Review - Nettletown - Seattle, WA

Nettletown

Almost hidden in a tiny strip mall along Eastlake Ave is Nettletown - It's in the old Sitka & Spruce location and next to Eastlake Teriyaki. After meeting a friend in Capitol Hill we decided to try lunch at Nettletown. 

Review - Petite Provence Boulangerie & Patisserie - Portland, OR

Petite Provence Boulangerie & Patisserie

After a 3 hour drive from Seattle to Portland our group was craving something sweet.  We had heard good things about a bakery in the Alberta Arts District, Garden Of Eden, or something like that.  So we decided to drive a little more to go there.  As we arrived at the bakery, we walked in, realized it was a Vegan bakery, and got terribly disappointed.  I'm not Vegan, so not down with the Vegan bakery - I've had bad experiences with Vegan Bakeries and their chickpea flour. ugh. It was pouring rain out, but we decided to walk down the street and see what we could find.  We were thinking that even a Starbucks would suffice.  

Review - Taste Of India - Seattle, WA

Taste Of India

So there was a time that I gave this place four stars, but either they have gone slightly downhill, or I've become more of an Indian food snob.  Our last couple experiences here just weren't as great as I remember them.  However, the bottomless Chai is still the best!  And when I say bottomless, I mean, literally, bottomless.  They refill your cup faster than you can drink it!  The iced and hot versions are both to die for, sweet and spicy...

Review - Fresh Bistro - Seattle, WA

Fresh Bistro

Despite living only about 20 minutes away, I rarely make it over to West Seattle.  But the occasional stroll along California Avenue is great!   For a friend's birthday dinner, we went to Fresh Bistro.   We were with a group of about 20, and unfortunately we didn't get to sit together.  So good to note, this place isn't great for groups.  We were seated in an area with our tables near each other, but were turning our chair around to be able to talk to people at other tables.  

Review - Bluebird Homemade Ice Cream & Tea Room

Bluebird Homemade Ice Cream & Tea Room

With warm weather approaching (FINALLY!), cold treats are so tempting!  While wandering through Capitol Hill on a lazy Sunday afternoon, we hit the Broadway Farmer's Market, then Bluebird Ice Cream!  

Review - Cupcake Royale

Cupcake Royale Capitol Hill Location

Cupcake Royale

With 5 locations in the Seattle/Bellevue area, Cupcake Royale has become the biggest local cupcake brand... Each of the locations is unique, and adorable, as are the cupcakes!  The frosting can be a little too sweet, and it's very sugary.  The cake is good, and the flavors seem endless!

Review - Staple & Fancy Mercantile - Ballard - Seattle, WA

Staple & Fancy Mercantile

 Located in Ballard just minutes from my house is the newest addition to the family of Ethan Stowell Restaurants, Staple & Fancy Mercantile.  We love Tavolata, and How To Cook a Wolf, so I have been looking forward to Staple & Fancy.

Review - Espressamente Illy - The Palazzo - Las Vegas, NV

Espressamente Illy

As I've stated on my blog before, my SO is a coffee snob - when we vacation he needs to find good coffee, although he will resort to Starbucks if that is his only choice.  He usually scopes out indie coffee houses with hipsters working as baristas, however, this appears to be something that is lacking in Las Vegas.

Review - Carnevino - Las Vegas, NV

Carnevino

We were promptly seated in the smaller dining area on the opposite side of the host station & bar.  After having dined in the main area before, I was a little disappointed, the side we were seated in is directly in the casino and really didn't give the fine dining ambiance we were hoping for. Not to mention the blaring music - Red Hot Chili Peppers, really? At what is described as fine dining? The music was too loud, and along with the noise from the casino, I might as well have chosen to dine at a cafe.  Our server even commented that he had to tune out the bad choice in music and blamed Mario Batali for the music selection.  Ugh.

Anyways, on to the food...

Review - Bouchon Bakery - Las Vegas, NV

Bouchon Bakery

I love that I don't have to go to Yountville to get a Bouchon Bakery fix...We visit Las Vegas frequently, and if we are at the Venetian, we stop at Bouchon Bakery.  Even if it's just for a giant Macaron or a Chocolate "Bouchon".  

Easter 2011 - Lunch and Cookie Decorating!

I wasn't raised in a religious family. And as much as I am aware that this will offend people, celebrating Easter really isn't much more than a commercial holiday to me - and I love to have an excuse to buy brightly colored decorations and get my family together!

Review - Simply Desserts - Fremont - Seattle, WA

Simply Desserts

Although I do appreciate a Trophy cupcake from time to time, I really prefer a slice of cake. The perfect ratio of frosting and cake - not to mention it's so much easier to eat!

