Bistro on 35th

Breakfast is a weird time for me. I gave up eating breakfast a long time ago, partly to get more sleep, partly since I don't like being full going into work. Since it is rare that I go for morning eats, I find it odd that I have been to 35th Street Bistro for brunch so many times. I think it speaks to the quality of food and restaurant overall.

35th Street Bistro is known throughout Seattle but part of the charm is it still feels like a local eatery. Most of the people I see there walk in from the neighborhood and seem like regulars. This gives the place comfort and charm. It could also be that the decor reminds me of neighborhood bistros in Paris. The high ceilings, wood and chandeliers do give it a European feel.

Food is fresh and well prepared. The menu changes regularly but they usually have some form of omelets, burgers and salads. The salads are particularly crisp and tasty and a great starter. However, a big reason to go are the unique dishes hard to find not just in town but anywhere. I make it a point to try something new every time and I have never been disappointed. They also have both mimosas and bellinis; a reason to go by itself.

Service is friendly and doesn't interfere with the enjoyment of the restaurant. They open at 11am but again, I prefer it late. Go near opening time to find parking easier. Near N 35th and Fremont. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Food: 22
Decor: 20
Service: 19
Cost: Brunch $25

http://www.35bistro.com/
206-547-9850

Wanna go for Thai, Tom?

In a jungle of teriyaki and cheap takeout joints there exists a conundrum in the university district named Thai Tom. On one hand, they have good food if a little too authentic. They heavily sauce their food and considering most dishes involve fish sauce, you can be left over-powered if you are not expecting it. Also, they mean spicy when they say spicy. Don't be a hero, go for 2 stars. However, stick to dishes like pad thai and garlic chicken and I doubt you could do better anywhere else in town. Considering most dishes are around $10, Thai Tom might just be the best thai value in Seattle.

On the other hand, the service is ridiculous. First, the joint is beyond small. Second, it is beyond beyond small. What I am trying to say is that it is SMALL. This means you can't get a seat in less than 30 minutes if anyone else in town wants to eat there that night. Even takeout takes long and forget about calling ahead; I've never been able to get through. The service doesn't get any better when you sit down. I try to give the waiters a break since they are always packed and they constantly deal with customers who are angry about the wait. However, the plain fact is that they are curt and slow.

The decor does have a charm to it. It is cheap but that gives it character. I also prefer restaurants that are too small to those that are too large (within limits). This way you get to see the cook prepare the dishes right in front of you. Where I have a huge problem is in just how dirty they are. The tables are sticky even when they first open and I try not to look at their floor. I've lived in New York so I almost expect bugs in restaurants but it's still not pleasant when you see it. Decide for yourself. On University NE near NE 47th. Bring cash since they don't take plastic. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Food: 23
Decor: 7
Service: 5
Cost: Dinner $15

No web site
206-548-9548

Perfect Oaxacan

I once heard that the best Pizza in the country is in Arizona. I know; Arizona? Well, I can't tell if this is true since I've never tried (correction; review above). However, considering that one of the best mexican food I have had is in Seattle, maybe it is not so far fetched. I have to give credit of finding La Carta de Oaxaca to my significant other as I had serious doubts of trying any mexican food in town. I used to live in Los Angeles and I have never been able to find anything close to when my mexican friends would invite me to dinner prepared by their mother. That is, until now.

I think one of the best signs of great mexican food is how un-greasy it is. The common perception of mexican food seems to be something covered in grease and cheese. This is usually overdone to the point where the taste gets completely lost. Where La Carta de Oaxaca excels is in how fresh, wholesome and light the food is. Sure they use cheese, refried tortillas, and chilies but in the correct proportions with large amounts of fresh vegetables. The flavors are so well balanced that it surprises me every time I go. The portions are small but this gives me a chance to try many dishes especially considering their prices are reasonable. My favorites are the tacos and tostadas but everything is good.

The atmosphere is fantastic. Not only is it modern and clean but there is usually a large crowd giving it a hip feel. The service can suffer when they are slammed so be prepared to wait both to get seated and get served. It's best to go with a crowd to keep each other company. My biggest beef is again with parking which is impossible in Ballard. On Ballard NW near NW Market. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Food: 24
Decor: 21
Service: 16
Cost: Dinner $25

http://www.lacartadeoaxaca.com/
206-782-8722

Steaks at Capital Grille

There is a new steak house in town looking to take down the old guard. Capital Grille looks like they are no strangers to the game considering how many locations they have around the country. I saw them getting set for their grand opening as I visited Purple a while ago. Considering the craving for good steak I get, I made a mental note to check them out.

The comparison is going to be against El Gaucho which I consider the best steak in town. Cutting to the chase, they fall slightly short in terms of food. It could be that they have just not been open long but I found the steaks not as tender or as flavorful. I can't tell if it's the quality of the original beef or the way that it is aged but they are a notch down. The Kona crust, a coffee rub you can opt for, is decent but I tend to like my steak au naturale. Also, the steaks are slightly over-cooked than they were ordered. Where they make up some ground is in the sides. They are tasty and are given in large portions. There are other items on the menu and the appetizers are fine but hey, it's a steak house. I will say a word about the desserts, though. I believe they are not made in-house which is fine since it is likely true of most of the restaurants in the area. However, they are so plain and unimaginative that I would fire their buyer.

The decor is upscale and obviously new considering how long they have been open. It is traditional steak house with rich colors and wood. It is a little more bright than I am used to but nice overall. The service was very friendly but also very slow. Again, it could be because they just opened. I also missed the show at El Gaucho where the servers prepare certain dishes at your table. On 4th and University. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Food: 23
Decor: 24
Service: 22
Cost: Dinner $90

http://www.thecapitalgrille.com/
206-382-0900