King of jewelers and jeweler to me

One more review to put me in a better mood. One of my favorite places to go in the world, period, is Cartier. Cartier Seattle is not Cartier Paris or New York but still a great place to go to be surrounded by beautiful things. Maybe I'm not really an existentialist. Who cares.

I tend to be drawn to their watches. I don't want to give away how many I have but it is likely too many. They may not have the movement quality of a Patek but they look better in my opinion and run fine. Cartier cost less which means less cost for service. Also, not many know of Patek or Mille but everyone recognizes a Cartier. Of course, everyone should have one Philippe. Cartier also makes great belts and wallets. Sure they cost money but the quality is there. Their paper goods get overlooked but I have not been able to find better Christmas cards. I'm going to leave the review of other jewelry to the ladies. You could get better value at Tiffany but you get more sophistication at Cartier.

The look of the store is similar to other boutiques, just smaller. High class exterior with dark stone and upscale yet simple interior show off their ware perfectly. They don't have everything on hand considering their size but I have not had any trouble having items shipped in. Plus, they rotate merchandise regularly and have at least one item I consider picking up. I find the service outstanding. However, since I am a regular customer, I can't give an objective opinion. Come by and you might see me there. In Pacific Place on Pine and 6th. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Merchandise: 29
Store/decor: 26
Service: 28
Cost: Too much

http://www.cartier.com/

Update: Cartier Seattle has unfortunately closed. Fortunately, they have opened a boutique at Neiman Marcus in Bellevue with most of the original staff. Although I usually stick to the west side of the lake, I make it a point to visit from time to time.

Rover's

Why do I keep going on planes? It's a known fact airlines cancel flights at the last minute to save money when they do not have enough passengers. I get the urge to review airlines at times but what would be the point? With the exception of JetBlue and sometimes American and Alaska, the other domestics aren't worth a damn.

To put me in a better mood, I'll review Rover's. It has been said that Rover's has one of the best food in the city. I agree. First, the food is actually prepared correctly. I can't remember how many times I have gotten rock cold butter at other Seattle joints when paying over $100 a head. Second, the food is fresh, seasoned well with good pairing of flavors. They pride themselves on using local ingredients and fresh seafood and it shows. Where the food falls slightly behind compared to the great restaurants in Paris or New York is in the inventiveness. There is not the "wow" factor you expect at this price either in the presentation or preparation. I recommend getting their paired tasting menu where I've been surprised at the quality of wines. Five course is enough; you leave full but not stuffed which is amazing considering you just ate 5000 calories.

Service is good but not great. If it was all about friendliness and promptness I would give them perfect points. However considering they aspire to be a first class french restaurant, I expect them to know which side to serve from and to serve everyone at the table at the same time. You can't beat the "chef in the hat" for a good conversation, though. The setting is cozy with only 17 tables. It's rustic french which I don't mind although they can't quite cover up that they're in suburbia. Like many restaurants in the "city" Rover's is actually far from downtown in Madison. This, of course, means that you have to find parking considering their lot is small and hard to find. As long as I don't have to fly. On E Madison near 28th. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Food: 27

Decor: 24

Service: 25

Cost: $180

http://www.rovers-seattle.com/

206-325-7442

Goodbye Croc!

It's sad when something that makes Seattle unique closes. It's like a little piece of the city dies. I am talking about the closure of Crocodile Cafe on 2nd and Blanchard. It was truly an institution and I don't know if anything could replace it. I know in life everything must change but it is hard to give up something that gave the area so much character. Without places like the Croc, downtown will become just some sterile, cookie-cutter collection of tall buildings. Trust me that is no city, that's downtown Bellevue. I always laugh when elected officials make a fuss over how to give developers more room to build taller and closer but don't care at all to preserve the vibrancy and spirit of downtown. I have said this a million times and I'll say it again; unless you make downtown LIVEABLE and EXCITING Seattle will never be the great city it can be. The link is to the article in Seattle PI. Good luck Croc, godspeed.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/pop/343960_crocodile18.html

Update: The Croc has opened under new ownership!

