Nosh Pit

Nosh Pit Weekly Planner

This weekend: Artisan cheese and Easter brunches abound.

Posted by: Anne Larkin on Apr 02, 2012 at 12:00PM 0 Comments

Beer and cheese, lots of cheese, at the Artisan Cheese Fest this Saturday. We’ve got pairings to get excited about. Photo: Olivia Brent

MONDAY April 2
Jiro Dreams of Sushi
If the trailer is any indication, this is the most beautiful ode to sushi ever created. The documentary follows sushi chef Jiro Ono and his three Michelin–starred restaurant, and it’s playing for one week only at the Landmark Egyptian. There are multiple showings every day through Friday, April 6.

WEDNESDAY April 4
Think and Drink
Greenwood’s Naked City Brewery and Taphouse is hosting a night of intellectual discussion and beer; a classic pairing. The coordinators of the Happiness Initiative will lead a discussion about consumerism and happiness in post-war America at 7 pm.

THURSDAY April 5
The Saint’s Fourth Birthday
The tequila-obsessed Capitol Hill bar is celebrating its fourth year with special tequilas, drink specials, and a mariachi band. Happy hour starts at 5, the party really kicks off at 7, and reservations can be made by calling The Saint.

Lamb Dinner
The Corson Building is shifting into spring mode with a lamb dinner from 6 to 10. Reservations are recommended for the $35 meal.

SATURDAY April 7
Washington Artisan Cheese Festival
Cheesemongers and makers from all over the state will convene at the Seattle Design Center to bring Seattle a huge variety of cheeses to taste alongside other local foods and beverages. The event runs from noon to 6, and tickets are $35.

SUNDAY April 8
Easter Brunches
It’s Easter, national day of brunch. There are tons of restaurants around town putting on special meals—Sunday holds everything from turducken to pit-smoked ham. We’ve got tons of options for you.

TUESDAY April 10
Coyote Cooks Pop Up
The downtown center for adolescents has been putting on a monthly pop-up dinner helmed by notable local chefs (Tamara Murphy of Terra Plata most recently) the second Tuesday of every month. This month’s dinner from Ocho is sold out, but maybe there’s hope on the waitlist. On the docket for May: a Caribbean meal created by Island Soul, get your tickets quick.

BEYOND

September 20-23 Farm-to-Table Photography Workshop
Local photographer Clare Barboza will lead a three-day workshop on Whidbey Island for aspiring food photographers. Students will learn how to use natural light and effectively document stories about food through photography. The $1,250 price includes lodging, transportation, instruction, and wine.

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Tags: Cheese, Matt Dillon, Terra Plata, Weekly Planner, Weekly Food Planner, Movies, Ice Cream, Sushi, Free Food, Easter , Island Soul

7 Ways to Eat Well Easter Sunday

Plenty of brunches cater to the kids; here are some sure bets for an adult-oriented meal.

Posted by: Jessie Wesley on Mar 27, 2012 at 02:35PM 0 Comments

Easter brunch with a view at Ray’s Boathouse. Photo via Ray’s.

Local 360
The eatery with a serious focus on local food will have a generous buffet starring a quail, chicken, and duck cooked together. Yes, a turducken. Reservations for a piece of the legendary turducken are strongly recommended.
When: 10–3
Price: $45 adults, $25 for kids

Tavolàta
Chef Brandon Kirskey opens the doors of Ethan Stowell’s Belltown restaurant during the day for a special Italian-inspired brunch. The menu ranges from sweets like grilled French toast with ricotta to a savory grilled beef tenderloin. Book a reservation.
When: 11–3
Price: Plates vary between $9–$18

Pearl
Celebrate Easter on the Eastside in a sleek setting complete with a savory menu that includes a Dungeness crab omelet topped with Beecher’s cheese béchamel, and a special kids menu. Book a reservation here.
When 10–3
Price: Plates vary between $20–$25

Ray’s Boathouse
For a classy three-course brunch with a waterfront view, filet mignon, fresh croissants and a glass of champagne, head to Ray’s and request a window seat. In the cafe, a buffet options are available. Reservations required.
When: 10–2:30
Price: $28–$40 adults, $14–$18 kids

Harvest Vine
On Easter Sunday, chefs hide eggs around the restaurant for kids and adults to hunt while waiting for their “huevos a la famenca” and other Spanish-inspired menu favorites to emerge from the kitchen. Reservations recommended.
When: 10–2
Price: Plates vary between $6–$11

ART Restaurant
Rediscover a passion for eggs this Easter at The Four Seasons restaurant and lounge, ART, which will be preparing five special riffs of its classic eggs benedict—including a Maine lobster benny—in celebration of Spring. Reservations required.
When: 11–3
Price: Plates vary between $17–$20

Belle Clementine
Venture to Ballard to feel like the chef’s guest for an Easter luncheon, dine on seasonal foods, and break bread at the small venue’s communal table. Reservations required.
When: 1pm
Price: $30/person

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Tags: Easter , Local 360, Pearl Bar and Dining, Beecher's, Harvest Vine, Tavolata, Belle Clementine, Ray's Boathouse, Art Restaurant, Easter Brunch 2012

[Updated] Easter Brunch

Reserve your seats now for these special holiday feasts.

