desperately needed a quality live music venue. One that could host local as well as national acts.

Thankfully with the recent opening of Aurora Borealis at 16708 Aurora Ave N, we now have one.

This is not to say that live music couldn’t be found in the City of Shoreline before, but bands hoping to play to more than a handful of close friends had to either pack their gear all the way downtown to Seattle or north to Lynnwood. Luckily, that is no longer the case.

The new restaurant and event space which is coincidentally only a stone’s throw from the lot that once housed Parkers, is the perfect addition to a growing Shoreline. Owner Tyler Myers, who had never been in the old Drift on Inn Roadhouse Casino which houses the new establishment, knew exactly what he wanted to do with the space the minute he walked in the door.

Tyler is a business entrepreneur, part-time musician and local resident, which makes spreading the word about his new restaurant even more important. During our recent meeting, Mr. Myers made it very clear than his plans for Aurora Borealis are long term and he hopes to have many opportunities to give back to the community that has welcomed him and that he calls home.

While driving to the restaurant for an introduction, the first thing that popped into my head was, “this is Aurora Ave, where in the heck am I going to park?” Upon my arrival I was overjoyed to find out that I had 250 stalls from which to choose. Bonus!

Restaurant menu has a wide variety of food


The upper level of the building which houses the restaurant is aesthetically pleasing and well lit, which will immediately appeal to any 57-year-old restaurant reviewer who may have forgotten his “readers”. Clean and professionally designed, along one wall are several booths for more intimate dining, while the main floor is spacious and welcoming.

The menu is chock full of comfort food favorites such as meatloaf, pot roast, mac ‘n cheese, a half dozen burgers to choose from or, if you’re in the mood for a steak, try the 8 oz filet, 10 oz rib eye or loosen your belt and order the 24 oz. porterhouse. If pasta, fish or salad are more to your liking, there’s something on the menu for you as well. The mussels, steamers and cheese fondue from the appetizer menu immediately caught my eye, as did the bleu cheese bacon wrapped dates.

Two full bars with draft beers, wines, and bourbons
 

The Aurora Borealis also features two full bars with an assortment of draft beers, wines and bourbons to choose from, including a 28-year-old bottle of Pappy Van Winkle, one of only eight available in the entire state this year. It is also the first bar in the state to feature the Azbar system which delivers over 200 cocktails perfectly poured.

What could be most appealing to local corporations, businesses and charitable organizations just might be the availability of The Aurora Room to host private parties, wedding receptions, sports banquets or other various events and seminars. For smaller business meetings there is an additional conference room two floors up that can be catered to your own specifications.

A massive music venue with stage, digital lighting,
professional sound and video system


Stroll down the stairs and you’ll find a massive music venue with a total capacity of 338, designed by a music lover, for music lovers. From the expansive stage with its digital lighting, to the professional sound and video system capable of video streaming to the posh greenroom for performers, Aurora Borealis has it all and will soon be hosting some of the best talent the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

The restaurant has already scheduled several very funny comedians for its Wednesday Night Comedy Series, but has plans to also host World Cup matches, Seahawk gameday parties and the occasional live radio event.

This weekend the 25th and 26th, check out The Popoffs from 9 – Midnight on Friday and the Michelle Taylor band on Saturday.

Although your family is sure to love it, the new Aurora Borealis Restaurant at 16708 Aurora Ave. N. is much more than a family restaurant. It is an “event space” unmatched by any other for miles around and… a breath of fresh air for Shoreline residents.

The restaurant is currently hiring hosts, servers, kitchen staff and bartenders. For employment information and a complete menu got to their website.



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The Seattle Times discovers the Mediterranean Oasis

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Dining area of Mediterranean Oasis
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


The Seattle Times has discovered Shoreline's Mediterranean Oasis.

The Oasis is in Parkwood Plaza, near Joann Fabrics.

We published an enthusiastic review of the Oasis last fall, written by reader Donna Luke-Peterson.

Compare that to the review by The Times reporter: here

The Mediterranean Oasis is open daily from 9am to 11pm; 15238 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline.



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Restaurant review: Mediterranean Oasis Bakery and Kitchen

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Counter and seating area
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

By Donna Luke-Peterson

My family saw the Grand Opening sign on the new Mediterranean Oasis Bakery and Kitchen next to the Joann's store at the Parkwood Plaza Mall.

It was much bigger than I expected, with a large cafe and eating area with lots of modern chairs and tables -- and delicious food!