Georgian will get you laid

Say you ended up spending the night with someone out of your league. Now she is about to wake up and you have to quickly think of a place to take her for breakfast so that she doesn't think you were a drunken mistake. Easy, just take her to the Georgian at the Fairmont!

It is old world meets great food. You have to pay for it but there is nowhere in Seattle more fancy for morning eats. The decor is formal and all class with an open feel and chandeliers. Seating is perfect for two if you both sit in one of the booths. The service is top notch and as attentive as it gets in Seattle. I haven't found anything I didn't like on the menu, yet. The egg benedicts are fantastic but I also like the french toast with a side of bacon or the omelets. Splurge and try the fresh juices or order a bloody mary. Avoid the buffet since their selection is not that large.

There is a dress code meaning you should lend her one of your clean dress shirts (giving you a reason to call her later). If you truly want to impress her, do the valet parking for $20. Ladies, if a guy takes you here he REALLY REALLY likes you. On University near 4th. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Food: 26
Decor: 27
Service: 26
Cost: Breakfast $40

http://www.fairmont.com/seattle/GuestServices/Restaurants/TheGeorgian.htm
206-621-7889

What does Purple taste like?

Purple is a local chain of wine bars/restaurants. I've been to the Woodinville and the downtown Seattle locations. This review is about the one in the city, of course. It is a decent place overall but the reason I keep going back is the decor and atmosphere.

Although it occupies a two story lot, only the back has the second story meaning the ceiling is very high for the rest. The mood is swanky and romantic at night with a circular stairway to nowhere. The place is packed even on week nights giving it a lively and "happening" feel. I usually grab a seat at the bar since I decide to go here last minute. See if you can get a couch at the bar upstairs since it is the most comfortable and has a view.

Food is OK. Their salads are fresh and savory and what I usually go for. I'm not sure if I like the small plates enough to try anything twice. The pastas are heavy like they used real cream but not bad. I find the wine list a bit limited. They offer low to mid priced decent wines but nothing special. I wish they at least offered a few higher end wines to choose from. The prices are 10-20% higher than perfect. The service is usually good and always friendly. On 4th and University. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Food: 20
Decor: 25
Service: 22
Cost: Dinner $40

http://www.thepurplecafe.com/
206-829-2280

Ruksa that Buddha

While on the subject of West Seattle, there is another gem of a restaurant that I go to frequently. Buddha Ruksa holds it's own compared to any thai in the city. They are never as busy as I would expect. This is likely from their location as they are in a residential neighborhood away from other restaurants. That's fine; more thai for me.

I have noticed even the best thai joints in Seattle tend to over salt their food especially when you ask for spicy. Not so here where the food is seasoned well. The dishes are light while having intense flavor and being very fresh. The curries and phad thai are great but I am a sucker for ginger chicken and salad rolls. Their spicy long beans is the best way I know of getting your daily serving of vegetables.

The service is always friendly and reasonably prompt. The decor is surprisingly clean, tranquil and upscale considering how they look from the outside. Parking can be a problem (as always) but you should be able to find something on one of the side streets. Near SW Genesee and Fauntleroy SW. Be sure to check the map before you go since it's easy to get lost. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Food: 23
Decor: 21
Service: 21
Cost: Dinner $20

http://www.buddharuksa.com/
206-937-7676

But Mashiko is in West Seattle!

I consider Mashiko the best sushi/japanese restaurant in the area as well as being just a cool place. How can you not like a place that calls itself the "Sushi Whore?" Hey, I'm as ticked as you are that I have to get in my car and drive 20 minutes to get there, but that's life. Shiro's and Nishino have nothing on this place. I give props to Toyoda in Lake City for their authenticity but you can't beat Mashiko for food. Mr. Hajime Sato is both owner and chef and makes the tastiest and fresh sushi and rolls in the city. The sheer variety of the menu is amazing from udon and tempura to japanese curries and authentic small plates. It's best to go as a group and share many dishes. Ask for the chicken yaki udon, nuclear spicy and you won't be disappointed. I always grab the fried soft shell crab when available.