Simply Desserts in Fremont owns my sweet tooth. Whether it's the Chocolate White Chocolate or the Blueberry Lemon - every single bite has been heavenly.

Review - Trophy Cupcakes

Trophy Cupcakes

So in the past few years Cupcakeries have been popping up everywhere.  Every city I visit has some cupcake place claiming to be the best.  Crumbs and Magnolia in NYC, Trophy and Cupcake Royale in Seattle.  So far, Trophy Cupcakes is my favorite.

Review - Mesa Grill - Las Vegas, NV

Mesa Grill

Sometimes it's difficult to write a review for a restaurant that you have been so repeatedly, it's hard to remember your initial reaction to the decor, the lighting, the overall ambiance.  If the food is good the first time, you will likely return a second.  If it's good the second and third times, you will likely become a regular.  I'll admit, the first time we dined at Mesa Grill, it was solely because I was hooked on watching Bobby Flay on Boy Meets Grill.  I followed a few of his recipes, and thought we might as well try one of his restaurants.

Sale - Rosanna Inc Tableware

I love Rosanna's tableware.  Everything is gorgeous - and I love it even more when it's on sale!  Rosanna Inc hosts a bi-annual warehouse sale in Seattle if you're in the area, it's awesome!  I have managed to always leave with a trunk full of fun stuff, some for gifts, but most of it I keep!  My SO thinks I am crazy.  He hates going to the sample sale with me because it's an insane amount of people crammed into a tiny warehouse, shuffling around with glass and ceramics.  And mostly women. There is nothing at this sale to hold his interest, but he's a sweetheart and he will hold my extra heavy boxes and help me lug them out to the car!

But today, I will spare him.  He doesn't have to go, he doesn't even have to lift a heavy box, for at least a week, maybe two.  Today only, Rue La La is having a Rosanna Sample Sale! 

Restaurant Deals - Blackboard Bistro, West Seattle

Today Rue La La Seattle is featuring Blackboard Bistro in West Seattle for their deal of the day! For $20, you will receive a voucher for $40 towards food or drink during lunch or happy hour only.  The voucher is valid from April 9 through October 1, 2011.  There is also a blackout date: May 14, 2011.

Rue La La sells vouchers/coupons usually at 50% off.  If you've used Groupon, it's the same kind of thing.  Rue La La also has clothing, accessories and housewares sample sales daily, so I love to check out those sales as well!  There's zero obligation after you sign up, and you can opt out of emails if you want to.  Rue La La is a members only site, but you can click here to sign up and get this deal!

Restaurant Deals - Blackboard Bistro, West Seattle

Cheesesteak Sliders?  Brussels Sprouts with Molasses Glazed Pork Belly?  I have had Blackboard Bistro on my list of places to try for a few months now, but we rarely visit West Seattle, so this may be my chance to do it, and with a discount!  

On Friday, April 8th, Rue La La Seattle is featuring Blackboard Bistro in West Seattle for their deal of the day.  They sell vouchers/coupons usually at 50% off.  If you've used Groupon, it's the same kind of thing.  Rue La La also has clothing, accessories and housewares sample sales daily, so I love to check out those sales as well!  There's zero obligation after you sign up, and you can opt out of emails if you want to.  Rue La La is a members only site, but you can click here to sign up and get this deal!

Blackboard Bistro
West Seattle
3247 California Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98116

Hours: Tuesday 5:00pm - 10:00pm
            Wednesday - Thursday & Sunday 11:30am - 10:00pm
            Friday - Saturday 11:30am - 11:00pm

Review - Cuoco

Cuoco

My SO and I remember when Anthony Bourdain once said something like, "You just want to pay someone to not fuck up your pasta".  We loved that, because it's so true.  Pasta although an easy thing to cook, isn't always done correctly.  Of course, Tom Douglas' new Italian spot didn't disappoint!

Review - Dahlia Bakery

Dahlia Bakery

Where does one find the best doughnuts in Seattle? Not at Top Pot.  Definitely not at Krispy Kreme.  They are at the Dahlia Bakery!  As you enter, you can smell the baked goodness of fresh breads wafting in the air.  You can pay more to have them served on a plate at Lola during brunch or at the Dahlia Lounge, but why?  Dahlia Bakery is right next door to Dahlia Lounge, and across the street from Lola, and a bag of 6 doughnuts is $6.  (used to be $5 not so long ago, but eh, inflation, no worries).

Review - Book Bindery

Book Bindery

Walking in to Book Bindery, you immediately feel the warm welcoming vibe as if you entered into a familiar place. The atmosphere feels like the love child of Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware. The dim lighting and soft glow from the candle lights make it cozy.