Seattle Food Tour

Poor neglected blog. I'll humor you. Despite the fact that I'm probably the only one who ever checks in on you. So much for becoming the next great food reviewers.

I just got back from my annual trip up to Washington state to visit friends and family. This always results in new foods to love, therefore new sites to review, no?

Powder Keg Bar and Grill
12743 Old Hwy 99 SE
Tenino, WA 98589

Totally old school tavern here, y'all. My aunt and uncle (who don't drink) bring me here for Chicken and Jo's, which is apparently tavern speak for Fried Chicken and Potato Wedges. Freaking delicious. My uncle and I split a whole chicken, so we each have a breast, wing, drumstick, and thigh. I think this is my favorite fried chicken ever (Sorry Mom). The potatoes are always pipping hot, so if you don't have asbestos mouth like me, better give 'em a chance to cool off before biting in. They serve these guys with good old onion dip (you know, Lipton Onion Soup Mix and Sour Cream). Not a combination that I would have thought of, but one I appreciate for sure! I've never had anything else here, but my aunt really enjoyed her patty melt. They also have good old iceberg salads if you're in to that. I am if they come in tiny bowls (more so if they come with garbanzo and kidney beans - not the case here). Definitely one of my favorite destinations with Auntie and Uncie.


Anthony's at Point Defiance
5912 N Waterfront Dr
Tacoma, WA 98407

My first time coming there ever. My old friend and ex-coworker brought me here for lunch. Right on the waterfront, near the ferry so you can watch that if you like. We each had a cup of the white clam chowder - probably some of the best I've had. Very creamy and I remember thinking, "DAMN! That's some cream!" Very smooth and good consistency. Bread does not come with lunch (not sure if it comes with dinner), but it's not that pricey. Clam chowder HAS to have sourdough. I ordered the Salmon and Chips lunch. Salmon and Chips needs to happen more often. Some of the best fish and chips I've had. The fries are perfect too - thin and crispy. Had the burnt cream for dessert and it was delish. Friend had the fruit cobbler, which was piping hot and had a slab of ice cream (totally not a scoop), which was tasty as well. Will totally go back. Also, being at Point Defiance has it's benefits - you can take the 5 mile drive after your meal if you'd like your food to settle before heading off to somewhere else. Points for scenery.
Sidenote: Anthony's in SeaTac is NOT like Anthony's at Point Defiance. I got a cup of clam chowder while waiting for my flight and it was not much better than a can of Progresso. Probably not actually made there - probably reheated stuff made elsewhere. Edible, but not what I had in Tacoma.


Red Mill Burgers
312 N 67th St
Seattle, WA 98103

I think this is my new Seattle burger place. Does not take the place of Big Tom's in Olympia, but notice that I said *Seattle burger place*. Really tasty and they had a variety of veggie options for my veggie friend. Nice to know that I could take a veggie here and they wouldn't get stuck with fries and a Gardenburger. I think my favorite thing was that they made root beer milkshakes. I thought Armando was the only one who made those! Their fries were thin, crispy, and well seasoned. Onion rings were peppery and good. I'm in love with their pile of bacon on the grill. Had the Blue Cheese and Bacon Burger. FREAKING AWESOME!


Wingdome
7818 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103

Totally reminds me of Wing Stop, but much more frat friendly, which is apparently what my other Seattle friend thinks of when she thinks of Wingdome. I guess I'll just have to go for lunch and avoid the frat boys if they get too rowdy. That is, unless they are CUTE frat boys. :) I had some sort of Wingdome combo that consisted of 10 wings anyway you want them and a salad. Friend had the ribs and wings combo with 10 wings, riblets, fries, beans (that tasted more like chili) and something else that I'm forgetting. Shared an order of fried mozzarella (don't remember what they call it). Everything was good and we were please with our meals. Riblets leave something to be desired. Not as BBQ-ish as we were expecting. I had level 2 spiciness. Next time I'll go for 3. Friend had garlic wings, that promised "Garlic, garlic, and more garlic". I was expecting to see Watsonville on her plate, and it was totally the opposite. The flavor was nice, but it was more of a garlicy teriyaki sauce and they seriously could have added more garlic. Still tasty though. The server was a little scattered, but very nice. We ended up with an extra salad somehow and I still ate it. Tasty salad I might add.


Jade Garden
424 7th Ave S
Seattle, WA 98104

Oh, Jade Garden. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways... Some of the best dim sum I've had. Probably the best place to get it in Seattle. Fairly inexpensive. Only things to watch out for are parking and time of day you're going. We were there at 10:00 AM on a Saturday and we were seated pretty quickly, which is apparently pretty lucky for a Saturday. Parking is street only, which means meters, so watch your timing if the place is hoppin'. Don't be afraid to sit in what seems like the back - that's the first round of the carts coming through and the servers are actually pretty attentive. If you ask for something, they'll bring it quickly. All the food I've had here has been very tasty and fresh. Don't forget to drink plenty of Oolong tea to help the greasy food along though - you might end up like my friend who had an upset tummy if you don't. Don't pass up the custard buns - TO DIE FOR.


Marinepolis Sushi Land USA
8910 161st Ave. NE
Redmond, WA 98052

Loves me some conveyor belt sushi. Sushi snobs who cannot bow down to the cheap glory that is conveyor belt sushi had better stay away. This is no where near all the qualities that I hold so dear to Sushiya back home. It is what it is - cheap, quick, and easy sushi for a few bucks. You could do a snack here for $5 or a meal for $10. $20 was a painful challenge that I was once put up to. Pain being my overly full belly. All the rolls usually come in 3 bites so you're not committed to anything for long. Never had the miso or udon - have to try that sometime. Their asparagus roll are one of my favorites, as well as the crab salad, shrimp katsu (yes, I said shrimp katsu!), and salmon handroll. Totally affordable and totally one of my favorites. Don't go here to have conversation with your pals though - sitting at the conveyor belt doesn't lend itself well to that. I like this location much better that the first one my friends took me to as well. Don't see what you want coming around on the belt? Ask the sushi chef to fix it for you.


That's about it for now. There'll be more to review on my next trip up north.