Service can be slow but I give them a break considering how packed they are all the time. It is usually impossible to get a table as a walk-in and you can't call ahead. I used to wait an hour or more to eat here then I found the trick. Since they won't take reservations if anyone is on the waiting list (which is pretty much all the time), you call as soon as they open and voila, you can reserve a table for any time that day. Don't say I never did anything for ya.

I've heard complaints about how small, cramped and simple the decor is. This is EXACTLY how a neighborhood sushi place is supposed to look. I suggest the city of West Seattle give Mr. Sato a tax break because I am seriously considering helping him move downtown. The main problem going here is parking which is slightly better than Ballard (i.e. impossible). No pleasure without pain, right? Near SW Alaska and California SW. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Food: 25
Decor: 18 but perfect
Service: 18
Cost: Dinner $35

http://www.sushiwhore.com/

206-935-4339

Tini Bigs

Another place I go late or even after work is Tini Bigs. They are located at the north end of Belltown on the border with Queen Anne. I like the atmosphere. Built as a lounge, it's not presumptuous and you see many locals stop by for happy hour before going home. In the evenings it gets busier and more intimate and it's fun just to people watch Saturday night.

They offer many variations of the martini, or more correctly, cocktails in martini glasses. The drinks are good and taste as advertised which is no small feat. I grab dinner at times. The burger is a solid choice which I top with bacon and cheddar. It's large, juicy and a good value but the fries are usually burned. Tropical prawns and the steaks are good too. I get the fish tacos when I want to feel healthy although I'm not sure I like them.

The service can be very slow if you wait for the waitress. My advice is to sit at the bar; the bartenders are prompt and friendly. I drive here much of the time since it is so far north. Parking can be hit or miss but I usually find something in 5 minutes. On 1st and Denny. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Food: 15

Decor: 20

Service: 19

Cost: Dinner with drink $25

http://www.tinibigs.com/

206-284-0931

Update: There have been quite a number of changes at Tini Bigs. First, the bartenders that have been there for years are gone. Second, they have gutted the bar with much less choice in liquors and drinks.

1521 + 2nd = #1?

I first heard of 1521 2nd Ave two years ago. Then, for some reason, I forgot about it and never followed up until much later. Was I unconsciously intimidated by the "priced from one-million dollars" plastered on their ads? Did I dismiss the project due to my perception of the shadiness of the location at the time? Was I more interested in their neighbors, the Four Seasons and Madison Tower? Who knows. All I can say is that I kick myself whenever I think about it.

Looking back, the advantages of the project should have been obvious. The condo sits on what I now consider to be the most prime location in the city. It's exactly between the retail core and Pike's Market. It is on the south end of Belltown in walking distance to most restaurants, Benaroya, and theaters. The transit hub is 2 blocks away including the monorail, light rail to the airport and the SLUT (yea, I said it.) I also like that it is on 2nd Ave rather than the more busy and congested 1st. 1521 has one of the few TRULY protected water views in the city (although you can never be completely sure.) The building sits just east of a plot of land that the development partner owns and will be an 8 story hotel. It has protected views facing west and north from agreements with buildings on the same block and Pike's Market beyond. There are a few issues. They are fighting about the height of the building just south of them and the southern view might be severely blocked. Other smaller buildings southwest on the same block can be raised around 20 stories. The neighborhood still needs improving with Show Girls next door, although I personally consider this an advantage.

