Thu 26 Mar 2009 12:24 am
It’s time again for Seattle Magazine’s annual “Best Restaurants” guide, and this one features “restaurants that stand the test of time” (think an all-local version of this) as well as hot newcomers.I don’t need to tell you about Maneki or Red Mill or Cafe Juanita, so — I hate to be so food porn about it, but let’s jump to the hot part.
Spinasse was named best new restaurant of the year. I’m not exactly surprised, but I feel lonely — because I’ve never heard another person report a similar experience — to say Spinasse rated as my own biggest disappointment in a restaurant this year. On my single, long-awaited trip, I found overcooked tajarin and unbearable noise. Still, the magazine’s description of sensational, toothsome, “confoundingly delicious” pastas makes me want to give it another try.
The Corson Building shared the prime double-spread, taking the title of ”best dinner for all the senses.” No argument from me.
In the issue’s “restaurants to watch,” we finally see what Shannon Galusha is planning post-Veil. Friends told me today that he’s spending some time at Olivar (”Best Restaurant For Romance On A Budget”) while preparing for his newest venture — and tonight, reading, I learned just what he’s got in the works: “(A) charming, as yet unnamed restaurant on Ballard Avenue with a 5,000-square-foot rooftop herb and produce garden” and a Provencal-style menu.
Best roasted pig? SM’s team says it’s the carnitas roasted at El Rancho Grande in Everett on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Best savory pancake? The mini-Korean pancakes at Bluefin’s otherwise overwhelming all-you-can-eat buffet at Northgate. In the magazine’s ‘09 Washington Wine Awards, Waterfront Seafood Grill took the title of “Best Washington Wine-Focused Restaurant Wine List.” (GM Christian Sparkman, the writeup notes, is a wineman himself.)
OK, checkout line is up. Time to decide whether to put the issue back on the shelf or in the cart. I can tell you I sprung for the $4.99.
I did spring for $4.99 at the checkout last night, but it was to get the Easter issue of Martha Stewart Living, featuring a great article by Shauna James Ahern. (I am planning to try Shauna’s polenta French toast, but I am NOT decoupaging Easter eggs.)
I agree Spinasse overrated. Pasta delicate but overcooked … and how is a $22 plate of pasta acceptable? Other problem is that unlike in Italy, where the main plate might be a serious piece of meat, like a large roast cooked and sliced for the entire dining room, or a big steak, at Spinasse they expect us to eat a $28 duck leg or two sausages for $26!!!!!!! Great atmosphere, mostly tasty food, but don’t let these elite restaurateurs fool you for a minute about the authenticity of their Italian cuisine experience. I was in Italy recently and didn’t spend over 30 Euro for three courses.
I, too, went to Spinasse in search of fabulous pasta and the prefect ragu`. Alas, I was underwhelmed. I did not like the pairing of tajarin with ragu`, the poor noodles seemed to strain under the weight of such a heavy sauce. I was also miffed by the wine prices and short pours.
““(A) charming, as yet unnamed restaurant on Ballard Avenue with a 5,000-square-foot rooftop herb and produce garden” and a Provencal-style menu.”
Hm. I’m wondering where that’s going in.
I personally like the ‘Rebel Chef’ Page, with Gabriel Claycamp being my favorite. Long live CC!
Best roasted pig? SM’s team says it’s the carnitas roasted at El Rancho Grande in Everett on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Anyone know anything about this Rancho Grande place? Totally off my radar, and I like to think I know many of the Mexican places in the area…
Alright, so in the interest of finding out more about a place with “The Best Roast Pork”, I made my way up to Everett this weekend and tried El Rancho Grande. And I have to say I’m confused…
It’s in a little strip mall a few miles south of Everett Mall on 99. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was that they also served teriyaki and chinese food. Kinda odd for a place serving such wonderful roast pork, but I went with it.
I got 5 tacos (a couple of Al Pastor, one tongue and a couple of these carnitas that were supposed to be so good). Since they were only $1.50 a piece, I assumed these would be kind of small, but this was a mistake. The tacos were very large. 3 would have been appropriate.
Anyways, about this Seattle Magazine, best roast pork? meh…
I mean it was ok, but I like the pork at La Consupo on Greenwood or even this new place Huarachito’s on MLK better. It seems like the kind of roast pork that someone who has never really had alot of good roast pork would love. It wasn’t super moist, it wasn’t super flavorful, maybe I missed something.
This takes nothing away from the place in general though.
Really great, authentic stuff. The tongue was great, the al pastor was solid. The tortillas were homemade.
If I find myself up that way again, I would definitely head back and explore more of their menu (as well as the mexican grocery store next door). Although, the 3 or4 tacos trucks also on that strip may be calling to me as well…
Frank, thank you for checking it out! I won’t make a special trip there, but I”ll try it if I’m in the neighborhood.
I’m a fan of Taqueria El Sabor on Aurora near 152nd, which is something like a taco truck without the truck. I wouldn’t call it the best, but it’s better than most.