The owner is Palestinian from Jerusalem. He spent 20 years in
Chicago in the restaurant business before returning to Seattle.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


Amazing crispy falafel, beef shawarma, freshly baked pita bread, and fresh-made hummus! We were even given samples of the beef and hummus to try beforehand.

Our combo plates came with a fresh mixed salad (no raw onions, yay!) Big portion of the beef shawarma -- but I will be coming back for the savory, puffy, crisp, falafel next time for sure.

Large amount of tasty pita bread baked daily
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


They also had "pies" on their menu that looked like large flatbreads (like pizza pie, maybe?) with meat, cheese, or spices -- something else to try next time.

Friendly staff, very helpful. We also bought a large package of fresh baklava treats -- delicious! Ate a few there, and lots to take home to share, too.

About half of the packaging is in Arabic
then you run into something like French's mustard
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


Big selection of groceries, spices, exotic spices, drinks, candy, canned goods, plus refrigerated and frozen section. And dishes, tea, hookahs ... just about everything! And looks like a fresh meat / butcher section coming in the near future, too.

Give it a try!!

Mediterranean Oasis 
Bakery and Kitchen
Parkwood Plaza (Joann's, Shari's, new Starbucks)
206-913-2857

Hours are from 10am - 10pm every day - and sometimes later. 

If they are there and still have food in the kitchen, they'll feed you.

They will also cater your events. 

They have signed on with GrubHub, if you want to have your food delivered.


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Restaurant review: Black Pearl

Monday, January 9, 2017


Black Pearl
Review and photos by Carolyn Keopanya

Who can turn a selective vegetarian into a ravenous carnivore? The same ones who can create a leftover sauté enthusiast out of my picky 10 year old food separatist - Black Pearl. With inviting dishes of brightly colored crisp vegetables, and tantalizing smells of marinated meats, Black Pearl is a wonderland for the experienced and new to Chinese cuisine.


My family and I recently visited Black Pearl for lunch. Black Pearl is a fantastic Chinese restaurant on the north side of Goodwill on 15th NE and 145th. They have an open line concept so you can watch your food being prepared while you wait. Lunch is a great time to try a variety of items there for a really great price. Each entree item comes with a choice of rice, choice of soup (their hot and sour is the best!) and either a spring roll or bbq pork.

We chose to share our entrees family style. I couldn't believe the enthusiasm that came from my kids - never witnessing such eagerness to try new foods before! My children are as selective as they come, so this can only attest to the offerings at Black Pearl.

We chose to have General Tso's Chicken, Stir-Fried Green Vegetables, 10 Ingredient Chow Mein, and a full entree size of the Mongolian Beef. My boys had a fork fight to compete for who got the last of the General Tso's - one of them being the aforementioned vegetarian.

This General Tso's is like none other I've had. Light and crispy coating, large pieces of breast meat chicken, and a sauce that is the best blend of all that the palate desires: Savory garlic and soy with just the right touch of sweetness, followed with that bit of spice the dish is known for. Nothing needed, nothing missed.

The Green Veggies was a total hit! Those picky kids I mentioned.... wouldn't leave them alone! Frosted in garlic, simply sautéd to an al dente perfection, this dish was a great accompaniment to our meat and noodle dishes without overpowering them.

The Mongolian Beef was definitely the favorite all around, eliciting the highest amount of praise from the crowd. When I asked what made the beef so tender, Chef giggled and said she bought a machine especially to cut the meat for this dish. First the beef is defatted, tendons removed, then marinated. The sauce for the final preparation is as delicate as the meat itself, tossed with green onions, and poured over crispy noodles.

The 10 Ingredient Chow Mein combined an array of meats, shrimp, and vegetables with soft noodles. This dish is available with the house homemade noodles ($1.25 up charge) which is a recipe Chef learned from her mother. Other recipes Chef Tieth-Sun Cheng brought from home are the Mu Shu pancakes and Pot Stickers.

Fresh, healthy ingredients are important to Black Pearl. They use absolutely no MSG, no nitrites, as well as no artificial colors. And they limit the amount of sugar, sodium, and corn starch in their dishes, and use only white meat chicken. So often I leave Asian restaurants feeling sluggish. This wasn't the case with Black Pearl -  I was satisfied and energized!

Chef Juei-Hsi Cheng and Chef Tieth-Sun Cheng,
"Ray" and "Marlene", owners of Black Pearl

Chef Tieth-Sun Cheng and husband Chef Juei-Hsi Cheng, who most know as Marlene and Ray, moved to Shoreline in 1987. In 1989 they opened the first Black Pearl in the Wedgwood neighborhood. Ten years later, they opened their current location here in Shoreline.