The units are large even on the lower levels with at most 5 condos per floor limiting the building to 143. They start about 1700sq ft with no less than 2 bedrooms each. I heard that developers bought northeast corner 1973sq ft units. I consider this the best line considering the size and the northwestern ocean/eastern city view, although the northwest corner has been most popular. The showroom started the trend of large unit mock ups in Seattle and I was impressed with the quality. The finish is very modern with automatic blinds and clean lines. They strived for a "penthouse" trim on all the units and it shows with top level appliances and fixtures. The french aspen entry is impressive when seen. Indeed, there is no option to upgrade (no better to upgrade to) just to add; wine fridges, etc. Unfortunately, they include a "glassroom" instead of a balcony which is basically a room where the upper window wall can be completely folded out. You cannot grill in this space. The glassroom is also where most fireplaces are which I consider awkward. They require you to finish the master walk-in closet yourself. Although they give you a small allowance, it is not nearly enough to cover the cost and they limit you to California Closets which I consider a piece of junk.

Since they are a traditional condo, not a condo-hotel, they do not offer the same amount of services. That is not to say the amenities are poor. All the usual suspects are there including a 24 hour doorman/concierge, workout room, children's playroom, rooftop terrace and a porte cochere for spoiled women who don't want to get their purses wet (not you, hun.) This helps keep the HOD low around $0.50 per sq ft. You read that right; the home owners dues are less than half that of the Four Seasons and less by far than any other premium development in the city. Some buyers and realtors have argued that the lack of amenities lessens the quality of 1521. I have tried to reveal the foolishness of this belief many times. With the money you save on HOD you can join a large gym at Hotel 1 (exactly like the residents there) or go to spa at the Four Seasons a block away. I can hire a cleaning person myself and I have never liked any restaurant enough to go more than a few times a month.

That brings me to the final advantage of 1521. Although they advertise prices start at $1 million, they actually start around $900K with a number of units around the $1 million mark. If you consider how large the units are, you are looking at $500-$600 per sq ft for a good chunk of the condos they offer. Adding in the quality of the finishes included, the best word to describe how good a value (especially on lower level west/north units) you could have gotten here is, "insane." I say "could have gotten" because they are basically sold out. A few large units remain on the top floors. Ah, what could have been! Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Location: 27
Building/unit quality: 28
Amenities: 25
Cost: +$900k

http://www.1521second.com/

Escala etcetera

Sorry for the lack of posts recently. Been on vacation. It was fun but getting back was hell. It seems from the comments that you guys are most interested in condos so I thought I would start off again with my review of Escala downtown. I had a chance to go to the grand opening of their showroom and have been back a couple of times since. The food at the party was good, although not as great as the mini burgers at the grand opening of the Gallery. I'll try not to let that influence me.

Escala is another one of the new "thin and tall" buildings (see correction in comment) which seems to be the trend in condo design in Seattle these days. I had reservations about the look of the building in the beginning but the more I look at it the more it looks appealing, almost futuristic. One of the biggest selling points is readily apparent from the outside; huge balconies. Some of the decks on the upper levels are over 200sq ft and are large enough to have their own fireplace. The sales person noted that the codes were changed so that no other condos in Seattle will have balconies of that size. That's a real shame because having such large balconies almost makes it feel like you have a backyard.

Since the showroom for Escala is large and they have a full size condo mock up, it was easy to picture what the interiors would really look like. I am assuming that the actual condos will look the same which can be a leap of faith. Overall, the interior of the condos have a transitional look meaning that they have a more traditional style compared to other new developments. The base finish does leave something to be desired as they only include basic mid-level stainless steel appliances. Another place that the lower quality shows is in the bathroom fixtures. They can be upgraded impressively for a price, of course. Units have a washer and dryer but they are condensing (ductless) dryers which can take hours to dry a load.

The units start from about 1000sq ft although they always seem to include the deck and foyer in calculating the size. A unique aspect of Escala is that every unit has a foyer; a hallway between the elevator and the front door that is not shared with another unit. I am not sure if this is a plus or a minus since you get privacy but can only access your unit from one elevator and are cut off from your neighbors. The prices start from about $600k and quickly increase from there.

