simple goodness

Crostini of grilled asparagus, bacon and soft folded egg. With a showering of parmigiano and a glass of unoaked chardonnay. Spring has arrived.

tai

A nicer husband would have refrained from nigiri to support his pregnant wife and her raw fish restriction. But the tai looked terrific that night at Miyabi. Besides, I ordered her a salmon skin temaki...

redd fox

At Maximilien, taking a moment to savor a lovely sunset over the Sound. And a Redd Fox: Maker's Mark, Calvados, Lillet and Benedictine, with an orange twist.

Just when I thought Portland had us...

As brunching goes, Portland has a ton of great options... and folks down there take brunch seriously. Like hard core. Sure, we've got reliable standbys (like Geraldine's and Boat Street), but the endless options of our southern neighbor had me feeling a little beat...

Until we went back to an old friend, who reminded us again of how good it can be here in Seattle. A beautiful scone with apricot preserves and creamy butter. Next, a remarkable yeasted croissant and fantastic ham (really, ham? REALLY). Roasted kale shoots with potatoes, anchovies, aioli and a poached egg? Rockin'.

And then there was this dish of Whidbey kamut, celeriac, chanterelles, cranberries and tahini. Unexpected and utterly outstanding in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. That's why you're in the pantheon, Sitka and Spruce.

little big burger

People's opinions are all over the map on this one, but I'm a fan. Quarter pound patty of cascade natural beef. Local brioche bun and cheese. Tasty camden's catsup. Cooked medium, but with a nice crust. For just $3.75? Awesome.

Add some very good, crispy fries (though I'd prefer them without the spritz of truffle oil) for $2.75 and a can of Boont Amber for $2, and you have a great deal. No tax... It's Portland!