Yam pla grob

An amazing crispy smelt salad with spicy greens, tomatoes and rice. Close your eyes... the bright, sparkling flavors will teleport you to another land. Made by my heroes at Little Uncle.

Tamago nigiri

Not everyone makes their Tamago like this. Sweet, spongy, almost cake-like... The perfect way to end a meal. At Shiro in Belltown.

salsa delle erbe

Tonight's Sunday supper:  steak off the grill, dressed simply with an oil of fresh garden herbs. Rosemary, flowering thyme, sage, basil, and parsley, with a touch of garlic and red pepper flakes. Drizzle it. On everything.

Roasted broccoli

Speaking of Sitka and Spruce, one of my favorite times to stop by is Saturday morning brunch, when the kitchen us chill and the room is flooded with light. Today's dish was classic S&S: roasted broccoli, new garlic aioli, migas, and a poached egg. Beautiful way to start the day.

Grilled octopus

I love well-prepared grilled octopus. They used to do this all the time at the old Eastlake location of Sitka and Spruce. This lovely version is from Bar del Corso. Meaty, tender and kissed with a light smoky char. Served with an heirloom pepperonata for luscious sweetness.

the tandoozy plate

This plate has it all: tandoori chicken, dhal, basmati rice, tikka masala, mango chutney and naan right out of the tandoor.

Everything is solid, but man, the naan and chutney are real knockouts. Places like Tandoozy at the Columbia City farmers' market make our neighborhood special.

Chocolate chip cookies

Proofing the cookie dough for a full week in the refrigerator gives a great, densely chewy texture and brings out vanilla and butterscotch notes.

It's been 5 years...

...since my last Boont Amber, an all-time favorite. Yet another reason I love our neighborhood--the corner grocery store has a great beer selection.

Hummmmm baby!

back to basics

making Saturday supper for the wife. Spaghetti alla vongole and beautiful copper river salmon, skin crisped, with nutty browned butter and balsamico.

Late supper

Spinasse is home for so many reasons.

antipasti

from a pitch perfect meal at obelisk, washington, d.c.

crispy pork tacos

Topped with unexpectedly great shards of chicharrón. green pig bistro, Washington, D.C.