Re: Seattle - Travel Diary
** Where to eat **
Sushi and Coffee are the two things that come to mind if one has spent a few days in Seattle.
Self proclaimed coffee capital of America, Seattle probably has more coffee houses than Alabama has churches. There is a Starbucks on every corner, and between Tully’s, Seattle Coffee, Starbucks and the hundreds of local coffee shops, you can get coffee almost anywhere at any time of the day. Every flavor, every brand, every size is available. Coffee is a passion and considering the muggy weather, quiet appropriately so.
Having one of the largest Japanese Asian communities in the US, Sushi is also very common. I ate it almost every day and I am not even a Sushi enthusiast. The locals are pretty proud of their restaurants and after inquiring a couple of people, a common name that emerged was Shiro’s sushi at the corner of 2nd and Battery (I think). It was great, with salmon that melts in the mouth and their crab rolls were too good.
A bit expensive with average piece being $4, so probably not for those traveling on their own budget. Another place where I liked the sushi was Nijo; it was near the pier 52 and had similarly great taste.
Seafood being the big thing; I also tried some of the local restaurants. One note worthy was the Fishman’s Resturant on Pier 57.
They had a nice water front view of the bay and a menu full of sea food. They had a nice balcony set up with tables too but I guess the only time they ever get to use it is when its not raining. Again, probably best for people traveling on an expense account.
There are a number of places around the piers that put out all kind of sea food. There is also a McDonald right there at the piers along with other brand name restaurants like Red Robins and Red Lobster.
Food from the farmers market however beats all the fancy restaurants. Its cheap convenient and fresh. A 2 pc. Fish and chip plate will cost you any where from $6 to $9 dollars.
On the second floor of the West Lake Center (Mall) there is a take out eatery that has more than two dozen take out shops that sell ethnic food, like Indian, Thai and Chinese to more traditional stuff like burgers, salads and pizza. The food is very affordable and variety makes it the best place to eat for the money. At lunch time it’s usually filled with people from offices around. On the ground floor there is a sit down Chinese Bistro, that have grill and their food was commendable too.
The restaurant on top of the space needle had a far better view than anything authentic to eat but for some people it’s not always about the food. A few with me really enjoyed it.
Those who are familiar with the show Iron Chef might find it interesting to know that Chef Tom Douglas has a restaurant in Seattle. I didn’t go to his Dahlia Lounge but a few friends who did manage to go there said it was worth it. In case you really need to blow some money.