HOD are about $0.80 per sq ft but this is where the story takes a turn for the worse. As an owner of a unit you must also be a member of their private club. The list of amenities is huge because of this including a private restaurant, bar, spa, wine cellar, gym with pool, etcetera. For this privilege you are REQUIRED to spend several hundred dollars a month on top of home owners dues which adds up to several thousand dollars extra a year. I can see the novelty of trying the services like a massage or a private dinner initially but I can also see it getting real old real fast.

Location is slightly too east for my taste. It is close to shopping and some Belltown restaurants but I doubt there will be much of a view after further development in the area in the coming years. The only protected view is south down 4th avenue as it sits on the bend in the road between Virginia and Stewart. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Location: 23
Building/unit quality: 24
Amenities: 27
Cost: +$600k

http://www.escalamidtown.com/

Update: Escala has dumped their private club and associated fees to entice buyers. New HOD is little above $0.50 per sq ft although there is concern this might increase significantly over time.

2 of every bagel, please

Having lived on the east coast, it is hard to find a decent bagel in Seattle. New Yorkers say that it's the water that makes their bagels so good. If that's the case, I wish someone would ship some over. The only reasonable facsimile in the area I found is Noah's. I know, I know; it's a chain. They seem to have started in California and have locations in CA, Oregon and here in Washington. I go to the one in Queen Anne since it is the closest.

Let's get this out of the way first. The bagels are OK but not great. I don't think it's from a lack of effort; maybe it IS the water. It's hard to describe but the best I can do is that they are just not chewy enough when toasted. They do have many different kinds and I usually go for the super onion or blueberry (heretic). When I feel adventurous I go for a "shmear" of tomato basil or strawberry (heretic squared). They have other items as well including breakfast sandwiches, bagel dogs and lunch items.

The decor is clean and reminds me almost of a corner shop in France. It is small meaning that it's hard to find a seat at times. Service is courteous and prompt with customers in line giving orders then picking up as they get filled. They do have a following as evidenced by the line in the mornings. The major gripe of going there for me is always parking. It can get BAD. I think I once circled for 20 minutes before giving up. If you feel lucky, you can park at the Safeway across the street. On Queen Anne and Boston. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format. P.S.-let me know if you know a better place for bagels.

Food: 18
Decor: 16
Service: 20
Cost: Breakfast $6

http://www.noahs.com/index2.html
206-282-6744

Whole Foods at 2200

In my quest to review anything and everything in downtown Seattle, I am about to review a grocery store. I am not sure if I have ever seen a review of a grocery store before in Seattle or even if one has been attempted but here goes. Enjoy.

I am partial to Whole Foods in general and try to go there for veggies, and meats. I always get my eggs and milk there since a friend of mine told me how much hormone is in non-organic milk and eggs. Scary. I know that you can get organic foods at regular markets but it feels extra safe getting them at Whole Foods. I also appreciate that they try to encourage sustainable farming and their general environmental awareness. Their food always seems to be fresh and top quality. In those ways the Whole Foods at 2200 is no different than any other I have been to.

Where they are different is the size. Due to constrains of space in downtown the store is about 7/10th scale compared to most "full" Whole Foods markets I have been to. They tend to have most of the departments found at other stores. However, the selections and variety is a bit lower meaning that there are only 20 different olive oils to chose from instead of the usual 35. The areas that affect me the most are the high end deli, wine and produce. The prepared food section does not seem to be any smaller although they do not have a crepe station.

The store itself is very clean and well organized as all Whole Foods. They have good decor; kind of upscale farmer's market. I once read an interview with the CEO of Costco who said that he has a hard time not buying more than he intended every time he goes to a Whole Foods. I agree. There is something about the store that makes you buy more. The parking for the store is fantastic. The garage is new with large parking spaces, there is always room and you get 90 minutes free as long as you buy $15. The staff is nice and very knowledgeable. They are happy to answer questions and I can't even count how many free cheese samples they let me have. Even the parking attendant says "thank you" as you leave.