Posted by: Hayley Poole on Mar 26, 2010 at 11:40AM 4 Comments

Cute.

Barking Frog 6am-2:30pm
Chef Bobby Moore, recent champ of Seattle’s American Lamb Jam cook-off, prepares a menu of surefire bets, such as bourbon-maple drizzled French toast with mixed berry compote. Or, for those with lunch on the mind, try his southwestern carrot soup or pan-seared Alaskan halibut topped with asparagus, oyster mushrooms, and fennel beurre blanc. Individual items $10-$29/person; call for reservations.

Café Flora 9am-2pm
The vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free-friendly menu includes cafe classics, from the Santa Fe sunrise scramble—brimming with whole black beans, corn, and red onion, spicy chili verde, and melted Cotija cheese—to the coconut mango waffle, finished with a taste of garam masala and topped with mango-raisin chutney and sweet toasted coconut flakes. Individual items $5-$12/person; reservations recommended.

Campagne 9am-2pm
Chef Daisley Gordon of recent Iron Chef America fame prepares Dungeness crab and leek quiche, a black truffle omelet with sautéed potatoes and house-made pork sausage, and a pan-roasted beef onglet with a side of pommes frites and smoky harissa rouille. Individual items $9-$39/person; call for reservations.

Cedarbrook Lodge 10:30am-3pm
Only locally grown, organic, and all-natural ingredients make up this buffet. Try the slow-roasted pineapple glazed ham, lemon-infused Alaskan prawns braised in cocktail sauce, or the side of fresh-herb fingerling potatoes with flavorful organic root vegetables. Then reward yourself with an ice cream sundae. $30/adult, $16/child; call for reservations.

Chandler’s Crabhouse 10am-3pm
A Dungeness crab quiche and omelet are on the menu, but before you shuck away at the seafood classics, consider the house-made buttermilk scones dripping with maple butter and raspberry preserves, or the corned beef hash with poached eggs doused in chili hollandaise. $28/adult, $10/child; reservations recommended.

Crush 11am-2pm
For his debut into brunching territory, chef Jason Wilson prepares Kushi oysters on the half shell, steeped in champagne mignonette, Painted Hills Beef short ribs, and sous vide duck egg with watercress, horseradish, and truffle oil. An assortment of honey butter, marmalade, and vanilla mascarpone pastries rounds out the meal. Individual items $3-$24/person; call for reservations.

Kaspar’s 9:30am-2:30pm
Four-time James Beard nominee Donier Kaspar takes to the kitchen for an extensive holiday menu, from sunflower seed and coconut muffins, to entrees including honey ginger carrots mousseline and beef shoulder tenderloin with peppercorn marsala sauce. And let’s not forget the crunchy banana spring roll drizzled in warm chocolate sauce. $40/adult, $15/child; call for reservations.

Library Bistro 8am-2pm
Selections include an array of cheese flights, soft poached eggs with a side of artichoke and creamed spinach, or brioche French toast with warmed caramel sauce, candied walnuts, and bananas. Let the kiddos hunt for the plate of green eggs and ham off the Bunny Brunch menu. Individual items $5-$24/person; call for reservations.

Pomegranate Bistro 9am-2pm
Chef Lisa Dupar whips up signature favorites, like her cold smoked salmon Benedict and the Wasskily Wabbit Easter cocktail. Individual items $2-$14/person; reservations are booked, but the bistro has left room open for Easter day walk-ins.

Ponti Seafood Grill 10am-2:30pm
The three-course prix-fixe includes lamb avgolemono, soba noodle pancakes topped with mixed organic greens and ginger-soy marinated beef tenderloin skewers, and warmed blueberry coffeecake and currant-apricot scones topped with a tower of fresh fruit. $29/adult, $15/child; call for reservations.

Ray’s Boathouse 10am-2:30pm
Sit down to a menu featuring petite filet mignon with poached egg, asparagus, and bearnaise, market vegetable strada with anselmo farm greens, and shaved fennel doused in a sherry vinaigrette. Individual items $20-$28/person; call 206-789-3770 ext 3 for reservations.

Ray’s Café 9:30am-3pm
Or stay standing and mingle at the buffet featuring an antipasto of assorted pâtés, salami, pickled peppers, marinated artichokes, and grilled vegetables. Then wander toward the seafood bar and shucking station, stocked with oysters on the half shell and Alaskan King crab legs. And of course make your way to the dessert line for raspberry swirl cheesecake, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and, yes, fish-shaped marshmallow peeps for the youngsters. $37/adult, $18/child; call for reservations.