They are the kindest people and treat their customers as an extension of their family. Their restaurant is clean, and staff is courteous. Free delivery to a 3 mile radius with a $10 minimum order.

Lunch Specials $6.75-8.25 (served until 4pm)
Appetizers $1.75-7.50
Entrees $8.25-11.95
Specialty Items $13-15

14602 15th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155, 206-365-8989

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11-9pm
Friday, Saturday 11-9:30pm
Sunday 4-9pm
Monday Closed



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Puerto Bonito Family Mexican Restaurant on Richmond Beach Road

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Photo by John Crawford

PUERTO BONITO Family Mexican Restaurant
630 Richmond Beach Road, Shoreline, WA  98177
Liquor license - Mexican beer, raspberry Margaritas, etc.


By John Crawford

My wife and I were pleasantly surprised and pleased with our dinner at the Puerto Bonito Family Mexican Restaurant on Sunday afternoon.

It is relatively new, and we had never tried it before. 

Try the raspberry margaritas
Photo by John Crawford

Abraham Garcia and his partner Felipe Sanchez opened Puerto Bonito Family Mexican Restaurant at 630 Richmond Beach Road in November. They have operated the Magnolia El Ranchon restaurant in Magnolia for the past 18 years.
  
We didn’t expect the restaurant would be so good.

We were pleasantly surprised, although truthfully it was just a tad pricey for Mexican food.  BUT – it WAS very good food. 

Booths or tables are available
Photo by John Crawford

The menu offers a broad selection of choices, including a number of seafood combinations. 

My deluxe seafood enchilada, stuffed with shrimp, crab and scallops ($16.25), was scrumptious.  My wife’s arroz con mariscos ($16.25) was equally tasty.

The owners completely gutted the place, which was previously Ricky's Bar, and remodeled it into a friendly restaurant space. Everything is bright and clean.

Patio dining in good weather
Photo by John Crawford

Once the weather improves, there is a patio for outdoor dining.

The service was friendly, and the food delicious.

Definitely worth a return trip.

We also liked the chips, salsa and guacamole….

Don't forget dessert
Photo by Diane Hettrick
Puerto Bonito is located in the shopping plaza on Richmond Beach Road anchored by QFC and Ace Hardware.  This is the area known as 4-Corners, where the neighborhoods of Hillwood, Richmond Highlands, Richmond Beach, and Innis Arden meet.




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Good Eats: Gyros and More

Sunday, July 17, 2011

By Sean Wheatley

I love finding these gems around Shoreline. And I always seem to be loving almost everything I find. One such gem is Gyro House Cafe and Grocery. 

Located behind Goldies Casino off of Aurora, this place seems straight out of New York or Los Angeles in its Middle Eastern style and authenticity. Mainly a quick order restaurant, the fridges are filled with various take out items, including a selection of Halal meats, prepared according to Muslim tradition.

The falafel, gyros and lamb sandwiches (spicy lamb pictured) are large meals onto themselves, but adding baba ganoush, hummus or feta is always a good call. The staff is great. After a couple visits, I know there are lots of things on their menu to try, including full plates instead of sandwiches, so I will return for more (and to get better photos once I get my new camera...). 

The simplicity of the grocery take out layout with the sparse dining area only means that it's all about the food. And it's some of the best falafel, Greek and Muslim food around.

1125 N 152 St  Gyro House Cafe and Grocery


Sean Wheatley's entertainment services business Seattle Parties keeps him busy in the evenings. He and his wife Leslie and son Dylan eat out so much that he started writing restaurant reviews, which he now shares with us.


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Good Eats: Grill King

Thursday, June 23, 2011

The Grill King.  Photo by Sean Wheatley
By Sean Wheatley

I should know not to make bets on football. Especially betting on the Seahawks and for payouts in full meals at the winner's choice of restaurant. A couple losses to my football buddy has had me breaking out the credit card at a couple great Korean places up in Lynnwood. A tradition was born. A yearly bet with a Korean Feast at stake. Finally, the Seahakws do better than the Vikings and it's my turn. Jon was nice enough to invite Leslie along and since it was lunch time, I didn't feel so bad about adding to the tab. We decided to check out a place we've been meaning to go to for a while.

