It is a nice place, nice atmosphere and interior, nice idea, average service, nothing special really. The concept is an Americanized French bistro, the so hyped cured meats (not made in house or anything like that, just imported) and cheeses are beautiful but do not require any preparation or imagination - just cut and arrange on a plate; I am not going to a restaurant to get that, I am perfectly capable of cutting my own cheese and buying my own salami. We came recently for a very late lunch on a Saturday and ended up in the restaurant during happy hour – we ordered some cheese bites which to my surprise materialized to be a cheese toast cut into four bite size pieces, the duck rillettes that had a nice flavor (my husband said he thought it was way too salty) but the portion was so big it was very difficult for the two of us to finish, the frites came in after a long long time and they were actually cold and we had to send those back and wait for new ones after we were almost done with everything else. As a compensation we got some the Gougeres (little cheese puffs) which were actually nice. Overall a very hyped and anticipated restaurant that does not deliver. The main word that comes to mind is boring.
Via Tribunali in Seattle – Review October 7, 2009
Another Seattle pizzeria chain certified by the Verace Pizza Napoletana Association. It is less casual then the previously reviewed Tutta Bella and hence slightly more expensive. The pizza is good, tomato sauce is delicious but for my taste there was a tiny bit too much of it and not enough of the Bufala mozzarella (one more slice would have been a very welcome addition). Overall the place is very nice (we went to the Queen Anne location) but was absolutely deserted on Sunday night.
Big John’s PFI August 17, 2009
This is a good specialty food store located south of downtown Seattle with a large selection of bulk dry goods and spices, a large selection of imported olives by weight though for me the main attraction is the huge selection of cheeses!!!
There are also some cans and jars – canned tomatoes and sauces, jams and jellies, pasta and bulk chocolate, some oils and vinegars too. I think it is a very good store, especially the cheese selection which is, to be honest, is a bit overwhelming because you want so many and can buy so few due to the minimum weight restriction – minimum of 1lb or 1/2lb if the price is over $20/lb.
WWW: http://www.bigjohnspfiseattle.com/index.html
Address: 1001 Sixth Avenue South, Level B, Seattle, WA Tel: 206 682-2022
Tutta Bella Certified Neapolitan Pizza in Seattle – Review August 17, 2009
Apparently such a certification exists outside Italy and was given to Tutta Bella which has a few locations in the Seattle area. The pizza is fresh with thin crust and good quality toppings, it is very good and so are the desserts. Recommended!
The Shrimp stand near Deception Pass August 17, 2009
I’ve heard about this place but didn’t know where it actually was nor have I ever been to Deception Pass until recently…I found this road-side Sseafood and BBQ stand without even looking for it – a large gathering of cars and people on the side of the road near a little white shack drew my attention the moment I saw it :)
For those of you who are in the area and want to plan ahead, it is located on HWY 20 when you go south-west towards Deception Pass park on the intersection of Deception road approximately in the middle between lake Campbell and Pass lake (look at the map…) .
The BBQ looked and smelled great, so did the various versions of fish/shrimp/oyster and chips but the main attraction is the freshly boiled spot prawns, small and pretty and incredibly fresh. They are sold by weight (about $4 or $5 per pound) with the option to add cocktail sauce for a $1. You take those with you tot he beach and indulge :)