Salish Lodge 7am-3pm
Take in the view of the mighty Snoqualmie Falls while enjoying a multi-course breakfast boasting buttermilk pancakes topped with Devonshire crème, Pike Place vegetarian omelets, farm eggs with bacon, pork-apple sausage, and honey cured ham and potatoes, or poached eggs Dungeness. Acompanied by a champagne mimosa, fresh-squeezed juices, and a handcrafted “baker’s basket.” $49/adult, $23/child; call for reservations.

Salty’s on Alki 7am-7:30pm
The buffet menu includes carved leg of lamb with mint jelly, kielbasa sausage, and made-to-order fruit crepes and Belgian waffles; from the in-house bakery comes cupcakes, crème brulee, and Puyallup fair scones. All manner of special guests spring in – from pianist Victor Janusz to the spritely bunny of Easter fame. $48/adult, $20-$26/child; reservations recommended.

Sip at the Wine Bar 10am-2pm
Try the Frangelico French toast laced with hints of hazelnut liquor and topped with warm vanilla syrup and candied hazelnuts, or the ahi melt of seared rare black pepper tuna, duck egg, marinated artichoke hearts, and sharp white cheddar on buttery brioche. For the little ones: chocolate chip-studded pancakes with whipped cream and fresh fruit or signature sliders and potato frites. Individual items $9-$20/person; call for reservations at downtown, Issaquah, and Gig Harbor locations.

Volunteer Park Café 10am-2pm
Warm up with espresso and straight-from-the-oven scones slathered with fresh farm butter and organic apricot preserves. Then choose an entree: nettle and sheep cheese tart with Minor’s lettuce salad; spinach and prosciutto baked eggs with smoked tomatoes; or brioche French toast with ricotta and sprinkled with fresh blackberries and hazelnuts. $10-$26/person; reservations recommended.

Waterfront Seafood Grill 11am-3pm
The a la carte menu includes bacon-wrapped filet and eggs with hollandaise and demi glace, crispy corned beef hash with poached eggs and green onions, or banana walnut pancakes doused in hot maple syrup and whipped cream. Individual items $6-$48/person; call for reservations.

Note availability is dependent on size of party.

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Tags: Special Dinners, Easter

Easter Feastin’

Critic’s picks on where to eat on Easter

Posted by: Kathryn Robinson on Mar 22, 2010 at 09:00AM 1 Comments

De-lish!

So much great food to be had on Easter…so little time.

In my day I have feasted on Essential Bakery Cafe hot cross buns and Macrina Bakery Budapest Coffee Cake and Le Fournil’s extraordinary almond croissants on Easter day.

But something about the wraparound patio at Trellis its Berkshire ham eggs Benie—is calling me this year. Or the crispy-luscious Grand Marnier prawns at Barking Frog , in the heart of Woodinville’s wine country. I’ll be extra happy if their sun-dappled patio is open that day.

Or maybe I’ll skip through Pike Place Market for a table at Cafe Campagne and a plate of oeufs en meurette, or featherweight brioche French toast, with a festive Champagne cocktail.

But I won’t fill up by day, as I already know that Easter evening will be spent supping on one of my favorite dishes at Capitol Hill’s heralded Piedmontese farmhouse, Cascina Spinasse. Which dish?

Why the chicory salad with marinated rabbit, of course. Can’t get much more Easter than that.

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Tags: critic's picks, Special Dinners, Easter

Easter Feasts

Where to celebrate this Sunday

Posted by: Kathryn Robinson on Apr 10, 2009 at 08:00AM 0 Comments

Easter’s about finding eggs, not preparing them. In that spirit, all you should really be making for Easter is reservations.

At 0/8 Seafood Grill in Bellevue it’s cedar-planked salmon and honey-glazed ham and more, served 9:30am-2:30pm. The cost is $36.95 for adults, $16.95 for kids under 12, and $5.95 for kids under five.

For a viewier meal choose Waterfront Seafood Grill for Dungeness Benedict, grilled filet with crab, and much more. The brunch menu’s available 11am-2pm, with the dinner menu available 11am-8pm.

Cafe Flora offers a terrific vegetarian brunch, starring things like apple cinnamon rolls and Hoppin’ John fritters. Brunch is served 9am-2pm; reservations taken for parties of 8 or more.

Downtowners might opt for icon Grill, where from 10am-2pm diners can pay $26.95 for entree (crab cake Bennies, prime rib) plus a spin through the buffet, or $17.95 for just the buffet (which includes stuff like apple strudel, cinnamon rolls, Asian noodle salad, deviled eggs, and chocolate-dipped strawberries).

Now go stimulate the egg-onomy.

Ouch. Sorry.

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Tags: Easter , Cafe Flora, Icon Grill, Waterfront Seafood Grill, 0/8 Seafood Grill