Banchan.  Photo by Sean Wheatley.
Next to Shay's on Aurora, The Grill King is the latest incarnation on this spot. Continuing the Korean BBQ of the previous tenants, the Grill King has gotten it right. The banchan was served up quickly and often, featuring fairly good kimchi along with some interesting tofu and mystery vegetable sides. We ordered a Pa-jun, or seafood pancake, since we knew Dylan would love it for an after school meal. It came out hot and with great texture, but it lacked peppers and was very plain tasting. Good for Leslie though, since her Massachusetts up-bringing doesn't make for much tolerance for spicy food.

The grill is in the table.  Photo by Sean Wheatley

Kalbi short ribs and Bulgogi meats came out for grilling and we got to work on our middle of the table grill (it's a do it yourself or let the waiter help a bit cooking operation). The meats were tasty although we may have overcooked a couple pieces due to good conversation. You have to order two full orders of meat dishes to use the grill so it can get a bit pricey, but worth it. A soup that accompanies the meat order is chock full of flavor and is perfect when used in between all the other dishes, almost like a reverse palette cleanser. All in all, we had a great meal even though we didn't even get to talk football.

15740 Aurora Ave N   Grill King


Sean Wheatley's entertainment services business Seattle Parties keeps him busy in the evenings. He and his wife Leslie and son Dylan eat out so much that he started writing restaurant reviews, which he now shares with us.

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Good Eats: Pho Ha

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

By Sean Wheatley
For the last few years, Pho Ha has become a bit of an old standby for us. With always reliable soups with a variety of meat choices, this Aurora spot has become a classic. For a while our son Dylan had to have the beef soup (Pho Bac) with meatballs at least twice a week. I discovered the chicken variety (Pho Ga) to be an amazingly flavorful.

We also love getting the vermicelli noodles with the sweet and tangy sauce. Served cold, the beauty of this meal is the mix of pork (or chicken, but get the pork), fried spring roll, peanuts and veggies all among the noodles. I could eat this for days. Or nights. The place stays open until 11, which is a big bonus since there are so few places to eat later in the evening around these parts.

Pho Ha 15215 Aurora Ave N Vietnamese


Sean Wheatley's entertainment services business Seattle Parties keeps him busy in the evenings. He and his wife Leslie and son Dylan eat out so much that he started writing restaurant reviews, which he now shares with us.


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Good Eats: El Sabor

Thursday, April 21, 2011

El Sabor. Photo by Sean Wheatley.
by Sean Wheatley

Taqueria El Sabor opened a few years ago at one of those classic old Taco Bell buildings. The location had gone through a few incarnations (I particularly recall the slightly odd U-Grill Vegetarian), until finally hitting a home run with El Sabor. 

Opening day featured a mariachi band, jumpy houses for the kids, and half-price food all day long. The place had been transformed into an oasis of mexicana, complete with palm trees in the front and Univision on the TV screens inside. The food was really good, and a great time was had for all.

We return every once in a while for burritos, tacos, tortas, chili verde, and many other classic mexican dishes. Usually, you'll find as many as ten meat choices offered, grilled in the standard authentic way (like you would find in San Diego or Los Angeles, and of course, the streets of Mexico).
The excellent salsa bar is stocked with lots of choices and the free refills on the sodas and horchata is an added bonus. 

Photo by Sean Wheatley.
Then I discovered Mojarra, the fried fish plate. This is the kind of meal that makes me happy. Served with made-on-site flour or corn tortillas, a choice of veggies or rice and beans, this Caribbean fish (apparently it could be a tilapia) is served up hot for the plucking. I usually eat most of it straight from the plate, although making little fish tacos or mini burritos, depending on the tortilla you get, is another great way to enjoy it. 

This little taste of baja along Aurora always brightens any day.

15221 Aurora Ave N, El Sabor, Mexican food

Sean Wheatley's entertainment services business Seattle Parties keeps him busy in the evenings. He and his wife Leslie and son Dylan eat out so much that he started writing restaurant reviews, which he now shares with us.
 

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Good Eats: Grinder's

Saturday, March 26, 2011

By Sean Wheatley
One of the most popular and original places in Shoreline has to be Grinders. Serving up sandwiches which are well described on their website:

"The term "Grinder" can be traced back to the east coast, where, during WWII, Italian Immigrants set up sandwich shops close to the shipyards. These supersized sandwiches were a favorite of the hard working men who ground rivets off the warships. The friendly shop owners referred to these men as grinders and the ever-popular sandwiches also came to be known as Grinders. In addition to the tradition, true grinders must utilize fresh and bold ingredients like olive oil, garlic, marinated peppers and onions, basil, the finest salami, made fresh on the spot."