I only have a few gripes with them. It actually involves Whole Foods in general and not this store in particular. First, you do pay a premium to shop there. I usually figure I spend 15-20% more than if I had just gone to my local Safeway. This is partially offset by what I consider to be better quality foods (this may or may not be a reality). Also, considering what they stand for and try to do I don't mind paying the difference. Another bother is that they simply do not carry some common products because they do not meet Whole Foods standards. Therefore, although I have pretty much been able to buy a bottle of Coca-Cola in the most remote parts of the world, I cannot buy it at Whole Foods. Last, I usually find that the prepared foods look and smell great but taste just ordinary. These do not take away from my general high opinion of Whole Foods and this store in particular. On Denny and Westlake. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Merchandise: 27
Store/decor: 24
Service: 26
Cost: 15-20% over a generic grocery

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/westlake/index.html

CJ's in BT

My dearest is complaining that I am cranky and critical today. That's what happens when I don't get attention for a whole day, babe. To cheer her up and prove I'm no cynic, I am going to write a review of CJ's restaurant in Belltown. Those who do not live close by might not realize that it is actually a thriving business. This is because they only open for breakfast and lunch. They tried a couple of times serving dinner but didn't seem to have had much success. Go there in the morning especially on weekends, however, and you are guaranteed a wait before being seated.

This is a good, old fashioned diner; plain and simple. The food is tasty and hearty and there is plenty of it considering how little you are paying for it in Belltown. I like the barnyard omelet. What is it about crispy bacon and cheese in an egg blanket? Their hash browns are always creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The pancakes are as large as my head. I also like the fact that they didn't try to make the decor into some folksy imitation of what people imagine a diner to be. It is open, clean and simple; perfect for this sort of thing.

The service is surprisingly fast and friendly considering how crazy they get at times. If you go before 9am on weekdays you get a small price break on a few dishes. Going there often makes my tummy and heart all warm. See honey, I told you I had it in me. On 1st between Cedar and Vine. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Food: 20
Decor: 17
Service: 20
Cost: Breakfast $12

No web site
206-728-1648

1 hotel and condo

My significant other is busy today and I am bored. It's either this or drink and I'm trying to cut down. Hotel 1 peaked my interest when it was announced. There was some wait as it took them time to develop the project and many changes have been announced to the original plan. Furthermore, it seems that they will halt construction over the holidays due to traffic rules although I have not heard the same excuse from other downtown developers.

I commend the development of an environmentally conscious hotel brand although I get the feeling that it's just a new scheme developers have embraced to sell their ware. Don't get me wrong, I'm as capitalist as they get but I wonder how much this hotel will advance the cause of environmental responsibility. In any case, the new hotel and condo will be in an enviable location close to shopping, restaurants and Pike's Market. People have expressed concern about the shadiness of the Pine/Pike-2nd/3rd area. I am of the opinion that it will quickly become "the" neighborhood downtown with the construction of this project, 1521 and the Four Seasons. My concern is more about their view. It is fine now but there can be significant development on both the west and south adjacent blocks.

I was impressed with the trim and finish of all the units. There are high end touches, fixtures and appliances all around. As you may be aware, the lower private residences composed of mostly smaller units now have been converted to more city-suites starting around $450k. City-suites are the only rooms the hotel has to rent as there are no exclusive hotel rooms. This is both a plus and a minus. It might help with income if you plan on renting out your unit regularly. However, you have to give the hotel a certain number of nights for free to use for their "promotions" and the hotel always gets their cut (i.e. management fees) first. Potential buyers fear that the income from renting out their units will not cover their cost even under the best circumstances and I think they are right. The home owner dues are just north of a dollar per sq ft and everyone has to pay including city-suite owners. You should know that you cannot personalize the city-suites in any way. That means no pictures, photos; not even a towel or a pillow. You do not get parking with a city-suite and cannot buy one.