Featuring much more than specialty sub sandwiches, Grinders hosts live music, mostly blues bands, on Saturday nights as well as cooking classes every once in a while. Leslie and I stepped in one rainy early afternoon for a bite and some nice husband and wife time together - a rare occurrence these days with our business and eight-year-old keeping us swamped. When we walked in, the place looked really swanky for a sandwich joint, and was hopping from the lunch crowd, some tables set up community style. We weren't quite sure whether to be seated or go up at the counter, but quickly figured it out as regulars walked right up and ordered at the front which overlooks the prep area so you can see the master sandwich makers at work. We felt like a salad instead of two heavy sandwiches, so we ordered the Whack Whack Salad along with a Chicken Parmesan Grinder.

The salad came to us first and although filled with crisp lettuce, peppers, olives, croutons, cucumbers, cheese, tomatoes, and salami all chopped up into a mesh of Italian style salad goodness, there wasn't quite enough dressing on it to make it all work. The sandwich arrived halfway through the salad and although tasty and totally acceptable for Chicken Parmesan, it wasn't something we could really pick up and eat. The result was a nice Italian meal on toasted bread rather than a Grinder. We felt that maybe we ordered the wrong sandwich. With names like the Goomba, SauBall, Po'Boy and Dipper, on a fun to read menu with some nice sounding ingredients, there are many reasons to return to really appreciate what all the buzz is about.

Grinders   19811 Aurora Avenue North   Shoreline, WA 98133   206-542-0627

Sean Wheatley's entertainment services business Seattle Parties keeps him busy in the evenings. He and his wife Leslie and son Dylan eat out so much that he started writing restaurant reviews, which he now shares with us. 

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Good Eats - Restaurant Review - Jersey's

Friday, March 4, 2011

Photo by Sean Wheatley
by Sean Wheatley

After all these years driving by, and almost making it there with a friend who loves the Monday Night Football deals and fun crowd, I finally made it to Jersey's. My wife Leslie and I stopped in for an early lunch just after they opened, so we had the place to ourselves before it started filling up for the lunch rush. Located just across from TOP Foods on 175th, Jersey's is very clean and friendly, with one larger section with the bar and various sports on the flat screen TVs. The other room is more just for dining, but the memorabilia on the walls throughout Jersey's adds to the fun sports oriented feel.

Photo by Sean Wheatley
We've heard the food is quite good, and the rumors were right. Leslie had an almost impossibly tall club sandwich and I opted for the Kalbi steak sandwich. Both were above what we expected. Her sandwich had layers of tasty ingredients, including turkey, a savory slaw and a soft cheese with bacon for added crunch. The only issue we had is that Leslie had to smush the sandwich to get a full bite! My Kalbi Steak sandwich was amazing, with a mellow (sometimes kalbi can be spicy, not here) marinade on the perfectly cooked meat with slaw on a ciabatta bun. So good. Her fries were pub style and not too salty and I had a side salad which was not bad. Overall, Jersey's is a diamond in the rough - the rough part being the construction that's almost done along 175th. 

Although a sports bar with trivia nights, all day Sunday happy hour, etc., there is also a kids menu, and on Tuesdays kids eat free, so we'll be back.

Jersey's 1306 N 175th St. 206-546-4054 American

Sean Wheatley's entertainment services business Seattle Parties keeps him busy in the evenings. He and his wife Leslie and son Dylan eat out so much that he started writing restaurant reviews, which he now shares with us.
 

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Good Eats: Hot Food on a Cold Night

Friday, February 25, 2011

Kamrai Thai. Photo by Sean Wheatle
by Sean Wheatley

Our mild weather has given way to winter with a vengeance. It was pretty chilly the other night as Dylan and I walked past a favorite local restaurant, Kamrai Thai

We decided to pop in for Dylan's favorite food in the world, Pad Thai Noodles with fried tofu. They always remember exactly what he wants when he waltzes in. His food is half way cooked by the time I order. I often get their spicy garlic eggplant dish because, well, I love eggplant. 

This time I felt like something to warm me up. The ever reliable Tom Ka Gai soup would have done the job, but I went for the green curry with tofu.

Photo by Sean Wheatley
It was practically a soup anyway. The green beans and other veggies were lightly cooked, how I like it, and were still in the process of soaking in all the flavor when I started into it. The last bites were way better than the first, and actually, this dish was outstanding cold the next morning, like a Thai gazpacho. 