The residence condos are above the city-suites starting at over a million for a 1300sq ft unit. You do get parking under the building with guest parking in the adjacent parking structure that the developer is also refurbishing. You do not get a free membership at the main gym however and must pay for this separately. Overall, buying an actual condo in this building might be OK. I expected more for the high HOD they charge and you can definitely get more sq ft per dollar at most other condos in the area. I would stay away from the city-suites like the plague. Of course, city-suites are the most popular. Go figure. Maybe it is people trying to get in cheap at a top tier condo hoping the rental will cover their cost. Maybe I'm a monkey and this blog is a figment of your imagination. You decide. I actually like the look of the building overall and think it is a good fusion of the modern and traditional. It's certainly better than screwing on a modern glass structure on top of a plain brown building. I'm getting cranky; maybe I need that drink after all. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Location: 26
Building/unit quality: 28
Amenities: 27
Cost: +$450k city-suites, +$1 million condos

http://www.1residences.com/

Update: Hotel 1 is in redesign due to most buyers of city-suites backing out before putting down a deposit. They will have traditional hotel rooms instead. Maybe people do listen to sound advice.

Update 2: Hotel 1 has been shelved due to the market. It is currently represented by a literal hole in the ground.

Four Seasons Seattle

This is my review of the preeminent condo being developed in Seattle. It has a great view, combines the service excellence of the Four Seasons brand and is being developed by some of the most prominent figures in Seattle. It is rumored that even Bill Gates has bought a unit. Starting to feel nervous, I better be on my game!

Let me start with the showroom. The presentation center was built before the recent trend of over-the-top extravagant showrooms therefore felt a bit small. I mention this because while I saw some representations of the finishes as well as a kitchen, it was hard to picture the whole condo unit like I could at Escala or Hotel 1. The prices are sky high (of course) with units starting at about $2 million. I was a little worried at the base level of finish included in this price range; example, granite counter tops are an upgrade. Many of the smaller, lower priced homes (still over 1300sq ft) do not have water views. There is an owners lounge facing the water but it's a small condolence when your unit faces the street. The windows facing south are not full windows but slits near the ceiling due to the proximity of the building next door. I also was concerned about the floor plan of some of the units with unusual placements of rooms and hallways. I wish that Seattle condo developers would seriously consider making any unit larger than 2000sq ft at least 3 bedrooms.

The look of the building itself puzzles me. The earlier mock ups showed an all glass structure but this was changed to brown siding on the lower levels where the hotel rooms are, possibly due to cost. The location is not prime since I consider it slightly too south. Home owner dues are high around $1.25 per sq ft and considering that most units are large and there are property taxes to worry about...well, you get the picture. The parking is a little unusual as well. They are 2 spaces deep meaning that you have to park back to back. As the sales person stated, "you can let the valet do it."

Everything considered, it is still hard to argue that this will not be the signature address of the city. If you can spare the cash then I highly recommend it. However, I felt the developers leveraged that prestige into being somewhat cheap. I have no doubt that the building and units will turn out well but I couldn't help feeling nickle-and-dimed. That is precisely the opposite of how I usually feel about the Four Seasons brand which is what I find most bothersome (Four Seasons Paris is the best hotel in the world in my opinion). Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Location: 26

Building/unit quality: 26

Amenities: 29

Cost: +$2 million

http://www.seattleprivateresidences.com/

Stinking fish

There is a restaurant in town that is so over-hyped yet so mediocre that I am forced to think they either; a) pay off reviewers or b) are part of the mafia. The restaurant in question is Flying Fish.

Did I miss something? Was this a decent eatery at some point? I will admit the fish is fresh and prepared in a delightfully adequate way. However, their portions are small, they are over priced and every time I eat there I feel ripped off. I keep going back thinking maybe it was just that night or that I might not have "gotten it." At this point, I feel I have gotten all there is and it is not much.

What is left of their view will soon be blocked by the Alex condos. To top it of, the wait staff is arrogant and sloooooooooooooooooow. Please take this advice: DO NOT GO TO FLYING FISH! On 1st and Bell if you don't believe me. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Food: 17
Decor: 22
Service: 10
Cost: Dinner $80

http://flyingfishrestaurant.com/

206-728-8595

Update: Flying Fish has moved to the Denny Triangle by the new Amazon offices. The rest of the review stands.