I've had quite a few items on their menu over the years and it's all good. I'm happy they have survived the economy and somewhat tough location. Kamrai does seem to have quite a few international students from nearby Shoreline Community College coming in, usually ordering 4 and 5 star spicy dishes. Not for me, these days. I ordered the green curry at 2 stars and let the subtle burn and delicious Thai flavors warm me on this mid-winter night.

Kamrai   900 N 160th St, Shoreline 98133   Thai

Sean Wheatley's entertainment services business Seattle Parties keeps him busy in the evenings. He and his wife Leslie and son Dylan eat out so much that he started writing restaurant reviews, which he now shares with us.

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Good Eats: Restaurant Review - Old Village

Friday, February 18, 2011

Ventilation hood for table grills. Photo by Sean Wheatley.
by Sean Wheatley
Shoreline has an abundance of Korean BBQs and restaurants. One of the most popular is in the Safeway Parkwood Shopping Center. Featuring real charcoal grills on each table (albeit with a gas range for fuel), 

Old Village also has an automatic exhaust system that comes down much like the cone of silence from the classic Get Smart TV show.

When a dear Korean friend came to visit from her new home back east (where there's not much as far as Korean fare), we knew exactly where to go. Jeong Min was thrilled to have some beef BBQ'd on the grill, and we were happy to oblige. 

Photo by Sean Wheatley
The one knock on this place is that it feels understaffed and it seems like certain tables get less attention despite the ringer at each booth.

Not this time, the waitress even helped us cook some of the beef and was quick to bring more kim chi and comped us a spicy miso soup that was hearty enough to be a meal onto itself. The pa-jun (seafood pancake) was ordered without hot peppers so my son Dylan could munch down what he coined the "Korean Pizza" without a spicy surprise every few bites. Nevertheless it was nice and crispy, with plenty of tasty squid cooked within. The beef was fantastic, especially when dipped into the impossibly salty dipping sauce. 

Photo by Sean Wheatley
All the sides (banchan) that usually come with a Korean meal were great and provided a variety from spicy (and just a little sour) kim chi to a macaroni salad, picked veggies and fish cake pieces in spicy sauces. All in all, one of the better Korean places in Shoreline, but there are many more to review.

Old Village   15200 Aurora Ave N.   Korean

Sean Wheatley's entertainment services business Seattle Parties keeps him busy in the evenings. He and his wife Leslie and son Dylan eat out so much that he started writing restaurant reviews, which he now shares with us.

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Good Eats: Restaurant Review - Star India

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Chicken Tikka Masala. Photo by Sean Wheatley
by Sean Wheatley
New Indian restaurant Star India has joined the bevy of excellent Shoreline eateries. Hailing from a family heavily involved in the food industry in India, Star India also has a popular restaurant in the West End of Vancouver, B.C. This is their first foray into the US. We found out about this place from a friendly looking older Sikh carrying a sandwich board along Aurora between 145th and 155th. 

Good thing, because the location, although on Highway 99, doesn't exactly pop out at you. The space has seen a few different restaurants give it a go, to not much success. Fortunately, I have a feeling Star India will be around for a while.

We ordered up a storm, starting with both Vegetable Pakoras and Vegetable Samosas. Things were starting off right. Then the Chicken Tikka Masala (pictured) came out steaming with green and red peppers with onions all atop a hot plate and this dish did not disappoint. The chicken was cooked perfectly, with just the crispness you'd want from a tandoori oven, yet tender enough to melt in your mouth. 

Photo by Sean Wheatley
The Butter Lamb was tasty too, although there didn't seem to be that much meat in the dish, and I'm beginning to think that my dinner mates gobbled most of it up. The third entree we ordered, the Saag Paneer, we tried a little on the spicier side (medium), and it was quite good as well. Perhaps they were being nice since we had kids, but the heat factor was still pretty low - barely a two star dish - but yummy nonetheless. 

We complemented the meal with tandoori breads Garlic Naan and Aloo Partha, along with Raita, Mango Chutney and of course some Taj Majal beer. The kids got a super treat -the best Mango Lassi I've ever tasted. A very friendly staff made the meal one of the better ones I've had in our fair city. We'll be back for the lunch buffet and for take out.

Star India    14725 Aurora Ave N    Indian

Sean Wheatley's entertainment services business Seattle Parties keeps him busy in the evenings. He and his wife Leslie and son Dylan eat out so much that he started writing restaurant reviews, which he now shares with us.

Read more...
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