Put that steak in my heart

This has got to be my favorite restaurant in Seattle. Well, that changes week to week so let's just say that El Gaucho has the best steak in the city. What's not to like? The meat is grade AAA and aged perfectly. They actually make medium-rare medium-rare. You even get a show when you order certain dishes as the servers prepare it in front of you.

Decor is steak-house perfect with low lighting (which helps hide the amount of saturated fat you are about to put into your body) and live piano music. The service is top notch. The only bother is that the waiters want you to order "enough." One of the few formal, dress up restaurants in the area. I highly recommend the flaming swords or the porterhouse and the Caesar. Make sure you order plenty of sides (my favorite is the linguine) but save room for the free fruits and cheese. On 1st near Wall. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Food: 27

Decor: 26

Service: 26

Cost: Dinner $120

http://elgaucho.com/elgaucho/_seattle/home.htm

206-728-1337

Pizza Belltown

I enjoy finding "local joints." You know, places that locals go to hang out. It might not be anything special but the food is good and mostly cheap. Belltown Pizza is one of those places. I find myself going there 3-4 times a month.

Who doesn't like pizza, right? The food has gotten better in the past couple of years which I mainly attribute to them making the pizza crust thinner. I love Lombardi's in NYC and think Pizza Hut is an abomination. I love Chicago deep dish when done right but there is no reason for regular pizza crust to be thicker than a piece of paper. The decor is basically pub-like but gets the job done. However, the service can get VERY slow when they are busy and they open late and stop food service early. On 1st and Wall. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Food: 20
Decor: 14
Service: 15
Cost: Dinner $20

http://www.belltownpizza.net/

206-441-2653

Props to Cosmo

I want to show my support for the owners of the Cosmopolitan who are trying to stop the construction of a behemoth office building around them. If the Mayor is really serious about making downtown more urban and residential, I suggest he pay attention. It always seems ludicrous to me how many breaks businesses get when the majority of taxes that pay for government and public servants' salaries come from individuals. The sad thing is that most likely nothing will be done. One more reason to throw all the bums out! Show support by going to the link below to sign the petition.

http://cosmoseattle.blogspot.com/2007/11/letter-to-mayor-nickels.html

Late night eats in the retail core

I often go out late when I can't stand the hunger. I have been to many (if not all) of the restaurants downtown and one of my favorites has been Red Fin at Hotel Max. I sometimes go for dinner but their happy hour can't be beat. From 4-6pm then again from 10pm-1am they have one of the best food values in Seattle. Sure, you can get it cheaper but not likely better.

My personal favorite is the Togarashi Fries which are fries seasoned with spicy Japanese seasoning but you can't go wrong with any of the rolls or the burger. Of note, they stop serving some sushi dishes at 11pm. I highly recommend you check them out. On Stewart between 6th and 7th. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Food: 22

Decor: 22
Service:21

Cost: Dinner $40, Happy hour $20

http://www.redfinsushi.com/

206-441-4340

My view of the condos in downtown Seattle

I sometimes post on a real-estate blog run by a local realtor. I enjoy reading her blog but I have to say I often disagree with her about her assessment of downtown condos. As a person who has been living in downtown for a while as well as having lived before in Manhattan and other major cities, this is how I would score the buildings around me. I absolutely do not agree that having a hotel as part of a condo automatically makes it better. Condo-hotels get run down faster and can lose value quickly.

Bentley- Ultra high end
Four Seasons

Mercedes S Class- Luxury condo
1521, Madison Tower

Mercedes E Class- Mid luxury condo
One Pacific Tower, Escala, Olive 8

Mercedes C Class- Entry level luxury condo
2200, 5th and Madison, Cristalla

Toyota Avalon- Upscale commuter
Concord, Cosmo, Mosler Lofts, Parc, Ellington, Avenue One, Gallery, The Vine, Pomeroy

Toyota Camry- You can pimp it but it's still a Camry
Lumen, Trio, Any 5+2